bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National trends in hospital-acquired preventable adverse events after major cancer surgery in the USA
Authors: Sukumar Shyam , Roghmann Florian , Trinh Vincent Q , Sammon Jesse D , Gervais Mai-Kim , Tan Hung-Jui , Ravi Praful , Kim Simon P , Hu Jim C , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Noldus Joachim , Sun Maxine , Menon Mani , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: June 2013

Objectives

While multiple studies have demonstrated variations in the quality of cancer care in the USA, payers are increasingly assessing structure-level and process-level measures to promote quality improvement. Hospital-acquired adverse events are one such measure and we examine their national trends after major cancer surgery.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of a weighted-national estimate from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) undergoing major oncological procedures (colectomy, cystectomy, oesophagectomy, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, lung resection, pancreatectomy and prostatectomy). The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) were utilised to identify trends in hospital-acquired adverse events.

Setting

Secondary and tertiary care, US hospitals in NIS

Participants

A weighted-national estimate of 2 508 917 patients (>18 years, 1999–2009) from NIS.

Primary outcome measures

Hospital-acquired adverse events.

Results

324 852 patients experienced ≥1-PSI event (12.9%). Patients with ≥1-PSI experienced higher rates of in-hospital mortality (OR 19.38, 95% CI 18.44 to 20.37), prolonged length of stay (OR 4.43, 95% CI 4.31 to 4.54) and excessive hospital-charges (OR 5.21, 95% CI 5.10 to 5.32). Patients treated at lower volume hospitals experienced both higher PSI eventsandfailure-to-rescue rates. While a steady increase in the frequency of PSI events after major cancer surgery has occurred over the last 10 years (estimated annual % change (EAPC): 3.5%, p<0.001), a concomitant decrease in failure-to-rescue rates (EAPC −3.01%) and overall mortality (EAPC −2.30%) was noted (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in the national frequency of potentially avoidable adverse events after major cancer surgery, with a detrimental effect on numerous outcome-level measures. However, there was a concomitant reduction in failure-to-rescue rates and overall mortality rates. Policy changes to improve the increasing burden of specific adverse events, such as postoperative sepsis, pressure ulcers and respiratory failure, are required.
HYBRID CODING PSO-ACO CO-EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM FOR SOLVING MIXED-INTEGER PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS
Authors: GAO YUELIN , WANG MIAOMIAO
Published: June 2013

A co-evolutionary algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO) is given to solve the bound constrained mixed-integer programming problem (BCMIP). For the specificity of the problem, the hybrid coding includes the real coding and the integer coding. The real coding part is evolved by PSO while the integer coding part is evolved by ACO. The entire population is co-evolved by PSO and ACO. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective to solve BCMIP. We also obtain satisfactory result to solve MIP when the proposed algorithm is combined with penalty function method.
OPTIMALITY OF GLOBAL PROPER EFFICIENCY FOR CONE-ARCWISE CONNECTED SET-VALUED OPTIMIZATION USING CONTINGENT EPIDERIVATIVE
Authors: YU GUOLIN
Published: June 2013

This note deals with the optimality conditions of set-valued unconstraint optimization problem in real normed linear spaces. Based upon the concept of contingent epiderivative, the unified necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for global proper efficiency in vector optimization problem involving cone-arcwise connected set-valued mapping are presented.
EXACT LOW-RANK MATRIX RECOVERY VIA NONCONVEX SCHATTEN p-MINIMIZATION
Authors: KONG LINGCHEN , XIU NAIHUA
Published: June 2013

The low-rank matrix recovery (LMR) arises in many fields such as signal and image processing, quantum state tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, system identification and control, and it is generally NP-hard. Recently, Majumdar and Ward [Majumdar, A and RK Ward (2011). An algorithm for sparse MRI reconstruction by Schatten p-norm minimization. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 29, 408–417]. had successfully applied nonconvex Schatten p-minimization relaxation of LMR in magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, our main aim is to establish RIP theoretical result for exact LMR via nonconvex Schatten p-minimization. Carefully speaking, letting [Formula: see text] be a linear transformation from ℝm×n into ℝs and r be the rank of recovered matrix X ∈ ℝm×n, and if [Formula: see text] satisfies the RIP condition [Formula: see text] for a given positive integer k ∈ {1, 2, …, m – r}, then r-rank matrix can be exactly recovered. In particular, we obtain a uniform bound on restricted isometry constant [Formula: see text] for any p ∈ (0, 1] for LMR via Schatten p-minimization.
AN UPPER BOUND FOR THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS GENERATED BY THE PRIMAL SIMPLEX METHOD WITH ANY SELECTION RULE OF ENTERING VARIABLES
Authors: KITAHARA TOMONARI , MIZUNO SHINJI
Published: June 2013

Recently, Kitahara, and Mizuno derived an upper bound for the number of different solutions generated by the primal simplex method with Dantzig's (the most negative) pivoting rule. In this paper, we obtain an upper bound with any pivoting rule which chooses an entering variable whose reduced cost is negative at each iteration. The upper bound is applied to a linear programming problem with a totally unimodular matrix. We also obtain a similar upper bound for the dual simplex method.
STABILITY AND ALLOCATION IN A THREE-PLAYER GAME
Authors: WU LEQIN , CHEN XIN , LU YE , YUAN YA-XIANG
Published: June 2013

We study a three-player cooperative game with transferable utility where the players may form different coalition structures. A new concept of stability of a coalition is introduced, and the existence of a stable coalition is proven. Based on this stability concept, a novel approach is given to determine sensible allocations in a grand coalition of three players. We also compare our result with classical core solution and implement our theory on a specific price model.
THE ROLE OF FERMI MOTION ON THE STRUCTURE FUNCTIONS OF 3He AND 3H NUCLEI IN THE QUARK EXCHANGE FRAMEWORK
Authors: MODARRES M. , RASTI M.
Published: June 2013

The quark exchange model and the full three-nucleon wave function in the configuration space are used to evaluate the role of Fermi motion on the structure functions (SFs) of helium-3 and tritium nuclei. The three-nucleon wave function is obtained from the solution of the Faddeev equations with the Malfliet–Tjon-type potential, by using the three-dimensional approach as a function of the magnitudes of the Jacobi momenta vectors and the angle between them. In this calculation, the initial valence quarks inputs are taken from the GRV's (Glück, Reya and Vogt) fitting procedure and the next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD calculation on [Formula: see text], which give a very good fit to the available experimental data in the (x, Q2)-plane. The role of Fermi motion on the EMC ratio of the SFs of 3 He and 3 H nuclei are analyzed through the NLO expansion of the nuclear wave function in the coordinate space. A good agreement between the calculated EMC ratios, the corresponding experimental data and the theoretical results is found. Finally, the ratios of the SFs of the neutron to the proton (with the isospin symmetry assumption) with and without the Fermi motion effect, are also calculated, and they are compared with the available experimental data. Our results show that the roles of the Fermi motion in the framework of the quark exchange model for the calculations of the nuclear SFs are important.
STIMULUS RESPONSIVE LUMINESCENT MATERIALS: CRYSTALLIZATION-INDUCED EMISSION ENHANCEMENT
Authors: DONG YONG QIANG , LI CHENYU , ZHAO WEIJUN , DONG YUPING , TANG BEN ZHONG
Published: June 2013

Crystallization of a luminogen normally red-shifts and weakens its emission. During investigation of some luminogens exhibiting aggregation-induced emission (AIE), we first noticed that some AIE active luminogens display higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity and bluer emission in the crystalline state than in their amorphous phase, which is termed as crystallization induced emission enhancement (CIEE). The twisted conformations of CIEE active molecules afford loose packing patterns and rule out any detrimental strong interaction. Molecular conformations are locked more tightly in crystals than those in amorphous solid due to the regular weak interactions in crystals, which affords the CIEE effect. The loose packing patterns facilitate emission switching through morphology modulation. Many AIE active molecules have been developed based on restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR) mechanism, and we obtained many CIEE compounds from those AIE active luminogens and investigated their utilities as stimuli responsive functional materials, especially as chemosensors, thermosensor, mechanosensors and solid-state emitters. Thus, we provide a possible design strategy for the stimuli responsive solid luminescent materials.
Resveratrol inhibits Kv2.2 currents through the estrogen receptor GPR30-mediated PKC pathway
Authors: Dong Wen-Hao , Chen Jia-Chen , He Yan-Lin , Xu Jia-Jie , Mei Yan-Ai
Published: June 2013

Resveratrol (REV) is a naturally occurring phytoalexin that inhibits neuronal K+ channels; however, the molecular mechanisms behind the effects of REV and the relevant α-subunit are not well defined. With the use of patch-clamp technique, cultured cerebellar granule cells, and HEK-293 cells transfected with the Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 α-subunits, we investigated the effect of REV on Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 α-subunits. Our data demonstrated that REV significantly suppressed Kv2.2 but not Kv2.1 currents with a fast, reversible, and mildly concentration-dependent manner and shifted the activation or inactivation curve of Kv2.2 channels. Activating or inhibiting the cAMP/PKA pathway did not abolish the inhibition of Kv2.2 current by REV. In contrast, activation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate mimicked the inhibitory effect of REV on Kv2.2 by modifying the activation or inactivation properties of Kv2.2 channels and eliminated any further inhibition by REV. PKC and PKC-α inhibitor completely eliminated the REV-induced inhibition of Kv2.2. Moreover, the effect of REV on Kv2.2 was reduced by preincubation with antagonists of GPR30 receptor and shRNA for GPR30 receptor. Western blotting results indicated that the levels of PKC-α and PKC-β were significantly increased in response to REV application. Our data reveal, for the first time, that REV inhibited Kv2.2 currents through PKC-dependent pathways and a nongenomic action of the oestrogen receptor GPR30.
TREK-1 currents in smooth muscle cells from pregnant human myometrium
Authors: Heyman Nathanael S. , Cowles Chad L. , Barnett Scott D. , Wu Yi-Ying , Cullison Charles , Singer Cherie A. , Leblanc Normand , Buxton Iain L. O.
Published: June 2013

The mechanisms governing maintenance of quiescence during pregnancy remain largely unknown. The current study characterizes a stretch-activated, tetraethylammonium-insensitive K+ current in smooth muscle cells isolated from pregnant human myometrium. This study hypothesizes that these K+ currents can be attributed to TREK-1 and that upregulation of this channel during pregnancy assists with the maintenance of a negative cell membrane potential, conceivably contributing to uterine quiescence until full term. The results of this study demonstrate that, in pregnant human myometrial cells, outward currents at 80 mV increased from 4.8 ± 1.5 to 19.4 ± 7.5 pA/pF and from 3.0 ± 0.8 to 11.8 ± 2.7 pA/pF with application of arachidonic acid (AA) and NaHCO3, respectively, causing intracellular acidification. Similarly, outward currents were inhibited following application of 10 μM fluphenazine by 51.2 ± 9.8% after activation by AA and by 73.9 ± 4.2% after activation by NaHCO3. In human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells stably expressing TREK-1, outward currents at 80 mV increased from 91.0 ± 23.8 to 247.5 ± 73.3 pA/pF and from 34.8 ± 8.9 to 218.6 ± 45.0 pA/pF with application of AA and NaHCO3, respectively. Correspondingly, outward currents were inhibited 89.5 ± 2.3% by 10 μM fluphenazine following activation by AA and by 91.6 ± 3.4% following activation by NaHCO3. Moreover, currents in human myometrial cells were activated by stretch and were reduced by transfection with small interfering RNA or extracellular acidification. Understanding gestational regulation of expression and gating of TREK-1 channels could be important in determining appropriate maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy.
Thiosulfate: a readily accessible source of hydrogen sulfide in oxygen sensing
Authors: Olson Kenneth R. , DeLeon Eric R. , Gao Yan , Hurley Kevin , Sadauskas Victor , Batz Catherine , Stoy Gilbrian F.
Published: June 2013

H2S derived from organic thiol metabolism has been proposed serve as an oxygen sensor in a variety of systems because of its susceptibility to oxidation and its ability to mimic hypoxic responses in numerous oxygen-sensing tissues. Thiosulfate, an intermediate in oxidative H2S metabolism can alternatively be reduced and regenerate H2S. We propose that this contributes to the H2S-mediated oxygen-sensing mechanism. H2S formation from thiosulfate in buffers and in a variety of mammalian tissues and in lamprey dorsal aorta was examined in real time using a polarographic H2S sensor. Inferences of intracellular H2S production were made by examining hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in bovine pulmonary arteries under conditions in which increased H2S production would be expected and in mouse and rat aortas, where reducing conditions should mediate vasorelaxation. In Krebs-Henseleit (mammalian) and Cortland (lamprey) buffers, H2S was generated from thiosulfate in the presence of the exogenous reducing agent, DTT, or the endogenous reductant dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). Both the magnitude and rate of H2S production were greatly increased by these reductants in the presence of tissue, with the most notable effects occurring in the liver. H2S production was only observed when tissues were hypoxic; exposure to room air, or injecting oxygen inhibited H2S production and resulted in net H2S consumption. Both DTT and DHLA augmented HPV, and DHLA dose-dependently relaxed precontracted mouse and rat aortas. These results indicate that thiosulfate can contribute to H2S signaling under hypoxic conditions and that this is not only a ready source of H2S production but also serves as a means of recycling sulfur and thereby conserving biologically relevant thiols.
Protein kinase C-α interaction with iHSP70 in mitochondria promotes recovery of mitochondrial function after injury in renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Nowak Grazyna , Soundararajan Sridharan , Mestril Ruben
Published: June 2013

This study determined the role of PKC-α and associated inducible heat shock protein 70 (iHSP70) in the repair of mitochondrial function in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) after oxidant injury. Wild-type PKC-α (wtPKC-α) and an inactive PKC-α [dominant negative dn; PKC-α] mutant were overexpressed in primary cultures of RPTCs, and iHSP70 levels and RPTC regeneration were assessed after treatment with the oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP). TBHP exposure increased ROS production and induced RPTC death, which was prevented by ferrostatin and necrostatin-1 but not by cyclosporin A. Overexpression of wtPKC-α maintained mitochondrial levels of active PKC-α, reduced cell death, and accelerated proliferation without altering ROS production in TBHP-injured RPTCs. In contrast, dnPKC-α blocked proliferation and monolayer regeneration. Coimmunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis demonstrated an association between inactive, but not active, PKC-α and iHSP70 in mitochondria. Mitochondrial iHSP70 levels increased as levels of active PKC-α decreased after injury. Overexpression of dnPKC-α augmented, whereas overexpression of wtPKC-α abrogated, oxidant-induced increases in mitochondrial iHSP70 levels. iHSP70 overexpression 1) maintained mitochondrial levels of phosphorylated PKC-α, 2) improved the recovery of state 3 respiration and ATP content, 3) decreased RPTC death (an effect abrogated by cyclosporine A), and 4) accelerated proliferation after oxidant injury. In contrast, iHSP70 inhibition blocked the recovery of ATP content and exacerbated RPTC death. Inhibition of PKC-α in RPTC overexpressing iHSP70 blocked the protective effects of iHSP70. We conclude that active PKC-α maintains mitochondrial function and decreases cell death after oxidant injury. iHSP70 is recruited to mitochondria in response to PKC-α dephosphorylation and associates with and reactivates inactive PKC-α, which promotes the recovery of mitochondrial function, decreases RPTC death, and improves regeneration.
Urate-induced acute renal failure and chronic inflammation in liver-specific Glut9 knockout mice
Authors: Preitner Frederic , Laverriere-Loss Alexandra , Metref Salima , Da Costa Anabela , Moret Catherine , Rotman Samuel , Bazin Dominique , Daudon Michel , Sandt Christophe , Dessombz Arnaud , Thorens Bernard
Published: June 2013

Plasma urate levels are higher in humans than rodents (240–360 vs. ∼30 μM) because humans lack the liver enzyme uricase. High uricemia in humans may protect against oxidative stress, but hyperuricemia also associates with the metabolic syndrome, and urate and uric acid can crystallize to cause gout and renal dysfunctions. Thus, hyperuricemic animal models to study urate-induced pathologies are needed. We recently generated mice with liver-specific ablation of Glut9, a urate transporter providing access of urate to uricase (LG9KO mice). LG9KO mice had moderately high uricemia (∼120 μM). To further increase their uricemia, here we gavaged LG9KO mice for 3 days with inosine, a urate precursor; this treatment was applied in both chow- and high-fat-fed mice. In chow-fed LG9KO mice, uricemia peaked at 300 μM 2 h after the first gavage and normalized 24 h after the last gavage. In contrast, in high-fat-fed LG9KO mice, uricemia further rose to 500 μM. Plasma creatinine strongly increased, indicating acute renal failure. Kidneys showed tubule dilation, macrophage infiltration, and urate and uric acid crystals, associated with a more acidic urine. Six weeks after inosine gavage, plasma urate and creatinine had normalized. However, renal inflammation, fibrosis, and organ remodeling had developed despite the disappearance of urate and uric acid crystals. Thus, hyperuricemia and high-fat diet feeding combined to induce acute renal failure. Furthermore, a sterile inflammation caused by the initial crystal-induced lesions developed despite the disappearance of urate and uric acid crystals.
Absence of postural muscle synergies for balance after spinal cord transection
Authors: Chvatal Stacie A. , Macpherson Jane M. , Torres-Oviedo Gelsy , Ting Lena H.
Published: June 2013

Although cats that have been spinalized can also be trained to stand and step with full weight support, directionally appropriate long-latency responses to perturbations are impaired, suggesting that these behaviors are mediated by distinct neural mechanisms. However, it remains unclear whether these responses reflect an attenuated postural response using the appropriate muscular coordination patterns for balance or are due to fundamentally different neural mechanisms such as increased muscular cocontraction or short-latency stretch responses. Here we used muscle synergy analysis on previously collected data to identify whether there are changes in the spatial organization of muscle activity for balance within an animal after spinalization. We hypothesized that the modular organization of muscle activity for balance control is disrupted by spinal cord transection. In each of four animals, muscle synergies were extracted from postural muscle activity both before and after spinalization with nonnegative matrix factorization. Muscle synergy number was reduced after spinalization in three animals and increased in one animal. However, muscle synergy structure was greatly altered after spinalization with reduced direction tuning, suggesting little consistent organization of muscle activity. Furthermore, muscle synergy recruitment was correlated to subsequent force production in the intact but not spinalized condition. Our results demonstrate that the modular structure of sensorimotor feedback responses for balance control is severely disrupted after spinalization, suggesting that the muscle synergies for balance control are not accessible by spinal circuits alone. Moreover, we demonstrate that spinal mechanisms underlying weight support are distinct from brain stem mechanisms underlying directional balance control.
Immediate compensation for variations in self-generated Coriolis torques related to body dynamics and carried objects
Authors: Pigeon Pascale , DiZio Paul , Lackner James R.
Published: June 2013

We have previously shown that the Coriolis torques that result when an arm movement is performed during torso rotation do not affect movement trajectory. Our purpose in the present study was to examine whether torso motion-induced Coriolis and other interaction torques are counteracted during a turn and reach (T&R) movement when the effective mass of the hand is augmented, and whether the dominant arm has an advantage in coordinating intersegmental dynamics as predicted by the dynamic dominance hypothesis (Sainburg RL. Exp Brain Res 142: 241–258, 2002). Subjects made slow and fast T&R movements in the dark to just extinguished targets with either arm, while holding or not holding a 454-g object. Movement endpoints were equally accurate at both speeds, with either hand, and in both weight conditions, but subjects tended to angularly undershoot and produce more variable endpoints for targets requiring greater torso rotation. There were no changes in endpoint accuracy or trajectory deviation over repeated movements. The dominant right arm was more stable in its control of trajectory direction across targets, whereas the nondominant left arm had an improved ability to stop accurately on the target for higher levels of interaction torques. The trajectories to more eccentric targets were straighter when performed at higher speeds but slightly more deviated when subjects held the weight. Subjects did not slow their torso velocity or change the timing of the arm and torso velocities when holding the weight, although there was a slight decrease in their hand velocity relative to the torso. The delay between the onsets of torso and finger movements was almost twice as large for the right arm than the left, suggesting the right arm was better able to account for torso rotation in the arm movement. Holding the weight increased the peak Coriolis torque by 40% at the shoulder and 45% at the elbow and, for the most eccentric target, increased the peak net torque by 12% at the shoulder and 34% at the elbow. In accordance with Sainburg's dynamic dominance hypothesis, the right arm exhibited an advantage for coordinating intersegmental dynamics, showing a more stable finger velocity in relation to the torso across targets, decreasing error variability with movement speed, and more synchronized peaks of finger relative and torso angular velocities in conditions with greater joint torque requirements. The arm used had little effect on the movement path and the magnitude of the joint torques in any of the conditions. These results indicate that compensations for forthcoming Coriolis torque variations take into account the dynamic properties of the body and of external objects, as well as the planned velocities of the torso and arm.
Laminar profile of visual response properties in ferret superior colliculus
Authors: Stitt Iain , Galindo-Leon Edgar , Pieper Florian , Engler Gerhard , Engel Andreas K.
Published: June 2013

In the superior colliculus (SC), visual afferent inputs from various sources converge in a highly organized way such that all layers form topographically aligned representations of contralateral external space. Despite this anatomical organization, it remains unclear how the layer-specific termination of different visual input pathways is reflected in the nature of visual response properties and their distribution across layers. To uncover the physiological correlates underlying the laminar organization of the SC, we recorded multiunit and local field potential activity simultaneously from all layers with dual-shank multichannel linear probes. We found that the location of spatial receptive fields was strongly conserved across all visual responsive layers. There was a tendency for receptive field size to increase with depth in the SC, with superficial receptive fields significantly smaller than deep receptive fields. Additionally, superficial layers responded significantly faster than deeper layers to flash stimulation. In some recordings, flash-evoked responses were characterized by the presence of gamma oscillatory activity (40–60 Hz) in multiunit and field potential signals, which was strongest in retinorecipient layers. While SC neurons tended to respond only weakly to full-field drifting gratings, we observed very similar oscillatory responses to the offset of grating stimuli, suggesting gamma oscillations are produced following light offset. Oscillatory spiking activity was highly correlated between horizontally distributed neurons within these layers, with oscillations temporally locked to the stimulus. Together, visual response properties provide physiological evidence reflecting the laminar-specific termination of visual afferent pathways in the SC, most notably characterized by the oscillatory entrainment of superficial neurons.
Status, Diversity, and Traditional Uses of Homestead Gardens in Northern Bangladesh: A Means of Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Roy Bishwajit , Rahman Md. Habibur , Fardusi Most. Jannatul
Published: June 2013

A study was conducted to assess the status, ecological diversity, traditional uses, spatial arrangement, and importance of homestead garden for biodiversity conservation of the urban and rural households in Kishoreganj Sadar of northern Bangladesh. Assessment was done by means of multistage random sampling from a total of 80 households using a semistructured questionnaire. A total of 62 plant species belonging to 36 families including 5 threatened species were identified. The majority of the species were used as fruit and food (45%) followed by medicinal plants (38.71%), firewood (32.26%), and timber (29%). Ecological diversity indices indicated that the existing plant species in the homestead gardens in the study area have moderately high biodiversity and species richness. Farmers perceived importance for homestead plant species conservation was for fruit and food (85%) followed by building materials (78.75%), subsistence family income (73.75%), and source of firewood (68.75%). In addition, analysis of existing management regime indicates that growers lack scientific information, almost every household still follows traditional management systems. Finally, a specific homestead forest management plan, conservation of homestead species diversity through scientific management and obtaining training and support from government and NGOs, was found highly demandable by this study.
Factors That Affect the False-Negative Outcomes of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Agcaoglu Orhan , Aksakal Nihat , Ozcinar Beyza , Sarici Inanc S. , Ercan Gulcin , Kucukyilmaz Meltem , Yanar Fatih , Ozemir Ibrahim A. , Kilic Berkay , Caglayan Kasim , Yilmazbayhan Dilek , Salmaslioglu Artur , Issever Halim , Ozarmagan Selcuk , Erbil Yesim
Published: June 2013

Background. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that affect the false-negative outcomes of fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) in thyroid nodules.Methods. Thyroid nodules that underwent FNAB and surgery between August 2005 and January 2012 were analyzed. FNABs were taken from the suspicious nodules regardless of nodule size.Results. Nodules were analyzed in 2 different groups: Group 1 was the false-negatives (n=81) and Group 2 was the remaining true-positives, true-negatives, and false-positives (n=649). A cytopathologist attended in 559 (77%) of FNAB procedures. There was a positive correlation between the nodule size and false-negative rates, and the absence of an interpreting cytopathologist for the examination of the FNAB procedure was the most significant parameter with a 76-fold increased risk of false-negative results.Conclusion. The contribution of cytopathologists extends the time of the procedure, and this could be a difficult practice in centres with high patient turnovers. We currently request the contribution of a cytopathologist for selected patients whom should be followed up without surgery.
Ultrasonic Characterization of the Fiber‐Matrix Interfacial Bond in Aerospace Composites
Authors: Aggelis D. G. , Kleitsa D. , Matikas T. E.
Published: June 2013

The properties of advanced composites rely on the quality of the fiber‐matrix bonding. Service‐induced damage results in deterioration of bonding quality, seriously compromising the load‐bearing capacity of the structure. While traditional methods to assess bonding are destructive, herein a nondestructive methodology based on shear wave reflection is numerically investigated. Reflection relies on the bonding quality and results in discernable changes in the received waveform. The key element is the “interphase” model material with varying stiffness. The study is an example of how computational methods enhance the understanding of delicate features concerning the nondestructive evaluation of materials used in advanced structures.
Frequency and Outcome of Graft versus Host Disease after Stem Cell Transplantation: A Six-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Natasha , Adil Salman Naseem , Shaikh Mohammad Usman , Masood Nehal
Published: June 2013

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and outcome of graft versus host disease after stem cell transplantation for various haematological disorders in Pakistan. Materials and Methods. Pretransplant workup of the patient and donor was performed. Mobilization was done with G-CSF 300 μg twice daily for five day. Standard GvHD prophylaxis was done with methotrexate 15 mg/m2 on day +1 followed by 10 mg/m2 on days +3 and +6 and cyclosporine. Grading was done according to the Glucksberg classification. Results. A total of 153 transplants were done from April 2004 to December 2011. Out of these were allogeneic transplants. There were females and males. The overall frequency of any degree of graft versus host disease was 34%. Acute GvHD was present in patients while had chronic GvHD. Grade II GvHD was present in patients while grade III and IV GvHD was seen in patients each. Acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia were most commonly associated with GvHD. The mortality in acute and chronic GvHD was 8.8% and 12% respectively. Conclusion. The frequency of graft versus host disease in this study was 34% which is lower compared to international literature. The decreased incidence can be attributed to reduced diversity of histocompatibility antigens in our population.
A New Cryogenic Air Separation Process with Flash Separator
Authors: Khalel Zeinab A. M. , Rabah Ali A. , Barakat Taj Alasfia M.
Published: June 2013

A new cryogenic air separation process with flash separator is developed. A flash separator is added to the conventional double-column cryogenic air separation process. The flash separator is used to replace the turbine required to recover a portion of the energy in the double-column air separation process. The flash separator served dual purposes of throttling and separation. Both the conventional and the new processes are simulated using Aspen Plus version 11.1 the model air flow rate and compositions are taken as 50000 Nm3/h of air at standard conditions of 1 atm and 25°C and feed composition of 79.1% N2 and 20.9% O2. The new process decreases the energy consumption and increases the productivity.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Triticum aestivum and Its Effect on Peroxide Catalytic Activity and Toxicology
Authors: Waghmode Shobha , Chavan Pooja , Kalyankar Vidya , Dagade Sharada
Published: June 2013

The synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles using bioreduction method was investigated. Biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Triticum aestivum (khapali ghahu) extract was investigated. The effect of a specific variety of plants and how it affects the growth of silver nanoparticles was investigated in our work and it was polydispersed. UV‐visible spectroscopy was used to monitor the formation of silver nanoparticles within 15 minutes. The peaks in XRD pattern are in good agreement with those of face‐centered‐cubic form of metallic silver. Further the IR and TEM shows confirmation of nanocrystalline nature of silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles dislodged by ultrasonication showed an absorption peak at 430 nm in UV‐visible spectrum corresponding to the Plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. UV‐visible titration experiments showed evidence that silver nanoparticles facilitate hydrogen peroxide reduction showing excellent catalytic activity at 200 μL. In this preliminary toxicology study, Earthworm toxicology we checked and is stable up to 1500 ppm concentration. The use of plant extract for silver nanoparticles synthesis offers the benefits of eco‐friendliness and amenability for large‐scale production.
Applicability of the Rapid Biophysical Profile in Antepartum Fetal Well-Being Assessment in High-Risk Pregnancies from a University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil: Preliminary Results
Authors: Czeresnia Jonathan Mamber , Araujo Júnior Edward , Cordioli Eduardo , Martins Wellington P. , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes
Published: June 2013

Objective. To evaluate the clinical applicability of the rapid biophysical profile (rBPP), comparing results of the rBPP to umbilical cord pH values and Apgar scores. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 37 pregnant women from our high-risk service. All of them gave birth at our institution. rBPP was conducted up to 24 h prior to delivery and pH values were obtained from the umbilical vein immediately after birth. The mean and standard deviations for maternal age, gestational age at birth, pH values, and Apgar score in the 1st and 5th minutes after birth were calculated. An unpaired Student’s t-test was applied to evaluate the correlation between these variables and rBPP scores of 2 and 4. Results. rBPP score of 2 was observed in 8 patients (21.6%) and score 4 was observed in 29 cases (78.4%). No patients received score zero. The difference between the Apgar scores of the rBPP score 2 and 4 was statistically significant (P<0.01) while the same was not true with the umbilical cord pH (P=0.08), even though the values tended to be lower in the rBPP 2 group. Conclusion. The rBPP is a fast and practical method of assessment of antepartum fetal well-being. Further studies, with a larger number of patients, are necessary to evaluate the applicability of the method.
The Expression of CD14+CD16+Monocyte Subpopulation in Coronary Heart Disease Patients with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Authors: Huang Ye , Wang Jing-Shang , Yin Hui-jun , Chen Ke-ji
Published: June 2013

Blood stasis syndrome (BSS), a comprehensive pathological state, is one of the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of coronary heart disease (CHD). In our previous study, we investigated that FcγRIIIA (also called CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation) is one of the differentially expressed genes related to CHD patients and its possible role in the atherosclerotic formation and plaque rupture. However, whether or not the deregulation of CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of CHD patients with BSS has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we found that there was no significant difference between CHD patients with BSS and non-BSS in CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation at gene level. Moreover, the protein level of CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation in CHD patients with BSS was increased significantly when compared to the CHD patients with non-BSS. Additionally, the level of inflammatory cytokines downstream of CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation such as TNF-αand IL-1 in sera was much higher in CHD patients with BSS than that in CHD patients with non-BSS. Taken together, these results indicated that CD14+CD16+monocyte subpopulation was implicated in the pathogenesis of CHD patients with BSS, which may be one of the bases of the essence of BSS investigation.
Codimension-m Bifurcation Theorems Applicable to the Numerical Verification Methods
Authors: Kawanago Tadashi
Published: June 2013

We establish codimension-m bifurcation theorems applicable to the numerical verification methods. They are generalization of codimension-1 bifurcation theorems established by (Kawanago, 2004). As a numerical example, we treat Hopf bifurcation, which is codimension-2 bifurcation.
Arsenic Precipitation in the Bioleaching of Realgar Using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Chen Peng , Yan Lei , Wang Qiang , Li Hongyu
Published: June 2013

The current study investigates the characteristics of arsenic precipitation during the bioleaching of realgar. The bioleaching performance of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans BY-3 (A. ferrooxidans) was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry. SEM and XRD analyses revealed that the arsenic-adapted strain of A. ferrooxidans was more hydrophobic and showed higher attachment efficiency to realgar compared with the wild strain. The arsenic precipitation using A. ferrooxidans resulted in the precipitation of an arsenic-rich compound on the surface of the bacterial cell, as shown in the TEM images. The FT-IR spectra suggested that the −OH and −NH groups were closely involved in the biosorption process. The observations above strongly suggest that the cell surface of A. ferrooxidans plays a role in the induction of arsenic tolerance during the bioleaching of realgar.
Implicit Ishikawa Approximation Methods for Nonexpansive Semigroups in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Liu Zhi-bin , Chen Yi-shen , Li Xue-song , Xiao Yi-bin
Published: June 2013

This paper is devoted to the convergence of the implicit Ishikawa iteration processes for approximating a common fixed point of nonexpansive semigroup in CAT(0) spaces. We obtain theΔ-convergence results of the implicit Ishikawa iteration sequences for a family of nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces. Under certain and different conditions, we also get the strong convergence theorems of implicit Ishikawa iteration sequences for nonexpansive semigroups in the CAT(0) spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and generalize some previous results.
ℋ∞Model Reduction for Discrete-Time Markovian Jump Systems with Deficient Mode Information
Authors: Wei Yanling , Wang Mao , Karimi Hamid Reza , Wang Nan , Qiu Jianbin
Published: June 2013

This paper investigates the problem ofℋ∞model reduction for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems (MJLSs) with deficient mode information, which simultaneously involves the exactly known, partially unknown, and uncertain transition probabilities. By fully utilizing the properties of the transition probability matrices, together with the convexification of uncertain domains, a newℋ∞performance analysis criterion for the underlying MJLSs is first derived, and then two approaches, namely, the convex linearisation approach and iterative approach, for theℋ∞model reduction synthesis are proposed. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods.
Rapid Identification of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Accumulating Members of Bacillales Using Internal Primers forphaCGene ofBacillus megaterium
Authors: Nayak Pramoda Kumar , Mohanty Ajeet Kumar , Gaonkar Teja , Kumar Ashwani , Bhosle Saroj N. , Garg Sandeep
Published: June 2013

Bacillus megateriumis gaining recognition as an experimental model and biotechnologically important microorganism. Recently, descriptions of new strains ofB. megateriumand closely related species isolated from diverse habitats have increased. Therefore, its identification requires several tests in combination which is usually time consuming and difficult to do. We propose using the uniqueness of thepolyhydroxyalkanoate synthase Cgene ofB. megateriumin designing primers that amplify the 0.9 kb region of thephaCfor its identification. The PCR method was optimized to amplify 0.9 kb region ofphaCgene. After optimization of the PCR reaction, two methods were investigated in detail. Method I gave an amplification of a single band of 0.9 kb only inB. megateriumand was demonstrated by several strains ofB. megateriumisolated from different habitats. The use of Method I did not result in the amplification of thephaCgene with other members of Bacillales. The specificity for identification ofB. megateriumwas confirmed using sequencing of amplicon and RT-PCR. Method II showed multiple banding patterns of nonspecific amplicons among polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulating members of Bacillales unique to the respective species. These methods are rapid and specific for the identification of polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulatingB. megateriumand members of Bacillales.
Degradation of [Dha7]MC-LR by a Microcystin Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand
Authors: Somdee Theerasak , Thunders Michelle , Ruck John , Lys Isabelle , Allison Margaret , Page Rachel
Published: June 2013

For the first time a microcystin-degrading bacterium (NV-3 isolate) has been isolated and characterized from a NZ lake. Cyanobacterial blooms in New Zealand (NZ) waters contain microcystin (MC) hepatotoxins at concentrations which are a risk to animal and human health. Degradation of MCs by naturally occurring bacteria is an attractive bioremediation option for removing MCs from drinking and recreational water sources. The NV-3 isolate was identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis and found to have 100% nucleotide sequence homology with the Sphingomonas MC-degrading bacterial strain MD-1 from Japan. The NV-3 isolate (concentration of 1.0×108 CFU/mL) at 30°C degraded a mixture of [Dha7]MC-LR and MC-LR (concentration 25 μg/mL) at a maximum rate of 8.33 μg/mL/day. The intermediate by-products of [Dha7]MC-LR degradation were detected and similar to MC-LR degradation by-products. The presence of three genes (mlrA, mlrB, and mlrC), that encode three enzymes involved in the degradation of MC-LR, were identified in the NV-3 isolate. This study confirmed that degradation of [Dha7]MC-LR by the Sphingomonas isolate NV-3 occurred by a similar mechanism previously described for MC-LR by Sphingomonas strain MJ-PV (ACM-3962). This has important implications for potential bioremediation of toxic blooms containing a variety of MCs in NZ waters.
On the Solvability of Caputo -Fractional Boundary Value Problem Involving -Laplacian Operator
Authors: Aktuğlu Hüseyin , Ali Özarslan Mehmet
Published: June 2013

We consider the model of a Caputo -fractional boundary value problem involving -Laplacian operator. By using the Banach contraction mapping principle, we prove that, under some conditions, the suggested model of the Caputo -fractional boundary value problem involving -Laplacian operator has a unique solution for both cases of and . It is interesting that in both cases solvability conditions obtained here depend on , , and the order of the Caputo -fractional differential equation. Finally, we illustrate our results with some examples.
Retrospective Study of Seven Cases with Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
Authors: Dwivedi Suchi , Runmei Ma
Published: June 2013

Objectives. Our aim is to explore the clinical outcome of patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), and evaluate the effect of early diagnosis and treatment. Methods. Seven patients who were diagnosed with AFLP were retrospectively analyzed from February 2005 to January 2013. The clinical records of the patients with AFLP were reviewed for clinical features, laboratory examinations, and maternal and perinatal prognosis. Routine laboratory evaluation revealed hyperbilirubinemia, moderately elevated liver transaminase, but negative serum hepatitis virus in each patient. For additional evidence, 126 cases of AFLP were reviewed retrospectively from original articles researched in A Medline-based English and Chinese Knowledge Infrastructure between the same periods. Results. The initial symptoms of all the 7 cases with AFLP were gastrointestinal symptoms; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and progressive jaundice. Complications revealed with renal insufficiency in all 7 patients. Hepatic failure, MODS, hypoglycemia and DIC were seen in 4 patients (57.1%). Hemorrhagic shock, ARDS, and hepatic encephalopathy were seen in 3 patients (42.8%). There was only one case of maternal death (14.2%), three cases of perinatal death (30%) and one postnatal death (10%). Conclusion. AFLP occurs in late pregnancy is a rare clinical syndrome occurs at about 36 weeks of gestation. Early diagnosis and prompt termination of pregnancy is the key of management with multidisciplinary collaboration, comprehensive treatment and effective prevention are helpful to improve prognosis of the cases with AFLP and perinatal death.
3D Cu(OH)2 Hierarchical Frameworks: Self‐Assembly, Growth, and Application for the Removal of TSNAs
Authors: Hou Hongwei , Zhu You , Hu Qingyuan
Published: June 2013

The 3D hierarchical Cu(OH)2 frameworks were successfully prepared via a simple and surfactant‐free chemical self‐assembled route. The frameworks were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The experimental investigations suggest that certain concentrations of NaOH and K2S2O8 are required for the self‐assembly and growth of Cu(OH)2. In addition, the orthorhombic crystal structure of Cu(OH)2 may prove to be ideal for the structural development of the final 3D Cu(OH)2 hierarchical frameworks. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements indicate that the Cu(OH)2 frameworks possess a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of approximately 163.76 m2 g−1. Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda measurement of the pore size distribution, as derived from desorption data, presented a distribution centered at 3.05 nm. Additionally, 10 mg of the Cu(OH)2 framework can remove 47% of the N‐nitrosonornicotine and 53% of the 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone in cigarette smoke. These results indicate that the Cu(OH)2 frameworks may be a potential adsorbent for removing tobacco‐specific N‐nitrosamines (TSNAs) from cigarette smoke.