bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adding insult to injury: autoimmune haemolytic anaemia complicated by pulmonary embolism
Authors: Woodson Kevin Andrew , Lee Yungah , Gopalratnam Kavitha , Halene Stephanie
Published: February 2016

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a disease characterised by the production of pathological antibodies that attach to the surface of a patient's own red blood cells, resulting in haemolysis. It can present in either an acute or a chronic manner. In addition to the obvious consequence of anaemia, there are other potentially deadly complications that can arise from AIHA, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary hypertension. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who developed a pulmonary embolism (PE) soon after being diagnosed with AIHA. Despite having a very small pulmonary venous clot burden, she developed profound haemodynamic compromise with severe right ventricular dysfunction, which quickly reversed with inhaled nitric oxide treatment. This case makes an interesting observation of cell-free haemoglobin-associated nitric oxide scavenging as a mechanism of pulmonary hypertension and highlights the possible benefit of nitric oxide in treatment.
Idiopathic 20-nail dystrophy
Authors: Larsen Camilla , Bygum Anette
Published: February 2016

Twenty-nail dystrophy is a rare disease, typically with all 20 nails affected, which normally occurs as an idiopathic condition in childhood but can be linked to other diseases. We report a case of a 7-year-old girl with a 3-year history of 20-nail dystrophy and no associated diseases or family history of skin or nail diseases. She was followed and treated conservatively and, after 6 years of follow-up, we found a marked improvement and almost full resolution of her nail dystrophy. The aim of this report is to show that idiopathic 20-nail dystrophy in children is a self-limiting condition and thus can be treated conservatively.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Authors: Parekh Jai D , Wozniak Susan E , Khan Kamran , Dutta Sudhir K
Published: February 2016

The antiemetic properties of marijuana are well known, but there is increasing evidence of its paradoxical hyperemetic effects on the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, known as ‘cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome’ (CHS). We report a case of CHS encountered in our outpatient clinic. We also completed a review of the literature using PubMed in patients over 18 years of age with CHS. Understanding the diagnostic criteria and risk factors associated with CHS may reduce the ordering of unnecessary and expensive investigations, and pursuing inappropriate medical and surgical treatments. Ultimately, abstaining from cannabis use leads to resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients.
Discovery from a lateral oblique radiograph
Authors: Hong Bosun
Published: February 2016

In many oral and maxillofacial surgery units and emergency departments, lateral oblique radiographs are not routinely included in radiological investigations for suspected mandibular fractures because orthopanoramic and posteroanterior mandible views usually suffice. This paper reports a case where a lateral oblique radiograph proved to be very useful in managing a fractured atrophic mandible. This case report highlights the importance of considering the use of alternative radiographs for suspected fracture(s) of an atrophic mandible to exclude the unexpected.
ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a young adult secondary to giant coronary aneurysm thrombosis: an important sequela of Kawasaki disease and a management challenge
Authors: Potter Elizabeth L , Meredith Ian T , Psaltis Peter James
Published: February 2016

Thrombosis of a coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare trigger for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and an important cause of STEMI in young adults previously affected by Kawasaki disease. Initial management should proceed in line with standard STEMI-management guidelines advocating antiplatelet medication and emergency coronary angiography. Acute CAA thrombosis presents the interventional cardiologist with unique challenges during attempted percutaneous revascularisation. In the absence of consensus guidelines, experiential reporting can therefore be of great value. We report on a 36-year-old Vietnamese woman presenting with an inferior STEMI secondary to two giant thrombosed aneurysms of the right coronary artery. Coronary wiring and thrombus aspiration temporarily improved coronary flow but recurrent thrombus with distal embolisation resulted in ventricular fibrillation and cardiogenic shock. Emergency surgical revascularisation subsequently provided a definitive and successful outcome. We discuss the challenges of percutaneous coronary intervention in this scenario and review previous reports to give an overview of principles of decision-making and management.
Constipation complication: lung injury following inadvertent intravenous injection of liquid paraffin
Authors: Williams Siôn Edryd , Docherty Marie Helena
Published: February 2016

Liquid paraffin is a highly refined petroleum derivative commonly used medicinally as an oral laxative in Lesotho. We present the case of a 22-year-old Basotho woman admitted under the care of gynaecology in a rural hospital in Lesotho. She was inadvertently administered 10 mL of intravenous liquid paraffin. There were no immediate complications. After 48 h, the patient became unwell with frank haemoptysis and features of systemic inflammation. A chest X-ray demonstrated new bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. She made a full clinical and radiological recovery with a 5-day course of high-dose oral prednisolone and broad-spectrum antibiotics. She was discharged home in a stable condition.
Cutaneous metastasis: a rare herald of a silent cancer
Authors: Hussain Jonathan , Westerveld Donevan , Sattari Maryam
Published: February 2016

A 59-year-old previously healthy man with a 50-pack-year smoking history presented with rib pain 1 month after a mechanical fall. Physical examination revealed a 1.5 cm right cervical lymph node and a 0.9×0.9 cm scalp nodule. The patient had only noticed the scalp lesion a month prior to presentation. Chest X-ray revealed a 5.8×5.0 cm left infrahilar mass. CT angiography demonstrated extensive metastatic mediastinal and right hilar adenopathy as well as hepatic, right adrenal and brain lesions. Pathology from fine-needle aspiration of cervical lymph nodes and punch biopsy of the scalp lesion were consistent with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis. The patient underwent brain stereotactic radiosurgery and palliative radiation therapy. Unfortunately, he passed away 4 months after diagnosis. Malignancy (primary or secondary) should be considered by clinicians in the work up of patients with new skin lesions, particularly in those at high risk of cancer.
Recovery of renal function after long-term dialysis and resolution of cardiomyopathy in a patient with aHUS receiving eculizumab
Authors: Emirova Khadizha , Volokhina Elena , Tolstova Evgenia , van den Heuvel Bert
Published: February 2016

We present the case of a 18-month-old girl with renal and cardiac manifestations of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), and a novel complement factor H mutation. Transient haematological remission was achieved with intensive plasmapheresis, but cardiac function deteriorated and renal function was not restored. Initiation of eculizumab after 6 months of dialysis significantly improved organ function. At 43 months after presentation, haematological values had normalised and cardiac function had improved. Dialysis was discontinued after 10 months (the longest reported time in a patient with aHUS) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate had recovered to 70 mL/min/1.73 m2. In conclusion, treatment of aHUS with eculizumab, even after long-term dialysis, can significantly improve renal function. Discontinuation of dialysis and resolution of cardiac function has implications on the potential recovery and treatment choice of such patients. Earlier initiation of eculizumab, however, might have prevented the irreversible renal sclerosis and cardiac dysfunction.
Structural cure for reflex syncope?
Authors: Sulke Neil , Eysenck William , Badiani Sveeta , Furniss Stephen
Published: February 2016

The ROX Coupler is a device that allows creation of a central arteriovenous anastomosis at the iliac level. The device has been shown to improve exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is CE marked for the treatment of resistant and uncontrolled hypertension. Reflex syncope is a challenging clinical condition with limited proven therapeutic options. We describe the resolution of symptoms and tilt table response of a patient who underwent insertion of a ROX Coupler to treat hypertension, and also incidentally had pre-existing vasodepressor syncope.
Dysuria and fever in a young woman diagnosed as having inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the urinary bladder
Authors: Patne Shashikant Chandrakant Urmila , Katiyar Richa , Chaudhary Deepshikha , Trivedi Sameer
Published: February 2016

A 38-year-old woman presented with dysuria and fever. Her medical and family histories were unremarkable. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a polypoid mass of 4×2.6×2.2 cm. Her cystoscopy showed a 4×2 cm solid broad-based growth at trigone of the urinary bladder. She underwent transurethral resection of the urinary bladder tumour (TURBT). Histopathology revealed a poorly circumscribed proliferation of spindle cells arranged in a haphazard and fascicular manner along with many traversing blood vessels in a myxoid and hyalinised stroma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1, smooth muscle actin, CD10, cytokeratin and desmin; and negative for CD34 and S-100 protein. Ki-67 proliferative index in the tumour was <1%. The patient was diagnosed as having inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the urinary bladder. After TURBT, her fever and urinary symptoms resolved. Her 1-month postoperative period was uneventful. She has been advised regular follow-up.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN): a rare entity
Authors: Lim Ming Sheng , Lemmert Karla , Enjeti Anoop
Published: February 2016

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive haematological malignancy in the elderly, with a high frequency of cutaneous and bone marrow involvement and poor prognosis. We report a case of BPDCN with classic presentation and discuss its treatment and the value of different investigation tools used in diagnosis and response assessment.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exacerbate DSS-induced colitis: role of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Ruiz Pedro A , Morón Belen , Becker Helen M , Lang Silvia , Atrott Kirstin , Spalinger Marianne R , Scharl Michael , Wojtal Kacper A , Fischbeck-Terhalle Anne , Frey-Wagner Isabelle , Hausmann Martin , Kraemer Thomas , Rogler Gerhard
Published: February 2016

Objective

Western lifestyle and diet are major environmental factors playing a role in the development of IBD. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used as food additives or in pharmaceutical formulations and are consumed by millions of people on a daily basis. We investigated the effects of TiO2in the development of colitis and the role of the nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain receptor, pyrin domain containing (NLRP)3 inflammasome.

Design

Wild-type and NLRP3-deficient mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis were orally administered with TiO2nanoparticles. The proinflammatory effects of TiO2particles in cultured human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and macrophages were also studied, as well as the ability of TiO2crystals to traverse IEC monolayers and accumulate in the blood of patients with IBD using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Oral administration of TiO2nanoparticles worsened acute colitis through a mechanism involving the NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, crystals were found to accumulate in spleen of TiO2-administered mice. In vitro, TiO2particles were taken up by IECs and macrophages and triggered NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1 assembly, caspase-1 cleavage and the release of NLRP3-associated interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. TiO2also induced reactive oxygen species generation and increased epithelial permeability in IEC monolayers. Increased levels of titanium were found in blood of patients with UC having active disease.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that individuals with a defective intestinal barrier function and pre-existing inflammatory condition, such as IBD, might be negatively impacted by the use of TiO2nanoparticles.
Defective monocyte oxidative burst predicts infection in alcoholic hepatitis and is associated with reduced expression of NADPH oxidase
Authors: Vergis Nikhil , Khamri Wafa , Beale Kylie , Sadiq Fouzia , Aletrari Mina O , Moore Celia , Atkinson Stephen R , Bernsmeier Christine , Possamai Lucia A , Petts Gemma , Ryan Jennifer M , Abeles Robin D , James Sarah , Foxton Matthew , Hogan Brian , Foster Graham R , O'Brien Alastair J , Ma Yun , Shawcross Debbie L , Wendon Julia A , Antoniades Charalambos G , Thursz Mark R
Published: February 2016

Objective

In order to explain the increased susceptibility to serious infection in alcoholic hepatitis, we evaluated monocyte phagocytosis, aberrations of associated signalling pathways and their reversibility, and whether phagocytic defects could predict subsequent infection.

Design

Monocytes were identified from blood samples of 42 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis using monoclonal antibody to CD14. Phagocytosis and monocyte oxidative burst (MOB) were measured ex vivo using flow cytometry, luminometry and bacterial killing assays. Defects were related to the subsequent development of infection. Intracellular signalling pathways were investigated using western blotting and PCR. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was evaluated for its therapeutic potential in reversing phagocytic defects. Paired longitudinal samples were used to evaluate the effect of in vivo prednisolone therapy.

Results

MOB, production of superoxide and bacterial killing in response toEscherichia coliwere markedly impaired in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Pretreatment MOB predicted development of infection within two weeks with sensitivity and specificity that were superior to available clinical markers. Accordingly, defective MOB was associated with death at 28 and 90 days. Expression of the gp91phoxsubunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase was reduced in patients with alcoholic hepatitis demonstrating defective MOB. Monocytes were refractory to IFN-γ stimulation and showed high levels of a negative regulator of cytokine signalling, suppressor of cytokine signalling-1. MOB was unaffected by 7 days in vivo prednisolone therapy.

Conclusions

Monocyte oxidative burst and bacterial killing is impaired in alcoholic hepatitis while bacterial uptake by phagocytosis is preserved. Defective MOB is associated with reduced expression of NADPH oxidase in these patients and predicts the development of infection and death.
Suppressing failure cascades in interconnected networks: Considering capacity allocation pattern and load redistribution
Authors: Hong Sheng , Zhang Xiaojie , Zhu Juxing , Zhao Tingdi , Wang Baoqing
Published: February 2016

In the modern society, most networked critical infrastructures are coupled together and can be modeled as interconnected networks. Cascading failures caused by overload in interconnected networks are extremely complicated and still lack of corresponding researches. It is crucial to explore a systematic design and load management method for complex interconnected network. In this paper, a probabilistic heterogeneous capacity allocation model and a preventive load redistribution model are firstly proposed. Based on the novel models failure cascades in interconnected networks are studied in detail. Numerical simulations and analysis results show that robustness of interconnected network depends on the network topology, capacity allocation pattern and load management strategy. The novel models have guiding significance for the design and optimal management of robust interconnected infrastructure networks.
Web Service Clustering Using Relational Database Approach
Authors: Liu Jianxiao , Liu Feng , Li Xiaoxia , He Keqing , Ma Yutao , Wang Jian
Published: February 2016

In the era of service-oriented software engineering (SOSE), service clustering is used to organize Web services, and it can help to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of service discovery. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of service clustering, this paper uses the self-join operation in relational database (RDB) to realize Web service clustering. Based on storing service information, it does the self-join operation towards the Input, Output, Precondition, Effect (IOPE) tables of Web services, which can enhance the efficiency of computing services similarity. The semantic reasoning relationship between concepts and the concept status path are used to do the calculation, which can improve the calculation accuracy. Finally, we use experiments to validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Influence of Skull Anisotropic Mechanical Properties in Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Metwally Mohamed K. , Han Hee-Sok , Jeon Hyun Jae , Nam Sang Beom , Han Seung Moo , Kim Tae-Seong
Published: February 2016

Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is a new noninvasive brain stimulation technique where ultrasound is applied with low frequency and intensity to focus at a target region within the brain in order to exhibit or inhibit neuronal activity. In applying LIFU to the human brain, the skull is the main barrier due to its well-known high anisotropic mechanical properties which will affect the ultrasound focusing thereby affecting the neuromodulation or brain stimulation. This study aims at investigating the influence of the anisotropic mechanical properties of the skull on ultrasound propagation and focusing in LIFU. In this study, we used 2D finite element (FE) head models incorporating the isotropic and anisotropic properties of the skull. Three kinds of stresses were examined and shown within the skull: namely the normal stress in the direction of wave propagation ([Formula: see text]-stress), normal stress in the transverse direction to the wave propagation ([Formula: see text]-stress), and shear stress. Our analysis show that although most of the pressure that reaches to the brain is due to the longitudinal wave propagation through the skull, the stress in the transverse direction to the wave propagation direction ([Formula: see text]-stress) has the main influence on the pressure profile inside the brain. The results also show that the anisotropic properties of the skull broaden the focal size about 19% and 13% in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively more than the case of considering the isotropic properties in the realistic 2D FE head model. The results indicate the importance of considering the anisotropic properties of the skull in practicing LIFU to achieve accurate targeting within the brain.
Aquatic Fern (AzollaSp.) Assisted Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Jha Anal K. , Prasad K.
Published: February 2016

Aquatic pteridophyte (Azolla sp.) was taken to assess its potential to synthesize the metal (Au) nanoparticles. The synthesized particles were characterized using X-ray, UV-visible, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Nanoparticles almost spherical in shape having the sizes of 5–17[Formula: see text]nm are found. UV-visible study revealed the surface plasmon resonance at 538[Formula: see text]nm. Responsible phytochemicals for the transformation were principally phenolics, tannins, anthraquinone glycosides and sugars present abundantly in the plant thereby bestowing it adaptive prodigality. Also, the use of Azolla sp. for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles offers the benefit of eco-friendliness.
Dispersive reservoir influence on the superconducting phase qubit
Authors: Hessian H. A. , Mohamed A.-B. A. , Homid A. H.
Published: February 2016

An analytical description of a superconducting (SC) phase qubit coupled to a torsional resonator, which is damped by a dispersive reservoir, is presented based on the master equation. Therefore, the effect of the qubit phase damping on the dynamical behavior of the entanglement, purity loss and qubit inversion are investigated. It is found that the collapse and revival phenomena of qubit inversion are very sensitive not only to the damping parameter but also to the frequency detuning and the qubit distribution angle of the initial state. It is interesting to note that the purity of the state of the SC-qubit, which is measured by von Neumann entropy, can be completely lost due to the dispersive reservoir parameter. Because of the existence of dispersive reservoir, the von Neumann entropy cannot be a measure for the entanglement in open system. So, the negative eigenvalue of the partially transposed density matrix of qubit-resonator system is used to quantify the entanglement. For certain parameter sets, it is possible to control the degree and the dynamics of entanglement between the qubit and the torsional resonator.
Assessment of urinary angiotensinogen as a marker of podocyte injury in proteinuric nephropathies
Authors: Eriguchi Masahiro , Yotsueda Ryusuke , Torisu Kumiko , Kawai Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Shoko , Tanaka Shigeru , Noguchi Hideko , Masutani Kosuke , Kitazono Takanari , Tsuruya Kazuhiko
Published: February 2016

Urinary protein (UP) is widely used as a clinical marker for podocyte injury; however, not all proteinuric nephropathies fit this model. We previously described the elevation of urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) accompanied by AGT expression by injured podocytes in a nitric oxide inhibition rat model (Eriguchi M, Tsuruya K, Haruyama N, Yamada S, Tanaka S, Suehiro T, Noguchi H, Masutani K, Torisu K, Kitazono T. Kidney Int 87: 116–127, 2015). In this report, we performed the human and animal studies to examine the significance and origin of urinary AGT. In the human study, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) patients presented with higher levels of urinary AGT, corrected by UP, than minimal-change disease (MCD) patients. Furthermore, AGT was evident in podocin-negative glomerular segmental lesions. We also tested two different nephrotic models induced by puromycin aminonucleoside in Wistar rats. The urinary AGT/UP ratio and AGT protein and mRNA expression in sieved glomeruli from FSGS rats were significantly higher than in MCD rats. The presence of AGT at injured podocytes in FSGS rats was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. Finally, we observed the renal tissue and urinary metabolism of exogenous injected human recombinant AGT (which is not cleaved by rodent renin) in FSGS and control rats. Significant amounts of human AGT were detected in the urine of FSGS rats, but not of control rats. Immunostaining for rat and human AGT identified that only rat AGT was detected in injured podocytes, and filtered human AGT was seen in superficial proximal tubules, but not in injured podocytes, suggesting AGT generation by injured podocytes. In conclusion, the urinary AGT/UP ratio represents a novel specific marker of podocyte injury.
Microstructure-Based Interfacial Tuning Mechanism of Capacitive Pressure Sensors for Electronic Skin
Authors: Deng Weili , Huang Xinjie , Chu Wenjun , Chen Yueqi , Mao Lin , Tang Qi , Yang Weiqing
Published: February 2016

In order to investigate the interfacial tuning mechanism of electronic skin (e-skin), several models of the capacitive pressure sensors (CPS) with different microstructures and several sizes of microstructures are constructed through finite element analysis method. The simulative pressure response, the sensitivity, and the linearity of the designed CPS show that the sensor with micropyramids has the best performance in all the designed models. The corresponding theoretically predicted sensitivity is as high as 6.3 × 10−7 fF/Pa, which is about 49 times higher than that without any microstructure. Additionally, these further simulative results show that the smaller the ratios ofL/Hof pyramid, the better the sensitivity but the worse the linearity. When the ratio ofL/Hof pyramid is about2, the sensitivity and the linearity could reach a balance point. The simulative results evidently provide the important theoretically directive significance for the further development ofe-skin.
h-BN-TiO2Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Štengl Václav , Henych Jiří , Slušná Michaela
Published: February 2016

h-BN-TiO2nanocomposites were synthesized by the thermal hydrolysis of titanium peroxo-complexes in the presence of exfoliated h-BN. The bulk h-BN was prepared by annealing mixture of boric acid and urea, and high intensity ultrasound was used for its exfoliation. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR), high resolution electron microscopy, BET surface area, and BJH porosity measurement. The UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was employed to estimate band-gap energies. The photoinduced charge on the surface of h-BN-TiO2nanocomposites was visualized using electric force microscopy (EFM). The photocatalytic activity was determined by azo dyes Orange II and Reactive Black 5 photobleaching. The highest rate constantk= 0.0762 min−1and 0.0164 min−1, under UV and visible light irradiation, respectively, showed sample denoted TiP050BN with moderate concentration of h-BN.
TOT 8/4: A Way to Standardize the Surgical Procedure of a Transobturator Tape
Authors: Ludwig Sebastian , Stumm Martin , Mallmann Peter , Jager Wolfram
Published: February 2016

Suburethral tapes are placed “tension-free” below the urethra. Several studies reported considerable differences of the distance between urethra and tape. These distances ranged from 1 to 10 mm amongst different patients. This either caused urethral obstruction or had no effect on urinary incontinence. Therefore, we decided to standardize the procedure by placing a Hegar dilator of 8-millimeter diameter in the urethra and another Hegar dilator of 4-millimeter diameter between the urethra and the tape during transobturator tape placement. Using that simple technique, which we named “TOT 8/4,” we observed that 83% of the tapes were placed in the desired distance between 3 and 5 millimeters below the urethra.
Digital Microdroplet Ejection Technology-Based Heterogeneous Objects Prototyping
Authors: Li Na , Yang Jiquan , Feng Chunmei , Yang Jianfei , Zhu Liya , Guo Aiqing
Published: February 2016

An integrate fabrication framework is presented to build heterogeneous objects (HEO) using digital microdroplets injecting technology and rapid prototyping. The heterogeneous materials part design and manufacturing method in structure and material was used to change the traditional process. The net node method was used for digital modeling that can configure multimaterials in time. The relationship of material, color, and jetting nozzle was built. The main important contributions are to combine the structure, material, and visualization in one process and give the digital model for manufacture. From the given model, it is concluded that the method is effective for HEO. Using microdroplet rapid prototyping and the model given in the paper HEO could be gotten basically. The model could be used in 3D biomanufacturing.
Antibacterial Action of a Condensed Tannin Extracted from Astringent Persimmon as a Component of Food Addictive Pancil PS-M on Oral Polymicrobial Biofilms
Authors: Tomiyama Kiyoshi , Mukai Yoshiharu , Saito Masahiro , Watanabe Kiyoko , Kumada Hidefumi , Nihei Tomotaro , Hamada Nobushiro , Teranaka Toshio
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity against polymicrobial (PM) biofilms of a condensed tannin extracted from astringent persimmon (PS-M), which is contained in refreshing beverages commercially available in Japan. Salivary PM biofilms were formed anaerobically on glass coverslips for 24 and 72 h and were treated for 5 min with sterilized deionized water (DW), 0.05 and 0.2 wt% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and 0.5–4.0 wt% PS-M solution. The colony forming units (CFU/mL) were determined and morphological changes of the biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The CFUs were lower in all PS-M and CHX groups compared to the DW group. PS-M exerted a dose-dependent effect. PS-M (1.53 × 107) at a dose of 4.0 wt% had the same effect as 0.2 wt% CHX (2.03 × 107), regardless of the culture period. SEM revealed the biofilm structures were considerably destroyed in the 4.0 wt% PS-M and 0.2 wt% CHX. These findings indicate that the antibacterial effects of PS-M, a naturally derived substance, are comparable to those of CHX. PS-M may keep the oral cavity clean and prevent dental caries and periodontal disease related to dental plaque, as well as systemic disease such as aspiration pneumonitis.
Island Modeling Using Unstructured Grid during a Tropical Storm
Authors: Sinha Mourani , Yadav Ravi Kumar , Chakraborty Paromita
Published: February 2016

The coastal wave dynamics of Agatti island situated on a coral atoll in Lakshadweep, India, having a notable topographic feature of steeper eastern shore over the western shore, is analysed in this study. A multinested model setup is generated using the global third-generation models WAM (Wave Modeling) and SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore). A high resolution unstructured grid is generated for the domain containing the island using SMS (Surface-Water Modeling System) interpolated with merged GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans) and SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) bathymetry. The SWAN model is integrated with a fine resolution of one minute by one minute during the tropical storm 01A (05–10 June 2004) which passed near the island. Model simulated significant wave height data when validated against satellite observations exhibited high accuracy. SWH (significant wave height) is observed to be greater for the west coast than that over the east coast of the island due to steeper eastern shore and there is widespread wave energy dissipation along the southwest direction of wave propagation during normal conditions. The one-dimensional energy density spectra generated during the storm period exhibit multimodality with structured and unstructured grids.
Pattern Reconfigurable Wideband Stacked Microstrip Patch Antenna for 60 GHz Band
Authors: Bondarik Alexander , Sjöberg Daniel
Published: February 2016

A beam shift method is presented for an aperture coupled stacked microstrip antenna with a gridded parasitic patch. The gridded parasitic patch is formed by nine close coupled identical rectangular microstrip patches. Each of these patches is resonant at the antenna central frequency. Using four switches connecting adjacent parasitic patches in the grid, it is possible to realize a pattern reconfigurable antenna with nine different beam directions in broadside, H-plane, E-plane, and diagonal planes. The switches are modeled by metal strips and different locations for strips are studied. As a result an increase in the antenna coverage is achieved. Measurement results for fabricated prototypes correspond very well to simulation results. The antenna is designed for 60 GHz central frequency and can be used in high speed wireless communication systems.
Energy Management in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Naive Bayes, MLP, and SVM Classifications: A Comparative Study
Authors: Barnawi Abdulaziz Y. , Keshta Ismail M.
Published: February 2016

Maximizing wireless sensor networks (WSNs) lifetime is a primary objective in the design of these networks. Intelligent energy management models can assist designers to achieve this objective. These models aim to reduce the number of selected sensors to report environmental measurements and, hence, achieve higher energy efficiency while maintaining the desired level of accuracy in the reported measurement. In this paper, we present a comparative study of three intelligent models based on Naive Bayes, Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Simulation results show that Linear-SVM selects sensors that produce higher energy efficiency compared to those selected by MLP and Naive Bayes for the same WSNs Lifetime Extension Factor.
Flexible Stabilisation of the Degenerative Lumbar Spine Using PEEK Rods
Authors: Benezech Jacques , Garlenq Bruno , Larroque Gilles
Published: February 2016

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion using cages, titanium rods, and pedicle screws is considered today as the gold standard of surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disease and has produced satisfying long-term fusion rates. However this rigid material could change the physiological distribution of load at the instrumental and adjacent segments, a main cause of implant failure and adjacent segment disease, responsible for a high rate of further surgery in the following years. More recently, semirigid instrumentation systems using rods made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) have been introduced. This clinical study of 21 patients focuses on the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with lumbar degenerative disease treated with Initial VEOS PEEK®-Optima system (Innov’Spine, France) composed of rods made from PEEK-OPTIMA®polymer (Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, UK) without arthrodesis. With an average follow-up of 2 years and half, the chances of reoperation were significantly reduced (4.8%), quality of life was improved (ODI = 16%), and the adjacent disc was preserved in more than 70% of cases. Based on these results, combined with the biomechanical and clinical data already published, PEEK rods systems can be considered as a safe and effective alternative solution to rigid ones.
Precise Orbit Determination of BDS MEO Satellites Based on Satellite TT&C Stations
Authors: Li Kezhao , Li Zhiwei , Chai Lin , Ding An-min , Wei Jin-ben , Li Long
Published: February 2016

A novel method, which is based on the triple-frequency combination and Space-Based Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (STT&C) stations, is proposed in this paper. Considering BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Inclined Geostationary Orbit (IGSO) satellites as the STT&C facilities, firstly, we presented the BDS Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites’ precise orbit determination scheme based on triple-frequency combination. Then, we gave the sufficient and necessary conditions about the visibility and the coverage rate calculation model of STT&C to BDS MEO satellite. And then we deduced the model of BDS MEO satellites precise orbit determination based on triple-frequency combination observations. At last, we designed the simulation calculation. The simulation results show that orbit determination of BDS MEO satellite based on STT&C station can be realized at all times. And most of the simulation period time, under the condition of the dm level orbit determination for GEO/IGSO satellites, the position accuracy of the relative orbit determination is better than 4 m, the horizontal accuracy of the relative orbit determination is within 2.5 m, and the vertical accuracy of the relative orbit determination is less than 3.5 m.
Priming Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Hyaluronan Alters Growth Kinetics and Increases Attachment to Articular Cartilage
Authors: Succar Peter , Medynskyj Michael , Breen Edmond J. , Batterham Tony , Molloy Mark P. , Herbert Benjamin R.
Published: February 2016

Background. Biological therapeutics such as adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy are gaining acceptance for knee‐osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Reports of OA‐patients show reductions in cartilage defects and regeneration of hyaline‐like‐cartilage with MSC‐therapy. Suspending MSCs in hyaluronan commonly occurs in animals and humans, usually without supporting data. Objective. To elucidate the effects of different concentrations of hyaluronan on MSC growth kinetics. Methods. Using a range of hyaluronan concentrations, we measured MSC adherence and proliferation on culture plastic surfaces and a novel cartilage‐adhesion assay. We employed time‐course and dispersion imaging to assess MSC binding to cartilage. Cytokine profiling was also conducted on the MSC‐secretome. Results. Hyaluronan had dose‐dependent effects on growth kinetics of MSCs at concentrations of entanglement point (1 mg/mL). At higher concentrations, viscosity effects outweighed benefits of additional hyaluronan. The cartilage‐adhesion assay highlighted for the first time that hyaluronan‐primed MSCs increased cell attachment to cartilage whilst the presence of hyaluronan did not. Our time‐course suggested patients undergoing MSC‐therapy for OA could benefit from joint‐immobilisation for up to 8 hours. Hyaluronan also greatly affected dispersion of MSCs on cartilage. Conclusion. Our results should be considered in future trials with MSC‐therapy using hyaluronan as a vehicle, for the treatment of OA.
Optimal Strategies for Low Carbon Supply Chain with Strategic Customer Behavior and Green Technology Investment
Authors: Jiang Wen , Chen Xu
Published: February 2016

Climate change is mainly caused by excessive emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In order to reduce carbon emissions, cap and trade policy is implemented by governments in many countries, which has significant impacts on the decisions of companies at all levels of the low carbon supply chain. This paper investigates the decision-making and coordination of a low carbon supply chain consisting of a low carbon manufacturer who produces one product and is allowed to invest in green technology to reduce carbon emissions in production and a retailer who faces stochastic demands formed by homogeneous strategic customers. We investigate the optimal production, pricing, carbon trading, and green technology investment strategies of the low carbon supply chain in centralized (including Rational Expected Equilibrium scenario and quantity commitment scenario) and decentralized settings. It is demonstrated that quantity commitment strategy can improve the profit of the low carbon supply chain with strategic customer behavior. We also show that the performance of decentralized supply chain is lower than that of quantity commitment scenario. We prove that the low carbon supply chain cannot be coordinated by revenue sharing contract but by revenue sharing-cost sharing contract.
Chemical Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Fu Hai Ying , Sanada Shoji , Matsuzaki Takashi , Liao Yulin , Okuda Keiji , Yamato Masaki , Tsuchida Shota , Araki Ryo , Asano Yoshihiro , Asanuma Hiroshi , Asakura Masanori , French Brent A. , Sakata Yasushi , Kitakaze Masafumi , Minamino Tetsuo
Published: February 2016

Rationale:

Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer, but its use is often limited by cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilation in cardiomyocytes, and we have demonstrated that ER stress plays important roles in the pathophysiology of heart failure.

Objective:

We evaluated the role of ER stress in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and examined whether the chemical ER chaperone could prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Methods and Results:

We confirmed that doxorubicin caused ER dilation in mouse hearts, indicating that doxorubicin may affect ER function. Doxorubicin activated an ER transmembrane stress sensor, activating transcription factor 6, in cultured cardiomyocytes and mouse hearts. However, doxorubicin suppressed the expression of genes downstream of activating transcription factor 6, including X-box binding protein 1. The decreased levels of X-box binding protein 1 resulted in a failure to induce the expression of the ER chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 which plays a major role in adaptive responses to ER stress. In addition, doxorubicin activated caspase-12, an ER membrane–resident apoptotic molecule, which can lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac-specific overexpression of glucose-regulated protein 78 by adeno-associated virus 9 or the administration of the chemical ER chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate attenuated caspase-12 cleavage, and alleviated cardiac apoptosis and dysfunction induced by doxorubicin.

Conclusions:

Doxorubicin activated the ER stress–initiated apoptotic response without inducing the ER chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78, further augmenting ER stress in mouse hearts. Cardiac-specific overexpression of glucose-regulated protein 78 or the administration of the chemical ER chaperone alleviated the cardiac dysfunction induced by doxorubicin and may facilitate the safe use of doxorubicin for cancer treatment.
Mutual Regulation of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Myocardial Redox State by PPAR-γ/Adiponectin Signalling
Authors: Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Margaritis Marios , Verheule Sander , Recalde Alice , Sanna Fabio , Herdman Laura , Psarros Costas , Nasrallah Hussein , Coutinho Patricia , Akoumianakis Ioannis , Brewer Alison C. , Sayeed Rana , Krasopoulos George , Petrou Mario , Tarun Akansha , Tousoulis Dimitris , Shah Ajay M. , Casadei Barbara , Channon Keith M. , Antoniades Charalambos
Published: February 2016

Rationale:

Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models, but its role in the regulation of myocardial redox state in humans is unknown. Although adiponectin is released from epicardial adipose tissue (EpAT), it is unclear whether it exerts any paracrine effects on the human myocardium.

Objective:

To explore the cross talk between EpAT-derived adiponectin and myocardial redox state in the human heart.

Methods and Results:

EpAT and atrial myocardium were obtained from 306 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Functional genetic polymorphisms that increase
ADIPOQ
expression (encoding adiponectin) led to reduced myocardial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase–derived O
2
−
, whereas circulating adiponectin and
ADIPOQ
expression in EpAT were associated with elevated myocardial O
2
−
. In human atrial tissue, we demonstrated that adiponectin suppresses myocardial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity, by preventing AMP kinase–mediated translocation of Rac1 and p47
phox
from the cytosol to the membranes. Induction of O
2
−
production in H9C2 cardiac myocytes led to the release of a transferable factor able to induce peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ–mediated upregulation of
ADIPOQ
expression in cocultured EpAT. Using a
NOX2
transgenic mouse and a pig model of rapid atrial pacing, we found that oxidation products (such as 4-hydroxynonenal) released from the heart trigger peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ–mediated upregulation of
ADIPOQ
in EpAT.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate for the first time in humans that adiponectin directly decreases myocardial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity via endocrine or paracrine effects. Adiponectin expression in EpAT is controlled by paracrine effects of oxidation products released from the heart. These effects constitute a novel defense mechanism of the heart against myocardial oxidative stress.
Impact of Cell Therapy on Myocardial Perfusion and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Angina Refractory to Medical Therapy
Authors: Khan Abdur Rahman , Farid Talha A. , Pathan Asif , Tripathi Avnish , Ghafghazi Shahab , Wysoczynski Marcin , Bolli Roberto
Published: February 2016

Rationale:

The effect of stem/progenitor cells on myocardial perfusion and clinical outcomes in patients with refractory angina remains unclear because studies published to date have been small phase I–II trials.

Objective:

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of cell-based therapy in patients with refractory angina who were ineligible for coronary revascularization.

Methods and Results:

Several data sources were searched from inception to September 2015, which yielded 6 studies. The outcomes pooled were indices of angina (anginal episodes, Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class, exercise tolerance, and antianginal medications), myocardial perfusion, and clinical end points. We combined the reported clinical outcomes (myocardial infarction, cardiac-related hospitalization, and mortality) into a composite end point (major adverse cardiac events). Mean difference (MD), standardized mean differences, or odds ratio were calculated to assess relevant outcomes. Our analysis shows an improvement in anginal episodes (MD, −7.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], −15.22 to −0.41), use of antianginal medications (standardized MD, −0.59; 95% CI, −1.03 to −0.14), Canadian Cardiovascular Society class (MD, −0.58; 95% CI, −1.00 to −0.16), exercise tolerance (standardized MD, 0.331; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.55), and myocardial perfusion (standardized MD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.76 to −0.21) and a decreased risk of major adverse cardiac events (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.98) and arrhythmias (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.98) in cell-treated patients when compared with patients on maximal medical therapy.

Conclusions:

The present meta-analysis indicates that cell-based therapies are not only safe but also lead to an improvement in indices of angina, relevant clinical outcomes, and myocardial perfusion in patients with refractory angina. These encouraging results suggest that larger, phase III randomized controlled trials are in order to conclusively determine the effect of stem/progenitor cells in refractory angina.
Architectures of Fear and Spaces of Hope in Banaras
Authors: Choudhary Bikramaditya K. , Prakash Brahma
Published: February 2016

Identity of Banaras was once again back in the limelight with the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi choosing to represent the city. Known also as Kashi and Varanasi, Banaras indeed played a strategic role in representing the politics the incumbent party believed in. With the overwhelming majority to Modi, the city of Banaras is further idealized as an archetypal city of the Brahminical Hinduism with the spectacular images of temples and ghats that remain teeming with Pandas and devotees. This particular Hindu identity of the city has been constructed through the selective images over time from the colonial period onwards in the 19th century. Identity formation, whether of a community or a city, social or symbolic is spatially situated process and spatial centrality is important in understanding the identity of a city in general and Banaras in particular. We in this paper argue that how in case of Banaras some spaces were mobilized and centralized to create this hindutva identity. In this representational mobilization of identity, the city of Banaras represents a spectacular space removed from its own spatiality. Proclaimed space of Banaras seems not to be a product of social practices rather it is symbolic spaces generated through the trajectories of ideologies of certain groups. This process of formation of identity is not a radical departure, rather it as a culmination of re-emerging Hindu nationalist movement during 19th and 20th century. In this paper, we bring forth the celebration of Ravidas Jyanti as the performance of possibilities and we try to identity the spaces of hope amidst the overarching outcry. Thinking through the categories of space and performance and their interpolations in Banaras, this article attempts to reconfigure the identity of this city beyond the Hindu right-wing rhetoric and pretension.
Vertically Disconnected
Authors: Epley Jennifer , Jung Eunsook
Published: February 2016

Although Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, secular political parties have been more successful than Islamic parties in the last four legislative elections since the country democratised in 1998. Why have Islamic parties been unable to dominate Indonesian electoral politics? This article argues that the underperformance of Islamic parties is because Islam itself is not a sufficient variable for political affiliation. Instead, we must analyse interactions among voters, Muslim civil society and Islamic political parties. The disconnection and fragmentation of linkages between these three levels explain electoral weaknesses over time. Original fieldwork research and survey data provide strong evidence for this argument.