bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triggered activity in atrial fibres of canine coronary sinus: role of extracellular potassium accumulation and depletion.
Authors: Henning B , Kline R P , Siegal M S , Wit A L
Published: December 2015

1. Bursts of triggered activity can be induced in atrial fibres of the canine coronary sinus exposed to catecholamines. During a triggered burst there is an initial acceleration of rate accompanied by depolarization of the maximum diastolic potential (m.d.p.) followed by slowing of the rate and termination accompanied by hyperpolarization. 2. We have used extracellular K+‐sensitive micro‐electrodes (potassium ISE) to monitor extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) during and following triggered activity, while simultaneously measuring membrane potential with conventional intracellular micro‐electrodes. 3. We found that the initial increase in rate during triggered activity is accompanied by increased [K+]o and depolarization. Later rate slowing and m.d.p. hyperpolarization is accompanied by decline of extracellular K+ accumulation. Following termination of triggered activity, extracellular K+ depletion occurred. 4. The decline of [K+]o and slowing of rate are known responses to enhanced Na+‐K+ pump activation, as is the post‐triggering depletion of extracellular K+. 5. Strophanthidin, which blocks the Na+‐K+ pump, also blocks the [K+]o decline, the slowing of rate seen towards the end of the triggered episode, and the post‐triggering depletion of extracellular K+. 6. Separate experiments studying the effects of elevated bath K+ and depolarizing current on triggering rate and delayed after‐depolarization amplitude support our hypothesis that the rate profile of the triggered episode is to a large extent controlled by variations in m.d.p. subsequent to extracellular K+ accumulation and Na+‐K+ pump activation.
The relationship between ventilation and oxygen consumption in man is the same during both moderate exercise and shivering.
Authors: Newstead C G
Published: December 2015

1. Four naïve subjects clothed in protective suits were immersed up to the neck in water on twenty‐two occasions, the minimum skin temperature was 20 degrees C and the average skin temperature 26 degrees C. Subjects at first rested, initially demonstrating an increase in thermal muscular tone which did not lead to perceptible limb movements. Later, while resting, visible shivering with small unco‐ordinated limb movements supervened. The subjects then exercised while still immersed by stationary cycling. 2. Steady‐state minute oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE) were measured on 152 occasions by timed collection of expired air. 3. The first collection was made at least 5 min after initial immersion. Hyperventilation due to recent immersion in cold water was not demonstrated. 4. The same linear relationship between VE and VO2 was demonstrated whether the increased oxygen consumption was due to shivering alone or to a combination of shivering and exercise. 5. VE was matched to VO2 in spite of an increase in the work of breathing as well as any ventilation‐perfusion mismatching as a consequence of head‐out water immersion. 6. Minute ventilation was not influenced by the large co‐ordinated limb movements which only occurred during exercise. These results reinforce previous findings which have shown that in conscious man VE can be closely matched to VO2 below the anaerobic threshold despite large variations in the type and intensity of limb movements. 7. When VO2 is increased by thermal muscular tone VE is increased in direct proportion in a situation when the limbs are not perceptibly moving at all.
Peripheral lymphatic responses to outflow pressure in anaesthetized sheep.
Authors: McGeown J G , McHale N G , Roddie I C , Thornbury K
Published: December 2015

1. Lymph flow and pressure fluctuations were measured by cannulating popliteal efferent and distal hind‐limb afferent lymphatic vessels in anaesthetized sheep. The cannula outflow height was raised above the vessels to increase lymphatic outflow pressure. 2. Lymph flow decreased non‐linearly as the outflow was raised. The rate of decrease increased with increasing outflow height. 3. Lymphatic contraction frequency rose and stroke volume fell with increasing outflow height. 4. The calculated power necessary to move lymph along the cannula initially increased with outflow height but it reached a peak and was reduced again by raising the outflow further. Calculated lymphatic stroke work followed a very similar pattern. 5. Lymph flow was maintained up to a greater outflow height in afferent than in efferent vessels. Curves relating frequency, power and stroke work to outflow height were shifted to the right in the afferent lymphatics. 6. These results are consistent with an intrinsic lymphatic pump which can be stimulated by increasing pressure. At high pressures, however, the pump fails.
Camel vaccine offers hope to stop MERS
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: December 2015

Vaccinated animals shed less virus, but is that good enough to prevent human outbreaks?
Genomic islands of speciation separate cichlid ecomorphs in an East African crater lake
Authors: Malinsky Milan , Challis Richard J. , Tyers Alexandra M. , Schiffels Stephan , Terai Yohey , Ngatunga Benjamin P. , Miska Eric A. , Durbin Richard , Genner Martin J. , Turner George F.
Published: December 2015

Cichlids diverge within a crater lake

It is not clear how populations diversify and new species form at the genomic level, especially when they coexist in the same location. Malinsky
et al.
investigated how two ecomorphs of cichlid fish in a small lake in Tanzania are diversifying relative to each other. Although there is gene flow between the two forms, major regions of genetic divergence, known as genomic islands, separate the populations. Within these islands, the authors found genes likely to be associated with mate choice, supporting the idea that genetic changes related to breeding preferences are the first to diverge during speciation.

Science
, this issue p.
1493
Disclosing boron's thinnest side
Authors: Sachdev Hermann
Published: December 2015

Borophene—stable, single-atom-thick layers of boron—displays remarkable properties

[Also see Report by

Mannix
et al.

]
The Dual Nature of Nek9 in Adenovirus Replication
Authors: Jung Richard , Radko Sandi , Pelka Peter
Published: December 2015

To successfully replicate in an infected host cell, a virus must overcome sophisticated host defense mechanisms. Viruses, therefore, have evolved a multitude of devices designed to circumvent cellular defenses that would lead to abortive infection. Previous studies have identified Nek9, a cellular kinase, as a binding partner of adenovirus E1A, but the biology behind this association remains a mystery. Here we show that Nek9 is a transcriptional repressor that functions together with E1A to silence the expression of p53-inducible
GADD45A
gene in the infected cell. Depletion of Nek9 in infected cells reduces virus growth but unexpectedly enhances viral gene expression from the E2 transcription unit, whereas the opposite occurs when Nek9 is overexpressed. Nek9 localizes with viral replication centers, and its depletion reduces viral genome replication, while overexpression enhances viral genome numbers in infected cells. Additionally, Nek9 was found to colocalize with the viral E4 orf3 protein, a repressor of cellular stress response. Significantly, Nek9 was also shown to associate with viral and cellular promoters and appears to function as a transcriptional repressor, representing the first instance of Nek9 playing a role in gene regulation. Overall, these results highlight the complexity of virus-host interactions and identify a new role for the cellular protein Nek9 during infection, suggesting a role for Nek9 in regulating p53 target gene expression.

IMPORTANCE
In the arms race that exists between a pathogen and its host, each has continually evolved mechanisms to either promote or prevent infection. In order to successfully replicate and spread, a virus must overcome every mechanism that a cell can assemble to block infection. On the other hand, to counter viral spread, cells must have multiple mechanisms to stifle viral replication. In the present study, we add to our understanding of how the human adenovirus is able to circumvent cellular roadblocks to replication. We show that the virus uses a cellular protein, Nek9, in order to block activation of p53-regulated gene
GADD45A
, which is an important player in stress response and p53-mediated cell cycle arrest. Importantly, our study also identifies Nek9 as a transcriptional repressor.
Persistent groin pain after a bicycle fall
Authors: Luu Say-Chong , Jacques Nicole , Jost Daniel , Tourtier Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2015

Motor scooter handlebar syndrome (MSH) is uncommon. MSH includes groin pain associated with intimal injury to the common femoral artery caused by a direct blow from objects such as a motor scooter handlebar. We describe a case of a 23-year-old man with MSH occurring after a bicycle fall. The diagnosis was performed 5 years after the onset of pain. The patient underwent endovascular surgery and made a rapid recovery. Postoperatively, he was free of symptoms. This case highlights the difficulty of recognising this syndrome.
Fatal thalamic abscess secondary to dental infection
Authors: Basyuni Shadi , Sharma Valmiki , Santhanam Vijay , Ferro Ashley
Published: December 2015

We present the case of poor neurological recovery and subsequent death secondary to a thalamic abscess in a 53-year-old man. This patient initially presented with sudden dysarthria and left hemiparesis while driving. Neuroimaging showed a multilobular abscess involving the right thalamus with oedema extending to the basal ganglionic region and brainstem. The source of the abscess was initially unknown and it required draining multiple times while the different causes were being explored. The patient's neurological state along with intubation made for a difficult and inconclusive oral examination. It was only after neuroimaging included tooth-bearing areas that it became evident that this patient had extensive periodontal disease with multiple areas of periapical radiolucencies. The patient underwent complete dental clearance alongside repeated drainage of the abscess. Despite initial postoperative improvement, the patient never recovered from the neurological damage and died 3 weeks later.
Symptomatic unicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Jamil Gohar , Dabbas Walaa Said , Khan Mahmuneer , Jamil Mujgan
Published: December 2015

A 22-year-old man with typical angina was seeking medical attention at primary health clinics for a couple of months. Owing to his young age and the absence of coronary artery disease risk factors, he was assured of no serious problem. Proper examination at a referral centre revealed weak peripheral pulses with diminished and delayed carotid upstroke. A normal S1 with a soft S2 were audible. A 3/6 late peaking systolic murmur was best heard in the aortic area radiating to the neck. Symptomatic bicuspid aortic valve disease was suspected. Diagnosis of unicuspid aortic valve was established by transoesophageal and three-dimensional echocardiography. The valve was successfully replaced with a mechanical prosthesis. The patient remains asymptomatic at 1 year follow-up.
Primary care consultation rates among people with and without severe mental illness: a UK cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Kontopantelis Evangelos , Olier Ivan , Planner Claire , Reeves David , Ashcroft Darren M , Gask Linda , Doran Tim , Reilly Siobhan
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Little is known about service utilisation by patients with severe mental illness (SMI) in UK primary care. We examined their consultation rate patterns and whether they were impacted by the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), in 2004.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using individual patient data collected from 2000 to 2012.

Setting

627 general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a large UK primary care database.

Participants

SMI cases (346 551) matched to 5 individuals without SMI (1 732 755) on age, gender and general practice.

Outcome measures

Consultation rates were calculated for both groups, across 3 types: face-to-face (primary outcome), telephone and other (not only consultations but including administrative tasks). Poisson regression analyses were used to identify predictors of consultation rates and calculate adjusted consultation rates. Interrupted time-series analysis was used to quantify the effect of the QOF.

Results

Over the study period, face-to-face consultations in primary care remained relatively stable in the matched control group (between 4.5 and 4.9 per annum) but increased for people with SMI (8.8–10.9). Women and older patients consulted more frequently in the SMI and the matched control groups, across all 3 consultation types. Following the introduction of the QOF, there was an increase in the annual trend of face-to-face consultation for people with SMI (average increase of 0.19 consultations per patient per year, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.36), which was not observed for the control group (estimates across groups statistically different, p=0.022).

Conclusions

The introduction of the QOF was associated with increases in the frequency of monitoring and in the average number of reported comorbidities for patients with SMI. This suggests that the QOF scheme successfully incentivised practices to improve their monitoring of the mental and physical health of this group of patients.
Correlation between symptoms and objective findings may improve the symptom-based diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis for primary care and epidemiological studies
Authors: Park Do-Yang , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Yoo Suk , Jung Chan Min , Kim Kyung-Su
Published: December 2015

Background

In primary care and epidemiological studies of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), symptom-based diagnosis is common, yet limited, because endoscopic and radiological signs are not considered.

Objectives

To evaluate the correlation between symptoms and objective findings of CRS to improve its symptom-based diagnosis for primary care and epidemiological studies by using data from a large-scale nationwide epidemiological study, the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data from 2008 to 2012 KNHANES.

Participants

29 225 Adults aged >19 years.

Outcome measures

Questionnaires targeted two major (nasal blockage and anterior/posterior nasal drip) and two minor (facial pain/pressure and reduction or loss of smell) symptoms. Nasal polyps or mucopurulent discharge from the middle meatus was defined as positive endoscopic findings for diagnosing CRS.

Results

Of the four symptoms, reduction or loss of smell was the symptom most significantly related to positive endoscopic findings in multivariable analysis (OR=1.936 (95% CI 1.604 to 2.337)). The combinations of symptoms showed higher ORs than individual symptoms and combinations of reduction or loss of smell with other symptoms were statistically more reliable for positive endoscopic findings than other combinations.

Conclusions

Our results show that reduction or loss of smell was the symptom most significantly related to positive nasal endoscopic findings. Therefore, symptom-based diagnosis of CRS can be improved by considering reduction or loss of smell as an important symptom for positive endoscopic findings of CRS.
Growth and competitive abilities of the federally endangered Lindera melissifolia and the potentially invasive Brunnichia ovata in varying densities, hydrologic regimes, and light availabilities
Authors: Hawkins Tracy S. , Schiff Nathan , Wilson A. Dan , Leininger Theodor D. , Devall Margaret S.
Published: December 2015

Brunnichia ovata (Walter) Shinners is a native, perennial, woody vine with the potential to become an aggressive competitor of the federally endangered shrub Lindera melissifolia (Walt.) Blume. Our study simulated habitat disturbances to hydrologic regime and light availability that may occur naturally, or through active management practices aimed at ensuring the sustainability of L. melissifolia, and we determined the species responses to these changes. First-year plants of L. melissifolia and B. ovata were grown at varying densities, in flooding or nonflooding treatments, and receiving 100%, 47%, or 21% light availabilities. For both species, density effects, in combination with light availability and flooding regime influenced total biomass accumulation. Brunnichia ovata exhibited a high degree of plasticity with respect to biomass allocated between above- and below-ground tissues in response to flooding, whereas biomass allocation in L. melissifolia was relatively unaffected. Interspecific competition occurred primarily in nonflooding treatments. Our study highlighted the complexity of the relationship of L. melissifolia and B. ovata with regard to functional trait responses to changes in abiotic and biotic factors, and indicated that it will be necessary to consider entire plant community responses to mitigate increased competitive interactions and ensure the survival of L. melissifolia populations.
Ubiquity of ClNO2 in the urban boundary layer of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mielke Levi H. , Furgeson Amanda , Odame-Ankrah Charles A. , Osthoff Hans D.
Published: December 2015

The role of nitryl chloride (ClNO2) as a nocturnal nitrogen oxide reservoir species and chlorine atom precursor is well established for polluted coastal areas, but its role at midcontinental locations is less clear. In this paper, intermittent measurements over the course of several seasons of ClNO2 mixing ratios by iodide ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, are presented. Mixing ratios were highly variable between nights and seasons and depended on the abundances of precursors and meteorological conditions. The lowest ClNO2 mixing ratios (nocturnal maximum of 30 parts per trillion by volume (pptv)) were observed in the summer, rationalized by losses of the nitrate radical (NO3) that were more efficient than in the other months. Higher ClNO2 mixing ratios (up to 330 pptv) were observed in the winter and spring months but varied between nights. In the fall, ClNO2 mixing ratios increased from night to night following the application of salt to roads. The ClNO2 yield relative to the amount of NO3 produced from oxidation of NO2 by O3 ranged from 0.1% to 4.5% (10th and 90th percentiles, median 1.0%). The ClNO2 yield relative to N2O5 consumed by heterogeneous reactions was estimated using a time-integrated box model and ranged from 0.5% to 12.1% (10th and 90th percentiles, median 3.4%). The ubiquity of ClNO2 implies that the chlorine atom needs to be considered as an oxidant in high-latitude urban environments in winter.
Prednisone lowers serum uric acid levels in patients with decompensated heart failure by increasing renal uric acid clearance
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhen Yuzhi , Zhao Qingzhen , Zhai Jian-Long , Liu Kunshen , Zhang Jian-Xin
Published: December 2015

Clinical studies have shown that large doses of prednisone could lower serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF); however, the optimal dose of prednisone and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Thirty-eight patients with decompensated HF were randomized to receive standard HF care alone (n = 10) or with low-dose (15 mg/day, n = 8), medium-dose (30 mg/day, n = 10), or high-dose prednisone (60 mg/day, n = 10), for 10 days. At the end of the study, only high-dose prednisone significantly reduced SUA, whereas low- and medium-dose prednisone and standard HF care had no effect on SUA. The reduction in SUA in high-dose prednisone groups was associated with a significant increase in renal uric acid clearance. In conclusion, prednisone can reduce SUA levels by increasing renal uric acid clearance in patients with decompensated HF.
Displacement correlation as an indicator of collective motion in one-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional systems of repulsive Brownian particles
Authors: Ooshida Takeshi , Goto Susumu , Matsumoto Takeshi , Otsuki Michio
Published: December 2015

While the slow dynamics in glassy liquids are known to be accompanied by collective motions undetectable with static structure factor and requiring four-point space-time correlations for their detection, it is usually difficult to calculate such correlations analytically. In the present study, a system of Brownian particles in a (quasi-)one-dimensional passageway is taken as an example to demonstrate the usefulness of displacement correlation. In the purely one-dimensional case (known as the single-file diffusion) with overtaking forbidden, the diffusion slows down and collective motion is captured by displacement correlation both calculated here numerically and analytically. On the other hand, displacement correlation vanishes if overtaking is allowed, which leads to normal diffusion.
On the range of the generator of a quantum Markov semigroup
Authors: Bolaños-Servin Jorge R. , Fagnola Franco
Published: December 2015

We show that the commutant of the range of the infinitesimal generator of a norm-continuous quantum Markov semigroup on [Formula: see text], not consisting of identity maps, with a faithful normal invariant state is trivial whenever the fixed point algebra is atomic. As a consequence, two formulations of the irreversible [Formula: see text]-KMS condition proposed in Ref. 2 are equivalent for this class of quantum Markov semigroups.
A partial plesiosaurian braincase from the Upper Cretaceous of Sweden
Authors: Sachs Sven , Lindgren Johan , Siversson Mikael
Published: December 2015

A partial exoccipital–opisthotic from the uppermost lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Åsen locality, Kristianstad Basin, southernmost Sweden, is described and illustrated. The fossil represents the first braincase element of a plesiosaur found in Sweden. It includes the chamber for the ampulla and utriculus, openings for the caudal vertical and horizontal semicircular canals, and four foramina for cranial nerves. The incomplete braincase can be referred to an elasmosaurid plesiosaur, and closely resembles the exoccipital–opisthotic of
Libonectes morgani
and a referred specimen of
Aristonectes parvidens
. Although we discuss putative postcranial material of the elasmosaurid subfamily Aristonectinae in the uppermost lower Campanian of southernmost Sweden, the exoccipital–opisthotic from Åsen most likely belongs to a juvenile individual of a non-aristonectine elasmosaur.
Application of outcrop analogues in successful exploration of a sand injection complex, Volund Field, Norwegian North Sea
Authors: Hurst Andrew , Huuse Mads , Duranti Davide , Vigorito Mario , Jameson Eric , Schwab Anne
Published: December 2015

Identification and exploration drilling of the Volund Field as part of a sand injection complex is the first example of deliberate targeting of sandstone intrusions in oil exploration. Outcrop data were an important element in the process of constraining the uncertainty associated with reservoir presence and connectivity. A strong lobby against the relevance of sand injectites as exploration targets, and significant uncertainty associated with sub-surface sand injectite analogues associated with existing oil fields, combined to discourage and down-grade Volund's prospectivity. Few outcrop studies provided data of relevance to exploration of sandstone intrusions and original outcrop data were utilized in evaluation of Volund. Sills and saucer-shaped sandstone intrusions are the most common reservoir units observed at outcrop and similar features were identified in the 3D seismic across the Volund Field prospect. A large-scale sand injection origin rather than a depositional origin was proposed. Outcrops of sandstone intrusions demonstrated excellent reservoir quality in composite sandstone bodies that cross-cut depositional bedding. High-quality reservoirs with excellent vertical and lateral connectivity are observed and used to support the prediction of similar quality reservoirs in the Volund prospect.
Proximal tubule-targeted heme oxygenase-1 in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Bolisetty Subhashini , Traylor Amie , Joseph Reny , Zarjou Abolfazl , Agarwal Anupam
Published: December 2015

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron. The beneficial effects of HO-1 expression are not merely due to degradation of the pro-oxidant heme but are also credited to the by-products that have potent, protective effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prosurvival properties. This is well reflected in the preclinical animal models of injury in both renal and nonrenal settings. However, excessive accumulation of the by-products can be deleterious and lead to mitochondrial toxicity and oxidative stress. Therefore, use of the HO system in alleviating injury merits a targeted approach. Based on the higher susceptibility of the proximal tubule segment of the nephron to injury, we generated transgenic mice using cre-lox technology to enable manipulation of HO-1 (deletion or overexpression) in a cell-specific manner. We demonstrate the validity and feasibility of these mice by breeding them with proximal tubule-specific Cre transgenic mice. Similar to previous reports using chemical modulators and global transgenic mice, we demonstrate that whereas deletion of HO-1, specifically in the proximal tubules, aggravates structural and functional damage during cisplatin nephrotoxicity, selective overexpression of HO-1 in proximal tubules is protective. At the cellular level, cleaved caspase-3 expression, a marker of apoptosis, and p38 signaling were modulated by HO-1. Use of these transgenic mice will aid in the evaluation of the effects of cell-specific HO-1 expression in response to injury and assist in the generation of targeted approaches that will enhance recovery with reduced, unwarranted adverse effects.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Evolution and the Evolution of Hydrogen Sulfide in Metabolism and Signaling
Authors: Olson Kenneth R. , Straub Karl D.
Published: December 2015

The chemical versatility of sulfur and its abundance in the prebiotic Earth as reduced sulfide (H2S) implicate this molecule in the origin of life 3.8 billion years ago and also as a major source of energy in the first seven-eighths of evolution. The tremendous increase in ambient oxygen ∼600 million years ago brought an end to H2S as an energy source, and H2S-dependent animals either became extinct, retreated to isolated sulfide niches, or adapted. The first 3 billion years of molecular tinkering were not lost, however, and much of this biochemical armamentarium easily adapted to an oxic environment where it contributes to metabolism and signaling even in humans. This review examines the role of H2S in evolution and the evolution of H2S metabolism and signaling.
The Chemistry of Cold: Mechanisms of Torpor Regulation in the Siberian Hamster
Authors: Cubuk Ceyda , Bank Jonathan H. H. , Herwig Annika
Published: December 2015

Siberian hamsters use spontaneous daily torpor, a state of hypometabolism and hypothermia, to save energy during winter. Multiple neuroendocrine signals set the scene for spontaneous torpor to occur, and several brain areas have been identified as potential sites for torpor regulation. Here, we summarize the known mechanisms of a fascinating physiological state in the Siberian hamster.
Effects of Pregnancy and Lactation on Iron Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Gao Guofen , Liu Shang-Yuan , Wang Hui-Jie , Zhang Tian-Wei , Yu Peng , Duan Xiang-Lin , Zhao Shu-E , Chang Yan-Zhong
Published: December 2015

In female, inadequate iron supply is a highly prevalent problem that often leads to iron-deficiency anemia. This study aimed to understand the effects of pregnancy and lactation on iron metabolism. Rats with different days of gestation and lactation were used to determine the variations in iron stores and serum iron level and the changes in expression of iron metabolism-related proteins, including ferritin, ferroportin 1 (FPN1), ceruloplasmin (Cp), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), and the major iron-regulatory molecule—hepcidin. We found that iron stores decline dramatically at late-pregnancy period, and the low iron store status persists throughout the lactation period. The significantly increased FPN1 level in small intestine facilitates digestive iron absorption, which maintains the serum iron concentration at a near-normal level to meet the increase of iron requirements. Moreover, a significant decrease of hepcidin expression is observed during late-pregnancy and early-lactation stages, suggesting the important regulatory role that hepcidin plays in iron metabolism during pregnancy and lactation. These results are fundamental to the understanding of iron homeostasis during pregnancy and lactation and may provide experimental bases for future studies to identify key molecules expressed during these special periods that regulate the expression of hepcidin, to eventually improve the iron-deficiency status.
New Improvement of the Expansion Methods for Solving the Generalized Fitzhugh-Nagumo Equation with Time-Dependent Coefficients
Authors: Manafian Jalil , Lakestani Mehrdad
Published: December 2015

An improvement of the expansion methods, namely, the improved tan⁡Φξ/2-expansion method, for solving
nonlinear second-order partial differential equation, is proposed.
The implementation of the new approach is demonstrated by solving
the generalized Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation with time-dependent
coefficients. As a result, many new and more general exact
travelling wave solutions are obtained including periodic function
solutions, soliton-like solutions, and trigonometric function
solutions. The exact particular solutions contain four types:
hyperbolic function solution, trigonometric function solution,
exponential solution, and rational solution. We obtained further solutions comparing this method with other methods. The
results demonstrate that the new tan⁡Φξ/2-expansion method is more efficient
than the Ansatz method and
Tanh method applied by Triki and Wazwaz (2013). Recently, this method
is developed for searching exact travelling wave solutions of
nonlinear partial differential equations. Abundant exact
travelling wave solutions including solitons, kink, and periodic and
rational solutions have been found. These solutions might play an
important role in engineering fields. It is shown that this
method, with the help of symbolic computation, provides a
straightforward and powerful mathematical tool for solving the
nonlinear physics.
Chromobacterium violaceumIsolated from a Wound Sepsis: A Case Study from Nepal
Authors: Ansari Shamshul , Paudel Pramod , Gautam Kishor , Shrestha Sony , Thapa Sangita , Gautam Rajendra
Published: December 2015

Chromobacterium violaceumis a facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative rod, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It enters through the skin injury and is capable of causing severe systemic infections leading to septic shock and multiorgan failure. It has been reported by few authors across the world but this is probably the first case ofChromobacterium violaceumisolated from wound sepsis from Nepal. In this study, a pus sample from the infection of a prick injury in the left middle finger was collected from the patient admitted to the intensive care unit. Bacteriological investigations of the pus sample revealed the causative organism to beChromobacterium violaceum. This case study indicates thatChromobacterium violaceumcan act as a potential cause of wound sepsis that may lead to the septic shock and if not treated timely, the mortality rate can be high as was in this study. Although this organism is very rare, the infection caused requires prompt treatment to minimize the mortality rate. Therefore, we recommend the timely diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of this infection to combat the consequences led.
5‐Fluorouracil‐Loaded Transfersome as Theranostics in Dermal Tumor of Hypertrophic Scar Tissue
Authors: Zhang Z. , Wang X. , Chen X. , Wo Y. , Zhang Y. , Biskup Ewelina
Published: December 2015

To investigate the ability of transfersomal gel carrying the antiscarring agent (5‐FU) to permeate hypertrophic scars in vivo and in vitro, scar permeation studies were performed after the agent was labeled with the fluorescent agent, rhodamine 6GO. Laser confocal microscope was employed to dynamically observe the effects of transfersomal gel carrying 5‐FU at different time points. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the contents of the agent in the scar tissues at different hours after administration. Scar elevation index (SEI) was used to evaluate the changes of the ear scar models in rabbits. Compared with the PBS gel of 5‐FU, the transfersomal gel displayed greater permeation rate and depth, as well as a higher content retention of the agent in scar tissues. Local administrations of the agent for some certain periods effectively inhibited the hyperplasia of ear scars in rabbits. Transfersomes can be chosen as a potential transdermal drug delivery system.
Multiple Dynamic Targets Encirclement Control of Multiagent Systems
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Liu Jizhen , Zeng Deliang
Published: December 2015

This paper develops the distributed encirclement control problem of multiagent systems, in which each agent tracks multiple targets, each target can be tracked by one agent, and the numbers of the agents and the targets are the same or not. Firstly, an encirclement control protocol is proposed for multiagent systems, and this protocol contains some estimators. Secondly, some conditions are derived, under which multiagent systems can achieve encirclement control by circular formation. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the obtained results.
Local Strong Solution for a Class of Shear Thickening Fluids with Non-Newtonian Potential and Heat-Conducting
Authors: Zhang Yunliang , Guo Zhidong
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper is to discuss the model for a class of shear thickening fluids with non-Newtonian potential and heat-conducting. Existence and uniqueness of local strong solutions for the model are proved. In this paper, there exist two difficulties we have to overcome. One is the strong nonlinearity of the system. The other is that the state function is not fixed.
Psychophysiological Stress Reactivity Relationships across the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Olson Karen C. , Carroll Haley A. , Lustyk M. Kathleen B.
Published: December 2015

While evidence suggests that women exhibit psychophysiological differences in stress reactivity across the menstrual cycle, the relationships among psychological and physiological stress reactivity states are not well understood. Healthy, normally cycling women (N=44) participated in two counterbalanced laboratory sessions during the follicular and luteal phases where heart rate and subjective stress were assessed in response to stressors. There were no differences in the magnitudes of psychophysiological stress responses across the cycle. Psychological and physiological states were largely unrelated in the follicular phase but interrelationships were found in the luteal phase and these relationships were influenced by autonomic perception and trait anxiety. For women with high trait anxiety, autonomic perception appeared to buffer psychological and physiological stress reactivity during the luteal phase, suggesting that autonomic perception may be a protective factor for more anxious women during times of acute stress.
De NovoAssembly and Transcriptome Characterization of Canine Retina Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Reddy Bhaskar , Patel Amrutlal K. , Singh Krishna M. , Patil Deepak B. , Parikh Pinesh V. , Kelawala Divyesh N. , Koringa Prakash G. , Bhatt Vaibhav D. , Rao Mandava V. , Joshi Chaitanya G.
Published: December 2015

We performed transcriptome sequencing of canine retinal tissue by 454 GS-FLX and Ion Torrent PGM platforms. RNA-Seq analysis by CLC Genomics Workbench mapped expression of 10,360 genes. Gene ontology analysis of retinal transcriptome revealed abundance of transcripts known to be involved in vision associated processes. Thede novoassembly of the sequences using CAP3 generated 29,683 contigs with mean length of 560.9 and N50 of 619 bases. Further analysis of contigs predicted 3,827 full-length cDNAs and 29,481 (99%) open reading frames (ORFs). In addition, 3,782 contigs were assigned to 316 KEGG pathways which included melanogenesis, phototransduction, and retinol metabolism with 33, 15, and 11 contigs, respectively. Among the identified microsatellites, dinucleotide repeats were 68.84%, followed by trinucleotides, tetranucleotides, pentanucleotides, and hexanucleotides in proportions of 25.76, 9.40, 2.52, and 0.96%, respectively. This study will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the biology and function of canine retina.
FFT Splitting for Improved FPGA-Based Acquisition of GNSS Signals
Authors: Leclère Jérôme , Botteron Cyril , Landry René Jr. , Farine Pierre-André
Published: December 2015

With modern global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals, the FFT-based parallel code search acquisition must handle the frequent sign transitions due to the data or the secondary code. There is a straightforward solution to this problem, which consists in doubling the length of the FFTs, leading to a significant increase of the complexity. The authors already proposed a method to reduce the complexity without impairing the probability of detection. In particular, this led to a 50% memory reduction for an FPGA implementation. In this paper, the authors propose another approach, namely, the splitting of a large FFT into three or five smaller FFTs, providing better performances and higher flexibility. For an FPGA implementation, compared to the previously proposed approach, at the expense of a slight increase of the logic and multiplier resources, the splitting into three and five allows, respectively, a reduction of 40% and 64% of the memory, and of 25% and 37.5% of the processing time. Moreover, with the splitting into three FFTs, the algorithm is applicable for sampling frequencies up to 24.576 MHz for L5 band signals, against 21.846 MHz with the previously proposed algorithm. The algorithm is applied here to the GPS L5 and Galileo E5a, E5b, and E1 signals.
A Multifeature Fusion Approach for Power System Transient Stability Assessment Using PMU Data
Authors: Li Yang , Li Guoqing , Wang Zhenhao , Han Zijiao , Bai Xue
Published: December 2015

Taking full advantage of synchrophasors provided by GPS-based wide-area measurement system (WAMS), a novel VBpMKL-based transient stability assessment (TSA) method through multifeature fusion is proposed in this paper. First, a group of classification features reflecting the transient stability characteristics of power systems are extracted from synchrophasors, and according to the different stages of the disturbance process they are broken into three nonoverlapped subsets; then a VBpMKL-based TSA model is built using multifeature fusion through combining feature spaces corresponding to each feature subset; and finally application of the proposed model to the IEEE 39-bus system and a real-world power system is demonstrated. The novelty of the proposed approach is that it improves the classification accuracy and reliability of TSA using multifeature fusion with synchrophasors. The application results on the test systems verify the effectiveness of the proposal.
Dynamic and Stability of Harmonic Driving Flexible Cartesian Robotic Arm with Bolted Joints Based on the Sensitivity and Multiple Scales Method
Authors: Liu Yufei , Li Wei , Yang Xuefeng , Wang Yuqiao
Published: December 2015

Flexible Cartesian robotic arms (CRAs) are typical multicoupling systems. Considering the elastic effects of bolted joints and the motion disturbances, this paper investigates the dynamic and stability of the flexible CRA. With the kinetic energy and potential energy of the comprising components, Hamilton’s variational principle and Duhamel integral are utilized to derive the dynamic equation and vibration differential equation. Based on the proposed elastic restraint model of the bolted joints, boundary conditions and mode equations of the flexible CRA are determined with using the principle of virtual work. According to the mode frequencies and sensitivities analysis, it reveals that the connecting stiffness of the bolted joints has significant influences, and the mode frequencies are more sensitive to the tensional stiffness. Moreover, describing the motion displacement of the driving base as combination of an average motion displacement and a harmonic disturbance, the vibration responses of the system are studied. The result indicates that the motion disturbance has obvious influence on the vibration responses, and the influence enhances under larger accelerating operations. The multiple scales method is introduced to analyze the parametric stability of the system, as well as the influences of the tensional stiffness and the end-effector on the stability.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of T, B, and NK Cells Antigens in Patients with Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Yazıcı Serkan , Bülbül Başkan Emel , Budak Ferah , Oral Barbaros , Adim Şaduman Balaban , Ceylan Kalin Zübeyde , Özkaya Güven , Aydoğan Kenan , Saricaoğlu Hayriye , Tunali Şükran
Published: December 2015

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological correlation and prognostic value of cell surface antigens expressed by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF). 121 consecutive MF patients were included in this study. All patients had peripheral blood flow cytometry as part of their first visit. TNMB and histopathological staging of the cases were retrospectively performed in accordance with International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas/European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (ISCL/EORTC) criteria at the time of flow cytometry sampling. To determine prognostic value of cell surface antigens, cases were divided into two groups as stable and progressive disease. 17 flow cytometric analyses of 17 parapsoriasis (PP) and 11 analyses of 11 benign erythrodermic patients were included as control groups. Fluorescent labeled monoclonal antibodies were used to detect cell surface antigens: T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, TCRαβ+, TCRγδ+, CD7+, CD4+CD7+, CD4+CD7−, and CD71+), B cells (HLA-DR+, CD19+, and HLA-DR+CD19+), NKT cells (CD3+CD16+CD56+), and NK cells (CD3−CD16+CD56+). The mean value of all cell surface antigens was not statistically significant between parapsoriasis and MF groups. Along with an increase in cases of MF stage statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of cell surface antigens. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood cell surface antigens in patients with mycosis fungoides may contribute to predicting disease stage and progression.
Iatrogenic Lower Extremity Subcutaneous Emphysema after Prolonged Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy
Authors: Vetter Monica Hagan , Mutscheller Chelsea , Cardenas-Goicoechea Joel
Published: December 2015

Subcutaneous emphysema is a known complication of carbon dioxide insufflation, an essential component of laparoscopy. The literature contains reports of hypercarbia, pneumothorax, or pneumomediastinum. However, isolated lower extremity subcutaneous emphysema remains a seldom-reported complication. We report a case of unilateral lower extremity subcutaneous emphysema following robotic-assisted hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, staging, and anterior/posterior colporrhaphy for carcinosarcoma and vaginal prolapse. On postoperative day 1, the patient developed tender crepitus and bruising of her right ankle. Radiography confirmed presence of subcutaneous air. Vital signs and laboratory findings were unremarkable. Her symptoms spontaneously improved over time, and she was discharged in good condition on day 2. In stable patients with postoperative extremity swelling or pain with crepitus on exam, the diagnosis of iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema must be considered.
Clinical Options in Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: An Updated Review
Authors: Fedele Roberta , Martino Massimo , Recchia Anna Grazia , Irrera Giuseppe , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato
Published: December 2015

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a potentially curable lymphoma, and modern therapy is expected to successfully cure more than 80% of the patients. Second-line salvage high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) have an established role in the management of refractory and relapsed HL, leading to long-lasting responses in approximately 50% of relapsed patients and a minority of refractory patients. Patients progressing after intensive treatments, such as auto-SCT, have a very poor outcome. Allogeneic SCT represents the only strategy with a curative potential for these patients; however, its role is controversial. Based on recent knowledge of HL pathology, biology, and immunology, antibody-drug conjugates targeting CD30, small molecule inhibitors of cell signaling, and antibodies that inhibit immune checkpoints are currently explored. This review will discuss the clinical results regarding auto-SCT and allo-SCT as well as the current role of emerging new treatment strategies.
Personalized Preclinical Trials in BRAF Inhibitor–Resistant Patient-Derived Xenograft Models Identify Second-Line Combination Therapies
Authors: Krepler Clemens , Xiao Min , Sproesser Katrin , Brafford Patricia A. , Shannan Batool , Beqiri Marilda , Liu Qin , Xu Wei , Garman Bradley , Nathanson Katherine L. , Xu Xiaowei , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Mills Gordon B. , Lu Yiling , Ahmed Tamer A. , Poulikakos Poulikos I. , Caponigro Giordano , Boehm Markus , Peters Malte , Schuchter Lynn M. , Weeraratna Ashani T. , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: December 2015

Purpose: To test second-line personalized medicine combination therapies, based on genomic and proteomic data, in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Experimental Design: We established 12 PDXs from BRAF inhibitor–progressed melanoma patients. Following expansion, PDXs were analyzed using targeted sequencing and reverse-phase protein arrays. By using multi-arm preclinical trial designs, we identified efficacious precision medicine approaches.

Results: We identified alterations previously described as drivers of resistance: NRAS mutations in 3 PDXs, MAP2K1 (MEK1) mutations in 2, BRAF amplification in 4, and aberrant PTEN in 7. At the protein level, re-activation of phospho-MAPK predominated, with parallel activation of PI3K in a subset. Second-line efficacy of the pan-PI3K inhibitor BKM120 with either BRAF (encorafenib)/MEK (binimetinib) inhibitor combination or the ERK inhibitor VX-11e was confirmed in vivo. Amplification of MET was observed in 3 PDX models, a higher frequency than expected and a possible novel mechanism of resistance. Importantly, MET amplification alone did not predict sensitivity to the MET inhibitor capmatinib. In contrast, capmatinib as single agent resulted in significant but transient tumor regression in a PDX with resistance to BRAF/MEK combination therapy and high pMET. The triple combination capmatinib/encorafenib/binimetinib resulted in complete and sustained tumor regression in all animals.

Conclusions: Genomic and proteomic data integration identifies dual-core pathway inhibition as well as MET as combinatorial targets. These studies provide evidence for biomarker development to appropriately select personalized therapies of patients and avoid treatment failures. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1592–602. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Hartsough and Aplin, p. 1550