bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to Junior Doctor Induction: A near-peer based curriculum developed and delivered by outgoing Foundation year doctors
Authors: Sukcharoen Kittiya , Everson Matthew , van Hamel Clare
Published: August 2014

There is a 4-12% increase in mortality in the month following the start of Foundation Year 1 doctors (FY1s) in the UK. In 2012 the National Health Service announced a compulsory shadowing period for FY1s, aiming to increase familiarity with the environment in which the FY1 would be commencing work. There is no national curriculum of the content for this shadowing period and evidence suggests variable content of induction programmes across the UK.

Our project aimed to provide a near-peer induction, based on needs previously identified by a national survey and outgoing FY1s’ experiences. The day consisted of expert-led lectures, interactive practical sessions delivered by outgoing FY1s, and simulated tasks within the clinical environment where they were about to commence work. The day was evaluated by questionnaires distributed to participants before and after the induction to measure whether there was a change in the perceived confidence of the FY1s in different aspects of their role.

There was a 61% improvement in familiarity of equipment and knowing how to request investigations. Confidence levels increased by 45% and 28% in prescribing insulin and intravenous fluids, respectively. There was a 9% improvement in feeling adequately prepared to recognise the critically ill patient. Confidence was high in prescribing intravenous fluids (72% pre-induction and 100% post-induction) and simple analgesics (94% pre-induction and 96% post-induction).

The induction day improved self-perceived confidence in all measured areas. The largest increase was in the area given most focus during the day - knowledge of the environment. Combining factual content with orientation of the environment increases confidence for new FY1s. Teaching by outgoing FY1s provides insight into what the job entails. We recommend this style of induction to maximise preparedness within a limited time frame.
Does a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone reduce Symptoms in Emergency department patients with low Back pain and RAdiculopathy (SEBRA)? A double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Balakrishnamoorthy Ravichandra , Horgan Isabelle , Perez Siegfried , Steele Michael Craig , Keijzers Gerben B
Published: August 2014

Objective

To assess the effect of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone in addition to routine treatment on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 24 h in emergency department (ED) patients with low back pain with radiculopathy (LBPR).

Methods

Double-blind randomised controlled trial of 58 adult ED patients with LBPR, conducted in one tertiary and one urban ED. The intervention was 8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone (or placebo) in addition to current routine care. The primary outcome was the change in VAS pain scores between presentation and 24 h. Secondary outcomes included VAS pain scores at 6 weeks, ED length of stay (EDLOS), straight leg raise (SLR) angles and Oswestry functional scores.

Results

Patients treated with dexamethasone had a 1.86 point (95% CI 0.31 to 3.42, p=0.019) greater reduction in VAS pain scores at 24 h than placebo (dexamethasone: −2.63 (95% CI −3.63 to −1.63) versus placebo: −0.77 (95% CI −2.04 to 0.51)). At 6 weeks, both groups had similar significant and sustained decrease in VAS scores compared with baseline. Patients receiving dexamethasone had a significantly shorter EDLOS (median: 3.5 h vs 18.8 h, p=0.049) and improved SLR angle at discharge (14.7°, p=0.040). There was no difference in functional scores.

Conclusions

In patients with LBPR, a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone in addition to routine management improved VAS pain scores at 24 h, but this effect was not statistically significant at 6 weeks. Dexamethasone may reduce EDLOS and can be considered as a safe adjunct to standard treatment.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12611001020976.
ONE YEAR MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE SIMPLIFIED MISSED SCORE
Authors: Sivayoham Narani , Holmes Paul , Mitchinson Sophie , Cecconi Maurizio , Rhodes Andrew
Published: August 2014

Objectives & Background

Early recognition and treatment of sepsis in the emergency department (ED) has been shown to reduce mortality. At present, we are able to identify patients who satisfy the septic shock criteria. However, many patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) do not satisfy the shock criteria whilst in the ED yet have a mortality rate of approximately 30% (unpublished internal data). The Mortality In Severe Sepsis in the Emergency Department (MISSED) score was derived and validated in ED patients admitted to the ICU. This score enables identification of patients at high risk of death. The score has now been simplified. The simplified MISSED score is made up of three independent variables which predict mortality in sepsis. They are, age >65 years, a serum albumin <27 g/l and an INR of >1.3. The score ranges from 0 to 3 depending on the number of variables present at presentation in the ED. The simplified MISSED score has been internally validated in 674 ED patients admitted in 2012. The aim of this study is to identify the mortality rate associated with the simplified MISSED score at one year from the index admission.

Methods

Of the 674 patients studied in the internal ED validation study, those with active malignancy and those whose final diagnosis was not one of infection were identified from the hospital IT system and excluded. The date a patients was last known to be alive before loss to follow up and dates of death were obtained from the hospital IT system. The in-hospital mortality rates and the one year mortality rates from the date of admission, were calculated for each of the simplified MISSED scores.

Results

Of the 674 patients 100 had active malignancy and a further 44 did not have a final diagnosis of an infection. Thus 144 patients were excluded. The study population consisted of 530 patients. Of the 102 deaths which occurred within a year of the index admission 42 occurred on the index admission. The mortality rates associated with the simplified MISSED scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3 on the index admission were 0.5%, 7.5%, 26.8% and 25% and at one-year were 2.1%, 22.2%, 43.7% and 66.7%, respectively. The hazard ratio for mortality at 1 year for a score of 2 or 3 compared to a score of 0 or 1 was 3.9 [95% confidence interval 2.2–6.9], p<0.0001.

Conclusion

In patients admitted with an infection, increasing simplified MISSED scores in the ED were associated with significantly increased mortality rates at one year.

Kaplan Meier plot illustrating the one-year survival associated with the simplified MISSED score
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD: DO PATIENTS DETERIORATE DURING LONG AMBULANCE JOURNEYS TO HOSPITAL
Authors: Thorp Victoria , Kang Sujin , Dykes Linda
Published: August 2014

Objectives & Background

Previous investigators have demonstrated increased mortality with longer distance from hospital in respiratory patients but it is unclear if these findings are applicable to all patients/conditions. However, it is widely assumed that patients may deteriorate during long journeys, which contributes to fear of service reconfiguration by public and professionals alike. We wished to ascertain whether clinical deterioration occurs during long ambulance journeys (up to 70 miles) to hospital from our rural catchment area.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of adult medical/surgical patients arriving at our ED by land ambulance from home. Trauma and psychiatric cases were excluded.

Power calculation, based upon a previous pilot study, required a sample of 635 to achieve a power of 0.8 at alpha 0.05, assuming the true partial correlation to be at least 0.15. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used.

A convenience sample of 991 patients was used between September 2013–April 2014.

The NHS Early Warning Score (NEWS) was used to estimate illness severity on ambulance arrival at scene (“pick-up”) and to ED (“arrival”) and relationship with distance from hospital analysed.

We subtracted “arrival” from “pick-up” NEWS as a measure of clinical deterioration, and correlated with distance from hospital.

Results

There was no statistically significant relationship between clinical deterioration and distance from hospital. When sub-categorised into clinical groups (e.g. respiratory, cardiology etc.) there continued to be no correlation between deterioration en-route and distance

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that adult patients living further from hospital arenotmore unwell on pick-up, they arenotdeteriorating en-route, and longer journeys to hospital donotnecessarily lead to patients coming to harm.

However, we did not explore any relationship to later mortality/morbidity.

We appeal to colleagues in those areas of the UK with electronic ambulance records linked to hospital records to repeat this work with a much larger sample and wider range of end-points, in order to provide a definitive answer to this important question.
Application of the GGA-1/2 excited-state correction method to p-electron defective states: the special case of nitrogen-doped TiO2
Authors: Ribeiro Mauro
Published: August 2014

One of the issues in applying the generalized gradient approximation–1/2 (GGA-1/2) quasiparticle approximation to correct the excited-state properties in defective semiconductors is determining the cutoff to the self-energy function at the point defect. Pure and large supercells of N-doped rutile TiO2 were studied using this method to correct excited states and find the correct position of the defect states. A relation between the Bader charge at the defect and the self-energy cutoff parameter of the GGA-1/2 method is shown, with the cutoff value in its p-orbital, which optimizes the position of the defect levels. It was found that, upon nitrogen substitution and associated oxygen vacancy formation, an impurity level at 0.40–0.52 eV above the valence band maximum appears. The same result was obtained upon nitrogen substitution and associated background charge. Finally, the method was also applied to other p-orbital defect systems like Si:X (X = N, P, B) to validate the method.
Inhomogeneous viscous dark fluid coupled with dark matter in the FRW universe
Authors: Elizalde E. , Obukhov V. V. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: August 2014

A cosmological model with an inhomogeneous viscous dark fluid coupled with dark matter in a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe is investigated. The influence of dark matter on the behavior of an inhomogeneous viscous fluid of this kind, responsible for cosmic acceleration and for the appearance of different types of singularities, is analyzed in detail. In particular, the critical points corresponding to the solutions of the background equations in a useful approximation are obtained explicitly.
FACE REPRESENTATION WITH GRADIENT ORIENTATIONS AND EULER MAPPING: APPLICATION TO FACE RECOGNITION
Authors: LI ZHAOKUI , DING LIXIN , WANG YAN , HE JINRONG
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a simple, yet very powerful local face representation, called the Gradient Orientations and Euler Mapping (GOEM). GOEM consists of two stages: gradient orientations and Euler mapping. In the first stage, we calculate gradient orientations of a central pixel and get the corresponding orientation representations by performing convolution operator. These representation results display spatial locality and orientation properties. To encompass different spatial localities and orientations, we concatenate all these representation results and derive a concatenated orientation feature vector. In the second stage, we define an explicit Euler mapping which maps the space of the concatenated orientation into a complex space. For a mapping image, we find that the imaginary part and the real part characterize the high frequency and the low frequency components, respectively. To encompass different frequencies, we concatenate the imaginary part and the real part and derive a concatenated mapping feature vector. For a given image, we use the two stages to construct a GOEM image and derive an augmented feature vector which resides in a space of very high dimensionality. In order to derive low-dimensional feature vector, we present a class of GOEM-based kernel subspace learning methods for face recognition. These methods, which are robust to changes in occlusion and illumination, apply the kernel subspace learning model with explicit Euler mapping to an augmented feature vector derived from the GOEM representation of face images. Experimental results show that our methods significantly outperform popular methods and achieve state-of-the-art performance for difficult problems such as illumination and occlusion-robust face recognition.
VOLAR PERILUNATE TRANS-SCAPHOID DISLOCATION: A CASE
Authors: Murakawa Daisuke , Makino Takeshi , Kishimoto Shinichiro , Hamamoto Hideki
Published: August 2014

We report a rare case of volar perilunate trans-scaphoid dislocation that was treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
CORONAL FRACTURE OF THE SCAPHOID — A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ng Kenneth Cheuk-Kee , Leung Yuen-Fai , Lee Yuen-Lun
Published: August 2014

Coronal fracture of the scaphoid is a rare configuration of scaphoid fracture. Only three cases have been found to be reported in English literature. In our case, a 25-year-old man sustained right wrist injury after a fall with an outstretched hand, was suspected of suffering from a scaphoid fracture as shown on the pre-operative plain radiograph. Coronal fracture of the patient's scaphoid was found intra-operatively and was fixed with two headless compression screws in dorsal-to-volar direction. Post-operative outcome was clinically good as patient was symptom-free, and a computed tomography and radiograph showed complete healing of the fracture with no sign of avascular necrosis.
Moving Force-Induced Vibration of a Rotating Beam with Elastic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Lv Binglin , Li Wanyou , Ouyang Huajiang
Published: August 2014

In this paper, an analytical technique, the so-called Fourier Spectral method (FSM), is extended to the vibration analysis of a rotating Rayleigh beam considering the gyroscopic effect. The model presented can have arbitrary boundary conditions specified in terms of elastic constraints in the translations and rotations or even in terms of attached lumped masses and inertias. Each displacement function is universally expressed as a linear combination of a standard Fourier cosine series and several supplementary functions introduced to ensure and accelerate the convergence of the series expansion. Lagrange's equation is established for all the unknown Fourier coefficients viewed as a set of independent generalized coordinates. A numerical model is constructed for the rotating beam. First, a numerical example considering simply supported boundary conditions at both ends is calculated and the results are compared with those of a published paper to show the accuracy and convergence of the proposed model. Then, the method is applied to one real work piece structure with elastically supported boundary conditions updated from the modal experiment results including both the frequencies and mode shapes using the method of least squares. Several numerical examples of the updated model are studied to show the effects of some parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the work piece subjected to moving loads at different constant velocities.
The Thumb of the Anthropomorphic Awiwi Hand: From Concept to Evaluation
Authors: Chalon Maxime , Dietrich Alexander , Grebenstein Markus
Published: August 2014

The impressive manipulation capabilities of the human hand are undoubtedly related to the thumb opposition. Such a versatility is highly desirable in the context of humanoid robots, in particular when performing object manipulation. In the present case, a robotic hand with size, forces, velocity, and shape comparable to the human one, is envisioned. Unlike most robotic designs — where the fingers are modular and the thumb is simply a finger placed in opposition — the thumb benefits from an intensive functional analysis. This paper details the design method of the thumb of the Awiwi hand, the hand of the Integrated Hand Arm System project of DLR. First, several guidelines are presented that are fused and, with the help of a novel optimization method, lead to the final design. Finally, the design is evaluated by the means of biomedical tests on the realized hardware.
Simulation of thermal processes in metamaterial millimeter-wave to infrared converter for millimeter-wave imager
Authors: Zagubisalo Peter S. , Paulish Andrey G. , Kuznetsov Sergey A.
Published: August 2014

The main characteristics of millimeter-wave (MM-wave) image detector were simulated by means of accurate numerical modeling of thermophysical processes in a metamaterial MM-to-IR converter. The converter represents a multilayer structure consisting of an ultra thin resonant metamaterial absorber and a perfect emissive layer. The absorber consists of a dielectric self-supporting film that is metallized from both sides. A micro-pattern is fabricated from one side. Resonant absorption of the MM waves induces the converter heating that yields enhancement of IR emission from the emissive layer. IR emission is detected by IR camera. In this contribution an accurate numerical model for simulation of the thermal processes in the converter structure was created by using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation results are in a good agreement with experimental results that validates the model. The simulation shows that the real-time operation is provided for the converter thickness less than 3 μm and time response can be improved by decreasing of the converter thickness. The energy conversion efficiency of MM waves into IR radiation is over 80%. The converter temperature increase is a linear function of a MM-wave radiation power within three orders of the dynamic range. The blooming effect and ways of its reducing are also discussed. The model allows us to choose the ways of converter structure optimization and improvement of image detector parameters.
Elevated serotonergic signaling amplifies synaptic noise and facilitates the emergence of epileptiform network oscillations
Authors: Puzerey Pavel A. , Decker Michael J. , Galán Roberto F.
Published: August 2014

Serotonin fibers densely innervate the cortical sheath to regulate neuronal excitability, but its role in shaping network dynamics remains undetermined. We show that serotonin provides an excitatory tone to cortical neurons in the form of spontaneous synaptic noise through 5-HT3 receptors, which is persistent and can be augmented using fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Augmented serotonin signaling also increases cortical network activity by enhancing synaptic excitation through activation of 5-HT2 receptors. This in turn facilitates the emergence of epileptiform network oscillations (10–16 Hz) known as fast runs. A computational model of cortical dynamics demonstrates that these two combined mechanisms, increased background synaptic noise and enhanced synaptic excitation, are sufficient to replicate the emergence fast runs and their statistics. Consistent with these findings, we show that blocking 5-HT2 receptors in vivo significantly raises the threshold for convulsant-induced seizures.
Minimum conditions for the induction of cortical spreading depression in brain slices
Authors: Tang Yujie T. , Mendez Jorge M. , Theriot Jeremy J. , Sawant Punam M. , López-Valdés Héctor E. , Ju Y. Sungtaek , Brennan K. C.
Published: August 2014

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) occurs during various forms of brain injury such as stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain trauma, but it is also thought to be the mechanism of the migraine aura. It is therefore expected to occur over a range of conditions including the awake behaving state. Yet it is unclear how such a massive depolarization could occur under relatively benign conditions. Using a microfluidic device with focal stimulation capability in a mouse brain slice model, we varied extracellular potassium concentration as well as the area exposed to increased extracellular potassium to determine the minimum conditions necessary to elicit CSD. Importantly, we focused on potassium levels that are physiologically plausible (≤145 mM; the intracellular potassium concentration). We found a strong correlation between the threshold concentration and the slice area exposed to increased extracellular potassium: minimum area of exposure was needed with the highest potassium concentration, while larger areas were needed at lower concentrations. We also found that moderate elevations of extracellular potassium were able to elicit CSD in relatively small estimated tissue volumes that might be activated under noninjury conditions. Our results thus show that CSD may be inducible under the conditions that expected in migraine aura as well as those related to brain trauma.
Nerve growth factor alters the sensitivity of rat masseter muscle mechanoreceptors to NMDA receptor activation
Authors: Wong Hayes , Dong Xu-Dong , Cairns Brian E.
Published: August 2014

Intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) into rat masseter muscle induces a local mechanical sensitization that is greater in female than in male rats. The duration of NGF-induced sensitization in male and female rats was associated with an increase in peripheral N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression by masseter muscle afferent fibers that began 3 days postinjection. Here, we investigated the functional consequences of increased NMDA expression on the response properties of masseter muscle mechanoreceptors. In vivo extracellular single-unit electrophysiological recordings of trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the masseter muscle were performed in anesthetized rats 3 days after NGF injection (25 μg/ml, 10 μl) into the masseter muscle. Mechanical activation threshold was assessed before and after intramuscular injection of NMDA. NMDA injection induced mechanical sensitization in both sexes that was increased significantly following NGF injection in the male rats but not in the female rats. However, in female but not male rats, further examination found that preadministration of NGF induced a greater sensitization in slow Aδ-fibers (2–7 m/s) than fast Aδ-fibers (7–12 m/s). This suggests that preadministration of NGF had a different effect on slowly conducting mechanoreceptors in the female rats compared with the male rats. Although previous studies have found an association between estrogenic tone and NMDA activity, no correlation was observed between NMDA-evoked mechanical sensitization and plasma estrogen level. This study suggests NGF alters NMDA-induced mechanical sensitization in the peripheral endings of masseter mechanoreceptors in a sexually dimorphic manner.
Oculomotor task switching: alternating from a nonstandard to a standard response yields the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost
Authors: Weiler Jeffrey , Heath Matthew
Published: August 2014

The completion of an antisaccade (i.e., a nonstandard task) lengthens the reaction time (RT) of a subsequent prosaccade: a behavioral phenomenon termed the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost. One explanation for the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost is suppressing a stimulus-driven prosaccade during the preceding antisaccade trial engenders a residual inhibition of the oculomotor networks that support prosaccade planning (i.e., the oculomotor inhibition hypothesis). Alternatively, the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost may reflect the persistent activation of the antisaccade's nonstandard task rules (i.e., task set), which delays the planning of the next prosaccade (i.e., task-set inertia hypothesis). To determine which hypothesis provides the most parsimonious account for the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost, participants alternated between pro- and antisaccades wherein task instructions (i.e., pro- and antisaccade) were provided before (i.e., classic cuing) or concurrent (i.e., delayed cuing) with response cuing. Importantly, pro- and antisaccades elicited via the delayed cuing condition required the suppression of a stimulus-driven prosaccade at response cuing (i.e., response suppression) to discern the appropriate to-be-performed task. Results showed that classic and delayed antisaccades, but not delayed prosaccades, lengthened the RT of subsequent prosaccades. That delayed prosaccades, which require response suppression for their successful execution, did not lengthen the RT of subsequent prosaccades indicates that the oculomotor inhibition hypothesis does not account for the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost. Instead, the current findings are in line with the assertion that the task set associated with a nonstandard antisaccade persists inertially and delays the planning of a subsequent prosaccade (i.e., task-set inertia hypothesis).
Low-intensity electric fields induce two distinct response components in neocortical neuronal populations
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Wolff Brian S. , Wu Jian-young
Published: August 2014

Low-intensity alternating electric fields applied to the scalp are capable of modulating cortical activity and brain functions, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report two distinct components of voltage-sensitive dye signals induced by low-intensity, alternating electric fields in rodent cortical slices: a “passive component,” which corresponds to membrane potential changes directly induced by the electric field; and an “active component,” which is a widespread depolarization that is dependent on excitatory synaptic transmission. The passive component is stationary, with amplitude and phase accurately reflecting the cortical cytoarchitecture. In contrast, the active component is initiated from a local “hot spot” of activity and spreads to a large population as a propagating wave with rich local dynamics. The propagation of the active component may play a role in modulating large-scale cortical activity by spreading a low level of excitation from a small initiation point to a vast neuronal population.
Design and Implementation of an AHRS Based on MEMS Sensors and Complementary Filtering
Authors: Wang Yangzhu , Li Ning , Chen Xi , Liu Miao
Published: August 2014

This paper presents design and implementation of an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) based on low-cost MEMS sensors and complementary filtering (CF). Different from traditional solutions, information fusion is performed with Euler angles directly, which is more straightforward for understanding; however it proposes many challenges for reaching a stable and accurate estimation as when these angles approach or traverse their range boundaries, estimation may get discontinuous. Thus an effective discontinuity avoiding strategy is suggested in this paper to refine the estimation. Besides, instead of extended Kalman filtering (EKF), CF is utilized for state estimation of AHRS as it features fusion of high-frequency and low-frequency signals. In order to make up for shortcomings of MEMS sensors such as multiple errors, drifts, and bad accuracy, some effective calibration and filtering algorithms are proposed to guarantee agreeable AHRS performance. Also, architecture of the MEMS IMU (inertial measurement unit) and mathematical principles for AHRS solution are explained and implemented in this paper. Meanwhile, experimental comparisons have proved feasibility and acceptable performance of this AHRS design.
Global and Blow-Up Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Parabolic Problems under Robin Boundary Condition
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Wang Hui
Published: August 2014

We discuss the global and blow-up solutions of the following nonlinear parabolic problems with a gradient term under Robin boundary conditions:(b(u))t=∇·(h(t)k(x)a(u)∇u)+f(x,u,|∇u|2,t), inD×(0,T),(∂u/∂n)+γu=0, on∂D×(0,T),u(x,0)=u0(x)>0, inD¯, whereD⊂RN  (N≥2)is a bounded domain with smooth boundary∂D. Under some appropriate assumption on the functionsf,h,k,b, andaand initial valueu0, we obtain the sufficient conditions for the existence of a global solution, an upper estimate of the global solution, the sufficient conditions for the existence of a blow-up solution, an upper bound for “blow-up time,” and an upper estimate of “blow-up rate.” Our approach depends heavily on the maximum principles.
Polyglot Programming in Applications Used for Genetic Data Analysis
Authors: Nowak Robert M.
Published: August 2014

Applications used for the analysis of genetic data process large volumes of data with complex algorithms. High performance, flexibility, and a user interface with a web browser are required by these solutions, which can be achieved by using multiple programming languages. In this study, I developed a freely available framework for building software to analyze genetic data, which uses C++, Python, JavaScript, and several libraries. This system was used to build a number of genetic data processing applications and it reduced the time and costs of development.
Acute Kidney Injury by Radiographic Contrast Media: Pathogenesis and Prevention
Authors: Andreucci Michele , Faga Teresa , Pisani Antonio , Sabbatini Massimo , Michael Ashour
Published: August 2014

It is well known that iodinated radiographic contrast media may cause kidney dysfunction, particularly in patients with preexisting renal impairment associated with diabetes. This dysfunction, when severe, will cause acute renal failure (ARF). We may define contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) as ARF occurring within 24–72 hrs after the intravascular injection of iodinated radiographic contrast media that cannot be attributed to other causes. The mechanisms underlying contrast media nephrotoxicity have not been fully elucidated and may be due to several factors, including renal ischaemia, particularly in the renal medulla, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production, and tubular epithelial and vascular endothelial injury. However, contrast-induced AKI can be prevented, but in order to do so, we need to know the risk factors. We have reviewed the risk factors for contrast-induced AKI and measures for its prevention, providing a long list of references enabling readers to deeply evaluate them both.
Mutations in theATP13A2Gene and Parkinsonism: A Preliminary Review
Authors: Yang Xinglong , Xu Yanming
Published: August 2014

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder for which the etiology and pathogenesis remain as elusive as for Alzheimer's disease. PD appears to be caused by genetic and environmental factors, and pedigree and cohort studies have identified numerous susceptibility genes and loci related to PD. Autosomal recessive mutations in the genesParkin, Pink1, DJ-1, ATP13A2, PLA2G6, andFBXO7have been linked to PD susceptibility. Such mutations inATP13A2, also namedPARK9, were first identified in 2006 in a Chilean family and are associated with a juvenile-onset, levodopa-responsive type of Parkinsonism called Kufor-Rakeb syndrome (KRS). KRS involves pyramidal degeneration, supranuclear palsy, and cognitive impairment. Here we review current knowledge about theATP13A2gene, clinical characteristics of patients with PD-associatedATP13A2mutations, and models of how the ATP13A2 protein may help prevent neurodegeneration by inhibitingα-synuclein aggregation and supporting normal lysosomal and mitochondrial function. We also discuss anotherATP13A2mutation that is associated with the family of neurodegenerative disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), and we propose a single pathway wherebyATP13A2mutations may contribute to NCLs and Parkinsonism. Finally, we highlight how studies of mutations in this gene may provide new insights into PD pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Cerebral Air Embolism from Angioinvasive Cavitary Aspergillosis
Authors: Lin Chen , Barrio George A. , Hurwitz Lynne M. , Kranz Peter G.
Published: August 2014

Background. Nontraumatic cerebral air embolism cases are rare. We report a case of an air embolism resulting in cerebral infarction related to angioinvasive cavitary aspergillosis. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports associating these two conditions together.Case Presentation. A 32-year-old female was admitted for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her hospital course was complicated by pulmonary aspergillosis. On hospital day 55, she acutely developed severe global aphasia with right hemiplegia. A CT and CT-angiogram of her head and neck were obtained demonstrating intravascular air emboli within the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) branches. She was emergently taken for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Evaluation for origin of the air embolus revealed an air focus along the left lower pulmonary vein. Over the course of 48 hours, her symptoms significantly improved.Conclusion. This unique case details an immunocompromised patient with pulmonary aspergillosis cavitary lesions that invaded into a pulmonary vein and caused a cerebral air embolism. With cerebral air embolisms, the acute treatment option differs from the typical ischemic stroke pathway and the provider should consider emergent HBOT. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical causes of acute ischemic stroke.
Microglia in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Ying , Tan Meng-Shan , Jiang Teng , Tan Lan
Published: August 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a familiar neurodegenerative disease in the elderly. In this paper, we will review current viewpoints of microglial activation, inflammatory regulatory systems, and their relationship with AD pathology and etiology. Microglia cells are macrophage and representative of the innate immune system in brain. AD brain is marked by obvious inflammatory features, in which microglial activation is the driving force.β-amyloid protein sedimentation activates microglia cells, which causes the inflammation in AD. Microglia cells have dual roles: they provoke the release of inflammatory factors and cytotoxins leading to neuronal injuries and death; on the other hand, they have the neuroprotective effects. Through this, we hope to illustrate that the anti-inflammatory defenses of neurons can be practiced in the future strategy for recuperating the balance between the levels of inflammatory mediators and immune regulators in AD.
Numerical Modeling of Stokes Flow in a Circular Cavity by Variational Multiscale Element Free Galerkin Method
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: August 2014

The variational multiscale element free Galerkin method is extended to simulate the Stokes flow problems in a circular cavity as an irregular geometry. The method is combined with Hughes’s variational multiscale formulation and element free Galerkin method; thus it inherits the advantages of variational multiscale and meshless methods. Meanwhile, a simple technique is adopted to impose the essential boundary conditions which makes it easy to solve problems with complex area. Finally, two examples are solved and good results are obtained as compared with solutions of analytical and numerical methods, which demonstrates that the proposed method is an attractive approach for solving incompressible fluid flow problems in terms of accuracy and stability, even for complex irregular boundaries.
Influence of Microwave Incinerated Rice Husk Ash on Hydration of Foamed Concrete
Authors: Bayuaji R. , Nuruddin M. F.
Published: August 2014

This research explains the results of an investigation carried out to understand the influence of a microwave incinerated rice husk ash (MIRHA) powder on foamed concrete (FC) hydration. The experimental work was designed using the Taguchi approach. This method was selected to have a target for the optimum working conditions of the parameter that affects some physical properties of concrete mixtures. The loss on ignition (LOI) method was used to establish the nonevaporable water (wn) content at all selected ages of hydration. It was observed that the MIRHA powder showed lower nonevaporable water contents than the normal FC, indicating that MIRHA powder facilitated enhancement in FC hydration. The optimum FC properties were achieved at 10% MIRHA composition as proven from the highest compressive strength. This level corresponds to the highest values in change in nonevaporable water and degree of hydration.
Simulating the Stress‐Strain Relationship of Geomaterials by Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Huang Zenghui , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: August 2014

Stress‐strain relationship of geomaterials is important to numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering. It is difficult to be represented by conventional constitutive model accurately. Artificial neural network (ANN) has been proposed as a more effective approach to represent this complex and nonlinear relationship, but ANN itself still has some limitations that restrict the applicability of the method. In this paper, an alternative method, support vector machine (SVM), is proposed to simulate this type of complex constitutive relationship. The SVM model can overcome the limitations of ANN model while still processing the advantages over the traditional model. The application examples show that it is an effective and accurate modeling approach for stress‐strain relationship representation for geomaterials.
Pattern Visual Evoked Potentials Elicited by Organic Electroluminescence Screen
Authors: Matsumoto Celso Soiti , Shinoda Kei , Matsumoto Harue , Funada Hideaki , Sasaki Kakeru , Minoda Haruka , Iwata Takeshi , Mizota Atsushi
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To determine whether organic electroluminescence (OLED) screens can be used as visual stimulators to elicit pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (p-VEPs).Method. Checkerboard patterns were generated on a conventional cathode-ray tube (S710, Compaq Computer Co., USA) screen and on an OLED (17 inches, 320 × 230 mm, PVM-1741, Sony, Tokyo, Japan) screen. The time course of the luminance changes of each monitor was measured with a photodiode. The p-VEPs elicited by these two screens were recorded from 15 eyes of 9 healthy volunteers (22.0 ± 0.8 years).Results. The OLED screen had a constant time delay from the onset of the trigger signal to the start of the luminescence change. The delay during the reversal phase from black to white for the pattern was 1.0 msec on the cathode-ray tube (CRT) screen and 0.5 msec on the OLED screen. No significant differences in the amplitudes of P100 and the implicit times of N75 and P100 were observed in the p-VEPs elicited by the CRT and the OLED screens.Conclusion. The OLED screen can be used as a visual stimulator to elicit p-VEPs; however the time delay and the specific properties in the luminance change must be taken into account.
H∞ Filtering for Discrete Markov Jump Singular Systems with Mode‐Dependent Time Delay Based on T‐S Fuzzy Model
Authors: Gong Cheng , Zeng Yi
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the H∞ filtering problem of discrete singular Markov jump systems (SMJSs) with mode‐dependent time delay based on T‐S fuzzy model. First, by Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional approach, a delay‐dependent sufficient condition on H∞‐disturbance attenuation is presented, in which both stability and prescribed H∞ performance are required to be achieved for the filtering‐error systems. Then, based on the condition, the delay‐dependent H∞ filter design scheme for SMJSs with mode‐dependent time delay based on T‐S fuzzy model is developed in term of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the result.
Failure of Miltefosine Treatment in Two Dogs with NaturalLeishmania infantumInfection
Authors: Proverbio Daniela , Spada Eva , Bagnagatti De Giorgi Giada , Perego Roberta
Published: August 2014

Two dogs, with naturally acquired canine leishmaniasis, were treated orally with miltefosine (2 mg/kg q 24 hr) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg q 12 hr) for 28 days. Both dogs showed good initial response to therapy, with reduction in clinical signs and improvement of clinicopathological changes. However, in both dogs, clinical and clinicopathological abnormalities recurred 150 days after initial treatment and a second course of miltefosine and allopurinol was administered. One dog failed to respond to the 2nd cycle of miltefosine treatment and the other dog responded initially but suffered an early relapse. Treatment with meglumine antimoniate (100 mg/kg q 24 hr for a minimum of 4 weeks) was then started in both dogs. Both dogs showed rapid clinical and clinicopathological improvement and to date they have not received further treatment for 420 and 270 days, respectively. In view of the low number of antileishmanial drugs available and the fact that some of these are used in human as well as veterinary medicine, it is of paramount importance that drug resistance is monitored and documented.
Backstepping Synthesis for Feedback Control of First-Order Hyperbolic PDEs with Spatial-Temporal Actuation
Authors: Yu Xin , Xu Chao , Jiang Huacheng , Ganesan Arthi , Zheng Guojie
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the stabilization problem of first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with spatial-temporal actuation over the full physical domains. We assume that the interior actuator can be decomposed into a product of spatial and temporal components, where the spatial component satisfies a specific ordinary differential equation (ODE). A Volterra integral transformation is used to convert the original system into a simple target system using the backstepping-like procedure. Unlike the classical backstepping techniques for boundary control problems of PDEs, the internal actuation can not eliminate the residual term that causes the instability of the open-loop system. Thus, an additional differential transformation is introduced to transfer the input from the interior of the domain onto the boundary. Then, a feedback control law is designed using the classic backstepping technique which can stabilize the first-order hyperbolic PDE system in a finite time, which can be proved by using the semigroup arguments. The effectiveness of the design is illustrated with some numerical simulations.
On the Optimal Auxiliary Linear Operator for the Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method Solution of Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Motsa S. S.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to identify the auxiliary linear operator that gives the best convergence and accuracy in the implementation of the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM) in the solution of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The auxiliary linear operator is an essential element of the homotopy analysis method (HAM) algorithm that strongly influences the convergence of the method. In this work we introduce new procedures of defining the auxiliary linear operators and compare solutions generated using the new linear operators with solutions obtained using well‐known linear operators. The applicability and validity of the proposed linear operators is tested on four highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations with fluid mechanics applications that have recently been reported in the literature. The results from the study reveal that the new linear operators give better results than the previously used linear operators. The identification of the optimal linear operator will direct future research on further applications of HAM‐based methods in solving complicated nonlinear differential equations.
Intelligent Surveillance for Understanding Events in Urban Traffic Environments
Authors: Vallejo D. , Villanueva F. J. , Albusac J. A. , Glez-Morcillo C. , Castro-Schez J. J.
Published: August 2014

The main goal of intelligent surveillance consists in providing security systems with the skills required for correctly detecting and analyzing events in monitored environments. Since these environments are complex and the information is distributed through them, the use of agent-based approaches has become more and more popular when monitoring moving objects. This paper describes how an existing agent platform has been adopted and used to give support to intelligent surveillance systems. Agents deployed by means of this platform implement a behavior-based model that is flexible enough to deal with the challenges that monitored environments pose. Two case studies of urban traffic environments are discussed to prove the feasibility of the proposal.
Brain Aging and AD-Like Pathology in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Jian-Qin , Yin Jie , Song Yan-Feng , Zhang Lang , Ren Ying-Xiang , Wang De-Gui , Gao Li-Ping , Jing Yu-Hong
Published: August 2014

Objective.Numerous epidemiological studies have linked diabetes mellitus (DM) with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, whether or not diabetic encephalopathy shows AD-like pathology remains unclear.Research Design and Methods.Forebrain and hippocampal volumes were measured using stereology in serial coronal sections of the brain in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced rats. Neurodegeneration in the frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus was evaluated using Fluoro-Jade C (FJC). Aβaggregation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was tested using immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Dendritic spine density in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was measured using Golgi staining, and western blot was conducted to detect the levels of synaptophysin. Cognitive ability was evaluated through the Morris water maze and inhibitory avoidant box.Results.Rats are characterized by insulin deficiency accompanied with polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss after STZ injection. The number of FJC-positive cells significantly increased in discrete brain regions of the diabetic rats compared with the age-matched control rats. Hippocampal atrophy, Aβaggregation, and synapse loss were observed in the diabetic rats compared with the control rats. The learning and memory of the diabetic rats decreased compared with those of the age-matched control rats.Conclusions.Our results suggested that aberrant metabolism induced brain aging as characterized by AD-like pathologies.
Evolutionary Voting‐Based Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Liu Nan , Cao Jiuwen , Lin Zhiping , Pek Pin Pin , Koh Zhi Xiong , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: August 2014

Voting‐based extreme learning machine (V‐ELM) was proposed to improve learning efficiency where majority voting was employed. V‐ELM assumes that all individual classifiers contribute equally to the decision ensemble. However, in many real‐world scenarios, this assumption does not work well. In this paper, we aim to enhance V‐ELM by introducing weights to distinguish the importance of each individual ELM classifier in decision making. Genetic algorithm is used for optimizing these weights. This evolutionary V‐ELM is named as EV‐ELM. Results on several benchmark databases show that EV‐ELM achieves the highest classification accuracy compared with V‐ELM and ELM.
The Low-Scale Approach to Neutrino Masses
Authors: Boucenna Sofiane M. , Morisi Stefano , Valle José W. F.
Published: August 2014

In this short review we revisit the broad landscape of low-scaleSU(3)c⊗SU(2)L⊗U(1)Ymodels of neutrino mass generation, with view on their phenomenological potential. This includes signatures associated to direct neutrino mass messenger production at the LHC, as well as messenger-induced lepton flavor violation processes. We also briefly comment on the presence of WIMP cold dark matter candidates.