bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Arterial Hypertension and Age on the Sublingual Microcirculation of Healthy Volunteers and Outpatients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Kanoore Edul Vanina S. , Ince Can , Estenssoro Elisa , Ferrara Gonzalo , Arzani Yanina , Salvatori Carolina , Dubin Arnaldo
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To quantitatively assess the effects of age, blood pressure, chronic arterial hypertension, and physical activity on sublingual microcirculation in ambulatory volunteers.

Methods

Sublingual microcirculation was assessed in 61 volunteers with or without chronic arterial hypertension.

Results

Volunteers with chronic arterial hypertension had lower TVDall vessels, and TVDsmall vessels and PVDsmall vessels than those without this condition (16.0 ± 1.4 vs. 17.2 ± 1.6 mm/mm2, p < 0.01, 15.1 ± 1.3 vs. 16.1 ± 1.7 mm/mm2, p < 0.04, and 15.1 ± 1.3 vs. 16.1 ± 1.7 mm/mm2, p < 0.04, respectively). Mean blood pressure correlated with TVDall vessels (r = −0.34, p < 0.01), TVDsmall vessels (r = −0.31, p < 0.02), and PVDsmall vessels (r = −0.27, p < 0.04) but not with other microvascular variables. Age was not correlated with any microcirculatory variables. Physical activity correlated with TVDall vessels and RBCVsmall vessels (r = 0.30, p < 0.02 and r = −0.47, p < 0.001, respectively). Chronic arterial hypertension was the only independent determinant of PVDsmall vessels.

Conclusions

Preexistent chronic arterial hypertension was associated with lower vascular densities. In contrast, age showed no effect on sublingual microcirculation.
Identification of genetic and environmental factors stimulating excision from Streptomyces scabiei chromosome of the toxicogenic region responsible for pathogenicity
Authors: Chapleau Mélanie , Guertin Julien F. , Farrokhi Ali , Lerat Sylvain , Burrus Vincent , Beaulieu Carole
Published: July 2015

The genes conferring pathogenicity in Streptomyces turgidiscabies, a pathogen causing common scab of potato, are grouped together on a pathogenicity island (PAI), which has been found to be mobile and appears to transfer and disseminate like an integrative and conjugative element (ICE). However, in Streptomyces scabiei, another common scab‐inducing species, the pathogenicity genes are clustered in two regions: the toxicogenic region (TR) and the colonization region. The S. scabiei 87.22 genome was analysed to investigate the potential mobility of the TR. Attachment sites (att), short homologous sequences that delineate ICEs, were identified at both extremities of the TR. An internal att site was also found, suggesting that the TR has a composite structure (TR1 and TR2). Thaxtomin biosynthetic genes, essential for pathogenicity, were found in TR1, whereas candidate genes with known functions in recombination, replication and conjugal transfer were found in TR2. Excision of the TR1 or TR2 subregions alone, or of the entire TR region, was observed, although the excision frequency of TR was low. However, the excision frequency was considerably increased in the presence of either mitomycin C or Streptomyces coelicolor cells. A composite TR structure was not observed in all S. scabiei and Streptomyces acidiscabies strains tested. Of the ten strains analysed, seven lacked TR2 and no TR excision event could be detected in these strains, thus suggesting the implication of TR2 in the mobilization of S. scabiei TR.
Integrated non‐invasive measurements reveal swallowing and respiration coordination recovery after unilateral stroke
Authors: Wang C.‐M. , Shieh W.‐Y. , Chen J.‐Y. , Wu Y.‐R.
Published: July 2015

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common after a stroke. Understanding the physiology of swallowing and its coordination with respiration in stroke recovery is crucially important.

Methods

A non‐invasive swallowing assessment method was used to detect oropharyngeal swallowing and respiration coordination simultaneously during the swallowing process. This system detected movement of the larynx, submental muscle activity, and nasal airflow. Six different sizes of water boluses (maximum of 20 mL) were swallowed and assessed for each subject.

Key Results

We recruited 59 healthy participants and 38 first ever unilateral stroke patients completed baseline and follow‐up assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months poststroke. The results showed that oropharyngeal swallowing parameters in unilateral stroke deviate from normal patterns. For respiration coordination, the unilateral stroke group had longer swallowing apnea duration but similar frequencies of pre‐ and postswallowing respiratory phase patterns compared with the healthy controls. The probability of piece‐meal deglutition was higher in the stroke group than in the control group. Additionally, there were gradually decreasing piece‐meal deglutition probabilities among the stroke patients at follow‐up, and none differed statistically from those of the controls at 6 months poststroke.

Conclusions & Inferences

The non‐invasive swallowing and respiration assessment method applied in this study detected the changes manifested in swallowing and respiration during the subacute phase of recovery in 6 months after a unilateral stroke. The study results serve as a baseline for further research and help advance dysphagia research methodologies. These assessments may be combined with bedside evaluations for clinical application.
Spatial variation in pollinator‐mediated selection on phenology, floral display and spur length in the orchidGymnadenia conopsea
Authors: Chapurlat Elodie , Ågren Jon , Sletvold Nina
Published: July 2015

Spatial variation in plant–pollinator interactions may cause variation in pollinator‐mediated selection on floral traits, but to establish this link conclusively experimental studies are needed.

We quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on flowering phenology and morphology in four populations of the fragrant orchidGymnadenia conopsea, and compared selection mediated by diurnal and nocturnal pollinators in two of the populations.

Variation in pollinator‐mediated selection explained most of the among‐population variation in the strength of directional and correlational selection. Pollinators mediated correlational selection on pairs of display traits, and on one display trait and spur length, a trait affecting pollination efficiency. Only nocturnal pollinators selected for longer spurs, and mediated stronger selection on the number of flowers compared with diurnal pollinators in one population. The two types of pollinators caused correlational selection on different pairs of traits and selected for different combinations of spur length and number of flowers.

The results demonstrate that spatial variation in interactions with pollinators may result in differences in directional and correlational selection on floral traits in a plant with a semi‐generalized pollination system, and suggest that differences in the relative importance of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators can cause variation in selection.
An orbital floor fracture may not always be the cause of new‐onset diplopia: Literature review of the aetiology and types of diplopia
Authors: Kyriakidou E. , O'Connor N. , Larkin E.B.
Published: July 2015

Persistent diplopia is a well‐recognised complication following orbital trauma. Other sequelae include limited extraocular movement and enophthalmos. Rarely co‐existing causes may account for these symptoms. We report a case where delayed repair of right orbital floor and medial wall fractures did not lead to resolution of the diplopia and the strabismus in the right eye. Further investigations including haematological and biochemistry indices revealed low thiamine levels related to previous excess alcohol misuse. Once treated with thiamine supplement, a remarkable improvement in their eye symptoms was observed.
Sun exposure inversely related to food sensitization during infancy
Authors: Matsui Teruaki , Tanaka Kajiyo , Nakagawa Tomoko , Sasaki Kemal , Nakata Joon , Sugiura Shiro , Kando Naoyuki , Ito Komei
Published: July 2015

Background

Autumn and winter birth (AWB) has been reported to be a risk factor for the development of food allergies. However, the association between seasonal factors and allergic sensitization during early infancy remains unclear.

Methods

We collected data from 732 patients regarding the total and specific immunoglobulin E (tIgE, sIgE) levels in infants younger than 6 months old from November 2001 to October 2012 from the institutional clinical database system. We then analyzed the relationship between the birth month and the value of each parameter. Furthermore, we identified any correlations between the number of sensitized patients and the monthly climatological parameters.

Results

The number of tIgE samples obtained from AWB patients (n = 482) was 2.1 times higher than that from patients born in the spring and summer (SSB, n = 225). The number of sIgE samples to egg white, cow's milk, and wheat, the sensitized ratio and the median sIgE titer were also all higher in AWB. The number of sensitized AWB patients to these allergens was 2.75, 3.05, and 3.97 times higher, respectively. A periodic change in the number of sensitized patients was observed annually (highest in October‐November and lowest in May). Among the climatological parameters examined, the average solar radiation during the 3‐month period after birth showed the strongest negative correlation with the number of sensitized patients (egg white: r = −0.976, cow's milk: r = −0.969, wheat: r = −0.975).

Conclusions

The amount of solar radiation immediately after birth had a strong negative correlation with allergen sensitization before 6 months of age.
Rapid modulation of ultraviolet shielding in plants is influenced by solar ultraviolet radiation and linked to alterations in flavonoids
Authors: Barnes Paul W. , Tobler Mark A. , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Flint Stephan D. , Barkley Anne E. , Ryel Ronald J. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: July 2015

The accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing compounds (flavonoids and related phenylpropanoids) and the resultant decrease in epidermal UV transmittance (TUV) are primary protective mechanisms employed by plants against potentially damaging solar UV radiation and are critical components of the overall acclimation response of plants to changing solar UV environments. Whether plants can adjust this UV sunscreen protection in response to rapid changes in UV, as occurs on a diurnal basis, is largely unexplored. Here, we use a combination of approaches to demonstrate that plants can modulate their UV‐screening properties within minutes to hours, and these changes are driven, in part, by UV radiation. For the cultivated species Abelmoschus esculentus, large (30–50%) and reversible changes in TUV occurred on a diurnal basis, and these adjustments were associated with changes in the concentrations of whole‐leaf UV‐absorbing compounds and several quercetin glycosides. Similar results were found for two other species (Vicia faba and Solanum lycopersicum), but no such changes were detected in Zea mays. These findings reveal a much more dynamic UV‐protection mechanism than previously recognized, raise important questions concerning the costs and benefits of UV‐protection strategies in plants and have practical implications for employing UV to enhance crop vigor and quality in controlled environments.
Prompt diagnosis and management of Epstein–Barr virus‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and hemophagocytosis: A dreaded complication in a post‐liver transplant child
Authors: Jha Bhawna , Mohan Neelam , Gajendra Smeeta , Sachdev Ritesh , Goel Shalini , Sahni Tushar , Raina Vimarsh , Soin A
Published: July 2015

EBV‐associated PTLD is increasingly recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Mortality rates due to PTLD and virus‐induced HLH are reported to be quite high. We report a case of EBV‐associated PTLD and HLH in a child after liver transplantation who was successfully managed due to timely intervention. This case highlights that measurement of EBV load by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays is an important aid in the surveillance and diagnosis of PTLD and early detection of EBV‐induced PTLD, and aggressive treatment with rituximab is a key to survival in patients who have undergone liver transplantation.
The role of fast and slow EEG activity during sleep in males and females with major depressive disorder
Authors: Cheng Philip , Goldschmied Jennifer , Deldin Patricia , Hoffmann Robert , Armitage Roseanne
Published: July 2015

Sleep difficulties are highly prevalent in depression, and appear to be a contributing factor in the development and maintenance of symptoms. However, despite the generally acknowledged relationship between sleep and depression, the neurophysiological substrates underlying this relationship still remain unclear. Two main hypotheses were tested in this study. The first hypothesis states that sleep in depression is characterized by inadequate generation of restorative sleep, as indexed by reduced amounts of slow‐wave activity. Conversely, the second hypothesis states that poor sleep in depression is due to intrusions of fast‐frequency activity that may be reflective of a hyperaroused central nervous system. This study aimed to test both hypotheses in a large sample of individuals with clinically validated depression, as well as to examine sex as a moderator. Results suggest that depression is better characterized by an overall decrease in slow‐wave activity, which is related to elevated anxious and depressed mood the following morning. Results also suggest that females may be more likely to experience fast frequency activity related to depression symptom severity.
What Have We Learned about the Performance of Council‐Manager Government? A Review and Synthesis of the Research
Authors: Carr Jered B.
Published: July 2015

The 100th anniversary of the International City/County Management Association provides an excellent point to review and assess research on the performance of the council‐manager form of government. The development of the council‐manager form arguably has been the most important innovation in American local government over the last century, yet its impact on the performance of municipal governments is not well understood. This article reviews and assesses the empirical evidence for 10 propositions that council‐manager governments perform better than mayor‐council governments. This evidence indicates that although progress has been made on demonstrating differences in representation and functionality, the proposition that council‐manager governments are better managed than mayor‐council governments has yet to be seriously engaged in this literature. Filling this critical gap requires progress in two areas: the development of theory to explain why council‐manager governments are better‐managed organizations and the production of evidence assessing the major propositions of this theory.
Is COPD associated with increased mortality and morbidity in hospitalized pneumonia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Hong‐Li , Chen Hong‐Xuan , Liu Wei , Fan Tao , Liu Guan‐Jian , Mao Bing
Published: July 2015

This review aimed to investigate whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for cohort studies and case–control studies investigating the impact of COPD on CAP. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and need for mechanical ventilation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The Mantel–Haenszel method and inverse variance method were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (MD), respectively. Eleven studies (nine cohort studies and two case–control studies), involving 257 958 patients, were included. The overall methodological quality was high. COPD was not associated with increased mortality in hospitalized CAP patients (RR, 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–1.56; P = 0.19; I2 = 55%) in cohort studies, and was associated with reduced mortality in case–control studies (RR, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74–0.90; P < 0.0001; I2 = 80%). COPD was not associated with longer hospital stay (MD, 0.11; 95% CI: −0.42 to 0.64; P = 0.68; I2 = 21%), more frequent ICU admission (RR, 0.97; 95% CI: 0.70–1.35; P = 0.87; I2 = 65%), and more need for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.71–1.16; P = 0.44; I2 = 4%).The current available evidence indicates that COPD may not be associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with CAP. This conclusion should be re‐evaluated by prospective population‐based cohort studies.
The Role of Peers and Siblings in Toddlers’ Developing Understanding of Incompatible Desires
Authors: Schuhmacher Nils , Kärtner Joscha
Published: July 2015

According to previous research, social experiences with other children might explain why three‐year‐olds are already quite proficient in understanding desires but not beliefs as subjective mental states. This study investigated toddlers’ (N = 50) developing subjective understanding of incompatible desires around the age of 3 years (M = 35.5 months) and the associated social factors (i.e., family demographics, peer, and sibling variables). Results indicated a developmental sequence from understanding desires to understanding desire‐dependent emotions with an unexpected positivity bias in toddlers’ prediction of own emotions. A hierarchical regression model revealed that specific social factors (i.e., reported quality of peer interactions and day care attendance) individually contributed to explaining the variance in children's desire‐reasoning skills. Findings are interpreted as supporting a belief–desire asymmetry, and specific social experiences, such as positive peer interactions and desire conflicts, may promote toddlers’ understanding of incompatible desires as subjective mental states.
Democracy, Institutional Maturity, and Economic Development*
Authors: Heo Uk , Hahm Sung Deuk
Published: July 2015

Objective

Despite a plethora of studies on the relationship between democracy and economic development, a dominant theoretical framework has yet to emerge. Economic development may lead to the transition to democracy and mature democratic institutions are likely to help economic development. Thus, in this article, we test the relationship among economic development, institutional maturity, and democracy.

Methods

In a recent study, Gerring et al. (2005) developed a new concept, “democracy stock,” to incorporate institutional maturity. This concept is useful because institutional maturity matters. To address the issue of endogeneity between democracy and economic development, we investigate the relationship using a simultaneous equation method and data from 1950 to 2000.

Results

The empirical results show that democracy and economic development affect each other.

Conclusions

Economic development not only helps democratization, but it also assists democratic systems to survive and mature. Mature democratic systems do help economic development.
The impact of noninvasive, capillary, and venous hemoglobin screening on donor deferrals and the hemoglobin content of red blood cells concentrates: a prospective study
Authors: Sümnig Ariane , Hron Gregor , Westphal Antje , Petersmann Astrid , Kohlmann Thomas , Greinacher Andreas , Thiele Thomas
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Hemoglobin (Hb) is screened before whole blood donation to protect donors from anemia. Recently, noninvasive methods have become available for Hb screening in blood donors. We compared a noninvasive, a capillary, and a venous method for Hb screening of blood donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Consecutive donors were prospectively screened using a noninvasive (Masimo Pronto‐7), a capillary (HemoCue Hb 301), and a venipuncture‐based method as gold standard (Siemens Advia 2120i) for Hb determination. All measurements were performed in parallel and in duplicate. A cutoff Hb value of 125 g/L (females) and 135 g/L (males) was used for donor acceptance.

RESULTS

A total of 553 donors were analyzed; in 38 donors (7%) the noninvasive Hb method was not applicable due to technical reasons. The noninvasive test underestimated (mean bias, −5.9 g/L; 95% limits of agreement, −25.74, 13.88) and the capillary test overestimated Hb values (mean bias, 4.3 g/L; 95% limits of agreement, −8.13, 16.71). Coefficients of variation of duplicate measurements were 1.05 (venous), 2.73 (noninvasive), and 3.23 (capillary). The noninvasive test revealed false low Hb values in 21.2% and the capillary test revealed false high Hb values in 9% of donors compared to the venous method. The negative predictive value of the noninvasive test was 94.3%.

CONCLUSION

The noninvasive Hb measurement is a reasonable first‐line approach for predonation Hb screening of blood donors but a second method should be available to retest those not testable with the noninvasive device or with Hb values below the cutoffs.
Successful xenotransplantation with re‐aggregated and encapsulated neonatal pig liver cells for treatment of mice with acute liver failure
Authors: Ham Dong‐Sik , Song Min‐Sang , Park Heon‐Seok , Rhee Marie , Yang Hae Kyung , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Kim Ji‐Won , Jung Eun‐Sun , Yoon Kun‐Ho
Published: July 2015

Background

Hepatocyte transplantation is a promising therapy for acute liver failure. Cell therapy using xenogeneic sources has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients with organ failure due to the shortage of transplantable human organs. The purpose of this study was to improve the survival of mice with acute liver failure by transplanting encapsulated neonatal pig re‐aggregated liver cells (NPRLC).

Methods

Liver injury was induced in C57/BL6 male mice by the injection of 600 mg/kg of acetaminophen. Xenogeneic liver cells were isolated from a neonatal pig and processed via re‐aggregation and encapsulation to improve the efficiency of the xenogeneic liver cell transplantation. The neonatal pig liver showed abnormal lobule structure. Isolated cells were re‐aggregated and intraperitoneally transplanted into acute liver failure mice models.

Results

Re‐aggregated cells showed significantly enhanced viability and significantly greater synthesis of albumin and urea than cells cultured in monolayers. Further, we observed improved serum levels of ALT/AST, and the survival rate of mice with acute liver failure was improved by the intraperitoneal transplantation of encapsulated hepatocytes (48 000 equivalent (Eq) per mouse).

Conclusions

This study shows that using encapsulated NPRLCs improves the efficacy of xenogeneic liver cell transplantation for the treatment of mice with acute liver failure. Therefore, this may be a good strategy for bridge therapy for the treatment of acute liver failure in humans.
Dynamics and Trajectory Planning for Reconfigurable Space Multibody Robots
Authors: Hu Quan , Zhang Jingrui
Published: July 2015

A free-floating space robot equipped with multiple reconfigurable manipulators is designed and investigated in this paper. Lockable passive cylindrical joints (PCJs) are utilized to make the manipulator have the ability of changing its length and twisted angle. Each cylindrical joint, connecting two adjacent rigid links, has no embedded actuators but a brake mechanism. Normally, the mechanism is locked during the operation. When in the reconfiguration stage, two manipulators grasp each other to form a closed loop. Then one PCJ is unlocked, whose relative rotation and translation can be changed by the active torques at other joints. This system is a typical space multibody system. The dynamics of the space robot with unlocked cylindrical joints and a closed structural loop is investigated. The equations of motion are derived through Maggi–Kane's method. The obtained mathematical model is free of multipliers, which makes it suitable for controller design. A trajectory planning algorithm capable of avoiding the configuration singularity of the manipulators is proposed. A slide mode controller embedded with an extended state observer (ESO) is designed for the trajectory tracking control. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the trajectory planning and control strategy for the reconfiguration process.
Wheel Slip Control Using Sliding-Mode Technique and Maximum Transmissible Torque Estimation
Authors: Li Jianqiu , Song Ziyou , Shuai Zhibin , Xu Liangfei , Ouyang Minggao
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the analysis and design of a novel traction control system (TCS) based on sliding-mode control (SMC) and maximum transmissible torque estimation (MTTE) technique, which is employed in four-wheel independent drive electric vehicles (EVs) without detecting the vehicle velocity and acceleration. The original MTTE technique is effective with regard to the antislip control; however, it cannot sufficiently utilize the adhesive force from the tire–road surface. In the proposed TCS algorithm, only front wheels are equipped with the MTTE technique, while rear wheels are equipped with the SMC technique. As a result, the front wheel is critically controlled by the MTTE technique. Thus, its rotary speed can be used to approximately estimate the chassis velocity and acceleration, which are key input parameters of the SMC. The rear wheel slip ratio can be therefore controlled by the SMC which is robust against uncertainties and disturbances of parameters for exploiting more transmissible friction force. In addition, the stability of MTTE is analyzed in this paper because an important parameter is neglected in the original MTTE technique. As a result, the stability condition is changed, and the MTTE is modified in the proposed TCS according to the new conclusion. A half four-wheel drive (4WD) EV model is initially built using matlab/simulink. This paper investigates the proposed TCS for various adhesive conditions involving abrupt change in road friction. Compared with the original MTTE technique, the comprehensive performance, particularly the acceleration ability, is significantly improved by the proposed controller. The simulation result validates the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed TCS.
Vibration Characteristics Diagnosis of Roller Bearing Using the New Empirical Model
Authors: Desavale R. G. , Kanai Rafiq Abu , Chavan S. P. , Venkatachalam R. , Jadhav P. M.
Published: July 2015

Roller bearings are essential parts extensively used in many industries such as automobile, sugar factories, cement industries, weaving mills, chemical industries, and other process industries. The catastrophic failure of such bearings results into unplanned shutdowns, discontinuity of manufacturing process, and heavy maintenance cost. The vibration analysis of the roller bearing is a vital factor in the rotating machines because its performance significantly affects the safety and operational life of the rotating machines and subsequently entire plant. The object of this paper is to study how to predict the vibration characteristics of the rotor-bearing system by using the mathematical model. In the present research work, a empirical model for the vibration characteristics of the roller bearing has been established using FLTθ system. The new mathematical model considers the influences of the bearing variables on the vibration of the rotor system. Furthermore, a new model on bearing system is carried out by using dimensional analysis (DA) and the defect frequencies and vibration characteristics of the bearing system are obtained. The effects of speed and load along with other variables on vibration characteristics have been studied by establishing an empirical model. Experiments were conducted to validate the developed empirical model. The method proposed in this paper is based on FLTθ method of DA. The vibration characteristics thus obtained provides a complete and systematic theory and technique in this aspect.
Residual Stresses Due to Rigid Cylinder Indentation and Rolling at a Very High Rolling Load
Authors: Ali M. Y. , Pan J.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, residual stresses due to indentation and rolling of a rigid cylinder on a finite plate at a very high rolling load with a relative peak pressure of 22 are examined by two-dimensional plane strain finite element analyses using abaqus for the first time. In the finite element analyses, the roller is modeled as rigid and has frictionless contact with the finite plate. The geometry of the finite plate and its boundary conditions are assigned to correspond to those of fillet rolling of crankshafts with the constraint in the rolling direction. Finite element analyses with different meshes for single indentation on an elastic flat plate under plane strain conditions are first carried out, and the results are benchmarked with those of the elastic Hertzian solutions to establish the requirement of the finite element meshes for acceptable numerical results. The results show that the accuracy of computational results is limited by the discretization of the finite element analysis by a plot of the contact width as a function of the load. For accurate peak pressure, a total of at least eight linear elements are needed. Finite element analyses with different meshes for single indentation on an elastic–plastic flat plate under plane strain conditions are then carried out. The plate material is modeled as an elastic–plastic power-law strain hardening material with a nonlinear kinematic hardening rule for loading and unloading. The computational results are compared to establish the requirement of the finite element meshes for acceptable numerical results within 4 mm distance to the rolling surface for the crankshaft fatigue analyses. The computational results for rolling at the relative peak pressure of 22 show that the symmetric Hertzian or modified Hertzian pressure distribution should not be used to represent the contact pressure distribution for rolling simulation, while the computational results for rolling at the relative peak pressure of 5 show that the symmetric Hertzian or modified Hertzian pressure distribution may be used to represent the contact pressure distribution for rolling simulation. The computational results for the rolling case also show a significantly higher longitudinal compressive residual stress and a lower out-of-plane compressive residual stress along the contact surface when compared to those for the single indentation case. The results suggest that the effects of rolling must be accounted for when two-dimensional finite element analyses of crankshaft sections are used to investigate the residual stresses due to fillet rolling of the crankshafts under the prescribed roller loads. Due to the boundary conditions of the finite plate, the compressive residual stresses are larger when compared to those when the boundary conditions of the finite plate are fully relaxed.
Design of a Transtibial Prosthesis With Active Transverse Plane Control
Authors: Olson Nathan M. , Klute Glenn K.
Published: July 2015

This paper describes the design and bench testing of a transtibial prosthesis with active transverse-plane control. The prosthesis allows direct control of transverse plane torque over the full physiological range. The design uses an active compliant actuator driven by an impedance controller using direct torque feedback. Testing demonstrated that the prosthesis is able to accurately measure and control transverse-plane torque, and can be configured to express a wide range of impedance behaviors.
Biomimetic and synthetic interfaces to tune immune responses (Review)
Authors: Garapaty Anusha , Champion Julie A.
Published: July 2015

Organisms depend upon complex intercellular communication to initiate, maintain, or suppress immune responses during infection or disease. Communication occurs not only between different types of immune cells, but also between immune cells and nonimmune cells or pathogenic entities. It can occur directly at the cell–cell contact interface, or indirectly through secreted signals that bind cell surface molecules. Though secreted signals can be soluble, they can also be particulate in nature and direct communication at the cell–particle interface. Secreted extracellular vesicles are an example of native particulate communication, while viruses are examples of foreign particulates. Inspired by communication at natural immunological interfaces, biomimetic materials and designer molecules have been developed to mimic and direct the type of immune response. This review describes the ways in which native, biomimetic, and designer materials can mediate immune responses. Examples include extracellular vesicles, particles that mimic immune cells or pathogens, and hybrid designer molecules with multiple signaling functions, engineered to target and bind immune cell surface molecules. Interactions between these materials and immune cells are leading to increased understanding of natural immune communication and function, as well as development of immune therapeutics for the treatment of infection, cancer, and autoimmune disease.
Comparison of 20 nm silver nanoparticles synthesized with and without a gold core: Structure, dissolution in cell culture media, and biological impact on macrophages
Authors: Munusamy Prabhakaran , Wang Chongmin , Engelhard Mark H. , Baer Donald R. , Smith Jordan N. , Liu Chongxuan , Kodali Vamsi , Thrall Brian D. , Chen Shu , Porter Alexandra E. , Ryan Mary P.
Published: July 2015

Widespread use of silver nanoparticles raises questions of environmental and biological impact. Many synthesis approaches are used to produce pure silver and silver-shell gold-core particles optimized for specific applications. Since both nanoparticles and silver dissolved from the particles may impact the biological response, it is important to understand the physicochemical characteristics along with the biological impact of nanoparticles produced by different processes. The authors have examined the structure, dissolution, and impact of particle exposure to macrophage cells of two 20 nm silver particles synthesized in different ways, which have different internal structures. The structures were examined by electron microscopy and dissolution measured in Rosewell Park Memorial Institute media with 10% fetal bovine serum. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were used to measure biological impact on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The particles were polycrystalline, but 20 nm particles grown on gold seed particles had smaller crystallite size with many high-energy grain boundaries and defects, and an apparent higher solubility than 20 nm pure silver particles. Greater oxidative stress and cytotoxicity were observed for 20 nm particles containing the Au core than for 20 nm pure silver particles. A simple dissolution model described the time variation of particle size and dissolved silver for particle loadings larger than 9 μg/ml for the 24-h period characteristic of many in-vitro studies.
Dispersion suppression of guided elastic waves by anisotropic metamaterial
Authors: Ma Pyung Sik , Lee Hyung Jin , Kim Yoon Young
Published: July 2015

This investigation presents a method to engineer a metamaterial exhibiting the desired anisotropic wave behavior with the specific applications toward the dispersion suppression of elastic guided waves. In the proposed approach, effective anisotropic properties required for dispersion suppression were first determined. Then the slowness curves for the metamaterial were used to find the specific unit cell configuration through inverse design. When the metamateral layers were attached to the homogeneous waveguide, the target guided mode was shown to exhibit little dispersion. Detailed engineering procedures were given, and the direct numerical simulations were performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Drug-induced myopathy in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Shah Rajiv , Venkatesan Pradhib
Published: July 2015

A 26-year-old man, who had started treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, developed polyarthralgia, generalised myalgia, weakness, and elevated uric acid and creatine kinase levels. His polyarthralgia improved on cessation of pyrazinamide, but the improvement in his myalgia and creatine kinase was delayed. Drug-induced myopathy was considered as there were no clear alternative explanations.
5-aminolevulinic acid guidance during awake craniotomy to maximise extent of safe resection of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Corns Robert , Mukherjee Soumya , Johansen Anja , Sivakumar Gnanamurthy
Published: July 2015

Overall survival for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has been consistently shown to improve when the surgeon achieves a gross total resection of the tumour. It has also been demonstrated that surgical adjuncts such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence—which delineates malignant tumour tissue— normal brain tissue margin seen using violet-blue excitation under an operating microscope—helps achieve this. We describe the case of a patient with recurrent left frontal GBM encroaching on Broca's area (eloquent brain). Gross total resection of the tumour was achieved by combining two techniques, awake resection to prevent damage to eloquent brain and 5-ALA fluorescence guidance to maximise the extent of tumour resection.This technique led to gross total resection of all T1-enhancing tumour with the avoidance of neurological deficit. The authors recommend this technique in patients when awake surgery can be tolerated and gross total resection is the aim of surgery.
Hypoparathyroidism in pregnancy
Authors: Shah Krupa Hitesh , Bhat Shashikala , Shetty Seema , Umakanth Shashikiran
Published: July 2015

Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine deficiency characterised by low serum calcium, absent or inappropriately low parathyroid hormone and normal or high serum phosphorus levels. Parathyroid hormone is essential for calcium homoeostasis. Pregnancy and lactation are known for increased calcium requirement. They cause calcium stress as well as alter its metabolism. Hence, many abnormalities are expected in hypoparathyroidism during pregnancy and lactation. We report a case of pregnancy in postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, which is rarely encountered in antenatal clinics. We describe our clinical, biochemical and therapeutic experience of pregnancy and lactation in this patient with hypoparathyroidism.
Hyperleucocytosis following G-CSF treatment for sulfasalazine-induced agranulocytosis
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Farooq Redwan
Published: July 2015

Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of sulfasalazine treatment. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman receiving sulfasalazine for inflammatory arthritis presenting with sore throat, fever, lethargy and leucopenia (white cell count 0.9×109/L). After 9 days of treatment with filgrastim (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, G-CSF), her white cell count increased to 77.4×109/L. This case highlights the importance of recognising sulfasalazine-induced agranulocytosis and the management of hyperleucocytosis following G-CSF treatment, to prevent harmful sequelae.
Concomitant abducens and facial nerve palsies following blunt head trauma associated with bone fracture
Authors: Ji Min-Jeong , Han Sang-Beom , Lee Seung-Jun , Kim Moosang
Published: July 2015

A 22-year-old man was referred for horizontal diplopia that worsened on left gaze. He had been admitted for a head trauma caused by a traffic accident. Brain CT scan showed a longitudinal fracture of the left temporal bone with extension to the left carotid canal and central skull base, including sphenoid lateral wall and roof, and left orbit medial wall non-displaced fracture. Prism cover test revealed 20 prism diopters of esotropia and abduction limitation in the left eye. Hess screening test results were compatible with left abducens nerve paralysis. Symptoms suggesting complete lower motor neuron palsy of the left facial nerve, such as unilateral facial drooping, inability to raise the eyebrow and difficulty closing the eye, were present. As there was no improvement in facial paralysis, the patient received surgical intervention using a transmastoidal approach. Three months postoperatively, prism cover test showed orthotropia, however, the facial nerve palsy persisted.
Unicuspid aortic valve presenting with cardiac arrest in an adolescent
Authors: Connelly Tara , Kolcow Walenty , Smyth Yvonne , Veerasingham David
Published: July 2015

Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is a rare congenital anomaly typically affecting patients in their fourth and fifth decades and presenting with signs of heart failure. Our case is one of a previously asymptomatic teenage girl with a UAV, who presented with cardiac arrest and was successfully treated. Only two other similar cases have been reported in the literature, both were of slightly older male patients. Our case highlights the morbidity associated with the anomaly supporting the need for careful assessment of the valve in cases where UAV is suspected.
Boxing headguard performance in punch machine tests
Authors: McIntosh Andrew S , Patton Declan A
Published: July 2015

Background

The paper presents a novel laboratory method for assessing boxing headguard impact performance. The method is applied to examine the effects of headguards on head impact dynamics and injury risk.

Methods

A linear impactor was developed, and a range of impacts was delivered to an instrumented Hybrid III head and neck system both with and without an AIBA (Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur)-approved headguard. Impacts at selected speeds between 4.1 and 8.3 m/s were undertaken. The impactor mass was approximately 4 kg and an interface comprising a semirigid ‘fist’ with a glove was used.

Results

The peak contact forces were in the range 1.9–5.9 kN. Differences in head impact responses between the Top Ten AIBA-approved headguard and bare headform in the lateral and forehead tests were large and/or significant. In the 8.3 m/s fist-glove impacts, the mean peak resultant headform accelerations for bare headform tests was approximately 130 g compared with approximately 85 g in the forehead impacts. In the 6.85 m/s bare headform impacts, mean peak resultant angular head accelerations were in the range of 5200–5600 rad/s2and almost halved by the headguard. Linear and angular accelerations in 45° forehead and 60° jaw impacts were reduced by the headguard.

Conclusions

The data support the opinion that current AIBA headguards can play an important role in reducing the risk of concussion and superficial injury in boxing competition and training.
Impact of alprazolam in allostatic load and neurocognition of patients with anxiety disorders and chronic stress (GEMA): observational study protocol
Authors: Soria Carlos A , Remedi Carolina , Núñez Daniel A , D'Alessio Luciana , Roldán Emilio J A
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The allostatic load model explains the additive effects of multiple biological processes that accelerate pathophysiology related to stress, particularly in the central nervous system. Stress-related mental conditions such as anxiety disorders and neuroticism (a well-known stress vulnerability factor), have been linked to disturbances of hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal with cognitive implications. Nevertheless, there are controversial results in the literature and there is a need to determine the impact of the psychopharmacological treatment on allostatic load parameters and in cognitive functions. Gador study of Estres Modulation by Alprazolam, aims to determine the impact of medication on neurobiochemical variables related to chronic stress, metabolic syndrome, neurocognition and quality of life in patients with anxiety, allostatic load and neuroticism.

Methods/analysis

In this observational prospective phase IV study, highly sympthomatic patients with anxiety disorders (six or more points in the Hamilton-A scale), neuroticism (more than 18 points in the Neo five personality factor inventory (NEO-FFI) scale), an allostatic load (three positive clinical or biochemical items at Crimmins and Seeman criteria) will be included. Clinical variables of anxiety, neuroticism, allostatic load, neurobiochemical studies, neurocognition and quality of life will be determined prior and periodically (1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks) after treatment (on demand of alprazolam from 0.75 mg/day to 3.0 mg/day). A sample of n=55/182 patients will be considered enough to detect variables higher than 25% (pretreatment vs post-treatment or significant correlations) with a 1-ß power of 0–80. t Test and/or non-parametric test, and Pearson's test for correlation analysis will be determined.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved by an Independent Ethics Committee of FEFyM (Foundation for Pharmacological Studies and Drugs, Buenos Aires) and by regulatory authorities of Argentina (ANMAT, Dossier # 61 409–8 of 20 April 2009), following the law of Habeas Data and psychotherapeutic drug control.

Trial registration number

GEMA 20811.
Medical versus surgical methods of early abortion: protocol for a systematic review and environmental scan of patient decision aids
Authors: Donnelly Kyla Z , Thompson Rachel
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Currently, we lack understanding of the content, quality and impact of patient decision aids to support decision-making between medical and surgical methods of early abortion. We plan to undertake a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature to identify, appraise and describe the impact of early abortion method decision aids evaluated quantitatively (Part I), and an environmental scan to identify and appraise other early abortion method decision aids developed in the US (Part II).

Methods and analysis

For the systematic review, we will search PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases for articles describing experimental and observational studies evaluating the impact of an early abortion method decision aid on women's decision-making processes and outcomes. For the environmental scan, we will identify decision aids by supplementing the systematic review search with Internet-based searches and key informant consultation. The primary reviewer will assess all studies and decision aids for eligibility, and a second reviewer will also assess a subset of these. Both reviewers will independently assess risk of bias in the studies and abstract data using a piloted form. Finally, both reviewers will assess decision aid quality using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards criteria, ease of readability using Flesch/Flesch-Kincaid tests, and informational content using directed content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study does not involve human subjects, ethical approval will not be sought. We aim to disseminate the findings in a scientific journal, via academic and/or professional conferences and among the broader community to contribute knowledge about current early abortion method decision-making support.

Trial registration number

This protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42015016717).