bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Something fishy: an unusualErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaeinfection in an immunocompromised individual
Authors: Sinclair Marie , Hawkins Angela , Testro Adam
Published: April 2013

A 39-year-old man with a history of Crohn's disease presented to the emergency department with a 12-h history of worsening febrile illness. He deteriorated rapidly with progression to sepsis and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Initial treatment comprised broad spectrum antibiotics and inotropic support resulting in rapid improvement. With the immunocompromised state of the patient, and multiple blood cultures revealingErysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a detailed history disclosed a recent injury sustained from a fishing wire as the probable source of an infection. Treatment was narrowed to target the identified pathogen, the patient made a full recovery, and was counselled to be more cautious in future fishing activities.
DYNAMIC STABILITY ANALYSIS AND VIBRATION CONTROL OF A ROTATING ELASTIC BEAM CONNECTED WITH AN END MASS
Authors: KUO CHUNG-FENG JEFFREY , TU HUNG MIN , HUY VU QUANG , LIU CHIEN-HUI
Published: April 2013

In this paper, dynamic stability analysis and vibration control for a rotating elastic beam connected with an end mass driven by a direct current (DC) motor is considered. A complete strategy including mathematical modeling, dynamic analysis, vibration controller design and simulation for linear and nonlinear systems are presented. Once the rotating flexible physical system has been described by a set of governing partial differential equations, they are manipulated to achieve an appropriate mathematical format for vibration control system design and computer simulation, respectively. Hamilton principle, Lagrange's equation, assumed-modes and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta methods are applied in the system modeling derivation, descretization, and numerical analysis. The correctness of the numerical results and the characteristic property between mathematics and dynamics are demonstrated as well. Also, a realizable vibration control scheme is developed which not only can stabilize all the vibration modes but also make this rotating elastic beam system efficient for good transient response.
EFFECT OF GEOMETRIC NONLINEARITIES ON NONLINEAR VIBRATIONS OF CLOSED CYLINDRICAL SHELLS
Authors: RAMZI REDOUANE , LAKIS AOUNI
Published: April 2013

Geometrically nonlinear free vibrations of closed isotropic cylindrical shells are investigated through an analytical–numerical model. The method developed is a combination of Sanders–Koiter nonlinear shell theory and the finite element method. The cylindrical shell is subdivided into cylindrical finite elements and the displacement functions are derived from exact solutions of Sander's equations for thin cylindrical shells. Expressions for the mass, linear and nonlinear stiffness matrices are determined by exact analytical integration. Various boundary conditions of shell and in-plane effects are considered. Nonlinear responses are analyzed using the Runge–Kutta numerical method. The nonlinear frequency ratio is determined with respect to the amplitude thickness ratio of the motion for different study cases. Detailed numerical results are presented for various parameters for a closed isotropic shell, indicating either hardening or softening types of nonlinear behaviors, depending on the structure data. The present results show good agreement with the published ones for several cases of shells. This research clarifies the current disagreement about various types of cylindrical shells with geometric nonlinearities.
COLLAPSE BEHAVIOR OF TENSEGRITY SYSTEMS DUE TO CABLE RUPTURE
Authors: SHEKASTEHBAND B. , ABEDI K.
Published: April 2013

Tensegrity systems are statically and kinematically indeterminate systems. They typically contain a large number of cable elements and struts. However, there are a number of critical cable elements in tensegrity systems, with the sudden rupture of any of them, their forces are shed into the structure in a dynamic manner, leading to more severe damage. This paper presents a numerical and experimental investigation into the collapse behavior of tensegrity systems due to a cable rupture. The test results are served as a basis for the finite element modeling and furthermore for the development of a new approach to structural design of tensegrity systems. It was found that the most important factors, influencing the collapse behavior of the tensegrity systems due to a cable rupture, are the damping ratios and load level at which a cable element is suddenly ruptured.
A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING THE SAFE TEMPERATURE IN CONTINUOUS WELDED RAIL TRACKS
Authors: CARVALHO J. , DELGADO J. , CALÇADA R. , DELGADO R.
Published: April 2013

The use of continuous welded rails (CWR) is increasingly common and is particularly important when it comes to high-speed ballasted tracks. As the longitudinal displacements are restricted in CWR tracks, a considerable rise in temperature induces compressive stresses in the rails that can lead to track buckling. Given the nonlinear behavior of the ballast, usually represented by a linear plastic model, the problem of snap-through buckling may occur, for which only a few nonlinear analysis methods can trace the full response of the track structure. However, these methods fail to yield convergent solutions for problems with thermal loads when implemented in their conventional algorithm. For this reason, a new methodology is presented allowing the calculation of the safe temperature. In addition, some analytical results are also derived for comparison with the numerical results, obtained using three-dimensional finite element beam models provided by ANSYS.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS FOR NONLINEAR VIBRATION OF PRESTRESSED ORTHOTROPIC MEMBRANES WITH VISCOUS DAMPING
Authors: LIU CHANG-JIANG , ZHENG ZHOU-LIAN , JUN LONG , GUO JIAN-JUN , WU KUI
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with the nonlinear damped vibration of prestressed orthotropic membrane structures. The Krylov–Bogolubov–Mitropolsky (KBM) perturbation method is employed for solving the governing equations of large amplitude nonlinear vibration of rectangular orthotropic membranes with viscous damping. Presented herein are asymptotic analytical solutions for the frequency and displacement function of large amplitude nonlinear damped vibration of rectangular orthotropic membranes with four edges simply supported or fixed. Through the computational example, we compared and analyzed the frequency results. Meanwhile, the vibration mode of the membrane and the displacement and time curve of each feature point on the membrane surface were analyzed. The results obtained herein provide a simple and convenient approach to calculate the frequency and lateral displacement of large amplitude nonlinear vibration of rectangular orthotropic membranes with low viscous damping. In addition, the results provide some computational basis for the vibration control and dynamic design of membrane structures.
STABILITY OF DAMPED COLUMNS ON A WINKLER FOUNDATION UNDER SUB-TANGENTIAL FOLLOWER FORCES
Authors: KIM MOON-YOUNG , LEE JUN-SEOK , ATTARD MARIO M.
Published: April 2013

This study examines the dynamic stability regions of damped columns on a Winkler foundation that are subjected to sub-tangentially distributed follower forces. A nondimensionalized equation of motion for the column subjected to linearly distributed follower forces is firstly derived based on the extended Hamilton's principle. A finite element procedure, using Hermitian interpolation functions, is employed to develop the mass matrix, Rayleigh damping matrix, Winkler foundation matrix, elastic and geometric stiffness matrices due to distributed axial forces, and a load correction stiffness matrix to account for sub-tangential follower forces. Subsequently, a time history analysis using the Newmark-β method and an evaluation method for the flutter and divergence loads of the nonconservative system are presented. Finally, the dynamic stability characteristics of the nonconservative system that display the jumping phenomenon in the second flutter load are explored through a parametric study. In particular, how the stable and unstable regions of the undamped and damped Leipholz columns translate with changes in the Winkler foundation stiffness is demonstrated and discussed.
DEVELOPING A NEW PARAMETER TO REPRESENT THE FOOT ALIGNMENT IN SUBJECTS WITH FLAT ARCH
Authors: TAHERI A. R. , KARIMI M. T. , TAHMASEBI R. B. , SATVATI B. , FATOYE F.
Published: April 2013

Background and aim: Flatfoot is characterized based on the height of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot relative to ground. The most common methods used to evaluate the severity of flatfoot and influences of the foot insole on the alignment of the foot structure in static situation are footprints and the use of X-ray. However, both of them have some limitations and cannot be used during walking while the subject uses the insole. Therefore, the aim of this research was to find a parameter which represents the alignment of the foot structure while walking.

Methods: Two groups of normal and flat-arched subjects were recruited into this study. The location of center of ankle joint (COJ) and center of pressure (COP) while walking was obtained using Qualysis motion analysis system and a force plate. The area between COP and COJ in the medial side to the total area was the new parameter used in this study.

Conclusion: The mean value of the new parameter was 74.65 ± 7.15 and 91.86 ± 12.4 for normal and flatfooted subjects, respectively. It appears that the new parameter can be used to check the alignment of the foot structure during walking.

Clinical statement: The results of this research study can be used by clinicians to determine the alignment of the foot structure and the influence of the foot insole.
ROBOTICS IN NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMINAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY
Authors: ZHOU YUE , REN HONGLIANG , MENG MAX Q.-H. , TSZ HO TSE ZION , YU HAOYONG
Published: April 2013

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the latest surgery paradigm in which the abdominal cavity is accessed via the body's natural orifice, e.g., vagina, mouth, etc. Compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, NOTES completely eliminates the skin incision and therefore benefits the patients in several aspects such as less post-operative pain, shorter recovery period, fewer complications, etc. Due to the unique characteristics of NOTES, instruments for traditional laparoscopic surgery are not suitable for NOTES and hence novel hardware design is necessary for facilitating system development. This paper gives an overview of the state of the arts in the development of surgical instruments for NOTES, particularly with a focus on the promising robotic endoscopes.
A NEW MODIFIED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION FOR MULTILAYER PERCEPTION TRAINING WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: JING WU
Published: April 2013

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is one of the important evolutionary algorithms. However, the traditional PSO suffers from the premature convergence problem. In view of this, a new PSO, named mutation PSO (MPSO), is proposed in this paper. The proposed MPSO not only makes use of a mutation operator to update particles/individuals, which was originally designed for genetic algorithm (GA). But also a new weighted update rule is proposed for MPSO to produce the new swarm. Then we use the proposed MPSO to train multilayer perceptron (MLP) with two tasks: curve fitting and classification. In particular, the performance investigation is concentrated on scene classification. For a comparison purpose, MLPs trained using the error backpropagation (BP), traditional PSO and GA are also investigated. The advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms are also analyzed. Experimental results show that the proposed MPSO outperforms than other algorithms for the training of an MLP.
Role of the fourth transmembrane domain in proton-coupled folate transporter function as assessed by the substituted cysteine accessibility method
Authors: Shin Daniel Sanghoon , Zhao Rongbao , Fiser Andras , Goldman I. David
Published: April 2013

The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT, SLC46A1) mediates folate transport across the apical brush-border membrane of the proximal small intestine and the basolateral membrane of choroid plexus ependymal cells. Two loss-of-function mutations in PCFT, which are the basis for hereditary folate malabsorption, have been identified within the fourth transmembrane domain (TMD4) in subjects with this disorder. We have employed the substituted Cys accessibility method (SCAM) to study the accessibilities of all residues in TMD4 and their roles in folate substrate binding to the carrier. When residues 146–167 were replaced by Cys, all except R148C were expressed at the cell surface. Modification of five of these substituted Cys residues (positions 147, 152, 157, 158, and 161) by methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents led to reduction of PCFT function. All five residues could be labeled with N-biotinylaminoethyl-MTS, and this could be blocked by the high-affinity PCFT substrate pemetrexed. Pemetrexed also protected PCFT mutant function from inhibitory modification of the substituted Cys at positions 157, 158, and 161 by a MTS. The findings indicate that these five residues in TMD4 are accessible to the aqueous translocation pathway, play a role in folate substrate binding, and are likely located within or near the folate binding pocket. A homology model of PCFT places three of these residues, Phe157, Gly158, and Leu161, within a breakpoint in the midportion of TMD4, a region that likely participates in alterations in the PCFT conformational state during carrier cycling.
Detecting physiological systems with laser speckle perfusion imaging of the renal cortex
Authors: Scully Christopher G. , Mitrou Nicholas , Braam Branko , Cupples William A. , Chon Ki H.
Published: April 2013

Laser speckle perfusion imaging (LSPI) has become an increasingly popular technique for monitoring vascular perfusion over a tissue surface. However, few studies have utilized the full range of spatial and temporal information generated by LSPI to monitor spatial properties of physiologically relevant dynamics. In this study, we extend the use of LSPI to analyze renal perfusion dynamics over a spatial surface of ∼5 × 7 mm of renal cortex. We identify frequencies related to five physiological systems that induce temporal changes in renal vascular perfusion (cardiac flow pulse, respiratory-induced oscillations, baroreflex components, the myogenic response, and tubuloglomerular feedback) across the imaged surface and compare the results with those obtained from renal blood flow measurements. We find that dynamics supplied from global sources (cardiac, respiration, and baroreflex) present with the same frequency at all locations across the imaged surface, but the local renal autoregulation dynamics can be heterogeneous in their distribution across the surface. Moreover, transfer function analysis with forced blood pressure as the input yields the same information with laser speckle imaging or renal blood flow as the output during control, intrarenal infusion of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester to enhance renal autoregulation, and intrarenal infusion of the rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 to inhibit vasomotion. We conclude that LSPI measurements can be used to analyze local as well as global renal perfusion dynamics and to study the properties of physiological systems across the renal cortex.
Movement of NH3through the human urea transporter B: a new gas channel
Authors: Geyer R. Ryan , Musa-Aziz Raif , Enkavi Giray , Mahinthichaichan P. , Tajkhorshid Emad , Boron Walter F.
Published: April 2013

Aquaporins and Rh proteins can function as gas (CO2and NH3) channels. The present study explores the urea, H2O, CO2, and NH3permeability of the human urea transporter B (UT-B) (SLC14A1), expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We monitored urea uptake using [14C]urea and measured osmotic water permeability ( Pf) using video microscopy. To obtain a semiquantitative measure of gas permeability, we used microelectrodes to record the maximum transient change in surface pH (ΔpHS) caused by exposing oocytes to 5% CO2/33 mM HCO3−(pHSincrease) or 0.5 mM NH3/NH4+(pHSdecrease). UT-B expression increased oocyte permeability to urea by >20-fold, and Pfby 8-fold vs. H2O-injected control oocytes. UT-B expression had no effect on the CO2-induced ΔpHSbut doubled the NH3-induced ΔpHS. Phloretin reduced UT-B-dependent urea uptake ([Formula: see text]) by 45%, [Formula: see text] by 50%, and ([Formula: see text])NH3by 70%. p-Chloromercuribenzene sulfonate reduced [Formula: see text] by 25%, [Formula: see text] by 30%, and ([Formula: see text])NH3by 100%. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of membrane-embedded models of UT-B identified the monomeric UT-B pores as the main conduction pathway for both H2O and NH3and characterized the energetics associated with permeation of these species through the channel. Mutating each of two conserved threonines lining the monomeric urea pores reduced H2O and NH3permeability. Our data confirm that UT-B has significant H2O permeability and for the first time demonstrate significant NH3permeability. Thus the UTs become the third family of gas channels. Inhibitor and mutagenesis studies and results of MD simulations suggest that NH3and H2O pass through the three monomeric urea channels in UT-B.
Reduction of chronic rejection of renal allografts by anti-transforming growth factor-β antibody therapy in a rat model
Authors: Guan Qiunong , Li Shuyuan , Gao Sihai , Chen Huifang , Nguan Christopher Y. C. , Du Caigan
Published: April 2013

There is no effective treatment for chronic rejection (CR) that largely limits long-term survival of kidney transplants. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a fibrogenic factor for tissue fibrosis. This study was to test the efficacy of an anti-TGF-β antibody in preventing the CR of renal allografts in a preclinical model. Male Lewis rats (RT11) were orthotopically transplanted with donor kidneys from male Fischer 344 (RT11v1) rats and were treated with either anti-TGF-β or a control antibody. The CR of renal allografts was assessed by semiquantitative histological analyses, and intragraft cytokines and fibrosis-related genes ware examined by PCR arrays. Compared with the control antibody, anti-TGF-β antibody treatment significantly reduced recipients' proteinuria ( P = 0.0002), and CR in renal transplants, which was indicated by the fewer injured renal tubules, glomeruli, and interlobular arterioles or arteries, and by less mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis in the anti-TGF-β antibody-treated group ( P < 0.05), but not significantly attenuate the ratios of different infiltrating leukocytes. These pathological changes were associated with downregulation of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and proinflammatory cytokines, or with upregulation of anti-fibrotic HGF, BMP5, and BMP7. The therapeutic effect of the anti-TGF-β antibody was further confirmed by its prevention of graft dysfunction, indicated by lower levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen or higher creatinine clearance in anti-TGF-β antibody-treated recipients compared with those in control recipients ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the anti-TGF-β antibody (1D11) treatment significantly reduces CR of renal allografts in rats, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this antibody therapy for treating CR of kidney transplants in patients.
Spontaneous oscillations in intrinsic signals reveal the structure of cerebral vasculature
Authors: Stewart Russell S. , Huang Chao , Arnett Megan T. , Celikel Tansu
Published: April 2013

Functional imaging of intrinsic signals allows minimally invasive spatiotemporal mapping of stimulus representations in the cortex, but representations are often corrupted by stimulus-independent spatial artifacts, especially those originating from the blood vessels. In this paper, we present novel algorithms for unsupervised identification of cerebral vascularization, allowing blind separation of stimulus representations from noise. These algorithms commonly take advantage of the temporal fluctuations in global reflectance to extract anatomic information. More specifically, the phase of low-frequency oscillations relative to global fluctuations reveals local vascular identity. Arterioles can be reconstructed using their characteristically high power in those frequencies corresponding to respiration, heartbeat, and vasomotion signals. By treating the vasculature as a dynamic flow network, we finally demonstrate that direction of blood perfusion can be quantitatively visualized. Application of these methods for removal of stimulus-independent changes in reflectance permits isolation of stimulus-evoked representations even if the representation spatially overlaps with blood vessels. The algorithms can be expanded further to extract temporal information on blood flow, monitor revascularization following a focal stroke, and distinguish arterioles from venules and parenchyma.
Mineralization of Azo Dye Using Combined Photo-Fenton and Photocatalytic Processes under Visible Light
Authors: Kuriechen Selma K. , Murugesan Sepperumal , Paul Raj Samuel
Published: April 2013

Visible-light-assisted photodegradation of an azo dye, Reactive Red 180 (RR180), in the presence of nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) has been studied. The photodegradation of RR180 is evaluated through decolorization studies and total organic carbon analysis. The efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), potassium peroxomonosulfate (oxone or PMS), and potassium peroxodisulfate (PDS) in improving the photodegradation of the dye in the N-TiO2-RR180 system is also examined. The effect of combining photo-Fenton-like reaction with N-TiO2-mediated photodegradation of RR180 under visible light has been investigated. The photoactivity of N-TiO2-RR180-Fe3+/Cu2+-oxidant systems is compared with the individual techniques of photocatalysis and photo-Fenton-like reactions. The coupled system possesses superior photomineralization ability towards the abatement of RR180.
Nrf2and Cardiovascular Defense
Authors: Howden Reuben
Published: April 2013

The cardiovascular system is susceptible to a group of diseases that are responsible for a larger proportion of morbidity and mortality than any other disease. Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with a failure of defenses against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and/or death, leading to organ dysfunction. The pleiotropic transcription factor, nuclear factor-erythroid (NF-E) 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes and proteins through the antioxidant response element.Nrf2is an important component in antioxidant defenses in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure.Nrf2is also involved in protection against oxidant stress during the processes of ischemia-reperfusion injury and aging. However, evidence suggests thatNrf2activity does not always lead to a positive outcome and may accelerate the pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis). The precise conditions under whichNrf2acts to attenuate or stimulate cardiovascular disease processes are unclear. Further studies on the cellular environments related to cardiovascular diseases that influenceNrf2pathways are required beforeNrf2can be considered a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Hybrid Coronary Revascularization as a Safe, Feasible, and Viable Alternative to Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: What Is the Current Evidence?
Authors: Verhaegh Arjan J. F. P. , Accord Ryan E. , van Garsse Leen , Maessen Jos G.
Published: April 2013

The “hybrid” approach to multivessel coronary artery disease combines surgical left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention of the remaining lesions. Ideally, the LITA to LAD bypass graft is performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This review aims to clarify the place of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) in the current therapeutic armamentarium against multivessel coronary artery disease. Eighteen studies including 970 patients were included for analysis. The postoperative LITA patency varied between 93.0% and 100.0%. The mean overall survival rate in hybrid treated patients was 98.1%. Hybrid treated patients showed statistically significant shorter hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and intubation time, less packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion requirements, and lower in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates compared with patients treated by on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This resulted in a significant reduction in costs for hybrid treated patients in the postoperative period. In studies completed to date, HCR appears to be a promising and cost-effective alternative for CABG in the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease in a selected patient population.
Self‐Organization‐Based Fabrication of Stable Noble‐Metal Nanostructures on Large‐Area Dielectric Substrates
Authors: Ovchinnikov Victor , Shevchenko Andriy
Published: April 2013

A cost‐effective fabrication of random noble‐metal nanostructures with a feature size of the order of 10 nm on a large‐area dielectric substrate is described. The method combines dry etching of the substrate through a self‐organized metal mask with a directional deposition of a multilayered metal film. The technique allows one to create metal nanoislands on a nanopatterned dielectric template with an enhanced adhesion between the metal and the dielectric. The use of the adhesion layer—that makes the structures stable—is important in view of variety of optical and other potential applications of the structures. We observe that the presence of the adhesion sublayer dramatically influences both the morphological and optical properties of the structures. The results of this work can be of interest in regard to the development of new approaches to self‐organization‐based nanofabrication of extremely small metal and metal‐dielectric nanostructures on large‐area substrates.
Cyclohexylmethyl Flavonoids Suppress Propagation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells via Downregulation of NANOG
Authors: Liao Wen-Ying , Liaw Chih-Chuang , Huang Yuan-Chao , Han Hsin-Ying , Hsu Hung-Wei , Hwang Shiaw-Min , Kuo Sheng-Chu , Shen Chia-Ning
Published: April 2013

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly tumorigenic and possess the capacity to self-renew. Recent studies indicated that pluripotent geneNANOGinvolves in regulating self-renewal of breast CSCs, and expression of NANOG is correlated with aggressiveness of poorly differentiated breast cancer. We initially confirmed that breast cancer MCF-7 cells expressed NANOG, and overexpression of NANOG enhanced the tumorigenicity of MCF-7 cells and promoted the self-renewal expansion of CD24−/lowCD44+CSC subpopulation. In contrast, knockdown of NANOG significantly affected the growth of breast CSCs. Utilizing flow cytometry, we identified five cyclohexylmethyl flavonoids that can inhibit propagation of NANOG-positive cells in both breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells. Among these flavonoids, ugonins J and K were found to be able to induce apoptosis in non-CSC populations and to reduce self-renewal growth of CD24−/lowCD44+CSC population. Treatment with ugonin J significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of MCF-7 cells and efficiently suppressed formation of mammospheres. This suppression was possibly due to p53 activation and NANOG reduction as either addition of p53 inhibitor or overexpression of NANOG can counteract the suppressive effect of ugonin J. We therefore conclude that cyclohexylmethyl flavonoids can possibly be utilized to suppress the propagation of breast CSCs via reduction of NANOG.
Massive Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage with Uterine Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Cesarean Section
Authors: Yeniel Ahmet Ozgur , Ergenoglu Ahmet Mete , Akdemir Ali , Eminov Elmin , Akercan Fuat , Karadadaş Nedim
Published: April 2013

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious complication of cesarean section. If inadequately treated, it can lead to life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. Herein, we report the case of a 28-year-old woman who developed secondary postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine artery pseudoaneurysm and cesarean scar dehiscence after cesarean section. Angiographic embolization is a safe and effective procedure for treating postpartum hemorrhage resulting from pseudoaneurysm in hemodynamically stable patients. However, uterine artery ligation may be the surgical procedure of choice for hemodynamically unstable patients when fertility preservation is desired.
Environmentally Lean Production: The Development and Incorporation of an Environmental Impact Index into Value Stream Mapping
Authors: Roosen T. J. , Pons D. J.
Published: April 2013

There is a need to include environmental waste alongside other lean wastes. Current concepts of environmental waste focus on the total production of waste from a plant. However waste is generated by individual processes within the production. Therefore focused management of waste requires engineers to know what and where waste is being generated. This is often simply not known with any accuracy. This work offer a solution by developing a method to integrate environmental waste into the lean method of Value Stream Mapping (VSM). Specifically it integrate corporate environmental standards with the VSM process, thereby permitting established lean improvement process to be focused at specific environmental improvement actions. Application of the method is demonstrated in a manufacturing setting, representing a variety of environmental impacts. The deployment is capable of being generalised to any number of environmental factors. It is able to represent a customised waste index for a particular industry. Several ways to represent the multidimensional environmental wastes were explored via industry focus group. The resulting method can be used by production staff to quantify environmental impacts at the level of the individual process and aggregated to report wastes for the whole value stream.
Cyclically Deformed Defects and Topological Mass Constraints
Authors: Bernardini A. E. , da Rocha Roldão
Published: April 2013

A systematic procedure for obtaining defect structures through cyclic deformation chains is introduced and explored in detail. The procedure outlines a set of rules for analytically constructing constraint equations that involve the finite localized energy of cyclically generated defects. The idea of obtaining cyclically deformed defects concerns the possibility of regenerating a primitive (departing) defect structure through successive, unidirectional, and eventually irreversible, deformation processes. Our technique is applied on kink-like and lump-like solutions in models described by a single real scalar field such that extensions to quantum mechanics follow the usual theory of deformed defects. The preliminary results show that the cyclic device supports simultaneously kink-like and lump-like defects into 3- and 4-cyclic deformation chains with topological mass values closed by trigonometric and hyperbolic deformations. In a straightforward generalization, results concerning the analytical calculation ofN-cyclic deformations are obtained, and lessons regarding extensions from more elaborated primitive defects are depicted.
Improved Processing of Carbon Nanotube Yarn
Authors: Jayasinghe Chaminda , Amstutz Trent , Schulz Mark J. , Shanov Vesselin
Published: April 2013

We compared mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns formed from four different spinning methods. In these methods, a yarn was spun from two aligned CNT arrays. CNT yarns fabricated from each method were tested quantitatively through the mechanical and electrical properties and reported. This improvement is considered to be caused by multiple factors, such as reduction of the yarn diameter, densification, water evaporation, and CNT orientation. The best electrical and mechanical property of CNT yarn was observed from the fourth spinning method where heating and tension during spinning were applied. The introduced yarn spinning methods are appropriate for continuous mass production of high strength carbon nanotube yarns with controlled diameter, strength, and electrical conductivity.
Induced Land Use Emissions due to First and Second Generation Biofuels and Uncertainty in Land Use Emission Factors
Authors: Taheripour Farzad , Tyner Wallace E.
Published: April 2013

Much research has estimated induced land use changes (ILUCs) and emissions for first generation biofuels. Relatively little has provided estimates for the second generation biofuels. This paper estimates ILUC emissions for the first and second generation biofuels. Estimated ILUC emissions are uncertain not only because their associated land use changes are uncertain, but also because of uncertainty in the land use emission factors (EFs). This paper also examines uncertainties related to these factors. The results suggest that converting crop residues to biofuel has no significant ILUC emissions, but that is not the case for dedicated energy crops. Use of dedicated energy crops transfers managed natural land and marginal land (cropland-pasture) to crop production. Producing biogasoline from miscanthus generates the lowest land requirement among alterative pathways. The largest land requirement is associated with switchgrass. The difference is due largely to the assumed yields of switchgrass and miscanthus. The three major conclusions from uncertainty in emissions analyses are (1) inclusion or exclusion of cropland-pasture makes a huge difference; (2) changes in soil carbon sequestration due to changes in land cover vegetation play an important role; and (3) there is wide divergence among the emission factor sources, especially for dedicated crop conversion to ethanol.
Modified Dachengqi Decoction Combined with Conventional Treatment for Treating Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review Based on Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Ruohan , Fengjie Zheng , Li Yuhang , Yan Sun , Miao Liu , Tan Wang , Jinchao Zhang
Published: April 2013

Objective. This study intended to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified Dachengqi Decoction (MDD) combined with conventional treatment for treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Method. An extensive search was performed within 6 English and Chinese electronic databases from inception to April 2012. Methodological quality was assessed according to Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.1.Results. A total of 16 studies (involving 1112 patients) were included. The result showed that MDD and its modification combined with routine treatment were more effective in improving FEV1%pred, enhancing the significant effectiveness, reducing PCO2, and shortening duration of mechanical ventilation. Adverse events were reported in two trials with symptom of diarrhea, while no serious adverse effect was reported.Conclusion. Modified Dachengqi Decoction appears to be effective for treating AECOPD. However, more regular designed RCTs are needed because of insufficient methodological problems.
Modeling, Control, and Simulation of a Solar Hydrogen/Fuel Cell Hybrid Energy System for Grid-Connected Applications
Authors: Lajnef Tourkia , Abid Slim , Ammous Anis
Published: April 2013

Different energy sources and converters need to be integrated with each other for extended usage of alternative energy, in order to meet sustained load demands during various weather conditions. The objective of this paper is to associate photovoltaic generators, fuel cells, and electrolysers. Here, to sustain the power demand and solve the energy storage problem, electrical energy can be stored in the form of hydrogen. By using an electrolyser, hydrogen can be generated and stored for future use. The hydrogen produced by the electrolyser using PV power is used in the FC system and acts as an energy buffer. Thus, the effects of reduction and even the absence of the available power from the PV system can be easily tackled. Modeling and simulations are performed using MATLAB/Simulink and SimPowerSystems packages and results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system.
The Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Related Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Wang Chaoxun
Published: April 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has an intersecting underlying pathology with thyroid dysfunction. The literature is punctuated with evidence indicating a contribution of abnormalities of thyroid hormones to type 2 DM. The most probable mechanism leading to T2DM in thyroid dysfunction could be attributed to perturbed genetic expression of a constellation of genes along with physiological aberrations leading to impaired glucose utilization and disposal in muscles, overproduction of hepatic glucose output, and enhanced absorption of splanchnic glucose. These factors contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is also associated with thyroid dysfunction. Hyper- and hypothyroidism have been associated with insulin resistance which has been reported to be the major cause of impaired glucose metabolism in T2DM. The state-of-art evidence suggests a pivotal role of insulin resistance in underlining the relation between T2DM and thyroid dysfunction. A plethora of preclinical, molecular, and clinical studies have evidenced an undeniable role of thyroid malfunctioning as a comorbid disorder of T2DM. It has been investigated that specifically designed thyroid hormone analogues can be looked upon as the potential therapeutic strategies to alleviate diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. These molecules are in final stages of preclinical and clinical evaluation and may pave the way to unveil a distinct class of drugs to treat metabolic disorders.
PVA/Polysaccharides Blended Films: Mechanical Properties
Authors: Silva Fábio E. F. , Di-Medeiros Maria Carolina B. , Batista Karla A. , Fernandes Kátia F.
Published: April 2013

Blends of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and angico gum (AG) and/or cashew gum (CG) were used to produce films by casting method. Morphological and mechanical properties of these films were studied and compared to the properties of a commercial collagen membrane of bovine origin (MBO). The films presented thickness varying from 70 to 140 μm (PVA/AG) and 140 to 200 μm (PVA/CG). Macroscopic analysis showed that a PVA/CG film was very similar to MBO regarding the color and transparency. The higher values of tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) were observed in the film. On the other hand, PVA/CG and PVA/CG-AG presented the highest value of percentage of elongation (E%). Pearson’s Correlation Analysis revealed a positive correlation between TS and EM and a negative correlation between E% and EM. The PVA/CG film presented mechanical properties very similar to MBO, with the advantage of a higher E% (11.96) than MBO (2.94). The properties of the PVA blended films depended on the polysaccharide added in the blend, as well as the acid used as a catalyst. However, all produced films presented interesting mechanical characteristics which enables several biotechnological applications.
Endocytic Adaptor Protein Epsin Is Elevated in Prostate Cancer and Required for Cancer Progression
Authors: Tessneer Kandice L. , Pasula Satish , Cai Xiaofeng , Dong Yunzhou , Liu Xiaolei , Yu Lili , Hahn Scott , McManus John , Chen Yiyuan , Chang Baojun , Chen Hong
Published: April 2013

Epsins have an important role in mediating clathrin-mediated endocytosis of ubiquitinated cell surface receptors. The potential role for epsins in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis by regulating intracellular signaling pathways has largely not been explored. Epsins are reportedly upregulated in several types of cancer including human skin, lung, and canine mammary cancers. However, whether their expression is elevated in prostate cancer is unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of epsins in prostate tumorigenesis using the wild type or epsin-deficient human prostate cancer cells, LNCaP, in a human xenograft model, and the spontaneous TRAMP mouse model in wild type or epsin-deficient background. Here, we reported that the expression of epsins 1 and 2 is upregulated in both human and mouse prostate cancer cells and cancerous tissues. Consistent with upregulation of epsins in prostate tumors, we discovered that depletion of epsins impaired tumor growth in both the human LNCaP xenograft and the TRAMP mouse prostate. Furthermore, epsin depletion significantly prolonged survival in the TRAMP mouse model. In summary, our findings suggest that epsins may act as oncogenic proteins to promote prostate tumorigenesis and that depletion or inhibition of epsins may provide a novel therapeutic target for future prostate cancer therapies.
Viability Reagent, PrestoBlue, in Comparison with Other Available Reagents, Utilized in Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Assays
Authors: Lall Namrita , Henley-Smith Cynthia Joan , De Canha Marco Nuno , Oosthuizen Carel Basson , Berrington Danielle
Published: April 2013

This study compared different commercially available viability reagents. The growth indicator reagents includep-iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT), PrestoBlue, and Alamar Blue which were used for antimicrobial analysis againstStreptococcus mutans,Prevotella intermedia,Propionibacterium acnes, andMycobacterium tuberculosis. PrestoBlue and Alamar Blue are resazurin based reagents that resulted in a quick and easily distinguishable colour change that allowed for visual readings. INT and Sodium 3′-[1-(phenyl amino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis-[4-methoxy-6-nitro] benzene sulfonic acid hydrate (XTT) are tetrazolium based reagents which are converted to a formazan dye in the presence of metabolically active mitochondria enzyme. For cell viability analysis, reagents XTT and PrestoBlue were compared. PrestoBlue was able to clearly indicate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various positive drug controls on various microbial strains. PrestoBlue was also a good indicator of the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of positive drug controls on various cell lines.
Atrial Arrhythmias in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Underlying Mechanisms and Implications in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Filgueiras-Rama David , Arias Miguel A. , Iniesta Ángel , Armada Eduardo , Merino José L. , Peinado Rafael , López-Sendón J. L.
Published: April 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repetitive interruption of ventilation during sleep caused by recurrent upper airway collapse, which leads to intermittent hypoxia. The disorder is commonly undiagnosed despite its relationship with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the effects of the disorder appear to be particularly dangerous in young subjects. In the last decade, substantial clinical evidence has identified OSA as independent risk factor for both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias. To date the mechanisms leading to such arrhythmias have not been completely understood. However, recent data from animal models and new molecular analyses have increased our knowledge of the field, which might lead to future improvement in current therapeutic strategies mainly based on continuous positive airway pressure. This paper aims at providing readers a brief and specific revision of current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying atrial arrhythmias in OSA and their clinical and therapeutic implications.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: Newer Data
Authors: Mavrogiannaki A. N. , Migdalis I. N.
Published: April 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common, chronic liver disease worldwide. Within this spectrum, steatosis alone is apparently benign, while nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis is not clearly known, but its main characteristics are considered insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased free fatty acids reflux from adipose tissue to the liver, hepatocyte lipotoxicity, stimulation of chronic necroinflammation, and fibrogenic response. With recent advances in technology, advanced imaging techniques provide important information for diagnosis. There is a significant research effort in developing noninvasive monitoring of disease progression to fibrosis and response to therapy with potential novel biomarkers, in order to facilitate diagnosis for the detection of advanced cirrhosis and to minimize the need of liver biopsy. The identification of NAFLD should be sought as part of the routine assessment of type 2 diabetics, as sought the microvascular complications and cardiovascular disease, because it is essential for the early diagnosis and proper intervention. Diet, exercise training, and weight loss provide significant clinical benefits and must be considered of first line for treating NAFLD.
Role of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in the Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Patel Pavankumar , Abate Nicola
Published: April 2013

Burden of obesity has increased significantly in the United States over last few decades. Association of obesity with insulin resistance and related cardiometabolic problems is well established. Traditionally, adipose tissue in visceral fat depot has been considered a major culprit in development of insulin resistance. However, growing body of the literature has suggested that adipose tissue in subcutaneous fat depot, not only due to larger volume but also due to inherent functional characteristics, can have significant impact on development of insulin resistance. There are significant differences in functional characteristics of subcutaneous abdominal/truncal versus gluteofemoral depots. Decreased capacity for adipocyte differentiation and angiogenesis along with adipocyte hypertrophy can trigger vicious cycle of inflammation in subcutaneous adipose tissue and subsequent ectopic fat deposition. It is important to shift focus from fat content to functional heterogeneity in adipose tissue depots to better understand the relative role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in metabolic complications of obesity. Therapeutic lifestyle change continues to be the most important intervention in clinical practice at any level of increased adiposity. Future pharmaceutical interventions aimed at improving adipose tissue function in various subcutaneous depots have potential to help maintain adequate insulin sensitivity and reduce risk for development of insulin resistance complications.
Changes in Ghrelin-Related Factors in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Rats
Authors: Nahata Miwa , Saegusa Yayoi , Harada Yumi , Tsuchiya Naoko , Hattori Tomohisa , Takeda Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

To examine gastrointestinal hormone profiles and functional changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), blood levels of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin were measured in rats with experimentally induced GERD. During the experiment, plasma acyl ghrelin levels in GERD rats were higher than those in sham-operated rats, although food intake was reduced in GERD rats. Although plasma levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin were significantly decreased in GERD rats, no changes were observed in cholecystokinin levels. Repeated administration of rat ghrelin to GERD rats had no effect on the reduction in body weight or food intake. Therefore, these results suggest that aberrantly increased secretion of peripheral ghrelin and decreased ghrelin responsiveness may occur in GERD rats. Neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of GERD rats was significantly increased, whereas proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression was significantly decreased compared to that in sham-operated rats. However, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and prepro-orexin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of GERD rats was similar to that in sham-operated rats. These results suggest that although GERD rats have higher plasma ghrelin levels, ghrelin signaling in GERD rats may be suppressed due to reduced MCH and/or orexin synthesis in the hypothalamus.