bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathway Distiller - multisource biological pathway consolidation
Authors: Doderer Mark S , Anguiano Zachry , Suresh Uthra , Dashnamoorthy Ravi , Bishop Alexander JR , Chen Yidong
Published: October 2012

Background

One method to understand and evaluate an experiment that produces a large set of genes, such as a gene expression microarray analysis, is to identify overrepresentation or enrichment for biological pathways. Because pathways are able to functionally describe the set of genes, much effort has been made to collect curated biological pathways into publicly accessible databases. When combining disparate databases, highly related or redundant pathways exist, making their consolidation into pathway concepts essential. This will facilitate unbiased, comprehensive yet streamlined analysis of experiments that result in large gene sets.

Methods

After gene set enrichment finds representative pathways for large gene sets, pathways are consolidated into representative pathway concepts. Three complementary, but different methods of pathway consolidation are explored. Enrichment Consolidation combines the set of the pathways enriched for the signature gene list through iterative combining of enriched pathways with other pathways with similar signature gene sets; Weighted Consolidation utilizes a Protein-Protein Interaction network based gene-weighting approach that finds clusters of both enriched and non-enriched pathways limited to the experiments' resultant gene list; and finally the de novo Consolidation method uses several measurements of pathway similarity, that finds static pathway clusters independent of any given experiment.

Results

We demonstrate that the three consolidation methods provide unified yet different functional insights of a resultant gene set derived from a genome-wide profiling experiment. Results from the methods are presented, demonstrating their applications in biological studies and comparing with a pathway web-based framework that also combines several pathway databases. Additionally a web-based consolidation framework that encompasses all three methods discussed in this paper, Pathway Distiller (http://cbbiweb.uthscsa.edu/PathwayDistiller), is established to allow researchers access to the methods and example microarray data described in this manuscript, and the ability to analyze their own gene list by using our unique consolidation methods.

Conclusions

By combining several pathway systems, implementing different, but complementary pathway consolidation methods, and providing a user-friendly web-accessible tool, we have enabled users the ability to extract functional explanations of their genome wide experiments.
Prognostic value of semi-quantitative bacteruria counts in the diagnosis of group B streptococcus urinary tract infection: a 4-year retrospective study in adult patients
Authors: Tan Chee K , Ulett Kimberly B , Steele Michael , Benjamin William H , Ulett Glen C
Published: October 2012

Background

Semi-quantitative bacteruria counts (s-QBC) are important in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to most uropathogens. The prognostic value of s-QBC for diagnosis of UTI due to group B streptococcus (GBS) is unknown. In this study, we assessed the value of s-QBC for differentiating acute GBS UTI from asymptomatic bacteruria (ABU), independent of other potential prognostic indicators.

Methods

Medical record review and urinalysis (UA) values for 1593 patients who had urinary GBS isolated (103 to ≥105 CFU/ml) during a four-year period were analyzed using binary logistic regression to determine the predictive values of s-QBC, age, and gender for infection category (acute UTI, ABU) based on the clinical diagnosis.

Results

s-QBC alone had a strong predictive value for infection category but only for ABU. Multivariate logistic regression showed similar predictive power of s-QBC for infection category using age as a co-predictor, which was also independently associated with infection category. Typical s-QBC cut-off values that are commonly used in diagnostic settings had no significant power in predicting infection category. Among other UA measures, proteinuria and hematuria were significantly associated with acute infection.

Conclusions

Together, these data show that s-QBC is not useful in the differential diagnosis of GBS UTI. Among the patients in this study, age was an equally effective prognostic indicator compared to s-QBC for identifying high- and low-risk patients for acute GBS UTI. Collectively, these findings indicate that age-based associations may be equally as useful as s-QBC for predicting infection category in the setting of adult patients with GBS-positive urine cultures.
Effects of ginsenoside Re on LPS-induced inflammatory mediators in BV2 microglial cells
Authors: Lee Kang-Woo , Jung So Young , Choi Sun-Mi , Yang Eun Jin
Published: October 2012

Background

Microglial activation plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases by producing several pro-inflammatory enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation leads to the activation of microglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and is associated with the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, AD, and ALS. Ginseng is a natural antioxidant used in herbal medicine and contains ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Re, and Rd), which have anti-neoplastic and anti-stress properties.

This study demonstrates the involvement of the anti-inflammatory signaling pathway, ginsenoside-Re (G-Re), which is one of the ginsenosides mediated by LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cells.

Methods

BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with 2 μg/ml G-Re and stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS to induce neuroinflammation. To investigate the effect of G-Re on LPS-induced cell signaling, we performed western blotting and immunofluorescence using specific antibodies, such as phospho-p38, COX2, and iNOS.

Results

Pretreatment with 2 μg/ml G-Re was neuroprotective against 1 μg/ml LPS-treated microglial cells. The neuroprotective events induced by G-Re treatment in neuroinflammation occurred via the phospho-p38, iNOS, and COX2 signaling pathways in BV2 cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, we suggest that G-Re exerts a beneficial effect on neuroinflammatory events in neurodegenerative diseases.
Isotope Coded Protein Labeling analysis of plasma specimens from acute severe dengue fever patients
Authors: Fragnoud Romain , Yugueros-Marcos Javier , Pachot Alexandre , Bedin Frederic
Published: October 2012

Background

Dengue fever is the most important arthropod born viral disease of public health significance. Although most patients suffer only from flu-like symptoms, a small group of patient experiences more severe forms of the disease. To contribute to a better understanding of its pathogenesis this study aims to identify proteins differentially expressed in a pool of five viremic plasma from severe dengue patients relative to a pool of five non-severe dengue patients.

Results

The use of Isotope Coded Protein Labeling (ICPLTM) to analyze plasma depleted of twenty high-abundance proteins allowed for the identification of 51 differentially expressed proteins, which were characterized by mass spectrometry. Using quantitative ELISA, three of these proteins (Leucine-rich glycoprotein 1, Vitamin D binding-protein and Ferritin) were confirmed as having an increased expression in a panel of severe dengue plasma. The proteins identified as overexpressed by ICPLTMin severe dengue plasma involve in clear up action after cell injury, tissue coherence and immune defense.

Conclusion

This ICPLTMstudy evaluating differences between acute severe dengue plasmas and acute non-severe dengue plasmas suggests that the three proteins identified are overexpressed early in the course of the disease. Their possible use as biomarkers for the prognostic of disease severity is discussed.
Dendritic cell CNS recruitment correlates with disease severity in EAE via CCL2 chemotaxis at the blood–brain barrier through paracellular transmigration and ERK activation
Authors: Sagar Divya , Lamontagne Anne , Foss Catherine A , Khan Zafar K , Pomper Martin G , Jain Pooja
Published: October 2012

Background

Transmigration of circulating dendritic cells (DCs) into the central nervous system (CNS) across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has not thus far been investigated. An increase in immune cell infiltration across the BBB, uncontrolled activation and antigen presentation are influenced by chemokines. Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a potent chemoattractant known to be secreted by the BBB but has not been implicated in the recruitment of DCs specifically at the BBB.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in C57BL/6 mice by injection of MOG35–55peptide and pertussis toxin intraperitoneally. Animals with increasing degree of EAE score were sacrificed and subjected to near-infrared and fluorescence imaging analysis to detect and localize the accumulation of CD11c+-labeled DCs with respect to CCL2 expression. To further characterize the direct effect of CCL2 in DC trafficking at the BBB, we utilized anin vitroBBB model consisting of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to compare migratory patterns of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, CD4+and CD8+T cells. Further, this model was used to image transmigration using fluorescence microcopy and to assess specific molecular signaling pathways involved in transmigration.

Results

Near-infrared imaging of DC transmigration correlated with the severity of inflammation during EAE.Ex vivohistology confirmed the presence of CCL2 in EAE lesions, with DCs emerging from perivascular spaces. DCs exhibited more efficient transmigration than T cells in BBB model studies. These observations correlated with transwell imaging, which indicated a paracellular versus transcellular pattern of migration by DCs and T cells. Moreover, at the molecular level, CCL2 seems to facilitate DC transmigration in an ERK1/2-dependent manner.

Conclusion

CNS recruitment of DCs correlates with disease severity in EAE via CCL2 chemotaxis and paracellular transmigration across the BBB, which is facilitated by ERK activation. Overall, these comprehensive studies provide a state-of-the-art view of DCs within the CNS, elucidate their path across the BBB, and highlight potential mechanisms involved in CCL2-mediated DC trafficking.
Polyoxovanadate–Surfactant Hybrid Layered Crystal Containing One-Dimensional Hydrogen-Bonded Cluster Chain
Authors: Ito Takeru , Taira Minako , Fukumoto Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Naruke Haruo , Tomita Koji
Published: October 2012

A polyoxovanadate–surfactant hybrid layered crystal was synthesized by using decyltrimethylammonium (C10) cation. The hybrid crystal with a formula of (C10)4[H2V10O28]·8H2O (C10–V10) contained diprotonated decavanadate anions, which were connected to each other to form hydrogen-bonded cluster chains. Conductivity and photoreactivity of C10–V10 were also investigated.
Molecular Dynamics of Octyl Urea Crystals Analyzed by Solid-state NMR
Authors: Ohashi Ryutaro , Wakabayashi Gou , Mizuno Motohiro , Soeta Takahiro , Hashimoto Masao , Yamamura Kimiaki
Published: October 2012

Octyl urea has one solid–solid phase transition at the temperature of 353.2 K. The solid–solid phase transition of octyl urea has a large entropy, that is comparable to its melting entropy. In this study, octyl urea was examined by solid-state NMR in order to investigate the sources of the large transition entropy. The NMR results indicate that conformational exchange and molecular motion in the octyl urea are the sources of the large entropy of the solid–solid transition.
Enantioselective Recognition of Tartaric Acid on Magnetoelectrodeposited Copper Film Electrodes
Authors: Mogi Iwao , Watanabe Kazuo
Published: October 2012

Cu films were electrodeposited under a magnetic field of 5 T, and cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the enantiomers of tartaric acid were investigated on the Cu film electrodes. The chiral behavior of the CVs was observed as the peak current difference between the enantiomers. The dependence of the chiral behavior on the potential sweep rate indicates that the enantioselective recognition is performed as the difference in the electron-transfer rate of the enantiomers at the chiral sites on the film surfaces.
Exploiting Symmetries in SDP-Relaxations for Polynomial Optimization
Authors: Riener Cordian , Theobald Thorsten , Andrén Lina Jansson , Lasserre Jean B.
Published: October 2012

In this paper we study various approaches for exploiting symmetries in polynomial optimization problems within the framework of semidefinite programming relaxations. Our special focus is on constrained problems especially when the symmetric group is acting on the variables. In particular, we investigate the concept of block decomposition within the framework of constrained polynomial optimization problems, show how the degree principle for the symmetric group can be computationally exploited, and also propose some methods to efficiently compute the geometric quotient.
Inventory Pooling to Deliver Differentiated Service
Authors: Alptekinoğlu Aydın , Banerjee Arunava , Paul Anand , Jain Nikhil
Published: October 2012

Inventory pooling is at the root of many celebrated ideas in operations management. Postponement, component commonality, and resource flexibility are some examples. Motivated by our experience in the aftermarket services industry, we propose a model of inventory pooling to meet differentiated service levels for multiple customers. Our central research question is the following: What are the minimum inventory level and optimal allocation policy when a pool of inventory is used in a single period to satisfy individual service levels for multiple customers? We measure service by the probability of fulfilling a customer's entire demand immediately from stock. We characterize the optimal solution in several allocation policy classes; provide some structural results, formulas, and bounds; and also make detailed interpolicy comparisons. We show that the pooling benefit is always strictly positive, even when there are an arbitrary number of customers with perfectly positively correlated demands.
Asystole after First Dose of Ceftriaxone; Nifedipine XL–Induced Dysuria; Duloxetine-Induced Lymphocytic Colitis; Duloxetine-Associated Tardive Dyskinesia; Minocycline-Induced Fulminant Intracranial Hypertension; Voriconazole-Associated Phototoxic Effects; Levetiracetam-Induced DRESS Syndrome; Antipsychotics and Antidepressant Use during Pregnancy
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MEDWATCH program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MEDWATCH, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Cisplatin, Epirubicin, Levoleucovorin (or Leucovorin), and Fluorouracil (PELF) Regimen for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: October 2012

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Ascorbic Acid: Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: October 2012

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
The Role of a Needs Assessment
Authors: Phillips Holly , Wilkinson Samaneh , Buck Brian
Published: October 2012

To strategically focus efforts related to preceptor development, it is critical to understand the importance of conducting a programmatic needs assessment. The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) publishes residency accreditation standards that provide a framework for ensuring that residency programs meet common baseline requirements. This article will discuss preceptor development challenges, describe the development of a preceptor plan based on a needs assessment, and detail strategies to enhance preceptor development activities.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Managed Anticoagulation Clinic
Authors: Graham Maqual R. , Fish Kristin , Schaefer R. Spencer , Galyean Rick , Hardinger Karen L.
Published: October 2012

Background

Anticoagulation therapy is important in the prevention and treatment of cardioembolic events. Warfarin is frequently used but requires continual monitoring to ensure safety and efficacy. The target time in therapeutic range (TTR) is not always achieved.

Objectives

The objectives for this study were to determine the TTR for a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic and identify reasons for sub- and supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) values.

Methods

Medical records for subjects prescribed warfarin were reviewed. Demographic and relevant clinical information was assessed. INR measurements were extracted for subjects enrolled. The TTR was calculated, and the cause for sub- or supratherapeutic values was determined when possible.

Results

One hundred twenty-six subjects were included in this retrospective study. The calculated TTR was 51%. The cause for more than 65% of the sub- and supratherapeutic INR values could not be determined. One subject incurred a clot and 6 subjects suffered a bleed. No deaths occurred. Age was the only factor that correlated with a supratherapeutic INR value ( r = −0.179, P = .045).

Conclusion

Pharmacists in the anticoagulation clinic are effectively managing patients who are taking warfarin by frequently maintaining INR values near or within the recommended therapeutic range. Very few negative outcomes occurred during the time of study.
Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy May Be Appropriate for Small, Node-Negative, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Morris Patrick G. , McArthur Heather L.
Published: October 2012

This letter discusses the outcomes of a sequential cohort study of women with T1, N0, HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab.
Versatilities of graphene-based catalysts in organic transformations
Authors: Garg Bhaskar , Ling Yong-Chien
Published: October 2012

The outstanding and unique physical, chemical and mechanical properties of graphene lead to the development of graphene-based catalysts for selective and efficient organic synthesis becoming an active research area in recent years. This critical review summarizes the versatile applications of graphene-based catalysts in organic synthesis. It provides a comprehensive overview of typical reactions including oxidation, carbon–carbon cross-coupling, hydration, esterification, Pechmann condensation, aza-Michael addition, Knoevenagel condensation, Friedel-Crafts addition, ring-opening polymerization, ring opening of epoxides, decarboxylative cycloaddition, amide formation, synthesis of dipyrromethane, hydrogenation and/or reduction. The applications of graphene-based catalysts allow mild, selective and highly effective transformations and synthesis in a facile, regenerable, recyclable and eco-friendly manner.
Stochastic species distributions are driven by organism size
Authors: Soininen Janne , Korhonen Jenni J. , Luoto Miska
Published: October 2012

The strengths of environmental drivers and biotic interactions are expected to show large variability across organism groups. We tested two ideas related to the degree of ecological determinism vs. stochasticity using a large data set comprising bacterio‐, phyto‐, and zooplankton. We expected that (1) there are predictable, size‐driven differences in the degree to which planktonic taxa respond to different drivers such as water chemistry, biotic interactions, and climatic variables; and (2) species distribution models show lowest predictive performance for the smallest taxa due to the stochastic distributions of microbes. Generalized linear models (GLMs), generalized additive models (GAMs), and generalized boosted methods (GBMs) were constructed for 84 species to model their occurrence as a function of eight predictors. Predictive performance was measured as the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver–operating characteristic plot and true skill statistic (TSS) using independent model evaluation data. We found that the model performances were typically remarkably low for all planktonic groups. The proportion of satisfactory models (AUC > 0.7) was lowest for bacteria (11.1% of the models), followed by phyto‐ (24.2%) and zooplankton (38.1%). The occurrences of taxa within all planktonic groups were related to climatic variables to a certain degree, but bacteria showed the strongest associations with the climatic variables. Moreover, zooplankton occurrences were more related to biotic variables than the occurrences of smaller taxa, while phytoplankton occurrences were more related to water chemistry. We conclude that the occurrences of planktonic taxa are highly unpredictable and that stochasticity in occurrences is negatively related to the organism size perhaps due to efficient dispersal and fast population dynamics among the smallest taxa.
The Central American Epidemic of CKD
Authors: Weiner Daniel E. , McClean Michael D. , Kaufman James S. , Brooks Daniel R.
Published: October 2012

Recent reports have described an apparent epidemic of CKD along the Pacific coast of Central America, such that CKD is a leading cause of death among working-age men in lower-altitude agricultural communities in this region. Given the limited availability of kidney replacement therapies in this region, CKD often is a terminal diagnosis, lending greater urgency to the identification of a modifiable cause. This article discusses the epidemiology of CKD in this region, reviews the clinical features of this CKD outbreak, discusses potential causes and the evidence supporting these hypotheses, and highlights the wider implications of this epidemic of CKD.
Biorefineries: Relocating Biomass Refineries to the Rural Area
Authors: Papendiek Franka , Ende Hans-Peter , Steinhardt Uta , Wiggering Huber
Published: October 2012

The field for application of biomass is rising. The demand for food and feeding stuff rises while at the same time energy, chemicals and other materials also need to be produced from biomass because of decreasing fossil resources. However, the biorefinery ideas and concepts can help to use the limited renewable raw materials more efficiently than today. With biorefineries, valuable products, such as platform chemicals, can be produced from agricultural feedstock, which can subsequently be further processed into a variety of substances by the chemical industry. Due to the role they play as producers of biomass, rural areas will grow in importance in the decades to come. Parts of the biorefinery process can be relocated to the rural areas to bring a high added value to these regions. By refining biomass at the place of production, new economic opportunities may arise for agriculturists, and the industry gets high-grade pre-products. Additionally, an on-farm refining can increase the quality of the products because of the instant processing. To reduce competition with the food production and to find new possibilities of utilisation for these habitats, the focus for new agricultural biomass should be on grasslands. But also croplands can provide more renewable raw materials without endangering a sustainable agriculture, e.g. by implementing legumes in the crop rotation. To decide if a region can provide adequate amounts of raw material for a biorefinery, new raw material assessment procedures have to be developed. In doing so, involvement of farmers is inevitable to generate a reliable study of the biomass refinery potentials.
Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for preoperative language mapping in a patient with a left frontoopercular glioblastoma
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Picht Thomas , Mäkelä Jyrki P. , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: October 2012

Up to now, navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has been used for motor mapping in the vicinity of rolandic brain lesions. Recently, nTMS has also been suggested to be useful in mapping human language areas.

The authors describe the case of a left-handed patient with a left-side glioblastoma within the opercular inferior frontal gyrus who presented with severe motor aphasia. Preoperative functional MRI (fMRI) indicated speech dominance of the right hemisphere and did not show any language-related activation in the vicinity of the tumor. Navigated TMS, however, showed a significantly higher rate of induced speech arrests for the left than for the right. Left-side direct cortical stimulation induced clear speech arrests during awake surgery.

This case suggests that nTMS may be useful for preoperative speech mapping in tumors affecting the anatomy, vasculature, and brain oxygen levels and therefore impairing fMRI reliability.
Relapse of herpes encephalitis induced by temozolomide-based chemoradiation in a patient with malignant glioma
Authors: Okada Masaki , Miyake Keisuke , Shinomiya Aya , Kawai Nobuyuki , Tamiya Takashi
Published: October 2012

The authors report on a case of concurrent herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and malignant glioma. The co-occurrence of HSE and malignant glioma is very rare, but it can occur during glioma treatment. Both radiotherapy and chemoradiation with temozolomide can induce viral reactivation, leading to HSE relapse. Careful observation for HSE is necessary when administering chemoradiation to patients with a history of HSE. Antiviral therapy for HSE must be initiated immediately, and the chemoradiation for glioma should be stopped; however, it is not clear what antitumor therapy is optimal when HSE co-occurs during the treatment of glioma.
Relationship between hospital surgical volume, lobectomy rates, and adverse perioperative events at US epilepsy centers
Authors: Englot Dario J. , Ouyang David , Wang Doris D. , Rolston John D. , Garcia Paul A. , Chang Edward F.
Published: October 2012

Object

Epilepsy surgery remains significantly underutilized. The authors recently reported that the number of lobectomies for localized intractable epilepsy in the US has not changed despite the implementation of clear evidence-based guidelines 10 years ago supporting early referral for surgery. To better understand why epilepsy surgery continues to be underused, the authors' objective was to carefully examine hospital-related factors related to the following: 1) where patients are being admitted for the evaluation of epilepsy, 2) rates of utilization for surgery across hospitals, and 3) perioperative morbidity between hospitals with low versus high volumes of epilepsy surgery.

Methods

The authors performed a population-based cohort study of US hospitals between 1990 and 2008 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), stratifying epilepsy surgery rates and trends as well as perioperative morbidity rates by hospital surgical volume.

Results

The number of lobectomies for epilepsy performed at high-volume centers (> 15 lobectomies/year) significantly decreased between 1990 and 2008 (F = 20.4, p < 0.001), while significantly more procedures were performed at middle-volume hospitals (5–15 lobectomies/year) over time (F = 16.1, p < 0.001). No time trend was observed for hospitals performing fewer than 5 procedures per year. However, patients admitted to high-volume centers were significantly more likely to receive lobectomy than those at low-volume hospitals (relative risk 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.08, p < 0.001). Also, the incidence of perioperative adverse events was significantly higher at low-volume hospitals (12.9%) than at high-volume centers (6.1%) (relative risk 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.07, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hospital volume is an important predictor of epilepsy surgery utilization and perioperative morbidity. Patients with medically refractory epilepsy should be referred to a comprehensive epilepsy treatment center for surgical evaluation by an experienced clinical team.
Improvement of sagittal balance and lumbar lordosis following less invasive adult spinal deformity surgery with expandable cages and percutaneous instrumentation
Authors: Wang Michael Y.
Published: October 2012

Object

The treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD) remains a challenge for the spine surgeon. While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many favorable attributes that would be of great benefit for the ASD population, improvements in lordosis and sagittal balance have remained elusive in cases involving the MIS approach. This report describes the evolution of an MIS method for treating ASD with attention to sagittal correction.

Methods

Over an 18-month period 25 patients with thoracolumbar scoliosis were treated surgically. The mean patient age was 72 years, and 68% of the population was female. Patients were treated with multilevel facet osteotomies and interbody fusion in which expandable cages (mean 3.2 levels) were placed and percutaneous screw fixation (mean 5.3 levels) was performed. Seven patients underwent supplemental percutaneous iliac fixation.

Results

All patients underwent MIS without conversion to a traditional open procedure. The mean operative time was 273 mins and the mean blood loss was 416 ml. There were no intraoperative complications. The Cobb angle over the scoliotic deformity improved from a mean of 29.2° to that of 9.0° (p < 0.001). Lumbar lordosis between L-1 and S-1 improved from a mean of 27.8° to one of 42.6° (p < 0.001). Sagittal vertical axis improved from 7.4 cm to 4.3 cm (p = 0.001). Numeric pain scale scores improved as well, an average of 3.3 and 4.2 for the leg and back, respectively. A mean improvement of 20.8 points on the Oswestry Disability Index was seen at 12 months. Complications included: two cases requiring hardware repositioning, one case of screw pullout, one asymptomatic pedicle screw breach, prolonged hospitalization from constipation, and one acute coronary syndrome developing 3 days after surgery without myocardial damage.

Conclusions

An expanding body of evidence suggests that sagittal balance remains a keystone for good outcomes after ASD surgery. Minimally invasive surgery that involves a combination of osteotomies, interbody height restoration, and advanced fixation techniques may achieve this goal in patients with less severe deformities. While feasibility will have to be proven with larger series and improved surgical methods, the present technique holds promise as a means of reducing the significant morbidity associated with surgery in the ASD population.
Improvement in sensory function via granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in rat spinal cord injury models
Authors: Kim Ji Yong , Oh Chang Hyun , Huang Xian , Kim Moon Hang , Yoon Seung Hwan , Kim Kil Hwan , Park Hyeonseon , Park Hyung Chun , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune
Published: October 2012

Object

The aim in this study was to determine whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) leads to sensory improvement in rat spinal cord injury (SCI) models.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study: 10 in the sham group (laminectomy alone without SCI), 10 in the SCI group (SCI treated with phosphate-buffered saline), and 10 in the GM-CSF treatment group (SCI treated with GM-CSF). A locomotor function test and pain sensitivity test were conducted weekly for 9 weeks after SCI or sham injury. Spinal tissue samples from all rats were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and abnormal sprouting at Week 9 post-SCI.

Results

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor treatment improves functional recovery after SCI. In the tactile withdrawal threshold and frequency of the hindlimb paw, the GM-CSF group always responded with a statistically significant lower threshold than the SCI group 9 weeks after SCI (p < 0.05). The response of the forelimb and hindlimb paws to cold in the GM-CSF group always reflected a statistically significant lower threshold than in the SCI group 9 weeks after injury (p < 0.05). Decreased CGRP expression, observed by density and distribution area, was noted in the GM-CSF group (optical density 113.5 ± 20.4) compared with the SCI group (optical density 143.1 ± 18.7; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Treatment with GM-CSF results in functional recovery, improving tactile and cold sense recovery in a rat SCI model. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor also minimizes abnormal sprouting of sensory nerves after SCI.
RGD-Binding Integrins in Prostate Cancer: Expression Patterns and Therapeutic Prospects against Bone Metastasis
Authors: Sutherland Mark , Gordon Andrew , Shnyder Steven , Patterson Laurence , Sheldrake Helen
Published: October 2012

Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of male cancer deaths in the developed world. The current lack of highly specific detection methods and efficient therapeutic agents for advanced disease have been identified as problems requiring further research. The integrins play a vital role in the cross-talk between the cell and extracellular matrix, enhancing the growth, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Progression and metastasis of prostate adenocarcinoma is strongly associated with changes in integrin expression, notably abnormal expression and activation of the β3 integrins in tumour cells, which promotes haematogenous spread and tumour growth in bone. As such, influencing integrin cell expression and function using targeted therapeutics represents a potential treatment for bone metastasis, the most common and debilitating complication of advanced prostate cancer. In this review, we highlight the multiple ways in which RGD-binding integrins contribute to prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and identify the rationale for development of multi-integrin antagonists targeting the RGD-binding subfamily as molecularly targeted agents for its treatment.
Simulation Design for Rutile-TiO2 Nanostructures with a Large Complete-Photonic Bandgap in Electrolytes
Authors: Matsushita Sachiko , Hayashi Mikiro , Isobe Toshihiro , Nakajima Akira
Published: October 2012

The photonic bands of various TiO2 2D photonic crystals, i.e., cylindrical, square and hexagonal columns connected with/without walls and filled with acetonitrile, were investigated from the perspective of dye-sensitized solar cells. The finite-difference time-domain methods revealed that two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals with rods connected with walls composed of TiO2 and electrolytes had complete photonic band gaps under specific conditions. This optimally designed bandgap reaches a large Δω/ωmid value, 1.9%, in a triangular array of square rods connected with walls, which is the largest complete 2D bandgap thus far reported for a photochemical system. These discoveries would promote the photochemical applications of photonic crystals.
Temperature Effects, Frieden–Hawkins’ Order-Measure, and Wehrl Entropy
Authors: Pennini Flavia , Plastino Angelo , Ferri Gustavo L.
Published: October 2012

We revisit the Frieden–Hawkins’ Fisher order measure with a consideration of temperature effects. To this end, we appeal to the semiclassical approach. The order-measure’s appropriateness is validated in the semiclassical realm with regard to two physical systems. Insight is thereby gained with respect to the relationships amongst semiclassical quantifiers. In particular, it is seen that Wehrl’s entropy is as good a disorder indicator as the Frieden–Hawkins’ one.
17O-Dynamic NMR and DFT Investigation of Bis(acyloxy)iodoarenes
Authors: Fusaro Luca , Mocci Francesca , Luhmer Michel , Cerioni Giovanni
Published: October 2012

Bis(acetoxy)iodobenzene and related acyloxy derivatives of hypervalent I(III) were studied by variable temperature solution-state 17O-NMR and DFT calculations. The 17O-NMR spectra reveal a dynamic process that interchanges the oxygen atoms of the acyloxy groups. For the first time, coalescence events could be detected for such compounds, allowing the determination of activation free energy data which are found to range between 44 and 47 kJ/mol. The analysis of the 17O linewidth measured for bis(acetoxy)iodobenzene indicates that the activation entropy is negligible. DFT calculations show that the oxygen atom exchange arises as a consequence of the [1,3]-sigmatropic shift of iodine. The calculated activation barriers are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Both the 17O-NMR and DFT studies show that the solvent and chemical alterations, such as modification of the acyl groups or para- substitution of the benzene ring, hardly affect the energetics of the dynamic process. The low I-O Wiberg bond index (0.41–0.42) indicates a possible explanation of the invariance of both the energy barrier and the 17O chemical shift with para-substitution.
Characterization of Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Simcha Shelly , Dotan Ana , Kenig Samuel , Dodiuk Hanna
Published: October 2012

This study focused on the effect of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) content and its surface treatment on thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites. MWCNTs were surface treated and incorporated into two epoxy systems. MWCNT's surface treatments were based on: (a) Titania coating obtained by sol-gel process and (b) a nonionic surfactant. Thermo-mechanical properties improvement was obtained following incorporation of treated MWCNT. It was noticed that small amounts of titania coated MWCNT (0.05 wt %) led to an increase in the glass transition temperature and stiffness. The best performance was achieved adding 0.3 wt % titania coated MWCNT where an increase of 10 °C in the glass transition temperature and 30% in storage modulus were obtained.
Effect of Improving Environmental Sustainability in Developing Countries by Upgrading Solid Waste Management Techniques: A Case Study
Authors: Vaccari Mentore , Torretta Vincenzo , Collivignarelli Carlo
Published: October 2012

The present research has focused on a contribution to the improvement of solid waste management in a waste collectors’ cooperative located in Brazil (Marcos Moura district, Santa Rita, Paraiba State) through a technical and organizational up-grading. Collection, processing and final disposal of wastes still represent a problem in some regions of Brazil. The proposed strategy foresaw the analysis of the local situation, the evaluation of the cooperative efficiency rate and then the introduction of technical and operational improvements to the service. Besides the technical activity, a social inclusion program was developed in order to include local scavengers (called Catadores) and to improve the social and economic conditions of populations involved in the process. The project also increased their environmental awareness. The workgroup is still monitoring the obtained results in order to check for the achievement of foreseen targets, to plan further improvements and to replicate this experience in other Brazilian areas.
Research on Cushioning Package Design Methods Based on Infinitive Equations
Authors: Wei Zhuan , Hua Guang Jun
Published: October 2012

The cushion design methods based on cushioning coefficient - maximum stress curve were studied. In research work, the cushioning coefficient - maximum stress curve was equivalent to an infinitive equation, and then composed to infinitive equations together with the cushion area and thickness formula. The cushion design methods based on cushioning coefficient - maximum stress curve was characterized as the problem of solving infinitive equations. By this method, the classic cushion area and thickness calculation methods were analyzed. It is believed that the essence of the classic design methods is increasing a restriction to the infinitive equations, as changed the original infinitive equations to posed equations. The research work can help designers deep understanding the traditional cushioning design methods and theories, and can be used to flexible design the cushion structure.
Study on the Constitutive Model of Double-Wall Corrugated Cardboard with A and B Flutes
Authors: Xu Chen Guang , Lu Fu De
Published: October 2012

The stress-strain curve of double-wall corrugated cardboard with A and B flutes was acquired by the static compression testing, and the constitutive relation expression was fitted by the least square method. Then the buffer coefficient-maximum stress curve was obtained based on the non-linear function mentioned above. Finally, an example was presented to demonstrate the cushion curve applied to the design of packaging structure.
Static Edgewise Crush Property and Mechanical Model of Apposition Combined C-Flute Corrugated Paperboard
Authors: Zhao De Jian , Jiang Hai Yun , Hua Guang Jun , Yuan Zhi Qing
Published: October 2012

C-flute corrugated paperboards with length of 100mm were combined side by side with/without water soluble glue to study the static edgewise crush property. Combinations with different height (20, 25, 40, 60, 80, and 100mm), different number of layers, with or without glue were tested to obtain mechanical property and buffering property data of C-flute corrugated paperboard. The result indicates that the deformation of paperboard combinations can be divided into three stages as elastic-like deform stage, yield-like stage and high plastic deformation stage. The mechanical model of the elastic-like deform stage was built according to numerical fitting, which shows that the relationship between the stress and the quadratic function of strain is exponential.
The Multiple Linear Regression Model on Compression Strength of Corrugated Boxes
Authors: Zhou Ying Hong , Zhong Bang Qi , Guo Ren Hong
Published: October 2012

Using the multiple linear regression model, we analyzed the test results on thousands batches of corrugated boxes samples to seek the relation between compression strength and a series of affecting variables such as bursting strength, edgewise crush strength Puncture resistance, ply adhesive strength, etc. And based on the non-linear regression model results, we discovered the relation between compression strength and other independent variables is more closed to a power function relation. We made the logarithm transformation on best fitted non-linear regression model to establish the predictive formula for the compression strength. To test how well our formula to predict the compression strength based all other factors, we randomly selected several batches lab tested samples both from Guangdong and Hunan Lab, and compared the real test results to the predicted values of our formula and of the traditional formulas such as Kellicutt, Makee and Wolf formula. We found the predicted values of our model are closer to the real tested value than the predicted values of the other three formulas.
Study on Surface Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) Film by RF-Ar/O2 Plasma Treatment
Authors: Xie Lin Kun , Dai Qin Ling , Du Guan Ben , Deng Qi Ping , Liu Gang Lian
Published: October 2012

The surface of polyethylene terephthalate film was modified using RF- Ar/ O2 glow discharge plasma under the condition of Ar and O2 flow amount of 1.9 and 1.2 (L/min) respectively and treatment power of 60 W. The changes of the properties of the film before and after modification were analyzed and characterized with static contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), atomic force microscopy(AFM), differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The results showed that the hydrophile of PET film was improved obviously after modification and formed some polar groups such as C-N, N-C=O, C=O, etc. on the film surface; The surface roughness was increased and appeared conical or globular protuberances; the thermal behaviors (mainly crystallinity) were changed after treatment by RF- Ar/O2 plasma.
Research on Equivalent Cushioning Property and Design Idea of Overlay Combination Cushion
Authors: Hua Guang Jun , Xie Yong , Tian Peng , Wang Ming
Published: October 2012

Based on the research on application and design method of combination cushion, the equivalent cushioning coefficient formula of overlay combination cushion made by different cushioning material were derived, and the relevant cushion design method was proposed. The work provides a theory basis for the combination cushion design. The equivalent cushioning coefficient formula can be used conveniently as it is expressed by the material’s property parameters. The research can help to play the advantages of different materials, promote the integrated use of different materials, and carry out economic packaging, green packaging ultimately.
The Potential Applications of W- and Mo-Doped VO2 Nanobelts to the Functional Packaging Materials
Authors: Zhang Yi Fu , Fan Mei Juan , Huang Chi , Liu Xing Hai , Liu Xin , Li Hou Bin
Published: October 2012

The first–order metal–sinsulator phase transition in VO2 is characterized by an ultrafast several orders of magnitude change in optical transmittance and electrical conductivity, which makes VO2 an attractive candidate for the potential application in thermochromic coatings and functional packaging materials. Herein, W– and Mo–doped VO2 nanobelts were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The as–obtained products were characterized by X–ray powder diffraction (XRD), X–ray photoelecton spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR). The results revealed that W or Mo atoms were successfully doped into the crystal lattice of VO2 matrix. It was found that the phase transition temperature of doped VO2 could be simply tuned by changing the doping concentration of W or Mo atoms. Furthermore, the variable–temperature infrared spectra disclosed that the doped VO2(M) had novel optical switching properties, indicating that the as–obtained products can be used as the intelligent packaging materials.
Reliability Analysis on Static Compression Mechanics Properties of Corn Straw Cushion Packaging Material
Authors: Chang Jiang
Published: October 2012

With reliability analysis methods, the static compression mechanics properties of corn Straw Cushion packaging material were studied. On the basis of the static compression experiments, analyzed the statistical distribution of the stress based on the different strain conditions, Established the stress-strain model of a random variable, has figured out the axial compression load limit on different reliability requirements.
Research and Application of Reversible Thermochromism Materials in Polyethylene Sheet
Authors: Wei Na , Hao Xiao Xiu , Sun Cheng , Wei Jun Qing
Published: October 2012

Reversible thermochromism polyethylene sheet was prepared by the reversible thermochromism material and polyethylene particles using the method of melt blend. Then the color difference, test temperature and the mechanical properties of the reversible thermochromism sheet were tested. Using of electron microscopy in order to observe the details of the reversible thermochromism polyethylene sheet. Finally, this paper discusses the different amounts of reversible thermochromism materials on the polyethylene sheet relative color difference and mechanical properties. This study has some guiding sense over the application and the production of reversible thermochromism polyethylene sheet material.