bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe transition to surgery: working differently to make blood transfusion process safer for elective surgery
Authors: Badjie Karafa S.W. , Rogers James C. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Bundy Kevin L. , Stubbs James R. , Cima Robert R.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Our institutional policy allows patients who are scheduled for elective surgery with no history of a pregnancy or blood transfusion in the preceding 3 months to have a presurgical sample (PSS) collected and tested up to 56 days before their scheduled surgery; however, our PSS TS completion rate in eligible patients before the morning of surgery was 83%. In 2011, a team was charged to develop a standardized process along with other process improvements while ensuring no increase in transfusion‐related events.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The team followed the DMAIC framework in appraising the effectiveness and efficiency of the current state process including baseline data collection such as PSS TS completion rate, number of eligible patients needing a PSS TS on the day of surgery, benchmarking, SSBO utilization, and future state mapping.

RESULTS

First quarter (Q1) 2011 versus Q1 2012 postimplementation results showed significant improvements of the process including a 53% decrease in PSS TS on the day of surgery; a 13% increase in PSS TS completion before the morning of surgery; a 26% reduction in total XM RBCs; and a 58.8% reduction in XM RBCs not issued, plus a 47% decrease in RBC wastage. Q1 2011 versus Q1 2013 showed a 41% reduction in total XM RBCs and an 88.4% reduction in XM RBCs not issued but overall RBCs issued versus returned increased slightly and represents a future opportunity for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The redesigned, transformational process eliminated SSBO and improved ordering process and PSS TS completion rate as well as blood product ordering and utilization.
Control Design for a Class of Nonholonomic Systems Via Reference Vector Fields and Output Regulation
Authors: Panagou Dimitra , Tanner Herbert G. , Kyriakopoulos Kostas J.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents procedural guidelines for the construction of discontinuous state feedback controllers for driftless, kinematic nonholonomic systems, with extensions to a class of dynamic nonholonomic systems with drift. Given an n-dimensional kinematic nonholonomic system subject to κ Pfaffian constraints, system states are partitioned into “leafwise” and “transverse,” based on the structure of the Pfaffian constraint matrix. A reference vector field F is defined as a function of the leafwise states only in a way that it is nonsingular everywhere except for a submanifold containing the origin. The induced decomposition of the configuration space, together with requiring the system vector field to be aligned with F, suggests choices for Lyapunov-like functions. The proposed approach recasts the original nonholonomic control problem as an output regulation problem, which although nontrivial, may admit solutions based on standard tools.
A Hybrid Haptic Sensation for Teleoperation of Hydraulic Manipulators
Authors: Zareinia Kourosh , Sepehri Nariman
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a control scheme is designed for stable haptic teleoperation of hydraulic manipulators. The controller results in a stable position tracking for the hydraulic actuator (slave) in both unconstrained and constrained motions. The force feedback at the haptic (master) side is a combination of two different sensations. For free motion, the haptic device provides a haptic force based on the position error between the displacements of the master and the slave. The force also serves to alert the operator when the slave is ahead or behind in position tracking of the master. Once the slave comes in contact with the environment, the haptic force is augmented by the interaction force. The uniqueness, continuation, and existence of the Filippov solution to this system with the discontinuity surfaces are proven first. The extension of Lyapunov's stability theory to nonsmooth systems is then employed to prove the stability by constructing a Lyapunov function. The effectiveness of the controller is validated via experimental studies. It is shown that while stable, the system performs well in terms of position tracking of the hydraulic actuator and providing a haptic feel to the operator. The measurements required by the controller are supply pressure, actuator's line pressures, interaction force, and displacements of the master and slave.
In-situ monitoring of etch uniformity using plasma emission interferometry
Authors: Samara Vladimir , de Marneffe Jean-Francois , el Otell Ziad , Economou Demetre J.
Published: April 2015

A method for in-situ real-time monitoring of the etch uniformity of a dielectric film during plasma etching in a restricted geometry is reported. The method is based on interferometry using the natural plasma emission as the light source. Interference patterns are created by light reflections at the Brewster angle between the electrodes of parallel-plate capacitively coupled plasma reactors with small interelectrode gap. The method can be useful as a monitor for statistical process control.
Silicon etching in a pulsed HBr/O2 plasma. I. Ion flux and energy analysis
Authors: Haass Moritz , Darnon Maxime , Cunge Gilles , Joubert Olivier , Gahan David
Published: April 2015

The ion flux and ion velocity distribution function are studied using a capacitively coupled radio frequency ion flux probe and a multigrid retarding field analyzer in an HBr/O2 pulsed plasma process, dedicated to silicon etching in gate or shallow trench isolation applications. A decrease of the duty cycle of the pulsed plasma etch process affects strongly these parameters: the mean ion flux decreases almost by the square of the duty cycle. Furthermore, the contribution of high energy ions from the on-time of the plasma is strongly reduced while their energy is slightly increased. In average, this leads to a significantly reduced ion energy and a reduced ion flux in the pulsed plasma compared to the continuous wave plasma.
U.S. agencies fall in line on public access
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2015

Major research funders move to make papers free to all.
An early start for the Panama land bridge
Authors: Hoorn Carina , Flantua Suzette
Published: April 2015

The land bridge between North and South America formed 10 million years earlier than previously thought

[Also see Report by

Montes
et al.

]
Aneuploidy and mother's genes
Authors: Vohr Samuel H. , Green Richard E.
Published: April 2015

A human genetic variant found at high frequency is associated with reduced fertility

[Also see Report by

McCoy
et al.

]
Are trade secrets delaying biosimilars?
Authors: Price W. Nicholson , Rai Arti K.
Published: April 2015

Regulations for approving biologic drugs thwart the market for would-be competitors
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Periodontal Pathogens in the Oral Cavity and Lungs of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Rivas Caldas Rocio , Le Gall Florence , Revert Krista , Rault Gilles , Virmaux Michèle , Gouriou Stephanie , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève , Barbier Georges , Boisramé Sylvie
Published: April 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent lethal genetic disease in the Caucasian population. Lung destruction is the principal cause of death by chronic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
colonization. There is a high prevalence of oropharyngeal anaerobic bacteria in sputum of CF patients. This study was carried out due to the lack of results comparing subgingival periodontal pathogenic bacteria between the oral cavity and lungs in patients with CF in relation with
P. aeruginosa
presence. Our first goal was to detect
P. aeruginosa
in oral and sputum samples by culture and molecular methods and to determine clonality of isolates. In addition, subgingival periodontal anaerobic bacteria were searched for in sputum. A cross-sectional pilot case-control study was conducted in the CF Reference Center in Roscoff, France. Ten CF patients with a ΔF508 homozygous mutation (5 chronically colonized [CC] and 5 not colonized [NC]) were enrolled.
P. aeruginosa
was detected in saliva, sputum, and subgingival plaque samples by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Subsequently, periodontal bacteria were also detected and quantified in subgingival plaque and sputum samples by qPCR. In CC patients,
P. aeruginosa
was recovered in saliva and subgingival plaque samples. Sixteen
P. aeruginosa
strains were isolated in saliva and sputum from this group and compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Subgingival periodontal anaerobic bacteria were found in sputum samples. A lower diversity of these species was recovered in the CC patients than in the NC patients. The presence of the same
P. aeruginosa
clonal types in saliva and sputum samples underlines that the oral cavity is a possible reservoir for lung infection.
Unexpected Diagnosis of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis by 16S and D2 Large-Subunit Ribosomal DNA PCR and Sequencing
Authors: Kruse Alexandra Y. C. , Kvich Lasse , Eickhardt Steffen , Omland Lars H. , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Moser Claus
Published: April 2015

The protozoan parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
causes severe opportunistic infections. Here, we report an unexpected diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis.
T. gondii
was diagnosed by 16S and D2 large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing of a cerebral biopsy specimen and confirmed by
T. gondii
-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry. The patient was later diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Mutations in Coronavirus Nonstructural Protein 10 Decrease Virus Replication Fidelity
Authors: Smith Everett Clinton , Case James Brett , Blanc Hervé , Isakov Ofer , Shomron Noam , Vignuzzi Marco , Denison Mark R.
Published: April 2015

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are unique in encoding a 3′→5′ exoribonuclease within nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14-ExoN) that is required for high-fidelity replication, likely via proofreading. nsp14 associates with the CoV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12-RdRp), and nsp14-ExoN activity is enhanced by binding nsp10, a small nonenzymatic protein. However, it is not known whether nsp10 functions in the regulation of CoV replication fidelity. To test this, we engineered single and double alanine substitution mutations into the genome of murine hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) containing ExoN activity [ExoN(+)] at positions within nsp10 known to disrupt the nsp10-nsp14 interaction
in vitro
. We show that an nsp10 mutant, R80A/E82A-ExoN(+), was five to ten times more sensitive to treatment with the RNA mutagen 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) than wild-type (WT)-ExoN(+), suggestive of decreased replication fidelity. This decreased-fidelity phenotype was confirmed using two additional nucleoside analogs, 5-azacytidine and ribavirin. R80A/E82A-ExoN(+) reached a peak titer similar to and demonstrated RNA synthesis kinetics comparable to those seen with WT-ExoN(+). No change in 5-FU sensitivity was observed for R80A/E82A-ExoN(−) relative to MHV-ExoN(−), indicating that the decreased-fidelity phenotype of R80A/E82A-ExoN(−) is linked to the presence of ExoN activity. Our results demonstrate that nsp10 is important for CoV replication fidelity and support the hypothesis that nsp10 functions to regulate nsp14-ExoN activity during virus replication.

IMPORTANCE
The adaptive capacity of CoVs, as well as all other RNA viruses, is partially attributed to the presence of extensive population genetic diversity. However, decreased fidelity is detrimental to CoV replication and virulence; mutant CoVs with decreased replication fidelity are attenuated and more sensitive to inhibition by RNA mutagens. Thus, identifying the viral protein determinants of CoV fidelity is important for understanding CoV replication, pathogenesis, and virulence. In this report, we show that nsp10, a small, nonenzymatic viral protein, contributes to CoV replication fidelity. Our data support the hypothesis that CoVs have evolved multiple proteins, in addition to nsp14-ExoN, that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the largest known RNA genomes.
Comparison of Immunogenicity in Rhesus Macaques of Transmitted-Founder, HIV-1 Group M Consensus, and Trivalent Mosaic Envelope Vaccines Formulated as a DNA Prime, NYVAC, and Envelope Protein Boost
Authors: Hulot Sandrine L. , Korber Bette , Giorgi Elena E. , Vandergrift Nathan , Saunders Kevin O. , Balachandran Harikrishnan , Mach Linh V. , Lifton Michelle A. , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Tartaglia Jim , Phogat Sanjay , Jacobs Bertram , Kibler Karen , Perdiguero Beatriz , Gomez Carmen E. , Esteban Mariano , Rosati Margherita , Felber Barbara K. , Pavlakis George N. , Parks Robert , Lloyd Krissey , Sutherland Laura , Scearce Richard , Letvin Norman L. , Seaman Michael S. , Alam S. Munir , Montefiori David , Liao Hua-Xin , Haynes Barton F. , Santra Sampa
Published: April 2015

An effective human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine must induce protective antibody responses, as well as CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell responses, that can be effective despite extraordinary diversity of HIV-1. The consensus and mosaic immunogens are complete but artificial proteins, computationally designed to elicit immune responses with improved cross-reactive breadth, to attempt to overcome the challenge of global HIV diversity. In this study, we have compared the immunogenicity of a transmitted-founder (T/F) B clade Env (B.1059), a global group M consensus Env (Con-S), and a global trivalent mosaic Env protein in rhesus macaques. These antigens were delivered using a DNA prime-recombinant NYVAC (rNYVAC) vector and Env protein boost vaccination strategy. While Con-S Env was a single sequence, mosaic immunogens were a set of three Envs optimized to include the most common forms of potential T cell epitopes. Both Con-S and mosaic sequences retained common amino acids encompassed by both antibody and T cell epitopes and were central to globally circulating strains. Mosaics and Con-S Envs expressed as full-length proteins bound well to a number of neutralizing antibodies with discontinuous epitopes. Also, both consensus and mosaic immunogens induced significantly higher gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay (ELISpot) responses than B.1059 immunogen. Immunization with these proteins, particularly Con-S, also induced significantly higher neutralizing antibodies to viruses than B.1059 Env, primarily to tier 1 viruses. Both Con-S and mosaics stimulated more potent CD8-T cell responses against heterologous Envs than did B.1059. Both antibody and cellular data from this study strengthen the concept of using
in silico
-designed centralized immunogens for global HIV-1 vaccine development strategies.

IMPORTANCE
There is an increasing appreciation for the importance of vaccine-induced anti-Env antibody responses for preventing HIV-1 acquisition. This nonhuman primate study demonstrates that
in silico
-designed global HIV-1 immunogens, designed for a human clinical trial, are capable of eliciting not only T lymphocyte responses but also potent anti-Env antibody responses.
Investigating Influenza A Virus Infection: Tools To Track Infection and Limit Tropism
Authors: Fiege Jessica K. , Langlois Ryan A.
Published: April 2015

Influenza A viruses display a broad cellular tropism within the respiratory tracts of mammalian hosts. Uncovering the relationship between tropism and virus immunity, pathogenesis, and transmission will be critical for the development of therapeutic interventions. Here we discuss recent developments of several recombinant strains of influenza A virus. These viruses have inserted reporters to track tropism, microRNA target sites to restrict tropism, or barcodes to assess transmission dynamics, expanding our understanding of pathogen-host interactions.
Hemiballism with leg predominance caused by contralateral subthalamic haemorrhage
Authors: Noda Kazuyuki , Hattori Nobutaka , Okuma Yasuyuki
Published: April 2015

Hemiballism is a rare movement disorder characterised by high-amplitude movements of the limbs on one side of the body. Stroke of the contralateral basal ganglia, especially the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the most common aetiology of acute development of hemiballism. Recently, the pathophysiology of hemiballism has been associated with abnormal firing patterns in the globus pallidus interna, with intermittent firing bursts followed by pauses, during which movements occur. An 87-year-old woman presented with a 5-day history of hemiballism predominantly in her leg. On the basis of her brain MRI findings, she was diagnosed as having vascular hemiballism caused by haemorrhage in the contralateral STN. Treatment with risperidone led to the clinical resolution of her condition. We discuss the distribution of the patient's ballistic movements on the basis of the somatotopic organisation of the STN.
Giant cell arteritis mimicking infiltrative leptomeningeal disease of the optic nerves
Authors: Kornberg Michael D , Ratchford John N , Subramaniam Rathan M , Probasco John C
Published: April 2015

A 67-year-old man presented with several days of progressive, painless left eye vision loss. He reported mild jaw claudication but denied headache, scalp tenderness or constitutional symptoms. Examination revealed palpable temporal arteries, blurring of the left optic disc, and 20/100 vision in the left eye with mild relative afferent pupillary defect. Inflammatory markers were sent, and methylprednisolone was initiated for presumptive giant cell arteritis (GCA). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal, however, and C reactive protein was only mildly elevated, prompting further investigation. Orbital MRI revealed nodular enhancement of the optic nerve sheaths bilaterally from optic nerve head to chiasm, raising concern for an infiltrative leptomeningeal process such as sarcoidosis or lymphoma. Methylprednisolone was temporarily stopped while a broad work up for inflammatory and neoplastic causes was pursued. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ultimately revealed hypermetabolism in the temporal, ophthalmic and occipital arteries suggesting GCA, which was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy. Steroids were restarted, and the patient's vision stabilised.
Association of low vitamin D with high disease activity in an Australian systemic lupus erythematosus cohort
Authors: Yap K S , Northcott M , Hoi A B-Y , Morand EF , Nikpour M
Published: April 2015

Background

Vitamin D status varies with geographic location and no studies of vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been reported in the Southern Hemisphere.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in an Australian SLE cohort, and its relationship with disease activity.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on 119 consecutive patients with SLE in the Monash Lupus Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, between January 2007 and January 2013. Patients had simultaneous serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) recorded. Statistical methods were used to determine the correlation of serum vitamin D level and disease activity both at baseline and at a subsequent time point. Adjustments were made for the use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and vitamin D supplementation.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency (<40 nmol/L) was detected in 27.7% of patients at baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant inverse correlation of SLEDAI-2K with baseline vitamin D level and with vitamin D supplementation. Over a 12-month period of observation, among the 119 patients, there were 464 serial vitamin D measurements with corresponding SLEDAI-2K, representing 266 time intervals. The median change in vitamin D level was an increase of 25 nmol/L and this corresponded with a decline in SLEDAI-2K of 2 units. In regression analysis, there was a significant association between low vitamin D at a prior time point and a rise in SLEDAI-2K at the subsequent time point (univariable OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5 to 7.7, p=0.005) or having a high disease activity (SLEDAI-2k>10) at the subsequent time point (univariable OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 6.8, p=0.004).

Conclusions

In Australian patients with SLE, low vitamin D was associated with a higher disease activity and an increase in serum vitamin D was associated with reduced disease activity over time. The therapeutic effect of vitamin D in SLE should be further assessed in interventional studies.
Steep channel freezeup processes: understanding complexity with statistical and physical models
Authors: Dubé Mathieu , Turcotte Benoit , Morse Brian
Published: April 2015

The development of ice dams in steep channels dictates water level variations and influences flow rates and habitat conditions. Despite the dominance of ice dam development in cold region gravel bed channels, practicing engineers and scientists have access to very little quantitative information describing this complex freezeup process. This paper aims to fill this gap by presenting a large data set on the process. The substantial variations observed in formation and melting rates from one site to the next and from one year to the next at the same site are explained with a physically-based numerical model that includes a complete heat budget applied to single step-pool sequence. The model successfully simulates the entire development of an ice dam and shows that the process depends on multiple parameters, or degrees of freedom. It also reveals that morphological characteristics greatly influence ice dam dynamics.
The spectral dimension in 2D CDT gravity coupled to scalar fields
Authors: Ambjørn J. , Görlich A. , Jurkiewicz J. , Zhang H.
Published: April 2015

Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT) provide a non-perturbative formulation of Quantum Gravity assuming the existence of a global time foliation. In our earlier study we analyzed the effect of including d copies of a massless scalar field in the two-dimensional CDT model with imaginary time. For d > 1 we observed the formation of a "blob", somewhat similar to that observed in four-dimensional CDT without matter. In the two-dimensional case the "blob" has a Hausdorff dimension DH = 3. In this paper, we study the spectral dimension DS of the two-dimensional CDT-universe, both for d = 0 (pure gravity) and d = 4. We show that in both cases the spectral dimension is consistent with DS = 2.
Fuel consumptions and exhaust emissions induced by cooperative adaptive cruise control strategies
Authors: Yu Shaowei , Shi Zhongke
Published: April 2015

Many cooperative adaptive cruise control strategies have been presented to improve traffic efficiency as well as road traffic safety, but scholars have rarely explored the impacts of these strategies on cars' fuel consumptions and exhaust emissions. In this paper, we respectively select two-velocity difference model, multiple velocity difference model and the car-following model considering multiple preceding cars' accelerations to investigate each car's fuel consumptions, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides ( NOX) emissions and carry out comparative analysis. The comparisons of fuel consumptions and exhaust emissions in three different cruise control strategies show that cooperative cars simulated by the car-following model considering multiple preceding cars' accelerations can run with the minimal fuel consumptions, CO, HC and NOXemissions, thus, taking the car-following model considering multiple preceding cars' accelerations as the cooperative adaptive cruise control strategy can significantly improve cars' fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions.
Implementing Toffoli gate via weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity and classical feedback
Authors: Sun Qian , Ye Liu
Published: April 2015

We design an efficient optical circuit to realize a Toffoli gate via weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity and classical feedback. To obtain a high-fidelity gate, we probe different path detectors to minimize the influence from the environmental noise. Compared to previous proposals, our scheme does not need external auxiliary photons and is easy to implement in experiment.
Correspondence theorems via tropicalizations of moduli spaces
Authors: Gross Andreas
Published: April 2015

We show that the moduli spaces of irreducible labeled parametrized marked rational curves in toric varieties can be embedded into algebraic tori such that their tropicalizations are the analogous tropical moduli spaces. These embeddings are shown to respect the evaluation morphisms in the sense that evaluation commutes with tropicalization. With this particular setting in mind, we prove a general correspondence theorem for enumerative problems which are defined via “evaluation maps” in both the algebraic and tropical world. Applying this to our motivational example, we show that the tropicalizations of the curves in a given toric variety which intersect the boundary divisors in their interior and with prescribed multiplicities, and pass through an appropriate number of generic points are precisely the tropical curves in the corresponding tropical toric variety satisfying the analogous condition. Moreover, the intersection-theoretically defined multiplicities of the tropical curves are equal to the numbers of algebraic curves tropicalizing to them.
On the number of real roots of random polynomials
Authors: Nguyen Hoi , Nguyen Oanh , Vu Van
Published: April 2015

Roots of random polynomials have been studied intensively in both analysis and probability for a long time. A famous result by Ibragimov and Maslova, generalizing earlier fundamental works of Kac and Erdős–Offord, showed that the expectation of the number of real roots is [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine the true nature of the error term by showing that the expectation equals [Formula: see text]. Prior to this paper, the error term [Formula: see text] has been known only for polynomials with Gaussian coefficients.
PERFIDI FILTERS VALIDATION: FROM NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE RELAXOMETRY TO MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: BALBI LUCA , BORTOLOTTI VILLIAM , BRIZI LEONARDO , FANTAZZINI PAOLA , GRECO DANILO , MARIANI MANUEL , VANNINI MARIANNA , VASINI ESTER MARIA
Published: April 2015

In order to well distinguish different tissues of the human body by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is of great importance to find procedures to improve the image contrast. In particular, a valuable feature is to image only specific parts of organs and/or tissues while ignoring all the others. Dedicated MRI sequences able to filter the 1 H nuclei signals based on the different longitudinal relaxation times (T1) of the tissues have been developed. Standard signal selection/attenuation sequences, such as the Short Time Inversion Recovery and Multiple Inversion Recovery, have the effect to zero the signal for a discrete number of T1 values. Parametrically Enabled Relaxation Filters with Double and multiple Inversion (PERFIDI) sequences act on a range of T1 values and behave as an electronic band-pass or high-pass or low-pass filters. PERFIDI filters are therefore primarily focused on the components that pass through, rather than on those that are blocked. These filters have been developed and tested by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry. Here, these sequences have been validated for MRI on phantom samples to mimic T1 distributions present in tissues. Preliminary applications show that PERFIDI filters can effectively work on a range of T1 values to give well contrasted images.
NUMERICAL MODELS, IN VITRO SIMULATION AND FIRST PROTOTYPE VERIFICATION OF A CONTROLLED CEREBRAL COOLING NECK COLLAR
Authors: CORAZZA IVAN , CAPORUSSO FRANCESCA , GIULIANI ENRICO , ROSSI PIER LUCA , BIANCHINI DAVID , ZANNOLI ROMANO
Published: April 2015

Hypothermia is an important neuro-protective strategy for patients with acute brain damage following traumatic brain injury, stroke or sudden cardiac death. Nowadays, cooling therapy is performed inside the intensive care units with noninvasive systems applied to the body and head surface or invasively through cooling catheters inserted in the femoral vein. Full body cooling presents criticism still unresolved and a therapy localized in the brain is more effective. External systems (i.e., cool helmets) have a very low efficiency due to the need to overstep the cranial cap. For this reason we tested the feasibility to reduce the temperature of brain tissues by cooling the blood inside carotid and cervical artery through the neck. A simple mathematical model of heat transfer between neck surface, tissue, blood in the carotid and cervical arteries and then brain was studied and then in vitro simulated. Peltier cells were chosen as controlled cooling system and a collar prototype was built and in vitro tested. Results demonstrate the possibility to reduce the temperature of the brain of 2°C in about 50 min. Temperature decrease and process duration fit well together with actual first aid times and medical procedures. Moreover, the collar prototype demonstrated good performances and easy to use, suitable for difficult situations after traumatic accidents.
The Golgi apparatus regulates cGMP-dependent protein kinase I compartmentation and proteolysis
Authors: Kato Shin , Chen Jingsi , Cornog Katherine H. , Zhang Huili , Roberts Jesse D.
Published: April 2015

cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKGI) is an important effector of cGMP signaling that regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and proliferation. PKGI has been detected in the perinuclear region of cells, and recent data indicate that proprotein convertases (PCs) typically resident in the Golgi apparatus (GA) can stimulate PKGI proteolysis and generate a kinase fragment that localizes to the nucleus and regulates gene expression. However, the role of the endomembrane system in PKGI compartmentation and processing is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PKGI colocalizes with endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER-Golgi intermediate compartment, GA cisterna, and trans-Golgi network proteins in pulmonary artery SMC and cell lines. Moreover, PKGI localizes with furin, a trans-Golgi network-resident PC known to cleave PKGI. ER protein transport influences PKGI localization because overexpression of a constitutively inactive Sar1 transgene caused PKGI retention in the ER. Additionally, PKGI appears to reside within the GA because PKGI immunoreactivity was determined to be resistant to cytosolic proteinase K treatment in live cells. The GA appears to play a role in PKGI proteolysis because overexpression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-associated cGMP kinase substrate, not only tethered heterologous PKGI-β to the ER and decreased its localization to the GA, but also diminished PKGI proteolysis and nuclear translocation. Also, inhibiting intra-GA protein transport with monensin was observed to decrease PKGI cleavage. These studies detail a role for the endomembrane system in regulating PKGI compartmentation and proteolysis. Moreover, they support the investigation of mechanisms regulating PKGI-dependent nuclear cGMP signaling in the pulmonary vasculature with Golgi dysfunction.
Identifying State Resources and Support Programs on E-Government Websites for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Fisher Kathleen M. , Peterson Justin D. , Albert Jon D.
Published: April 2015

This descriptive cross-sectional study identified resources and programs that are available nationwide on the Internet to support individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), with a focus on intellectual disability. This evaluation included easily identifiable information on specific resources and highlighted unique programs found in individual states that were linked from e-government websites. Researchers documented the ease of access and available information for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A number of disparities and areas for improvement were recorded for states and I/DD websites. The researchers conclude that a number of additional health and support services will be needed to address the growing needs of this vulnerable population.
Induction of Heat Shock Protein‐72 by Magnetic Nanofluid Hyperthermia in Cultured Retinal Ganglion Cells for Neuroprotective Treatment in Glaucoma
Authors: Jeoung Jin Wook , Jeun Minhong , Park Joo Hyun , Kim Yu Jeong , Bae Seongtae , Park Ki Ho
Published: April 2015

Background. Magnetic hyperthermia using superparamagnetic nanoparticle (SPNP) agents is considered a promising biotechnological approach to induce heat shock proteins (HSPs) in a target tissue because it can generate accurately controllable localized heating. Objectives. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate induction of HSPs in cultured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by using engineered Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 SPNP agents coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 500. Methods. The Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a high temperature thermal decomposition method. The AC heating characteristics of PEG 500‐coated Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles were investigated using an AC solenoid coil‐capacitor system. Results. PEG 500‐coated SPNPs efficiently penetrated into the cytoplasm of RGCs without causing obvious cytological changes and showed stable and well‐saturated self‐heating temperature rise characteristics. Immunofluorescent staining images showed that AC magnetic hyperthermia successfully induced HSP72 in RGCs incubated with Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. In Western blot analysis, a significant increase in immunoreactivity was observed for RGCs incubated with SPNPs in a fixed AC magnetic field (fappl = 140 kHz and Happl = 140 Oe). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that the induction of HSP72 with a magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia could potentially be used as a neuroprotective treatment modality by way of enhancing a natural cytoprotective response.
Bloom Filter-Based Secure Data Forwarding in Large-Scale Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Lin Siyu , Wu Hao
Published: April 2015

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) connect with the physical world via communication networks, which significantly increases security risks of CPSs. To secure the sensitive data, secure forwarding is an essential component of CPSs. However, CPSs require high dimensional multiattribute and multilevel security requirements due to the significantly increased system scale and diversity, and hence impose high demand on the secure forwarding information query and storage. To tackle these challenges, we propose a practical secure data forwarding scheme for CPSs. Considering the limited storage capability and computational power of entities, we adopt bloom filter to store the secure forwarding information for each entity, which can achieve well balance between the storage consumption and query delay. Furthermore, a novel link-based bloom filter construction method is designed to reduce false positive rate during bloom filter construction. Finally, the effects of false positive rate on the performance of bloom filter-based secure forwarding with different routing policies are discussed.
Amplified Feedback Mechanism of the Forests-Aerosols-Climate System
Authors: Hede Thomas , Leck Caroline , Claesson Jonas
Published: April 2015

Climate change very likely has effects on vegetation so that trees grow faster due to carbon dioxide fertilization (a higher partial pressure increases the rate of reactions with Rubisco during photosynthesis) and that trees can be established in new territories in a warmer climate. This has far-reaching significance for the climate system mainly due to a number of feedback mechanisms still under debate. By simulating the vegetation using the Lund-Potsdam-Jena guess dynamic vegetation model, a territory in northern Russia is studied during three different climate protocols assuming a doubling of carbon dioxide levels compared to the year 1975. A back of the envelope calculation is made for the subsequent increased levels of emissions of monoterpenes from spruce and pine forests. The results show that the emissions of monoterpenes at the most northern latitudes were estimated to increase with over 500% for a four-degree centigrade increase protocol. The effect on aerosol and cloud formation is discussed and the cloud optical thickness is estimated to increase more than 2%.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as a Choroidal Tumor
Authors: Masuda Taro , Izumi Yasumori , Takeshita Hayato , Kawahara Chieko , Tsuji Yoshika , Kurohama Hirokazu , Iwanaga Nozomi , Inamoto Miwako , Kase Keiichi , Ito Masahiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Migita Kiyosi
Published: April 2015

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) sometimes involves the eye orbit; however, choroidal involvements in GPA had been rarely reported. We report a rare case presenting with a choroidal mass in an 83-year-old Japanese woman who presented with left eye pain. Diagnostic biopsy revealed necrotizing vasculitis with infiltrates of inflammatory cells. Diagnosis was localized granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Combined treatments with corticosteroid plus azathioprine resolved the choroidal mass region. Although treatment with corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents improves the prognosis of the disease, ocular morbidity is still well recognized. Clinicians should consider a differential diagnosis of GPA in patients with inflammatory choroidal tumors.
Molecular PET Imaging of Cyclophosphamide Induced Apoptosis with18F-ML-8
Authors: Yao Shaobo , Hu Kongzhen , Tang Ganghua , Gao Siyuan , Tang Caihua , Yao Baoguo , Nie Dahong , Sun Ting , Jiang Shende
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a novel small-molecular apoptotic PET imaging probe,18F-ML-8 with a malonate motif structure, is presented and discussed. After study, the small tracer that belongs to a member of ApoSense family is proved to be capable of imaging merely apoptotic regions in the CTX treated tumor-bearing mice. The experimental result is further confirmed by in vitro cell binding assays and TUNEL staining assay. As a result,18F-ML-8 could be used for noninvasive visualization of apoptosis induced by antitumor chemotherapy.
Simple Design of Wireless Sensor Networks for Traffic Jams Avoidance
Authors: Gil Jiménez Víctor P. , Fernández-Getino García M. Julia
Published: April 2015

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are usually approached by exhaustive measuring and complex signal processing including medium-high cost hardware deployment. In this paper, a novel design of a wireless sensor network system using magnetometers and microphones for the detection and avoidance of traffic jams is described and analyzed. The system, which can also be used for traffic monitoring and surveillance, is simple, energy efficient, and accurate which allows to be implemented with a reduced hardware cost. In order to reduce the maintenance tasks, mini solar panels would also be installed for powering up the motes in the near future.
Topical and Intranasal Analgesic Therapy in a Woman with Refractory Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Hohmeier Kenneth C. , Almon Lyndsey M.
Published: April 2015

A patient-specific, stepped approach to topical and intranasal analgesic pharmacotherapy was effective in reducing refractory postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) not responding to the current standard of care for PHN. The use of topical analgesic therapy allowed for higher concentrations of medication locally while reducing the likelihood of systemic side effects common to the drugs used. No adverse effects were noted for either topical or intranasal drug therapy. The patient-specific, stepped approach resulted in clinically significant decreases in pain on visual analog scale (VAS), with the use of intranasal ketamine 10% solution and topical gabapentin 6%, ketoprofen 10%, lidocaine 5%, and ketamine 10% cream.
Aberrant Phenotype in Human Endothelial Cells of Diabetic Origin: Implications for Saphenous Vein Graft Failure?
Authors: Roberts Anna C. , Gohil Jai , Hudson Laura , Connolly Kyle , Warburton Philip , Suman Rakesh , O’Toole Peter , O’Regan David J. , Turner Neil A. , Riches Kirsten , Porter Karen E.
Published: April 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) confers increased risk of endothelial dysfunction, coronary heart disease, and vulnerability to vein graft failure after bypass grafting, despite glycaemic control. This study explored the concept that endothelial cells (EC) cultured from T2DM and nondiabetic (ND) patients are phenotypically and functionally distinct. Cultured human saphenous vein- (SV-) EC were compared between T2DM and ND patients in parallel. Proliferation, migration, andin vitroangiogenesis assays were performed; western blotting was used to quantify phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and eNOS. The ability of diabetic stimuli (hyperglycaemia, TNF-α, and palmitate) to modulate angiogenic potential of ND-EC was also explored. T2DM-EC displayed reduced migration (~30%) and angiogenesis (~40%) compared with ND-EC and a modest, nonsignificant trend to reduced proliferation. Significant inhibition of Akt and eNOS, but not ERK phosphorylation, was observed in T2DM cells. Hyperglycaemia did not modify ND-EC function, but TNF-αand palmitate significantly reduced angiogenic capacity (by 27% and 43%, resp.), effects mimicked by Akt inhibition. Aberrancies of EC function may help to explain the increased risk of SV graft failure in T2DM patients. This study highlights the importance of other potentially contributing factors in addition to hyperglycaemia that may inflict injury and long-term dysfunction to the homeostatic capacity of the endothelium.
Cured of Primary Bone Cancer, But at What Cost: A Qualitative Study of Functional Impairment and Lost Opportunities
Authors: Fauske Lena , Bruland Oyvind S. , Grov Ellen Karine , Bondevik Hilde
Published: April 2015

Purpose. Our study aims to explore how former cancer patients experience physical and psychosocial late effects 3–7 years after they underwent treatment for primary bone sarcoma in the hip/pelvic region. A qualitative, phenomenological, and hermeneutic design was applied.Methods. Sarcoma survivors (n=10) previously treated at Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital were selected to participate. In-depth and semistructured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Results. The participants reported that the late effects had three core spheres of impact: “their current daily life,” “their future opportunities,” and “their identity.” They expressed negative changes in activity, increased dependence on others, and exclusion from participation in different areas. Their daily life, work, sports activities, and social life were all affected. Several of their experiences are similar to those described by people with functional impairment or disability.Conclusion. Patients cured of bone cancer in the hip/pelvic region pay a significant price in terms of functional impairment, practical challenges, exclusion from important aspects of life, and loss of previous identity. It is important to appreciate this in order to help bone cancer survivors who struggle to reorient their life and build a secure new identity.
Fracture Characteristics Analysis of Pressured Pipeline with Crack Using Boundary Element Method
Authors: Huang Han-Sung
Published: April 2015

Metal materials can inevitably show deteriorated properties by the factors of stress, temperature, and environmental erosion in distinct operating environments. Without proper protection, the service life would be shortened or even deadly danger would be caused. This study aims to apply Finite Element Method and Boundary Element Method to analyzing the effects of corroded petrochemical pipes on the fatigue life and the fracture form. The research results of nondestructive testing and software analyses show that cracked oil pipes with uniform corrosion bear larger stress, mainly internal pressure, on the longitudinal direction than the circumferential direction. As a result, the maximal fatigue loading cycle of a circumferential crack is higher than that of a longitudinal one. From the growing length and depth of a crack, the final aspect ratio of crack growth appears in 2.42–3.37 and 2.71–3.42 on the circumferential and longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, the ratios of loading cycles of circumferential and longitudinal crack are 26.23 on uncorroded and 20.54 on general metal loss oil pipe. The complete crack growth and the correspondent fatigue loading cycle could be acquired to determine the service life of the oil pipe being operated as well as the successive recovery time.
Type 4 Dual Left Anterior Descending Artery: A Very Rare Coronary Anomaly Circulation
Authors: Peixoto Oliveira Marcos Danillo , de Melo Pedro H. M. Craveiro , Esteves Filho Antonio , Kajita Luiz J. , Ribeiro Expedito E. , Lemos Pedro Alves
Published: April 2015

Coronary artery anomalies are congenital changes in their origin, course, and/or structure. They are the second most frequent cause of sudden death in young athletes. Dual LAD artery is a rare coronary anomaly. We present the case of a 44-year-old man with recent onset exertional angina and documented ischemia whose coronary angiogram and computed tomography (CT) showed type 4 dual LAD artery, the rarest and most interesting variant.
Mean-Variance Hedging Based on an Incomplete Market with External Risk Factors of Non-Gaussian OU Processes
Authors: Dai Wanyang
Published: April 2015

We prove the global risk optimality of the hedging strategy of contingent claim, which is explicitly (or called semiexplicitly) constructed for an incomplete financial market with external risk factors of non-Gaussian Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (NGOU) processes. Analytical and numerical examples are both presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our optimal strategy. Our study establishes the connection between our financial system and existing general semimartingale based discussions by justifying required conditions. More precisely, there are three steps involved. First, we firmly prove the no-arbitrage condition to be true for our financial market, which is used as an assumption in existing discussions. In doing so, we explicitly construct the square-integrable density process of the variance-optimal martingale measure (VOMM). Second, we derive a backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with jumps for the mean-value process of a given contingent claim. The unique existence of adapted strong solution to the BSDE is proved under suitable terminal conditions including both European call and put options as special cases. Third, by combining the solution of the BSDE and the VOMM, we reach the justification of the global risk optimality for our hedging strategy.
Longitudinal Analysis of Adiponectin through 20-Year Type 1 Diabetes Duration
Authors: LeCaire Tamara J. , Palta Mari
Published: April 2015

Little information exists on the trajectory and determinants of adiponectin, a possible insulin sensitizer and marker for inflammation and endothelial function, across the duration of type 1 diabetes. The Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study followed an incident cohort ≤30 years of age when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during 1987–1992 up to 20-year duration. Adiponectin was concurrently and retrospectively (from samples frozen at −80°C) measured for those participating in a 20-year exam (n=304), during 2007–2011. Adiponectin levels were higher in females, declined through adolescence, and increased with age thereafter. Lower levels were associated with greater body weight and waist circumference and with higher insulin dose, especially at longer diabetes durations. Higher levels were associated with higher HbA1c and, at longer durations, with higher albumin-creatinine ratio. Adiponectin levels showed consistency within individuals that was not explained by these factors. We conclude that markers for insulin resistance are associated with lower adiponectin, and markers for potential microvascular complications are associated with higher adiponectin. The previously reported relationship with HbA1c remains largely unexplained. Additional individual specific factors likely also influence adiponectin level. The relationship between adiponectin and urinary protein excretion may enable identification of those predisposed to kidney disease earlier in type 1 diabetes.