bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Factors Released from Gelatin Hydrogel Microspheres Increase New Neurons in the Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Nakaguchi Kanako , Jinnou Hideo , Kaneko Naoko , Sawada Masato , Hikita Takao , Saitoh Shinji , Tabata Yasuhiko , Sawamoto Kazunobu
Published: October 2012

Recent studies have shown that new neurons are continuously generated by endogenous neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult mammalian brain. Some of these new neurons migrate to injured brain tissues and differentiate into mature neurons, suggesting that such new neurons may be able to replace neurons lost to degenerative disease or injury and improve or repair neurological deficits. Here, we tested whether delivering growth factors via gelatin hydrogel microspheres would support neurogenesis in the SVZ. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-containing microspheres increased the number of new neurons in the SVZ. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-containing microspheres increased the number of new neurons migrating from the SVZ towards the injured striatum in a stroke model in mouse. These results suggest that the strategy of using gelatin hydrogel microspheres to achieve the sustained release of growth factors holds promise for the clinical regeneration of damaged brain tissues from endogenous neural stem cells in the adult SVZ.
H∞ Fuzzy Control of DC‐DC Converters with Input Constraint
Authors: Saifia D. , Chadli M. , Labiod S. , Karimi H. R.
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a method for designing H∞ fuzzy control of DC‐DC converters under actuator saturation. Because linear control design methods do not take into account the nonlinearity of the system, a T‐S fuzzy model and a controller design approach is used. The designed control not only handles the external disturbance but also the saturation of duty cycle. The input constraint is first transformed into a symmetric saturation which is represented by a polytopic model. Stabilization conditions for the H∞ state feedback system of DC‐DC converters under actuator saturation are established using the Lyapunov approach. The proposed method has been compared and verified with a simulation example.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Using a Nanocatalyst: The Mechanism and Kinetics
Authors: Tao Y. , Cheng Z. L. , Ting K. E. , Yin X. J.
Published: October 2012

The study of photocatalytic degradation of phenol was exploited with nano-ZnO as immobilized photocatalysts in a laboratory scale photocatalytic reactor. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism and kinetics of phenol in water were studied using the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique. Based on optimized headspace SPME conditions, phenol in water was first extracted by the fibre, which was subsequently inserted into an aqueous system with immobilized photocatalysts (nano-ZnO) exposed to an irradiation source (i.e., ultraviolet A (UVA) lamps). After different irradiation times (5–80 min), four main intermediates of photocatalytic degradation generated on the fibre were determined by GC-MS.
Dual Systemic Tumor Targeting with Ligand-Directed Phage and Grp78 Promoter Induces Tumor Regression
Authors: Kia Azadeh , Przystal Justyna M. , Nianiaris Nastasia , Mazarakis Nicholas D. , Mintz Paul J. , Hajitou Amin
Published: October 2012

The tumor-specific Grp78 promoter is overexpressed in aggressive tumors. Cancer patients would benefit greatly from application of this promoter in gene therapy and molecular imaging; however, clinical benefit is limited by lack of strategies to target the systemic delivery of Grp78-driven transgenes to tumors. This study aims to assess the systemic efficacy of Grp78-guided expression of therapeutic and imaging transgenes relative to the standard cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Combination of ligand and Grp78 transcriptional targeting into a single vector would facilitate systemic applications of the Grp78 promoter. We generated a dual tumor-targeted phage containing the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tumor homing ligand and Grp78 promoter. Next, we combined flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, bioluminescence imaging of luciferase, and HSVtk/ganciclovir gene therapy and compared efficacy to conventional phage carrying the CMV promoter in vitro and in vivo in subcutaneous models of rat and human glioblastoma. We show that double-targeted phage provides persistent transgene expression in vitro and in tumors in vivo after systemic administration compared with conventional phage. Next, we showed significant tumor killing in vivo using the HSVtk/ganciclovir gene therapy and found a systemic antitumor effect of Grp78-driven HSVtk against therapy-resistant tumors. Finally, we uncovered a novel mechanism of Grp78 promoter activation whereby HSVtk/ganciclovir therapy upregulates Grp78 and transgene expression via the conserved unfolded protein response signaling cascade. These data validate the potential of Grp78 promoter in systemic cancer gene therapy and report the efficacy of a dual tumor targeting phage that may prove useful for translation into gene therapy and molecular imaging applications. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(12); 2566–77. ©2012 AACR.
Mitochondria as a Drug Target in Ischemic Heart Disease and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Walters Andrew M. , Porter George A. , Brookes Paul S.
Published: October 2012

Ischemic heart disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Western society. Although interventions, such as thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention, have proven efficacious in ischemia and reperfusion injury, the underlying pathological process of ischemic heart disease, laboratory studies suggest further protection is possible, and an expansive research effort is aimed at bringing new therapeutic options to the clinic. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemia and reperfusion injury and cardiomyopathy. However, despite promising mitochondria-targeted drugs emerging from the laboratory, very few have successfully completed clinical trials. As such, the mitochondrion is a potential untapped target for new ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy therapies. Notably, there are a number of overlapping therapies for both these diseases, and as such novel therapeutic options for one condition may find use in the other. This review summarizes efforts to date in targeting mitochondria for ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy therapy and outlines emerging drug targets in this field.
Physiological Roles of the Permeability Transition Pore
Authors: Brenner Catherine , Moulin Maryline
Published: October 2012

Mitochondria are implicated in many important cellular functions covering the whole life cycle from mitochondrial biogenesis to cell death. Mitochondrial homeostasis is tightly regulated, and mitochondrial dysfunction is frequently associated with severe human pathologies (eg, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegeneration). The permeability transition pore (PTP) is an unselective voltage-dependent mitochondrial channel. Despite the extensive use of electrophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and genetic invalidation in mice, the molecular identity of PTP is still unknown. Nevertheless, PTP is central to mitochondrial vital functions and can play a lethal role in many pathophysiological conditions. This review recapitulates the current knowledge of the various modes of conductance of the PTP channel and discusses their implication in the physiological roles of PTP and their regulation. Based on its involvement in normal physiology and human pathology, a better understanding of this channel and its roles remains a major goal for basic scientists and clinicians.
Three-Grade Classification of Photoplethysmography for Evaluating the Effects of Treatment in Raynaud Phenomenon
Authors: Yang Shin-Seok , Park Keun-Myoung , Kim Young-Wook , Kim Dong-Ik
Published: October 2012

We assessed the utility of a 3-grade classification of photoplethysmography (PPG) with cold water provocation test in Raynaud phenomenon (RP). A total of 35 patients with RP and 38 healthy volunteers were recruited. In healthy volunteers, PPG was measured twice at intervals of 30 minutes for evaluating reproducibility of test. Percentage variation of the PPG amplitude in post- versus precold provocation was expressed on a 3-grade scale at 1, 3, and 5 minutes (reflection index: RI) in patients with RP. The improvement pattern of the PPG (IPPPG) was evaluated by summing the score differences from RI1 min to RI3 min and RI5 min. After a therapeutic period of 8 weeks with nifedipine, the decreases in posttherapeutic RI3 min and RI5 min were statistically significant ( P < .05). Subgroup analysis of IPPPG showed statistical significance in patients with negative fluorescent antinuclear antibody ( P < .05). The analysis of cold-provoked PPG waves demonstrated and quantified improvements in peripheral arterial circulation in RP.
Setting Proficiency Standards for School Leadership Assessment
Authors: Cravens Xiu Chen , Goldring Ellen B. , Porter Andrew C. , Polikoff Morgan S. , Murphy Joseph , Elliott Stephen N.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Performance evaluation informs professional development and helps school personnel improve student learning. Although psychometric literature indicates that a rational, sound, and coherent standard-setting process adds to the credibility of an assessment, few studies have empirically examined the decision-making process. This article sheds light on the inner workings of setting cut scores for leadership proficiency from the deliberative perspectives of expert-panel participants, including principals, teachers, district supervisors, and researchers. Research Design: Qualitative methods are used to observe and document a standards-setting process as it takes place and to analyze the results. Findings: The findings indicate that setting cut scores for principal leadership proficiency is a cognitively demanding but achievable process for effective implementation of carefully designed procedures. The study also provides insight regarding the influence of external factors, such as backgrounds of panelists, consideration of school contexts, and concerns about consequence during the standard-setting deliberation.
Preservationists as Qualitative Growth Actors
Authors: Knudson Paul T.
Published: October 2012

Using a case study of Saratoga Springs, NY, and the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project (OSP), this article explores how citizen-led land preservation organizations can form coalitions with diverse interests in pursuit “qualitative growth,” urban development reforms. Data come from in-depth interviews of key informants and extensive archival research. Focusing on both land preservation and downtown rehabilitation, the OSP was able to form broad coalitions of historic preservationists, downtown business interests, and developers to shift local development policy that would simultaneously promote in-fill downtown development while discouraging development at the fringe of the community. Though diverse and broad, many of the coalitions shifted, and different issues necessitated new coalition building activities. Furthermore, the continuing need to cultivate relationships with elected officials in a community of high political turnover brought challenges to the organization and the broader land management coalition. Finally, the limits of the OSP’s influence were witnessed by its lack of leverage over officials in neighboring communities and the contradictory development outcomes that ensued as a result of specific Not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) decisions.
Perceptions and Efficiency of Short-Term Medical Aid Missions Among Key Groups of Health Professionals
Authors: Chiu Ya-Wen , Weng Yi-Hao , Chen Chih-Fu , Yang Chun-Yuh , Lee Ming-Liang
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the perceptions of short-term assignments of medical services among participating health care professionals dispatched from Taiwan to underdeveloped areas. Structured questionnaires were mailed to four groups of professionals (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and public health personnel) who had participated in any of 88 medical missions dispatched to 24 allied nations. A total of 278 returns were valid for analysis. Among them, 222 respondents reported that they had participated in just one overseas medical mission (79.9%). The majority of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses listed humanitarianism as their foremost incentive for participation. In contrast, public health personnel most frequently reported that they had been assigned to the mission abroad. Pharmacists, nurses, and public health personnel most commonly stated that their top goal was health care; but physicians said that aiding Taiwan’s diplomatic relations was their main motive. While all groups generally recognized language proficiency and cultural awareness as important for conducting successful short-term medical aid missions (STMMs), many members of groups did not rate their own capabilities in those area as sufficient, especially pharmacists ( p < .001). Orientation for participants and training for local health workers were seen as relatively insufficient. In conclusion, there are considerable differences in the thoughts about STMMs across four key groups of heath personnel. The findings can help inform efforts to integrate evidence into the deployment of STMMs.
Gamma-Delta T-Cell Responses During Subcutaneous Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Challenge in Sensitized or Naïve Calves Using Matrix Biopolymers
Authors: Plattner B. L. , Huffman E. L. , Hostetter J. M.
Published: October 2012

We have developed a model to explore the early immune response against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis ( Map) infection in the bovine calf using subcutaneously placed liquid gel matrix biopolymer (matrigel) containing live Map. Matrigel rapidly polymerizes in vivo, retains recruited cellular infiltrates and soluble immune mediators, and can be rapidly removed 48 hours later and depolymerized for analysis. In this study, we examined early host immune events at matrigel/ Map sites; recruited cells were evaluated by histopathology and flow cytometry, and cytokines were measured by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Luminex bead immunoassay. Our results demonstrate earlier recruitment of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells to matrigel/ Map challenge sites compared to CD4+ T cells. We also show that significantly more γδ T cells were recruited to matrigel/ Map sites postinfection day 7 compared to postinfection day 30 and that these cells produced significant amounts of the cytokine interferon gamma. We also provide evidence that peripheral blood-derived γδ T-cell subsets in cattle differentially generate interferon gamma, suggesting distinct roles for these cells. These data provide unique insight into initial antimycobacterial host cellular immune responses following Map infection in calves.
Mesenchymoproliferative Enteropathy Associated With Dual Simian Polyomavirus and Rhesus Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Macri S. Cummings , Knight H. L. , Miller A. D.
Published: October 2012

Opportunistic viral infections are common in simian immunodeficiency virus–infected rhesus macaques and include simian polyomavirus 40 (SV40), which causes interstitial nephritis, pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and rhesus cytomegalovirus (Macacine herpesvirus-3), which is associated with many pathologic manifestations, including the formation of neutrophil-rich gastrointestinal masses. Herein we report the findings of a simian immunodeficiency virus–infected rhesus macaque that presented to necropsy with multiple nodular masses restricted to the proximal jejunum. Histologically, the masses within the lamina propria were composed of abundant, loosely organized, mesenchymal tissue forming broad interlacing whorls and sheets admixed with variable numbers of neutrophils. Cells within the mesenchymoproliferative nodules contained numerous basophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies with only scattered cytomegalic cells. Immunohistochemistry for rhesus cytomegalovirus and SV40 demonstrated variable numbers of immunopositive cells within the affected nodules. This report is the first description of SV40-associated pathology in the small intestine of a rhesus macaque and highlights the role that opportunistic viral infections can have on gastrointestinal pathology in immunosuppressed rhesus macaques.
Return to High-Level Throwing After Combination Infraspinatus Repair, SLAP Repair, and Release of Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit
Authors: Van Kleunen Jonathan P. , Tucker Scott A. , Field Larry D. , Savoie Felix H.
Published: October 2012

Background:

The overhead-throwing athlete is a unique patient, requiring an elite, precise functional ability. Superior labral tears are quite common, and the percentage of athletes who return to play after superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair has been variable. A tear of the infraspinatus caused by either internal impingement or tension overload may compromise this return.

Hypothesis:

The rate of return to a level of play similar to or greater than the preinjury level after repair of combined SLAP and infraspinatus injuries will be lower than in previous reports of SLAP repair alone.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In the current study, we examined a series of overhead-throwing athletes with diagnoses of both a SLAP tear and a significant (>50%) tear of the infraspinatus tendon who underwent surgical repair of both injuries. We identified 17 high-level baseball players younger than 25 years who underwent simultaneous arthroscopic repairs of a SLAP tear with a standard suture anchor technique and of an infraspinatus tear with either a free polydioxanone (PDS) suture or suture anchor between 2005 and 2008. The postoperative records of all patients were reviewed to determine their ability to return to play and their postoperative level of performance. All patients were then contacted to determine their Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Overhead Athlete Shoulder and Elbow score and their current sport participation level.

Results:

All 17 patients in the series attempted to return to their prior sport after completion of postoperative rehabilitation. Only 6 patients (35%) were able to return to the same or a superior preinjury level of performance. Five of the remaining 11 patients returned to play at a lower level, either playing the same position or else forced to switch to another position of play because of a decline in throwing velocity. Six patients were unable to return to play. No complications or reoperations occurred in any of the patients following surgery.

Conclusion:

A significant (>50%) tear of the infraspinatus in combination with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and SLAP tears in the throwing athlete results in a guarded prognosis in return to play at the same level. While the rates of return to play in overhead-throwing athletes with an isolated SLAP tear have historically been encouraging, the prognosis for an athlete with both a SLAP and infraspinatus tear is more guarded. These patients are not likely to return to their preinjury level of play.
Level of Evidence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Research
Authors: Samuelsson Kristian , Desai Neel , McNair Erik , van Eck Carola F. , Petzold Max , Fu Freddie H. , Bhandari Mohit , Karlsson Jón
Published: October 2012

Background:

There have been numerous studies on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Considering the vast number of studies, a quick assessment reveals rather few with a high level of evidence.

Purpose:

The primary aim was to categorize the study type and level of evidence of studies on primary ACL reconstruction by applying the level of evidence rating system proposed by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The secondary aims were to correlate the level of evidence with the impact factor of the journal, to evaluate the level of evidence over time, and to evaluate the geographic distribution of the included studies.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

An electronic search was performed using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 1995 to August 2011 were included. Therapeutic studies written in English that report on isolated primary ACL reconstruction with clinical outcome measurements related to the reconstruction were included. Categorization and implementation of the level of evidence were performed. Correlation between the level of evidence and the impact factor of the journal was analyzed together with linear regression models to reveal any significant trends over time.

Results:

A total of 7154 studies were analyzed, of which 1510 were included. Analysis of the study types revealed that case series (n = 494; 32.7%) was the most frequent study type. Randomized controlled trials represented 9.2% (n = 139) of the sample, whereas meta-analyses were rare. Single-bundle studies were the most common studies (n = 1333; 88.3%), followed by double-bundle (n = 98; 6.5%) and single- versus double-bundle (n = 79; 5.2%). The journals Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy (KSSTA), and American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM) represented 43.5% (n = 657) of the included studies. Arthroscopy had the highest number of publications in general and in level 4 and 5 studies, whereas AJSM had the lowest number of the 3. AJSM had the highest number of level 1 and 2 studies in general. The mean level of evidence calculated without level 5 studies was 3.15 for Arthroscopy, 3.20 for KSSTA, and 2.9 for AJSM. There was a significant correlation ( P < .05) between the impact factor of the journal and mean level of evidence of the journal and the proportion high level of evidence studies (levels 1 and 2). There was a significant ( P < .05) trend toward higher mean level of evidence over time.

Conclusion:

Most therapeutic studies on primary ACL reconstruction were of low level of evidence, and there was a positive correlation between the journal’s impact factor and the mean level of evidence and the proportion of high level of evidence studies. There was significant trend toward higher mean level of evidence over time.
Fixation of Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries
Authors: Naqvi Gohar A. , Cunningham Patricia , Lynch Bernadette , Galvin Rose , Awan Nasir
Published: October 2012

Background:

Ankle syndesmotic injuries are complex and require anatomic reduction and fixation to restore the normal biomechanics of the ankle joint and prevent long-term complications.

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and maintenance of syndesmotic reduction using TightRope versus syndesmotic screw fixation.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This cohort study included consecutive patients treated for ankle syndesmotic diastases between July 2007 and June 2009. Single slice axial computed tomography (CT) scans of both the ankles together were performed at the level of syndesmosis, 1 cm above the tibial plafond. A greater than 2-mm widening of syndesmosis compared with the untreated contralateral ankle was considered significant malreduction. Clinical outcomes were measured using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores.

Results:

Forty-six of 55 eligible patients participated in the study; 23 patients were in the TightRope group and 23 in the syndesmotic screw group. The average age was 42 years in the TightRope and 40 years in the syndesmotic screw group, and the mean follow-up time was 2.5 years (range, 1.5-3.5 years). The average width of normal syndesmosis was 4.03 ± 0.89 mm. In the TightRope group, the mean width of syndesmosis was 4.37 mm (SD, ±1.12 mm) ( P = .30, t test) compared with 5.16 mm (SD, ±1.92 mm) in the syndesmotic screw group ( P = .01, t test). Five of 23 ankles (21.7%) in the syndesmotic screw group had syndesmotic malreduction, whereas none of the TightRope group showed malreduction on CT scans ( P = .04, Fisher exact test). Average time to full weightbearing was 8 weeks in the TightRope group and 9.1 weeks in the syndesmotic screw group. There was no significant difference between the TightRope and syndesmotic screw groups in mean postoperative AOFAS score (89.56 and 86.52, respectively) or FADI score (82.42 and 81.22, respectively). Regression analysis confirmed malreduction of syndesmosis as the only independent variable that affected the clinical outcome (regression coefficient, −12.39; t = −2.43; P = .02).

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that fixation with TightRope provides a more accurate method of syndesmotic stabilization compared with screw fixation. Syndesmotic malreduction is the most important independent predictor of clinical outcomes; therefore, care should be taken to reduce the syndesmosis accurately.
“Even a Single Package of Pastas Will Help . . .”
Authors: Jacob Céline , Charles-Sire Virginie , Guéguen Nicolas
Published: October 2012

Research has shown that the statement “Even a penny will help” associated with charity fund-raising increases compliance. The present experiment analyzed the effectiveness of this technique using a novel solicitation and an intermediate delay between the statement and the actual execution of the request. Confederates solicited customers in a store for a food donation organized by food humanitarian organization. They wore a T-shirt on which the statement “Even a single package of pastas will help. . .” was either present or not. Results show that more people gave food products when this statement appeared on the T-shirt.
Stability of an impulsive control scheme for spacecraft formations in eccentric orbits
Authors: Sobiesiak Ludwik A , Damaren Christopher
Published: October 2012

An N-impulse control scheme for spacecraft formations in elliptical orbits is developed to regulate the differential elements of the deputy spacecraft in the presence of the J2 perturbation. The presented control scheme is an extension of an existing circular-orbit formation control scheme and is shown to perform well at large eccentricities where the circular control scheme fails. For the case of two impulses being applied at arbitrary firing times, a discrete-time approach for ascertaining the stability of the controlled spacecraft formation, under the assumption of small impulsive thrusts, is presented. It is found that stability is guaranteed for the majority of firing time pairs; however, the requisite Δ V can be prohibitive for some firing time pairs. The control scheme and stability predictions for formations in high eccentricity orbits are validated in numerical simulation.
Developmental Antecedents of Political Ideology
Authors: Fraley R. Chris , Griffin Brian N. , Belsky Jay , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: October 2012

The study reported here examined the developmental antecedents of conservative versus liberal ideologies using data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development and a follow-up study conducted when the sample was 18 years old. Specifically, we examined variation in conservative versus liberal ideologies at age 18 years as a function of parenting attitudes and child temperament during the first 5 years of life. Consistent with long-standing theories on the development of political attitudes, our results showed that parents’ authoritarian attitudes assessed when children were 1 month old predicted conservative attitudes in those children more than 17 years later. Consistent with the findings of Block and Block (2006), our results also showed that early childhood temperament predicted variation in conservative versus liberal ideologies.
The ever-shifting problem of consciousness
Authors: Kügler Peter
Published: October 2012

The aim of this paper is to develop a new understanding of what the “problem of consciousness” is and to indicate why it cannot be solved conclusively. It is argued that the problem cannot be captured by a single question, such as the currently popular “How does the brain produce consciousness?” From a broader point of view, the problem of consciousness is a “problem-in-repetition” in the sense of Gilles Deleuze: that is, a series of questions that replace each other in different theoretical frameworks. The problem will shift when the theory changes, but it will not go away. A brief survey of mind–body theories given in this paper includes property dualism, materialism, substance dualism, eliminativism, idealism, panpsychism, and dual-aspect theory. We will probably never have a final theory of consciousness. But as a final theory would have to describe some kind of “reality,” this issue also depends on general ontological assumptions. Drawing on Henri Bergson, Deleuze suggests an ontology of “actuality” and “virtuality” that helps to explain why any reality and hence any theory of consciousness will leave room for further questions.
Passive and active nonlinear fault-tolerant control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle based on the sliding mode control technique
Authors: Li Tong , Zhang Youmin , Gordon Brandon W
Published: October 2012

In this paper, an augmented sliding mode-based fault-tolerant control is designed theoretically, implemented practically and tested experimentally in a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle testbed under propeller damage and actuator fault conditions for tracking control. In view of the significant feature of robustness inherent to the sliding mode control technique, the developed sliding mode-based fault-tolerant control strategies have been designed and implemented in the two currently and widely used types of fault-tolerant control strategy, i.e. passive and active, with the intention to investigate and compare the advantages, disadvantages and application considerations and limitations of these two different fault-tolerant control strategies in the tracking control problem of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle application. Therefore, these two types of controller have been carried out in both theory and practice with and without the presence of faults. Both theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrated the effectiveness of the two sliding mode-based fault-tolerant control strategies in the application to the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle under a small level of actuator faults or damage. Detailed comparisons are also provided in the paper to demonstrate the capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of the two types of fault-tolerant tracking controller under different flight conditions in the presence of actuator faults and propeller damage.
Mid- to late-Holocene oceanographic variability on the Southeast Greenland shelf
Authors: Andresen CS , Hansen MJ , Seidenkrantz M-S , Jennings AE , Knudsen MF , Nørgaard-Pedersen N , Larsen NK , Kuijpers A , Pearce C
Published: October 2012

A reconstruction of oceanographic variability of the past 5800 years on the southeast Greenland shelf was obtained by analysing a combined marine sediment record based on two cores from the same site. Cores Fox04G/05R were retrieved from a side basin to a cross-shelf trough connecting the 900 m deep Sermilik Fjord with the Irminger Sea in the northwestern North Atlantic. The record was analysed in terms of grain size distribution, XRF and benthic and planktonic foraminiferal content and the chronology was obtained on the basis of 210Pb and 14C dating. The late-Holocene paleoceanographic variations in the record were characterised by a marked influence from the Irminger Current (IC) at the onset of the record at 5800 cal. yr BP and the regional Holocene Climatic Optimum between 5200 and 4200 cal. yr BP. After 3600 cal. yr BP Neoglacial cooling with increased influence of polar waters from the East Greenland Current (EGC) diminished the influence from the IC. Between 1500 and 700 cal. yr BP, the environment was highly dominated by cold low-salinity water masses characterised by sea ice forming locally and/or transported with an intensified EGC. At 700 cal. yr BP, concordant with the onset of the ‘Little Ice Age’, inflow of IC water masses intensified, notably during short-lived warming episodes of the North Atlantic Current most likely related to a contracted subpolar gyre. At the same time, the EGC polar water transport also intensified leading to a stratified water column on the shelf and this may have favoured entrainment of warm subsurface IC waters. Alternatively, the relatively warm rim of the eastern subpolar gyre may have promoted intense submarine melting of extended Southeast Greenland outlet glaciers at this time, producing enhanced meltwater outflow which favoured estuarine circulation processes maintaining the inflow of IC water masses.
Coagulanolide modulates hepatic glucose metabolism in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice
Authors: Singh AB , Singh N , Akanksha  , Jayendra  , Maurya R , Srivastava AK
Published: October 2012

Increased hepatic glucose output is one of the major causes of fasting hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of coagulanolide on hepatic glucose, regulating enzymes in type 2 diabetic C57BL/KsJ- db/db ( db/db) mice. Coagulanolide is an active component of Withania coagulans fruit. Oral administration of coagulanolide for 3 weeks decreases fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin significantly, and it improves glucose tolerance in the db/db mice group. The enzyme activity and protein expression of glucokinase and pyruvate kinase was significantly enhanced in coagulanolide-treated db/db group when compared with untreated one. On the other hand, activities and protein expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose 6-phosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glycogen phosphorylase enzymes were significantly lowered in treated group. The treatment with coagulanolide also normalizes the concentrations of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the db/db mice. These findings suggested that the coagulanolide is useful in the control of fasting hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes by regulating the production of hepatic glucose.
Pythiosis of the digestive tract in sheep
Authors: Pessoa Clarice R. M. , Riet-Correa Franklin , Pimentel Luciano A. , Garino Felício , Dantas Antônio F. M. , Kommers Glaucia D. , Tabosa Ivon M. , Reis-Júnior Janildo L.
Published: October 2012

Cutaneous and rhinofacial infections by Pythium insidiosum have previously been reported in sheep in Brazil. In the current study, a new form of pythiosis involving the alimentary tract of 2 nursing lambs from 2 different farms in the semiarid region of Brazil is described. The first lamb showed food regurgitation, lethargy, and anorexia, and died 5 days after the presentation of clinical signs. The second lamb had no history of gastrointestinal disease before death. Necropsy findings were similar in both lambs. The mucosa of the esophagus, reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum showed ulcerated areas covered by yellowish caseous granular exudate. The lesions were transmural and extended to the serosal surfaces, and adhesions were observed between the serosa of the forestomachs and abomasum to the liver and diaphragm. Histologic lesions consisted of pyogranulomatous necrotizing transmural esophagitis, rumenitis, reticulitis, omasitis, and abomasitis with vascular thrombosis and intralesional hyphae. Pythium insidiosum was confirmed as the etiology by immunohistochemistry and culture. The presence of sheep in the vicinity of water ponds during the hot, dry season when forage is not available in the pastures seems to be the main predisposing factor for the occurrence of pythiosis in sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region.
Development of an immunochromatographic strip for the detection of antibodies against Porcine circovirus-2
Authors: Jin Qianyue , Yang Jifei , Lu Qingxia , Guo Junqing , Deng Ruiguang , Wang Yinbiao , Wang Shihong , Wang Shufen , Chen Wen , Zhi Yubao , Wang Li , Yang Suzhen , Zhang Gaiping
Published: October 2012

A rapid (<5 min) immunochromatographic strip using a colloidal gold–labeled antigen probe was successfully developed and applied for the detection of Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) antibodies in swine. Recombinant Cap protein truncated nuclear localization signal of PCV-2, was expressed and labeled with colloidal gold. This conjugate was dispensed on a conjugate pad as the detector. Staphylococcal protein A and purified porcine anti–PCV-2 antibodies were blotted on a nitrocellulose membrane for the test and control lines, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of this strip test was evaluated using PCV-2 antisera as well as other sera from pigs infected with a variety of swine viruses. For the validation of this strip test, 500 clinical swine serum samples were assessed both by the strip and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The agreement between the immunochromatographic strip and ELISA kit was 94.00%. This strip possesses high sensitivity and specificity and may be useful as a candidate for rapid diagnosis of PCV-2 antibodies in the field.
Transmission dynamics of Mycoplasma bovis in newly received beef bulls at fattening operations
Authors: Timsit Edouard , Arcangioli Marie-Anne , Bareille Nathalie , Seegers Henri , Assié Sébastien
Published: October 2012

Mycoplasma bovis is an important cause of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in newly received cattle at fattening operations. However, little information on its within-pen transmission dynamics during a BRD outbreak is available. Such information is nevertheless crucial to adapt control measures during M. bovis–associated BRD outbreaks. The objective of the current study was to determine whether single or multiple clones of M. bovis are present within a pen during a BRD outbreak that occurs early in the feeding period. Sixteen BRD outbreaks that naturally occurred in 12 pens of 8–12 bulls each ( n = 112) newly received at 3 fattening operations were investigated. Two hundred and thirty-nine transtracheal aspirations (TTA) were performed during the outbreaks, and the M. bovis isolates obtained were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Mycoplasma bovis isolates were recovered from TTA in 8 of the 16 BRD outbreaks that occurred. The within-pen prevalence of bulls positive for M. bovis during these outbreaks ranged from 8% to 100%. The PFGE analysis revealed that, even though bulls came from multiple origins, a single clone of M. bovis was present within a pen during BRD outbreaks with a high prevalence of M. bovis infection. The study therefore indicates that, even if M. bovis can recrudesce from carriers after stressful events such as transportation and commingling, the increased prevalence of M. bovis pulmonary infection observed during BRD outbreaks that are early occurring in the feeding period seems primarily due to the horizontal transmission of only 1 clone among cattle.
Patients' Expectations for Medical Care: An Expanded Formulation Based on Review of the Literature
Authors: Kravitz Richard L.
Published: October 2012

An expanding literature on patients' expectations for medical care suffers from definitional confusion and lack of a conceptual model linking patients' expectations to important antecedents and consequences. This article aims to (1) provide a clear and inclusive definition of patients' expectations for care, (2) place patients' expectations in a conceptual framework built around patient satisfaction, and (3) develop a taxonomy of patients' expectations that promotes improved clinical care and research. Patients' expectations may be understood as beliefs or attitudes that interact with perceived occurrences to produce care-related evaluations. Research over the past 30 years indicates that patients' expectations may express probabilities or values related to a specific visit or to ongoing care, that the content of patients' expectations is broad, and that it makes a difference when expectations are elicited. This framework raises numerous questions for future research.
What Type of Quality Information do Consumers Want in a Health Care Report Card?
Authors: Hibbard Judith H. , Jewett Jacquelyn J.
Published: October 2012

Health care report cards have emerged as a new tool to achieve better informed consumer choice and improved health plan performance. With this new emphasis on information dissemination, almost all the attention and effort has gone into the development of valid measures of quality and plan performance. Very little attention is given to the question of what consumers want for making choices or how they will use the measures for choosing health plans. This study uses afocus group methodology and content analysis to explore consumer concepts of quality and to determine how consumers view the quality-of-care indicators that are appearing in report cards. The findings show that consumers have a high interest in quality information. There is a stated preference for quality indicators that reveal how well the plans perform on preventive care and on consumer satisfaction. Asking participants to actually make a plan choice on the basis of comparative plan performance data showed that stated preferences for types of information were inconsistent with actual choices.
An Empirical Assessment of Health Care Management Journals: A Business Perspective
Authors: McCracken Melody J. , Coffey Betty S.
Published: October 2012

The study assesses the perceived quality and relevance of health care management journals by surveying university faculty with both a health care and business orientation. The results identify a concise list of 33 health care management journals as approprite outlets for business-oriented health care research. Relative rankings and tierings of the journals are provided that are consistent with traditional journal evaluation methods used in the primary business disciplines. Results demonstrate a high correlation between the quality rankings of the journals that are common to the current study and the prior study of Brooks, Walker, and Szorady (1991). However, substantial changes in the relative rankings of some individual journals have occurred. The research also analyzes the effect of tenure, rank, and administrative responsibility on journal evaluation and finds no significant differences among the ratings based on these respondent characteristics. Finally, findings regarding the relationship between the quality and relevance rankings raise new questions as to how journal quality should be defined.
Interorganizational Cooperation in Community Mental Health: A Resource-Based Explanation of Referrals and Case Coordination
Authors: Provan Keith G. , Sebastian Juliann G. , Milward H. Brinton
Published: October 2012

Using data collected from mental health services delivery systems in 4 cities, this study examines the relationship between resource acquisition, resource utilization, and 3 types of cooperative, client-based interorganizational relationships: referrals received, referrals sent, and case coordination. Relationships were first explored for all 138 agencies in all 4 systems and then under conditions of environmental resource scarcity versus munificence, as measured by per capital mental health spending by the state. Results generally supported the 3 hypotheses proposed but were strongest for case coordination and for systems embedded in resource-scarce environments. Implications of the results for policy and research are discussed as they pertain to building a better understanding of conditions conducive to cooperation among health and human service agencies that provide community-based services to the severely mentally ill and other client groups with long-term needs.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury in Current Military Populations
Authors: Wall Pamela L. (Herbig)
Published: October 2012

Background:

The use of unconventional weaponry combined with decreased mortality rates and servicemembers being exposed to intense ground combat during multiple deployments has increased the risk of servicemembers living with the consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and combat operational stress.

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to perform a critical analysis of the literature to identify current rates of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI in military and veteran populations who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and their combined effects on persistent postconcussive symptoms.

Design:

A search of the literature with military and veteran populations published after 2001 in Pubmed, OVID/Medline, Cochran Database, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychInfo was conducted using keywords.

Results:

Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. The literature search yielded mixed results for rates of PTSD, TBI, and comorbid conditions.

Conclusions:

There is some evidence that comorbid PTSD and TBI result in greater reports of postconcussive symptomology than either condition alone. Limitations include lack of consistency of measurements, sampling biases, and lack of experimental design, and these warrant further exploration. Future research is needed to decrease variability in study findings and elucidate relationships between these disorders and their effects on persistent postconcussive symptomology.
Safety Assessment of 1,2-Glycols as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: October 2012

Caprylyl glycol and related 1,2-glycols are used mostly as skin and hair conditioning agents and viscosity agents in cosmetic products, and caprylyl glycol and pentylene glycol also function as cosmetic preservatives. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel noted that, while these ingredients are dermally absorbed, modeling data predicted decreased skin penetration of longer chain 1,2-glycols. Because the negative oral toxicity data on shorter chain 1,2-glycols and genotoxicity data support the safety of the 1,2-glycols reviewed in this safety assessment, the Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Evaluation of the Developmental Toxicity of 4-Tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Politano Valerie T. , McGinty Danielle , Lewis Elise M. , Hoberman Alan M. , Diener Robert M. , Api Anne Marie
Published: October 2012

The fragrance ingredient 4- tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (4- tBCHA) was evaluated for potential developmental toxicity in pregnant rats at oral dosages of 0, 40, 160, or 640 mg/kg per d in corn oil on gestational days 7 to 20. Increased salivation was observed at 160 and 640 mg/kg per d. The 640 mg/kg per d dosage was associated with the presence of a red perioral substance, ungroomed, sparse hair coat on the limbs, localized alopecia, reduced feed and body weight gains, or body weight losses, and mortality. Fetal body weights also were reduced at 640 mg/kg per d. This effect was associated with transient delays in fetal development, including significant increases in fetal incidences of moderate enlargement of the renal pelvis and reversible delays in ossification of the caudal vertebrae, fore and hind limb phalanges, and hind limb metatarsals. Maternal and developmental no observable adverse effect levels (NOAELs) were 160 mg/kg per d. It was concluded that 4- tBCHA is not a developmental toxicant in rats.