bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megalin in acute kidney injury: foe and friend
Authors: Mahadevappa Ravikiran , Nielsen Rikke , Christensen Erik Ilsø , Birn Henrik
Published: November 2013

The kidney proximal tubule is a key target in many forms of acute kidney injury (AKI). The multiligand receptor megalin is responsible for the normal proximal tubule uptake of filtered molecules, including nephrotoxins, cytokines, and markers of AKI. By mediating the uptake of nephrotoxins, megalin plays an essential role in the development of some types of AKI. However, megalin also mediates the tubular uptake of molecules implicated in the protection against AKI, and changes in megalin expression have been demonstrated in AKI in animal models. Thus, modulation of megalin expression in response to AKI may be an important part of the tubule cell adaption to cellular protection and regeneration and should be further investigated as a potential target of intervention. This review explores current evidence linking megalin expression and function to the development, diagnosis, and progression of AKI as well as renal protection against AKI.
Renal effects induced by prolonged mPGES1 inhibition
Authors: Salazar Francisco , Vazquez Michael L. , Masferrer Jaime L. , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Llinas Maria T. , Saez Fara , Arhancet Grace , Salazar F. Javier
Published: November 2013

The importance of membrane-bound PGE synthase 1 (mPGES1) in the regulation of renal function has been examined in mPGES1-deficient mice or by evaluating changes in its expression. However, it is unknown whether prolonged mPGES1 inhibition induces significant changes of renal function when Na+intake is normal or low. This study examined the renal effects elicited by a selective mPGES1 inhibitor (PF-458) during 7 days in conscious chronically instrumented dogs with normal Na+intake (NSI) or low Na+intake (LSI). Results obtained in both in vitro and in vivo studies have strongly suggested that PF-458 is a selective mPGES1 inhibitor. The administration of 2.4 mg·kg−1·day−1PF-458 to dogs with LSI did not induce significant changes in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A larger dose of PF-458 (9.6 mg·kg−1·day−1) reduced RBF ( P < 0.05) but not GFR in dogs with LSI and did not induce changes of renal hemodynamic in dogs with NSI. Both doses of PF-458 elicited a decrease ( P < 0.05) in PGE2and an increase ( P < 0.05) in 6-keto-PGF1α. The administration of PF-458 did not induce significant changes in renal excretory function, plasma renin activity, and plasma aldosterone and thromboxane B2concentrations in dogs with LSI or NSI. The results obtained suggest that mPGES1 is involved in the regulation of RBF when Na+intake is low and that the renal effects elicited by mPGES1 inhibition are modulated by a compensatory increment in PGI2. These results may have some therapeutical implications since it has been shown that prolonged mPGES1 inhibition has lower renal effects than those elicited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and slit function of mesothelial cells are regulated by the cross talk between mesothelial cells and endothelial cells
Authors: Aoki Shigehisa , Takezawa Toshiaki , Oshikata-Miyazaki Ayumi , Ikeda Satoshi , Kuroyama Hiroyuki , Chimuro Tomoyuki , Oguchi Yuji , Noguchi Mitsuru , Narisawa Yutaka , Toda Shuji
Published: November 2013

Peritoneal dysfunction is a major factor leading to treatment failure of peritoneal dialysis (PD). However, the precise mechanism of the peritoneal diffusion changes related to PD remains to be elucidated. To this end, we have established a novel peritoneal diffusion model in vitro, which consists of a three-dimensional culture system using a collagen vitrigel membrane chamber and a fluid-stream generation system. This artificial peritoneal model revealed that high-glucose culture medium and fluid flow stress promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of mesothelial cells and that endothelial cells inhibited this mesothelial EMT process. Mesothelial cells in the EMT state showed high expression of connective tissue growth factor and low expression of bone morphogenic protein-7, while non-EMT mesothelial cells showed the opposite expression pattern of these two proteins. In addition, these protein expressions were dependent on the presence of endothelial cells in the model. Our model revealed that the endothelial slit function was predominantly dependent on the covering surface area, while the mesothelial layer possessed a specific barrier function for small solutes independently of the surface area. Notably, a synergic barrier effect of mesothelial cells and endothelial cells was present with low-glucose pretreatment, but high-glucose pretreatment abolished this synergic effect. These findings suggest that the mesothelial slit function is not only regulated by the high-glucose-induced EMT process but is also affected by an endothelial paracrine effect. This peritoneal diffusion model could be a promising tool for the development of PD.
The parietal reach region is limb specific and not involved in eye-hand coordination
Authors: Yttri Eric A. , Wang Cunguo , Liu Yuqing , Snyder Lawrence H.
Published: November 2013

Primates frequently reach toward visual targets. Neurons in early visual areas respond to stimuli in the contralateral visual hemifield and without regard to which limb will be used to reach toward that target. In contrast, neurons in motor areas typically respond when reaches are performed using the contralateral limb and with minimal regard to the visuospatial location of the target. The parietal reach region (PRR) is located early in the visuomotor processing hierarchy. PRR neurons are significantly modulated when targets for either limb or eye movement appear, similar to early sensory areas; however, they respond to targets in either visual field, similar to motor areas. The activity could reflect the subject's attentional locus, movement of a specific effector, or a related function, such as coordinating eye-arm movements. To examine the role of PRR in the visuomotor pathway, we reversibly inactivated PRR. Inactivation effects were specific to contralateral limb movements, leaving ipsilateral limb and saccadic movements intact. Neither visual hemifield bias nor visual attention deficits were observed. Thus our results are consistent with a motoric rather than visual organization in PRR, despite its early location in the visuomotor pathway. We found no effects on the temporal coupling of coordinated saccades and reaches, suggesting that this mechanism lies downstream of PRR. In sum, this study clarifies the role of PRR in the visuomotor hierarchy: despite its early position, it is a limb-specific area influencing reach planning and is positioned upstream from an active eye-hand coordination-coupling mechanism.
Is noise-induced cochlear neuropathy key to the generation of hyperacusis or tinnitus?
Authors: Hickox Ann E. , Liberman M. Charles
Published: November 2013

Perceptual abnormalities such as hyperacusis and tinnitus often occur after acoustic overexposure. Although such exposure can also result in permanent threshold elevation, some individuals with noise-induced hyperacusis or tinnitus show clinically normal thresholds. Recent work in animals has shown that a “neuropathic” noise exposure can cause immediate, permanent degeneration of the cochlear nerve despite complete threshold recovery and lack of hair cell damage (Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. J Neurosci 29: 14077–14085, 2009; Lin HW, Furman AC, Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 12: 605–616, 2011). Here we ask whether this noise-induced primary neuronal degeneration results in abnormal auditory behavior, based on the acoustic startle response (ASR) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle. Responses were measured in mice exposed either to a “neuropathic” noise or to a lower-intensity, “nonneuropathic” noise and in unexposed control mice. Mice with cochlear neuropathy displayed hyperresponsivity to sound, evidenced by enhanced ASR and PPI, while exposed mice without neuronal loss showed controllike responses. Gap PPI tests, often used to assess tinnitus, revealed limited gap detection deficits in mice with cochlear neuropathy only for certain gap-startle latencies, inconsistent with the presence of tinnitus “filling in the gap.” Despite significantly reduced wave 1 of the auditory brainstem response, representing cochlear nerve activity, later peaks were unchanged or enhanced, suggesting compensatory neural hyperactivity in the auditory brainstem. Considering the rapid postexposure onset of both cochlear neuropathy and exaggerated startle-based behavior, the results suggest a role for cochlear primary neuronal degeneration, per se, in the central neural excitability that could underlie the generation of hyperacusis.
Frequency dependence of behavioral modulation by hippocampal electrical stimulation
Authors: La Corte Giorgio , Wei Yina , Chernyy Nick , Gluckman Bruce J. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: November 2013

Electrical stimulation offers the potential to develop novel strategies for the treatment of refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy. In particular, direct electrical stimulation of the hippocampus presents the opportunity to modulate pathological dynamics at the ictal focus, although the neuroanatomical substrate of this region renders it susceptible to altering cognition and affective processing as a side effect. We investigated the effects of three electrical stimulation paradigms on separate groups of freely moving rats (sham, 8-Hz and 40-Hz sine-wave stimulation of the ventral/intermediate hippocampus, where 8- and 40-Hz stimulation were chosen to mimic naturally occurring hippocampal oscillations). Animals exhibited attenuated locomotor and exploratory activity upon stimulation at 40 Hz, but not at sham or 8-Hz stimulation. Such behavioral modifications were characterized by a significant reduction in rearing frequency, together with increased freezing behavior. Logistic regression analysis linked the observed changes in animal locomotion to 40-Hz electrical stimulation independently of time-related variables occurring during testing. Spectral analysis, conducted to monitor the electrophysiological profile in the CA1 area of the dorsal hippocampus, showed a significant reduction in peak theta frequency, together with reduced theta power in the 40-Hz vs. the sham stimulation animal group, independent of locomotion speed (theta range: 4–12 Hz). These findings contribute to the development of novel and safe medical protocols by indicating a strategy to constrain or optimize parameters in direct hippocampal electrical stimulation.
Dose-response curve of associative plasticity in human motor cortex and interactions with motor practice
Authors: Elahi Behzad , Hutchison William D. , Daskalakis Z. Jeff , Gunraj Carolyn , Chen Robert
Published: November 2013

Associative plasticity is hypothesized to be an important neurophysiological correlate of memory formation and learning with potentials for applications in neurorehabilitation and for the development of new electrophysiological measures to study disorders of cortical plasticity. We hypothesized that the magnitude of the paired associative stimulation (PAS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP)-like effect depends on the number of pairs in the PAS protocol. We also hypothesized that homeostatic interaction of PAS with subsequent motor learning is related to the magnitude of the PAS-induced LTP-like effect. We studied 10 healthy subjects. In experiment 1a, subjects received 90 (PAS90), 180 (PAS180), or 270 (PAS270) pairs of stimuli, followed by a dynamic motor practice (DMP) 1 h after the end of the PAS protocols. In experiment 1b, the DMP preceded the PAS protocol. In experiment 2, the time course of PAS270 was studied. We found that PAS270 resulted in greater increase in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude compared with protocols with fewer pairs of stimuli. Moreover, the interaction between PAS protocols with motor learning differed depending on the number of stimulus pairs used to induce PAS. While DMP alone increased MEP amplitudes, DMP during the LTP-like effects induced by PAS270 led to a long-term depression (LTD)-like effect (homeostatic interaction). This homeostatic interaction did not occur after PAS90 and PAS180. In conclusion, we found a dose-dependent effect of the number of stimulus pairs used in the PAS protocol on cortical plasticity. Homeostatic interaction between PAS and DMP was observed only after PAS270.
Convergence of Synapses, Endosomes, and Prions in the Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Gouras Gunnar K.
Published: November 2013

Age-related misfolding and aggregation of disease-linked proteins in selective brain regions is a characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. Although neuropathological aggregates that characterize these various diseases are found at sites other than synapses, increasing evidence supports the idea that synapses are where the pathogenesis begins. Understanding these diseases is hampered by our lack of knowledge of what the normal functions of these proteins are and how they are affected by aging. Evidence has supported the idea that neurodegenerative disease-linked proteins have a common propensity for prion protein-like cell-to-cell propagation. However, it is not thought that the prion-like quality of these proteins/peptides that allows their cell-to-cell transmission implies a role for human-to-human spread in common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. It will be important to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the role of these aggregating proteins in neural function, especially at synapses, how their propagation occurs and how pathogenesis is promoted by aging.
Enhancing Knowledge Sharing Management Using BIM Technology in Construction
Authors: Ho Shih-Ping , Tserng Hui-Ping , Jan Shu-Hui
Published: November 2013

Construction knowledge can be communicated and reused among project managers and jobsite engineers to alleviate problems on a construction jobsite and reduce the time and cost of solving problems related to constructability. This paper proposes a new methodology for the sharing of construction knowledge by using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. The main characteristics of BIM include illustrating 3D CAD‐based presentations and keeping information in a digital format and facilitation of easy updating and transfer of information in the BIM environment. Using the BIM technology, project managers and engineers can gain knowledge related to BIM and obtain feedback provided by jobsite engineers for future reference. This study addresses the application of knowledge sharing management using BIM technology and proposes a BIM‐based Knowledge Sharing Management (BIMKSM) system for project managers and engineers. The BIMKSM system is then applied in a selected case study of a construction project in Taiwan to demonstrate the effectiveness of sharing knowledge in the BIM environment. The results demonstrate that the BIMKSM system can be used as a visual BIM‐based knowledge sharing management platform by utilizing the BIM technology.
Biomarkers in Diabetic Retinopathy and the Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Zorena Katarzyna , Raczyńska Dorota , Raczyńska Krystyna
Published: November 2013

The main problem both in type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes is the development of chronic vascular complications encompassing micro- as well as macrocirculation. Chronic complications lower the quality of life, lead to disability, and are the cause of premature death in DM patients. One of the chronic vascular complications is a diabetic retinopathy (DR) which leads to a complete loss of sight in DM patients. Recent trials show that the primary cause of diabetic retinopathy is retinal neovascularization caused by disequilibrium between pro- and antiangiogenic factors. Gaining knowledge of the mechanisms of action of factors influencing retinal neovascularization as well as the search for new, effective treatment methods, especially in advanced stages of DR, puts special importance on research concentrating on the implementation of biological drugs in DR therapy. At present, it is antivascular endothelial growth factor and antitumor necrosis factor that gain particular significance.
Clinical Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Needs to Develop Its Own System of Core Outcome Sets
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Junhua , Chen Jing , Xing Dongmei , Mu Wei , Wang Jiaying , Shang Hongcai
Published: November 2013

Currently, quality issues concerning clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have come into the spotlight. It has been recognized that poorly-devised research methodology largely restricted the development of clinical research in TCM. The choice of appropriate outcome measurements is key to the success of clinical research; however, the current procedure for outcomes selection in clinical research of TCM is problematic due to the underdevelopment of clinical methodology. Under this circumstance, we propose the introduction to the concept of Core Outcome Set (COS) and discuss the feasibility of developing a COS system that caters for clinical studies in TCM, in the hope that the outcome evaluation system could be up to international standards.
Application of the RBF Method to the Estimation of Temperature on the External Surface in Laminar Pipe Flow
Authors: Lyu Shiqin , Wu Can , Zhang Sufang
Published: November 2013

The inverse heat conduction problem on the heat transfer characteristics of cooled/heated laminar flows through finite length thick-walled circular tubes is studied, using temperature measurements taken at several different locations within the fluid in this paper. The method of radial basis functions is coupled with the boundary control technique to estimate the unknown temperature on the external surface of the circular pipe. The main idea of the proposed method is to solve the direct problem instead of solving the inverse problem directly. The temperature data obtained from the direct problem are used to simulate the temperature measurement for the inverse problem, and during the calculation, the Tikhonov regularization and L-curve methods are employed to solve the inverse problem. Therefore, this study also considers the influence of errors in these measurements upon the precision of the estimated results as well as the influence of the locations and number of sensors used upon the accuracy of the estimated results. The results indicate that the accuracy of the estimated results is improved by taking temperature measurements in locations close to the the unknown boundary. Finally, the results confirm that the proposed method is capable of yielding accurate results even when errors in the temperature measurements are present.
An Efficient Cluster Authentication Scheme Based on VANET Environment in M2M Application
Authors: Jeon You-Boo , Lee Keun-Ho , Park Doo-Soon , Jeong Chang-Sung
Published: November 2013

Wireless and mobile sensor network technologies in M2M (machine to machine) are rapidly applied to our real life. Thus, in near future, advanced wireless and mobile sensor network in M2M application will be major key factor of the future generation convergence network which is based on the state of the application. It is expected that smart machines will appear as new business service model with other machines. Most numerous researches within M2M sectors are carried out in intelligent vehicle sector integrated with IT technology. Intelligent vehicle section shows severe changes in position between vehicles and has numerous large scales of networks in its components; therefore, it is required to provide safety by exchanging information between vehicles equipped with wireless communication function via VANET (vehicular ad hoc network) and fixed apparatus at roadside regarding the status of road. In this paper, we proposed cluster authentication scheme that mutually authenticates between vehicles by composing vehicle movement as cluster configuration architecture. We have successfully included the establishment of secure channels, the detection of replay attacks, mutual cluster authentication, prevention of vehicle identity fabrication, and secure distribution of provisional session key.
Automatic Sex Determination of Skulls Based on a Statistical Shape Model
Authors: Luo Li , Wang Mengyang , Tian Yun , Duan Fuqing , Wu Zhongke , Zhou Mingquan , Rozenholc Yves
Published: November 2013

Sex determination from skeletons is an important research subject in forensic medicine. Previous skeletal sex assessments are through subjective visual analysis by anthropologists or metric analysis of sexually dimorphic features. In this work, we present an automatic sex determination method for 3D digital skulls, in which a statistical shape model for skulls is constructed, which projects the high-dimensional skull data into a low-dimensional shape space, and Fisher discriminant analysis is used to classify skulls in the shape space. This method combines the advantages of metrical and morphological methods. It is easy to use without professional qualification and tedious manual measurement. With a group of Chinese skulls including 127 males and 81 females, we choose 92 males and 58 females to establish the discriminant model and validate the model with the other skulls. The correct rate is 95.7% and 91.4% for females and males, respectively. Leave-one-out test also shows that the method has a high accuracy.
eLighthouse: Enhance Solar Power Coverage in Renewable Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Peng , Wu Yifan , Qiu Jian , Dai Guojun , Fu Tingting
Published: November 2013

Energy harvesting from ambient resource such as solar power improves the sustainability and continuous monitoring capability of sensor nodes. However, energy conservation and harvesting can hardly provide a complete solution due to two main reasons: the energy harvesting capabilities/opportunities are seriously affected by spatial and temporal facts regarding the location of sensor deployment, and distributed processing of sensing and communication are also uneven throughout the network which leads to unbalanced energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an energy transfer system called eLighthouse to level the energy harvesting and consumption of solar-powered WSN. An energy-hub equipment has been brought forward utilizing a controlled retroreflector to forward sunlight to the appropriate nodes which urgently require recharging. The scheduling algorithm among multiple nodes is also included in this paper which helps to maintain the maximum number of nodes in active state; the localization algorithm which enables the controlled retroreflector for pointing correctly is also a key contribution of this paper. The experimental and simulation results both demonstrated that the proposed system can maximize the utilization of the solar power charging technique effectively to prolong the network lifetime and build up a sustainable WSN.
Trends and Factors Affecting Hospitalization Costs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Two-Center Study over the Past Decade
Authors: Xu Junjie , Tang Minyue , Shen Jun
Published: November 2013

With the growing number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hospitalization cases, the overall medical care cost elevates significantly in consequence. A total of 2458 hospitalizations, involving 1401 patients with IBD, were included from two large medical centers. Hospitalization costs and factors impacting cost changes were determined. Patients with IBD and frequency of hospitalizations increased significantly from 2003 to 2011 (P<0.001). The annual hospitalization cost per patient, cost per hospitalization, and daily cost during hospitalization increased significantly in the past decade (allP<0.001). However, length of stay decreased significantly (P<0.001). Infliximab was the most significant factor associated with higher hospitalization cost (OR = 44380.09,P<0.001). Length of stay (OR = 1.29,P<0.001), no medical insurance (OR = 1.31,P=0.017), CD (OR = 3.55,P<0.001), inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) (OR = 4.30,P<0.0001), poor prognosis (OR = 6.78,P<0.001), surgery (OR = 3.16,P<0.001), and endoscopy (OR = 2.44,P<0.001) were found to be predictors of higher hospitalization costs. Patients with IBD and frequency of hospitalizations increased over the past decade. CD patients displayed a special one peak for age at diagnosis, which was different from UC patients. The increased hospitalization costs of IBD patients may be associated with infliximab, length of stay, medical insurance, subtypes of IBD, prognosis, surgery, and endoscopy.
Some Spectral Aspects of the Operator over the Sequence Spaces and
Authors: Dutta S. , Baliarsingh P.
Published: November 2013

The main idea of the present paper is to compute the spectrum and the fine spectrum of the generalized difference operator over the sequence spaces . The operator denotes a triangular sequential band matrix defined by with for , where or , ; the set nonnegative integers and is either a constant or strictly decreasing sequence of positive real numbers satisfying certain conditions. Finally, we obtain the spectrum, the point spectrum, the residual spectrum, and the continuous spectrum of the operator over the sequence spaces and . These results are more general and comprehensive than the spectrum of the difference operators , , , , and and include some other special cases such as the spectrum of the operators , , and over the sequence spaces or .
The Effect of First-Order Bending Resonance of Wheelset at High Speed on Wheel-Rail Contact Behavior
Authors: Zhong Shuoqiao , Xiao Xinbiao , Wen Zefeng , Jin Xuesong
Published: November 2013

The first-order bending deformation of wheelset is considered in the modeling vehicle/track coupling dynamic system to investigate its effect on wheel/rail contact behavior. In considering the effect of the first-order bending resonance on the rolling contact of wheel/rail, a new wheel/rail contact model is derived in detail in the modeling vehicle/track coupling dynamic system, in which the many intermediate coordinate systems and complex coordinate system transformations are used. The bending mode shape and its corresponding frequency of the wheelset are obtained through the modal analysis by using commercial software ANSYS. The modal superposition method is used to solve the differential equations of wheelset motion considering its flexible deformation due to the first-order bending resonance. In order to verify the present model and clarify the influence of the first-order bending deformation of wheelset on wheel/track contact behavior, a harmonic track irregularity with a fixed wavelength and a white-noise roughness are, respectively used as the excitations in the two models of vehicle-rail coupling dynamic system, one considers the effect of wheelset bending deformation, and the other does not. The numerical results indicate that the wheelset first-order bending deformation has an influence on wheel/rail rolling contact behavior and is easily excited under wheel/rail roughness excitation.
A Machine-Learned Predictor of Colonic Polyps Based on Urinary Metabolomics
Authors: Eisner Roman , Greiner Russell , Tso Victor , Wang Haili , Fedorak Richard N.
Published: November 2013

We report an automated diagnostic test that uses the NMR spectrum of a single spot urine sample to accurately distinguish patients who require a colonoscopy from those who do not. Moreover, our approach can be adjusted to tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity. We developed our system using a group of 988 patients (633 normal and 355 who required colonoscopy) who were all at average or above-average risk for developing colorectal cancer. We obtained a metabolic profile of each subject, based on the urine samples collected from these subjects, analyzed via1H-NMR and quantified using targeted profiling. Each subject then underwent a colonoscopy, the gold standard to determine whether he/she actually had an adenomatous polyp, a precursor to colorectal cancer. The metabolic profiles, colonoscopy outcomes, and medical histories were then analysed using machine learning to create a classifier that could predict whether a future patient requires a colonoscopy. Our empirical studies show that this classifier has a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 65% and, unlike the current fecal tests, allows the administrators of the test to adjust the tradeoff between the two.
Teaching Anatomy in the XXI Century: New Aspects and Pitfalls
Authors: Papa Veronica , Vaccarezza Mauro
Published: November 2013

Anatomy has historically been a cornerstone in medical education regardless of nation, racial background, or medical school system. By learning gross anatomy, medical students get a first “impression” about the structure of the human body which is the basis for understanding pathologic and clinical problems. Although the importance of teaching anatomy to both undergraduate and postgraduate students remains undisputed, there is currently a relevant debate concerning methods of anatomy teaching. In the past century, dissection and lectures were its sole pedagogy worldwide. Recently, the time allocated for anatomy teaching was dramatically reduced to such an extent that some suggest that it has fallen below an adequate standard. Traditional anatomy education based on topographical structural anatomy taught in lectures and gross dissection classes has been replaced by a multiple range of study modules, including problem‐based learning, plastic models or computer‐assisted learning, and curricula integration. “Does the anatomical theatre still have a place in medical education?” And “what is the problem with anatomic specimens?” We endeavor to answer both of these questions and to contribute to the debate on the current situation in undergraduate and graduate anatomy education.
Reconstructing 3D Tree Models Using Motion Capture and Particle Flow
Authors: Long Jie , Jones Michael D.
Published: November 2013

Recovering tree shape from motion capture data is a first step toward efficient and accurate animation of trees in wind using motion capture data. Existing algorithms for generating models of tree branching structures for image synthesis in computer graphics are not adapted to the unique data set provided by motion capture. We present a method for tree shape reconstruction using particle flow on input data obtained from a passive optical motion capture system. Initial branch tip positions are estimated from averaged and smoothed motion capture data. Branch tips, as particles, are also generated within a bounding space defined by a stack of bounding boxes or a convex hull. The particle flow, starting at branch tips within the bounding volume under forces, creates tree branches. The forces are composed of gravity, internal force, and external force. The resulting shapes are realistic and similar to the original tree crown shape. Several tunable parameters provide control over branch shape and arrangement.
Leaf Epidermal Micromorphology of Portulaca L. Species Found in Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Authors: Srivastava Archana , Joshi Aruna Girish , Raole Vinay Madhukar
Published: November 2013

Micromorphology of three species of Portulaca was carried out with the help of light microscopy to determine variations within the species which would aid in correct identification of the plants. Epidermal cells are polygonal with sinuous anticlinal walls in all the three species. Length of epidermal cells of P. grandiflora Hook. is higher than P. oleracea Linn. and P. quadrifida Linn. The leaves of P. quadrifida are epistomatic while the remaining species are amphistomatic with paracytic stomata in all the three species. Mean stomatal index and stomatal frequency are more in P. quadrifida while the mean size of stomata (both length and width) is larger in P. grandiflora for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Based on the diagnostic features, an artificial indented key is prepared.
Hippuric Acid as a Significant Regulator of Supersaturation in Calcium Oxalate Lithiasis: The Physiological Evidence
Authors: Atanassova Stoyanka S. , Gutzow Ivan S.
Published: November 2013

At present, the clinical significance of existing physicochemical and biological evidence and especially the results we have obtained from our previousin vitroexperiments have been analyzed, and we have come to the conclusion that hippuric acid (C6H5CONHCH2COOH) is a very active solvent of Calcium Oxalate (CaOX) in physiological solutions. Two types of experiments have been discussed: clinical laboratory analysis on the urine excretion of hippuric acid (HA) in patients with CaOX lithiasis and detailed measurements of the kinetics of the dissolution of CaOX calculi in artificial urine, containing various concentrations of HA. It turns out that the most probable value of the HA concentration in the control group is approximately ten times higher than the corresponding value in the group of the stone-formers. Ourin vitroanalytical measurements demonstrate even a possibility to dissolve CaOX stones in human urine, in which increased concentration of HA have been established. A conclusion can be that drowning out HA is a significant regulator of CaOX supersaturation and thus a regulation of CaOX stone formation in human urine. Discussions have arisen to use increased concentration of HA in urine both as a solubilizator of CaOX stones in the urinary tract and on the purpose of a prolonged metaphylactic treatment.
FPGA Fault Tolerant Arithmetic Logic: A Case Study Using Parallel-Prefix Adders
Authors: Hoe David H. K. , Bollepalli L. P. Deepthi , Martinez Chris D.
Published: November 2013

This paper examines fault tolerant adder designs implemented on FPGAs which are inspired by the methods of modular redundancy, roving, and gradual degradation. A parallel-prefix adder based upon the Kogge-Stone configuration is compared with the simple ripple carry adder (RCA) design. The Kogge-Stone design utilizes a sparse carry tree complemented by several smaller RCAs. Additional RCAs are inserted into the design to allow fault tolerance to be achieved using the established methods of roving and gradual degradation. A triple modular redundant ripple carry adder (TMR-RCA) is used as a point of reference. Simulation and experimental measurements on a Xilinx Spartan 3E FPGA platform are carried out. The TMR-RCA is found to have the best delay performance and most efficient resource utilization for an FPGA fault-tolerant implementation due to the simplicity of the approach and the use of the fast-carry chain. However, the superior performance of the carry-tree adder over an RCA in a VLSI implementation makes this proposed approach attractive for ASIC designs.
Persistence Property and Estimate on Momentum Support for the Integrable Degasperis-Procesi Equation
Authors: Guo Zhengguang , Jin Liangbing
Published: November 2013

It is shown that a strong solution of the Degasperis-Procesi equation possesses persistence property in the sense that the solution with algebraically decaying initial data and its spatial derivative must retain this property. Moreover, we give estimates of measure for the momentum support.
17β-Estradiol Attenuates Poststroke Depression and Increases Neurogenesis in Female Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Cheng Yifan , Su Qiaoer , Shao Bei , Cheng Jianhua , Wang Hong , Wang Liuqing , Lin Zhenzhen , Ruan Linhui , ZhuGe Qichuan , Jin Kunlin
Published: November 2013

Studies have linked neurogenesis to the beneficial actions of specific antidepressants. However, whether 17β-estradiol (E2), an antidepressant, can ameliorate poststroke depression (PSD) and whether E2-mediated improvement of PSD is associated with neurogenesis are largely unexplored. In the present study, we found that depressive-like behaviors were observed at the first week after focal ischemic stroke in female ovariectomized (OVX) rats, as measured by sucrose preference and open field test, suggesting that focal cerebral ischemia could induce PSD. Three weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), rats were treated with E2for consecutive 14 days. We found that E2-treated rats had significantly improving ischemia-induced depression-like behaviors in the forced-swimming test and sucrose preference test, compared to vehicle-treated group. In addition, we also found that BrdU- and doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) were significantly increased in ischemic rats after E2treatment, compared to vehicle-treated group. Our data suggest that focal cerebral ischemia can induce PSD, and E2can ameliorate PSD. In addition, newborn neurons in the hippocampus may play an important role in E2-mediated antidepressant like effect after ischemic stroke.
On Complex Singularity Analysis for Some Linear Partial Differential Equations in
Authors: Lastra A. , Malek S. , Stenger C.
Published: November 2013

We investigate the existence of local holomorphic solutionsYof linear partial differential equations in three complex variables whose coefficients are holomorphic on some polydisc in outside some singular set . The coefficients are written as linear combinations of powers of a solutionXof some first-order nonlinear partial differential equation following an idea, we have initiated in a previous work (Malek and Stenger 2011). The solutionsYare shown to develop singularities along with estimates of exponential type depending on the growth's rate ofXnear the singular set. We construct these solutions with the help of series of functions with infinitely many variables which involve derivatives of all orders ofXin one variable. Convergence and bounds estimates of these series are studied using a majorant series method which leads to an auxiliary functional equation that contains differential operators in infinitely many variables. Using a fixed point argument, we show that these functional equations actually have solutions in some Banach spaces of formal power series.
Fractal Dimension of a Random Invariant Set and Applications
Authors: Wang Gang , Tang Yanbin
Published: November 2013

We prove an abstract result on random invariant sets of finite fractal dimension. Then this result is applied to a stochastic semilinear degenerate parabolic equation and an upper bound is obtained for the random attractors of fractal dimension.
Pivotal Role of Mediterranean Dietary Regimen in the Increase of Serum Magnesium Concentration in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bahreini Nimah , Gharipour Mojgan , Khosravi-Boroujeni Hossein , Rouhi-Boroujeni Hojjat , Shiranian Afshin , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Sharifzadeh GholamReza
Published: November 2013

Background. Recent studies confirmed cardioprotective role of intravenous magnesium for the prevention of cardiac events, but effect of dietary intake of this mineral via recommended dietary regimens on control and inhibition of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors has been questioned. The aim of the present study was to determine effect of Mediterranean dietary approach on serum magnesium concentration among Iranian patients with CAD.Method. Baseline characteristics and clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of CAD and candidates for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were entered into the study. Laboratory parameters especially serum magnesium concentration were measured after 12–14 h of overnight fasting and before operation. Nutritional status was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and the diet score was calculated on the basis of Mediterranean diet quality index (Med-DQI).Results. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of albumin, last fasting blood sugar, last creatinine, and lipid profiles between the groups with Mediterranean dietary score < 5 and the group with higher dietary score; however, serum magnesium concentration in the first group was higher than that in the group with higher dietary score. Linear multivariate regression analysis showed that the lower Mediterranean dietary score was a predictor for serum magnesium concentration after adjusting for confounders.Conclusion. Taking Mediterranean dietary regimen can be associated with increased level of serum magnesium concentration, and thus this regimen can be cardioprotective because of its effects on serum magnesium.
Dielectric Properties of RhombohedralPbNb2O6
Authors: Sahu Kriti Ranjan , De Udayan
Published: November 2013

Dielectric materials are needed in many electrical and electronic applications. So, basic characterizations need to be done for all dielectrics.PbNb2O6(PN) is ferroelectric and piezoelectric only in its orthorhombic phase, with potential high temperature applications. So, its rhombohedral phase, frequently formed as an undesirable impurity in the preparation of orthorhombic PN, has been ignored with respect to possible dielectric characterizations. Here, essentially single phase rhombohedral PN has been prepared, checking structure from XRD Rietveld Analysis, and the real and imaginary parts of permittivity measured in an Impedance Spectrometer (IS) up to ~700∘Cand over 20 Hz to 5.5 MHz range, for heating and some cooling runs. Variations, with temperature, of relaxation time constant (τ), AC and DC conductivity, bulk resistance, activation energy and capacitance have been explored from our IS data.
Fractional Partial Differential Equation: Fractional Total Variation and Fractional Steepest Descent Approach-Based Multiscale Denoising Model for Texture Image
Authors: Pu Yi-Fei , Zhou Ji-Liu , Siarry Patrick , Zhang Ni , Liu Yi-Guang
Published: November 2013

The traditional integer-order partial differential equation-based image denoising approaches often blur the edge and complex texture detail; thus, their denoising effects for texture image are not very good. To solve the problem, a fractional partial differential equation-based denoising model for texture image is proposed, which applies a novel mathematical method—fractional calculus to image processing from the view of system evolution. We know from previous studies that fractional-order calculus has some unique properties comparing to integer-order differential calculus that it can nonlinearly enhance complex texture detail during the digital image processing. The goal of the proposed model is to overcome the problems mentioned above by using the properties of fractional differential calculus. It extended traditional integer-order equation to a fractional order and proposed the fractional Green’s formula and the fractional Euler-Lagrange formula for two-dimensional image processing, and then a fractional partial differential equation based denoising model was proposed. The experimental results prove that the abilities of the proposed denoising model to preserve the high-frequency edge and complex texture information are obviously superior to those of traditional integral based algorithms, especially for texture detail rich images.
Liquid Phase Deposition of Silica on the Hexagonally Close‐Packed Monolayer of Silica Spheres
Authors: Yoon Seo Young , Choi Sung-Eun , Lee Jin Seok
Published: November 2013

Liquid phase deposition is a method used for the nonelectrochemical production of polycrystalline ceramic films at low temperatures, most commonly silicon dioxide films. Herein, we report that silica spheres are organized in a hexagonal close‐packed array using a patterned substrate. On this monolayer of silica spheres, we could fabricate new nanostructures in which deposition and etching compete through a modified LPD reaction. In the early stage, silica spheres began to undergo etching, and then, silica bridges between the silica spheres appeared by the local deposition reaction. Finally, the silica spheres and bridges disappeared completely. We propose the mechanism for the formation of nanostructure.
Human Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells Promote Liver Regeneration in a Rat Model of Toxic Injury
Authors: Koellensperger Eva , Niesen Willem , Kolbenschlag Jonas , Gramley Felix , Germann Guenter , Leimer Uwe
Published: November 2013

In the light of the persisting lack of donor organs and the risks of allotransplantations, the possibility of liver regeneration with autologous stem cells from adipose tissue (ADSC) is an intriguing alternative. Using a model of a toxic liver damage in Sprague Dawley rats, generated by repetitive intraperitoneal application of retrorsine and allyl alcohol, the ability of human ADSC to support the restoration of liver function was investigated. A two-thirds hepatectomy was performed, and human ADSC were injected into one remaining liver lobe in group 1 (n= 20). Injection of cell culture medium performed in group 2 (n= 20) served as control. Cyclosporine was applied to achieve immunotolerance. Blood samples were drawn weekly after surgery to determine liver-correlated blood values. Six and twelve weeks after surgery, animals were sacrificed and histological sections were analyzed. ADSC significantly raised postoperative albumin (P< 0.017), total protein (P< 0.031), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (P< 0.001), and lactate dehydrogenase (P< 0.04) levels compared to injection of cell culture medium alone. Transplanted cells could be found up to twelve weeks after surgery in histological sections. This study points towards ADSC being a promising alternative to hepatocyte or liver organ transplantation in patients with severe liver failure.
Present Status and Future Perspectives for the EXO-200 Experiment
Authors: Gratta Giorgio , Sinclair David
Published: November 2013

The EXO collaboration has built and operated a 200 kg liquid xenon detector for studies of double beta decay. This paper summarizes the results obtained so far and their significance. The excellent performance of the detector encourages the concept of a much larger detector to obtain improved sensitivity to the possible detection of the neutrinoless decay mode of xenon.
Risk Factors for Urgency Incontinence in Women Undergoing Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery
Authors: Rickey Leslie M. , Huang Liyuan , Rahn David D. , Hsu Yvonne , Litman Heather J. , Mueller Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2013

Objective.To determine baseline variables associated with urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in women presenting for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery.Methods. Baseline data from two randomized trials enrolling 1,252 women were analyzed: SISTEr (fascial sling versus Burch colposuspension) and TOMUS (retropubic versus transobturator midurethral sling). Demographic data, POP-Q measures, and validated measures of symptom severity and quality of life were collected. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were measured in TOMUS. Multivariate models were constructed with UUI and symptom severity as outcomes.Results. Over two-thirds of subjects reported bothersome UUI at baseline. TOMUS patients with more comorbidities had higher UDI irritative scores (CCI score 0 = 39.4, CCI score 1 = 42.1, and CCI score 2+ = 51.0,P=0.0003), and higher depression scores were associated with more severe UUI. Smoking, parity, prior incontinence surgery/treatment, prolapse stage, and incontinence episode frequency were not independently associated with UUI.Conclusions. There were no modifiable risk factors identified for patient-reported UUI in women presenting for SUI surgery. However, the direct relationships between comorbidity level, depression, and worsening of UUI/urgency symptoms may represent targets for preoperative intervention. Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms that explain the associations between these medical conditions and bladder function.