bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological biomarkers of neuromodulatory strategies to recover motor function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Gad Parag , Roy Roland R. , Choe Jaehoon , Creagmile Jack , Zhong Hui , Gerasimenko Yury , Edgerton V. Reggie
Published: February 2015

The spinal cord contains the circuitry to control posture and locomotion after complete paralysis, and this circuitry can be enabled with epidural stimulation [electrical enabling motor control (eEmc)] and/or administration of pharmacological agents [pharmacological enabling motor control (fEmc)] when combined with motor training. We hypothesized that the characteristics of the spinally evoked potentials after chronic administration of both strychnine and quipazine under the influence of eEmc during standing and stepping can be used as biomarkers to predict successful motor performance. To test this hypothesis we trained rats to step bipedally for 7 wk after paralysis and characterized the motor potentials evoked in the soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles with the rats in a non-weight-bearing position, standing and stepping. The middle responses (MRs) to spinally evoked stimuli were suppressed with either or both drugs when the rat was suspended, whereas the addition of either or both drugs resulted in an overall activation of the extensor muscles during stepping and/or standing and reduced the drag duration and cocontraction between the TA and soleus muscles during stepping. The administration of quipazine and strychnine in concert with eEmc and step training after injury resulted in larger-amplitude evoked potentials [MRs and late responses (LRs)] in flexors and extensors, with the LRs consisting of a more normal bursting pattern, i.e., randomly generated action potentials within the bursts. This pattern was linked to more successful standing and stepping. Thus it appears that selected features of the patterns of potentials evoked in specific muscles with stimulation can serve as effective biomarkers and predictors of motor performance.
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury induces ventriculomegaly and cortical thinning in juvenile rats
Authors: Goddeyne Corey , Nichols Joshua , Wu Chen , Anderson Trent
Published: February 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) most frequently occurs in pediatric patients and remains a leading cause of childhood death and disability. Mild TBI (mTBI) accounts for nearly 75% of all TBI cases, yet its neuropathophysiology is still poorly understood. While even a single mTBI injury can lead to persistent deficits, repeat injuries increase the severity and duration of both acute symptoms and long-term deficits. In this study, to model pediatric repetitive mTBI (rmTBI) we subjected unrestrained juvenile animals (postnatal day 20) to repeat weight-drop impacts. Animals were anesthetized and subjected to sham injury or rmTBI once per day for 5 days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 14 days after injury revealed marked cortical atrophy and ventriculomegaly in rmTBI animals. Specifically, beneath the impact zone the thickness of the cortex was reduced by up to 46% and the area of the ventricles increased by up to 970%. Immunostaining with the neuron-specific marker NeuN revealed an overall loss of neurons within the motor cortex but no change in neuronal density. Examination of intrinsic and synaptic properties of layer II/III pyramidal neurons revealed no significant difference between sham-injured and rmTBI animals at rest or under convulsant challenge with the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine. Overall, our findings indicate that the neuropathological changes reported after pediatric rmTBI can be effectively modeled by repeat weight drop in juvenile animals. Developing a better understanding of how rmTBI alters the pediatric brain may help improve patient care and direct “return to game” decision making in adolescents.
A comprehensive assessment of genioglossus electromyographic activity in healthy adults
Authors: Vranish Jennifer R. , Bailey E. Fiona
Published: February 2015

The genioglossus (GG) is an extrinsic muscle of the human tongue that plays a critical role in preserving airway patency. In the last quarter century, >50 studies have reported on respiratory-related GG electromyographic (EMG) activity in human subjects. Remarkably, of the studies performed, none have duplicated subject body position, electrode recording locations, and/or breathing task(s), making interpretation and integration of the results across studies extremely challenging. In addition, more recent research assessing lingual anatomy and muscle contractile properties has identified regional differences in muscle fiber type and myosin heavy chain expression, giving rise to the possibility that the anterior and posterior regions of the muscle fulfill distinct functions. Here, we assessed EMG activity in anterior and posterior regions of the GG, across upright and supine, in rest breathing and in volitionally modulated breathing tasks. We tested the hypotheses that GG EMG is greater in the posterior region and in supine, except when breathing is subject to volitional modulation. Our results show differences in the magnitude of EMG (%regional maximum) between anterior and posterior muscle regions (7.95 ± 0.57 vs. 11.10 ± 0.99, respectively; P < 0.001), and between upright and supine (8.63 ± 0.73 vs. 10.42 ± 0.90, respectively; P = 0.008). Although the nature of a task affects the magnitude of EMG ( P < 0.001), the effect is similar for anterior and posterior muscle regions and across upright and supine ( P > 0.2).
Modulation of intracranial meningeal nociceptor activity by cortical spreading depression: a reassessment
Authors: Zhao Jun , Levy Dan
Published: February 2015

Cortical spreading depression (CSD), a putative migraine trigger, has been shown recently to promote multiple activation patterns of meningeal nociceptors. In the current study we used a modified experimental approach in a rat model to: 1) reassess the responses of meningeal nociceptors following a single CSD episode, 2) examine factors that may influence the propensity of meningeal nociceptors to develop a prolonged activation following a CSD, and 3) test the responses of meningeal nociceptors following multiple CSDs. A single CSD episode promoted persistent activation in about 50% of the nociceptors tested, similar to our previous report. Only two patterns of prolonged nociceptor activation were observed: biphasic activation and one with a delayed onset. Aδ units had shorter mean onset latency for the prolonged activation than C units. The prolonged activation onset latency was inversely correlated with the number of the nociceptors' receptive fields. The propensity to develop the prolonged activation following CSD was related to the presence of basal ongoing activity, but neither to the emergence of brief activation during the CSD phase nor to the nociceptors' responsiveness to inflammatory mediators or ATP. Finally, multiple CSDs did not promote a heightened nociceptive response compared with a single CSD. The present study confirms the ability of a single CSD to elicit persistent activation of meningeal nociceptors. CSD-evoked prolonged nociceptive responses may not be related to the inflammatory and ATP chemosensitivity of the neurons but rather to other neuronal properties, such as basal ongoing activity and number of receptive fields.
Milk Proteins, Peptides, and Oligosaccharides: Effects against the 21st Century Disorders
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Chien , Hernández-Ledesma Blanca , Fernández-Tomé Samuel , Weinborn Valerie , Barile Daniela , de Moura Bell Juliana María Leite Nobrega
Published: February 2015

Milk is the most complete food for mammals, as it supplies all the energy and nutrients needed for the proper growth and development of the neonate. Milk is a source of many bioactive components, which not only help meeting the nutritional requirements of the consumers, but also play a relevant role in preventing various disorders. Milk-derived proteins and peptides have the potential to act as coadjuvants in conventional therapies, addressing cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, intestinal health, and chemopreventive properties. In addition to being a source of proteins and peptides, milk contains complex oligosaccharides that possess important functions related to the newborn’s development and health. Some of the health benefits attributed to milk oligosaccharides include prebiotic probifidogenic effects, antiadherence of pathogenic bacteria, and immunomodulation. This review focuses on recent findings demonstrating the biological activities of milk peptides, proteins, and oligosaccharides towards the prevention of diseases of the 21st century. Processing challenges hindering large-scale production and commercialization of those bioactive compounds have been also addressed.
Prevalence of Depression among Type 2 Diabetic Outpatients in Black Lion General Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Dejenie Habtewold Tesfa , Radie Yosef Tsige , Sharew Nigussie Tadesse
Published: February 2015

Background.The emotional consequences of diabetes have been scrutinized by a number of investigative teams and there are varying reports about the association of depression with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is limited data about this in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of comorbid depression among type 2 diabetic outpatients.Methods and Materials.Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted on a random sample of 276 type 2 diabetic outpatients from Black Lion General Specialized Hospital. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get these individual patients from 920 type 2 diabetic outpatients who have an appointment during the data collection period. Patients’ depression status was measured using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9).Result.Totally 264 type 2 diabetic outpatients were interviewed with a response rate of 95.6%. The prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic outpatients was 13%. Based on PHQ 9 score, 28.4% (75) fulfilled the criteria for mild depression, 12.1% (32) for moderate depression, 2.7% (7) for moderately severe depression, and 1.5% (4) for severe depression. But 45.8% (121) of patients had no clinically significant depression.Conclusion.This study demonstrated that depression is a common comorbid health problem in type 2 diabetic outpatients with a prevalence rate of 13%.
Assessment of Morphological and Functional Changes in Organs of Rats after Intramuscular Introduction of Iron Nanoparticles and Their Agglomerates
Authors: Sizova Elena , Miroshnikov Sergey , Yausheva Elena , Polyakova Valentina
Published: February 2015

The research was performed on male Wistar rats based on assumptions that new microelement preparations containing metal nanoparticles and their agglomerates had potential. Morphological and functional changes in tissues in the injection site and dynamics of chemical element metabolism (25 indicators) in body were assessed after repeated intramuscular injections (total, 7) with preparation containing agglomerate of iron nanoparticles. As a result, iron depot was formed in myosymplasts of injection sites. The quantity of muscle fibers having positive Perls’ stain increased with increasing number of injections. However, the concentration of the most chemical elements and iron significantly decreased in the whole skeletal muscle system (injection sites are not included). Consequently, it increased up to the control level after the sixth and the seventh injections. Among the studied organs (liver, kidneys, and spleen), Caspase-3 expression was revealed only in spleen. The expression had a direct dependence on the number of injections. Processes of iron elimination from preparation containing nanoparticles and their agglomerates had different intensity.
A Comparison Study for Investigation of Diffracted Waves between Parallel Edges and Edges with Arbitrary Angle
Authors: Iwashige Jiro , Barolli Leonard , Iwaida Motohiko , Kameyama Saki
Published: February 2015

Estimation of the scattering of electromagnetic waves by buildings and other obstacles is very important for wireless communications. In our previous work, we have examined the diffracted fields by two horizontal edges which make an arbitrary angle. In this paper, we compare the diffracted fields between parallel edges and edges with arbitrary angle. The numerical calculation results show that when the angle between two edges increases, relatively strong orthogonal polarized wave components appear, but the principal components are almost the same as the incident wave.
Valproic Acid Neuroprotection in the 6-OHDA Model of Parkinson’s Disease Is Possibly Related to Its Anti-Inflammatory and HDAC Inhibitory Properties
Authors: Ximenes José Christian Machado , Neves Kelly Rose Tavares , Leal Luzia Kalyne A. M. , do Carmo Marta Regina Santos , Brito Gerly Anne de Castro , Naffah-Mazzacoratti Maria da Graça , Cavalheiro Ésper Abrão , Viana Glauce Socorro de Barros
Published: February 2015

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder where the main hallmark is the dopaminergic neuronal loss. Besides motor symptoms, PD also causes cognitive decline. Although current therapies focus on the restoration of dopamine levels in the striatum, prevention or disease-modifying therapies are urgently needed. Valproic acid (VA) is a wide spectrum antiepileptic drug, exerting many biochemical and physiological effects. It has been shown to inhibit histone deacetylase which seems to be associated with the drug neuroprotective action. The objectives were to study the neuroprotective properties of VA in a model of Parkinson’s disease, consisting in the unilateral striatal injection of the neurotoxin 6-OHDA. For that, male Wistar rats (250 g) were divided into the groups: sham-operated (SO), untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned, and 6-OHDA-lesioned treated with VA (25 or 50 mg/kg). Oral treatments started 24 h after the stereotaxic surgery and continued daily for 2 weeks, when the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluations (apomorphine-induced rotations and open-field tests). Then, they were sacrificed and had their mesencephalon, striatum, and hippocampus dissected for neurochemical (DA and DOPAC determinations), histological (Fluoro-Jade staining), and immunohistochemistry evaluations (TH, OX-42, GFAP, TNF-alpha, and HDAC). The results showed that VA partly reversed behavioral and neurochemical alterations observed in the untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Besides, VA also decreased neuron degeneration in the striatum and reversed the TH depletion observed in the mesencephalon of the untreated 6-OHDA groups. This neurotoxin increased the OX-42 and GFAP immunoreactivities in the mesencephalon, indicating increased microglia and astrocyte reactivities, respectively, which were reversed by VA. In addition, the immunostainings for TNF-alpha and HDAC demonstrated in the untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned rats were also decreased after VA treatments. These results were observed not only in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus, but also in the temporal cortex. In conclusion, we showed that VA partly reversed the behavioral, neurochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical alterations observed in the untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. These effects are probably related to the drug anti-inflammatory activity and strongly suggest that VA is a potential candidate to be included in translational studies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases as PD.
Altered Interhemispheric Functional Coordination in Chronic Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Chen Yu-Chen , Xia Wenqing , Feng Yuan , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Jian , Feng Xu , Wang Cong-Xiao , Cai Yu , Wang Jian , Salvi Richard , Teng Gao-Jun
Published: February 2015

Purpose. Recent studies suggest that tinnitus may be due in part to aberrant callosal structure and interhemispheric interaction. To explore this hypothesis we use a novel method, voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), to examine the resting-state interhemispheric functional connectivity and its relationships with clinical characteristics in chronic tinnitus patients. Materials and Methods. Twenty-eight chronic tinnitus patients with normal hearing thresholds and 30 age-, sex-, education-, and hearing threshold-matched healthy controls were included in this study and underwent the resting-state fMRI scanning. We computed the VMHC to analyze the interhemispheric functional coordination between homotopic points of the brain in both groups. Results. Compared to the controls, tinnitus patients showed significantly increased VMHC in the middle temporal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and superior occipital gyrus. In tinnitus patients, a positive correlation was found between tinnitus duration and VMHC of the uncus. Moreover, correlations between VMHC changes and tinnitus distress were observed in the transverse temporal gyrus, superior temporal pole, precentral gyrus, and calcarine cortex. Conclusions. These results show altered interhemispheric functional connectivity linked with specific tinnitus characteristics in chronic tinnitus patients, which may be implicated in the neuropathophysiology of tinnitus.
Next Generation Network Real-Time Kinematic Interpolation Segment to Improve the User Accuracy
Authors: Ouassou Mohammed , Jensen Anna B. O. , Gjevestad Jon G. O. , Kristiansen Oddgeir
Published: February 2015

This paper demonstrates that automatic selection of the right interpolation/smoothing method in a GNSS-based network real-time kinematic (NRTK) interpolation segment can improve the accuracy of the rover position estimates and also the processing time in the NRTK processing center. The methods discussed and investigated are inverse distance weighting (IDW); bilinear and bicubic spline interpolation; kriging interpolation; thin-plate splines; and numerical approximation methods for spatial processes. The methods are implemented and tested using GNSS data from reference stations in the Norwegian network RTK service called CPOS. Data sets with an average baseline between reference stations of 60–70 km were selected. 12 prediction locations were used to analyze the performance of the interpolation methods by computing and comparing different measures of the goodness of fit such as the root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error, and mean absolute error, and also the computation time was compared. Results of the tests show that ordinary kriging with the Matérn covariance function clearly provides the best results. The thin-plate spline provides the second best results of the methods selected and with the test data used.
New Primary Malignancy Masquerading as Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Szwed Ellen A. , Sliesoraitis Sarunas , Nguyen Thu-Cuc , Nguyen Minh-Nguyet , Moreb Jan S. , Zlotecki Robert A. , Crispen Paul L. , Dang Nam H. , Dang Long H.
Published: February 2015

In the management of patients with prostate cancer, the development of new radiographic findings can mimic progression of the disease, thereby triggering changes in treatment. Typically, clinicians evaluate additional parameters, such as symptoms and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, for further evidence of disease progression. In the absence of additional findings, for example, elevated PSA, the possibility of an additional malignancy should be considered and evaluated. We present three cases of patients undergoing treatment for prostate adenocarcinoma and discovered on imaging to have findings suggestive of disease progression, but ultimately found to be a new primary malignancy. Our cases suggest that, in patients with prostate cancer, the appearance of new lymphadenopathy or bone lesions cannot be assumed to solely represent progression of the prostate cancer and warrant further investigation, especially in the presence of stable PSA levels.
Linear Dispersion Relation and Depth Sensitivity to Swell Parameters: Application to Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging and Bathymetry
Authors: Boccia Valentina , Renga Alfredo , Rufino Giancarlo , D’Errico Marco , Moccia Antonio , Aragno Cesare , Zoffoli Simona
Published: February 2015

Long gravity waves or swell dominating the sea surface is known to be very useful to estimate seabed morphology in coastal areas. The paper reviews the main phenomena related to swell waves propagation that allow seabed morphology to be sensed. The linear dispersion is analysed and an error budget model is developed to assess the achievable depth accuracy when Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data are used. The relevant issues and potentials of swell‐based bathymetry by SAR are identified and discussed. This technique is of particular interest for characteristic regions of the Mediterranean Sea, such as in gulfs and relatively close areas, where traditional SAR‐based bathymetric techniques, relying on strong tidal currents, are of limited practical utility.
Outer Synchronization of Complex Networks with Nondelayed and Time-Varying Delayed Couplings via Pinning Control or Impulsive Control
Authors: Feng Jianwen , Sheng Sa , Tang Ze , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2015

The outer synchronization problem between two complex networks with nondelayed and time-varying delayed couplings via two different control schemes, namely, pinning control and impulsive control, is considered. Firstly, by applying pinning control to a fraction of the network nodes and using a suitable Lyapunov function, we obtain some new and useful synchronization criteria, which guarantee the outer synchronization between two complex networks. Secondly, impulsive control is added to the nodes of corresponding response network. Based on the generalized inequality about time-varying delayed different equation, the sufficient conditions for outer synchronization are derived. Finally, some examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the results obtained in this paper.
The Management of Catatonia in Bipolar Disorder with Stimulants
Authors: Bajwa Waheed K. , Rastegarpour Ali , Bajwa Omar A. , Babbitt Jessica
Published: February 2015

Catatonia, while not a rare occurrence in bipolar disorder, has not been widely discussed in the literature. We present a case of a married Caucasian male with a history of bipolar disorder, exhibiting catatonia and experiencing difficulty in day-to-day functioning. He demonstrated impairment in cognition and an inability to organize simple activities of daily life. After exhausting a number of options for medical management, including benzodiazepines, atypical antipsychotics, and amantadine, he only displayed significant clinical improvement with the addition of a stimulant, methylphenidate. In time, the patient saw a complete return to normal functioning. The use of stimulants for catatonia in bipolar disorder may be an interesting and effective option for treatment. While this is not the first time this treatment has been suggested, there is very little data in support of it; our case confirms the discoveries of previous case reports.
10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid, the Major Lipid Component of Royal Jelly, Extends the Lifespan ofCaenorhabditis elegansthrough Dietary Restriction and Target of Rapamycin Signaling
Authors: Honda Yoko , Araki Yoko , Hata Taketoshi , Ichihara Kenji , Ito Masafumi , Tanaka Masashi , Honda Shuji
Published: February 2015

Royal jelly (RJ) produced by honeybees has been reported to possess diverse health-beneficial properties and has been implicated to have a function in longevity across diverse species as well as honeybees. 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), the major lipid component of RJ produced by honeybees, was previously shown to increase the lifespan ofCaenorhabditis elegans.The objective of this study is to elucidate signaling pathways that are involved in the lifespan extension by 10-HDA. 10-HDA further extended the lifespan of thedaf-2mutants, which exhibit long lifespan through reducing insulin-like signaling (ILS), indicating that 10-HDA extended lifespan independently of ILS. On the other hand, 10-HDA did not extend the lifespan of theeat-2mutants, which show long lifespan through dietary restriction caused by a food-intake defect. This finding indicates that 10-HDA extends lifespan through dietary restriction signaling. We further found that 10-HDA did not extend the lifespan of the long-lived mutants indaf-15, which encodes Raptor, a target of rapamycin (TOR) components, indicating that 10-HDA shared some longevity control mechanisms with TOR signaling. Additionally, 10-HDA was found to confer tolerance against thermal and oxidative stress. 10-HDA increases longevity not through ILS but through dietary restriction and TOR signaling inC. elegans.
A Mathematical Model for the Flow of a Casson Fluid due to Metachronal Beating of Cilia in a Tube
Authors: Siddiqui A. M. , Farooq A. A. , Rana M. A.
Published: February 2015

A mathematical model is developed to study the transport mechanism of a Casson fluid flow inspired by the metachronal coordination between the beating cilia in a cylindrical tube. A two‐dimensional system of nonlinear equations governing the flow problem is formulated by using axisymmetric cylindrical coordinates and then simplified by employing the long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions. Exact solutions are derived for the velocity components, the axial pressure gradient, and the stream function. However, the expressions for the pressure rise and the volume flow rate are evaluated numerically. The features of the flow characteristics such as pumping and trapping are illustrated and discussed with the help of graphs. It is observed that the volume flow rate is influenced significantly by the width of plug flow region Hp as well as the cilia length parameter ε. The analysis is also applied and compared with the estimated value of the volume flow rate of epididymal fluid in the ductus efferentes of the human male reproductive tract.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Improves Arterial Hypoxemia in Meconium-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Piglets
Authors: Treml Benedikt , Loeckinger Alexander , Kleinsasser Axel , Schoepf Elisabeth , Geiger Ralf , Neu Nikolaus
Published: February 2015

Objective. Meconium aspiration induces acute lung injury (ALI) in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. As yet, there is no specific therapy for improving the outcome. Recently, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which inactivates angiotensin II (Ang II), has been shown to ameliorate murine ALI. Design. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of this substance, we studied ACE2 in a piglet model of ALI induced by meconium aspiration. Subjects. Twelve anesthetized piglets were subjected in an animal research laboratory. ALI was induced by tracheal meconium instillation. Thereafter, six animals were randomly assigned to the ACE2 group, while another 6 served as control. Measurements. Systemic, pulmonary hemodynamic, and blood gas exchange parameters and Ang II levels were examined before ALI induction and at various time points after administering ACE2 or saline. In addition, ventilation-perfusion distribution of the lung was assessed by the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET). Main Results. Animals treated with ACE2 maintained significantly higher arterial partial pressures of oxygen (Pao2) and lower arterial partial pressures of carbon dioxide (Paco2), respectively. Furthermore, Ang II, which was substantially increased, returned to basal values. Conclusion. In summary, ACE2 improves blood gas exchange in meconium-induced ALI in piglets.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid: An Omega-3 Fatty Acid with Neuroprotective Properties—Ready for Use in the Stroke Clinic?
Authors: Blondeau Nicolas , Lipsky Robert H. , Bourourou Miled , Duncan Mark W. , Gorelick Philip B. , Marini Ann M.
Published: February 2015

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is plant-based essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that must be obtained through the diet. This could explain in part why the severe deficiency in omega-3 intake pointed by numerous epidemiologic studies may increase the brain’s vulnerability representing an important risk factor in the development and/or deterioration of certain cardio- and neuropathologies. The roles of ALA in neurological disorders remain unclear, especially in stroke that is a leading cause of death. We and others have identified ALA as a potential nutraceutical to protect the brain from stroke, characterized by its pleiotropic effects in neuroprotection, vasodilation of brain arteries, and neuroplasticity. This review highlights how chronic administration of ALA protects against rodent models of hypoxic-ischemic injury and exerts an anti-depressant-like activity, effects that likely involve multiple mechanisms in brain, and may be applied in stroke prevention. One major effect may be through an increase in mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a widely expressed protein in brain that plays critical roles in neuronal maintenance, and learning and memory. Understanding the precise roles of ALA in neurological disorders will provide the underpinnings for the development of new therapies for patients and families who could be devastated by these disorders.
Hydraulic Performance Modifications of a Zeolite Membrane after an Alkaline Treatment: Contribution of Polar and Apolar Surface Tension Components
Authors: Dutournié Patrick , Said Ali , Daou T. Jean , Bikaï Jacques , Limousy Lionel
Published: February 2015

Hydraulic permeability measurements are performed on low cut-off Na-mordenite (MOR-type zeolites) membranes after a mild alkaline treatment. A decrease of the hydraulic permeability is systematically observed. Contact angle measurements are carried out (with three polar liquids) on Na-mordenite films seeded onto alumina plates (flat membranes). A decrease of the contact angles is observed after the alkaline treatment for the three liquids. According to the theory of Lifshitz-van der Waals interactions in condensated state, surface modifications are investigated and a variation of the polar component of the material surface tension is observed. After the alkaline treatment, the electron-donor contribution (mainly due to the two remaining lone electron pairs of the oxygen atoms present in the zeolite extra frameworks) decreases and an increase of the electron-receptor contribution is observed and quantified. The contribution of the polar component to the surface tension is attributed to the presence of surface defaults, which increase the surface hydrophilicity. The estimated modifications of the surface interaction energy between the solvent (water) and the Na-mordenite active layer are in good agreement with the decrease of the hydraulic permeability observed after a mild alkaline treatment.
Contribution to the Macrophytic Typology of Belgian Reference Watercourses
Authors: Galoux Daniel , Chérot Frédéric , Rosillon Francis , Sossey-Alaoui Khadija
Published: February 2015

The objective of the study is to create a typology of macrophytes for the reference watercourses of the Meuse River catchment basin in Wallonia as a step towards the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive. The 50 sites studied are the object of a physicochemical and environmental characterization followed by a floristic survey (phanerogams, mosses, liverworts, and macroalgae). Six clusters of watercourses with their characteristic species are highlighted by two-way clustering and indicator species. The abundance of phanerogams in some watercourses of the Arden region is not only linked to light intensity but also depends on the degree of slope and the nature of the geological substrate.
De NovoRenal Cell Carcinoma in a Kidney Allograft 20 Years after Transplant
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Marubayashi Seiji , Shintaku Sadanori , Moriishi Misaki , Shimamoto Fumio , Tsuchiya Shinichiro , Dohi Kiyohiko , Ohdan Hideki
Published: February 2015

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a kidney allograft is rare. We report the successful diagnosis and treatment of ade novoRCC in a nonfunctioning kidney transplant 20 years after engraftment. A 54-year-old man received a kidney transplant from his mother when he was 34 years old. After 10 years, chronic rejection resulted in graft failure, and the patient became hemodialysis-dependent. Intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms revealed a solid 13 mm tumor in the kidney graft. The tumor was confirmed on ultrasound examination. This tumor had not been detected on a surveillance noncontrast CT scan. Needle biopsy showed that the tumor was an RCC. Allograft nephrectomy was performed. Pathological examination showed that the tumor was a Fuhrman Grade 2 RCC. XY-fluorescence hybridization analysis of the RCC showed that the tumor cells were of donor origin. One year after the surgery, the patient is alive and has no evidence of tumor recurrence. Regardless of whether a kidney transplant is functioning, it should periodically be imaged for RCC throughout the recipient’s lifetime. In our experience, ultrasonography or CT with intravenous contrast is better than CT without contrast for the detection of tumor in a nonfunctioning kidney transplant.
The Role of Some Chemokines from the CXC Subfamily in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Zychowska Magdalena , Rojewska Ewelina , Pilat Dominika , Mika Joanna
Published: February 2015

The mechanism involved in the development of diabetic neuropathy is complex. Currently, it is thought that chemokines play an important role in this process. The aim of this study was to determine how the level of some chemokines from the CXC subfamily varies in diabetic neuropathy and how the chemokines affect nociceptive transmission. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 200 mg/kg) resulted in an increased plasma glucose. The development of allodynia and hyperalgesia was measured at day 7 after STZ administration. Using Antibody Array techniques, the increases in CXCL1 (KC), CXCL5 (LIX), CXCL9 (MIG), and CXCL12 (SDF-1) protein levels were detected in STZ-injected mice. No changes in CXCL11 (I-TAC) or CXCL13 (BLC) protein levels were observed. The single intrathecal (i.t.) administration of CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL12 (each in doses of 10, 100, and 500 ng/5 μL) shows their pronociceptive properties as measured 1, 4, and 24 hours after injection using the tail-flick, von Frey, and cold plate tests. These findings indicate that the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL12 are important in nociceptive transmission and may play a role in the development of diabetic neuropathy.
Dry Olive Leaf Extract Counteracts L-Thyroxine-Induced Genotoxicity in Human Peripheral Blood LeukocytesIn Vitro
Authors: Žukovec Topalović Dijana , Živković Lada , Čabarkapa Andrea , Djelić Ninoslav , Bajić Vladan , Dekanski Dragana , Spremo-Potparević Biljana
Published: February 2015

The thyroid hormones change the rate of basal metabolism, modulating the consumption of oxygen and causing production of reactive oxygen species, which leads to the development of oxidative stress and DNA strand breaks. Olive (Olea europaeaL.) leaf contains many potentially bioactive compounds, making it one of the most potent natural antioxidants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of L-thyroxine and to investigate antioxidative and antigenotoxic potential of the standardized oleuropein-rich dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) against hydrogen peroxide and L-thyroxine-induced DNA damage in human peripheral blood leukocytes by using the comet assay. Various concentrations of the extract were tested with both DNA damage inducers, under two different experimental conditions, pretreatment and posttreatment. Results indicate that L-thyroxine exhibited genotoxic effect and that DOLE displayed protective effect against thyroxine-induced genotoxicity. The number of cells with DNA damage, was significantly reduced, in both pretreated and posttreated samples (P< 0.05). Comparing the beneficial effect of all tested concentrations of DOLE, in both experimental protocols, it appears that extract was more effective in reducing DNA damage in the pretreatment, exhibiting protective role against L-thyroxine effect. This feature of DOLE can be explained by its capacity to act as potent free radical scavenger.
Assessing the Role of Particles in Radiative Heat Transfer during Oxy-Combustion of Coal and Biomass Blends
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Gautham , Wolf Caitlyn
Published: February 2015

This study assesses the required fidelities in modeling particle radiative properties and particle size distributions (PSDs) of combusting particles in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigations of radiative heat transfer during oxy-combustion of coal and biomass blends. Simulations of air and oxy-combustion of coal/biomass blends in a 0.5 MW combustion test facility were carried out and compared against recent measurements of incident radiative fluxes. The prediction variations to the combusting particle radiative properties, particle swelling during devolatilization, scattering phase function, biomass devolatilization models, and the resolution (diameter intervals) employed in the fuel PSD were assessed. While the wall incident radiative flux predictions compared reasonably well with the experimental measurements, accounting for the variations in the fuel, char and ash radiative properties were deemed to be important as they strongly influenced the incident radiative fluxes and the temperature predictions in these strongly radiating flames. In addition, particle swelling and the diameter intervals also influenced the incident radiative fluxes primarily by impacting the particle extinction coefficients. This study highlights the necessity for careful selection of particle radiative property, and diameter interval parameters and the need for fuel fragmentation models to adequately predict the fly ash PSD in CFD simulations of coal/biomass combustion.
Organically Structured Control of Large-Scale Systems with Expanding Construction Based on State Observation
Authors: Xiaohua Li , Xiaoping Liu , Yang Liu , Jiawang Gao
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a new method on the problem of organically structured control based on state observation for a class of large-scale systems with expanding construction. This problem is to design a local state feedback controller and an observer for a new subsystem which is added to a large-scale system without changing the decentralized state feedback control laws of the original construction, so that both the new subsystem and the resulting expanded system are robustly connectively stable. Firstly, based on state observers, the mathematical model of a large-scale system with expanding construction is reestablished and analyzed. In addition, the sufficient condition for robust decentralized connective stabilization of the expanded construction of large-scale systems is deduced by taking an LMI approach, which is further relaxed by removing the square matrix condition on the output matrix. This problem is transformed into solving an LMI problem. The new design method of an organically structured controller and observer for the expanded construction is also given. Finally, the simulation examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of High Temperature on the Electrochemical and Optical Properties of Emeraldine Salt Doped with DBSA and Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Gul Salma , Shah Anwar-ul-Haq Ali , Bilal Salma
Published: February 2015

A comprehensive study of thermally treated polyaniline in its emeraldine salt form is presented here. It offers an understanding of the thermal stability of the polymer. Emeraldine salt was prepared by a novel emulsion polymerization pathway using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and sulfuric acid together as dopants. The effect of temperature and heating rate on the degradation of this emeraldine salt was studied via thermogravimetric analysis. The thermally analyzed sample was collected at various temperatures, that is, 250, 490, 500, and 1000°C. The gradual changes in the structure of the emeraldine salt were followed through cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Results demonstrate that emeraldine salt shows high thermal stability up to 500°C. This is much higher working temperature for the use of emeraldine salt in higher temperature applications. Further heat treatment seems to induce deprotonation in emeraldine salt. Cyclic voltammetry and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed that complete deprotonation takes place at 1000°C where it loses its electrical conductivity. It is interesting to note that after the elimination of the dopants, the basic backbone of emeraldine salt was not destroyed. The results reveal that the dopants employed have a stability effect on the skeleton of emeraldine salt.
An Unusual Presentation of a Massive Pulmonary Embolism with Misleading Investigation Results Treated with Tenecteplase
Authors: Migneault David , Levine Zachary , de Champlain François
Published: February 2015

Background. There is no foolproof strategy to identify a pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department, and atypical presentations are common. Negative test results may mislead physicians away from the diagnosis of PE.Objectives. The current report aims to raise awareness of an unusual presentation of massive PE and its diagnosis and management, in the face of limited evidence in the scientific literature.Case Reports. We report the case of a patient with a negative D-Dimer and a negative Computed Tomography contrast angiography of the chest who was diagnosed twenty-seven hours later with a massive PE, as suggested by a bedside echocardiography. The patient was successfully treated with tenecteplase (TNK).Conclusions/Summary. Pulmonary embolism frequently presents atypically and is often a diagnostic challenge. There is limited literature about the treatment of massive PE. Further research on bedside echocardiography for diagnosing PE in unstable patients is warranted. In addition, further study into new thrombolytic agents like tenecteplase in the context of massive and submassive PE is warranted.
Can Herbal Medicine Cause Hematoma Enlargement of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage within 24 hrs Time Window? A Retrospective Study of 256 Cases from a Single Center in China
Authors: Xu Yafa , Guo Jianwen , Liu Xian , Li Juehui , Wang Jing , Hou Lingbo
Published: February 2015

A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients presenting with HICH within 24 hours of ictus presenting between March 2008 and March 2013 who were diagnosed as having HICH by CT scan. Of the 256 patients who matched study inclusion standard, 43 patients hematoma was enlarged (16.8%). The number of the patients who did not take PBC or RBC herbal medicine, took the PBC herbal medicine, and took RBS herbal medicine was 19 (44.2%), 2 (4.7%), and 22 (51.2%) in hematoma enlargement group and 78 (36.6%), 26 (12.2%), and 109 (51.2%) in nonhematoma enlargement group, individually. There was no significant difference between two groups (P=0.671). PBC and RBS herbal medicine did not increase the incidence of hematoma expansion of ICH within 24 hours after onset of symptom.
Meta-Analysis: Diagnostic Accuracy of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Wang Yan , Pei Fengyan , Wang Xingjuan , Sun Zhiyu , Hu Chengjin , Dou Hengli
Published: February 2015

Objective. To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-CCP test in JIA and to evaluate factors associated with higher accuracy.Methods. Two investigators performed an extensive search of the literature published between January 2000 and January 2014. The included articles were assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. The meta-analysis was performed using a summary ROC (SROC) curve and a bivariate random-effect model to estimate sensitivity and specificity across studies.Results. The bivariate meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0%–15.0%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 98.0%–100.0%). The area under the SROC curve was 0.96. Sensitivity estimates were highly heterogeneous, which was partially explained by the higher sensitivity in the rheumatoid factor-positive polyarthritis (RF+ PA) subtype (48.0%; 95% CI: 31.0%–65.0%) than in the other subtypes (17.0%; 95% CI: 14.0%–20.0%) and the higher sensitivity of the Inova assay (17.0%; 95% CI: 14.0%–20.%%) than the other assays (0.05%; 95% CI: 2.0%–11.0%).Conclusions. Anti-CCP antibody test has a high specificity for the diagnosis of JIA. The sensitivity of this test is low and varies across populations but is higher in RF+ PA than in other JIA subtypes.
CC-MUSIC: An Optimization Estimator for Mutual Coupling Correction of L-Shaped Nonuniform Array with Single Snapshot
Authors: Hou Yuguan , Zhang Tongyu , Wu Shaochuan
Published: February 2015

For the case of the single snapshot, the integrated SNR gain could not be obtained without the multiple snapshots, which degrades the mutual coupling correction performance under the lower SNR case. In this paper, a Convex Chain MUSIC (CC-MUSIC) algorithm is proposed for the mutual coupling correction of the L-shaped nonuniform array with single snapshot. It is an online self-calibration algorithm and does not require the prior knowledge of the correction matrix initialization and the calibration source with the known position. An optimization for the approximation between the no mutual coupling covariance matrix without the interpolated transformation and the covariance matrix with the mutual coupling and the interpolated transformation is derived. A global optimization problem is formed for the mutual coupling correction and the spatial spectrum estimation. Furthermore, the nonconvex optimization problem of this global optimization is transformed as a chain of the convex optimization, which is basically an alternating optimization routine. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which improve the resolution ability and the estimation accuracy of the multisources with the single snapshot.
Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Selected Strains of Cyanobacteria
Authors: Milovanović Ivan , Mišan Aleksandra , Simeunović Jelica , Kovač Dajana , Jambrec Dubravka , Mandić Anamarija
Published: February 2015

Microalgal biomass can be used in creating various functional food and feed products, but certain species of microalgae and cyanobacteria are known to produce various compounds causing off-flavour. In this work, we investigated selected cyanobacterial strains ofSpirulina,Anabaena, andNostocgenera originating from Serbia, with the aim of determining the chemical profile of volatile organic compounds produced by these organisms. Additionally, the influence of nitrogen level during growth on the production of volatile compounds was investigated forNostocandAnabaenastrains. In addition, multivariate techniques, namely, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were used for making distinction among different microalgal strains. The results show that the main volatile compounds in these species are medium chain length alkanes, but other odorous compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (0.51–4.48%), 2-pentylfuran (0.72–8.98%),β-cyclocitral (0.00–1.17%), andβ-ionone (1.15–2.72%) were also detected in the samples. Addition of nitrogen to growth medium was shown to negatively affect the production of 2-methylisoborneol, while geosmin was not detected in any of the analyzed samples, which indicates that the manipulation of growth conditions may be useful in reducing levels of some unwanted odor-causing components.