bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Shape-Changing Panels With Embedded Rubber Muscle Actuators
Authors: Peel Larry D. , Molina Enrique , Baur Jeff , Justice Ryan 
Published: July 2013

There is great interest in making shape-changing aircraft structures that are more biomimetic. Cylindrical McKibben-like flexible actuators efficiently convert fluid pressure into mechanical energy and thus offer excellent force-to-weight ratios while behaving similar to biological muscle. McKibben-like Rubber Muscle Actuators (RMAs) were embedded into elastomer panels. The effect of actuator spacing on the performance of these shape-changing panels was investigated. The work included nonlinear finite element analysis, fabrication, and testing of panels where four RMAs were spaced side-by-side, 1/2, 1, and 1.3 RMA diameters apart.
Nonlinear “Laminated Plate” and “Rod & Plate” finite element models of individual RMAs were created from existing RMA dimensions. After adjusting for an initial “activation pressure,” the models produced realistic RMA forces. The laminated plate models used less computer resources, but only produced small amounts of actuator contraction (actuator strain). The more resource-intensive Rod & Plate models better replicated fiber/braid re-orientation and produced axial strains up to 60% of test values. Three types of embedded RMA panel FEA models; a “2D Cross-Section,” a “Full 3D Panel” (with either Laminated Plate or Rod & Plate RMAs) and a “3D Unit Cell” (also with either Laminated Plate or Rod & Plate RMAs). The Full 3D Rod & Plate model gave the most accurate strains and forces, but required unsustainable levels of computing resources. The 2D cross-section model predicted optimal RMA spacing to be at 1 diameter. All other FEA models show optimal panel performance between 1/2 and 1 diameter spacing.
Panels with embedded RMAs were fabricated and tested with air or water pressure. Panel force as a function of pressure and as a function of contraction (strain) was obtained.
Overall, FEA and test results for panels indicate that optimal performance occurs when the RMAs are spaced between 1/2 to 1 diameter apart. Actuator force as a function of spacing is fairly flat in this region, indicating that minor design or manufacturing differences may not significantly affect performance. However, the total amount of axial contraction decreases significantly at greater than optimal spacing. Useful design, simulation, and test methodologies for embedded RMA panels have been demonstrated.
Combined Modeling of Bilayer Networks for Sensing Applications
Authors: Freeman Eric C. , Philen Michael K. , Leo Donald J. 
Published: July 2013

The bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) is a naturally occurring thin layer of phospholipid molecules that surrounds cellular systems. The membrane operates as a near-impermeable barrier allowing for the generation of membrane potentials across the layer through changes in ionic concentrations. This membrane is required for regular cell function ranging from storing energy to passing signals. Engineering advancements have allowed for the rapid creation of artificial bilayer membranes, and these membranes are currently considered for many biomimetic applications.
The application of interest for this paper is the further development of these cellular systems for sensing applications. This will be accomplished through a combined fluid-bilayer model, allowing for study of the bilayer transduction properties at both high and low frequencies. Several approaches are discussed and applied to multiple cell systems with or without embedded voltage-dependent ion pores. Finally the results are studied and evidence is presented for the development of a new molecular model for cellular systems combining chemical, electrical, and mechanical stimuli.
Use of Cell-Free Circulating Schistosome DNA in Serum, Urine, Semen, and Saliva To Monitor a Case of Refractory Imported Schistosomiasis Hematobia
Authors: Kato-Hayashi Naoko , Yasuda Mitsuko , Yuasa Jozi , Isaka Shigeo , Haruki Kosuke , Ohmae Hiroshi , Osada Yoshio , Kanazawa Tamotsu , Chigusa Yuichi 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
This case of imported refractory schistosomiasis has highlighted the usefulness of cell-free parasite DNA as a diagnostic marker to assess active schistosome infection. In contrast to the rapid disappearance of ova in urine, parasite DNA remained persistent in several other specimen types even after the fourth treatment with praziquantel. This result was consistent with the presence of morphologically intact ova in bladder biopsy samples and with the corresponding symptoms.
Discrimination of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) from Non-EHEC Strains Based on Detection of Various Combinations of Type III Effector Genes
Authors: Delannoy Sabine , Beutin Lothar , Fach Patrick 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) strains comprise a subgroup of Shiga-toxin (Stx)-producing
E. coli
(STEC) and are characterized by a few serotypes. Among these, seven priority STEC serotypes (O26:H11, O45:H2, O103:H2, O111:H8, O121:H19, O145:H28, and O157:H7) are most frequently implicated in severe clinical illness worldwide. Currently, standard methods using
stx
,
eae
, and O-serogroup-specific gene sequences for detecting the top 7 EHEC serotypes bear the disadvantage that these genes can be found in non-EHEC strains as well. Here, we explored the suitability of
ureD
,
espV
,
espK
,
espN
,
Z2098
, and
espM1
genes and combinations thereof as candidates for a more targeted EHEC screening assay. For a very large panel of
E. coli
strains (
n
= 1,100), which comprised EHEC (
n
= 340), enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC) (
n
= 392), STEC (
n
= 193), and apathogenic strains (
n
= 175), we showed that these genetic markers were more prevalent in EHEC (67.1% to 92.4%) than in EPEC (13.3% to 45.2%), STEC (0.5% to 3.6%), and apathogenic
E. coli
strains (0 to 2.9%). It is noteworthy that 38.5% of the EPEC strains that tested positive for at least one of these genetic markers belonged to the top 7 EHEC serotypes, suggesting that such isolates might be Stx-negative derivatives of EHEC. The associations of
espK
with either
espV
,
ureD
, or
Z2098
were the best combinations for more specific and sensitive detection of the top 7 EHEC strains, allowing detection of 99.3% to 100% of these strains. In addition, detection of 93.7% of the EHEC strains belonging to other serotypes than the top 7 offers a possibility for identifying new emerging EHEC strains.
Characterization of a Novel Picornavirus Isolate from a Diseased European Eel (
Anguilla anguilla
)
Authors: Fichtner Dieter , Philipps Anja , Groth Marco , Schmidt-Posthaus Heike , Granzow Harald , Dauber Malte , Platzer Matthias , Bergmann Sven M. , Schrudde Daniela , Sauerbrei Andreas , Zell Roland 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

A novel picornavirus was isolated from specimens of a diseased European eel (
Anguilla anguilla
). This virus induced a cytopathic effect in eel embryonic kidney cells and high mortality in a controlled transmission study using elvers. Eel picornavirus has a genome of 7,496 nucleotides that encodes a polyprotein of 2,259 amino acids. It has a typical picornavirus genome layout, but its low similarity to known viral proteins suggests a novel species in the family
Picornaviridae
.
THE GRANITE PROBLEM AND THE METHOD OF MULTIPLE PREJUDICES
Authors: BOWEN NORMAN L. 
Published: July 2013

INTRODUCTION
In his well-known essay, The method of multiple working hypotheses, Chamberlin (1897) discussed various modes of attack upon scientific problems. Of a theory hastily advanced in explanation of any group of observations he said, “From an unduly favored child it readily grows to be a master and leads its author whithersoever it will.” The theory thus becomes a “ruling theory.” It might be said that it becomes a prejudice. As we may readily suppose, he regarded the ruling theory as having little to commend it, though he did point out that in the method of the ruling theory the investigator’s “very errors may indeed stimulate investigation on the part of others.” Chamberlin then passed on to consider the method of the working hypothesis, which he naturally regarded as having notable advantages, but added “. . . the distinction is not such as to prevent a working hypothesis from gliding with the utmost ease into a ruling theory. . . ”, and further, “To avoid this grave danger the method of multiple working hypotheses is urged” where “the mutual conflicts of hypotheses whet the discriminative edge of each.” Chamberlin thus had in mind a happy situation where an individual investigator diligently sought all reasonable processes that might lead to an observed relation, carefully considered the full consequences of each process envisioned, impartially compared these deduced consequences with the re-examined facts and thus reached a conclusion as to the probable process or group of processes that were operative. ‘Tis a consummation . . .
Factors mediating HIV risk among female sex workers in Europe: a systematic review and ecological analysis
Authors: Platt Lucy , Jolley Emma , Rhodes Tim , Hope Vivian , Latypov Alisher , Reynolds Lucy , Wilson David 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesWe reviewed the epidemiology of HIV and selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in WHO-defined Europe. There were three objectives: (1) to assess the prevalence of HIV and STIs (chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea); (2) to describe structural and individual-level risk factors associated with prevalence and (3) to examine the relationship between structural-level factors and national estimates of HIV prevalence among FSWs.DesignA systematic search of published and unpublished literature measuring HIV/STIs and risk factors among FSWs, identified through electronic databases published since 2005. ‘Best’ estimates of HIV prevalence were calculated from the systematic review to provide national level estimates of HIV. Associations between HIV prevalence and selected structural-level indicators were assessed using linear regression models.Studies reviewedOf the 1993 papers identified in the search, 73 peer-reviewed and grey literature documents were identified as meeting our criteria of which 63 papers provided unique estimates of HIV and STI prevalence and nine reported multivariate risk factors for HIV/STI among FSWs.ResultsHIV in Europe remains low among FSWs who do not inject drugs (<1%), but STIs are high, particularly syphilis in the East and gonorrhoea. FSWs experience high levels of violence and structural risk factors associated with HIV, including lack of access to services and working on the street. Linear regression models showed HIV among FSWs to link with injecting drug use and imprisonment.ConclusionsFindings show that HIV prevention interventions should be nested inside strategies that address the social welfare of sex workers, highlighting in turn the need to target the social determinants of health and inequality, including regarding access to services, experience of violence and migration. Future epidemiological and intervention studies of HIV among vulnerable populations need to better systematically delineate how microenvironmental and macroenvironmental factors combine to increase or reduce HIV/STI risk.
Comprehensive abortion care: evidence of improvements in hospital-level indicators in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Prata Ndola , Bell Suzanne , Gessessew Amanual 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveApproximately 18% of maternal deaths in East Africa is attributable to unsafe abortion. Availability of comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services at all levels of the healthcare system, including medical abortion, has the potential to increase access to safe abortion thereby reducing the burden of unsafe abortion. This study sought to assess trends in abortion-related morbidity indicators in referral hospitals.DesignResearchers conducted a secondary data analysis on retrospectively collected data.MethodsData analysed were collected from four hospitals in the Tigray region of Ethiopia that took part in a CAC pilot project. Providers were trained in mid-2009 to provide abortion services using all available technologies. Data records from hospitals were collected in 2012 for the years 2006 through 2012; 2006/2007 data were too sparse to include in the analyses.ResultsTrends in abortion-related services show a significant decrease in treatment of incomplete abortion, inverting the relationship between safe terminations and treatment of incompletes as a percentage of total abortions. Medication abortion was nearly non-existent in 2008, but increased steadily, representing 80% of total procedures in 2012. The inclusion of medication abortion and availability of CAC also contributed to a decline in inpatient procedures and prevalence of complications.ConclusionsThe trends observed in the data demonstrate how increased availability of CAC services at all levels of the healthcare system, among other factors, can contribute to reductions in the burden of unsafe abortion at referral hospitals.
Daily electronic self-monitoring of subjective and objective symptoms in bipolar disorder—the MONARCA trial protocol (MONitoring, treAtment and pRediCtion of bipolAr disorder episodes): a randomised controlled single-blind trial
Authors: Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Vinberg Maj , Christensen Ellen Margrethe , Frost Mads , Bardram Jakob , Kessing Lars Vedel 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionElectronic self-monitoring of affective symptoms using cell phones is suggested as a practical and inexpensive way to monitor illness activity and identify early signs of affective symptoms. It has never been tested in a randomised clinical trial whether electronic self-monitoring improves outcomes in bipolar disorder. We are conducting a trial testing the effect of using a Smartphone for self-monitoring in bipolar disorder.MethodsWe developed the MONARCA application for Android-based Smartphones, allowing patients suffering from bipolar disorder to do daily self-monitoring—including an interactive feedback loop between patients and clinicians through a web-based interface. The effect of the application was tested in a parallel-group, single-blind randomised controlled trial so far including 78 patients suffering from bipolar disorder in the age group 18–60 years who were given the use of a Smartphone with the MONARCA application (intervention group) or to the use of a cell phone without the application (placebo group) during a 6-month study period. The study was carried out from September 2011. The outcomes were changes in affective symptoms (primary), social functioning, perceived stress, self-rated depressive and manic symptoms, quality of life, adherence to medication, stress and cognitive functioning (secondary and tertiary).AnalysisRecruitment is ongoing.EthicsEthical permission has been obtained.DisseminationPositive, neutral and negative findings of the study will be published.Registration detailsThe trial is approved by the Regional Ethics Committee in The Capital Region of Denmark (H-2-2011-056) and The Danish Data Protection Agency (2013-41-1710). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov asNCT01446406.
A Purine Scaffold HSP90 Inhibitor BIIB021 Has Selective Activity against KSHV-Associated Primary Effusion Lymphoma and Blocks vFLIP K13-Induced NF-κB
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ramakrishnan , Matta Hittu , Chaudhary Preet M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurpose: Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpes virus (KSHV)–associated primary effusion lymphomas (PEL) have extremely poor prognosis when treated with conventional chemotherapy. KSHV-encoded viral FLICE-inhibitory protein (vFLIP) K13 binds to the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex to constitutively activate the NF-κB pathway, which has been shown to be essential for the survival and proliferation of PEL cells. The molecular chaperone HSP90 is a component of the IKK complex and is required for its activity.Experimental Design: We have analyzed the effect of HSP90 inhibitors on the survival and proliferation of PEL cells and on the activity of the NF-κB pathway.Results: We show that BIIB021, a purine scaffold–based orally administrable HSP90 inhibitor, shows preferential cytotoxicity toward PEL cells as compared with non-PEL cells. The cytotoxic effect of BIIB021 against PEL was associated with induction of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. BIIB021 blocked the expression of a number of cellular proteins involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. BIIB021 also blocked constitutive NF-κB activity present in PEL cells, in part, by blocking the interaction of vFLIP K13 with the IKK complex subunits. In a xenograft model of PEL, BIIB021 significantly reduced tumor growth.Conclusion: BIIB021 blocks constitutive NF-κB activity in PEL and shows preferential antitumor activity against PEL in vitro and in vivo. BIIB021 may be a promising agent for treatment of PEL. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 5016–26. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of aspirin dose on adenosine diphosphate-mediated platelet activities
Authors: Tello-Montoliu Antonio , Thano Estela , Rollini Fabiana , Patel Ronakkumar , Wilson Ryan E. , Muñiz-Lozano Ana , Franchi Francesco , Darlington Andrew , Desai Bhaloo , Guzman Luis A. , Bass Theodore A. , Angiolillo Dominick J. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDifferent aspirin dosing regimens have been suggested to impact outcomes when used in combination with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Prior investigations have shown that not only aspirin, but also potent ADP P2Y12 receptor blockade can inhibit thromboxane A2-mediated platelet activation. The impact of aspirin dosing on ADP mediated platelet activities is unknown and represents the aim of this in vitro pilot pharmacodynamic (PD) investigation. Twenty-six patients with stable coronary artery disease on aspirin 81 mg/day and P2Y12 naïve were enrolled. PD assessments were performed at baseline, while patients were on 81 mg/day aspirin and after switching to 325 mg/day for 7 ± 2 days with and without escalating concentrations (vehicle, 1, 3, and 10 μM) of prasugrel’s active metabolite (P-AM). PD assays included flow cytometric assessment of VASP to define the platelet reactivity index (PRI) and the Multiplate Analyzer (MEA) using multiple agonists [ADP, ADP + prostaglandin (PGE1), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen]. Escalating P-AM concentrations showed incremental platelet P2Y12 inhibition measured by VASP-PRI (p<0.001). However, there were no differences according to aspirin dosing regimen at any P-AM concentration (vehicle: p=0.899; 1 ïM: p=0.888; 3 ïM: p=0.524; 10 ïM: p=0.548). Similar findings were observed in purinergic markers assessed by MEA (ADP and ADP+PGE1). P-AM addition significantly reduced AA and collagen induced platelet aggregation (p<0.001 for all measures), irrespective of aspirin dose. In conclusion, aspirin dosing does not appear to affect PD measures of ADP-mediated platelet reactivity irrespective of the degree of P2Y12 receptor blockade. P2Y12 receptor blockade modulates platelet reactivity mediated by alternative activators.
Cilostazol Ameliorates Warfarin-Induced Hemorrhagic Transformation After Cerebral Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Kitashoji Akira , Egashira Yusuke , Mishiro Keisuke , Suzuki Yukiya , Ito Hideki , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Hara Hideaki 
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—
Although long-term treatment with the oral anticoagulant warfarin is widely used to prevent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, it has been reported that warfarin can exacerbate hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after cerebral ischemia. We investigated whether cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-III inhibitor, suppressed the warfarin-induced HT after cerebral ischemia in mice.

Methods—
Male ddY mice were treated with oral warfarin before 3-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 21-hour reperfusion to induce HT. The duration of warfarin pretreatment was determined by measurement of prothrombin time-international normalized ratio value. Cilostazol or vehicle was administered by intraperitoneal injection immediately after reperfusion. The infarct volume, brain swelling, and brain hemoglobin content were evaluated at 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. We also evaluated the survival rate of each treated group for 7 days after surgery. To investigate the mechanism underlying cilostazol’s effects, the proteins involved in vascular endothelial integrity were investigated using Western blotting.

Results—
HT volume was exacerbated by warfarin treatment, and cilostazol (3 mg/kg, IP) suppressed this exacerbation (sham, mean±SD, 29.2±13.4 mg/dL; vehicle, 33.3±11.9 mg/dL; warfarin, 379.4±428.9 mg/dL; warfarin+cilostazol 1 mg/kg, 167.5±114.2 mg/dL; warfarin+cilostazol 3 mg/kg, 116.9±152.3 mg/dL). Furthermore, cilostazol improved survival rate and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins and vascular endothelial cadherin.

Conclusions—
Cilostazol reduced the warfarin-related risk of HT after ischemia by protecting the vascular endothelial cells. This result suggested that cilostazol administration in patients with acute ischemic stroke might reduce HT.
Is eccentric exercise an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis? A systematic review
Authors: Cullinane Frances L , Boocock Mark G , Trevelyan Fiona C 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To establish the effectiveness of eccentric exercise as a treatment intervention for lateral epicondylitis. Data sources: ProQuest, Medline via EBSCO, AMED, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL. Review methods: A systematic review was undertaken to identify randomized and controlled clinical trials incorporating eccentric exercise as a treatment for patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis. Studies were included if: they incorporated eccentric exercise, either in isolation or as part of a multimodal treatment protocol; they assessed at least one functional or disability outcome measure; and the patients had undergone diagnostic testing. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Modified Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group score sheet. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Three were deemed ‘high’ quality, seven were ‘medium’ quality, and two were ‘low’ quality. Eight of the studies were randomized trials investigating a total of 334 subjects. Following treatment, all groups inclusive of eccentric exercise reported decreased pain and improved function and grip strength from baseline. Seven studies reported improvements in pain, function, and/or grip strength for therapy treatments inclusive of eccentric exercise when compared with those excluding eccentric exercise. Only one low-quality study investigated the isolated effects of eccentric exercise for treating lateral epicondylitis and found no significant improvements in pain when compared with other treatments. Conclusion: The majority of consistent findings support the inclusion of eccentric exercise as part of a multimodal therapy programme for improved outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis.