Results: Twenty-five (25.5%) aortic tissue specimens were indicated as histologically normal and were used as normal controls. The incidence of elastic fragmentation, increased ground substance, medionecrosis, smooth muscle disarray, and fibrosis was 74.5%, 54%, 39.8%, 26.5%, and 57.1%, respectively. A lamellar count of less than 60 was associated with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 87.67%. Area

under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that 93.37% (standard error +/- 0.039) of the time the value of lamellar count was lower for the abnormal histopathology group than for the normal group (P < .001). The risk of aortic dilatation was 15.97 times higher Epacadostat order in patients with histopathologically abnormal aorta.

Conclusions: CRT0066101 molecular weight The majority of aortic media of the ascending aorta in cyanotic tetralogy of Fallot indicates significant loss of lamellar units and pre-existing intrinsic aortopathy. The changes are present since infancy and are more pronounced in older patients subjected to long-standing cyanosis and volume overload and may account for or may coexist with the

higher incidence of aortic dilatation encountered in these patients.”
“Experimental evidence has shown that nitrite anion plays a key role in one of the proposed mechanisms for hypoxic vasodilation, in which the erythrocyte acts as a NO generator and deoxygenated hemoglobin in pre-capillary arterioles reduces nitrite to NO, which contributes to vascular smooth muscle relaxation. However, because of the complex reactions among nitrite, hemoglobin, and the NO that is formed,

the amount of NO delivered by this mechanism under various conditions has not been quantified experimentally. Furthermore, paracrine NO is scavenged by cell-free hemoglobin, as shown by studies of diseases characterized by extensive hemolysis (e.g., sickle cell disease) and the administration of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers. Alectinib in vitro Taking into consideration the free access of cell-free hemoglobin to the vascular wall and its ability to act as a nitrite reductase, we have now examined the hypothesis that in hypoxia this cell-free hemoglobin could serve as an additional endocrine source of NO. In this study, we constructed a multicellular model to characterize the amount of NO delivered by the reaction of nitrite with both intraerythrocytic and cell-free hemoglobin, while intentionally neglecting all other possible sources of NO in the vasculature. We also examined the roles of hemoglobin molecules in each compartment as nitrite reductases and NO scavengers using the model. Our calculations show that: (1) similar to 0.

Opposing

this, some microbes have evolved mechanisms to inactivate or avoid AMPs and subsequently become pathogens. selleck chemical Thus, AMPs are multifunctional molecules that have a central role in infection and inflammation.”
“Purpose: We determined whether baseline urodynamic study variables predict failure after mid urethral sling surgery.

Materials and Methods: Preoperative urodynamic study variables and postoperative continence status were analyzed in women participating in a randomized trial comparing retropubic to transobturator mid urethral sling. Objective failure was defined by positive standardized stress test, 15 ml or greater on 24-hour pad test, or re-treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Subjective failure criteria were self-reported stress symptoms, leakage on 3-day diary or re-treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between covariates and failure controlling for treatment group and clinical variables. Receiver operator curves were constructed for relationships between objective failure and measures of urethral function.

Results: Objective continence outcomes were available at 12 months for 565 of 597 (95%) women. Treatment failed in 260 women (245

by subjective ACY-1215 supplier criteria, 124 by objective criteria). No urodynamic variable was significantly associated with subjective failure on multivariate analysis. Valsalva leak point pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure and urodynamic stress incontinence were the only urodynamic variables consistently associated with objective

Methylitaconate Delta-isomerase failure on multivariate analysis. No specific cut point was determined for predicting failure for Valsalva leak point pressure or maximum urethral closure pressure by ROC. The lowest quartile (Valsalva leak point pressure less than 86 cm H(2)O, maximum urethral closure pressure less than 45 cm H(2)O) conferred an almost 2-fold increased odds of objective failure regardless of sling route (OR 2.23, 1.20-4.14 for Valsalva leak point pressure and OR 1.88, 1.04-3.41 for maximum urethral closure pressure).

Conclusions: Women with a Valsalva leak point pressure or maximum urethral closure pressure in the lowest quartile are nearly 2-fold more likely to experience stress urinary incontinence 1 year after transobturator or retropubic mid urethral sling.”
“The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the archetypal pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta), on high-energy phosphate levels within an ex vivo rat organotypic hippocampal-slice culture (OHSC) preparation using phosphorus (P-31) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Intrastriatal microinjection of IL-1 beta induces a chronic reduction in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of tissue water, which may be indicative of metabolic failure as established by in vivo models of acute cerebral ischaemia.

9 mu g/mL [interquartile range (IQR), 1.34-2.78 mu g/mL] vs 0.8 mu g/mL [IQR, 0.53-1.14 mu g/mL]; P < .001). Values of d-dimer below 0.67 mu g/mL have been calculated with a sensitivity of 94% (87%-100%), a specificity of 38% (27%-50%), a positive predictive value of 50% (40%-60%), a negative predictive value of 90% (82%-99%), and a likelihood ratio of 1.52 (1.25-1.85) with regard to the presence

of pseudoaneurysms. We also found a significant correlation of the peak systolic velocity at the arterial fistula and increasing d-dimer levels (r = 0.98, P < .0001).

Conclusion: We found a significantly higher level of d-dimer values in patients with femoral pseudoaneurysms at the vascular access site. Therefore, d-dimer levels could BMS-754807 clinical trial LY294002 cell line be a potential serological

marker in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms. A confirmation is warranted in a larger patient sample. (J Vasc Surg 2010;52:383-7.)”
“We studied anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests in male Lewis rats on days 2 and 4 of adjuvant arthritis (AA). In plasma we analyzed C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, ACTH, corticosterone, in the hippocampus the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), corticotrophin releasing factor (CRH). NADPH oxidases NOX1 and NOX2. and inducible NO-synthase (iNOS). EPM tests showed a higher anxiety index in AA rats on days 2 and 4 and reduction of total entries. On days 2 and 4 we found reduced plasma albumin, enhanced CRP, ACTH and corticosterone, and in the hippocampus enhanced mRNA for NOX1 and IL-1 beta in AA rats, on day 4 we found enhanced mRNAs for iNOS and IL-6, and reduced mRNA for CRH. The mRNA for NOX2 did not change on any experimental day. These results suggest enhanced anxiety, as well as locomotor impairment during the early phase of AA that correlate with enhanced mRNA expressions of parameters Magnesium chelatase of oxidative stress NOX1, iNOS, and inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6 in the hippocampus. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland

Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: Endovenous closure is a common method to treat saphenous vein incompetence. Despite attempts to prevent it, some patients have extension of thrombus above the ideal site of closure immediately below the epigastric vein. We have developed a classification system for the level of saphenous vein closure to guide further therapy after endovenous treatment.

Methods:A six-tier classification system was developed, based on thrombus proximity to the epigastric or femoral vein, and an algorithm for treatment, based on level of closure was applied to all patients.

Results: Five hundred consecutive patients underwent radio-frequency ablation of the saphenous vein; it was successfully closed in 498 (99.6%) patients. Thirteen patients (2.6%) experienced thrombus bulging into the femoral vein or adherent to its wall, which was treated with anticoagulation.

Using photoselective vaporization of the prostate, patients at high risk may safely undergo surgery. We explored outcomes and complications after photoselective vaporization of the prostate in an anticoagulated, high risk cohort.

Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2008, 162 men on systemic anticoagulation underwent LRRK2 inhibitor photoselective

vaporization of the prostate. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, complications, serum sodium, hematocrit, maximum flow rate, post-void residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score and complications.

Results: Mean +/- SD age was 72 +/- 8 years, mean baseline prostate volume was 91 +/- 49 gm and mean prostate specific antigen was 4.1 +/- 5 ng/ml. Of the patients 31 (19%) were on warfarin, 101 (62%) were on acetylsalicylic acid, 19 (12%) were on clopidogrel and 11 (7%) were on 2 or more

anticoagulants. Median American Society of Anesthesiologists class was 3 and mean Charlson comorbidity index was 5. Median operative time was 105 minutes and mean energy use was 280 +/- 168 kJ. The immediate mean hematocrit decrease Poziotinib was 1.94% +/- 2.42%. One patient who received excessive intravenous fluids experienced heart failure. Complications within 30 days included urinary tract infection in 4 patients (2.5%) and this website delayed bleeding in 6 (4%). Three of these patients (50%) required blood transfusion and 1 (17%) required reoperation. In 2 years of followup 3 patients (2%) required repeat photoselective

vaporization of the prostate. No incontinence or urethral stricture developed. Significant improvements occurred in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine.

Conclusions: Results support using 532 nm photoselective vaporization of the prostate in patients at high risk on systemic anticoagulation, even those on 2 or more anticoagulation agents and with a large prostate requiring longer operative time. Few complications developed and significant durable clinical improvement was seen.”
“Background. The aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is still unknown. The identification of risk factors for CFS/ME is of great importance to practitioners.

Method. A systematic scoping review was conducted to locate studies that analysed risk factors for CFS/ME using multiple predictors. We searched for published and unpublished literature in 11 electronic databases, reference lists of retrieved articles and guideline stakeholder submissions in conjunction with the development of a forthcoming national UK guideline. Risk factors and findings were extracted in a concise tabular overview and studies synthesized narratively.

Results.

Some progeny nucleocapsids are subsequently trafficked to, and bud from, the plasma membrane, forming budded virions (BV). A-1210477 To determine whether the host ESCRT machinery is important or necessary for AcMNPV replication, we cloned a cDNA of Spodoptera frugiperda

VPS4, a key regulator for disassembly and recycling of ESCRT III. We then examined viral infection and budding in the presence of wild-type (WT) or dominant negative (DN) forms of VPS4. First, we used a viral complementation system, in combination with fluorescent tags, to examine the effects of transiently expressed WT or DN VPS4 on viral entry. We found that dominant negative VPS4 substantially inhibited virus entry. Entering virus was observed within aberrant compartments containing the DN VPS4 protein. We next used recombinant bacmids expressing WT or DN VPS4 proteins to examine virus egress. We found that selleck inhibitor production of infectious AcMNPV BV was substantially reduced by expression of DN VPS4 but not by WT VPS4. Together, these results indicate that a functional VPS4 is necessary for efficient AcMNPV BV entry into, and egress from, insect

cells.”
“Introduction: F-18-Galacto-cyclo(RGDN) is a well investigated tracer for imaging of alpha nu beta 3 expression in vivo, but suffers from the drawback of a time consuming multistep synthesis that can hardly be established under GMP conditions. In this study, we present a direct comparison much of the pharmacokinetic properties of this tracer with Ga-68-NODAGA-cyclo(RGDyK), in order to assess

its potential as an alternative for F-18-Galacto-cyclo(RGDfK).

Methods: Ga-68 labeling of NODAGA-cyclo(RGDyK) was done in full automation using HEPES-buffered eluate of an SnO2 based Ga-68-generator. Using M21 (human melanoma) xenografted BALB/c nude mice, biodistribution studies and micro-PET scans were performed for both F-18-Galacto-cyclo(RGM) and Ga-68-NODAGA-cyclo(RGDyK), and for the latter, in vivo stability was assessed. IC50 was determined in a displacement assay on M21 cells against I-125-echistatin.

Results: Ga-68-NODAGA-cyclo(RGDyK) was produced with high specific activity (routinely ca. 500 GBq/mu mol) within 15 min. IC50 values are similar for both substances. Tracer uptake was similar in alpha nu beta 3 positive tumors (1.45% +/- 0.11% ID/g and 1.35% +/- 0.53% ID/g for Ga-68-NODAGA-RGD and F-18-Galacto-RGD, respectively) as well as for all other organs and tissues, with the exception of gall bladder and intestines, where F-18-Galacto-cyclo(RGDfK) uptake was significantly higher, which can be explained by the higher hydrophilicity of Ga-68-NODAGA-cyclo(RGDyK) (logP= -4.0 vs. -3.2 for F-18-Galacto-RGD). Only intact tracer was detected 30 min p.i. in organs and tumor; however, minor amounts of metabolites were found in the urine (6% of total urine activity).

Conclusion: Ga-68-labeling of NODAGA-RGD can be performed rapidly and efficiently within 15 min in a GMP compliant process.

This value corresponds to 31 emerged hatchlings. The novel model is a suitable framework to predict the temperature and metabolic heat within the nest. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Several linkage analyses implicated the chromosome 9q22 region in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disease with remarkable persistence into adulthood. This locus contains the brain-expressed GTP-binding RAS-like 2 gene (DIRAS2) thought https://www.selleckchem.com/products/mdivi-1.html to regulate neurogenesis. As DIRAS2 is a positional and functional ADHD candidate gene, we conducted an association study

in 600 patients suffering from adult ADHD (aADHD) and 420 controls. Replication samples consisted of 1035 aADHD patients VE-821 chemical structure and 1381 controls, as well as 166 families with a child affected from childhood ADHD. Given the high degree of co-morbidity with ADHD, we also investigated patients suffering from bipolar disorder (BD) (n = 336) or personality disorders (PDs) (n = 622). Twelve single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the structural gene and

the transcriptional control region of DIRAS2 were analyzed. Four SNPs and two haplotype blocks showed evidence of association with ADHD, with nominal p-values ranging from p = 0.006 to p = 0.05. In the adult replication samples, we obtained a consistent effect of rs1412005 and of a risk haplotype containing the promoter region (p = 0.026). Meta-analysis resulted in a significant common OR of 1.12 (p = 0.04) for rs1412005 and confirmed association with the promoter risk haplotype (OR = 1.45, p = 0.0003). Subsequent analysis in nuclear families with childhood ADHD again showed an association of the promoter haplotype block (p = 0.02). rs1412005 also increased risk toward BD (p = 0.026) and cluster B PD (p = 0.031). Additional SNPs showed association with personality scores (p = 0.008-0.048). Converging lines of evidence implicate genetic variance in the promoter region of DIRAS2 in the etiology of ADHD and co-morbid impulsive disorders. most Neuropsychopharmacology (2011) 36, 2318-2327; doi:10.1038/npp.2011.120; published online 13 July 2011″
“The aim of this study was to clarify the significance

of HSP70 and sHSP for thermotolerance in freshwater amphipods. We compared four amphipod species from different freshwater habitats and biogeographical regions (Central Europe vs. Lake Baikal). Test individuals were exposed to thermal stress generated by a water temperature of 25 degrees C The thermotolerance of the species, determined by median lethal time (LT50), followed in decreasing order by Gmelinoides fasciatus, Echinogammarus berilloni, Gammarus pulex, Eulimnogammarus verrucosus. HSP70 and sHSP base level concentrations for the species were determined at control (i.e. non-stress) conditions. For HSP70, the base levels were positively correlated to the species’ thermotolerances. For sHSP, however, only thermotolerant G. fasciatus showed a high level.

Increase in BP began after the respiratory

changes, peaked (50%) at 5 min and remained at that level throughout. The decrease in heart rate (HR) began after 5 min, peaked (60%) at 10 min and recovered subsequently (40%) but remained below the initial level. In terazosin pretreated animals, the venom-induced cardiorespiratory changes were attenuated significantly. Whereas in vagotomized group, venom-induced respiratory changes and HR changes were blocked but not the BP changes. The findings suggest that the venom-induced vasosensory responses involve alpha(1)-adrenoceptors for BP and vagal efferents for HR changes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To assess the association of perioperative cardiac dysfunction during elective vascular surgery with postoperative outcome.

Background: Z-IETD-FMK molecular weight Patients with normal systolic function can have isolated diastolic dysfunction. Routine preoperative evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function does not include

an assessment of diastolic function for risk stratification. We hypothesized that perioperative assessment of both diastolic and systolic function PRN1371 cost with transesophageal echo (TEE) may improve our ability to predict postoperative outcome.

Methods. Perioperative TEE examinations were carried out on patients undergoing elective vascular surgery under general anesthesia. Abnormal systolic function was defined as LV ejection fraction no (LVEF) <40%. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed using transmittal flow propagation velocity (Vp); Vp <45 cm/sec was considered abnormal. We determined the association between LV function and the primary outcome of postoperative adverse outcome, defined as one or more adverse events: myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), significant arrhythmia, prolonged intubation, renal failure, and death.

Results. Three hundred thirteen patients undergoing vascular surgery were studied. We found that 8% (n = 24) of patients had isolated systolic dysfunction,

43% (n = 134) had isolated diastolic dysfunction, and 24% (n = 75) both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The most common postoperative adverse outcome was CHF 20% (n = 62). By multivariate logistic regression, we found that patient age, Vp, type of surgery, female gender, and renal failure were predictive of postoperative adverse outcome.

Conclusion: The presence of perioperative diastolic dysfunction as assessed with Vp is an independent predictor of postoperative CHF and prolonged length of stay after major vascular surgery. Patient age, gender, type of surgery, and renal failure were also predictors of outcome. Perioperative systolic function was not a predictor of postoperative outcome in our patients. (J Vase Surg 2009;50:70-6.

(c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Neither a mode of function nor an exact anatomical localisation of the animal magnetoreceptor have been identified in any organism. Insects’ antennae are organs specialized as unique neural input structures for a number of sensory modalities and have also been suggested to play a certain role in magnetoreception. In the present study, we used the American cockroach Periplaneta americana and tested the impact

of amputation of both its antennae on the spontaneous magnetosensitive behaviour. By means of a full-laboratory assay we registered a non-specific unlearned movement reaction to the changing magnetic environment within the frame of the natural time and intensity parameters of the field. We report no loss of the magnetoreceptive behaviour in antermaeless cockroaches. Our finding narrows the spectrum of the insects’ magnetite-rich BAY 11-7082 mw nerve structures which might potentially be involved in magnetoreception. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“beta-Catenin, a protein that functions in both cell adhesion and Wnt signaling, plays vital roles in mammalian neural development. To investigate the roles of beta-catenin in stroke-induced neurogenesis, we injected beta-catenin siRNA into ipsilateral ischemic lateral ventricle. We found that inactivation

learn more of beta-catenin by siRNA caused the decline of beta-catenin in the ischemic striatum, enlarged stroke-induced infarct volume, reduced SVZ expansion, and inhibited striatal neurogenesis in adult rat brain following a transient middle cerebral artery Myosin occlusion (tMCAO). These results show that beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation

functions in the decision of subventricular zone precursors to proliferate or differentiate during stroke-induced striatal neurogenesis, and suggest that the signaling activity of beta-catenin may control the production of newborn neurons and, thus regulate the autonomous repair in the striatum after ischemia. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.”
“Background Interleukin 6 is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis via its broad effects on immune and inflammatory responses. Our aim was to assess the therapeutic effects of blocking interleukin 6 by inhibition of the interleukin-6 receptor with tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel group phase III study, 623 patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned with an interactive voice response system, stratified by site with a randomisation list provided by the study sponsor, to receive tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (n=205), tocilizumab 4 mg/kg (214), or placebo (204) intravenously every 4 weeks, with methortrexate at stable pre-study doses (10-25 mg/week).

There were no complications associated with nitric oxide or prostacyclin.

Conclusion: In heart transplant and lung transplant recipients, nitric oxide and prostacyclin similarly reduce pulmonary artery pressures and central venous pressure, and improve cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Inhaled prostacyclin may offer an alternative to nitric oxide in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

in thoracic transplantation. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 138: 1417-24)”
“Blunted neurohormonal responses to serotonergic agents are found in major depression and suicidal behavior, but there have been no prospective studies of their relationship to later suicide find more attempt. In this study, healthy volunteers and depressed subjects were administered a fenfluramine (FEN) and placebo challenge test at baseline and then followed for 2 years. Seven subjects made suicide attempts within the follow-up period. Healthy volunteers, depressed non-attempters, depressed past suicide attempters, and

depressed future attempters were compared on plasma prolactin and cortisol responses, as well as on mood (Profile of Mood States; POMS) and behavioral measures that were assessed at baseline and at the end of each challenge testing day. Both past and future attempters had lower total prolactin output (area under the curve) in response learn more to FEN relative to non-patients. Future attempters had lower cortisol response relative to all other groups. All subject groups reported a decrease in POMS Fatigue subscale score and increase in finger tapping rate after receiving FEN. Depressed subjects reported a significant decline in POMS Total, Depression, and Tension/Anxiety scores, but future attempters’ did not, showing a slight mean increase. Lower cortisol response correlated with greater suicidal ideation 3 months and 1 year post-study. Logistic regression revealed that blunting of cortisol response and worsening of mood after FEN, and younger age could be used to predict later suicide attempt in the majority of cases (4/7).

Results suggest that blunted cortisol and unfavorable acute mood response to serotonergic challenge, in the context of the general activating effects of these drugs, may be a risk factor for later suicide attempt. Neuropsychopharmacology (2010) 35, 1063-1072; doi: 10.1038/npp.2008.28; published online DOK2 19 March 2008″
“Background: The purpose of this study was to compare posttransplantation morbidity and mortality in orthotopic heart transplant recipients bridged to transplant with a left ventricular assist device with nonbridged recipients. To account for potential differences across device types, we stratified bridge-to-transplant recipients by type of ventricular assist device: extracorporeal (EXTRA), paracorporeal (PARA), and intracorporeal (INTRA).

Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data.

Age, sex, presenting symptoms, location of lesion, surgical approach, new postoperative deficits, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, recurrences, and resolution of baseline symptoms were recorded.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients experienced hemorrhage before surgery. Lesion locations included the pons (n = 22), midbrain (n = 4), midbrain and thalamus (n = 4), ponto-mesencephalic junction (n = 3), medulla (n = 3), pontomedullary junction (n = 3), and cervicomedullary junction (n = 1). Mean

lesion size was 2.3 cm. Mean length of hospital stay was 10.7 days. The average clinical follow-up was 31.9 months in 36 patients with follow-up after discharge. At last follow-up, 5 patients had experienced symptoms and/or imaging consistent with rehemorrhage, either from a residual that enlarged or true recurrence (5.25% annual rebleed risk per patient after surgery); 2 required reoperation

for selleck chemicals llc further resection of cavernoma. Mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.2 on admission, 4.05 at discharge, and 4.5 at latest follow-up. Preoperative symptoms and deficits improved in 16 patients (40%). New neurological deficits developed in 19 patients (48%) and resolved in 9, leaving 10 patients (25%) with new permanent deficit.

CONCLUSION: Compared with adults, pediatric patients with BCSMs tend to have larger lesions and higher SB203580 datasheet rates of recurrence (regrowth of residual lesion). Given the greater life expectancy of children, surgical treatment seems warranted in those with surgically accessible only lesions that have bled. Outcomes were similar to those in our adult series of patients with BSCMs.”
“Food webs can be regarded as energy transporting networks in which the weight of each edge denotes the energy flux between two species. By investigating

21 empirical weighted food webs as energy flow networks, we found several ubiquitous scaling behaviors. Two random variables A(i) and C(i) defined for each vertex i, representing the total flux (also called vertex intensity) and total indirect effect or energy store of i, were found to follow power law distributions with the exponents alpha approximate to 1.32 and beta approximate to 1.33, respectively. Another scaling behavior is the power law relationship, C(i) similar to A(i)(eta), where eta approximate to 1.02. This is known as the allometric scaling power law relationship because A(i) can be treated as metabolism and C(i) as the body mass of the sub-network rooted from the vertex i, according to the algorithm presented in this paper. Finally, a simple relationship among these power law exponents, eta = (alpha-1)/(beta-1), was mathematically derived and tested by the empirical food webs. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND: Although favorable clinical outcomes have been reported for instrumented lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) has been reported as a long-term complication after LIF.