Reproducibility of a noisy limit-cycle oscillator induced by a fluctuating input

Reproducibility of a noisy limit-cycle oscillator driven by a random piecewise constant signal is analyzed. By reducing the model to random phase maps, it is shown that the reproducibility of the limit cycle generally improves when the phase maps are monotonically increasing.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, Prog. Theoret. Phys. Suppl. 200

Experimental Models for Analysis of Oligodendrocyte Pathophysiology in Stroke

White matter damage is a clinically important part of stroke. However, compared to the mechanisms of neuronal injury in gray matter, white matter pathophysiology remains relatively understudied and poorly understood. This mini-review aims at summarizing current knowledge on experimental systems for analyzing the role of white matter injury relevant to stroke. In vitro platforms comprise primary cultures of both mature oligodendrocytes (OLGs) as well as oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Tissue platforms involve preparations of optic nerve systems. Whole-animal platforms comprise in vivo models of cerebral ischemia that attempt to target white matter brain areas. While there is no single perfect model system, the collection of these experimental approaches have recently allowed a better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways underlying OLG/OPC damage and demyelination. A systematic utilization of these cell, tissue and whole-animal platforms may eventually lead us to discover new targets for treating white matter injury in stroke and other CNS disorders

Amputation of the Front Medial Digit of a Holstein Cow - Successful Parturition and Milk Production

Background: Diseases of the bovine digit and hoof remain major problems in dairy farming and the beef cow industry. Severe claudication accompanying swelling and pain at the lesion is often observed in deep digital sepsis, septic arthritis, severe sole ulcers, and chronic interdigital phlegmon. In addition, digital amputation is often performed in cases of white line disease or severe trauma, such as bone fractures. There are few reports of amputation of the medial digit of the bovine front hoof. In this case, amputation of the medial digit of the front leg of a pregnant cow was performed; its hospitalizationand return to productivity is reported.Case: The bovine was a 9-year-old Holstein cow in the 6th month of pregnancy, weighing 671 kg. Upon admission, the cow could not bear weight on its right front leg, and swelling and a purulent discharge were observed in the coronary area of the medial digit. X-ray examination results indicated a periosteal reaction centered on the 3rd phalanx of the medial digit of its right front leg hoof and slight periosteal reactions at the adaxial sides of the middle and proximal phalanges, strongly suggestive of septic arthritis caused by infection. According to the X-ray examination results, no abnormalities of the lateral digit of the front right hoof were observed; thus, it was estimated that the post-amputation hoof would be able to bear weight. Therefore, a decision was made to perform immediate amputation of the medial digit of the right front leg hoof to reduce pain for improved delivery of the offspring and improved milk production during the lactation period, rather than allowing the lesion progress until the dry period or the expected date of delivery. According to the X-ray examination results, amputation of the 1st phalanx alone was expected to suffice for removal of the cause of the pain; thus, a decision was made to perform amputation at the edge adjacent to the 2nd phalanx. The right front medial digit was prepared for aseptic surgery, and infiltration anesthesia was performed. An incision was made with a surgical knife at the interdigit of the right front limb. A wire saw was inserted into the site to cut the 2nd phalanx in the anti-axial direction down to the skin to resect the lesion. White viscous pus was discharged at the resection site; therefore, the wound was lavaged with tap water and packed with povidone iodine-impregnated gauze. The wound was also covered with a diaper and dressed with non-elastic and elastic bandages. The dressing was changed daily to aid wound healing. No problems were observed in the standing-up motion or other relevant movements immediately after the surgery. Granulation tissue formed rapidly, approximately 2 weeks after the surgery, and the lesion dried gradually. Approximately one month after the surgery, the subject exhibited little difficulty in both standing up and walking. The subject successfully delivered its 7th offspring at the farm on postoperative day 93.Discussion: The animal of this study was a 9-year-old, pregnant cow, and although amputation of the front medial digit is a relatively rare procedure, the cow was able to deliver and return to production, owing to sufficient postoperative treatment and care. The case also demonstrated the advantage of X-ray examination in bovine hoof diseases for accurate diagnosis, precise operation, and prognostic assessment. Keywords: bovine, lameness, surgery, septic arthritis, bovine hoof, medial digit, digital amputation

The future of research universities. Is the model of research-intensive universities still valid at the beginning of the twenty-first century?

[no abstract

FEM Analysis on the Effects of Soft Magnetic Film as a Noise Suppressor at GHz Range

During orthodontic tooth movement, the early response of periodontal tissues to mechanical stress is an acute inflammatory reaction. Mechanical stress from orthodontic appliances is believed to induce cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) to form biologically active substances, such as enzymes and cytokines, responsible for connective tissue remodeling (Nishijima Y et al 2006). Leptin, a polypeptide hormone has been classified as a cytokine (Zhang et al 1994). Earlier findings suggested that leptin does play a significant role in bone formation by its direct effect on osteoblasts (Alparslan et al 2010). This pilot study aimed to study leptin in saliva and its association with tooth movement during initial orthodontic alignment. To determine if there is any difference in saliva leptin level before and after orthodontic alignment Ten orthodontic patients (7 girls and 3 boys; mean age, 16.76 ± 1.1 years) with crowding (up to 5mm) that required orthodontic fixed appliances, on a non-extraction basis as part of the treatment plan, were recruited in this longitudinal study. Orthodontic study models were constructed at baseline and at 6-weeks after orthodontic treatment commenced. Full fixed orthodontic appliances with initial 0.014” Nickel Titanium archwire placed. The amount of crowding was measured, before and after initial alignment. Unstimulated morning saliva sample were collected at all visits, after at least an 8-hour period of fasting and no-toothbrushing. The samples were tested using Leptin Abnova LEP Human ELISA kit and subsequently analyzed. Leptin concentration in saliva was significantly decreased in a time-dependant manner (p<0.001), from before orthodontic treatment (7016.45±425.15 pg/mL) and 6 weeks after bond-up (4901.92±238.64 pg/mL). Leptin concentration in saliva is decreased during orthodontic tooth movement in initial alignment stage

The Excitement of Multiple Noradrenergic Cell Groups in the Rat Brain Related to Hyperbaric Oxygen Seizure

The mechanism of oxygen toxicity for central nervous system and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) seizure has not been clarified. Noradrenergic cells in the brain may contribute to HBO seizure. In this study, we defined the activation of noradrenergic cells during HBO exposure by c-fos immunohistochemistry. Electroencephalogram electrodes were pre-implanted in all animals under general anesthesia. In HBO seizure animals, HBO was induced with 5 atm of 100% oxygen until manifestation of general tonic convulsion. HBO non-seizure animals were exposed to 25 min of HBO. Control animals were put in the chamber for 120 min without pressurization. All animals were processed for c-fos immunohistochemical staining. All animals in the HBO seizure group showed electrical discharge on EEG. In the immunohistochemistry, c-fos was increased in the A1, A2 and A6 cells of the HBO seizure group, and in the A2 and A6 cells of the HBO non-seizure group, yet was extremely low in all three cell types in the control group. These results suggest the participation of noradrenaline in HBO seizure, which can be explained by the early excitement of A1 cells due to their higher sensitivity to high blood pressure, hyperoxia, or by the post-seizure activation of all noradrenergic cells