bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Targeted Therapies for Eosinophil-Associated Diseases and Allergy
Authors: Radonjic-Hoesli Susanne , Valent Peter , Klion Amy D. , Wechsler Michael E. , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: October 2014

Eosinophil-associated diseases often present with life-threatening manifestations and/or chronic organ damage. Currently available therapeutic options are limited to a few drugs that often have to be prescribed on a lifelong basis to keep eosinophil counts under control. In the past 10 years, treatment options and outcomes in patients with clonal eosinophilic and other eosinophilic disorders have improved substantially. Several new targeted therapies have emerged, addressing different aspects of eosinophil expansion and inflammation. In this review, we discuss available and currently tested agents as well as new strategies and drug targets relevant to both primary and secondary eosinophilic diseases, including allergic disorders.
Activation and Regulation of Caspase-6 and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jun , Cao Qin , Zhang Yan , Su Xiao-Dong
Published: October 2014

Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, are major mediators of apoptosis and inflammation. Caspase-6 is classified as an apoptotic effector, and it mediates nuclear shrinkage during apoptosis, but it possesses unique activation and regulation mechanisms that differ from those of other effector caspases. Furthermore, increasing evidence has shown that caspase-6 is highly involved in axon degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Cleavage at the caspase-6 site in mutated huntingtin protein is a prerequisite for the development of the characteristic behavioral and neuropathological features of Huntington's disease. Active caspase-6 is present in early stages of Alzheimer's disease, and caspase-6 activity is associated with the disease's pathological lesions. In this review, we discuss the evidence relevant to the role of caspase-6 in neurodegenerative diseases and summarize its activation and regulation mechanisms. In doing so, we provide new insight about potential therapeutic approaches that incorporate the modulation of caspase-6 function for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Synthetic Lethal Vulnerabilities of Cancer
Authors: Fece de la Cruz Ferran , Gapp Bianca V. , Nijman Sebastian M.B.
Published: October 2014

The great majority of targeted anticancer drugs inhibit mutated oncogenes that display increased activity. Yet many tumors do not contain such actionable aberrations, such as those harboring loss-of-function mutations. The notion of targeting synthetic lethal vulnerabilities in cancer cells has provided an alternative approach to exploiting more of the genetic and epigenetic changes acquired during tumorigenesis. Here, we review synthetic lethality as a therapeutic concept that exploits the inherent differences between normal cells and cancer cells. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the screening approaches that can be used to identify synthetic lethal interactions in human cells and present several recently identified interactions that may be pharmacologically exploited. Finally, we indicate some of the challenges of translating synthetic lethal interactions into the clinic and how these may be overcome.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP): A New Target for Migraine
Authors: Russo Andrew F.
Published: October 2014

Migraine is a neurological disorder that manifests as a debilitating headache associated with altered sensory perception. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is now firmly established as a key player in migraine. Clinical trials carried out during the past decade have proved that CGRP receptor antagonists are effective for treating migraine, and antibodies to the receptor and CGRP are currently under investigation. Despite this progress in the clinical arena, the mechanisms by which CGRP triggers migraine remain uncertain. This review discusses mechanisms whereby CGRP enhances sensitivity to sensory input at multiple levels in both the periphery and central nervous system. Future studies on epistatic and epigenetic regulators of CGRP actions are expected to shed further light on CGRP actions in migraine. In conclusion, targeting CGRP represents an approachable therapeutic strategy for migraine.
Targeting Receptor-Mediated Transport for Delivery of Biologics Across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Lajoie Jason M. , Shusta Eric V.
Published: October 2014

Biologics are an emerging class of medicines with substantial promise to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a formidable obstacle that appreciably limits brain uptake and hence the therapeutic potential of biologics following intravenous administration. One promising strategy for overcoming the BBB to deliver biologics is the targeting of endogenous receptor-mediated transport (RMT) systems that employ vesicular trafficking to transport ligands across the BBB endothelium. If a biologic is modified with an appropriate targeting ligand, it can gain improved access to the brain via RMT. Various RMT-targeting strategies have been developed over the past 20 years, and this review explores exciting recent advances, emphasizing studies that show brain targeting in vivo.
Mechanisms of Ventricular Arrhythmias: From Molecular Fluctuations to Electrical Turbulence
Authors: Qu Zhilin , Weiss James N.
Published: October 2014

Ventricular arrhythmias have complex causes and mechanisms. Despite extensive investigation involving many clinical, experimental, and computational studies, effective biological therapeutics are still very limited. In this article, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias by summarizing the state of knowledge spanning from the molecular scale to electrical wave behavior at the tissue and organ scales and how the complex nonlinear interactions integrate into the dynamics of arrhythmias in the heart. We discuss the challenges that we face in synthesizing these dynamics to develop safe and effective novel therapeutic approaches.
Regulation of Body Fat in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Srinivasan Supriya
Published: October 2014

Over the past decade, studies conducted in Caenorhabditis elegans have helped to uncover the ancient and complex origins of body fat regulation. This review highlights the powerful combination of genetics, pharmacology, and biochemistry used to study energy balance and the regulation of cellular fat metabolism in C. elegans. The complete wiring diagram of the C. elegans nervous system has been exploited to understand how the sensory nervous system regulates body fat and how food perception is coupled with the production of energy via fat metabolism. As a model organism, C. elegans also offers a unique opportunity to discover neuroendocrine factors that mediate direct communication between the nervous system and the metabolic tissues. The coming years are expected to reveal a wealth of information on the neuroendocrine control of body fat in C. elegans.
Physiological Roles of Acid-Base Sensors
Authors: Levin Lonny R. , Buck Jochen
Published: October 2014

Acid-base homeostasis is essential for life. The macromolecules upon which living organisms depend are sensitive to pH changes, and physiological systems use the equilibrium between carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and protons to buffer their pH. Biological processes and environmental insults are constantly challenging an organism's pH; therefore, to maintain a consistent and proper pH, organisms need sensors that measure pH and that elicit appropriate responses. Mammals use multiple sensors for measuring both intracellular and extracellular pH, and although some mammalian pH sensors directly measure protons, it has recently become apparent that many pH-sensing systems measure pH via bicarbonate-sensing soluble adenylyl cyclase.
Morphological and functional characteristics of the kidney of cartilaginous fishes: with special reference to urea reabsorption
Authors: Hyodo Susumu , Kakumura Keigo , Takagi Wataru , Hasegawa Kumi , Yamaguchi Yoko
Published: October 2014

For adaptation to high-salinity marine environments, cartilaginous fishes (sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras) adopt a unique urea-based osmoregulation strategy. Their kidneys reabsorb nearly all filtered urea from the primary urine, and this is an essential component of urea retention in their body fluid. Anatomical investigations have revealed the extraordinarily elaborate nephron system in the kidney of cartilaginous fishes, e.g., the four-loop configuration of each nephron, the occurrence of distinct sinus and bundle zones, and the sac-like peritubular sheath in the bundle zone, in which the nephron segments are arranged in a countercurrent fashion. These anatomical and morphological characteristics have been considered to be important for urea reabsorption; however, a mechanism for urea reabsorption is still largely unknown. This review focuses on recent progress in the identification and mapping of various pumps, channels, and transporters on the nephron segments in the kidney of cartilaginous fishes. The molecules include urea transporters, Na+/K+-ATPase, Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporters, and aquaporins, which most probably all contribute to the urea reabsorption process. Although research is still in progress, a possible model for urea reabsorption in the kidney of cartilaginous fishes is discussed based on the anatomical features of nephron segments and vascular systems and on the results of molecular mapping. The molecular anatomical approach thus provides a powerful tool for understanding the physiological processes that take place in the highly elaborate kidney of cartilaginous fishes.
Mesenchymal stem cells and a vitamin D receptor agonist additively suppress T helper 17 cells and the related inflammatory response in the kidney
Authors: Duffy Michelle M. , McNicholas Bairbre A. , Monaghan David A. , Hanley Shirley A. , McMahon Jill M. , Pindjakova Jana , Alagesan Senthilkumar , Fearnhead Howard O. , Griffin Matthew D.
Published: October 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suppress T helper (Th)17 cell differentiation and are being clinically pursued for conditions associated with aberrant Th17 responses. Whether such immunomodulatory effects are enhanced by coadministration of MSCs with other agents is not well known. In the present study, individual and combined effects of MSCs and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonist paricalcitol on Th17 induction were investigated in vitro and in a mouse model of sterile kidney inflammation (unilateral ureteral obstruction). In vitro, MSCs and paricalcitol additively suppressed Th17 differentiation, although only MSCs suppressed expression of Th17-associated transcriptions factors. Combined administration of MSCs and paricalcitol resulted in an early ( day 3) reduction of intrarenal CD4+and CD8+T cells, CD11b+/lymphocyte antigen 6G+neutrophils, and inflammatory (lymphocyte antigen 6Chi) monocytes as well as reduced transcript for IL-17 compared with untreated animals. Later ( day 8), obstructed kidneys of MSC/paricalcitol double-treated mice, but not mice treated with either intervention alone, had reduced tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis as well as lower numbers of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes and an increase in the ratio between M2 (CD206+) and M1 (CD206−) macrophages compared with control mice. Adjunctive therapy with VDR agonists may enhance the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs in the setting of pathogenic Th17-type immune responses and related inflammatory responses.
IGF-1 and insulin exert opposite actions on ClC-K2 activity in the cortical collecting ducts
Authors: Zaika Oleg , Mamenko Mykola , Boukelmoune Nabila , Pochynyuk Oleh
Published: October 2014

Despite similar stimulatory actions on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, insulin promotes kaliuresis, whereas insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) causes a reduction in urinary potassium levels. The factors contributing to this phenomenon remain elusive. Electrogenic distal nephron ENaC-mediated Na+transport establishes driving force for Cl−reabsorption and K+secretion. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we document that a Cl−channel is highly abundant on the basolateral plasma membrane of intercalated cells in freshly isolated mouse cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. The channel has characteristics attributable to the ClC-K2: slow gating kinetics, conductance ∼10 pS, voltage independence, Cl−>NO3−anion selectivity, and inhibition/activation by low/high pH, respectively. IGF-1 (100 and 500 nM) acutely stimulates ClC-K2 activity in a reversible manner. Inhibition of PI3-kinase (PI3-K) with LY294002 (20 μM) abrogates activation of ClC-K2 by IGF-1. Interestingly, insulin (100 nM) reversibly decreases ClC-K2 activity in CCD cells. This inhibitory action is independent of PI3-K and is mediated by stimulation of a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent cascade. We propose that IGF-1, by stimulating ClC-K2 channels, promotes net Na+and Cl−reabsorption, thus reducing driving force for potassium secretion by the CCD. In contrast, inhibition of ClC-K2 by insulin favors coupling of Na+reabsorption with K+secretion at the apical membrane contributing to kaliuresis.
On the contributions of vision and proprioception to the representation of hand-near targets
Authors: Brown Liana E. , Marlin Matthew C. , Morrow Sarah
Published: October 2014

Performance is often improved when targets are presented in space near the hands rather than far from the hands. Performance in hand-near space may be improved because participants can use proprioception from the nearby limb and hand to provide a narrower and more resolute frame of reference. An equally compelling alternative is that targets appearing near the hand fall within the receptive fields of visual-tactile bimodal cells, recruiting them to assist in the visual representation of targets that appear near but not far from the hand. We distinguished between these two alternatives by capitalizing on research showing that vision and proprioception have differential effects on the precision of target representation (van Beers RJ, Sittig AC, Denier van der Gon JJ. Exp Brain Res 122: 367–377, 1998). Participants performed an in-to-center reaching task to an array of central target locations with their right hand, while their left hand rested near (beneath) or far from the target array. Reaching end-point accuracy, variability, time, and speed were assessed. We predicted that if proprioception contributes to the representation of hand-near targets, then error variability in depth will be smaller in the hand-near condition than in the hand-far condition. By contrast, if vision contributes to the representation of hand-near targets, then error variability along the lateral dimension will be smaller in the hand-near than in the hand-far condition. Our results showed that the placement of the hand near the targets reduced end-point error variability along the lateral dimension only. The results suggest that hand-near targets are represented with greater visual resolution than far targets.
Perceptual fields reveal previously hidden dynamics of human visual motion sensitivity
Authors: Meso Andrew Isaac , Chemla Sandrine
Published: October 2014

Motion sensitivity is a fundamental property of human vision. Although its neural correlates are normally only directly accessible with neurophysiological approaches, Neri (Neri P. J Neurosci 34: 8449–8491, 2014) proposed psychophysical reverse correlation to derive perceptual fields, revealing previously unseen dynamics of human motion detection. In this Neuro Forum, these key findings are discussed, putting them into broader context and pointing out possible implications of spatial scale considerations on the interpretation of the findings and dynamic model proposed.
Density of voltage-gated potassium channels is a bifurcation parameter in pyramidal neurons
Authors: Zeberg Hugo , Robinson Hugh P. C. , Århem Peter
Published: October 2014

Several types of intrinsic dynamics have been identified in brain neurons. Type 1 excitability is characterized by a continuous frequency-stimulus relationship and, thus, an arbitrarily low frequency at threshold current. Conversely, Type 2 excitability is characterized by a discontinuous frequency-stimulus relationship and a nonzero threshold frequency. In previous theoretical work we showed that the density of Kv channels is a bifurcation parameter, such that increasing the Kv channel density in a neuron model transforms Type 1 excitability into Type 2 excitability. Here we test this finding experimentally, using the dynamic clamp technique on Type 1 pyramidal cells in rat cortex. We found that increasing the density of slow Kv channels leads to a shift from Type 1 to Type 2 threshold dynamics, i.e., a distinct onset frequency, subthreshold oscillations, and reduced latency to first spike. In addition, the action potential was resculptured, with a narrower spike width and more pronounced afterhyperpolarization. All changes could be captured with a two-dimensional model. It may seem paradoxical that an increase in slow K channel density can lead to a higher threshold firing frequency; however, this can be explained in terms of bifurcation theory. In contrast to previous work, we argue that an increased outward current leads to a change in dynamics in these neurons without a rectification of the current-voltage curve. These results demonstrate that the behavior of neurons is determined by the global interactions of their dynamical elements and not necessarily simply by individual types of ion channels.
Tracking the Ionospheric Response to the Solar Eclipse of November 03, 2013
Authors: Amabayo Emirant Bertillas , Anguma Simon Katrini , Jurua Edward
Published: October 2014

The ionospheric dynamics is highly influenced by the solar radiation. During a solar eclipse, the moon occults the solar radiation from reaching the ionosphere, which may drastically affect the variability of the ionosphere. The variability of total electron content (TEC) observed by dual frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers has made it possible to study effects of solar eclipse on the ionosphere. Total eclipse occurred on November 03, 2013, and the maximum amplitude was visible at Owiny in northern Uganda. Ionospheric behavior during this eclipse was analysed by using TEC data archived at Mbarara (MBAR), Malindi (MAL2), Eldoret (MOIU), and Kigali University (NURK) International GPS Satellite (IGS) stations. TEC variations of four consecutive days were used to study instantaneous changes of TEC during the eclipse event. The results generally show TEC decrease at the four stations. However, a maximum perturbation amplitude of ≥20 TECU was observed at MAL2 (18:00–20:00 UT) which is further south of the equator than the other stations. TEC enhancement and depletion were observed during the totality of the eclipse at MOIU, MBAR, NURK, and MAL2 (13:00–15:00 UT). This study found out that the ionospheric TEC over East Africa was modified by wave-like energy and momentum transport and obscuration of the solar disc due to the total solar eclipse.
A Novel Approach for Optimal Multimedia Data Distribution in Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Phuoc Hung Pham , Aazam Mohammad , Nguyen Tien-Dung , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: October 2014

With the integration of mobile computing and cloud computing, more diverse services can be provided to the users, supporting the mobility feature of mobile computing along with the power of cloud computing. This new paradigm still faces challenges, especially in terms of performance. When it comes to multimedia data communication, thin clients (such as smart phones and tablets) suffer because of performance and power constraints. Previously done studies have trivially addressed this problem. Therefore, in our paper, we present a framework in which thick clients (laptop or desktop computers) are incorporated into mobile cloud paradigm with attention paid to user mobility. Its objective is to optimize the distribution of multimedia content between the cloud and the thin clients. Our work comes up with both numerical analysis and simulation to justify the validity and the effectiveness of the proposal approach.
A Simple Technique to Facilitate Treatment of Urethral Strictures with Optical Internal Urethrotomy
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Papadatou Aggeliki , Moschouris Hippocrates , Kornezos Ioannis , Pavlis Anargiros , Christopoulos Georgios
Published: October 2014

Urethral stricture is a common condition that can lead to serious complications such as urinary infections and renal insufficiency secondary to urinary retention. Treatment options include catheterization, urethroplasty, endoscopic internal urethrotomy, and dilation. Optical internal urethrotomy offers faster recovery, minimal scarring, and less risk of infection, although recurrence is possible. However, technical difficulties associated with poor visualization of the stenosis or of the urethral lumen may increase procedural time and substantially increase the failure rates of internal urethrotomy. In this report we describe a technique for urethral catheterization via a suprapubic, percutaneous approach through the urinary bladder in order to facilitate endoscopic internal urethrotomy.
Correlation of CK5 and EGFR with Clinicopathological Profile of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sood Neelam , Nigam Jitendra Singh
Published: October 2014

Purpose.Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the loss of expression of ER, PR, and Her2neuexpressions. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the EGFR, CK5, and Ki-67 among triple-negative breast cancer cases and to correlate the expression of the basal markers with the clinicopathological prognostic parameters.Materials and Methods.Thirty-six female patients with TNBC based on ER, PR, and the HER2neunegativities were studied by immunohistochemistry for EGFR, CK5, and Ki-67 expression. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20.Results.The mean and median ages were 45.18 years and 46.70 years, respectively. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma NOS was the predominant histopathological type (29/36 [80.6%]). The commonest histological grade was grade 2 (17/36 [47.2%]). Tumour necrosis was seen in 16/36 (44.4%) patients. Infiltrative margins were shown in 69.44% (25/36) cases. Ki-67 was positive in 80.56% (29/36) cases, 61.11% (22/36) were CK5-positive, and 86.11% (31/36) were EGFR-positive. The only significant positive association observed was between the CK5 and histological grade (P<0.05).Conclusion.CK5 shows a statistically significantly correlation with TNBC histological grade. The majority of the specimens show EGFR expression. Therefore TNBCs could potentially benefit from EGFR-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Analysis of Herbaceous Plant Succession and Dispersal Mechanisms in Deglaciated Terrain on Mt. Yulong, China
Authors: Chang Li , He Yuanqing , Yang Taibao , Du Jiankuo , Niu Hewen , Pu Tao
Published: October 2014

Ecological succession itself could be a theoretical reference for ecosystem restoration and reconstruction. Glacier forelands are ideal places for investigating plant succession because there are representative ecological succession records at long temporal scales. Based on field observations and experimental data on the foreland of Baishui number 1 Glacier on Mt. Yulong, the succession and dispersal mechanisms of dominant plant species were examined by using numerical classification and ordination methods. Fifty samples were first classified into nine community types and then into three succession stages. The three succession stages occurred about 9–13, 13–102, and 110–400 years ago, respectively. The earliest succession stage contained the association ofArenaria delavayi +Meconopsis horridula. The middle stage contained the associations ofArenaria delavayi + Kobresia fragilis,Carex capilliformis +Polygonum macrophyllum,Carex kansuensis, and alsoPedicularis rupicola. The last stage included the associations ofKobresia fragilis + Carex capilliformis,Kobresia fragilis,Kobresia fragilis+Ligusticum rechingerana, andKobresia fragilis + Ligusticum sikiangense. The tendency of the succession was from bare land to sparse vegetation and then to alpine meadow. In addition, three modes of dispersal were observed, namely, anemochory, mammalichory, and myrmecochory. The dispersal modes of dominant species in plant succession process were evolved from anemochory to zoochory.
Biobleaching of Industrial Important Dyes with Peroxidase Partially Purified from Garlic
Authors: Osuji Akudo Chigozirim , Eze Sabinus Oscar O. , Osayi Emmanuel Emeka , Chilaka Ferdinand Chiemeka
Published: October 2014

An acidic peroxidase was extracted from garlic (Allium sativum) and was partially purified threefold by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, and gel filtration chromatography using sephadex G-200. The specific activity of the enzyme increased from 4.89 U/mg after ammonium sulphate precipitation to 25.26 U/mg after gel filtration chromatography. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme were 50°C and 5.0, respectively. The Km andVmaxfor H2O2and o-dianisidine were 0.026 mM and 0.8 U/min, and 25 mM and 0.75 U/min, respectively. Peroxidase from garlic was effective in decolourizing Vat Yellow 2, Vat Orange 11, and Vat Black 27 better than Vat Green 9 dye. For all the parameters monitored, the decolourization was more effective at a pH range, temperature, H2O2concentration, and enzyme concentration of 4.5–5.0, 50°C, 0.6 mM, and 0.20 U/mL, respectively. The observed properties of the enzyme together with its low cost of extraction (from local sources) show the potential of this enzyme for practical application in industrial wastewater treatment especially with hydrogen peroxide. These Vat dyes also exhibited potentials of acting as peroxidase inhibitors at alkaline pH range.
Differences in Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity Development in Paired Twins: A Chinese Population Study
Authors: Yau Gordon S. K. , Lee Jacky W. Y. , Tam Victor T. Y. , Yip Stan , Cheng Edith , Liu Catherine C. L. , Chu Benjamin C. Y. , Yuen Can Y. F.
Published: October 2014

Purpose.To determine the differences in risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in paired twins.Methods.A retrospective medical record review was performed for all paired twins screened for ROP between 2007 and 2012. Screening was offered to very low birth weight (≤1500 grams) and preterm (≤32 weeks) neonates. Twins 1 and 2 were categorized based on the order of delivery. Maternal and neonatal covariates were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses for both ROP and Type 1 ROP.Results.In 34 pairs of Chinese twins, the mean gestational age (GA) was 30.2 ± 2.0 weeks. In Twin 1, smaller GA (OR = 0.44,P=0.02), higher mean oxygen concentration (OR = 1.34,P=0.03), presence of thrombocytopenia (OR = 1429.60,P<0.0001), and intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 18.67,P=0.03) were significant risk factors for ROP. For Twin 2, a smaller GA (OR = 0.45,P=0.03) was the only risk factor. There were no significant risk factors for ROP in Twin 1 or Twin 2 on multivariate analysis.Conclusion.In Chinese twin pairs, smaller GA was the only common risk factor for ROP while Twin 1 was more susceptible to the postnatal risks for ROP.
Safer Conception Needs for HIV Prevention among Female Sex Workers in Burkina Faso and Togo
Authors: Schwartz Sheree R. , Papworth Erin , Ky-Zerbo Odette , Anato Simplice , Grosso Ashley , Ouedraogo Henri Gautier , Ketende Sosthenes , Pitche Vincent Palokinam , Baral Stefan
Published: October 2014

Background. Reproductive health programming for female sex workers (FSW) may include contraceptive services but rarely addresses safer pregnancy planning.Methods. Adult FSW were enrolled into a cross-sectional study across four sites in Burkina Faso and Togo using respondent-driven sampling. Sociobehavioral questionnaires and HIV counseling and testing were administered. Sample statistics and engagement in HIV treatment were described and compared using Chi-squared statistics.Results. 1,349 reproductive-aged FSW were enrolled from January to July 2013. Overall, 267 FSW (19.8%) were currently trying to conceive. FSW trying to conceive were more likely to test positive for HIV at enrollment as compared to women not trying to become pregnant (24.5% versus 17.7%,P<0.01); however awareness of HIV status was similar across groups. Among FSW trying to conceive, 79.0% (211/267) had previously received HIV testing, yet only 33.8% (23/68) of HIV-infected FSW reported a previous HIV diagnosis. Overall 25.0% (17/68) of HIV-infected FSW trying to conceive were on antiretroviral therapy.Conclusion. FSW frequently desire children. However engagement in the HIV prevention and treatment cascade among FSW trying to conceive is poor potentiating periconception transmission risks to partners and infants. Programs to facilitate earlier HIV diagnosis for FSW and safer conception counseling are needed as components of effective combination HIV prevention services.
Encoding Theory of Mind in Character Design for Pedagogical Interactive Narrative
Authors: Si Mei , Marsella Stacy C.
Published: October 2014

Computer aided interactive narrative allows people to participate actively in a dynamically unfolding story, by playing a character or by exerting directorial control. Because of its potential for providing interesting stories as well as allowing user interaction, interactive narrative has been recognized as a promising tool for providing both education and entertainment. This paper discusses the challenges in creating interactive narratives for pedagogical applications and how the challenges can be addressed by using agent-based technologies. We argue that a rich model of characters and in particular a Theory of Mind capacity are needed. The character architect in the Thespian framework for interactive narrative is presented as an example of how decision-theoretic agents can be used for encoding Theory of Mind and for creating pedagogical interactive narratives.
Robotic System Development for Cooperative Orthopedic Drilling Assistance
Authors: Kasi Vijayabaskar , Mekhilef Saad , Ghazilla R. A. R. , Ahmad Norhafizan
Published: October 2014

This paper describes a robotic bone drilling and screwing system for applications in orthopedic surgery. The goal is to realize two robot manipulators performing cooperative bone drilling. The proposed cooperative bone drilling system can be divided into hardware and software development. The hardware development section consists of two robot manipulator arms, which perform drilling and gripping of the bone, and operates using two joysticks. The software section assists the surgeon in visual and navigation control of those robot manipulators. Controller used in this system can be included in the hardware and software sections. Disturbance observer based position control was used in the robot manipulator maneuver and reposition controller (cooperative control) was used in cooperative drilling operation to maintain the alignment of the drill bit during drilling. A mathematical model for the control system was designed and a real environment mimicking simulation for bone drilling was designed. The result of the simulation shows that the cooperative robot system managed to perform cooperative drilling when misalignment occurs during bone drilling. The bone gripping robot managed to restore the drill bit to its ideal alignment in every event of misalignment in the drilling axis. Therefore this cooperative system has potential application in experimental orthopedic surgery.
Validation of a Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Determination of L-Carnitine in Tablets
Authors: Khoshkam Roghaieh , Afshar Minoo
Published: October 2014

A rapid and stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed for determination of l-carnitine in tablets. The separation was based on a C18 analytical column using a mobile phase which consisted of 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH = 3): ethanol (99 : 1), including 0.56 mg/mL of sodium 1-heptanesulfonate. Column temperature was set at 50°C and quantitation was achieved by UV detection at 225 nm. In forced degradation studies, the drug was subjected to oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and heat. Among the different stress conditions, the exposure to acidic and basic conditions was found to be an important adverse stability factor. The method was validated for specificity, selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The applied procedure was found to be linear in l-carnitine concentration range of 84.74–3389.50 µg/mL (r2=0.9997). Precision was evaluated by replicate analysis in which relative standard deviation (RSD) values for areas were found below 2.0%. The recoveries obtained (100.83%–101.54%) ensured the accuracy of the developed method. The expanded uncertainty (3.14%) of the method was also estimated from method validation data. Accordingly, the proposed validated and rapid procedure was proved to be suitable for routine analyzing and stability studies of l-carnitine in tablets.
An Encoding Technique for Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms Applied to Power Distribution System Reconfiguration
Authors: Guardado J. L. , Rivas-Davalos F. , Torres J. , Maximov S. , Melgoza E.
Published: October 2014

Network reconfiguration is an alternative to reduce power losses and optimize the operation of power distribution systems. In this paper, an encoding scheme for evolutionary algorithms is proposed in order to search efficiently for the Pareto-optimal solutions during the reconfiguration of power distribution systems considering multiobjective optimization. The encoding scheme is based on the edge window decoder (EWD) technique, which was embedded in the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2) and the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The effectiveness of the encoding scheme was proved by solving a test problem for which the true Pareto-optimal solutions are known in advance. In order to prove the practicability of the encoding scheme, a real distribution system was used to find the near Pareto-optimal solutions for different objective functions to optimize.
Majocchi’s Granuloma after Topical Corticosteroids Therapy
Authors: Li Fu-qiu , Lv Sha , Xia Jian-xin
Published: October 2014

Majocchi’s granuloma (MG) is an unusual but not rare dermatophyte infection of dermal and subcutaneous tissues. Dermatophytes usually result in the infections of hair, epidermis, and nail, and are rarely involved in deep cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. Now it is considered that MG includes two forms: one is a small perifollicular papular form and the other is a deep subcutaneous nodular form; the front one mainly occurs in healthy individuals and the latter one usually presents in immunocompromised hosts. The clinical manifestations of MG are many and varied, except the common presentations of erythema, papule and nodules, and Kaposi sarcoma-like and molluscum-like lesions have been reported in literatures (Kim et al. (2011), Bord et al. (2007), and Lillis et al. (2010)). This characteristic induces the difficulty of diagnosis, and thus it is so important and necessary to make direct microscopical and histological examinations. We describe a case of MG over the face in a patient who had been treated with topical corticosteroids over a long time.
Estrogen Signaling in Metabolic Inflammation
Authors: Monteiro Rosário , Teixeira Diana , Calhau Conceição
Published: October 2014

There is extensive evidence supporting the interference of inflammatory activation with metabolism. Obesity, mainly visceral obesity, is associated with a low-grade inflammatory state, triggered by metabolic surplus where specialized metabolic cells such as adipocytes activate cellular stress initiating and sustaining the inflammatory program. The increasing prevalence of obesity, resulting in increased cardiometabolic risk and precipitating illness such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and certain types of cancer, constitutes a good example of this association. The metabolic actions of estrogens have been studied extensively and there is also accumulating evidence that estrogens influence immune processes. However, the connection between these two fields of estrogen actions has been underacknowledged since little attention has been drawn towards the possible action of estrogens on the modulation of metabolism through their anti-inflammatory properties. In the present paper, we summarize knowledge on the modification inflammatory processes by estrogens with impact on metabolism and highlight major research questions on the field. Understanding the regulation of metabolic inflammation by estrogens may provide the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to the management of metabolic dysfunctions.
The Semimartingale Approach to Almost Sure Stability Analysis of a Two-Stage Numerical Method for Stochastic Delay Differential Equation
Authors: Guo Qian , Tao Xueyin
Published: October 2014

Almost sure exponential stability of the split-step backward Euler (SSBE) method applied to an Itô-type stochastic differential equation with time-varying delay is discussed by the techniques based on Doob-Mayer decomposition and semimartingale convergence theorem. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical analysis.
Elastin-Coated Biodegradable Photopolymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Barenghi Rossella , Beke Szabolcs , Romano Ilaria , Gavazzo Paola , Farkas Balázs , Vassalli Massimo , Brandi Fernando , Scaglione Silvia
Published: October 2014

One of the main open issues in modern vascular surgery is the nonbiodegradability of implants used for stent interventions, which can lead to small caliber-related thrombosis and neointimal hyperplasia. Some new, resorbable polymeric materials have been proposed to substitute traditional stainless-steel stents, but so far they were affected by poor mechanical properties and low biocompatibility. In this respect, a new material, polypropylene fumarate (PPF), may be considered as a promising candidate to implement the development of next generation stents, due to its complete biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties and the ease to be precisely patterned. Besides all these benefits, PPF has not been tested yet for vascular prosthesis, mainly because it proved to be almost inert, while the ability to elicit a specific biological function would be of paramount importance in such critical surgery applications. Here, we propose a biomimetic functionalization process, aimed at obtaining specific bioactivation and thus improved cell-polymer interaction. Porous PPF-based scaffolds produced by deep-UV photocuring were coated by elastin and the functionalized scaffolds were extensively characterized, revealing a stable bound between the protein and the polymer surface. Both 3T3 and HUVEC cell lines were used forin vitrotests displaying an enhancement of cells adhesion and proliferation on the functionalized scaffolds.
High Salt Intake Increases Copeptin but Salt Sensitivity Is Associated with Fluid Induced Reduction of Copeptin in Women
Authors: Tasevska Irina , Enhörning Sofia , Burri Philippe , Melander Olle
Published: October 2014

This study investigated if copeptin is affected by high salt intake and whether any salt-induced changes in copeptin are related to the degree of salt sensitivity. The study was performed on 20 men and 19 women. In addition to meals containing 50 mmol NaCl daily, capsules containing 100 mmol NaCl and corresponding placebo capsules were administered during 4 weeks each, in random order. Measurements of 24 h blood pressure, body weight, 24 h urinary volume, and fasting plasma copeptin were performed at high and low salt consumption. Copeptin increased after a high compared to low dietary salt consumption in all subjects 3,59 ± 2,28 versus 3,12 ± 1,95 (P= 0,02). Copeptin correlated inversely with urinary volume, at both low (r= −0,42;P= 0,001) and high (r= −0,60;P< 0,001) salt consumption, as well as with the change in body weight (r= −0,53;P< 0,001). Systolic salt sensitivity was inversely correlated with salt-induced changes of copeptin, only in females (r= −0,58;P= 0,017). As suppression of copeptin on high versus low salt intake was associated with systolic salt sensitivity in women, our data suggest that high fluid intake and fluid retention may contribute to salt sensitivity.
A Least Square Method Based Model for Identifying Protein Complexes in Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Dai Qiguo , Guo Maozu , Guo Yingjie , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Yang , Teng Zhixia
Published: October 2014

Protein complex formed by a group of physical interacting proteins plays a crucial role in cell activities. Great effort has been made to computationally identify protein complexes from protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. However, the accuracy of the prediction is still far from being satisfactory, because the topological structures of protein complexes in the PPI network are too complicated. This paper proposes a novel optimization framework to detect complexes from PPI network, named PLSMC. The method is on the basis of the fact that if two proteins are in a common complex, they are likely to be interacting. PLSMC employs this relation to determine complexes by a penalized least squares method. PLSMC is applied to several public yeast PPI networks, and compared with several state-of-the-art methods. The results indicate that PLSMC outperforms other methods. In particular, complexes predicted by PLSMC can match known complexes with a higher accuracy than other methods. Furthermore, the predicted complexes have high functional homogeneity.
Geographical and Seasonal Patterns of Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol in Environmental Water in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Ding Zhen , Peng Shifu , Jin Yuqin , Xuan Zhoubin , Chen Xiaodong , Yin Lihong
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to obtain the basic data of two common odorants—geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (GSM and 2-MIB)—in environmental water. More specifically, the headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was applied to determine the levels of GSM and 2-MIB in water samples, and the samples were collected depending on water sources, conventional treatment processes, and seasons. The significant difference was shown for the 2-MIB levels of source waterP<0.05, the concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB decreased significantly as treatment process of tap water moved forward(P<0.0001), and the significant differences for the levels of GSM and 2-MIB were observed among three sampling periods(P<0.01). The levels of GSM and 2-MIB in all water samples were lower than 10 ng L−1, the odor threshold concentration (OTC), and the conventional treatment process plays a significant role in removing odorants in tap water.
Non-Newtonian Effects of Second-Order Fluids on the Hydrodynamic Lubrication of Inclined Slider Bearings
Authors: Apparao Siddangouda , Biradar Trimbak Vaijanath , Naduvinamani Neminath Bhujappa
Published: October 2014

Theoretical study of non-Newtonian effects of second-order fluids on the performance characteristics of inclined slider bearings is presented. An approximate method is used for the solution of the highly nonlinear momentum equations for the second-order fluids. The closed form expressions for the fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional force, coefficient of friction, and centre of pressure are obtained. The non-Newtonian second order fluid model increases the film pressure, load carrying capacity, and frictional force whereas the center of pressure slightly shifts towards exit region. Further, the frictional coefficient decreases with an increase in the bearing velocity as expected for an ideal fluid.
35 m Vertical Free Fall: How Impact Surface Influences Survival
Authors: Ehrnthaller C. , Gebhard F.
Published: October 2014

We describe the accidental free fall of a 23-year-old construction worker, who fell 13 stories (approximately 35 meters) from a false work landing on a toilet container. On impact he broke through the roof of the container, which attenuated his fall and made his survival possible. The patient sustained a central spleen rupture, liver laceration, subdural hematoma, blunt thoracic trauma with a left-sided hematothorax and right-sided pneumothorax with serial bilateral rib fractures, and an unstable fracture of the 10th thoracic vertebra. Two thoracic drainages were inserted in the emergency department before the patient underwent emergency surgery for the management of his intra-abdominal injuries. On the third day after trauma the unstable fracture of the 10th thoracic vertebra was stabilized with an internal fixator. Following extubation on day 8 after trauma the patient did not show any peripheral neurological deficits but cerebral affection with a general slowdown. After only 21 days, the patient was discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation center where work specific rehabilitation was started. Although the patient is not suffering from physical afflictions from the injury his daily life abilities are still limited due to cerebral damage.
Modelling of Lime Kiln Using Subspace Method with New Order Selection Criterion
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Chengjin , Xu Qingyang , Wang Chaoyang
Published: October 2014

This paper is taking actual control demand of rotary kiln as background and builds a calcining belt state space model using PO‐Moesp subspace method. A novel order‐delay double parameters error criterion (ODC) is presented to reduce the modeling order. The proposed subspace order identification method takes into account the influence of order and delay on model error criterion simultaneously. For the introduction of the delay factors, the order is reduced dramatically in the system modeling. Also, in the data processing part sliding‐window method is adopted for stripping delay factor from historical data. For this, the parameters can be changed flexibly. Some practical problems in industrial kiln process modeling are also solved. Finally, it is applied to an industrial kiln case.
Spherically Symmetric Solution in (1+4)-Dimensionalf(T)Gravity Theories
Authors: Nashed Gamal G. L.
Published: October 2014

A nondiagonal spherically symmetric tetrad field, involving four unknown functions of radial coordinaterplus an angleΦ, which is a generalization of the azimuthal angleϕ, is applied to the field equations of (1+4)-dimensionalf(T)gravity theory. A special vacuum solution with one constant of integration is derived. The physical meaning of this constant is shown to be related to the gravitational mass of the system and the associated metric represents Schwarzschild in (1+4)-dimension. The scalar torsion related to this solution vanishes. We put the derived solution in a matrix form and rewrite it as a product of three matrices: the first represents a rotation while the second represents an inertia and the third matrix is the diagonal square root of Schwarzschild spacetime in (1+4)-dimension.