bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food group preferences and energy balance in moderately obese postmenopausal women subjected to brisk walking program
Authors: Garnier Sophie , Vallée Karine , Lemoine-Morel Sophie , Joffroy Sandra , Drapeau Vicky , Tremblay Angelo , Auneau Gérard , Mauriège Pascale
Published: March 2015

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a 16-week walking program on food group preferences and energy balance of sedentary, moderately obese (body mass index, 29–35 kg/m2), postmenopausal Caucasian women, aged 60 ± 5 years old. One hundred and fifty-six volunteers were subjected to 3 sessions/week of 45 min of walking at 60% of heart rate reserve. Total energy intake (TEI) and food group preferences (3-day dietary record), total energy expenditure (TEE, 3-day physical activity diary), cardiorespiratory fitness (2-km walking test), anthropometry, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were measured before and after walking. Data were statistically analyzed using an ANOVA with repeated measures on 1 factor (time). The modest increase in TEE of 151 ± 24 kcal/day (p < 0.0001) leads to body weight, fat mass losses, and waist girth reduction (p < 0.0001). TEI remained unchanged despite a slight decrease in carbohydrate intake and a minor increase in protein intake (p < 0.05). Analysis of food records revealed a decreased consumption of fruits (p < 0.05) and sweet and fatty foods (p < 0.01), but an increase in oil consumption (p < 0.0001) after walking. Women with the highest body weight loss showed the greatest reduction in the consumption of fruits, sugar, sweet foods, and fatty foods (p < 0.05). Women with the greatest fat mass loss showed the highest decrease in fatty food intake (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although our walking program changed some food group consumption patterns, body weight loss was primarily because of the increased TEE.
REVIEW: HEMODYNAMIC STUDIES FOR LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION AND REHABILITATION
Authors: DONG RUIQI , JIANG WENTAO , ZHANG MING , LEUNG AARON , WONG M. S.
Published: March 2015

No matter what the reason and level of amputation are, amputees will face many complex postoperative problems and potential complications. From the perioperative stage to lengthy rehabilitation process, patients need comprehensive and cautious therapies to help them rebuild their physical and mental health. Although there is some scattered information, the achievements of hemodynamic study for lower limb amputation and rehabilitation have not been systematically classified and summarized. The purpose of this review is to introduce and discuss the hemodynamic issues in preoperative diagnosis, surgical techniques and postoperative problems in the past two decades. Whether from clinical or biomechanical perspective, the investigations of the former two stages have been relatively mature and gained some clear outcomes, even if some conclusions are conflicting and controversial. While in terms of the postoperative problems, such as the common pressure ulcers, DTI and muscle atrophy, there is a lack of vascular or blood flow state studies specifically for lower residual limb. Therefore, the future research focus of hemodynamics for lower limb amputation should probably be the detailed investigations on the relationships between various blood flow parameters and certain common complications. Although hemodynamic research has made some achievements at this stage, it is believed that more advanced and reliable techniques are pending for further explorations and developments.
Computational Performance of an Embedded Reinforcement Mesh Generation Method for Large-Scale RC Simulations
Authors: Markou George
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a numerical investigation on the limits of an automatic procedure for the generation of embedded steel reinforcement inside hexahedral finite elements (FEs) is presented. In 3D detailed reinforced concrete simulations, mapping the reinforcement grid inside the concrete hexahedral FEs is performed using the end-point coordinates of the rebar reinforcement macro-elements. This procedure is computationally demanding while in cases of large-scale models, the required computational time for the reinforcement mesh generation is excessive. This research work scopes to study and present the limitations of the embedded mesh generation method that was proposed by Markou and Papadrakakis, through the use of a 64-bit operating system. The embedded mesh generation method is integrated with a filtering algorithm in order to allocate and discard relatively short embedded rebar elements that result from the arbitrary positioning of the embedded rebar macro-elements and the nonprismatic geometry of the hexahedral mesh. The computational robustness and efficiency of the integrated embedded mesh generation method are demonstrated through the analysis of three numerical models. The first two numerical models are a full-scale 2-story and a 7-story RC structures while the third model deals with a full-scale RC bridge with a trapezoidal section and a total span of 100 m. Through the third numerical implementation, the computational capacity of the integrated embedded rebar mesh generation method is investigated.
Liquidity Risk and Correlation Risk: A Clinical Study of the General Motors and Ford Downgrade of May 2005
Authors: Acharya Viral V. , Schaefer Stephen , Zhang Yili
Published: March 2015

The deterioration in credit quality of General Motors (GM) and Ford to junk status in the spring of 2005 caused a wide-spread sell-off in their corporate bonds. Using a novel dataset, we document that this sell-off appears to have generated significant liquidity risk for market-makers, as evidenced by a significant imbalance in their quotes towards sales. We find that simultaneously there was a substantial increase in the co-movement between innovations in the credit default swap (CDS) spreads of GM and Ford and those of firms in all other industries, the increase being the greatest during the period surrounding the actual downgrade and reversing sharply thereafter. We show that the corporate bond market makers' imbalance towards sales in GM and Ford bonds explains a significant portion of this co-movement. These results linking liquidity risk and correlation risk are consistent with models in which market prices are episodically determined by the limited risk-bearing capacity of financial intermediaries.
Functional significance of SPINK1 promoter variants in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Derikx Monique H. M. , Geisz Andrea , Kereszturi Éva , Sahin-Tóth Miklós
Published: March 2015

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, which often develops as a result of genetic predisposition. Some of the most frequently identified risk factors affect the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 ( SPINK1) gene, which encodes a trypsin inhibitor responsible for protecting the pancreas from premature trypsinogen activation. Recent genetic and functional studies indicated that promoter variants in the SPINK1 gene might contribute to disease risk in carriers. Here, we investigated the functional effects of 17 SPINK1 promoter variants using luciferase reporter gene expression assay in four different cell lines, including three pancreatic acinar cell lines (rat AR42J with or without dexamethasone-induced differentiation and mouse 266-6) and human embryonic kidney 293T cells. We found that most variants caused relatively small changes in promoter activity. Surprisingly, however, we observed significant variations in the effects of the promoter variants in the different cell lines. Only four variants exhibited consistently reduced promoter activity in all acinar cell lines, confirming previous reports that variants c.-108G>T, c.-142T>C, and c.-147A>G are risk factors for chronic pancreatitis and identifying c.-52G>T as a novel risk variant. In contrast, variant c.-215G>A, which is linked with the disease-associated splice-site mutation c.194+2T>C, caused increased promoter activity, which may mitigate the overall effect of the pathogenic haplotype. Our study lends further support to the notion that sequence evaluation of the SPINK1 promoter region in patients with chronic pancreatitis is justified as part of the etiological investigation.
Role of the potassium chloride cotransporter isoform 2-mediated spinal chloride homeostasis in a rat model of visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Tang Dong , Qian Ai-Hua , Song Dan-Dan , Ben Qi-Wen , Yao Wei-Yan , Sun Jing , Li Wei-Guang , Xu Tian-Le , Yuan Yao-Zong
Published: March 2015

Visceral hypersensitivity represents an important hallmark in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), of which the mechanisms remain elusive. The present study was designed to examine whether cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC)-mediated chloride (Cl−) homeostasis of the spinal cord is involved in chronic stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Chronic visceral hypersensitivity was induced by exposing male Wistar rats to water avoidance stress (WAS). RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of CCCs in the spinal cord. Patch-clamp recordings were performed on adult spinal cord slices to evaluate Cl−homeostasis and Cl−extrusion capacity of lamina I neurons. Visceral sensitivity was estimated by measuring the abdominal withdrawal reflex in response to colorectal distension (CRD). After 10 days of WAS exposure, levels of both total protein and the oligomeric form of the K+-Cl−cotransporter isoform 2 (KCC2), but not Na+-K+-2Cl−transporter isoform 1 (NKCC1), were significantly decreased in the dorsal horn of the lumbosacral spinal cord. The downregulation of KCC2 resulted in a depolarizing shifted equilibrium potential of GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic current and impaired Cl−extrusion capacity in lamina I neurons of the lumbosacral spinal cord from WAS rats. Acute noxious CRD disrupted spinal KCC2 expression and function 2 h after the final distention in sham rats, but not in WAS rats. Pharmacological blockade of KCC2 activity by intrathecal injection of a KCC2 inhibitor [(dihydroindenyl)oxy] alkanoic acid enhanced visceral nociceptive sensitivity in sham rats, but not in WAS rats. These results suggest that KCC2 downregulation-mediated impairment of spinal cord Cl−homeostasis may play an important role in chronic stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity.
Glutamine and alanyl-glutamine promote crypt expansion and mTOR signaling in murine enteroids
Authors: Moore Sean R. , Guedes Marjorie M. , Costa Tie B. , Vallance Jefferson , Maier Elizabeth A. , Betz Kristina J. , Aihara Eitaro , Mahe Maxime M. , Lima Aldo A. M. , Oriá Reinaldo B. , Shroyer Noah F.
Published: March 2015

l-Glutamine (Gln) is a key metabolic fuel for intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and survival and may be conditionally essential for gut homeostasis during catabolic states. We show that l-alanyl-l-glutamine (Ala-Gln), a stable Gln dipeptide, protects mice against jejunal crypt depletion in the setting of dietary protein and fat deficiency. Separately, we show that murine crypt cultures (enteroids) derived from the jejunum require Gln or Ala-Gln for maximal expansion. Once expanded, enteroids deprived of Gln display a gradual atrophy of cryptlike domains, with decreased epithelial proliferation, but stable proportions of Paneth and goblet cell differentiation, at 24 h. Replenishment of enteroid medium with Gln selectively activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, rescues proliferation, and promotes crypt regeneration. Gln deprivation beyond 48 h leads to destabilization of enteroids but persistence of EGFP- Lgr5-positive intestinal stem cells with the capacity to regenerate enteroids upon Gln rescue. Collectively, these findings indicate that Gln deprivation induces a reversible quiescence of intestinal stem cells and provides new insights into nutritional regulation of intestinal epithelial homeostasis.
Actin-interacting protein 1 controls assembly and permeability of intestinal epithelial apical junctions
Authors: Lechuga Susana , Baranwal Somesh , Ivanov Andrei I.
Published: March 2015

Adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) are crucial regulators of the integrity and restitution of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The structure and function of epithelial junctions depend on their association with the cortical actin cytoskeleton that, in polarized epithelial cells, is represented by a prominent perijunctional actomyosin belt. The assembly and stability of the perijunctional cytoskeleton is controlled by constant turnover (disassembly and reassembly) of actin filaments. Actin-interacting protein (Aip) 1 is an emerging regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, playing a critical role in filament disassembly. In this study, we examined the roles of Aip1 in regulating the structure and remodeling of AJs and TJs in human intestinal epithelium. Aip1 was enriched at apical junctions in polarized human intestinal epithelial cells and normal mouse colonic mucosa. Knockdown of Aip1 by RNA interference increased the paracellular permeability of epithelial cell monolayers, decreased recruitment of AJ/TJ proteins to steady-state intercellular contacts, and attenuated junctional reassembly in a calcium-switch model. The observed defects of AJ/TJ structure and functions were accompanied by abnormal organization and dynamics of the perijunctional F-actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, loss of Aip1 impaired the apico-basal polarity of intestinal epithelial cell monolayers and inhibited formation of polarized epithelial cysts in 3-D Matrigel. Our findings demonstrate a previously unanticipated role of Aip1 in regulating the structure and remodeling of intestinal epithelial junctions and early steps of epithelial morphogenesis.
Mechanism of action of antiplatelet drugs on decompression sickness in rats: a protective effect of anti-GPIIbIIIa therapy
Authors: Lambrechts Kate , Pontier Jean-Michel , Mazur Aleksandra , Theron Michaël , Buzzacott Peter , Wang Qiong , Belhomme Marc , Guerrero François
Published: March 2015

Literature highlights the involvement of disseminated thrombosis in the pathophysiology of decompression sickness (DCS). We examined the effect of several antithrombotic treatments targeting various pathways on DCS outcome: acetyl salicylate, prasugrel, abciximab, and enoxaparin. Rats were randomly assigned to six groups. Groups 1 and 2 were a control nondiving group (C; n = 10) and a control diving group (CD; n = 30). Animals in Groups 3 to 6 were treated before hyperbaric exposure (HBE) with either prasugrel ( n = 10), acetyl salicylate ( n = 10), enoxaparin ( n = 10), or abciximab ( n = 10). Blood samples were taken for platelet factor 4 (PF4), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and von Willebrand factor analysis. Onset of DCS symptoms and death were recorded during a 60-min observation period after HBE. Although we observed fewer outcomes of DCS in all treated groups compared with the CD, statistical significance was reached in abciximab only (20% vs. 73%, respectively, P = 0.007). We also observed significantly higher levels of plasmatic PF4 in abciximab (8.14 ± 1.40 ng/ml; P = 0.004) and enoxaparin groups (8.01 ± 0.80 ng/ml; P = 0.021) compared with the C group (6.45 ± 1.90 ng/ml) but not CD group (8.14 ± 1.40 ng/ml). Plasmatic levels of TBARS were significantly higher in the CD group than the C group (49.04 ± 11.20 μM vs. 34.44 ± 5.70 μM, P = 0.002). This effect was prevented by all treatments. Our results suggest that abciximab pretreatment, a powerful glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, has a strong protective effect on decompression risk by significantly improving DCS outcome. Besides its powerful inhibitory action on platelet aggregation, we suggest that abciximab could also act through its effects on vascular function, oxidative stress, and/or inflammation.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Bi2MoO6 Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst
Authors: Phuruangrat Anukorn , Putdum Sunisa , Dumrongrojthanath Phattranit , Thongtem Somchai , Thongtem Titipun
Published: March 2015

Bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6) nanoplates were synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of bismuth nitrate and sodium molybdate as starting materials at 120–180°C for 5–20 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the effect of reaction temperature and length of reaction time on phase and morphologies of the as‐synthesized Bi2MoO6 samples. In this research, orthorhombic well‐crystallized Bi2MoO6 nanoplates with the presence of stretching and bending vibrations of MoO6 and BiO6 octahedrons were detected, and the Bi2MoO6 nanoplates synthesized at 180°C for 5 h exhibit the highest photocatalytic efficiency over 96% within 100 min visible‐light irradiation.
A Primary Retroperitoneal Mucinous Tumor
Authors: Heelan Gladden Alicia A. , Wohlauer Max , McManus Martine C. , Gajdos Csaba
Published: March 2015

A twenty-five-year-old female presented with a large retroperitoneal mass. Workup included history and physical exam, imaging, biopsy, colonoscopy, and gynecologic exam. After surgical resection, the mass was determined to be a primary retroperitoneal mucinous tumor (PRMT). Clinically and histologically, these tumors are similar pancreatic and ovarian mucinous neoplasms. PRMTs are rare and few case reports have been published. PRMTs are divided into mucinous cystadenomas, mucinous borderline tumors of low malignant potential, and mucinous carcinoma. These tumors have malignant potential so resection is indicated and in some cases adjuvant chemotherapy and/or surveillance imaging.
Switching the Sphingolipid Rheostat in the Treatment of Diabetes and Cancer Comorbidity from a Problem to an Advantage
Authors: Haass Nikolas K. , Nassif Najah , McGowan Eileen M.
Published: March 2015

Cancer and diabetes are among the most common diseases in western societies. Epidemiological studies have shown that diabetic patients have a significantly higher risk of developing a number of different types of cancers and that individuals with comorbidity (cancer and diabetes/prediabetes) have a poorer prognosis relative to nondiabetic cancer patients. The increasing frequency of comorbidity of cancer and diabetes mellitus, mainly type 2 diabetes, has driven the development of therapeutic interventions that target both disease states. There is strong evidence to suggest that balancing the sphingolipid rheostat, ceramide—sphingosine—sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is crucial in the prevention of diabetes and cancer and sphingosine kinase/S1P modulators are currently under development for the treatment of cancer and diabetes. This paper will highlight some of the complexities inherent in the use of the emerging sphingosine kinase/S1P modulators in the treatment of comorbidity of diabetes and cancer.
Explicit Form of the Inverse Matrices of Tribonacci Circulant Type Matrices
Authors: Liu Li , Jiang Zhaolin
Published: March 2015

It is a hot topic that circulant type matrices are applied to networks engineering. The determinants and inverses of Tribonacci circulant type matrices are discussed in the paper. Firstly, Tribonacci circulant type matrices are defined. In addition, we show the invertibility of Tribonacci circulant matrix and present the determinant and the inverse matrix based on constructing the transformation matrices. By utilizing the relation between left circulant,g-circulant matrices and circulant matrix, the invertibility of Tribonacci left circulant and Tribonaccig-circulant matrices is also discussed. Finally, the determinants and inverse matrices of these matrices are given, respectively.
Liver Injury Indicating Fatty Liver but Not Serologic NASH Marker Improves under Metformin Treatment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Tan Susanne , Vollmar Nils , Benson Sven , Sowa Jan-Peter , Bechmann Lars P. , Gerken Guido , Fuhrer Dagmar , Canbay Ali
Published: March 2015

Objective. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR), key features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cytokeratin 18 fragments (M30) have been established as a serum marker for NASH. The insulin sensitizer metformin improves hepatic IR. This study evaluates the influence of MF on serologic NASH (sNASH) in patients with PCOS.Patients and Methods. In 89 patients, metabolic parameters, liver injury indicating fatty liver (LIFL), and M30 were assessed at baseline and after metformin treatment. Patients with initial IR were subdivided into dissolved (PCOS-exIR) and persistent IR (PCOS-PIR) after treatment and compared to an initially insulin sensitive PCOS group (PCOS-C).Results. Improvement of LIFL prevalence could be seen in PCOS-C and PCOS-exIR compared to PCOS-PIR (−19.4, resp., −12.0% versus 7.2%, Chi2= 29.5,P<0.001) without change in sNASH prevalence. In PCOS-PIR, ALT levels increased significantly accompanied by a nominal, nonsignificant M30 increase.Conclusions. Metformin improves LIFL in subgroups of patients with PCOS without influencing sNASH. This could either indicate a missing effect of metformin on NAFLD or slowed disease progression. Further studies are needed to elucidate NAFLD in the context of PCOS and potential therapeutic options.
Obesity and Cancer Progression: Is There a Role of Fatty Acid Metabolism?
Authors: Balaban Seher , Lee Lisa S. , Schreuder Mark , Hoy Andrew J.
Published: March 2015

Currently, there is renewed interest in elucidating the metabolic characteristics of cancer and how these characteristics may be exploited as therapeutic targets. Much attention has centered on glucose, glutamine andde novolipogenesis, yet the metabolism of fatty acids that arise from extracellular, as well as intracellular, stores as triacylglycerol has received much less attention. This review focuses on the key pathways of fatty acid metabolism, including uptake, esterification, lipolysis, and mitochondrial oxidation, and how the regulators of these pathways are altered in cancer. Additionally, we discuss the potential link that fatty acid metabolism may serve between obesity and changes in cancer progression.
A High Throughput Method for Measuring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seafood Using QuEChERS Extraction and SBSE
Authors: Pfannkoch Edward A. , Stuff John R. , Whitecavage Jacqueline A. , Blevins John M. , Seely Kathryn A. , Moran Jeffery H.
Published: March 2015

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Method NMFS-NWFSC-59 2004is currently used to quantitatively analyze seafood for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, especially following events such as the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that released millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This method has limited throughput capacity; hence, alternative methods are necessary to meet analytical demands after such events. Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) is an effective technique to extract trace PAHs in water and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction strategy effectively extracts PAHs from complex food matrices. This study uses SBSE to concentrate PAHs and eliminate matrix interference from QuEChERS extracts of seafood, specifically oysters, fish, and shrimp. This method provides acceptable recovery (65–138%) linear calibrations and is sensitive (LOD = 0.02 ppb, LOQ = 0.06 ppb) while providing higher throughput and maintaining equivalency between NOAA 2004 as determined by analysis of NIST SRM 1974b mussel tissue.
Gemcitabine, Navelbine, and Doxorubicin as Treatment for Patients with Refractory or Relapsed T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Qian Zhengzi , Song Zheng , Zhang Huilai , Wang Xianhuo , Zhao Jing , Wang Huaqing
Published: March 2015

T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We retrospectively evaluated the therapeutic efficiency and toxicity of gemcitabine, navelbine, and doxorubicin (GND) in patients with refractory or relapsed TCL. From 2002 to 2012, 69 patients with refractory or relapsed TCL received GND treatment in our hospital. The treatment protocol comprised gemcitabine (800 mg/m2, group 1; 1000 mg/m2, group 2) on days 1 and 8, navelbine (25 mg/m2) on day 1, and doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks. The overall response rate (ORR) was 65.2%. The median overall survival (OS) was 36 months. The 5-year estimated OS rate was 32.4%. The GND regimen was well tolerated. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the ORR and CR for group 1 were similar. A longer median OS was observed for group 1. Significant difference in grades 3-4 toxicities was observed between groups 1 and 2 (P=0.035). Our study indicated that gemcitabine (800 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days was favorable for pretreated TCL patients.
Comparison of Electrospray Ionization and Atmospheric Chemical Ionization Coupled with the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Cholesteryl Esters
Authors: Lee Hae-Rim , Kochhar Sunil , Shim Soon-Mi
Published: March 2015

The approach of two different ionization techniques including electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was tested for the analysis of cholesteryl esters (CEs). The retention time (RT), signal intensity, protonated ion, and product ion of CEs were compared between ESI and APCI. RT of CEs from both ionizations decreased with increasing double bonds, while it increased with longer carbon chain length. The ESI process generated strong signal intensity of precursor ions corresponding to [M+Na]+and [M+NH4]+regardless of the number of carbon chains and double bonds in CEs. On the other hand, the APCI process produced a protonated ion of CEs [M+H]+with a weak signal intensity, and it is selectively sensitive to detect precursor ions of CEs with unsaturated fatty acids. The ESI technique proved to be effective in ionizing more kinds of CEs than the APCI technique.
Optimal Pipe Size Design for Looped Irrigation Water Supply System Using Harmony Search: Saemangeum Project Area
Authors: Yoo Do Guen , Lee Ho Min , Sadollah Ali , Kim Joong Hoon
Published: March 2015

Water supply systems are mainly classified into branched and looped network systems. The main difference between these two systems is that, in a branched network system, the flow within each pipe is a known value, whereas in a looped network system, the flow in each pipe is considered an unknown value. Therefore, an analysis of a looped network system is a more complex task. This study aims to develop a technique for estimating the optimal pipe diameter for a looped agricultural irrigation water supply system using a harmony search algorithm, which is an optimization technique. This study mainly serves two purposes. The first is to develop an algorithm and a program for estimating a cost‐effective pipe diameter for agricultural irrigation water supply systems using optimization techniques. The second is to validate the developed program by applying the proposed optimized cost‐effective pipe diameter to an actual study region (Saemangeum project area, zone 6). The results suggest that the optimal design program, which applies an optimization theory and enhances user convenience, can be effectively applied for the real systems of a looped agricultural irrigation water supply.
Characterization of Carbon Nanotube/Graphene on Carbon Cloth as an Electrode for Air‐Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Tsai Hung-Yin , Hsu Wei-Hsuan , Huang Ying-Chen
Published: March 2015

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which can generate low‐pollution power through microbial decomposition, have become a potentially important technology with applications in environmental protection and energy recovery. The electrode materials used in MFCs are crucial determinants of their capacity to generate electricity. In this study, we investigate the performance of using carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene‐modified carbon‐cloth electrodes in a single‐chamber MFC. We develop a process for fabricating carbon‐based modified electrodes and Escherichia coli HB101 in an air‐cathode MFC. The results show that the power density of MFCs can be improved by applying a coat of either graphene or CNT to a carbon‐cloth electrode, and the graphene‐modified electrode exhibits superior performance. In addition, the enhanced performance of anodic modification by CNT or graphene was greater than that of cathodic modification. The internal resistance decreased from 377 kΩ for normal electrodes to 5.6 kΩ for both electrodes modified by graphene with a cathodic catalyst. Using the modified electrodes in air‐cathode MFCs can enhance the performance of power generation and reduce the associated costs.
Functional Diversity of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Bone Formation
Authors: Takei Yuichiro , Minamizaki Tomoko , Yoshiko Yuji
Published: March 2015

The functional significance of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in bone formation has been demonstrated through genetic loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches. FGFs, comprising 22 family members, are classified into three subfamilies: canonical, hormone-like, and intracellular. The former two subfamilies activate their signaling pathways through FGF receptors (FGFRs). Currently, intracellular FGFs appear to be primarily involved in the nervous system. Canonical FGFs such as FGF2 play significant roles in bone formation, and precise spatiotemporal control of FGFs and FGFRs at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels may allow for the functional diversity of FGFs during bone formation. Recently, several research groups, including ours, have shown that FGF23, a member of the hormone-like FGF subfamily, is primarily expressed in osteocytes/osteoblasts. This polypeptide decreases serum phosphate levels by inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption and vitamin D3activation, resulting in mineralization defects in the bone. Thus, FGFs are involved in the positive and negative regulation of bone formation. In this review, we focus on the reciprocal roles of FGFs in bone formation in relation to their local versus systemic effects.
The Reduction of Distress Using Therapeutic Geothermal Water Procedures in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Rapolienė Lolita , Razbadauskas Artūras , Jurgelėnas Antanas
Published: March 2015

Stress is an element of each human’s life and an indicator of its quality. Thermal mineral waters have been used empirically for the treatment of different diseases for centuries.Aim of the Study. To investigate the effects of highly mineralised geothermal water balneotherapy on distress and health risk.Methodology. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 130 seafarers: 65 underwent 2 weeks of balneotherapy with 108 g/L full-mineralisation bath treatment; the others were in control group. The effect of distress was measured using the General Symptoms Distress Scale. Factorial and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis.Results. A significant positive effect on distress (P<0.001) was established after 2 weeks of treatment: the number of stress symptoms declined by 60%, while the intensity of stress symptoms reduced by 41%, and the control improved by 32%. Health risks caused by distress were reduced, and resources increased, whereas the probability of general health risk decreased by 18% (P=0.01).Conclusion. Balneotherapy with highly mineralised geothermal water reduces distress, by reducing the health risk posed by distress by 26%, increasing the health resources by 11%, and reducing probability of general health risk by 18%. Balneotherapy is an effective preventive tool and can take a significant place in integrative medicine.
Skeleton and Glucose Metabolism: A Bone-Pancreas Loop
Authors: Faienza Maria Felicia , Luce Vincenza , Ventura Annamaria , Colaianni Graziana , Colucci Silvia , Cavallo Luciano , Grano Maria , Brunetti Giacomina
Published: March 2015

Bone has been considered a structure essential for mobility, calcium homeostasis, and hematopoietic function. Recent advances in bone biology have highlighted the importance of skeleton as an endocrine organ which regulates some metabolic pathways, in particular, insulin signaling and glucose tolerance. This review will point out the role of bone as an endocrine “gland” and, specifically, of bone-specific proteins, as the osteocalcin (Ocn), and proteins involved in bone remodeling, as osteoprotegerin, in the regulation of insulin function and glucose metabolism.
Infliximab Preferentially Induces Clinical Remission and Mucosal Healing in Short Course Crohn’s Disease with Luminal Lesions through Balancing Abnormal Immune Response in Gut Mucosa
Authors: Yu Lijuan , Yang Xuehua , Xia Lu , Zhong Jie , Ge Wensong , Wu Jianxin , Liu Hongchun , Liu Fei , Liu Zhanju
Published: March 2015

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. 106 CD patients were undergoing treatment with IFX from five hospitals in Shanghai, China. Clinical remission to IFX induction therapy was defined as Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) < 150. Clinical response was assessed by a decrease in CDAI ≥ 70, and the failure as a CDAI was not significantly changed or increased. Ten weeks after therapy, 61 (57.5%) patients achieved clinical remission, 17 (16.0%) had clinical response, and the remaining 28 (26.4%) were failed. In remission group, significant changes were observed in CDAI, the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES‐CD), and serum indexes. Patients with short disease duration (22.2 ± 23.2 months) and luminal lesions showed better effects compared to those with long disease duration (71.0 ± 58.2 months) or stricturing and penetrating lesions. IFX markedly downregulated Th1/Th17‐mediated immune response but promoted IL‐25 production in intestinal mucosa from remission group. No serious adverse events occurred to terminate treatment. Taken together, our studies demonstrated that IFX is efficacious and safe in inducing clinical remission, promoting mucosal healing, and downregulating Th1/Th17‐mediated immune response in short course CD patients with luminal lesions.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Insecticidal Potentials ofOxalis corniculataand Its Isolated Compounds
Authors: Rehman Azizur , Rehman Ali , Ahmad Ijaz
Published: March 2015

Oxalis corniculatais a common medicinal plant widely used against numerous infectious diseases. The agrochemical potential of methanolic extract,n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, andn-butanolfractions were assessed to measure the antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of the plant. The crude, chloroform, andn-butanolsoluble fractions showed excellent activities againstEscherichia coli,Shigella dysenteriae,Salmonella typhi, andBacillus subtilisbut have no activity againstStaphylococcus aureus. Similarly the crude,n-hexane, and chloroform fractions were also found to have significant activity against fungal strains includingFusarium solani,Aspergillus flexneri, andAspergillus flavusand have no activity againstAspergillus niger. Chemical pesticides have shown very good results at the beginning, but with the passage of time the need was realized to use the natural plant sources for the safe control of insects. The current study will provide minor contribution towards it. High mortality rate was recorded for the crude extract and chloroform fraction againstTribolium castaneum. The two isolated compounds 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4′-tetramethoxyflavone (1) and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavone (2) were evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities. The results showed that compound2was more active than compound1against the tested bacterial strains and insects.
Analysis, Filtering, and Control for Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Models in Networked Systems
Authors: Zhang Sunjie , Wang Zidong , Hu Jun , Liang Jinling , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: March 2015

The fuzzy logic theory has been proven to be effective in dealing with various nonlinear systems and has a great success in industry applications. Among different kinds of models for fuzzy systems, the so-called Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model has been quite popular due to its convenient and simple dynamic structure as well as its capability of approximating any smooth nonlinear function to any specified accuracy within any compact set. In terms of such a model, the performance analysis and the design of controllers and filters play important roles in the research of fuzzy systems. In this paper, we aim to survey some recent advances on the T-S fuzzy control and filtering problems with various network-induced phenomena. The network-induced phenomena under consideration mainly include communication delays, packet dropouts, signal quantization, and randomly occurring uncertainties (ROUs). With such network-induced phenomena, the developments on T-S fuzzy control and filtering issues are reviewed in detail. In addition, some latest results on this topic are highlighted. In the end, conclusions are drawn and some possible future research directions are pointed out.
“New” Antigenic Targets and Methodological Approaches for Refining Laboratory Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Misasi Roberta , Capozzi Antonella , Longo Agostina , Recalchi Serena , Lococo Emanuela , Alessandri Cristiano , Conti Fabrizio , Valesini Guido , Sorice Maurizio
Published: March 2015

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are a heterogeneous group of antibodies directed against phospholipids or protein/phospholipid complexes. Currently, aPLs are assessed using either “solid-phase” assays that identify anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies or “liquid-phase” assay that identifies lupus anticoagulant. However, in the last few years, “new” antigenic targets and methodological approaches have been employed for refining laboratory diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In this review the potential diagnostic value of antibodies to domains ofβ2-GPI, prothrombin/phosphatidylserine, vimentin/cardiolipin, protein S, protein C, annexin A2, annexin A5, and phospholipid antigens is discussed. Moreover, new technical approaches, including chemiluminescence, multiline dot assay, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining, which utilize different supports for detection of aPL, have been developed. A special focus has been dedicated on “seronegative” APS, that is, those patients with a clinical profile suggestive of APS (thromboses, recurrent miscarriages, or foetal loss), who are persistently negative for the routinely used aPL. Recent findings suggest that, in sera from patients with SN-APS, antibodies may be detected using “new” antigenic targets (mainly vimentin/cardiolipin) or methodological approaches different from traditional techniques (TLC immunostaining). Thus, APS represents a mosaic, in which antibodies against different antigenic targets may be detected thanks to the continuously evolving new technologies.
Effect of Grafted Hydroquinone on the Acid-Base Properties of Poly(acrylic acid) in the Presence of Copper (II)
Authors: Bensacia Nabila , Moulay Saâd , Garin François , Fechete Ioana , Boos Anne
Published: March 2015

Potentiometric titration of poly(acrylic acid) and hydroquinone-functionalized poly(acrylic acid) was conducted in the presence of copper (II). The effects of hydroquinone functionalizing and copper (II) complexing on the potentiometric titration of poly(acrylic acid) were studied in an ionic environment and in its absence. Henderson-Hasselbalch equation was applied to assess its validity for this titration. Coordination number and the stability constants of the copper- (II-)complexed polymers were determined, and results showed the formation of mostly monodentate and bidentate copper- (II-)polymer complexes.
The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Women Cancer: The Epidemiological Evidences and Putative Mechanisms
Authors: Joung Kyong Hye , Jeong Jae-Wook , Ku Bon Jeong
Published: March 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic disease increasing rapidly worldwide, is well established as an important risk factor for various types of cancer. Although many factors impact the development of T2DM and cancer including sex, age, ethnicity, obesity, diet, physical activity levels, and environmental exposure, many epidemiological and experimental studies are gradually contributing to knowledge regarding the interrelationship between DM and cancer. The insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and chronic inflammation associated with diabetes mellitus are all associated strongly with cancer. The changes in bioavailable ovarian steroid hormone that occur in diabetes mellitus (the increasing levels of estrogen and androgen and the decreasing level of progesterone) are also considered potentially carcinogenic conditions for the breast, endometrium, and ovaries in women. In addition, the interaction among insulin, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and ovarian steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, could act synergistically during cancer development. Here, we review the cancer-related mechanisms in T2DM, the epidemiological evidence linking T2DM and cancers in women, and the role of antidiabetic medication in these cancers.
Conceptual Comparison of Population Based Metaheuristics for Engineering Problems
Authors: Adekanmbi Oluwole , Green Paul
Published: March 2015

Metaheuristic algorithms are well‐known optimization tools which have been employed for solving a wide range of optimization problems. Several extensions of differential evolution have been adopted in solving constrained and nonconstrained multiobjective optimization problems, but in this study, the third version of generalized differential evolution (GDE) is used for solving practical engineering problems. GDE3 metaheuristic modifies the selection process of the basic differential evolution and extends DE/rand/1/bin strategy in solving practical applications. The performance of the metaheuristic is investigated through engineering design optimization problems and the results are reported. The comparison of the numerical results with those of other metaheuristic techniques demonstrates the promising performance of the algorithm as a robust optimization tool for practical purposes.
Age- and Gender-Related Differences in LDL-Cholesterol Management in Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Russo Giuseppina , Pintaudi Basilio , Giorda Carlo , Lucisano Giuseppe , Nicolucci Antonio , Cristofaro Maria Rosaria , Suraci Concetta , Mulas Maria Franca , Napoli Angela , Rossi Maria Chiara , Manicardi Valeria
Published: March 2015

Background. Dyslipidemia contribute to the excess of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk observed in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is the major target for CHD prevention, and T2DM women seem to reach LDL-C targets less frequently than men.Aim. To explore age- and gender-related differences in LDL-C management in a large sample of outpatients with T2DM.Results. Overall, 415.294 patients (45.3% women) from 236 diabetes centers in Italy were included. Women were older and more obese, with longer diabetes duration, higher total-cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C serum levels compared to men (P<0.0001). Lipid profile was monitored in ~75% of subjects, women being monitored less frequently than men, irrespective of age. More women did not reach the LDL-C target as compared to men, particularly in the subgroup treated with lipid-lowering medications. The between-genders gap in reaching LDL-C targets increased with age and diabetes duration, favouring men in all groups.Conclusions. LDL-C management is worst in women with T2DM, who are monitored and reach targets less frequently than T2DM men. Similarly to men, they do not receive medications despite high LDL-C. These gender discrepancies increase with age and diabetes duration, exposing older women to higher CHD risk.
Bone Regulates Glucose Metabolism as an Endocrine Organ through Osteocalcin
Authors: Shao Jin , Wang Zhi , Yang Tieyi , Ying Hui , Zhang Yan , Liu Shuyi
Published: March 2015

Skeleton was considered as a dynamic connective tissue, which was essential for mobility, calcium homeostasis, and hematopoietic niche. However more and more evidences indicate that skeleton works not only as a structural scaffold but also as an endocrine organ, which regulates several metabolic processes. Besides osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin (SOST), and Dickopf (DKK) which play essential roles in bone formation, modelling, remodelling, and homeostasis, bone can also secret hormones, such as osteocalcin (OCN), which promotes proliferation ofβcells, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. Additionally OCN can also regulate the fat cells and male gonad endocrine activity and be regulated by insulin and the neural system. In summary, skeleton has endocrine function via OCN and plays an important role in energy metabolism, especially in glucose metabolism.
CD4+ T-Helper Type 1 Cytokines and Trastuzumab Facilitate CD8+ T-cell Targeting of HER2/neu–Expressing Cancers
Authors: Datta Jashodeep , Xu Shuwen , Rosemblit Cinthia , Smith Jenessa B. , Cintolo Jessica A. , Powell Daniel J. , Czerniecki Brian J.
Published: March 2015

Vaccination strategies incorporating the immunodominant HLA-A2–restricted HER2/neu-derived peptide 369–377 (HER2369–377) are increasingly utilized in HER2/neu-expressing cancer patients. The failure of postvaccination HER2369–377-specific CD8+ T cells to recognize HLA-A2posHER2/neu-expressing cells in vitro, however, has been attributed to impaired MHC class I/HLA-A2 presentation observed in HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors. We reconcile this controversy by demonstrating that HER2369–377 is directly recognized by high functional-avidity HER2369–377-specific CD8+ T cells—either genetically modified to express a novel HER2369–377 TCR or sensitized using HER2369–377-pulsed type 1–polarized dendritic cells (DC1)—on class I–abundant HER2low, but not class I–deficient HER2high, cancer cells. Importantly, a critical cooperation between CD4+ T-helper type-1 (Th1) cytokines IFNγ/TNFα and HER2/neu-targeted antibody trastuzumab is necessary to restore class I expression in HER2high cancers, thereby facilitating recognition and lysis of these cells by HER2369–377-specific CD8+ T cells. Concomitant induction of PD-L1 on HER2/neu-expressing cells by IFNγ/TNF and trastuzumab, however, has minimal impact on DC1-sensitized HER2369–377-CD8+ T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity. Although activation of EGFR and HER3 signaling significantly abrogates IFNγ/TNFα and trastuzumab-induced class I restoration, EGFR/HER3 receptor blockade rescues class I expression and ensuing HER2369–377-CD8+ cytotoxicity of HER2/neu-expressing cells. Thus, combinations of CD4+ Th1 immune interventions and multivalent targeting of HER family members may be required for optimal anti-HER2/neu CD8+ T-cell–directed immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(5); 455–63. ©2015 AACR.