bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merchanting and Current Account Balances
Authors: Beusch Elisabeth , Döbeli Barbara , Fischer Andreas M. , Yeşin Pinar
Published: October 2015

Merchanting is goods trade that does not cross the border of the firm's country of residence. Merchanting grew strongly in the last decade in several European economies and has become an important determinant of these countries’ current account. Because merchanting firms reinvest their earnings abroad to expand their international activities, this practice raises national savings in the home country without increasing domestic investment. This paper examines the empirical linkages between merchanting and the current account balance. Using a sample of 53 countries during 1980–2011, it shows that merchanting activity is a determinant of the medium‐term current account balance.
Proapoptotic effect of control‐released basic fibroblast growth factor on skin wound healing in a diabetic mouse model
Authors: Huang Chenyu , Orbay Hakan , Tobita Morikuni , Miyamoto Masaaki , Tabata Yasuhiko , Hyakusoku Hiko , Mizuno Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

The ability of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to improve wound healing is attenuated by its short half‐life in free form. This study aimed to enhance skin wound healing in a diabetes mouse model while concomitantly decreasing scar formation using control‐released bFGF together with acidic gelatin hydrogel microspheres (AGHMs). Bilateral full‐thickness wounds (10 mm in diameter) were made on the backs of db/db mice. Forty‐five mice were divided into three groups, and the base of the wound under the panniculus carnosus and the wound periphery were injected with phosphate‐buffered saline (300 μL) containing (1) control‐released bFGF (50 μg), (2) control‐released bFGF (20 μg), or (3) AGHMs alone. The size of the wound area was recorded on each postoperative day (POD). Mice were sacrificed on postoperative day 4, 7, 10, 14, and 28, and skin wound specimens were obtained to assess the endothelium/angiogenesis index via cluster of differentiation 31 immunohistochemistry, the proliferation index via Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry, and the myofibroblast and fibroblast apoptosis indices by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling and alpha‐smooth muscle actin or vimentin staining, respectively. Epithelialization rates and indices of proliferation and myofibroblast/fibroblast apoptosis were higher in the bFGF groups than in the AGHM group, mainly within 2 weeks of injury. No dose‐effect relationship was found for control‐released bFGF, although the actions of 50 μg bFGF seemed to last longer than those of 20 μg bFGF. Therefore, control‐released bFGF may accelerate diabetic skin wound healing and induce myofibroblast/fibroblast apoptosis, thereby reducing scar formation.
Effect of acute exercise on circulating angiogenic cell and microparticle populations
Authors: Lansford Kasey A. , Shill Daniel D. , Dicks Andrew B. , Marshburn Meagan P. , Southern W. Michael , Jenkins Nathan T.
Published: October 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of acute endurance exercise on circulating angiogenic cell (CAC) and microparticle (MP) subpopulations?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Exercise produced a differential response in CAC subpopulations as well as sex‐specific responses in CD62E+ and CD34+ MPs. Gene expression analysis also revealed CD62E+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a potentially proangiogenic cell population. These cell and MP populations play a role in vascular health; therefore, knowledge of their exercise‐induced responses may improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial vascular effects of exercise.

Subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs), known as circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), have been implicated in endothelial repair, angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis. Conversely, microparticles released from endothelial cells, platelets and leucocytes in response to injury or apoptosis are elevated in chronic diseases. We investigated the effect of acute exercise on CAC subpopulations, specifically CD34+/VEGFR2+, CD3+/CD31+, CD14+/CD31+ and CD62E+ PBMCs and CD62E+, CD31+/CD42b− and CD34+ MPs in men and women. Additionally, we examined angiogenesis‐related gene expression in CD34+, CD31+ and CD62E+ PBMCs at baseline and after exercise. Finally, we examined whether acute exercise modulates CD62E+ PBMC paracrine actions on cultured endothelial cells. Blood samples for CAC and MP analyses were obtained before and after cycling exercise at 70% peak oxygen uptake that elicited an energy expenditure of 600 kcal. Exercise produced a decrease in CD14+/CD31+ PBMCs, whereas CD62E expression on PBMCs increased with exercise. CD34+/VEGFR2+ and CD3+/CD31+ PBMC levels were not altered with exercise. Gene expression analysis revealed a more proangiogenic phenotype in CD62E+ cells at baseline compared with CD31+ and CD34+ cells. Conditioned media from CD62E+ PBMCs obtained after exercise exerted a proangiogenic influence on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, with increases in genes encoding receptors for growth factors (KDR, FGFR1 and EGFR) and inflammatory mediators (TLR4 and TNFR1). Finally, exercise increased CD62E+ endothelial MPs in men and increased CD34+ MPs in women. Our work highlights the potential role of CD62E+ cells as a novel, exercise‐responsive proangiogenic cell population and demonstrates sex‐specific exercise‐induced changes in circulating MPs.
From synaptically localized to volume transmission by nitric oxide
Authors: Garthwaite John
Published: October 2015

Nitric oxide (NO) functions widely as a transmitter/diffusible second messenger in the central nervous system, exerting physiological effects in target cells by binding to specialized guanylyl cyclase‐coupled receptors, resulting in cGMP generation. Despite having many context‐dependent physiological roles and being implicated in numerous disease states, there has been a lack of clarity about the ways that NO operates at the cellular and subcellular levels. Recently, several approaches have been used to try to gain a more concrete, quantitative understanding of this unique signalling pathway. These approaches have included analysing the kinetics of NO receptor function, real‐time imaging of cellular NO signal transduction in target cells, and the use of ultrasensitive detector cells to record NO as it is being generated from native sources in brain tissue. The current picture is that, when formed in a synapse, NO is likely to act only very locally, probably mostly within the confines of that synapse, and to exist only in picomolar concentrations. Nevertheless, closely neighbouring synapses may also be within reach, raising the possibility of synaptic crosstalk. By engaging its enzyme‐coupled receptors, the low NO concentrations are able to stimulate physiological (submicromolar) increases in cGMP concentration in an activity‐dependent manner. When many NO‐emitting neurones or synapses are active simultaneously in a tissue region, NO can act more like a volume transmitter to influence, and perhaps coordinate, the behaviour of cells within that region, irrespective of their identity and anatomical connectivity.
Gating modes of calcium‐activated chloride channels TMEM16A and TMEM16B
Authors: Cruz‐Rangel Silvia , De Jesús‐Pérez José J. , Contreras‐Vite Juan A. , Pérez‐Cornejo Patricia , Hartzell H. Criss , Arreola Jorge
Published: October 2015

Key points

Calcium‐activated chloride channels TMEM16A and TMEM16B support important physiological processes such as fast block of polyspermy, fluid secretion, control of blood pressure and sensory transduction.

Given the physiological importance of TMEM16 channels, it is important to study how incoming stimuli activate these channels. Here we study how channels open and close and how the process of gating is regulated.

We show that TMEM16A and TMEM16B display fast and slow gating. These gating modes are regulated by voltage and external chloride.

Dual gating explains the complex time course of the anion current.

Residues within the first intracellular loop of the channel influence the slow gating mode.

Dual gating is an intrinsic property observed in endogenous calcium‐activated chloride channels and could be relevant to physiological processes that require sustained chloride ion movement.

TMEM16A and TMEM16B are molecular components of the physiologically relevant calcium‐activated chloride channels (CaCCs) present in many tissues. Their gating is dictated by membrane voltage (Vm), intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and external permeant anions. As a consequence, the chloride current (ICl) kinetics is complex. For example, TMEM16A ICl activates slowly with a non‐mono‐exponential time course while TMEM16B ICl activates rapidly following a mono‐exponential behaviour. To understand the underlying mechanism responsible for the complex activation kinetics, we recorded ICl from HEK‐293 cells transiently transfected with either TMEM16A or TMEM16B as well as from mouse parotid acinar cells. Two distinct Vm‐dependent gating modes were uncovered: a fast‐mode on the millisecond time scale followed by a slow mode on the second time scale. Using long (20 s) depolarizing pulses both gating modes were activated, and a slowly rising ICl was recorded in whole‐cell and inside‐out patches. The amplitude of ICl at the end of the long pulse nearly doubled and was blocked by 100 μm tannic acid. The slow gating mode was strongly reduced by decreasing the [Cl−]o from 140 to 30 mm and by altering the sequence of the first intracellular loop. Mutating 480RSQ482 to AVK in the first intracellular loop of TMEM16B nearly abolished slow gating, but, mutating 448AVK451 to RSQ in TMEM16A has little effect. Deleting 448EAVK451 residues in TMEM16A reduced slow gating. We conclude that TMEM16 CaCCs have intrinsic Vm‐ and Cl−‐sensitive dual gating that elicits complex ICl kinetics.
Output Feedback Attitude Tracking for Spacecraft Under Control Saturation and Disturbance
Authors: Hu Qinglei , Jiang Boyan , Zhang Youmin
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a class of velocity-free attitude stable controller using a novel finite-time observer for spacecraft attitude tracking, which explicitly takes into account control input saturation to assure fast and accurate response and to achieve effective compensation to the effect of external disturbance as well. First, a novel semiglobal finite-time convergent observer is proposed to estimate the angular velocity in a finite-time under external disturbance. Then, a simple global output feedback controller is proposed by adoption of the designed finite-time observer. Rigorous proofs show that the proposed observer can achieve the finite-time stability and the controller rigorously enforces actuator magnitude constraints. Numerical simulations illustrate the spacecraft performance obtained using the proposed controller.
Integrating primary and secondary care for children and young people: sharing practice
Authors: Woodman Jenny , Lewis Hannah , Cheung Ronny , Gilbert Ruth , Wijlaars Linda PMM
Published: October 2015

Objective

To share innovative practice with enough detail to be useful for paediatricians involved in planning services.

Design

A review of practice, adopting a realist approach.

Setting

We collected detailed information about five initiatives which were presented at two meetings in July and October 2014 and telephone interviews between July and November 2014 with key informants, updating information again in February 2015.

Results

The five case studies involved three clinical commissioning groups (CCGs): Islington CCG and Southwark and Lambeth CCG in London and Taunton CCG in the Southwest. All five initiatives involved acute paediatric units. We heard about four distinct types of services designed to bring paediatric expertise into primary care and/or improve joint working between paediatricians and primary care professionals: telephone multidisciplinary team, hospital at home, general practitioner (GP) outreach clinics, and advice and guidance. We defined four common ways that initiatives might work: promoting shared responsibility; upskilling GPs; establishing relationships between paediatricians and primary healthcare professionals; and by taking specialist care to the patient.

Conclusions

We derived common aims and mechanisms and generated programme (mid-level) theory for each integrated care initiative about how they might work. These descriptions of what is being done can inform debate about which interventions should be prioritised for wider implementation. There is an urgent need for evaluation of these interventions and more indepth research into how mechanisms and their effectiveness could be assessed.
Long-term follow-up and suboptimal treatment rates of treatment-eligible chronic hepatitis B patients in diverse practice settings: a gap in linkage to care
Authors: Vu Vinh D , Do Ailinh , Nguyen Nghia H , Kim Lily H , Trinh Huy N , Nguyen Huy A , Nguyen Khanh K , Nguyen My , Huynh Andrew , Nguyen Mindie H
Published: October 2015

Background and aims

Despite available effective therapies, only a minority of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receive treatment. Our goal is to study treatment rates and time to treatment initiation in patients who meet treatment criteria on long-term follow-up.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 608 consecutive treatment-eligible patients with CHB (by 2008 US Panel or 2009 American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) criteria) at a US community gastroenterology clinic and a university liver clinic between 2007 and 2011. Patients were observed until they started treatment or last follow-up if untreated.

Results

Mean age was 44 and most were Asian (96%) with community patients being younger and having lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. A total of 62% started treatment, and 38% remained untreated after median follow-up of 17 months (IQR=1–40 months). Overall, treatment rate was significantly higher at university liver clinic than in the community (66.7% vs 59.9%, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, older age (HR 1.02, p=0.002), male gender (HR 1.37, p=0.02), and baseline ALT >45 U/L for males and >29 U/L for females (HR 2.24, p<0.0001) were significant predictors of treatment initiation, but not practice setting.

Conclusions

Approximately 40% of treatment-eligible patients still have not started treatment on longer follow-up. Treatment rates were higher at university clinics, but practice setting was not a predictor for treatment, but older age, male gender, and higher ALT levels were. Further studies are needed to determine the barriers for treatment initiation and to improve treatment rates in treatment-eligible patients.
Identifying plant species using architectural features in leaf microscopy images
Authors: Florindo Joao Batista , Bruno Odemir Martinez , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Kolb Rosana Marta , Gómez Maria Cecilia , Landini Gabriel
Published: October 2015

This work proposes an analytical method to identify plant species based on microscopy images of the midrib cross-section of leaves. Unlike previous shape-based approaches based on the individual shape of external contours and cells, an architectural analysis is proposed, where the midrib is semi-automatically segmented and partitioned into histologically relevant structures composed of layers of cells and vascular structures. Using a sequence of morphological operations, a set of geometrical measures from the cells in each layer is extracted to produce a vector of features for species categorization. The method applied to a database containing 10 species of plants from the Brazilian flora achieved a success rate of 91.7%, outperforming other classical shape-based approaches published in the literature.
Experimental and computational investigations of platinum complexes of selenium diimide and some novel selenium–nitrogen ligands
Authors: Karhu Aino J. , Risto Maarit , Rautiainen J. Mikko , Oilunkaniemi Raija , Chivers Tristram , Laitinen Risto S.
Published: October 2015

The reaction of selenium diimide Se[N(t-Bu)]2 and PtCl2 afforded an N,N′-chelated complex [PtCl2{N,N′-Se[N(t-Bu)]2}] (1) in good yield and [PtCl2{N,N′-SeO[NH(t-Bu)]2}] (2) as a minor product. Attempts to prepare 2 by direct reaction of SeOCl2 with Li[NH(t-Bu)] in toluene followed by addition of PtCl2 produced cyclic Se4[N(t-Bu)]4 in solution (77Se NMR spectrum) and a small amount of the complex [PtCl3{Se,Se′,Se″-Se4[N(t-Bu)]4}][Pt2Cl5{Se,Se′,Se″-Se3[N(t-Bu)]2}]·3MeCN (3·3MeCN), which contains tridentate Se4[N(t-Bu)]4 in the cation and the novel, acyclic bridging ligand [SeN(t-Bu)SeN(t-Bu)Se]2– in the anion. The reaction of Se[N(t-Bu)]2 with [PtCl2(NCPh)2] in THF produced the dinuclear complex [Pt2Cl6{SeN(t-Bu)C(Ph)NH}2]·2C4H8O (4·2THF) as the major product and only a few crystals of 1. The possible formation of SeO[NH(t-Bu)]2 or 2 by the reaction of Se[N(t-Bu)]2 or 1, respectively, with adventitious water and the pathway for the production of 4 were investigated through density functional theory calculations. The X-ray structures of 1, 2, 3·3MeCN, and 4·2THF have been determined.
Silurian conodont biostratigraphy and carbon (δ13Ccarb) isotope stratigraphy of the Victor Mine (V-03-270-AH) core in the Moose River Basin
Authors: Bancroft Alyssa M. , Brunton Frank R. , Kleffner Mark A.
Published: October 2015

The Moose River Basin in Ontario, Canada, contains nearly 1 km of Silurian marine strata, and although it has been studied for more than a century, its precise correlation globally has not been constrained. Herein, a core from the Victor Mine in the Moose River Basin was examined for conodont biostratigraphy and carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb) isotope chemostratigraphy to provide a detailed chronostratigraphic framework for the Silurian strata (Severn River, Ekwan River, and Attawapiskat formations) in the Moose River Basin. The recovery of Aspelundia expansa, Aspelundia fluegeli fluegeli, Distomodus staurognathoides, Ozarkodina polinclinata estonica, Pterospathodus eopennatus, and Aulacognathus bullatus, as well as the lower Aeronian, upper Aeronian, lower Telychian (Valgu), and ascending limb of the Sheinwoodian (Ireviken) positive carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb) isotope excursions provide significantly improved chronostratigraphic correlation of Llandovery strata in the Moose River Basin.
Characterization of Protein Using Two-Port STW Resonators
Authors: Dhagat Vishal M. , Kahl Jonathan , Kalonia Devendra , Jain Faquir C.
Published: October 2015

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) is an acoustic, mechanical wave that propagates on the surface of a piezoelectric crystal. Coupling to any medium that interacts the surface strongly affects the velocity and amplitude of the wave. In a typical surface transversal wave (STW) resonator, an electrical signal is converted at interdigital transducers (IDT’s) into polarized transversal waves travelling parallel to the sensing surface, utilizing the piezoelectric properties of the substrate material. This approach is very sensitive to biological interactions on the sensor surface. Typically, the wave transmitted is confined to the surface of the substrate. Thus, the acoustic energy is concentrated within the guiding layer rather than in the bulk of the piezoelectric material. The sensitivity of the sensor for surface modifications is increased, by the choice of material, and the design of the guiding layer as well as by the structure of the sensor and the transducers. The output signals are transformed in terms of their frequency or phase with respect to the input signals, due to the interaction of the input signal with the fluid contacting the sensitive surface. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices hold a promise in providing ultra fast sensing platform. Research focus is on studying methods to characterize conductance, susceptance, viscosity, and other properties of protein samples, like albumin using Two-Port Surface Transverse Wave (STW) resonator devices quickly and inexpensively using nano-liter volume. When a mass is deposited on the electrode the resultant decrease in resonant frequency can detect mass changes at nanogram level. We propose to advance the sensitivity of the characterization by use of quartz Two-Port STW resonator since they can operate at much higher frequency than bulk wave oscillators.
‘A Splendid Position’: The life, achievements and contradictions of Sir Arthur Smith Woodward 1864–1944
Authors: Shindler Karolyn , Smith Mike
Published: October 2015

Arthur Smith Woodward commanded international respect and acclaim. He was honoured in scientific circles from Russia to the Americas and throughout Europe, particularly for his outstanding work on fossil fish. He was distinguished in both his exceptional abilities as a vertebrate palaeontologist and in his tall, authoritative presence. He appeared confident, contained and in control, while his intellectual gifts had been apparent from a very early age. He was a remarkable scientist, but a man whose reputation has for too long been seen through the prism of the Piltdown forgery.
Lady Smith Woodward's memories: introduction
Authors: Smith Mike , Shindler Karolyn
Published: October 2015

When Sir Arthur Smith Woodward began to lose his sight around 1940, his wife Maud persuaded him to record his memoirs. When he died in 1944, they were incomplete and Lady Smith Woodward added her own reminiscences to them with a view to having the whole published. It was not, and the manuscript was donated to the Museum by their daughter Margaret in 1966. These ‘Memories’ are now being made available online for the first time. They provide an invaluable insight into the lives of this eminent scientist and his wife, his constant companion through 50 years of marriage.

Supplementary material:

Lady Smith Woodward's original typed manuscript has been transcribed, with footnotes and a few illustrations added. It is available at:
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18867
Arthur Smith Woodward, Florentino Ameghino and the first Jurassic ‘Sea Crocodile’ from South America
Authors: Steel Lorna , Buffetaut Eric
Published: October 2015

The Natural History Museum (NHMUK) fossil reptile collections contain a set of specimens sent to Arthur Smith Woodward in 1908 by the Argentinian palaeontologist, Florentino Ameghino. This collection includes a skull and other material of
Cricosaurus
, a metriorhynchid thalattosuchian (or ‘sea crocodile’), a group of marine crocodylomorphs that existed from at least the Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. Handwritten labels in Spanish, probably by Ameghino, and notes in English signed by Smith Woodward are still with the specimens. Using Ameghino and Smith Woodward's correspondence to investigate the history of the specimens, we have determined that they came from the Vaca Muerta Formation of the Neuquén Basin in Patagonia, they were in the fossil collection of the Museo Nacional, Buenos Aires (MNBA) and that Ameghino loaned them to Smith Woodward for a study that was never published. Therefore, they will be returned to Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’, Buenos Aires. These fossils, although not the most impressive, are probably the first metriorhynchid material collected in South America.
Increased intramyocellular lipid/impaired insulin sensitivity is associated with altered lipid metabolic genes in muscle of high responders to a high-fat diet
Authors: Kakehi Saori , Tamura Yoshifumi , Takeno Kageumi , Sakurai Yuko , Kawaguchi Minako , Watanabe Takahiro , Funayama Takashi , Sato Fumihiko , Ikeda Shin-ichi , Kanazawa Akio , Fujitani Yoshio , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: October 2015

The accumulation of intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) is recognized as an important determinant of insulin resistance, and is increased by a high-fat diet (HFD). However, the effects of HFD on IMCL and insulin sensitivity are highly variable. The aim of this study was to identify the genes in muscle that are related to this inter-individual variation. Fifty healthy men were recruited for this study. Before and after HFD for 3 days, IMCL levels in the tibialis anterior were measured by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and peripheral insulin sensitivity was evaluated by glucose infusion rate (GIR) during the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Subjects who showed a large increase in IMCL and a large decrease in GIR by HFD were classified as high responders (HRs), and subjects who showed a small increase in IMCL and a small decrease in GIR were classified as low responders (LRs). In five subjects from each group, the gene expression profile of the vastus lateralis muscle was analyzed by DNA microarray analysis. Before HFD, gene expression profiles related to lipid metabolism were comparable between the two groups. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that five gene sets related to lipid metabolism were upregulated by HFD in the HR group but not in the LR group. Changes in gene expression patterns were confirmed by qRT-PCR using more samples (LR, n = 9; HR, n = 11). These results suggest that IMCL accumulation/impaired insulin sensitivity after HFD is closely associated with changes in the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in muscle.
Disruption of REDD1 gene ameliorates sepsis-induced decrease in mTORC1 signaling but has divergent effects on proteolytic signaling in skeletal muscle
Authors: Steiner Jennifer L. , Crowell Kristen T. , Kimball Scot R. , Lang Charles H.
Published: October 2015

Sepsis-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness are due in part to decreased mTORC1-mediated protein synthesis and increased proteolysis via the autophagy-lysosomal system and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage-1) protein is increased in sepsis and can negatively regulate mTORC1 activity. However, the contribution of REDD1 to the sepsis-induced change in muscle protein synthesis and degradation has not been determined. Sepsis was produced by cecal ligation and puncture in female REDD1−/− or wild-type (WT) mice, and end points were assessed 24 h later in gastrocnemius; time-matched, pair-fed controls of each genotype were included. Sepsis increased REDD1 protein 300% in WT mice, whereas REDD1 was absent in REDD1−/− muscle. Sepsis decreased protein synthesis and phosphorylation of downstream targets of mTORC1 (S6K1 Thr389, rpS6 Ser240/244, 4E-BP1 Ser65) in WT but not REDD1−/− mice. However, Akt and PRAS40 phosphorylation was suppressed in both sham and septic muscle from REDD1−/− mice despite unaltered PDK1, PP2A, or TSC2 expression. Sepsis increased autophagy as indicated by decreased ULK1 Ser757 phosphorylation and p62 abundance and increased LC3B-II/I in WT mice, whereas these changes were absent in septic REDD1−/− mice. Conversely, REDD1 deletion did not prevent the sepsis-induced decrease in IGF-I mRNA or the concomitant increase in IL-6, TNFα, MuRF1, and atrogin1 mRNA expression. Lastly, 5-day survival in a separate set of septic mice did not differ between WT and REDD1−/− mice. These data highlight the central role of REDD1 in regulating both protein synthesis and autophagy in skeletal muscle during sepsis.
Bone microstructural defects and osteopenia in hemizygous βIVSII-654knockin thalassemic mice: sex-dependent changes in bone density and osteoclast function
Authors: Thongchote Kanogwun , Svasti Saovaros , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Suntornsaratoon Panan , Krishnamra Nateetip , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: October 2015

β-Thalassemia, a hereditary anemic disorder, is often associated with skeletal complications that can be found in both males and females. The present study aimed to investigate the age- and sex-dependent changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microstructure in βIVSII-654knockin thalassemic mice. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computer-assisted bone histomorphometry were employed to investigate temporal changes in BMD and histomorphometric parameters in male and female mice of a βIVSII-654knockin mouse model of human β-thalassemia, in which impaired splicing of β-globin transcript was caused by hemizygous C→T mutation at nucleotide 654 of intron 2. Young, growing βIVSII-654mice (1 mo old) manifested shorter bone length and lower BMD than their wild-type littermates, indicating possible growth retardation and osteopenia, the latter of which persisted until 8 mo of age (adult mice). Interestingly, two-way analysis of variance suggested an interaction between sex and βIVSII-654genotype, i.e., more severe osteopenia in adult female mice. Bone histomorphometry further suggested that low trabecular bone volume in male βIVSII-654mice, particularly during a growing period (1–2 mo), was primarily due to suppression of bone formation, whereas both a low bone formation rate and a marked increase in osteoclast surface were observed in female βIVSII-654mice. In conclusion, osteopenia and trabecular microstructural defects were present in both male and female βIVSII-654knockin thalassemic mice, but the severity, disease progression, and cellular mechanism differed between the sexes.
Diabetes prevalence in NZO females depends on estrogen action on liver fat content
Authors: Lubura Marko , Hesse Deike , Kraemer Maria , Hallahan Nicole , Schupp Michael , Löffelholz Christian von , Kriebel Jennifer , Rudovich Natalia , Pfeiffer Andreas , John Clara , Scheja Ludger , Heeren Joerg , Koliaki Chryssi , Roden Michael , Schürmann Annette
Published: October 2015

In humans and rodents, risk of metabolic syndrome is sexually dimorphic, with an increased incidence in males. Additionally, the protective role of female gonadal hormones is ostensible, as prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases after menopause. Here, we investigated the influence of estrogen (E2) on the onset of T2DM in female New Zealand obese (NZO) mice. Diabetes prevalence (defined as blood glucose levels >16.6 mmol/l) of NZO females on high-fat diet (60 kcal% fat) in week 22 was 43%. This was markedly dependent on liver fat content in week 10, as detected by computed tomography. Only mice with a liver fat content >9% in week 10 plus glucose levels >10 mmol/l in week 9 developed hyperglycemia by week 22. In addition, at 11 wk, diacylglycerols were elevated in livers of diabetes-prone mice compared with controls. Hepatic expression profiles obtained from diabetes-prone and -resistant mice at 11 wk revealed increased abundance of two transcripts in diabetes-prone mice: Mogat1, which catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerols from monoacylglycerol and fatty acyl-CoA, and the fatty acid transporter Cd36. E2treatment of diabetes-prone mice for 10 wk prevented any further increase in liver fat content and reduced diacylglycerols and the abundance of Mogat1 and Cd36, leading to a reduction of diabetes prevalence and an improved glucose tolerance compared with untreated mice. Our data indicate that early elevation of hepatic Cd36 and Mogat1 associates with increased production and accumulation of triglycerides and diacylglycerols, presumably resulting in reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity and leading to later onset of T2DM.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide immunoneutralization attenuates development of obesity in mice
Authors: Boylan Michael O. , Glazebrook Patricia A. , Tatalovic Milos , Wolfe M. Michael
Published: October 2015

Previous reports have suggested that the abrogation of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) signaling could be exploited to prevent and treat obesity and obesity-related disorders in humans. This study was designed to determine whether immunoneutralization of GIP, using a newly developed specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), would prevent the development of obesity. Specific mAb directed against the carboxy terminus of mouse GIP was identified, and its effects on the insulin response to oral and to intraperitoneal (ip) glucose and on weight gain were evaluated. Administration of mAb (30 mg/kg body wt, BW) to mice attenuated the insulin response to oral glucose by 70% and completely eliminated the response to ip glucose coadministered with human GIP. Nine-week-old C57BL/6 mice injected with GIP mAbs (60 mg·kg BW−1·wk−1) for 17 wk gained 46.5% less weight than control mice fed an identical high-fat diet ( P < 0.001). No significant differences in the quantity of food consumed were detected between the two treatment groups. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that subcutaneous, omental, and hepatic fat were 1.97-, 3.46-, and 2.15-fold, respectively, lower in mAb-treated animals than in controls. Moreover, serum insulin, leptin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides were significantly reduced, whereas the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/TC ratio was 1.25-fold higher in treated animals than in controls. These studies support the hypothesis that a reduction in GIP signaling using a GIP-neutralizing mAb might provide a useful method for the treatment and prevention of obesity and related disorders.
A Comparative Study on Sensitivity-Based Damage Detection Methods in Bridges
Authors: Mirzaee Akbar , Abbasnia Reza , Shayanfar Mohsenali
Published: October 2015

This paper provides a comparative study on four different sensitivity-based damage detection methods for bridges. The methods investigated in this study are approximation approach, semianalytical discrete approach, and analytical discrete approach, which includes direct differential and adjoint variable methods. These sensitivity-based methods utilize finite element model updating procedure and allow a wide choice of physically meaningful parameters leading to vast range of applications in damage detection. The most important difficulty in these methods is calculation of sensitivity matrix. Calculation of this massive matrix is repeated in each iteration and has a significant effect on the efficiency of method. In this study, the acceleration measurements are simulated from the solution to the forward problem using finite element method under moving load with various speeds, along with the addition of artificially produced measurement noise. Various damaged structures with different damage patterns including single, multiple, and random damage are considered and efficiency of four sensitivity methods is compared. Moreover, various possible sources of error such as the effects of measurement noise as well as initial assumption error in stability of the methods are also discussed.
Botanical Drugs as an Emerging Strategy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review
Authors: Algieri Francesca , Rodriguez-Nogales Alba , Rodriguez-Cabezas M. Elena , Risco Severiano , Ocete M. Angeles , Galvez Julio
Published: October 2015

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common categories of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestine that comprises the patients’ life quality and requires sustained pharmacological and surgical treatments. Since their aetiology is not completely understood, nonfully efficient drugs have been developed and those that show effectiveness are not devoid of quite important adverse effects that impair their long‐term use. Therefore, many patients try with some botanical drugs, which are safe and efficient after many years of use. However, it is necessary to properly evaluate these therapies to consider a new strategy for human IBD. In this report we have reviewed the main botanical drugs that have been assessed in clinical trials in human IBD and the mechanisms and the active compounds proposed for their beneficial effects.
Computation and Analysis of High Rocky Slope Safety in a Water Conservancy Project
Authors: Yang Meng , Su Huaizhi , Yan Xiaoqun
Published: October 2015

An integrated method, covering the actual monitoring analysis, practical geological model, and theoretical mathematical simulation model, is systematically proposed and successfully applied. Deformation characteristic of a unique high rocky slope was firstly analyzed from multiple angles and multiple layers by changeable elevations and distances. Arrangements of monitoring points were listed and monitoring equipment was designed to comprise a complete monitoring system. Present larger displacement was concluded for bottom larger displacement caused by water erosion and middle larger displacement formed by seepage. Temporal and spatial displacements rule study of multiple-points linkage effects with water factor proved this conclusion. To better excavate useful message and analyze the deep rule from the practical monitoring data, the slope geological model was conducted and rock mechanic parameters were researched. Finally, a unique three-dimensional finite element model was applied to approach the structure character using numerical simulations. The corresponding strength criterion was used to determine the safety coefficient by selecting a typical section. Subsequently, an integrated three-dimensional finite element model of the slope and dam was developed and more detailed deformation evolution mechanism was revealed. This study is expected to provide a powerful and systematic method to analyze very high, important, and dangerous slopes.
A Cognitive-Radio-Based Method for Improving Availability in Body Sensor Networks
Authors: León Olga , Hernández-Serrano Juan , Garrigues Carles , Rifà-Pous Helena
Published: October 2015

One of the main threats to body sensor networks (BSNs) is Denial of Service attacks that disrupt communications used to transmit patients’ health data. The application of cognitive radio (CR) technology into BSNs can mitigate such a threat and improve network availability, by allowing network nodes to cooperatively agree on a new radio channel whenever the quality of the channel being in use decreases. However, the cooperative spectrum sensing mechanisms used by CRs should also be protected to prevent an attacker from predicting the new channel of operation. In this work, we present a lightweight and robust mechanism that appropriately secures the channel selection process while minimizing resources consumption, thus being suited for resource constrained devices such as body sensor nodes. The proposed method has been analyzed in terms of energy consumption and transmission overhead and it has been shown that it outperforms existing cryptographic approaches.
Fixed Point Theorems of Binary Contraction Comparable Operators and an Application
Authors: Liu Zhan , Zhu Chuanxi
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is to present the concept of binary comparable operators in partially ordered Banach spaces and prove several fixed point theorems under some contractive conditions. The results of this paper can be used to investigate a large class of nonlinear problems. As an application, we study the existence of solution of a nonlinear integral equation.
Hepatosplenic Abscesses and Osteomyelitis of the Spine in an Immunocompetent Adult with Cat Scratch Disease
Authors: Knafl D. , Lötsch F. , Burgmann H. , Goliasch G. , Poeppl W. , Ramharter M. , Thalhammer F. , Schuster C.
Published: October 2015

We present an 18-year-old, immunocompetent Austrian military conscript with cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, back-pain, and persistent inflammation markers despite two weeks of antimicrobial therapy with ampicillin/sulbactam. All specific laboratory investigations for identification of a specific etiology, including blood cultures and autoantibodies, were inconspicuous. Abdominal computed tomography showed multiple hypodense hepatosplenic lesions and osteomyelitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine with base plate fracture. Based on the patient’s history, clinical presentation, and radiological findings, serology for cat scratch disease (CSD) was performed and highB. henselaespecific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected. Due to its variety of clinical presentations, diagnosis of CSD is challenging, especially in the absence of a history of specific exposure. This case report shall remind the physician that cat scratch disease is a common disease, mainly presenting with fever and lymphadenopathy in young patients. Nevertheless CSD has many different and rare forms of presentations, including hepatosplenic lesions and bone involvement as shown in this case.
The Success of Cataract Surgery and the Preoperative Measurement of Retinal Function by Electrophysiological Techniques
Authors: An Jing , Zhang Lei , Wang Yusheng , Zhang Zuoming
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To study the effect of different electrophysiological methods to evaluate retinal function prior to cataract surgery.Methods. Cataract patients who had no significant other eye disease were chosen. VA, pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP), electroretinogram (ERG), and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses were measured from 150 cataract patients and 20 control subjects.Results. When the preoperative VA was more than 0.3 in cataract patients, the amplitude of PVEP was not significantly different between cataract and control subjects. The amplitude of central point mfERG was significantly lower in cataract patients compared with control group from HM to 0.8 of preoperative VA. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the amplitudes of center point mfERG were calculated for a range of preoperative VA values. Most of the patients within 95% CI of the center point mfERG had a postoperative VA more than 0.5.Conclusions. The amplitude of central point mfERG in cataract patients was the most relevant parameter to the preoperative VA compared with PVEP and ERG. The 95% CI of the amplitude of central point mfERG for each level of VA could help to evaluate preoperative macular function which is used to predict the outcome of cataract surgery.
Effects of Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Comparison with Other Physical Modalities Used with Kinesitherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gizińska Małgorzata , Rutkowski Radosław , Romanowski Wojciech , Lewandowski Jacek , Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna
Published: October 2015

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) has been frequently used to supplement the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of WBC and traditional rehabilitation (TR) on clinical parameters and systemic levels of IL-6, TNF-αin patients with RA. The study group comprised 25 patients who were subjected to WBC (−110°C) and 19 patients who underwent a traditional rehabilitation program. Some clinical variables and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were used to assess the outcomes. After therapy both groups exhibited similar improvement in pain, disease activity, fatigue, time of walking, and the number of steps over a distance of 50 m. Only significantly better results were observed in HAQ in TR group (p< 0.05). However, similar significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-αlevel was observed. The results showed positive effects of a 2-week rehabilitation program for patients with RA regardless of the kind of the applied physical procedure.
Two-Temperature Generalized Thermoviscoelasticity with Fractional Order Strain Subjected to Moving Heat Source: State Space Approach
Authors: Yadav Renu , Kalkal Kapil Kumar , Deswal Sunita
Published: October 2015

The theory of generalized thermoelasticity with fractional order strain is employed to study the problem of one-dimensional disturbances in a viscoelastic solid in the presence of a moving internal heat source and subjected to a mechanical load. The problem is in the context of Green-Naghdi theory of thermoelasticity with energy dissipation. Laplace transform and state space techniques are used to obtain the general solution for a set of boundary conditions. To tackle the expression of heat source, Fourier transform is also employed. The expressions for different field parameters such as displacement, stress, thermodynamical temperature, and conductive temperature in the physical domain are derived by the application of numerical inversion technique. The effects of fractional order strain, two-temperature parameter, viscosity, and velocity of internal heat source on the field variables are depicted graphically for copper material. Some special cases of interest have also been presented.
The Role of Vitamin D in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Review of the Literature
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Hamid Zujaja-Tul-Noor
Published: October 2015

The dietary reference values for Vitamin D were set primarily considering its role in bone health, but with the discovery of Vitamin D receptors throughout body tissues, new links with other health conditions are now studied, such as for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This paper shall analyze and examine all new research studies carried out, especially in 2013–2015 regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Vast research has been carried out to establish strong relationship between Vitamin D serum levels, supplementation, diabetes, and CVD. However, the results from researches identified in this paper are disputable. Benefits of Vitamin D adequate levels were recognized from gestational period until later in disease development such as diabetes and/or CVD, but since not all studies are in agreement further investigation is suggested. Researches conducting large randomized controlled trials, exploring range of supplement doses, with variable baseline serum Vitamin D levels, and inclusion of array of associated parameters, are still required to conduct large-scale analysis and draw conclusion as a risk factor. Until then it is possible to conclude that maintenance of serum Vitamin D levels holds advantageous aspects in diabetic and cardiovascular conditions, and people should strive to attain them.
ProfilingβThalassemia Mutations in Consanguinity and Nonconsanguinity for Prenatal Screening and Awareness Programme
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Arya Vandana , Agarwal Sarita
Published: October 2015

Mutation spectrum varies significantly in different parts and different ethnic groups of India. Social factors such as preference to marry within the community and among 1st degree relatives (consanguinity) play an important role in impeding the gene pool of the disease within the community and so in society by and large. The present paper discusses the role of consanguinity in profiling of beta thalassemia mutation, and thus the approach for prenatal screening and prevention based awareness programme. Clinically diagnosed 516 cases of beta thalassemia were screened at molecular level. A detailed clinical Proforma was recorded with the information of origin of the family, ethnicity, and consanguinity. The present study reports that subjects originating from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand have c.92+5G>C and c.124_127delTTCT mutation as the commonest mutation compared to the subjects hailing from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and Nepal where sickle mutation was found more common. In 40 consanguineous unions more common and specific beta mutations with higher rate of homozygosity have been reported. This consanguinity-based data helps not only in deciding target oriented prenatal diagnostic strategies but also in objective based awareness programmes in prevention of thalassemia major birth.
High-Order Sliding Mode-Based Synchronous Control of a Novel Stair-Climbing Wheelchair Robot
Authors: Liu Juanxiu , Wu Yifei , Guo Jian , Chen Qingwei
Published: October 2015

For the attitude control of a novel stair-climbing wheelchair with inertial uncertainties and external disturbance torques, a new synchronous control method is proposed via combing high-order sliding mode control techniques with cross-coupling techniques. For this purpose, a proper controller is designed, which can improve the performance of the system under conditions of uncertainties and torque perturbations and also can guarantee the synchronization of the system. Firstly, a robust high-order sliding mode control law is designed to track the desired position trajectories effectively. Secondly, considering the coordination of the multiple joints, a high-order sliding mode synchronization controller is designed to reduce the synchronization errors and tracking errors based on the controller designed previously. Stability of the closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov theory. The simulation is performed by MATLAB to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller. By comparing the simulation results of two controllers, it is obvious that the proposed scheme has better performance and stronger robustness.