bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s Disease is Associated With Greater Regularity of Repetitive Voluntary Movements
Authors: Powell Douglas W. , Muthumani Anburaj , Xia Ruiping
Published: January 2014

Bradykinesia is a cardinal symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both aging and disease are shown to be associated with decreased adaptability to environmental stresses characterized by reduced complexity (or increased regularity) of biorhythms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regularity of movement in individuals with PD, and the effect of dopaminergic medication. Nine subjects with PD and eight controls performed wrist flexion/extension movements at maximal velocity and range of motion. Subjects with PD were tested under two medication conditions. Approximate entropy (ApEn) was calculated to assess the regularity of the movement, with the smaller value associated with the greater regularity. Data revealed that subjects with PD had lower ApEn values than controls. Medication did not alter the ApEn values. These findings demonstrate that impaired voluntary movement in individuals with PD is associated with increased regularity of movement and this exaggerated regularity appears less sensitive to anti-PD medication.
Frequency and Pattern of Rhythmic Leg Movement in Humans After Fatiguing Exercises
Authors: Hansen Ernst A. , Voigt Michael , Kersting Uwe G. , Madeleine Pascal
Published: January 2014

In the current study we investigated changes in voluntary rhythmic leg movement frequency (freely chosen cycling cadence) and rhythmic movement pattern (tangential pedal force profile) after fatiguing hip flexion and hip extension exercises. Nine healthy individuals performed ergometer cycling at freely chosen cadence and at a cadence of 1 Hz before and after fatiguing hip flexion and hip extension exercises. The freely chosen cadence was not affected after fatiguing exercises. An alteration of key characteristics of the tangential pedal force profile was found during cycling at a cadence of 1 Hz after hip flexion exercise. Thus, minimum tangential pedal force decreased by 12.0 ± 11.3% (p = .006), while maximum tangential pedal force increased by 4.6 ± 4.2% (p = .011), and the phase with negative tangential pedal force increased by 2.6 ± 3.2% (p = .040). In conclusion, novel information was obtained on aspects of rhythmic leg movement behavior in form of pedaling after fatiguing exercise.
Prehension Synergies During Fatigue of a Single Digit: Adaptations in Control With Referent Configurations
Authors: Singh Tarkeshwar , Zatsiorsky Vladimir M. , Latash Mark L.
Published: January 2014

The effects of muscle fatigue on the stability of precision grasps are not well known. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of exercise-induced fatigue of a digit on prehension synergies in a static precision grasp. One group of participants performed the fatiguing exercise using the thumb (group-thumb) and the second group performed the exercise using the index finger (group-index). Grasp force and load-resisting force-stabilizing synergies were weaker during fatigue for group-thumb and showed no significant change for group-index. These results indicate that fatiguing the thumb compromises the stability of the precision grasp more than when the index finger is fatigued. Our results support the idea of hierarchical organization of prehension control. We proffer an explanation of our results based on two control constructs: a) Principle of superposition. This principle states that prehension can be viewed as a superposition of two independent processes controlling the slip and the tilt of the object respectively; and b) The referent configuration hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the neural control of actions is associated with defining a set of referent values for task-related coordinates (given an external force field) defined as the referent configuration.
NCAA Athletic Administrators’ Preferred Characteristics for Sport Psychology Positions: A Consumer Market Analysis
Authors: Connole Ian J. , Watson Jack C. , Shannon Vanessa R. , Wrisberg Craig , Etzel Edward , Schimmel Christine
Published: January 2014

This study used a consumer marketing approach to investigate the market for sport psychology positions in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions. Athletic administrators’ (AA) preferences for various sport psychology positions were compared based on time commitment, affiliation, payment, services, and clients. Results indicated that AAs were most attracted to positions that included (a) part-time commitment, (b) athletic department employment, (c) payment via annual salary, (d) both performance and mental health related services, and (d) work with athletes, teams, and athletics staff members. Over two thirds of the 478 AAs sampled were interested in hiring a sport psychology professional to fill that position. It was concluded that the field of sport psychology collaborate across disciplines and emphasize multiple options for meeting the perceived needs of NCAA athletic departments.
Gene Therapy Prolongs Survival and Restores Function in Murine and Canine Models of Myotubular Myopathy
Authors: Childers Martin K. , Joubert Romain , Poulard Karine , Moal Christelle , Grange Robert W. , Doering Jonathan A. , Lawlor Michael W. , Rider Branden E. , Jamet Thibaud , Danièle Nathalie , Martin Samia , Rivière Christel , Soker Thomas , Hammer Caroline , Van Wittenberghe Laetitia , Lockard Mandy , Guan Xuan , Goddard Melissa , Mitchell Erin , Barber Jane , Williams J. Koudy , Mack David L. , Furth Mark E. , Vignaud Alban , Masurier Carole , Mavilio Fulvio , Moullier Philippe , Beggs Alan H. , Buj-Bello Anna
Published: January 2014

Intravenous injection of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing the myotubularin (
MTM1
) gene improves survival and rescues skeletal muscle function in mice and dogs affected by myotubular myopathy.
Friendly Bacteria
Authors: Seker Erkin
Published: January 2014

Engineered bacterial membrane vesicles target cancer cells and deliver small interfering RNA to halt tumor growth.
Silymarin Reduces Profibrogenic Cytokines and Reverses Hepatic Fibrosis in Chronic Murine Schistosomiasis
Authors: Mata-Santos Hílton Antônio , Dutra Fabianno Ferreira , Rocha Carolina Carneiro , Lino Fabiana Gonçalves , Xavier Fabiola Ramos , Chinalia Leandro Andrade , Hossy Bryan Hudson , Castelo-Branco Morgana Teixeira Lima , Teodoro Anderson Junger , Paiva Claudia N. , Pyrrho Alexandre dos Santos
Published: January 2014

In chronic schistosomiasis, hepatic fibrosis is linked to the portal hypertension that causes morbidity inSchistosoma mansoniinfection. Silymarin (SIL) is a hepatoprotective and antioxidant medicament largely prescribed against liver diseases that has previously been shown to prevent fibrosis during acute murine schistosomiasis. Here we employed silymarin to try to reverse established hepatic fibrosis in chronic schistosomiasis. Silymarin or vehicle was administered to BALB/c mice every 48 h, starting on the 40th (80 days of treatment), 70th (50 days), or 110th (10 days) day postinfection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed and analyzed at 120 dpi. Treatment with silymarin reduced liver weight and granuloma sizes, reduced the increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and reduced the established hepatic fibrosis (assessed by hydroxyproline contents and picrosirius staining). Treatment with silymarin also reduced the levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in serum and increased the gamma interferon (IFN-γ)/IL-13 ratio. There was a linear correlation between IL-13 levels in serum and hydroxyproline hepatic content in both infected untreated and SIL-treated mice, with decreased IL-13 levels corresponding to decreased hydroxyproline hepatic contents. Treatment with either SIL or N-acetylcysteine reduced both proliferation of fibroblast cell lines and basal/IL-13-induced production of collagen I, indicating that besides inhibiting IL-13 production during infection, SIL antioxidant properties most likely contribute to inhibition of collagen production downstream of IL-13. These results show that silymarin interferes with fibrogenic cytokines, reduces established fibrosis, and inhibits downstream effects of IL-13 on fibrogenesis, indicating the drug as a safe and cheap treatment to liver fibrotic disease in schistosomiasis.
The Antituberculosis Antibiotic Capreomycin Inhibits Protein Synthesis by Disrupting Interaction between Ribosomal Proteins L12 and L10
Authors: Lin Yuan , Li Yan , Zhu Ningyu , Han Yanxing , Jiang Wei , Wang Yanchang , Si Shuyi , Jiang Jiandong
Published: January 2014

Capreomycin is a second-line drug for multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). However, with increased use in clinics, the therapeutic efficiency of capreomycin is decreasing. To better understand TB resistance to capreomycin, we have done research to identify the molecular target of capreomycin.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
ribosomal proteins L12 and L10 interact with each other and constitute the stalk of the 50S ribosomal subunit, which recruits initiation and elongation factors during translation. Hence, the L12-L10 interaction is considered to be essential for ribosomal function and protein synthesis. Here we provide evidence showing that capreomycin inhibits the L12-L10 interaction by using an established L12-L10 interaction assay. Overexpression of L12 and/or L10 in
M. smegmatis
, a species close to
M. tuberculosis
, increases the MIC of capreomycin. Moreover, both elongation factor G-dependent GTPase activity and ribosome-mediated protein synthesis are inhibited by capreomycin. When protein synthesis was blocked with thiostrepton, however, the bactericidal activity of capreomycin was restrained. All of these results suggest that capreomycin seems to inhibit TB by interrupting the L12-L10 interaction. This finding might provide novel clues for anti-TB drug discovery.
2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid-Containing Nanofiber Wound Dressings Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ahire Jayesh J. , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
forms biofilms in wounds, which often leads to chronic infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. Free iron enhances biofilm formation, delays wound healing, and may even be responsible for persistent inflammation, increased connective tissue destruction, and lipid peroxidation. Exposure of
P. aeruginosa
Xen 5 to the iron chelator 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), electrospun into a nanofiber blend of poly(
d
,
l
-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), referred to as DF, for 8 h decreased biofilm formation by approximately 75%. This was shown by a drastic decline in cell numbers, from 7.1 log
10
CFU/ml to 4.8 log
10
CFU/ml when biofilms were exposed to DF in the presence of 2.0 mM FeCl
3
6H
2
O. A similar decline in cell numbers was recorded in the presence of 3.0 mM FeCl
3
6H
2
O and DF. The cells were more mobile in the presence of DHBA, supporting the observation of less biofilm formation at lower iron concentrations. DHBA at MIC levels (1.5 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of strain Xen 5 for at least 24 h. Our findings indicate that DHBA electrospun into nanofibers inhibits cell growth for at least 4 h, which is equivalent to the time required for all DHBA to diffuse from DF. This is the first indication that DF can be developed into a wound dressing to treat topical infections caused by
P. aeruginosa
.
Analysis of the mRNA Targetome of MicroRNAs Expressed by Marek’s Disease Virus
Authors: Parnas Oren , Corcoran David L. , Cullen Bryan R.
Published: January 2014

Marek’s disease virus 1 (MDV-1), an oncogenic α-herpesvirus that induces T-cell lymphomas in chickens, serves as model system to study transformation by lymphotropic herpesviruses. Like the oncogenic human γ-herpesviruses Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), MDV-1 encodes several viral microRNAs (miRNAs). One MDV-1 miRNA, miR-M4, shares the same “seed” targeting sequence with both a KSHV miRNA, miR-K11, and cellular miR-155. Importantly, miR-M4 plays a critical role in T-cell transformation by MDV-1, while miR-K11 and cellular miR-155 are thought to play key roles in B-cell transformation by KSHV and EBV, respectively. Here, we present an analysis of the mRNAs targeted by viral miRNAs expressed in the chicken T-cell line MSB1, which is naturally coinfected with MDV-1 and the related nonpathogenic virus MDV-2. Our analysis identified >1,000 endogenous mRNAs targeted by miRNAs encoded by each virus, many of which are targeted by both MDV-1 and MDV-2 miRNAs. We present a functional analysis of an MDV-1 gene, RLORF8, targeted by four MDV-1 miRNAs and a cellular gene, encoding interleukin-18 (IL-18) and targeted by both MDV-1 and MDV-2 miRNAs, and show that ectopic expression of either protein in a form resistant to miRNA inhibition results in inhibition of cell proliferation. Finally, we present a restricted list of 9 genes targeted by not only MDV-1 miR-M4 but also KSHV miR-K11 and human miR-155. Given the critical role played by miR-155 seed family members in lymphomagenesis in humans and chickens, these mRNA targets may contain genes whose inhibition plays a conserved role in herpesvirus transformation.

IMPORTANCE
Herpesviruses cause lymphomas in both humans and chickens, and in both cases, evidence indicates that virally encoded miRNAs, or virally subverted cellular miRNAs, belonging to the miR-155 seed family, play a critical role in this process. However, because each miRNA regulates numerous cellular mRNAs species, it has been difficult to elucidate which miRNA targets are important. Given the evolutionary distance between chickens and humans and the observation that miR-155 is nevertheless highly conserved in both species, we reasoned that the identification of shared miR-155 targets might shed light on this process. Here, we present an analysis of the mRNAs targeted by miRNAs encoded by the oncogenic avian herpesvirus MDV-1 in transformed chicken T cells, including a short list of mRNAs that are also targeted by miR-155 seed family miRNAs in EBV- or KSHV-transformed human B cells, and present an initial functional analysis of some of these miRNA targets.
Global developmental delay with sodium valproate-induced gingival hyperplasia
Authors: Patil Ravi B , Urs Pallavi , Kiran Shital , Bargale Seema Dinesh
Published: January 2014

Global developmental delay (GDD) refers to a disturbance in an individual child across one or more developmental domains, which include motor, cognition, daily activities, speech and language. The present case discusses a 5-year-old child with GDD associated with infantile spasms treated with sodium valproate. Delay in the widespread acquisition of skills, epilepsy and poor oral hygiene with gingival enlargement was the main concern to seek medical aid. This case is special as the child was suffering from GDD associated with sodium valproate-induced gingival enlargement.
White matter integrity and cognition in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Auning Eirik , Kjærvik Veslemøy Krohn , Selnes Per , Aarsland Dag , Haram Astrid , Bjørnerud Atle , Hessen Erik , Esnaashari Abdolreza , Fladby Tormod
Published: January 2014

Objective

We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to test the following hypotheses: (1) there is decreased white matter (WM) integrity in non-demented Parkinson’s disease (PD), (2) WM integrity is differentially reduced in PD and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and (3) DTI changes in non-demented PD are specifically associated with cognitive performance.

Methods

This study included 18 non-demented patients with PD, 18 patients with mild cognitive impairment due to incipient AD and 19 healthy elderly normal control (NC) participants in a cross-sectional design. The participants underwent DTI, and tract-based spatial statistics was used to analyse and extract radial diffusivity and fractional anisotropy. Correlations between scores from a battery of neuropsychological tests and DTI were performed in the PD group.

Results

Patients with PD had significant differences in DTI in WM underlying the temporal, parietal and occipital cortex as compared with NC. There were no significant differences between the PD and AD groups in the primary region of interest analyses, but compared with NC there was a tendency for more anterior changes in AD in contrast to more posterior changes in PD. In a secondary whole-brain analysis there were frontoparietal areas with significant differences between AD and PD. In patients with PD, there were significant correlations between DTI parameters in WM underlying the prefrontal cortex and executive and visuospatial abilities.

Conclusions

In early, non-demented PD we found reduced WM integrity underlying the temporal, parietal and occipital cortices. In addition, WM integrity changes in prefrontal areas were associated with executive and visuospatial ability. These findings support that DTI may be an important biomarker in early PD, and that WM changes are related to cognitive impairment in PD.
Developing a complex intervention to improve prescribing safety in primary care: mixed methods feasibility and optimisation pilot study
Authors: Grant Aileen M , Guthrie Bruce , Dreischulte Tobias
Published: January 2014

Objectives

(A) To measure the extent to which different candidate outcome measures identified high-risk prescribing that is potentially changeable by the data-driven quality improvement in primary care (DQIP) intervention.(B) To explore the value of reviewing identified high-risk prescribing to clinicians.(C) To optimise the components of the DQIP intervention.

Design

Mixed method study.

Setting

General practices in two Scottish Health boards.

Participants

4 purposively sampled general practices of varying size and socioeconomic deprivation.

Outcome measures

Prescribing measures targeting (1) high-risk use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiplatelets; (2) ‘Asthma control’ and (3) ‘Antithrombotics in atrial fibrillation (AF)’.

Intervention

The prescribing measures were used to identify patients for review by general practices. The ability of the measures to identify potentially changeable high-risk prescribing was measured as the proportion of patients reviewed where practices identified a need for action. Field notes were recorded from meetings between researchers and staff and key staff participated in semistructured interviews exploring their experience of the piloted intervention processes.

Results

Practices identified a need for action in 68%, 25% and 18% of patients reviewed for prescribing measures (1), (2) and (3), respectively. General practitioners valued being prompted to review patients, and perceived that (1) ‘NSAID and antiplatelet’ and (2) ‘antithrombotics in AF’ were the most important to act on. Barriers to initial and ongoing engagement and to sustaining improvements in prescribing were identified.

Conclusions

‘NSAIDs and antiplatelets’ measures were selected as the most suitable outcome measures for the DQIP trial, based on evidence of this prescribing being more easily changeable. In response to the barriers identified, the intervention was designed to include a financial incentive, additional ongoing feedback on progress and reprompting review of patients, whose high-risk prescribing was restarted after a decision to stop.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.govNCT01425502.
Mitochondrial cytopathies and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Dominic Elizabeth A , Ramezani Ali , Anker Stefan D , Verma Mukesh , Mehta Nehal , Rao Madhumathi
Published: January 2014

The global epidemic of cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the USA and across the world. Functional and structural integrity of mitochondria are essential for the physiological function of the cardiovascular system. The metabolic adaptation observed in normal heart is lost in the failing myocardium, which becomes progressively energy depleted leading to impaired myocardial contraction and relaxation. Uncoupling of electron transfer from ATP synthesis leads to excess generation of reactive species, leading to widespread cellular injury and cardiovascular disease. Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutation has been linked to ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Mitochondria are known to regulate apoptotic and autophagic pathways that have been shown to play an important role in the development of cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis. A number of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options have been explored in the management of mitochondrial diseases with variable success.
Cardiac output response and peripheral oxygen extraction during exercise among symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with and without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Critoph Christopher H , Patel Vimal , Mist Bryan , Elliott Perry M
Published: January 2014

Objective

Reduction of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) often improves symptoms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the correlation between exercise performance and measured LVOT gradients is weak. We investigated the relationship between LVOTO and cardiorespiratory responses during exercise.

Methods

The study cohort included 70 patients with HCM (32 with LVOTO, 55 male, age 47±13) attending a dedicated cardiomyopathy clinic and 28 normal volunteers. All underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous non-invasive haemodynamic assessment using finger plethysmography. Main outcome measures were peak oxygen consumption, cardiac index and arteriovenous oxygen difference.

Results

When compared with controls, patients had reduced peak exercise oxygen consumption (22.4±6.1 vs 34.7±7.7 mL/kg/min, p<0.0001) and cardiac index (5.5±1.9 vs 9.4±2.9 L/min/m2, p<0.0001). At all workloads, stroke volume index (SVI) was lower and arteriovenous oxygen difference greater in patients. During all stages of exercise, LVOTO in patients was associated with failure to augment SVI and higher oxygen consumption; cardiac reserve (4.4±2.7 vs 6.3±3.6 L/min, p=0.025) and peak mean arterial pressure (104±16 vs 112±16 mm Hg, p=0.033) were lower. Multivariable predictors of cardiac output response were age (β: −0.11; CI −0.162 to −0.057; p<0.0001), peak LVOT gradient (β: −0.018; CI −0.034 to −0.002; p=0.031) and gender (β: −2.286; CI −0.162 to −0.577; p=0.01). Within the obstructive cohort, different patterns of SV response were elicited in patients with similar clinical features.

Conclusions

Cardiac reserve is reduced in HCM because of failure of SV augmentation. LVOTO exacerbates this abnormal response, but haemodynamic responses vary significantly. Non-invasive exercise haemodynamic assessment may improve understanding of symptoms and help tailor therapy.
Military surgery in the new curriculum: whither general surgery training in uniform?
Authors: Shastri-Hurst Neil , Naumann D N , Bowley D M , Whitbread T
Published: January 2014

Background

The nature of general surgical training within the UK has undergone significant changes recently, including the evolution of theIntercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme(ISCP).In 2013, new task-specific goals tailored towards military surgery were incorporated into the general surgery curriculum. In order to meet the demands of training the next generation of military general surgeons, a new compendium of workplace-based assessments (WBAs) is now required.

Addressing the need

In 2013, the ISCP general surgery curriculum was revised to include new, military-specific WBAs to allow formative assessment of a trainees’ experience and preparedness for their future deployed role. Index procedures considered mandatory for a deployed military general surgeon to be effectivein the fieldare now included in the general surgery curriculum. These will permit formative assessment of trainees and also permit revalidation of deployed skills among the consultant cadre.

Conclusions

General surgical training in the UK is in a transitional period, and the move towards increased sub-specialisation appears inexorable as evidenced by the split of Vascular Surgery into a separate specialty, along with its own training pathway and curriculum. With the ‘generalist’ demands on deployed surgeons in the Defence Medical Services, the task of training towards broader surgical competencies may appear daunting. Inclusion of defined military WBAs into the curriculum should help focus trainees and their trainers to identify the deployed general surgicalskill set,identify the appropriate learning opportunities/placements required to enable the acquisition of relevant competencies and document their attainment and later retention.
High-denticity ligands based on picolinic acid for 111In radiochemistry
Authors: Price Eric W. , Ferreira Cara L. , Adam Michael J. , Orvig Chris
Published: January 2014

Four new acyclic ligands, Bn-H3nonapa (3), H3nonapa (4), p-NO2-Bn-H3nonapa (10), and Bn-H3trenpa (7), were synthesized and studied with nonradioactive In3+ and with radioactive 111In3+. The coordination of these ligands to In3+ was confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Radiolabeling experiments were performed with 111In3+; these demonstrated H3nonapa (4) to be the best indium ligand of those studied herein, achieving radiochemical yields of ∼97% in 10 min at ambient temperature, and stability to transchelation in mouse serum of 44.5% ± 25.9% after 24 h. Although the radiolabeling kinetics of H3nonapa (4) were excellent, serum stability results were inferior to the previously studied ligands DOTA, DTPA, and H4octapa, suggesting that the presented ligands may find their optimum radiopharmaceutical applications with isotopes other than 111In. Owing to the high denticity of these ligands (9–10 coordinate), they may realize their potential with large ion isotopes such as 177Lu, 86/90Y, and 225Ac.
A theoretical study on surface reactivity of fluorinated (n,0) and (n,n) carbon nanotubes (n = 3–6)
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Nurazar Roghaye
Published: January 2014

Density functional theory calculations are performed to investigate the surface reactivity of pristine as well as fluorine-terminated zigzag (n,0) and armchair (n,n) carbon nanotubes (n = 3–6). The properties determined include the electrostatic potential V(r) and average local ionization energy Ī(r) on the surfaces of the investigated tubes. A general feature of all of the systems studied is that stronger potentials are associated with regions of higher curvature. The results indicate that both V(r) and Ī(r) detect the effects of fluorine-terminated regions in which significant effects are observed for those atoms in the vicinity of the fluorine-terminated regions. Comparison with the Ī(r) of the pristine nanotube indicates correctly that in the fluorine-terminated models, the fluorine atoms tend to deactivate the surface toward electrophilic/radical attack.
Large-scale building simulation using cloud computing for estimating lifecycle energy consumption
Authors: Richman Russell , Zirnhelt Hayes , Fix Stuart
Published: January 2014

The use of whole building simulation is increasing to support the design process. Often it is desirable to evaluate many scenarios, however the simulation time involved presents a significant barrier. Simulationists are forced to reduce the number of scenarios evaluated to meet time constraints. With cloud computing, simulationists can significantly reduce the total simulation time by allocating portions of the simulations to multiple processor cores. The benefit of cloud computing is demonstrated through a case study project, which computes the lifecycle energy consumption (LEC) of 1 080 000 single detached home design scenarios in Toronto, for a budget of CAN$2400. Code was written using Python to couple EnergyPlus and ATHENA IE to modify input files, process results and calculate LEC. The results of this study suggest that utilizing cloud computing to simulate large scenario studies represents an efficient method that is beginning to surface in mainstream building simulation.
The Rock Physical Property Database of British Columbia, and the distinct petrophysical signature of the Chilcotin basalts,
Authors: Enkin Randolph J.
Published: January 2014

Rock physical properties provide the link between geophysical surveys and their geological interpretation. The British Columbia rock physical properties database, compiled by the Geological Survey of Canada, now comprises 3876 values of density, 930 values of electric resistivity, 12 356 values of magnetic susceptibility, and 2576 values of magnetic remanence and Koenigsberger ratio. The measurements are linked to sample locations, lithologies, and geological formation or unit. Maps, histograms, and biplots are used to demonstrate useful links between lithology and physical properties, and serve as a background for future rock physical properties studies. As expected, density and resistivity are controlled mostly by porosity and mineralogy. Magnetic susceptibility has a bimodal distribution (maxima at 4 × 10−4 and 2 × 10−2 SI) controlled by magnetite concentration. Magnetic remanence is shown to be more important than usually considered in magnetic survey analysis, with Koenigsberger ratios greater than unity in 42% of the samples. A case study of the Chilcotin Group basalts is highlighted, as they form a significant barrier to mineral exploration in central British Columbia. These rocks are magnetically distinct from other basalts in British Columbia, distinguished by magnetic susceptibilities having a range of values concentrated around 3 × 10−3 SI and falling in the valley between the two susceptibility modes. These basalts are also characterized by very high Koenigsberger ratios (96% above unity), probably caused by a preponderance of fine-grained single-domain magnetite. The database provides a wealth of petrophysical properties that can help constrain analysis of several types of geophysical surveys and, in particular, modelling of anomalies in the quest to determine the three-dimensional distribution of rock units.
Serotype-associated polymorphisms in a partial rpoB gene sequence of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Fresno Marcela , Barreto Marlen , Gutierrez Sindy , Dougnac Catherine , Abalos Pedro , Retamal Patricio
Published: January 2014

Salmonella enterica is a zoonotic bacterium with more than 2500 serotypes, which affect a wide range of hosts and produce diverse clinical outcomes. Strain identification usually involves costly and time-demanding procedures. This paper describes the sequencing of a rpoB hypervariable gene segment (847 bp) that allows identification of serotypes in S. enterica strains isolated from several hosts. The nucleotide similarity values among S. enterica serotypes ranged from 98.23% to 99.88%, with potential usefulness for devising a simple one-step sequencing as a first approach for identification of S. enterica strains. In conclusion, the analysis of polymorphisms in the partial rpoB sequence can discriminate S. enterica strains at the subspecies level.
A SELF-RECTIFYING BIPOLAR RRAM DEVICE BASED ON Ni/HfO2/n+-Si STRUCTURE
Authors: LI YINGTAO , JIANG XINYU , TAO CHUNLAN
Published: January 2014

A bipolar RRAM device based on Ni / HfO 2/n+- Si structure with self-rectifying characteristics is demonstrated for high density cross-bar memory application. Experimental results indicate that Ni conductive filament generated at LRS plays an important role in resistive switching, resulting in the formation of a Schottky junction at the Ni -CF/n+- Si interface which determines the self-rectifying behavior at LRS. These results are very important from the point of view of understanding the self-rectifying switching mechanism and improving the resistive switching characteristics of self-rectifying RRAM devices.
Adaptive Behavior and Strategy Switching
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Ziqiang , Zhang Yongjie , Xiong Xiong
Published: January 2014

Using the Agent-based Computational Finance (ACF) method, we build an artificial stock market with heterogeneous adaptive investors and investigate the evolutionary and interacting relationship between rational investors and irrational investors. We find that with strategy switching, there is a symbiosis among the three kinds of investors in the ACF experiments, although the rational investors are often dominant in the market. And our main findings are robust with agents' scale. When the initial values change, the market ecology achieves new equilibrium.
A Mathematics Model for Quantitative Analysis of Demand Disruption Caused by Rumor Spreading
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Lin Bin , Guo Chongqing
Published: January 2014

Rumors greatly impact consumers' attitudes and purchasing intention. Rumor spreading can disrupt supply chain demand, particularly in today's Internet age. We propose a mathematical model for the quantitative analysis of demand disruption caused by rumor spreading based on the susceptible-infective-isolated-immune (SI2I) rumor spreading model, which extends the susceptible-infective-recovered (SIR) rumor spreading model by dividing stiflers into isolators and immunes. Both groups represent individuals who do not propagate a rumor, but the former believes the rumor while the latter does not. From the firms' perspective, only ignorants and immunes will still purchase their products and services after a rumor has spread. Hence, the influence of rumors on demand can be quantitatively reflected by the proportion of ignorants and immunes in the population. This study offers a new method for company managers to predict the variation trend of demand and estimate demand loss when a firm is attacked by rumors.
MATHEMATICAL TREATMENTS THAT SOLVE SINGLE MOLECULES
Authors: FLOMENBOM OPHIR
Published: January 2014

In this article, we talk about the ways that scientists can solve single molecule trajectories. Solving single molecules, that is, finding the model from the data, is complicated at least as much as measuring single molecules. We must filter the noise and take care of every step in the analysis when constructing the most accurate model from the data. Here, we present valuable solutions. Ways that solve clean discrete data are first presented. We review here our reduced dimensions forms (RDFs): unique models that are canonical forms of discrete data, and the statistical and numerical toolbox that builds a RDF from finite, clean, two-state data. We then review our most recent filter that "tackles" the noise when measuring two state noisy photon trajectories. The filter is a numerical algorithm with various special statistical treatments that is based on a general likelihood function that we have developed recently. We show the strengths of the filter (also over other approaches) and talk about its various new variants. This filter (with minor adjustments) can solve the noise in any discrete state trajectories, yet, extensions are needed in "tackling" the noise from other data, e.g. continuous data. Only the combined procedures enable creating the most accurate model from noisy discrete trajectories from single molecules. These concepts and methods (with adjustments) are valuable also when solving continuous trajectories and fluorescence resonance energy transfer trajectories. We also present a set of simple methods that can help any scientist with treating the trajectory perhaps encouraging applying the involved methods. The involved methods will appear in software that we are developing now, helping therefore the experimentalists utilizing these methods on real data. Comparisons with other known methods in this field are made.

[Formula: see text]Special Issue Comment: This article about mathematical treatments when solving single molecules is related to the reviews in this Special Issue about measuring enzymes67 and about FRET experiments2 and about the software QUB.6
SOLVING SINGLE BIOMOLECULES BY ADVANCED FRET-BASED SINGLE-MOLECULE FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES
Authors: RUEDAS-RAMA M. J. , ALVAREZ-PEZ J. M. , ORTE A.
Published: January 2014

The use of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has undergone a renaissance in the last two decades, especially in the study of structure of biomolecules, biomolecular interactions, and dynamics. Thanks to powerful advances in single-molecule fluorescence (SMF) techniques, seeing molecules at work is a reality, which has helped to build up the mindset of molecular machines. In the last few years, many technical developments have broadened the applications of SMF-FRET, expanding the amount of information that can be recovered from individual molecules. Here, we focus on the non-standard SMF-FRET techniques, such as two-color coincidence detection (TCCD), alternating laser excitation (ALEX), multiparameter fluorescence detection (MFD); the addition of fluorescence lifetime as an orthogonal dimension in single-molecule experiments; or the development of novel and improved methods of analysis constituting to a set of advanced methodologies that may become routine tools in a close future.

[Formula: see text]Special Issue Comment: This review about advanced single-molecule FRET techniques is specially related to the review by Jørgensen and Hatzakis,6who detail experimetal strategies to solve the activity of single enzymes. The advanced techniques described in our paper may serve as interesting alternatives when applied to enzyme studies. Our manuscript is also related to the reviews in this Special Issue that deal with model solving.22,130
CORE-SIZE DEPENDENT PHOTOLUMINESCENCE BLINKING OF ISOLATED QUANTUM DOT-FULLERENE HYBRIDS
Authors: ZANG HUIDONG , XU ZHIHUA , COTLET MIRCEA
Published: January 2014

We demonstrate the possibility to bias the photoluminescence blinking of isolated colloidal quantum dots coupled to fullerenes by varying the quantum dot core size. Changing the core size affects the energy offset between the donor and acceptor and directly affects the driving force for electron transfer between the two moieties. Single particle photoluminescence measurements reveal dramatic reduction in the on-time associated with the photoluminescence blinking in quantum dot-fullerene hybrids when the quantum dot core size decreases, a manifestation associated with enhanced electron transfer.

[Formula: see text]Special Issue Comment: This project is about the blink properties of QDs in the presence of electron acceptor moieties and it connects with two articles from this Special Issue involving treatments when solving single molecules.1,2
3D Minimum Fuel Route Planning and Path Generation for a Fuel Cell Powered UAV
Authors: Zhou Min , Prasad J. V. R.
Published: January 2014

As the minimum fuel point-to-point optimal trajectories of a fuel cell powered unmanned air vehicle (UAV) are different from the minimum distance point-to-point optimal trajectories when the height differences between the initial positions and the final positions are significant, optimal route plans and flight paths based on the Dubins vehicle may not be fuel optimal. In this paper, a new method is proposed to solve three-dimensional (3D) minimum fuel route planning and path generation problems for a fuel cell powered UAV. The first step in the proposed method is to develop a fuel consumption cost model for the minimum fuel point-to-point optimal trajectories. In the second step, a genetic algorithm with different heading algorithms is implemented to find the minimum fuel route plan for a given list of waypoints. Finally, the minimum fuel flight path is generated by connecting the waypoints with minimum fuel point-to-point optimal trajectories. With the proposed method, the resulting 3D route plan and flight path are both dynamically feasible and fuel optimal. In this paper, we extend route planning problems from two dimensions to three dimensions, as is common with other route planning problems. We extend the optimization objective from minimizing the distance to minimizing the fuel, and we extend the dynamic constraints from the two-dimensional dynamics to the 3D point mass UAV dynamics including the propulsion system characteristics.
Central sympathetic innervations to visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Ly T. , Randall Jessica , Banfield Bruce W. , Bartness Timothy J.
Published: January 2014

There is a link between visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) and the metabolic syndrome in humans, with health improvements produced with small visceral WAT reduction. By contrast, subcutaneous WAT provides a site for lipid storage that is rather innocuous relative to ectopic lipid storage in muscle or liver. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the principal initiator for lipolysis in WAT by mammals. Nothing is known, however, about the central origins of the SNS circuitry innervating the only true visceral WAT in rodents, mesenteric WAT (MWAT), which drains into the hepatic portal vein. We tested whether the central sympathetic circuits to subcutaneous [inguinal WAT (IWAT)] and visceral WAT (MWAT) are separate or shared and whether they possess differential sympathetic drives with food deprivation in Siberian hamsters. Using two isogenic strains of pseudorabies virus, a retrograde transneuronal viral tract tracer within the same hamsters, we found some overlap (∼20–55% doubly infected neurons) between the two circuitries across the neural axis with lesser overlap proximal to the depots (spinal cord and sympathetic chain) and with more neurons involved in the innervation of IWAT than MWAT in some brain regions. Food deprivation triggered a greater sympathetic drive to subcutaneous (IWAT) than visceral (MWAT) depots. Collectively, we demonstrated both shared and separate populations of brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic chain neurons ultimately project to a subcutaneous WAT depot (IWAT) and the only visceral WAT depot in rodents (MWAT). In addition, the lipolytic stimulus of food deprivation only increased SNS drive to subcutaneous fat (IWAT).
ER stress triggers MCP-1 expression through SET7/9-induced histone methylation in the kidneys of db/db mice
Authors: Chen Jigang , Guo Yanhong , Zeng Wei , Huang Li , Pang Qi , Nie Ling , Mu Jiao , Yuan Fahuan , Feng Bing
Published: January 2014

Epigenetics plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), although the precise regulatory mechanism is still unclear. Here, we examined the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase SET7/9-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in the kidneys of db/db mice. Our results indicate that the expression of MCP-1 significantly increased in the kidneys of db/db mice in a time-dependent manner. An increased chromatin mark associated with an active gene (H3K4me1) at MCP-1 promoters accompanied this change in expression. The expression of SET7/9 and the recruitment to these promoters were also elevated. SET7/9 gene silencing with small interfering (si) RNAs significantly attenuated the expression of H3K4me1 and MCP-1. Furthermore, expression of signaling regulator glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a monitor of ER stress, significantly increased in the kidneys of db/db mice. The expression of spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s), an ER stress-inducible transcription factor, and recruitment to the SET7/9 promoters were also increased. XBP1s gene silencing with siRNAs significantly attenuated the expression of SET7/9, H3K4me1, and MCP-1. The chaperone betaine not only effectively downregulated the GRP78 and XBP1s expression levels but also markedly decreased the SET7/9, H3K4me1, and MCP-1 levels. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that XBP1s participated in ER stress-induced SET7/9 transcription, Taken together, these results reveal that ER stress can trigger the expression of MCP-1, in part through the XBP1s-mediated induction of SET7/9.
Measuring the Productivity of Energy Consumption of Major Industries in China: A DEA‐Based Method
Authors: Han Xishuang , Xue Xiaolong , Ge Jiaoju , Wu Hengqin , Su Chang
Published: January 2014

Data envelopment analysis can be applied to measure the productivity of multiple input and output decision‐making units. In addition, the data envelopment analysis‐based Malmquist productivity index can be used as a tool for measuring the productivity change during different time periods. In this paper, we use an input‐oriented model to measure the energy consumption productivity change from 1999 to 2008 of fourteen industry sectors in China as decision‐making units. The results show that there are only four sectors that experienced effective energy consumption throughout the whole reference period. It also shows that these sectors always lie on the efficiency frontier of energy consumption as benchmarks. The other ten sectors experienced inefficiency in some two‐year time periods and the productivity changes were not steady. The data envelopment analysis‐based Malmquist productivity index provides a good way to measure the energy consumption and can give China′s policy makers the information to promote their strategy of sustainable development.
A Study of Impulsive Multiterm Fractional Differential Equations with Single and Multiple Base Points and Applications
Authors: Liu Yuji , Ahmad Bashir
Published: January 2014

We discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions for initial value problems of nonlinear singular multiterm impulsive Caputo type fractional differential equations on the half line. Our study includes the cases for a single base point fractional differential equation as well as multiple base points fractional differential equation. The asymptotic behavior of solutions for the problems is also investigated. We demonstrate the utility of our work by applying the main results to fractional-order logistic models.
Aloe vera: An Ancient Herb for Modern Dentistry—A Literature Review
Authors: Sajjad Arbaz , Subhani Sajjad Samia
Published: January 2014

Objectives. To review composition, actions, and clinical applications of Aloe vera plant in dentistry and to establish its effectiveness as an invaluable adjunct in the treatment of dental diseases. Method. A manual and electronic literature (MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar) search was performed up to July 2013 for in vitro and in vivo studies and research presenting clinical, microbiological, immunological, and patient-centered data to validate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel in dentistry. A total of 38 titles, abstracts, and full-text studies were selected and reviewed. Aloe vera has various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor which accelerates wound healing and helps in treating various lesions in oral cavity. Benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the gel of the leaves. Conclusion. The pharmacological attributes of Aloe vera have been revalidated in modern sciences through various in vivo and in vitro studies. The herb has immense potential as a dental therapeutic. Even though Aloe vera is a promising herb with various clinical applications in medicine and dentistry, more clinical research needs to be undertaken especially to validate and explain the action of acemannan hydrogel in accelerating the healing of aphthous ulcers and to validate the efficacy of Aloe gel on plaque and gingivitis, so that it can be established in the field of dentistry.