bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter effect on soil microorganisms under different tillage and phosphorus management practices in eastern Canada
Authors: Shi Yichao , Lalande Roger , Hamel Chantal , Ziadi Noura
Published: February 2015

Determining how soil microorganisms respond to crop management systems during winter could further our understanding of soil phosphorus (P) transformations. This study assessed the effects of tillage (moldboard plowing or no-till) and P fertilization (0, 17.5, or 35 kg P·ha−1) on soil microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and microbial community structure in winter, in a long-term (18 years) corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation established in 1992 in the province of Quebec, Canada. Soil samples were collected at 2 depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm) in February 2010 and 2011 after the soybean and the corn growing seasons, respectively. Winter conditions increased the amounts of soil microbial biomasses but reduced the overall enzymatic activity of the soil, as compared with fall levels after corn. P fertilization had a quadratic effect on the amounts of total, bacterial, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi phospholipid fatty acid markers after corn but not after soybean. The soil microbial community following the soybean and the corn crops in winter had a different structure. These findings suggest that winter conditions and crop-year could be important factors affecting the characteristics of the soil microbial community under different tillage and mineral P fertilization.
The importance of basis states: an example using the hydrogen basis
Authors: Forestell Lindsay , Marsiglio Frank
Published: February 2015

We use a simple system, the electron configuration in a hydrogen-like atom, to demonstrate the importance of using a complete basis set to provide a proper quantum mechanical description. We first start with what may be considered a successful strategy — to diagonalize a truncated Hamiltonian matrix, written in a basis consisting of hydrogen (Z = 1) basis states. This fails to provide the correct answer, and we then demonstrate that the continuum basis states provided the rest of the true wave function, for the bound ground states. This work then shows, in a relatively simple system, the need to utilize a complete basis set, consisting of both bound and continuum states.
Chemical cues modulating electrophysiological and behavioural responses in the parasitic waspCotesia sesamiae
Authors: Tamiru A. , Bruce T.J.A. , Woodcock C.M. , Birkett M.A. , Midega C.A.O. , Pickett J.A. , Khan Z.R.
Published: February 2015

A better understanding of the chemical cues employed by parasitoids to locate their herbivore hosts will contribute towards effective exploitation of parasitoids as biological control agents against damaging crop pests. The current study was conducted to establish key bioactive compounds mediating behavioural response in the parasitic wasp Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron, 1906) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) by employing electrophysiological techniques and behavioural studies. Electroantennogram (EAG) recording with synthetic equivalents of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) using C. sesamiae confirmed that 13 compounds elicited electrophysiological activity. In an olfactometer bioassay, only (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E)-β-farnesene, and (E,E)-4,8,-trimethyl-1,3,7-tridecatetraene elicited behavioural responses from the parasitoid when tested individually at a natural dose, while (R)-linalool and (E)-caryophyllene were attractive at the highest test dose. Other EAG-active HIPVs were not attractive either at lower or higher concentrations, suggesting their role as blend components rather than functioning as attractants by themselves. In contrast, nine-component synthetic HIPV blends formulated in the same ratio and concentration as in a natural sample was as attractive as the original headspace sample. By providing further insights into maize–stemborer–parasitoid tritrophic interactions, results from this study will help in selecting crop cultivars emitting appropriate HIPVs to attract natural enemies and perhaps repel damaging crop pests.
THE IMPACT OF WORLD ENERGY PRICE VOLATILITY ON AGGREGATE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN DEVELOPING ASIAN ECONOMIES
Authors: BILGIN MEHMET HUSEYIN , GOZGOR GIRAY , KARABULUT GOKHAN
Published: February 2015

This paper analyzes the impact of volatility in the world energy price on aggregate economic activity in an unbalanced panel data framework for 10 developing Asian countries: Bangladesh, PR China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. We use both the realized volatility and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models to measure the volatility in the world energy price. Empirical findings from dynamic panel data estimations show that the volatility in world energy price is negatively associated with the aggregate economic activity. Using the common correlated effects panel estimation techniques, we also systematically examine uncertain transmission channel of the world energy price volatility on the aggregate economic activity in each economy and obtain the most impressive negative effects in Turkey, PR China and India, respectively.
A Splitting Augmented Lagrangian Method for Low Multilinear-Rank Tensor Recovery
Authors: Yang Lei , Huang Zheng-Hai , Li Yu-Fan
Published: February 2015

This paper studies a recovery task of finding a low multilinear-rank tensor that fulfills some linear constraints in the general settings, which has many applications in computer vision and graphics. This problem is named as the low multilinear-rank tensor recovery problem. The variable splitting technique and convex relaxation technique are used to transform this problem into a tractable constrained optimization problem. Considering the favorable structure of the problem, we develop a splitting augmented Lagrangian method (SALM) to solve the resulting problem. The proposed algorithm is easily implemented and its convergence can be proved under some conditions. Some preliminary numerical results on randomly generated and real completion problems show that the proposed algorithm is very effective and robust for tackling the low multilinear-rank tensor completion problem.
A Best Possible Online Algorithm for the Parallel-Machine Scheduling to Minimize the Maximum Weighted Completion Time
Authors: Li Wenjie
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we consider the online scheduling on m identical machines in which jobs arrive over time. The goal is to determine a nonpreemptive schedule that minimizes the weighted makespan, i.e., the maximum weighted completion time of jobs. When m = 1, we first present a lower bound 2, and then provide an online algorithm with a competitive ratio of 3. For the case in which m ≥ 1, and all jobs have a common processing time p > 0, we obtain a best possible online algorithm with a competitive ratio of [Formula: see text].
Free Vibration and Buckling Analysis of Sandwich Beams with Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Face Sheets
Authors: Wu Helong , Kitipornchai Sritawat , Yang Jie
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates the free vibration and elastic buckling of sandwich beams with a stiff core and functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) face sheets within the framework of Timoshenko beam theory. The material properties of FG-CNTRCs are assumed to vary in the thickness direction, and are estimated through a micromechanical model. The governing equations and boundary conditions are derived by using Hamilton's principle and discretized by employing the differential quadrature (DQ) method to obtain the natural frequency and critical buckling load of the sandwich beam. A detailed parametric study is conducted to study the effects of carbon nanotube volume fraction, core-to-face sheet thickness ratio, slenderness ratio, and end supports on the free vibration characteristics and buckling behavior of sandwich beams with FG-CNTRC face sheets. The vibration behavior of the sandwich beam under an initial axial force is also discussed. Numerical results for sandwich beams with uniformly distributed carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (UD-CNTRC) face sheets are also provided for comparison.
Strain-Based Condition Assessment of a Suspension Bridge Instrumented with Structural Health Monitoring System
Authors: Ni Yi-Qing , Xia Yun-Xia
Published: February 2015

Strain provides information about local behavior of structural components, and is one of the most concerned parameters in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil structures. It plays an important role in the condition assessment of bridges in terms of fatigue or yielding of the structural material, safety reserve or reliability of structural components, etc. The Wind And Structural Health Monitoring System (WASHMS) deployed on the suspension Tsing Ma Bridge (TMB) in Hong Kong has hitherto operated continuously for 17 years. As part of the WASHMS, 110 strain gauges were installed on the bridge to measure the dynamic strain response of the TMB. Based on the strain measurement data acquired in 2012, the structural condition of the TMB is evaluated by addressing the following issues: (1) Evaluation of the characteristics of stress responses in structural members on different deck cross-sections and comparison with the results obtained in 1999. (2) Statistical analysis of daily maximum stresses in different members and comparison with the design values (designated stresses) due to live loads at both serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS). (3) Evaluation of the inner forces of monitored structural members and the corresponding strength utilization factors (SUFs). The assessment results obtained in the present study can be used as a reference or guideline for scheduling the bridge inspection and maintenance activities.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of novel deep red emitting phosphors Li2MgGeO4:Mn4+
Authors: Cao Renping , Ceng Dong , Yu Xiaoguang , Guo Siling , Wen Yufeng , Zheng Guotai
Published: February 2015

Novel deep red phosphor Li 2 MgGeO 4: Mn 4+ is synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method in air. The strongest PL band peaking at ~ 671 nm in the range of 600–750 nm is due to the 2E → 4A2 transition of Mn 4+ ion and the PLE spectra shows broad band peaking at ~ 323 within the range 220–550 nm owing to the 4A2 → 4T1 transitions of Mn 4+ ion. The optimum Mn 4+ doping concentration is about 0.4 mol.%. The luminous mechanism is explained by Tanabe–Sugano diagram of Mn 4+ ion. The results indicate that red phosphor Li 2 MgGeO 4: Mn 4+ is a beneficial phosphor for use in white light-emitting-diodes (LEDs).
Crustal structure and high-resolution Moho topography across the Rwenzori region (Albertine rift) from P-receiver functions
Authors: Gummert Michael , Lindenfeld Michael , Wölbern Ingo , Rümpker Georg , Celestin Kasereka , Batte Arthur
Published: February 2015

The Rwenzori region, which is located between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, is part of the western branch of the East African Rift. With elevations of
c.
5000 m a.s.l., the Rwenzori Mountains are situated between the Albert Rift and the Edward Rift segments and cover an area of approximately 120 km by 50 km. In this study we investigate the Moho topography beneath the Rwenzori region based on data from a network of 33 broadband seismic stations that were operated from September 2009 until August 2011. Variations of crustal thickness are obtained from the H-κ stacking method applied to P-receiver functions. We discuss the effect of low velocity layers within the crust on the determined Moho depths, which range from 20 km up to 39 km. The lack of a crustal root beneath the Rwenzori Mountains and its location in an extensional setting are contrary to the orogenesis generated by collisions of tectonic units. Our results indicate crustal thinning and provide evidence for the alternative mechanism of crustal bending, triggered by the tensile stress and the elasticity of the crust.

Supplementary material:

Examples and methods for identifying crustal structures and sediment layers are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18801
.
Precursors of hexoneogenesis within the human mammary gland
Authors: Mohammad Mahmoud A. , Maningat Patricia , Sunehag Agneta L. , Haymond Morey W.
Published: February 2015

The human mammary gland is capable of de novo synthesis of glucose and galactose (hexoneogenesis); however, the carbon source is incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of acetate, glutamine, lactate and glycerol as potential carbon sources for hexoneogenesis. Healthy breastfeeding women were studied following a 24-h fast on two occasions separated by 1–3 wk. Five women were infused with [U-13C]lactate or [1,2-13C2]glutamine and five women with [U-13C]glycerol or [1,2-13C2]acetate. Enrichments of13C in plasma and milk substrates were analyzed using GC-MS. Infusion of labeled lactate, glycerol, glutamine, and acetate resulted in plasma glucose being 22.0 ± 3.7, 11.2 ± 1.0, 2.5 ± 0.5, and 1.3 ± 0.2% labeled, respectively. Lactate, glutamine, or acetate did not contribute to milk glucose or galactose (0–2%). In milk,13C-free glycerol enrichment was one-fourth that in plasma but free glycerol concentration in milk was fourfold higher than in plasma. Using [U-13C]glycerol and by accounting for tracer dilution, glycerol alone contributed to 10 ± 2 and 69 ± 11% of the hexoneogenesis of milk glucose and galactose, respectively. During [U-13C]glycerol infusion, the ratio of M3enrichment on 4–6 carbons/M3on 1–3 carbons of galactose was higher ( P < 0.05, 1.22 ± 0.05) than those of glucose in plasma (1.05 ± 0.03) and milk (1.07 ± 0.02). Reanalysis of samples from a previous study involving [U-13C]glucose infusion alone suggested labeling a portion of galactose consistent with pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity. We conclude that, although lactate contributed significantly to gluconeogenesis, glycerol alone provides the vast majority of substrate for hexoneogenesis. The relative contribution of the PPP vs. the reversal Embden-Meyerhof pathway to hexoneogenesis within the human mammary gland remains to be determined.
Muscle inflammation susceptibility: a prognostic index of recovery potential after hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Bamman Marcas M. , Ferrando Arny A. , Evans Richard P. , Stec Michael J. , Kelly Neil A. , Gruenwald Johannes M. , Corrick Katie L. , Trump Jesse R. , Singh Jasvinder A.
Published: February 2015

While elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) improves pain, mobility function, and quality of life in most cases, a large proportion of patients suffer persistent muscle atrophy, pain, and mobility impairment. Extensive skeletal muscle damage is unavoidable in these surgical procedures, and it stands to reason that poor recovery and long-term mobility impairment among some individuals after THA is linked to failed muscle regeneration and regrowth following surgery and that local muscle inflammation susceptibility (MuIS) is a major contributing factor. Here we present results of two integrated studies. In study 1, we compared muscle inflammation and protein metabolism signaling in elective THA ( n = 15) vs. hip fracture/trauma (HFX; n = 11) vs. nonsurgical controls (CON; n = 19). In study 2, we compared two subgroups of THA patients dichotomized into MuIS(+) ( n = 7) or MuIS(−) ( n = 7) based on muscle expression of TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) receptor (Fn14). As expected, HFX demonstrated overt systemic and local muscle inflammation and hypermetabolism. By contrast, no systemic inflammation was detected in elective THA patients; however, local muscle inflammation in the perioperative limb was profound in MuIS(+) and was accompanied by suppressed muscle protein synthesis compared with MuIS(−). Muscle from the contralateral limb of MuIS(+) was unaffected, providing evidence of a true inflammation susceptibility localized to the muscle surrounding the hip with end-stage OA. We suggest MuIS status assessed at the time of surgery may be a useful prognostic index for muscle recovery potential and could therefore provide the basis for a personalized approach to postsurgery rehabilitation.
Mechanisms for independent and combined effects of calorie restriction and acute exercise on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle of old rats
Authors: Sharma Naveen , Wang Haiyan , Arias Edward B. , Castorena Carlos M. , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: February 2015

Either calorie restriction [CR; consuming 60–65% of ad libitum (AL) intake] or acute exercise can independently improve insulin sensitivity in old age, but their combined effects on muscle insulin signaling and glucose uptake have previously been unknown. Accordingly, we assessed the independent and combined effects of CR (beginning at 14 wk old) and acute exercise (3–4 h postexercise) on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in insulin-stimulated epitrochlearis muscles from 30-mo-old rats. Either CR alone or exercise alone vs. AL sedentary controls induced greater insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Combined CR and exercise vs. either treatment alone caused an additional increase in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Either CR or exercise alone vs. AL sedentary controls increased Akt Ser473and Akt Thr308phosphorylation. Combined CR and exercise further elevated Akt phosphorylation on both sites. CR alone, but not exercise alone, vs. AL sedentary controls significantly increased Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) Ser588and Thr642phosphorylation. Combined CR and exercise did not further enhance AS160 phosphorylation. Exercise alone, but not CR alone, modestly increased GLUT4 abundance. Combined CR and exercise did not further elevate GLUT4 content. These results suggest that CR or acute exercise independently increases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake via overlapping (greater Akt phosphorylation) and distinct (greater AS160 phosphorylation for CR, greater GLUT4 for exercise) mechanisms. Our working hypothesis is that greater insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in the combined CR and exercise group vs. CR or exercise alone relies on greater Akt activation, leading to greater phosphorylation of one or more Akt substrates other than AS160.
Rapid changes in gene expression direct rapid shifts in intestinal form and function in the Burmese python after feeding
Authors: Andrew Audra L. , Card Daren C. , Ruggiero Robert P. , Schield Drew R. , Adams Richard H. , Pollock David D. , Secor Stephen M. , Castoe Todd A.
Published: February 2015

Snakes provide a unique and valuable model system for studying the extremes of physiological remodeling because of the ability of some species to rapidly upregulate organ form and function upon feeding. The predominant model species used to study such extreme responses has been the Burmese python because of the extreme nature of postfeeding response in this species. We analyzed the Burmese python intestine across a time series, before, during, and after feeding to understand the patterns and timing of changes in gene expression and their relationship to changes in intestinal form and function upon feeding. Our results indicate that >2,000 genes show significant changes in expression in the small intestine following feeding, including genes involved in intestinal morphology and function (e.g., hydrolases, microvillus proteins, trafficking and transport proteins), as well as genes involved in cell division and apoptosis. Extensive changes in gene expression occur surprisingly rapidly, within the first 6 h of feeding, coincide with changes in intestinal morphology, and effectively return to prefeeding levels within 10 days. Collectively, our results provide an unprecedented portrait of parallel changes in gene expression and intestinal morphology and physiology on a scale that is extreme both in the magnitude of changes, as well as in the incredibly short time frame of these changes, with up- and downregulation of expression and function occurring in the span of 10 days. Our results also identify conserved vertebrate signaling pathways that modulate these responses, which may suggest pathways for therapeutic modulation of intestinal function in humans.
Emulating Multiple Inheritance in Fortran 2003/2008
Authors: Morris Karla
Published: February 2015

Although the high-performance computing (HPC) community increasingly embraces object-oriented programming (OOP), most HPC OOP projects employ the C++ programming language. Until recently, Fortran programmers interested in mining the benefits of OOP had to emulate OOP in Fortran 90/95. The advent of widespread compiler support for Fortran 2003 now facilitates explicitly constructing object-oriented class hierarchies via inheritance and leveraging related class behaviors such as dynamic polymorphism. Although C++ allows a class to inherit from multiple parent classes, Fortran and several other OOP languages restrict or prohibit explicit multiple inheritance relationships in order to circumvent several pitfalls associated with them. Nonetheless, what appears as an intrinsic feature in one language can be modeled as a user-constructed design pattern in another language. The present paper demonstrates how to apply the facade structural design pattern to support a multiple inheritance class relationship in Fortran 2003. The design unleashes the power of the associated class relationships for modeling complicated data structures yet avoids the ambiguities that plague some multiple inheritance scenarios.
Navigation of Pedicle Screws in the Thoracic Spine with a New Electromagnetic Navigation System: A Human Cadaver Study
Authors: Hahn Patrick , Oezdemir Semih , Komp Martin , Giannakopoulos Athanasios , Kasch Richard , Merk Harry , Liermann Dieter , Godolias Georgios , Ruetten Sebastian
Published: February 2015

Introduction.Posterior stabilization of the spine is a standard procedure in spinal surgery. In addition to the standard techniques, several new techniques have been developed. The objective of this cadaveric study was to examine the accuracy of a new electromagnetic navigation system for instrumentation of pedicle screws in the spine.Material and Method.Forty-eight pedicle screws were inserted in the thoracic spine of human cadavers using EMF navigation and instruments developed especially for electromagnetic navigation. The screw position was assessed postoperatively by a CT scan.Results.The screws were classified into 3 groups: grade 1 = ideal position; grade 2 = cortical penetration <2 mm; grade 3 = cortical penetration ≥2 mm. The initial evaluation of the system showed satisfied positioning for the thoracic spine; 37 of 48 screws (77.1%, 95% confidence interval [62.7%, 88%]) were classified as group 1 or 2.Discussion.The screw placement was satisfactory. The initial results show that there is room for improvement with some changes needed. The ease of use and short setup times should be pointed out. Instrumentation is achieved without restricting the operator’s mobility during navigation.Conclusion.The results indicate a good placement technique for pedicle screws. Big advantages are the easy handling of the system.
Differences in the Properties of the Radial Artery betweenCun,Guan,Chi, and Nearby Segments Using Ultrasonographic Imaging: A Pilot Study on Arterial Depth, Diameter, and Blood Flow
Authors: Kim Jaeuk U. , Lee Yu Jung , Lee Jeon , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: February 2015

Aim of the Study. The three conventional pulse-diagnostic palpation locations (PLs) on both wrists areCun,Guan, andChi, and each location reveals different clinical information. To identify anatomical or hemodynamic specificity, we used ultrasonographic imaging to determine the arterial diameter, radial artery depth, and arterial blood flow velocity at the three PLs and at nearby non-PL segments.Methods. We applied an ultrasound scanner to 44 subjects and studied the changes in the arterial diameter and depth as well as in the average/maximum blood flow velocities along the radial artery at three PLs and three non-PLs located more proximally thanChi.Results. All of the measurements at all of the PLs were significantly different (P< 0.01). Artery depth was significantly different among the non-PLs; however, this difference became insignificant after normalization to the arm circumference.Conclusions. Substantial changes in the hemodynamic and anatomical properties of the radial artery around the three PLs were insignificant at the nearby non-PLs segments. This finding may provide a partial explanation for the diagnostic use of “Cun,Guan, andChi.”
Vomiting-Induced Gastric Emphysema and Hepatoportal Venous Gas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Parikh Malav P. , Sherid Muhammed , Ganipisetti Venu , Gopalakrishnan Venu , Habib Maria , Tripathi Monika
Published: February 2015

Gastric pneumatosis is the presence of air within the wall of the stomach. It represents a spectrum of conditions ranging from benign disease to septic shock and death. Etiopathologically, it can be classified into emphysematous gastritis or gastric emphysema (GE). Along with hepatoportal venous gas (HPVG), it was considered as an ominous radiological sign and warranted an emergent surgical exploration; however, with widespread use of computerized tomographic (CT) scan, an increasing number of benign causes of GE and HPVG have been reported in the literature, where patients can be managed by noninvasive and conservative measures. We hereby describe a case where recurrent episodes of vomiting led to development of GE and HPVG and the patient was managed successfully by conservative measures.
Satellite Cells: Regenerative Mechanisms and Applicability in Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Souza Gustavo Torres de , Zanette Rafaella de Souza Salomão , Amaral Danielle Luciana Aurora Soares do , da Guia Francisco Carlos , Maranduba Claudinéia Pereira , Souza Camila Maurmann de , Guimarães Ernesto da Silveira Goulart , Rettore João Vitor Paes , Rabelo Natana Chaves , Carmo Antônio Márcio Resende do , Silva Fernando de Sá , Maranduba Carlos Magno da Costa
Published: February 2015

The satellite cells are long regarded as heterogeneous cell population, which is intimately linked to the processes of muscular recovery. The heterogeneous cell population may be classified by specific markers. In spite of the significant amount of variation amongst the satellite cell populations, it seems that their activity is tightly bound to the paired box 7 transcription factor expression, which is, therefore, used as a canonical marker for these cells. Muscular dystrophic diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, elicit severe tissue injuries leading those patients to display a very specific pattern of muscular recovery abnormalities. There have been works on the application of precursors cells as a therapeutic alternative for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and initial attempts have proven the cells inefficient; however later endeavours have proposed solutions for the experiments improving significantly the results. The presence of a range of satellite cells populations indicates the existence of specific cells with enhanced capability of muscular recovery in afflicted muscles.
Gene Profiling of Bone around Orthodontic Mini-Implants by RNA-Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Nahm Kyung-Yen , Heo Jung Sun , Lee Jae-Hyung , Lee Dong-Yeol , Chung Kyu-Rhim , Ahn Hyo-Won , Kim Seong-Hun
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the genes that were expressed in the healing bones around SLA-treated titanium orthodontic mini-implants in a beagle at early (1-week) and late (4-week) stages with RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Samples from sites of surgical defects were used as controls. Total RNA was extracted from the tissue around the implants, and an RNA-Seq analysis was performed with Illumina TruSeq. In the 1-week group, genes in the gene ontology (GO) categories of cell growth and the extracellular matrix (ECM) were upregulated, while genes in the categories of the oxidation-reduction process, intermediate filaments, and structural molecule activity were downregulated. In the 4-week group, the genes upregulated included ECM binding, stem cell fate specification, and intramembranous ossification, while genes in the oxidation-reduction process category were downregulated. GO analysis revealed an upregulation of genes that were related to significant mechanisms, including those with roles in cell proliferation, the ECM, growth factors, and osteogenic-related pathways, which are associated with bone formation. From these results, implant-induced bone formation progressed considerably during the times examined in this study. The upregulation or downregulation of selected genes was confirmed with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The RNA-Seq strategy was useful for defining the biological responses to orthodontic mini-implants and identifying the specific genetic networks for targeted evaluations of successful peri-implant bone remodeling.
Giant Pilomatrixoma Presenting in the Posterior Thorax, a Rare Location and the Largest Described
Authors: Gongidi P. , Meshekow J. , Holdbrook T. , Germaine P.
Published: February 2015

Pilomatrixoma is a common benign soft tissue neoplasm arising from hair follicle cells, typically not exceeding 3 cm and located mainly within the head and neck regions. Lesions greater than 3 cm or those located elsewhere are rare and are often not thought of or high on a differential diagnosis. Moreover, the radiographic features of pilomatrixoma are very nonspecific making the diagnosis even more difficult and rarely described in the radiology literature. We present the largest reported case of pilomatrixoma measuring 24 cm arising from the posterior thorax. Our hope is to increase awareness of this diagnosis for slow-growing soft tissue masses not located in the classically described locations of head and neck, explore the radiographic features on various imaging modalities, and review the current radiology literature.
A Classification of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors of Soybean
Authors: Hudson Karen A. , Hudson Matthew E.
Published: February 2015

The complete genome sequence of soybean allows an unprecedented opportunity for the discovery of the genes controlling important traits. In particular, the potential functions of regulatory genes are a priority for analysis. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors is known to be involved in controlling a wide range of systems critical for crop adaptation and quality, including photosynthesis, light signalling, pigment biosynthesis, and seed pod development. Using a hidden Markov model search algorithm, 319 genes with basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor domains were identified within the soybean genome sequence. These were classified with respect to their predicted DNA binding potential, intron/exon structure, and the phylogeny of the bHLH domain. Evidence is presented that the vast majority (281) of these 319 soybean bHLH genes are expressed at the mRNA level. Of these soybean bHLH genes, 67% were found to exist in two or more homeologous copies. This dataset provides a framework for future studies on bHLH gene function in soybean. The challenge for future research remains to define functions for the bHLH factors encoded in the soybean genome, which may allow greater flexibility for genetic selection of growth and environmental adaptation in this widely grown crop.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Students in the Kumasi Metropolis
Authors: Kumah D. B. , Akuffo K. O. , Abaka-Cann J. E. , Affram D. E. , Osae E. A.
Published: February 2015

The aim was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among students in the Kumasi metropolis. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 500 students aged 10 to 20 years were examined from two junior high schools selected by multistage sampling technique and three randomly selected senior high schools. Height and weight were measured in all participants and the body mass index (BMI) of each individual was calculated. Body mass index classes were calculated according to the International Obesity Task Force standards. Out of the 500 students, 290 (58.00%) were males and 210 (42.00%) were females. The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 7.40%, 79.60%, 12.20%, and 0.80%, respectively. Overweight was more prevalent among students than obesity. There is therefore the need to establish effective public health promotion campaigns among students in order to curtail future implications on health.
Primary Carcinoid Tumor of the Testis
Authors: Petrossian Albert A. , Habibi Joseph , Rapp David E. , Ramnani Dharamdas
Published: February 2015

Primary carcinoid tumors of the testis are a rare entity comprising less than 1% of all testicular neoplasms. Their presence should be considered particularly when evaluating a testicular lesion in an older male patient. Immunohistochemical studies may aid in diagnosis and radiographic evaluation is important to rule out metastatic origin. Primary carcinoid tumors of the testis are associated with an excellent prognosis; however, surveillance is important given rare reports of delayed metastases.
More about the Mass of the New Charmonium States
Authors: Aliev T. M. , Özşahin H. , Savcı M.
Published: February 2015

IfX(3872)is described by the picture as a mixture of the charmonium and molecularD*Dstates;Y(3940)as a mixture of theχc0andD*D*states; andY(4260)as a mixture of the tetraquark and charmonium states, their orthogonal combinations should also exist. We estimate the mass and residues of the states within the QCD sum rules method. We find that the mass splitting amongX, Yand their orthogonal states is at most 200 MeV. Experimental search of these new states can play critical role for establishing the nature of the new charmonium states.
Cognitive Behavior Evaluation Based on Physiological Parameters among Young Healthy Subjects with Yoga as Intervention
Authors: Nagendra H. , Kumar Vinod , Mukherjee S.
Published: February 2015

Objective. To investigate the effect of yoga practice on cognitive skills, autonomic nervous system, and heart rate variability by analyzing physiological parameters.Methods. The study was conducted on 30 normal young healthy engineering students. They were randomly selected into two groups: yoga group and control group. The yoga group practiced yoga one and half hour per day for six days in a week, for a period of five months.Results. The yoga practising group showed increasedα,β, andδEEG band powers and significant reduction inθandγband powers. The increasedαandβpower can represent enhanced cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, and that ofδsignifies synchronization of brain activity. The heart rate indexθ/αdecreased, neural activityβ/θincreased, attention resource indexβ/(α+θ)increased, executive load index(δ+θ)/αdecreased, and the ratio(δ+θ)/(α+β)decreased. The yoga practice group showed improvement in heart rate variability, increased SDNN/RMSSD, and reduction in LF/HF ratio.Conclusion. Yoga practising group showed significant improvement in various cognitive functions, such as performance enhancement, neural activity, attention, and executive function. It also resulted in increase in the heart rate variability, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and balanced autonomic nervous system reactivity.
Knowledge, Practice, and Barriers of Foot Care among Diabetic Patients Attending Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Awole , Tsige Yosief
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by an increased blood glucose level and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increasing health care cost. Diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations are a common, complex, costly, and disabling complication of diabetes. An estimated 15% of patients with diabetes develop a lower extremity ulcer.Objective. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, practice, and barriers of diabetic foot self-care among diabetic patients attending Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital.Method. Institution based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 313 diabetic patients using convenient sampling technique. Furthermore, descriptive statistics and binary and multivariate logistic regression were employed to assess the predicators of knowledge and practice of diabetic foot care.Result. Majority of respondents were males (64.9%). The mean age was 39.1 ± 16. The mean knowledge score was 7.5 ± 2.02 of which 56.2% and 43.8% had good and poor knowledge of foot care, respectively. The mean practice score was 25.2 ± 6.466 of which 53.0% had good and the remaining 47.0% had poor foot care practice. Of 162 respondents having barriers, 56.8% reported “poor communication between patients and health care providers,” 50.6% cited “I did not know what to do,” and 44.4% responded “inconveniency for work” as barriers of foot care.Conclusion and Recommendation. Knowledge and practice of foot care of diabetic patients are still substandard. Poor communication between patients and nurses/physicians, lack of adequate knowledge, and inconveniency for work were commonly cited barriers of foot care. Policy makers should initiate interventional foot care education program throughout the regional state. The study hospital should consider establishing a specialized diabetic clinic in which foot care education can easily be integrated into follow-up care.
Yang/Qi Invigoration: An Herbal Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Yang Deficiency?
Authors: Leong Pou Kuan , Wong Hoi Shan , Chen Jihang , Ko Kam Ming
Published: February 2015

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, Yang and Qi are driving forces of biological activities in the human body. Based on the crucial role of the mitochondrion in energy metabolism, we propose an extended view of Yang and Qi in the context of mitochondrion-driven cellular and body function. It is of interest that the clinical manifestations of Yang/Qi deficiencies in TCM resemble those of chronic fatigue syndrome in Western medicine, which is pathologically associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. By virtue of their ability to enhance mitochondrial function and its regulation, Yang- and Qi-invigorating tonic herbs, such as Cistanches Herba and Schisandrae Fructus, may therefore prove to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with Yang deficiency.
New Strategies in Glioblastoma: Exploiting the New Biology
Authors: Fine Howard A.
Published: February 2015

Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest human cancers. There have been few significant therapeutic advances in the field over the past two decades, with median survival of only about 15 months despite aggressive neurosurgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, the past 5 years has seen an explosion in our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of these tumors, leading to renewed optimism about potential new therapeutic approaches. Several of the most promising new approaches include oncogenic signal transduction inhibition, angiogenesis inhibition, targeting canonical stem cell pathways in glioblastoma stem cells, and immunotherapy. As promising as many of these approaches appear, they have not had an impact yet on the natural history of the disease or on patient long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, it is hoped that with time such approaches will lead to more effective treatments, but issues such as the unique biology and anatomy of the central nervous system, impaired drug delivery, poor preclinical models with resultant nonpredictive preclinical screening, and poor clinical trial design potentially impede the rapid development of such new therapies. In this article, we review the excitement and challenges that face the development of effective new treatments that exploit this new biology. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 1984–8. ©2015 AACR.
Idelalisib: First-in-Class PI3K Delta Inhibitor for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Small Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Yang Qingshan , Modi Prexy , Newcomb Terry , Quéva Christophe , Gandhi Varsha
Published: February 2015

Idelalisib [Zydelig (Gilead Sciences, Inc.), also known as CAL-101 and GS-1101] was approved in 2014 in the United States and European Union for the treatment of three indolent B-cell neoplasms: relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, in combination with rituximab), relapsed follicular lymphoma, and relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma (as monotherapy). Furthermore, it was approved in the European Union as first-line therapy for poor-prognosis CLL with 17p deletions or TP53 mutations and in patients unsuitable for chemoimmunotherapy. Idelalisib is an orally bioavailable ATP-competitive kinase inhibitor that targets the PI3K p110 isoform δ (PI3Kδ) with high potency and selectivity. PI3Kδ is hyperactivated in B-cell malignancies and plays a pivotal role in the B-cell receptor pathway, a key oncogenic driver in B-cell malignancies. The near exclusive expression of the PI3Kδ isoform in hematopoietic cells and the selectivity of idelalisib for the PI3Kδ isoform are essential for its efficacy and tolerability, even in elderly patients unfit for chemotherapy. Idelalisib is the first PI3K inhibitor approved by the regulatory agencies; this approval will change the treatment landscape of indolent B-cell malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(7); 1537–42. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Miller et al., p. 1525
Natural History of Growth Hormone Deficiency in a Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Deillon Eva , Hauschild Michael , Faouzi Mohamed , Stoppa-Vaucher Sophie , Elowe-Gruau Eglantine , Dwyer Andrew , Theintz Gerald E. , Dubuis Jean-Michel , Mullis Primus E. , Pitteloud Nelly , Phan-Hug Franziska
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Controversies still exist regarding the evaluation of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in childhood at the end of growth. The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of GHD in a pediatric cohort. Methods: This is a retrospective study of a cohort of pediatric patients with GHD. Cases of acquired GHD were excluded. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of GHD persisting into adulthood. Results: Among 63 identified patients, 47 (75%) had partial GHD at diagnosis, while 16 (25%) had complete GHD, including 5 with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. At final height, 50 patients underwent repeat stimulation testing; 28 (56%) recovered and 22 (44%) remained growth hormone (GH) deficient. Predictors of persisting GHD were: complete GHD at diagnosis (OR 10.1, 95% CI 2.4-42.1), pituitary stalk defect or ectopic pituitary gland on magnetic resonance imaging (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.1-37.1), greater height gain during GH treatment (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.3), and IGF-1 level <-2 standard deviation scores (SDS) following treatment cessation (OR 19.3, 95% CI 3.6-103.1). In the multivariate analysis, only IGF-1 level <-2 SDS (OR 13.3, 95% CI 2.3-77.3) and complete GHD (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.2-32.8) were associated with the outcome. Conclusion: At final height, 56% of adolescents with GHD had recovered. Complete GHD at diagnosis, low IGF-1 levels following retesting, and pituitary malformation were strong predictors of persistence of GHD.
Association between Serum Osteocalcin Levels and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women
Authors: Sinn Dong Hyun , Gwak Geum-Youn , Rhee Sang Youl , Cho Juhee , Son Hee Jung , Paik Yong-Han , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Yoo Byung Chul , Paik Seung Woon
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims: Osteocalcin was found to have a significant role in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is considered a pathophysiological mechanism of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the relationship between serum osteocalcin level and NAFLD is not well known. Methods: A total of 7,067 women undergoing abdominal ultrasonography, bone mineral density, and serum osteocalcin level measurement were analyzed. Results: Serum osteocalcin level was independently associated with menopausal status, bone mineral density, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and NAFLD. When women were grouped according to their menopausal status and bone mineral density, the serum osteocalcin level showed an independent inverse association with NAFLD in premenopausal women without osteopenia or osteoporosis (n = 2,941) [odd ratio (OR): 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91-0.96, p < 0.001] and postmenopausal women without osteopenia or osteoporosis (n = 2,155) (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98, p < 0.001), however, not in premenopausal (n = 308) or postmenopausal women (n = 1,663) with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Conclusions: The serum osteocalcin level was an independent factor associated with NAFLD, especially for women with normal bone mineral density.
Locomotor Microactivities Associated with Therapeutic Responses in Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorders
Authors: Ohashi Kyoko , Yamamoto Yoshiharu , Teicher Martin H.
Published: February 2015

Background: Psychomotor retardation, leaden paralysis and fatigue are often used to describe patients with depressive disorders. However, there is limited understanding of their meaning and how they are objectively manifested in the physical world. Patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are characteristically hypoactive and experience restoration of energy during effective treatment with bright light. In this study, we attempt to identify quantitative metrics of psychomotor activity that correspond to the clinical perceptions of hypoactivity and to the early activating effects of treatment. Methods: Novel means of assessing the microstructure of activity was employed using wavelets and Hurst exponents to indicate the proclivity of subjects to persist at higher and lower levels of activity. This was assessed using actigraphs in 16 unmedicated patients with SAD before and following 2 weeks of bright light therapy. Results: Two weeks of phototherapy had no significant effect on mean levels of diurnal activity, but altered the microstructure of the activity. Specifically, phototherapy produced a significant reduction in inertial resistance in patients who had a ≥50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Scale scores (n = 8), as reflected in a reduced tendency to persist at low levels of activity. There was also a strong correlation between ratings of fatigue and measures of persistence at high versus low activity in initial responders, but not in initial nonresponders. Conclusion: These findings suggest that light therapy alters the nature of diurnal activity troughs in early responsive patients, reducing their tendency to persist at low levels, possibly reflecting an alleviation of psychomotor retardation.