bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the
Staphylococcus aureus vfrAB
Operon, a Novel Virulence Factor Regulatory Locus
Authors: Bose Jeffrey L. , Daly Seth M. , Hall Pamela R. , Bayles Kenneth W.
Published: February 2014

During a screen of the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library, we identified 71 mutations in the
Staphylococcus aureus
genome that altered hemolysis on blood agar medium. Although many of these mutations disrupted genes known to affect the production of alpha-hemolysin, two of them were associated with an apparent operon, designated
vfrAB
, that had not been characterized previously. Interestingly, a Δ
vfrB
mutant exhibited only minor effects on the transcription of the
hla
gene, encoding alpha-hemolysin, when grown in broth, as well as on RNAIII, a posttranscriptional regulatory RNA important for alpha-hemolysin translation, suggesting that VfrB may function at the posttranscriptional level. Indeed, a Δ
vfrB
mutant had increased
aur
and
sspAB
protease expression under these conditions. However, disruption of the known secreted proteases in the Δ
vfrB
mutant did not restore hemolytic activity in the Δ
vfrB
mutant on blood agar. Further analysis revealed that, in contrast to the minor effects of VfrB on
hla
transcription when strains were cultured in liquid media, the level of
hla
transcription was decreased 50-fold in the absence of VfrB on solid media. These results demonstrate that while VfrB represses protease expression when strains are grown in broth,
hla
regulation is highly responsive to factors associated with growth on solid media. Intriguingly, the Δ
vfrB
mutant displayed increased pathogenesis in a model of
S. aureus
dermonecrosis, further highlighting the complexity of VfrB-dependent virulence regulation. The results of this study describe a phenotype associated with a class of highly conserved yet uncharacterized proteins found in Gram-positive bacteria, and they shed new light on the regulation of virulence factors necessary for
S. aureus
pathogenesis.
Massive haemoptysis following dabigatran administration in a patient with bronchiectasis
Authors: Hayama Manabu , Inoue Hideki , Wada Hiromichi , Mio Tadashi
Published: February 2014

We report a case of life-threatening haemoptysis after administration of dabigatran in a patient with bronchiectasis. A 72-year-old woman had received dabigatran at a dose of 110 mg twice daily for chronic atrial fibrillation. She was admitted to our hospital for cerebral infarction after a few days of self-interruption of dabigatran. After the diagnosis of cerebral infarction, administration of dabigatran was restarted. Seven days later, she suffered acute-onset massive haemoptysis and required mechanical ventilation. Dabigatran treatment was discontinued, and bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) was performed twice. The bleeding continued for 11 days, but she recovered and was discharged on day 58 after admission.
Incidental finding of an orbital foreign body in a child with microcephaly and developmental delay
Authors: Hall Maria J , Thomas Megan R , Shekarchian Mina , Patel Vikesh
Published: February 2014

A 3-year-old boy underwent investigations for microcephaly and global developmental delay. An MRI scan identified an ill-defined enhancing lesion in the left superolateral orbit. On subsequent questioning his parents reported that he had been admitted to a neighbouring hospital 2 months earlier with left-sided preseptal cellulitis following a fall onto a plastic toy. Following the episode of cellulitis he developed intermittent mild erythema and oedema of the left upper eyelid for which his parents had not sought further medical attention. The child was admitted for an anterior orbitotomy via a skin-crease approach that identified a large foam plastic foreign body. He made a good recovery from his surgery although he has had intermittent upper eyelid oedema attributed to a persistent granulomatous foreign body reaction. No underlying cause for his microcephaly and delayed development has yet been identified.
Associations of overall sitting time and TV viewing time with fibrinogen and C reactive protein: the AusDiab study
Authors: Howard Bethany J , Balkau Beverley , Thorp Alicia A , Magliano Dianna J , Shaw Jonathan E , Owen Neville , Dunstan David W
Published: February 2014

Background/aim

Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Plasma fibrinogen and C reactive protein (CRP)—key inflammatory and/or haemostatic markers—may contribute to this association; however, few studies have examined their relationships with sedentary behaviours. We examined associations of overall sitting and TV viewing time with fibrinogen and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP).

Methods

Plasma fibrinogen and hsCRP were measured in 3086 Australian adults (mean age: 55±12 years) who participated in the 2004–2005 AusDiab (Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle) study. Multiple linear regression analyses examined cross-sectional associations of self-reported overall sitting and TV viewing time (h/day) with plasma fibrinogen and hsCRP, adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioural and medical treatments and conditions as potential covariates.

Results

Overall sitting time and TV viewing time were positively associated with plasma fibrinogen (sitting: β: 0.02 g/L, 95% CI (0.01 to 0.02); TV time: 0.03 g/L (0.02 to 0.05)) and hsCRP (sitting: 2.4% (1.2% to 3.6%); TV time: 4.5% (1.7% to 7.4%)). Associations were independent of leisure-time physical activity, but after adjusting for waist circumference, they remained for fibrinogen, but for hsCRP were attenuated to the null. Interactions were observed for gender×TV (p=0.011) with fibrinogen (associations in women only) and for waist circumference×TV (p=0.084) with hsCRP (associations in low-risk only).

Conclusions

Overall sitting time was positively associated with plasma fibrinogen and hsCRP in men and women; associations of TV viewing time with fibrinogen were observed in women only. Abdominal adiposity-mediated associations for hsCRP but not for fibrinogen. Prospective and intervention studies are needed to establish likely causality and elucidate potential mechanisms.
Early intervention with tiotropium in Chinese patients with GOLD stages I–II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Tie-COPD): study protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Li Xiaochen , Zhou Yumin , Chen Shuyun , Zheng Jinping , Zhong Nanshan , Ran Pixin
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Owing to the high and increasing morbidity and mortality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a major public health problem worldwide. Although the majority of patients with COPD are in the early stages, little attention has been paid to them, in particular regarding to early intervention. Tiotropium bromide can significantly relieve symptoms and reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations of COPD. Therefore, we hypothesise that therapy with tiotropium bromide will benefit patients with COPD with early-stage disease.

Method/analysis

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre clinical trial (Tiotropium In Early COPD study, Tie-COPD study) is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term intervention with tiotropium in patients with COPD with early-stage disease. A total of 839 patients with COPD who satisfied the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a once daily inhaled capsule of either tiotropium bromide (18 μg) or matching placebo for 2 years. Measurements will include forced expiratory volume in 1 s, health-related quality of life, grade degree of breathlessness related to activities, COPD exacerbations and pharmacoeconomic analysis.

Ethics/dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Recruitment started in November 2011 and ended in October 2013, with 839 patients randomised. The treatment follow-up of participants with Tie-COPD is currently ongoing and is due to finish in November 2015. The authors will disseminate the findings in peer-reviewed publications, conferences and seminar presentations.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01455129).
Mortality in chronic kidney disease and renal replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Neovius Martin , Jacobson Stefan H , Eriksson Jonas K , Elinder Carl-Gustaf , Hylander Britta
Published: February 2014

Objective

To compare mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4 and 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and transplanted patients.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Swedish national healthcare system.

Participants

Swedish adult patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 (n=3040; mean age 66 years), peritoneal dialysis (n=725; 60 years), haemodialysis (n=1791; 62 years) and renal transplantation (n=606; 48 years) were identified in Stockholm County clinical quality registers for renal disease between 1999 and 2010. Five general population controls were matched to each patient by age, sex and index year.

Exposure

CKD status (stage 4 or 5/peritoneal dialysis/haemodialysis/transplanted).

Primary outcome

All-cause mortality was ascertained from the Swedish Causes of Death Register. Mortality HRs were estimated using Cox regression conditioned on age, sex, diabetes status, education level and index year.

Results

During 6553 person-years, 766 patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 died (deaths/100 person-years 12, 95% CI 11 to 13) compared with 186 deaths during 1113 person-years in peritoneal dialysis (17, 95% CI 15 to 19), 924 deaths during 3680 person-years in haemodialysis (25, 95% CI 23 to 27) and 53 deaths during 2935 person-years in transplanted patients (1.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.4). Against matched general population controls, the mortality HR was 3.6 (95% CI 3.2 to 4.0) for CKD, 5.6 (95% CI 3.5 to 8.9) for transplanted patients, 9.2 (95% CI 6.6 to 12.7) for peritoneal dialysis and 12.6 (95% CI 10.8 to 14.6) for haemodialysis. In direct comparison versus CKD, the mortality HR was 1.7 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.1) for peritoneal dialysis, 2.6 (95% CI 2.3 to 2.9) for haemodialysis and 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) for transplanted patients.

Conclusions

We did not find support for mortality in CKD to be similar to dialysis mortality. The patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 had considerably lower mortality risk than dialysis patients, and considerably higher risk than transplanted patients and matched general population controls.
Postmarket safety in Canada: are significant therapeutic advances and biologics less safe than other drugs? A cohort study
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Examine the probability of new active substances (NASs) approved in Canada between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2012 acquiring a serious postmarket safety warning.

Design

Cohort study.

Data sources

Annual reports of the Therapeutic Products Directorate and the Biologic and Genetic Therapies Directorate; evaluations of therapeutic innovation from the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and Prescrire International; MedEffect Canada website.

Interventions

Postmarket regulatory safety warning or withdrawal from market due to safety reasons.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Compare the probability of acquiring a postmarket safety warning in Canada in four different groups of drugs: (1) traditional medications versus biologics; (2) medications that offer significant new therapeutic benefits versus those that do not. Determine how well the type of review that an NAS received from Health Canada predicted the product's postmarket therapeutic value.

Results

The probability of a traditional NAS acquiring a serious safety warning and/or being withdrawn was 29.9% (95% CI 21.8% to 40.2%) vs 27.3% (95% CI 18.2% to 39.7%) for an NAS of biological origin (p=0.47, log-rank test). For medications that were significant therapeutic advances the probability was 40.2% (95% CI 24.5% to 60.9%) vs 33.9% (95% CI 26.4% to 42.7%) for those that were not (p=0.18, log-rank test). Health Canada was 77.4% accurate in predicting the therapeutic importance of an NAS.

Conclusions

There was no difference in postmarket regulatory safety action between traditional medications and biologics and no difference between drugs with significant therapeutic benefits and those without. Although these results draw on Canadian data, they are likely to be relevant internationally. Further research should assess whether the current level of premarket safety evaluation is acceptable.
Improving drug chart documentation in elective surgical patient admissions.
Authors: Thompson Alice
Published: February 2014

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that all healthcare organisations should put policies in place for medication reconciliation on admission. At Croydon University Hospital a medication history had previously been taken in Foundation Year 1 (FY1) preoperative clinics. However, when these clinics were deemed unnecessary, this opportunity for drug chart documentation was lost, along with an awareness of this responsibility among the FY1s. As a result patients were being admitted to wards without adequate drug chart documentation which resulted in a serious untoward incident occurring. This project aimed to increase awareness among FY1s of this responsibility and as a result increase drug chart documentation in postoperative elective surgical patients.

The drug charts of 40 postoperative elective surgical patients admitted to all surgical wards were reviewed over a 2 week period. 12.5% (4/32) of patients taking regular medication had these correctly prescribed, with 'high risk medication omissions' found in 7.5% (3/40). Documentation of an allergy status was absent in 17.5% (7/40) of patients, including 5% (2/40) of whom had a known drug allergy.

To create awareness of this responsibility, first, a presentation was given to the FY1s, second, posters to prompt action were placed on the elective surgical wards, and finally, the Director of Medical Education emailed the FY1s reiterating these facts. We then reviewed the drug charts of 45 elective postoperative patients over a 2 week period following these interventions.

The results showed: correct prescription of regular medications improved to 48% (16/33); ‘high risk medication omissions' reduced to 4% (2/45); documentation of allergy status on the drug charts increased to 87% (39/45); failure to document a known drug allergy on the drug chart fell to 2% (1/45); and patients with a ‘high risk medication omission' or an undocumented known drug allergy decreased from 12.5% (5/40) to 7 % (3/45).

This study has highlighted an area in which medication reconciliation and drug chart documentation were inadequate, and posed a risk to patient safety. Interventions designed to educate the FY1s and inform them of their responsibility improved standards in regular medication prescription and allergy documentation. However, leaving the onus with the FY1s was not enough to achieve adequate drug chart documentation. Further project cycles may therefore require the implementation of a step within the patient admission protocol in the preoperative ward that requires the nursing staff to contact the team's doctor when the patient arrives in hospital to ensure satisfactory drug chart documentation. In addition, collaboration with the pharmacists could also allow a 'best possible medication history' to be taken on the day of admission and thus reduce risk to patient safety.
Peak oxygen uptake test in the assessment of growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Zueger Thomas , Bucher Julie , Christ Emanuel R. , Stettler Christoph
Published: February 2014

This study aimed at evaluating a peak oxygen uptake test as a simple diagnostic tool to assess growth-hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults. Based on the findings of multiple growth hormone (GH) samplings after the exercise, a single GH sample taken 15 min postexercise revealed high accuracy in the diagnosis of GHD in the present study. A standardized peak oxygen uptake test may, therefore, provide an accurate alternative to more invasive tests of GHD.
Institutional Trading and Stock Returns: Evidence from China
Authors: Frijns Bart , Lai Qiang , Tourani-Rad Alireza
Published: February 2014

Using a unique dataset containing daily institutional ownership information, we examine the relation between daily institutional trading and past, contemporaneous, and future stock returns on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). We find strong evidence of the price pressure effect induced by institutional trading, causing price impacts of up to 2.12% per day for the most intensively bought stocks. We further find that institutions are informed and momentum traders when buying but not when selling, which may be due to short-selling restrictions in China. Finally, our findings suggest that institutions engage in order splitting and/or herding behavior, as the price pressure effect is observed up to five days before and after the intense trading date.
Brown and white adipose tissues: intrinsic differences in gene expression and response to cold exposure in mice
Authors: Rosell Meritxell , Kaforou Myrsini , Frontini Andrea , Okolo Anthony , Chan Yi-Wah , Nikolopoulou Evanthia , Millership Steven , Fenech Matthew E. , MacIntyre David , Turner Jeremy O. , Moore Jonathan D. , Blackburn Edith , Gullick William J. , Cinti Saverio , Montana Giovanni , Parker Malcolm G. , Christian Mark
Published: February 2014

Brown adipocytes dissipate energy, whereas white adipocytes are an energy storage site. We explored the plasticity of different white adipose tissue depots in acquiring a brown phenotype by cold exposure. By comparing cold-induced genes in white fat to those enriched in brown compared with white fat, at thermoneutrality we defined a “brite” transcription signature. We identified the genes, pathways, and promoter regulatory motifs associated with “browning,” as these represent novel targets for understanding this process. For example, neuregulin 4 was more highly expressed in brown adipose tissue and upregulated in white fat upon cold exposure, and cell studies showed that it is a neurite outgrowth-promoting adipokine, indicative of a role in increasing adipose tissue innervation in response to cold. A cell culture system that allows us to reproduce the differential properties of the discrete adipose depots was developed to study depot-specific differences at an in vitro level. The key transcriptional events underpinning white adipose tissue to brown transition are important, as they represent an attractive proposition to overcome the detrimental effects associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
One-Stage Posterior Debridement and Transpedicular Screw Fixation for Treating Monosegmental Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in Adults
Authors: Liu Zhili , Liu Jiaming , Peng Aifeng , Long Xinhua , Yang Dong , Huang Shanhu
Published: February 2014

Spinal tuberculosis is still prevalent in some developing countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of one-stage posterior debridement, autogenous bone grafting, and transpedicular screw fixation in treating monosegmental thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis in adults. 37 patients were retrospectively reviewed in this study. The data of images, operative time and blood loss volume, perioperative complications, time to achieve bony fusion, VAS score, and neurologic function preoperatively and postoperatively were collected. The mean follow-up period was21.5±3.5months. The tuberculosis was cured after surgery in all patients, and no recurrence was observed. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients with a mean time of5.6±2.5months. Neurological outcome did not change in one case with grade A, and increased by 1–3 grades in the other patients with nerve deficit. The average preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were5.5±2.23and1.5±1.22, respectively; the difference was significant (P<0.05). There were three perioperative complications (8.1%, 3/37) observed in this study. In conclusion, the procedure of one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with autogenous bone grafting, and posterior fixation with pedicle screw is effective and safe for treating monosegmental thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis in adults.
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Endometriosis: A Review of Utilization and Mechanism
Authors: Kong Sai , Zhang Yue-Hui , Liu Chen-Fang , Tsui Ilene , Guo Ying , Ai Bei-Bei , Han Feng-Juan
Published: February 2014

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the common gynecological conditions causing menstrual and pelvic pain and affects 10%–15% of women of reproductive age. In recent years, the complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatment for EM has become popular due to the few adverse reactions reported. The CAM therapy for EM includes several different treatments such as herbs (herbal prescription, extract, and patent), acupuncture, microwave physiotherapy, and Chinese herb medicine enema (CHM enema). These CAM therapies are effective at relieving dysmenorrhoea, shrinking adnexal masses, and promoting pregnancy, with less unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In this review, we focus on the status quo of CAM on EM and try to identify therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms based on some clinical and experimental studies. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.
Proposal for a Security Management in Cloud Computing for Health Care
Authors: Haufe Knut , Dzombeta Srdan , Brandis Knud
Published: February 2014

Cloud computing is actually one of the most popular themes of information systems research. Considering the nature of the processed information especially health care organizations need to assess and treat specific risks according to cloud computing in their information security management system. Therefore, in this paper we propose a framework that includes the most important security processes regarding cloud computing in the health care sector. Starting with a framework of general information security management processes derived from standards of the ISO 27000 family the most important information security processes for health care organizations using cloud computing will be identified considering the main risks regarding cloud computing and the type of information processed. The identified processes will help a health care organization using cloud computing to focus on the most important ISMS processes and establish and operate them at an appropriate level of maturity considering limited resources.
Application of Sensor Networks to the Measurement of Subway-Induced Ground-Borne Vibration Near the Station
Authors: Zhong Hong , Qu Di , Lin Gao , Li Hongjun
Published: February 2014

The subway-induced ground-borne vibration poses great challenge to the environment in the nearby districts. This problem is more prominent for near-station sections of subways since more buildings and human activities are influenced. And the train would be either accelerating or decelerating in this section; the vibration induced would be different from that induced by the train running on long straight subway sections. For the purpose of evaluating human comfort and designing vibration mitigation systems in the buildings, it is necessary to measure the ground-borne vibration induced by the subway. In the presented paper, a measurement system based on the CompactRIO system and LabVIEW platform is constructed. A network of acceleration sensors is placed to collect the vibration signals. This system is used to measure the ground vibration in terms of acceleration and the corresponding Fourier spectra at a near-station section of the Shanghai Metro Line 9. Some observations have been obtained towards the ground-borne vibration induced by a train running underground near the station as well as the vibration decay with the distance from the subway tunnel.
NeonatalCitrobacter koseriMeningitis: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Rodrigues Joana , Rocha Dalila , Santos Fátima , João Anabela
Published: February 2014

Citrobacter koseriis a rare cause of neonatal meningitis with predisposal for brain abscesses, and therefore responsible for high mortality and serious neurologic sequelae in this age group. We present the evolution and outcome of four cases ofC. koserimeningitis. One of them developed brain abscesses and another one died. The cases show the bacteria's propensity for serious brain damage, despite early and adequate treatment, and the high risk of long-term neurologic complications in survivors, which imposes a close follow-up.
Existence of Multiple Nontrivial Solutions for a Strongly Indefinite Schrödinger-Poisson System
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Xiao Liqin
Published: February 2014

We consider a Schrödinger-Poisson system inℝ3with a strongly indefinite potential and a general nonlinearity. Its variational functional does not satisfy the global linking geometry. We obtain a nontrivial solution and, in case of odd nonlinearity, infinitely many solutions using the local linking and improved fountain theorems, respectively.
Manipulation of MoSe2Films on CuIn(Ga)Se2Solar Cells during Rapid Thermal Process
Authors: Lin Wei-Ting , Chan Shih-Hao , Tseng Shao-Ze , He Jhih-Jian , Chen Sheng-Hui , Shih Ruei-Fu , Tseng Chien-Wei , Li Tomi T. , Hu Sung-Cheng , Peng Wan-Xuan , Lu Yung-Tien
Published: February 2014

In this study, the CuIn(Ga)Se2(CIGS) crystalline quality and MoSe2thickness of films produced by the rapid thermal selenization process under various selenization pressures were investigated. When the selenization pressure increased from 48 Pa to 1.45 × 104 Pa, the CIGS films were smooth and uniform with large crystals of varying sizes. However, the MoSe2thicknesses increased from 50 nm to 2,109 nm, which created increased contact resistivity for the CIGS/MoSe2/Mo structures. The efficiency of CIGS solar cells could be increased from 1.43% to 4.62% due to improvement in the CIGS crystalline quality with increasing selenization pressure from 48 Pa to 1.02 × 103 Pa. In addition, the CIGS crystalline quality and MoSe2thickness were modified by the pressure released valve (PRV) selenization process method. The crystalline qualities of the CIGS films were similarly affected by the selenization pressure at 1.02 × 103 Pa in the PRV selenization method and the MoSe2thicknesses were reduced from 1,219 nm to 703 nm. A higher efficiency of 5.2% was achieved with the thinner MoSe2obtained by using the PRV selenization method.
Alendronate as an Effective Treatment for Bone Loss and Vascular Calcification in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Okamoto Masanori , Yamanaka Shintaro , Yoshimoto Wataru , Shigematsu Takashi
Published: February 2014

Kidney transplant recipients develop secondary osteoporosis induced by immunosuppressive medication, with a high risk of fracture, and abdominal aortic calcification (AC) is a known predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In this study of 12 stable kidney recipients, we estimated the preventive effect of bisphosphonate treatment on bone loss and progression of AC. We randomly divided the subjects into a treatment group with alendronate (group A: 5 subjects) and a control group (group C: 7 subjects). Group A patients received 35 mg/week of alendronate over 24 months, while group C patients were not administered with any bisphosphonates. Two major endpoints were established: (1) the time-dependent change in bone mineral density (BMD) estimated with DEXA and (2) progression of abdominal AC, calculated twice as an index (ACI) using computed tomography data. Over the 2-year study period, group A patients showed significantly increased BMD of 1.86 ± 0.85% (P=0.015versus baseline), and almost complete inhibition of ACI progression (38.2 ± 24.2% to 39.6 ± 24.3%), but group C patients showed a decrease in BMD decline with bone loss and progression of ACI (32.8 ± 25.0% to 37.8 ± 29.2%,P=0.061). In conclusion, alendronate therapy was an effective treatment in kidney transplant recipients for secondary osteoporosis and vascular calcification as ectopic calcification. This clinical trial is registered with number JMA-IIA00155 of JMACCT CTR.
SOX2 Is Regulated Differently from NANOG and OCT4 in Human Embryonic Stem Cells during Early Differentiation Initiated with Sodium Butyrate
Authors: Kallas Ade , Pook Martin , Trei Annika , Maimets Toivo
Published: February 2014

Transcription factors NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2 regulate self-renewal and pluripotency in human embryonic stem (hES) cells; however, their expression profiles during early differentiation of hES cells are unclear. In this study, we used multiparameter flow cytometric assay to detect all three transcription factors (NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2) simultaneously at single cell level and monitored the changes in their expression during early differentiation towards endodermal lineage (induced by sodium butyrate). We observed at least four distinct populations of hES cells, characterized by specific expression patterns of NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2 and differentiation markers. Our results show that a single cell can express both differentiation and pluripotency markers at the same time, indicating a gradual mode of developmental transition in these cells. Notably, distinct regulation of SOX2 during early differentiation events was detected, highlighting the potential importance of this transcription factor for self-renewal of hES cells during differentiation.
A Pilot Study of Partial Unweighted Treadmill Training in Mobility-Impaired Older Adults
Authors: Peterson Matthew J. , Williams Nanyamka , Caves Kevin , Morey Miriam C.
Published: February 2014

Background. Partial unweighted treadmill training is a potentially effective modality for improving fitness and function in frail elders. We tested the feasibility of partial unweighted treadmill training in older, mobility-impaired veterans.Methods. Eight mobility-impaired elders participated in partial unweighted treadmill training three times/week for twelve weeks. Outcome measures included gait speed, performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), eight foot up and go, and the SF-36 physical functioning short form.Results. There was significant improvement in treadmill walking time (+8.5 minutes;P<0.001), treadmill walking speed (+0.14 meters/second;P=0.02), and percent of body weight support (−2.2%;P=0.02). Changes in physical performance included usual gait speed (+0.12 meters/second;P=0.001), rapid gait speed (+0.13 meters/second;P=0.01), POMA (+2.4 summary score;P<0.001), and eight foot up and go (−1.2 seconds;P=0.05).Conclusions. Partial unweighted treadmill training is feasible in mobility-impaired elders. Improvements in treadmill training capacity resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in fitness levels and improved mobility.
An Incremental Classification Algorithm for Mining Data with Feature Space Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: February 2014

Feature space heterogeneity often exists in many real world data sets so that some features are of different importance for classification over different subsets. Moreover, the pattern of feature space heterogeneity might dynamically change over time as more and more data are accumulated. In this paper, we develop an incremental classification algorithm, Supervised Clustering for Classification with Feature Space Heterogeneity (SCCFSH), to address this problem. In our approach, supervised clustering is implemented to obtain a number of clusters such that samples in each cluster are from the same class. After the removal of outliers, relevance of features in each cluster is calculated based on their variations in this cluster. The feature relevance is incorporated into distance calculation for classification. The main advantage of SCCFSH lies in the fact that it is capable of solving a classification problem with feature space heterogeneity in an incremental way, which is favorable for online classification tasks with continuously changing data. Experimental results on a series of data sets and application to a database marketing problem show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Characteristic Modeling and Control of Servo Systems with Backlash and Friction
Authors: Wu Yifei , Wang Zhihong , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Wei , Du Renhui , Chen Qingwei
Published: February 2014

A novel approach for modeling and control of servo systems with backlash and friction is proposed based on the characteristic model. Firstly, to deal with friction‐induced nonlinearities, a smooth Stribeck friction model is introduced. The backlash is modeled by a continuous and derivable mathematical function. Secondly, a characteristic model in the form of a second‐order slowly time‐varying difference equation is established and verified by simulations. Thirdly, a composite controller including the golden‐section adaptive control law and the integral control law is designed and the stability of the closed‐loop system is analyzed. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control scheme is effective and can improve the steady‐state precision and the dynamic performance of the servo system with backlash and friction.
Microspheres for the Growth of Silicon Nanowires via Vapor‐Liquid‐Solid Mechanism
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Arancha , Márquez Francisco , Elizalde Eduardo , Morant Carmen
Published: February 2014

Silicon nanowires have been synthesized by a simple process using a suitable support containing silica and carbon microspheres. Nanowires were grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition via a vapor‐liquid‐solid mechanism with only the substrate as silicon source. The curved surface of the microsized spheres allows arranging the gold catalyst as nanoparticles with appropriate dimensions to catalyze the growth of nanowires. The resulting material is composed of the microspheres with the silicon nanowires attached on their surface.
Mode Choice between Private and Public Transport in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Chiu Chuen Onn , Karim Mohamed Rehan , Yusoff Sumiani
Published: February 2014

In 2010, Klang Valley has only 17% trips each day were completed using public transport, with the rest of the 83% trips were made through private transport. The inclination towards private car usage will only get worse if the transport policy continues to be inefficient and ineffective. Under the National Key Economic Area, the priority aimed to stimulate the increase of modal share of public transport in the Klang Valley to 50% by 2020. In the 10th Malaysia Plan, the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit was proposed, equipped with 141 km of MRT system, and will integrate with the existing rail networks. Nevertheless, adding kilometers into the rail system will not help, if people do not make the shift from private into public transport. This research would like to assess the possible mode shift of travellers in the Klang Valley towards using public transport, based on the utility function of available transport modes. It intends to identify the criteria that will trigger their willingness to make changes in favour of public transport as targeted by the NKEA.
Investigating How User's Activities in Both Virtual and Physical World Impact Each Other Leveraging LBSN Data
Authors: Yu Zhiwen , Yang Yue , Zhou Xingshe , Zheng Yu , Xie Xing
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we investigate how user's online behavior (e.g., making friendships) and their offline activity (e.g., check-ins) affected each other by leveraging the data collected from LBSN. First, we use vectors to represent nodes and define popularity entropy for each node to weigh their popularities and the impact on forming a new edge. Then, we propose an algorithm to calculate the weight of each edge based on our findings that the more overlap of linked nodes they have, the heavier weight the edge has and the more popular the nodes in their overlap are, the lighter the weight of the edge is. Finally, we conduct link prediction by using the random walk with restart method considering the effect of every node and every edge. Experimental results show that user's activity in virtual world and physical world do really have great impact on each other.
Plateaus in the Hall Resistance Curve at Filling Factors 2<ν<3
Authors: Sasaki Shosuke
Published: February 2014

The fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states with higher Landau levels have new characters different from those with 0<ν<2. The FQH states at 2<ν<3 are examined by developing the Tao-Thouless theory. We can find a unique configuration of electrons with the minimum Coulomb energy in the Landau orbitals. Therein the electron (or hole) pairs placed in the first and second nearest Landau orbitals can transfer to all the empty (or filled) orbitals at ν0=8/3, 14/5, 7/3, 11/5, and 5/2 via the Coulomb interaction. More distant electron (or hole) pairs with the same centre position have the same total momentum. Therefore, these pairs can also transfer to all the empty (or filled) orbitals. The sum of the pair energies from these quantum transitions yields a minimum at ν=ν0. The spectrum of the pair energy takes the lowest value at ν0 and a higher value with a gap in the neighbourhood of ν0 because many transitions are forbidden at a deviated filling factor from ν0. From the theoretical result, the FQH states with ν=ν0 are stable and the plateaus appear at the specific filling factors ν0.
Seoritae Extract Reduces Prostate Weight and Suppresses Prostate Cell Proliferation in a Rat Model of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Jang Hoon , Bae Woong-Jin , Yuk Seung-Mo , Han Dong-Seok , Ha U-Syn , Hwang Seong-Yeon , Yoon Shin-Hee , Kim Sae-Woong , Han Chang-Hee
Published: February 2014

Seoritae is a type of black soybean that is known to have health‐promoting effects due to its high isoflavone and anthocyanin contents. We evaluated whether Seoritae extract (SE) had beneficial effects on the reduction of prostate weight in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH was induced by intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate once a week for 5 weeks in Sprague‐Dawley rats, and rats were treated with or without daily oral doses of SE during BPH induction. After 5 weeks, the oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine), apoptosis (caspase‐3), and activity of 5‐alpha reductase were evaluated in the serum and prostate. The SE treatment group showed a significant decrease in prostate weight, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and 5‐alpha reductase activity compared to the nontreated BPH group. These results show that SE is effective in decreasing the weight and proliferation of the prostate, and suggest that SE may be an effective treatment for BPH.
Inverse Processing of Undefined Complex Shape Parts from Structural High Alloyed Tool Steel
Authors: Monkova Katarina , Monka Peter , Hloch Sergej
Published: February 2014

The paper deals with the process of 3D digitization as a tool for increasing production efficiency of complex shaped parts. Utilizes the concept of reverse engineering and new the model of NC program generation STEP-NC, for the of templates production for winding the stator coil of electromotors that is for electric household appliances. The manual production of prototype was substituted by manufacturing with NC machines. A 3D scanner was used for data digitizing, CAD/CAM system Pro/Engineering was used for NC program generation, and 3D measuring equipment was used for verification of new produced parts. The company estimated that only due to the implementation of STEP NC standard into production process it was allowed to read the 3D geometry of the product without problems. It helps the workshop to shorten the time needed for part production by about 30%.
Lightweight Word Spacing Model Based on Short Text Messages for Social Networking in Smart Homes
Authors: Song Yeongkil , Kim Harksoo
Published: February 2014

In smart homes, information appliances interact with residents via social network services. To capture residents' intentions, the information appliances should analyze short text messages entered typically through small mobile devices. However, most information appliances have hardware constraints such as small memory, limited battery capacity, and restricted processing power. Therefore, it is not easy to embed intelligent applications based on natural language processing (NLP) techniques, which traditionally require large memory and high-end processing power, into information appliances. To overcome this problem, lightweight NLP modules should be implemented. We propose an automatic word spacing system, the first step module of NLP for many languages with their own word spacing rules, which is designed for information appliances with limited hardware resources. The proposed system consists of a word spacing dictionary and a pattern-matching module. When a sentence is entered, the pattern-matching module inserts spaces by simply looking up the word spacing dictionary in a back-off manner. In comparative experiments with previous models, the proposed method showed low memory usage (0.79 MB) and high character-unit accuracy (0.9460) without requiring complex arithmetical computations. On the basis of these experiments, we conclude that the proposed system is suitable for information appliances with many hardware limitations.
Exploring the Anti‐Burkholderia cepacia Complex Activity of Essential Oils: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Maida Isabel , Lo Nostro Antonella , Pesavento Giovanna , Barnabei Martina , Calonico Carmela , Perrin Elena , Chiellini Carolina , Fondi Marco , Mengoni Alessio , Maggini Valentina , Vannacci Alfredo , Gallo Eugenia , Bilia Anna Rita , Flamini Guido , Gori Luigi , Firenzuoli Fabio , Fani Renato
Published: February 2014

In this work we have checked the ability of the essential oils extracted from six different medicinal plants (Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Thymus vulgaris) to inhibit the growth of 18 bacterial type strains belonging to the 18 known species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). These bacteria are opportunistic human pathogens that can cause severe infection in immunocompromised patients, especially those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF), and are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. The analysis of the aromatograms produced by the six oils revealed that, in spite of their different chemical composition, all of them were able to contrast the growth of Bcc members. However, three of them (i.e., Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare, and Thymus vulgaris) were particularly active versus the Bcc strains, including those exhibiting a high degree or resistance to ciprofloxacin, one of the most used antibiotics to treat Bcc infections. These three oils are also active toward both environmental and clinical strains (isolated from CF patients), suggesting that they might be used in the future to fight B. cepacia complex infections.
Role of Noncoding RNAs in the Regulation of P-TEFb Availability and Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Napolitano Giuliana , Lania Luigi , Majello Barbara
Published: February 2014

P-TEFb is a transcriptional factor that specifically regulates the elongation step of RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription and its activity strictly required for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and during cardiac differentiation. P-TEFb role has emerged as a crucial regulator of transcription elongation and its activity found finely tunedin vivoat transcriptional level as well as posttranscriptionally by dynamic association with different multisubunit molecular particles. Both physiological and pathological cellular signals rapidly converge on P-TEFb regulation by modifying expression and activity of the complex to allow cells to properly respond to different stimuli. In this review we will give a panoramic view on P-TEFb regulation by noncoding RNAs in both physiological and pathological conditions.
PPARs Integrate the Mammalian Clock and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Chen Lihong , Yang Guangrui
Published: February 2014

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptors that function as transcription factors regulating the expression of numerous target genes. PPARs play an essential role in various physiological and pathological processes, especially in energy metabolism. It has long been known that metabolism and circadian clocks are tightly intertwined. However, the mechanism of how they influence each other is not fully understood. Recently, all three PPAR isoforms were found to be rhythmically expressed in given mouse tissues. Among them, PPARαand PPARγare direct regulators of core clock components, Bmal1 and Rev-erbα, and, conversely, PPARαis also a direct Bmal1 target gene. More importantly, recent studies using knockout mice revealed that all PPARs exert given functions in a circadian manner. These findings demonstrated a novel role of PPARs as regulators in correlating circadian rhythm and metabolism. In this review, we summarize advances in our understanding of PPARs in circadian regulation.
Parking Pricing and Model Split under Uncertainty
Authors: Zhu Chengjuan , Jia Bin , Han Linghui , Gao Ziyou
Published: February 2014

In order to investigate different route choice criteria in a competitive highway/park-and-ride (P&R) network with uncertain travel times on the road, a bilevel programming model for solving the problem of determining parking fees and modal split is presented. In the face of travel time uncertainty, travelers plan their trips with a prespecified on-time arrival probability. The impact of three route choice criteria: the mean travel time, the travel time budget, and mean-excess travel time, is compared for parking pricing and modal split. The model at user equilibrium is described as a minimization model. And the analytic solutions are given. Analytic solutions show that both flow and travel time at equilibrium are independent of the price difference of travel expense on money. The main findings from the numerical results are elaborated. While given a confidence level, the flow on the highway changed significantly with the criteria, although the differences of the travel times are small. Travelers can be guided to choose their modes coordinately by improving the quality of the transit service. The optimal parking fees can be affected markedly by the confidence level. Finally, the influence of the log-normal distribution parameters is tested and analyzed.
Determination of Phthalate Plasticisers in Palm Oil Using Online Solid Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography (SPE-LC)
Authors: Ibrahim Nazarudin , Osman Rozita , Abdullah Azmui , Saim Norashikin
Published: February 2014

Contamination of phthalates plasticisers to food has raised concern as some of the phthalates are suspected to be endocrine disruptors. The phthalates have high affinity with oily environment and analysing these chemicals in such matrices is difficult because of the trace amount of the analyte and interference from matrix. An online solid phase extraction (SPE) technique using a large volume (3.5 mL) injection was developed for the analysis of 6 common plasticisers in palm oil. A simple sample preparation involving alumina as a fat retainer and methanol : acetonitrile (1 : 1) as the extraction solvent was performed prior to the usage of online SPE-LC system. This system consists of two columns, C16for the solid phase extraction (SPE) and C18as the analytical column, and a photo diode array detector. The calibration curves were linear from 5 to 1000 μg L−1, with correlation coefficients above 0.99. The instrumental limit of detection was 3 μg L−1and satisfactory recovery was obtained. A screening on a few samples in the retail market revealed the presence of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and butylbenzylphthalate (BBP) in the palm oil, with concentration less than 1 mg L−1.