bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the Parental Supervision Attributes Profile Questionnaire
Authors: Andrade Conceição , Carita Ana Isabel , Cordovil Rita , Barreiros João
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Parental Supervision Attributes Profile Questionnaire (PSAPQ). The PSAPQ is a measure of parental supervision, which has not been translated and adapted into any language other than English.

Methods

The Portuguese version was the result of forward/backward translations, consensus panels and pretesting. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Cronbach's α, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in adults with different educational levels. Results: Cronbach's α (α=0.70–0.79) and ICC (>0.75) were acceptable in three of four factors. The results of CFA (χ2/df=2.243; CFI=0.951; GFI=0.96; RMSEA=0.056; P(RMSEA ≤ 0.05)=0.222) suggest a good adjustment between the factors.

Conclusions

The Portuguese version of PSAPQ showed acceptable psychometric properties. This study evidenced some vulnerabilities of the fate subscale, emphasising the need for further investigation of the effects of the educational level of the parents.
Ovarian cancer symptom awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking for symptoms among UK women
Authors: Low Emma L , Waller Jo , Menon Usha , Jones Annwen , Reid Frances , Simon Alice E
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and to identify barriers to help-seeking and predictors of a longer time to help-seeking in a UK female population-based sample.

Methods

A UK population-based sample of women [n=1000, including a subsample of women at higher risk due to their age (≥45 years,n=510)] completed the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure by telephone interview. Questions measured symptom awareness (using recall and recognition), barriers to medical help-seeking and anticipated time to help-seeking. Regression analyses identified predictors of a higher score on a scale of anticipated time to help-seeking.

Results

Most women (58% overall sample; 54% subgroup) were unable to recall any symptoms but 99% recognised at least one. Recognition was lowest for difficulty eating and persistently feeling full. In the sample overall, higher socio-economic status and higher endorsement of practical and service barriers independently predicted a longer anticipated time to help-seeking for more symptoms. White ethnicity was an additional predictor in the older subgroup.

Conclusions

This study suggests awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is low in the UK, and varies widely between symptoms. It identifies variables that may be involved in a longer time to help-seeking for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and highlights the need for more in-depth research into the factors related to time to help-seeking in real-world situations.
Myths and misconceptions about intrauterine contraception among women seeking termination of pregnancy
Authors: Michie Lucy , Cameron Sharon T , Glasier Anna , Wellings Kaye , Loudon Joanna
Published: May 2013

Background

Immediate initiation of an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS) following termination of pregnancy (TOP) is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of another TOP. In spite of its high efficacy, uptake of intrauterine contraception in the UK is low. Myths and misconceptions about the method may contribute to the low uptake.

Study design

Anonymous, self-administered questionnaire among women requesting a TOP in a hospital abortion service in Scotland, UK.

Methods

Misconceptions about intrauterine contraception were extracted from an online social networking and micro-blogging service, and from existing research to develop a questionnaire containing 12 negative statements about intrauterine contraception. Respondents indicated their level of agreement with each statement.

Results

A total of 106/125 (85%) women requesting a TOP completed the questionnaire. The two commonest negative statements that respondents agreed with were that the IUD/IUS ‘Is painful to have inserted’ (n=36; 34%) and that ‘It can move around inside your body’ (n=25; 23.6%). The range of women who neither agreed nor disagreed with negative statements was 26.4–56.0%. Twenty-seven (25%) women indicated that the IUD/IUS was their planned method of post-TOP contraception.

Conclusions

Although myths about intrauterine contraception persist among a small proportion of women requesting a TOP, lack of knowledge about the method is also evident. The consultation prior to TOP is an important opportunity to provide accurate and quality information to women about the IUD/IUS that may serve to increase uptake and prevent repeat abortions.
Changing convention in combination oral contraceptives: estradiol and nomegestrol acetate in a monophasic 24/4 regimen
Authors: Shulman Lee P
Published: May 2013

Initial oral contraceptive regimens were characterised by high doses of ethinylestradiol (EE) and a progestogen in a 21-day regimen that either included seven additional hormone-free tablets or simply the 21 days of combination hormonal tablets. These regimens were developed to ensure high contraceptive effectiveness, regular and predictable withdrawal bleeding episodes to mimic a menstrual cycle, and minimal unscheduled vaginal bleeding. However, these regimens were associated with adverse tolerability and safety issues resulting from the dose and characteristics of their hormonal components. Attempts to ameliorate these adverse issues included the development of lower-dose EE regimens, the incorporation of new progestogens, multiphasic regimens, and reduced hormone-free interval regimens. However, the EE component has remained a constant until the recent approval of combination oral contraceptives with an estrogen component other than EE. The development and introduction of an estradiol-based oral contraceptive regimen is presented in this review.
The functional activity assessment: a validated PROM, unreliable in the hands of clinicians
Authors: Roberts Andrew J , Etherington J
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To examine the validity of the clinician-assessed version of a military occupational outcome measure (the functional activity assessment; FAA) and to compare the validity with the self-assessed version.

Methods

The relationship between the clinician-assessed FAA and the SF-36 and Physical Workload Questionnaire was examined in 192 service personnel with musculoskeletal injuries. Concurrent validity was checked by comparing actual medical category with the FAA.

Results

Clinicians preferentially chose an FAA grade of 2 (56% of all grades). The clinician-assessed FAA was significantly correlated with all measured variables in the expected direction. The performance of the regression models did not fully support construct validity. The discriminative ability of the models was poor.

Conclusions

The clinician-assessed FAA is a less valid measure than its self-assessed counterpart. Use of the patient-reported FAA outcome measure is recommended.
A U–Pb age for the Late Caledonian Sperrin Mountains minor intrusions suite in the north of Ireland: timing of slab break-off in the Grampian terrane and the significance of deep-seated, crustal lineaments
Authors: Cooper M. R. , Crowley Q. G. , Hollis S. P. , Noble S. R. , Henney P. J.
Published: May 2013

An intrusion of trachy-andesite, representative of a newly discovered suite of high-K–Ba–Sr, calc-alkaline minor intrusions (termed herein the Sperrin Mountains suite), hosted within the Grampian terrane in the north of Ireland, has been dated by U–Pb zircon at 426.69 ± 0.85 Ma (mid-Silurian; Wenlock–Ludlow boundary). Geochemistry reveals a close association with the Fanad, Ardara and Thorr plutons of the Donegal Batholith and the Argyll and Northern Highlands Suite of Scotland. The deep-seated Omagh Lineament appears to have limited eastward propagation of the Sperrin Mountains suite from beneath the main centre of granitic magmatism in Donegal. A Hf depleted mantle model age (T
DM
Hf) of
c
. 800 Ma for trachy-andesite zircons indicates partial melting from a source previously separated from the mantle. Whole-rock geochemistry of the suite is consistent with a model of partial melting, triggered by slab break-off, following thrusting of Ganderia–Avalonia under the Southern Uplands–Down–Longford accretionary prism (i.e. Laurentian margin). The new age constrains the timing of this event in the north of Ireland and is consistent with the petrogenesis of Late Caledonian high-K granites, appinites and minor intrusions across the Caledonides of northern Britain and Ireland.

Supplementary material:

Geochemical data are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18600
.
Substrain specific response to cardiac pressure overload in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Garcia-Menendez Lorena , Karamanlidis Georgios , Kolwicz Stephen , Tian Rong
Published: May 2013

The C57BL/6 mouse strain is one of the most commonly used in experimental research. It is known to differ from other strains in baseline cardiovascular phenotypes as well as in response to pressure overload induced by aortic constriction. Since the generation of the C57BL/6 mouse line over a century ago, multiple substrains have been generated from the original. To identify potential substrain specific differences in response to pressure overload, we evaluated the effects of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) on survival, cardiac function, and expression of hypertrophic markers in three commonly used C57BL/6 substrains: C57BL/6J (JL), C57BL/6NCrl (CL), and C57BL/6NTac (TF). Survival and cardiac function were significantly lower in the CL and TF substrains compared with JL mice after TAC. Furthermore, the heart weight and lung weight as well as the expression of the hypertrophic marker Bnp were significantly greater in the CL mice compared with the JL. Histological assessment revealed marked left ventricular dilatation of CL and TF hearts while JL hearts showed increased wall thickness without dilatation. Our data demonstrate that cardiac response to pressure overload is distinct among the three commonly used C57BL/6 substrains of mice, which raises a cautionary note in study design and data interpretation.
Pressure-induced maturation of endothelial cells on newborn mouse carotid arteries
Authors: Flavahan Sheila , Mozayan Mansoor M. , Lindgren Isa , Flavahan Nicholas A.
Published: May 2013

Experiments investigated maturation of endothelial function in the postnatal period. Carotid arteries isolated from newborn (postnatal day 1, P1) to P21 mice were assessed in myographs at transmural pressure (PTM) of 20 mmHg (P1 blood pressure, BP). Acetylcholine was ineffective in P1 but powerfully dilated P7 arteries, whereas NO-donor DEA-NONOate caused similar dilation at P1 and P7. Dilation to acetylcholine at P7 was abolished by inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) (l-NAME) or of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) (wortmannin, LY294002). Endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression decreased in P7 compared with P1 arteries, although acetylcholine increased PO4-eNOS-Ser1177in P7 but not in P1 arteries. Endothelial maturation may therefore reflect increased signaling through PI3K, Akt, and eNOS. Systemic BP increases dramatically in the early postnatal period. After exposing P1 arteries to transient increased PTM(50 mmHg, 60 min), acetylcholine caused powerful dilation and increased PO4-eNOS-Ser1177. Pressure-induced rescue of acetylcholine dilation was abolished by PI3K or NOS inhibition. Transient increased PTMdid not affect dilation at P7, or dilation to NO-donor in P1 arteries. Width of endothelial adherens junctions (VE-cadherin immunofluorescence) increased significantly from P1 to P7, and in P1 arteries exposed to transient increased PTM. A function-blocking antibody to VE-cadherin reduced the pressure-induced rescue of acetylcholine responses at P1, and the dilation to acetylcholine in P7 arteries. Therefore, maturation of newborn endothelium dilator function may be induced by increasing BP in the postnatal period. Furthermore, this may be mediated by VE-cadherin signaling at adherens junctions. Interruption of this maturation pathway may contribute to developmental and adult vascular diseases.
Domain 2 of uPAR regulates single-chain urokinase-mediated angiogenesis through β1-integrin and VEGFR2
Authors: LaRusch Gretchen A. , Merkulova Alona , Mahdi Fakhri , Shariat-Madar Zia , Sitrin Robert G. , Cines Douglas B. , Schmaier Alvin H.
Published: May 2013

How single-chain urokinase (ScuPA) mediates angiogenesis is incompletely understood. ScuPA (≥4 nM) induces phosphorylated (p)ERK1/2 (MAPK44 and MAPK42) and pAkt (Ser473) in umbilical vein and dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Activation of pERK1/2 by ScuPA is blocked by PD-98059 or U-0126, and pAkt (Ser473) activation is inhibited by wortmannin or LY-294002. ScuPA (32 nM) or protease-inhibited two-chain urokinase stimulates pERK1/2 to the same extent, indicating that signaling is not dependent on enzymatic activity. ScuPA induces pERK1/2, but not pAkt (Ser473), in SIN1−/−cells, indicating that the two pathways are not identical. Peptides from domain 2 of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) or domain 5 of high-molecular-weight kininogen compete with ScuPA for the induction of pERK1/2 and pAkt (Ser473). A peptide of the integrin-binding site on uPAR, a β1-integrin peptide that binds uPAR, antibody 6S6 to β1-integrin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors AG-1478 or PP3, and small interfering RNA knockdown of VEFG receptor 2, but not HER1–HER4, blocked ScuPA-induced pERK1/2 and pAkt (Ser473). ScuPA-induced endothelial cell proliferation was blocked by inhibitors of pERK1/2 and pAkt (Ser473), antibody 6S6, and uPAR or kininogen peptides. ScuPA initiated aortic sprouts and Matrigel plug angiogenesis in normal, but not uPAR-deficient, mouse aortae or mice, respectively, but these were blocked by PD-98059, LY-294002, AG-1478, or cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen. In summary, this investigation indicates a novel, a nonproteolytic signaling pathway initiated by zymogen ScuPA and mediated by domain 2 of uPAR, β1-integrins, and VEGF receptor 2 leading to angiogenesis. Kininogens or peptides from it downregulate this pathway.
Regulation of the proteasome by ATP: implications for ischemic myocardial injury and donor heart preservation
Authors: Majetschak Matthias
Published: May 2013

Several lines of evidence suggest that proteasomes are involved in multiple aspects of myocardial physiology and pathology, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. It is well established that the 26S proteasome is an ATP-dependent enzyme and that ischemic heart disease is associated with changes in the ATP content of the cardiomyocyte. A functional link between the 26S proteasome, myocardial ATP concentrations, and ischemic cardiac injury, however, has been suggested only recently. This review discusses the currently available data on the pathophysiological role of the cardiac proteasome during ischemia and reperfusion in the context of the cellular ATP content. Depletion of the myocardial ATP content during ischemia appears to activate the 26S proteasome via direct regulatory effects of ATP on 26S proteasome stability and activity. This implies pathological degradation of target proteins by the proteasome and could provide a pathophysiological basis for beneficial effects of proteasome inhibitors in various models of myocardial ischemia. In contrast to that in the ischemic heart, reduced and impaired proteasome activity is detectable in the postischemic heart. The paradoxical findings that proteasome inhibitors showed beneficial effects when administered during reperfusion in some studies could be explained by their anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive actions, leading to reduction of leukocyte-mediated myocardial reperfusion injury. The direct regulatory effects of ATP on the 26S proteasome have implications for the understanding of the contribution of the 26S proteasome to the pathophysiology of the ischemic heart and its possible role as a therapeutic target.
Diagnosing vascular variability anomalies, not only MESOR-hypertension
Authors: Halberg Franz , Powell Deborah , Otsuka Kuniaki , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Beaty Larry A. , Rosch Paul , Czaplicki Jerzy , Hillman Dewayne , Schwartzkopff Othild , Cornelissen Germaine
Published: May 2013

Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms. Chronomics investigates interactions with environmental cycles in a genetically coded autoresonance of the biosphere with wrangling space and terrestrial weather. Analytical global and local methods applied to human blood pressure records of around-the-clock measurements covering decades detect physiological-physical interactions, a small yet measurable response to solar and terrestrial magnetism. The chronobiological and chronomic interpretation of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (C-ABPM) records in the light of time-specified reference values derived from healthy peers matched by sex and age identify vascular variability anomalies (VVAs) for an assessment of cardio-, cerebro-, and renovascular disease risk. Even within the conventionally accepted normal range, VVAs have been associated with a statistically significant increase in risk. Long-term C-ABPM records help to “know ourselves,” serving for relief of psychological and other strain once transient VVAs are linked to the source of a load, prompting adjustment of one's lifestyle for strain reduction. Persistent circadian VVAs can be treated, sometimes by no more than a change in timing of the daily administration of antihypertensive medication. Circadian VVA assessment is an emergency worldwide, prompted in the United States by 1,000 deaths per day every day from problems related to blood pressure. While some heads of state met under United Nation and World Health Organization sponsorship to declare that noncommunicable diseases are a slow-motion disaster, a resolution has been drafted to propose C-ABPM as an added tool complementing purely physical environmental monitoring to contribute also to the understanding of social and natural as well as personal cataclysms.
Suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress improves endothelium-dependent contractile responses in aorta of the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Spitler Kathryn M. , Matsumoto Takayuki , Webb R. Clinton
Published: May 2013

A contributing factor to increased peripheral resistance seen during hypertension is an increased production of endothelium-derived contractile factors (EDCFs). The main EDCFs are vasoconstrictor prostanoids, metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) produced by Ca2+-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) following phosphorylation (at Ser505) mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activations. Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to contribute to pathophysiological alterations in cardiovascular diseases, the relationship between ER stress and EDCF-mediated responses remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that ER stress plays a role in EDCF-mediated responses via activation of the cPLA2/COX pathway in the aorta of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Male SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were treated with ER stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid or 4-phenlybutyric acid (TUDCA or PBA, respectively, 100 mg·kg−1·day−1ip) or PBS (control, 300 μl/day ip) for 1 wk. There was a decrease in systolic blood pressure in SHR treated with TUDCA or PBA compared with control SHR (176 ± 3 or 181 ± 5, respectively vs. 200 ± 2 mmHg). In the SHR, treatment with TUDCA or PBA normalized aortic (vs. control SHR) 1) contractions to acetylcholine (ACh), AA, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, 2) ACh-stimulated releases of prostanoids (thromboxane A2, PGF2α, and prostacyclin), 3) expression of COX-1, 4) phosphorylation of cPLA2and ERK1/2, and 5) production of H2O2. Our findings demonstrate a novel interplay between ER stress and EDCF-mediated responses in the aorta of the SHR. Moreover, ER stress inhibition normalizes such responses by suppressing the cPLA2/COX pathway.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation reverses cardiac remodeling via normalizing cardiac steatosis and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Monji Akio , Mitsui Toko , Bando Yasuko K. , Aoyama Morihiko , Shigeta Toshimasa , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: May 2013

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) is a remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ex-4 ameliorates cardiac dysfunction induced by myocardial infarction in preclinical and clinical settings. However, it remains unclear whether Ex-4 may modulate diabetic cardiomyopathy. We tested the impact of Ex-4 on two types of diabetic cardiomyopathy models, genetic (KK) and acquired T2DM induced by high-fat diet [diet-induced obesity (DIO)], to clarify whether Ex-4 may combat independently of etiology. Each type of mice was divided into Ex-4 (24 nmol·kg−1·day−1 for 40 days; KK-ex4 and DIO-ex4) and vehicle (KK-v and DIO-v) groups. Ex-4 ameliorated systemic and cardiac insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in both T2DM models. T2DM mice exhibited systolic (DIO-v) and diastolic (DIO-v and KK-v) left ventricular dysfunctions, which were restored by Ex-4 with reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. DIO-v and KK-v exhibited increased myocardial fibrosis and steatosis (lipid accumulation), in which were observed cardiac mitochondrial remodeling and enhanced mitochondrial oxidative damage. Ex-4 treatment reversed these cardiac remodeling and oxidative stress. Cytokine array revealed that Ex-4-sensitive inflammatory cytokines were ICAM-1 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Ex-4 ameliorated myocardial oxidative stress via suppression of NADPH oxidase 4 with concomitant elevation of antioxidants (SOD-1 and glutathione peroxidase). In conclusion, GLP-1R agonism reverses cardiac remodeling and dysfunction observed in T2DM via normalizing imbalance of lipid metabolism and related inflammation/oxidative stress.
Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates differentiation of ATII cells to ATI-like cells through activation of Wnt5a
Authors: Ghosh Manik C. , Gorantla Vijay , Makena Patrudu S. , Luellen Charlean , Sinclair Scott E. , Schwingshackl Andreas , Waters Christopher M.
Published: May 2013

Alveolar type II (ATII) epithelial cells play a crucial role in the repair and remodeling of the lung following injury. ATII cells have the capability to proliferate and differentiate into alveolar type I (ATI) cells in vivo and into an ATI-like phenotype in vitro. While previous reports indicate that the differentiation of ATII cells into ATI cells is a complex biological process, the underlying mechanism responsible for differentiation is not fully understood. To investigate factors involved in this differentiation in culture, we used a PCR array and identified several genes that were either up- or downregulated in ATI-like cells ( day 6 in culture) compared with day 2 ATII cells. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA was increased nearly eightfold. We found that IGF-I was increased in the culture media of ATI-like cells and demonstrated a significant role in the differentiation process. Treatment of ATII cells with recombinant IGF-I accelerated the differentiation process, and this effect was abrogated by the IGF-I receptor blocker PQ401. We found that Wnt5a, a member of the Wnt-Frizzled pathway, was activated during IGF-I-mediated differentiation. Both protein kinase C and β-catenin were transiently activated during transdifferentiation. Knocking down Wnt5a using small-interfering RNA abrogated the differentiation process as indicated by changes in the expression of an ATII cell marker (prosurfactant protein-C). Treatment of wounded cells with either IGF-I or Wnt5a stimulated wound closure. These results suggest that IGF-I promotes differentiation of ATII to ATI cells through the activation of a noncanonical Wnt pathway.
Novel Hematopoietic Target Genes in the NRF2-Mediated Transcriptional Pathway
Authors: Campbell Michelle R. , Karaca Mehmet , Adamski Kelly N. , Chorley Brian N. , Wang Xuting , Bell Douglas A.
Published: May 2013

Nuclear factor- (erythroid-derived 2) like 2 (NFE2L2, NRF2) is a key transcriptional activator of the antioxidant response pathway and is closely related to erythroid transcription factorNFE2. Under oxidative stress, NRF2 heterodimerizes with small Maf proteins and binds cis-acting enhancer sequences found near oxidative stress response genes. Using the dietary isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN) to activate NRF2, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) identified several hundred novel NRF2-mediated targets beyond its role in oxidative stress. Activated NRF2 bound the antioxidant response element (ARE) in promoters of several known and novel target genes involved in iron homeostasis and heme metabolism, including known targetsFTLandFTH1, as well as novel binding in the globin locus control region. Five novel NRF2 target genes were chosen for followup:AMBP, ABCB6, FECH, HRG-1 (SLC48A1), andTBXAS1. SFN-induced gene expression in erythroid K562 and lymphoid cells were compared for each target gene. NRF2 silencing showed reduced expression in lymphoid, lung, and hepatic cells. Furthermore, stable knockdown of NRF2 negative regulator KEAP1 in K562 cells resulted in increasedNQO1, AMBP, andTBXAS1expression. NFE2 binding sites in K562 cells revealed similar binding profiles as lymphoid NRF2 sites in all potential NRF2 candidates supporting a role forNRF2in heme metabolism and erythropoiesis.
The Role of Clinical and Instrumented Outcome Measures in Balance Control of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kanekar Neeta , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in balance control between individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy control subjects using clinical scales and instrumented measures of balance and determine relationships between balance measures, fatigue, and disability levels in individuals with MS with and without a history of falls.Method. Twelve individuals with MS and twelve healthy controls were evaluated using the Berg Balance and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scales, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, and Limits of Stability Tests as well as Fatigue Severity Scale and Barthel Index.Results. Mildly affected individuals with MS had significant balance performance deficits and poor balance confidence levels (P<0.05). MS group had higher sway velocities and diminished stability limits (P<0.05), significant sensory impairments, high fatigue and disability levels (P<0.05). Sway velocity was a significant predictor of balance performance and the ability to move towards stability limits for the MS group. For the MS-fallers group, those with lower disability levels had faster movement velocities and better balance performance.Conclusion. Implementation of both clinical and instrumented tests of balance is important for the planning and evaluation of treatment outcomes in balance rehabilitation of people with MS.
Fractional Coins and Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: May 2013

This paper discusses the fundamentals of negative probabilities and fractional calculus. The historical evolution and the main mathematical concepts are discussed, and several analogies between the two apparently unrelated topics are established. Based on the new conceptual perspective, some experiments are performed shading new light into possible future progress.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Algorithm Based on CS-SLIM Iterative Minimization Sparse Learning
Authors: Cao Ning , Hu Xiaowen , Lu Hao , Mao Minghe
Published: May 2013

Dynamic spectrum management is a key technology in cognitive wireless sensor network (C-WSN), in which spectrum sensing plays an important role. In this paper, we propose an improved approach as sparse learning via iterative minimization based on compressive sampling (CS-SLIM) for wideband spectrum detection. CS-SLIM can provide wideband spectrum detection with almost the same accuracy but a lower computational burden than that of SLIM. The measurement matrix and the computational complexity for CS-SLIM are discussed. Mean squared errors (MSEs) at various measurement samples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach in sparse scenes. It is also proved that the algorithm is suitable for sparse signal reconstruction and wideband spectrum sensing in C-WSN.
Tetrandrine Suppresses Cancer Angiogenesis and Metastasis in 4T1 Tumor Bearing Mice
Authors: Gao Jian-Li , Ji Xing , He Tong-Chuan , Zhang Qi , He Kai , Zhao Yan , Chen Su-Hong , Lv Gui-Yuan
Published: May 2013

Metastasis remains the most deadly aspect of cancer and still evades direct treatment. Thus, there is a great need to develop new treatment regimens to suppress tumor cells that have escaped surgical removal or that may have already disseminated. We have found that tetrandrine (TET) exhibits anticolon cancer activity. Here, we investigate the inhibition effect of TET to breast cancer metastasis, angiogenesis and its molecular basis underlying TET’s anticancer activity. We compare TET with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in 4T1 tumor bearing BALB/c mice model and find that TET exhibits an anticancer metastatic and antiangiogenic activities better than those of doxorubicin. The lung metastatic sites were decreased by TET, which is confirmed by bioluminescence imagingin vivo. On the other hand, laser doppler perfusion imaging (LDI) was used for measuring the blood flow of tumor in 4T1-tumor bearing mice. As a result, the local blood perfusion of tumor was markedly decreased by TET after 3 weeks. Mechanistically, TET treatment leads to a decrease in p-ERK level and an increase in NF-κB levels in HUVECs. TET also regulated metastatic and angiogenic related proteins, including vascular endothelial growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, integrinβ5, endothelial cell specific molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1in vivo.
Results on Difference Analogues of Valiron-Mohon'ko Theorem
Authors: Zhang Ran Ran , Huang Zhi Bo
Published: May 2013

The classical Valiron-Mohon'ko theorem has many applications in the study of complex equations. In this paper, we investigate rational functions inf(z) and the shifts off(z). We get some results on their characteristic functions. These results may be viewed as difference analogues of Valiron-Mohon'ko theorem.
Comparison of Frequency Bands Using Spectral Entropy for Epileptic Seizure Prediction
Authors: Blanco Susana , Garay Arturo , Coulombie Diego
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Under the hypothesis that the uncontrolled neuronal synchronization propagates recruiting more and more neurons, the aim is to detect its onset as early as possible by signal analysis. This synchronization is not noticeable just by looking at the EEG, so mathematical tools are needed for its identification.Objective. The aim of this study is to compare the results of spectral entropies calculated in different frequency bands of the EEG signals to decide which band may be a better tool to predict an epileptic seizure.Materials and Methods. Invasive ictal records were used. We measured the Fourier spectrum entropy of the electroencephalographic signals 4 to 32 minutes before the attack in low, medium and high frequencies.Results. The high-frequency band shows a markedly rate of increase of the entropy, with positive slopes and low correlation coefficient. The entropy rate of growth in the low-frequency band is practically zero, with a correlation around 0.2 and mostly positive slopes. The mid-frequency band showed both positive and negative slopes with low correlation.Conclusions. The entropy in the high frequencies could be predictor, because it shows changes in the previous moments of the attack. Its main problem is the variability, which makes it difficult to set the threshold that ensures an adequate prediction.
Hippocampal Anatomy Supports the Use of Context in Object Recognition: A Computational Model
Authors: Greene Patrick , Howard Mike , Bhattacharyya Rajan , Fellous Jean-Marc
Published: May 2013

The human hippocampus receives distinct signals via the lateral entorhinal cortex, typically associated with object features, and the medial entorhinal cortex, associated with spatial or contextual information. The existence of these distinct types of information calls for some means by which they can be managed in an appropriate way, by integrating them or keeping them separate as required to improve recognition. We hypothesize that several anatomical features of the hippocampus, including differentiation in connectivity between the superior/inferior blades of DG and the distal/proximal regions of CA3 and CA1, work together to play this information managing role. We construct a set of neural network models with these features and compare their recognition performance when given noisy or partial versions of contexts and their associated objects. We found that the anterior and posterior regions of the hippocampus naturally require different ratios of object and context input for optimal performance, due to the greater number of objects versus contexts. Additionally, we found that having separate processing regions in DG significantly aided recognition in situations where object inputs were degraded. However, split processing in both DG and CA3 resulted in performance tradeoffs, though the actual hippocampus may have ways of mitigating such losses.
Existence of Solutions for Fractional Differential Inclusions with Separated Boundary Conditions in Banach Space
Authors: Bragdi Mabrouk , Debbouche Amar , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: May 2013

We discuss the existence of solutions for a class of some separated boundary differential inclusions of fractional orders2<α<3involving the Caputo derivative. In order to obtain necessary conditions for the existence result, we apply the fixed point technique, fractional calculus, and multivalued analysis.
Heat Shock Proteins: Stimulators of Innate and Acquired Immunity
Authors: Colaco Camilo A. , Bailey Christopher R. , Walker K. Barry , Keeble James
Published: May 2013

Adjuvants were reintroduced into modern immunology as the dirty little secret of immunologists by Janeway and thus began the molecular definition of innate immunity. It is now clear that the binding of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on antigen presenting cells (APCs) activates the innate immune response and provides the host with a rapid mechanism for detecting infection by pathogens and initiates adaptive immunity. Ironically, in addition to advancing the basic science of immunology, Janeway’s revelation on induction of the adaptive system has also spurred an era of rational vaccine design that exploits PRRs. Thus, defined PAMPs that bind to known PRRs are being specifically coupled to antigens to improve their immunogenicity. However, while PAMPs efficiently activate the innate immune response, they do not mediate the capture of antigen that is required to elicit the specific responses of the acquired immune system. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that are found complexed to client polypeptides and have been studied as potential cancer vaccines. In addition to binding PRRs and activating the innate immune response, HSPs have been shown to both induce the maturation of APCs and provide chaperoned polypeptides for specific triggering of the acquired immune response.
Structure and Reverse Hydrogen Spillover in Mononuclear Au0 and AuI Complexes Bonded to Faujasite Zeolite: A Density Functional Study
Authors: Deka Ajanta
Published: May 2013

We have studied the structure of mononuclear gold supported on acidic form of faujasite zeolite in two oxidation states, namely, 0 and +1, using density functional theory. The binding of the gold monomer to the zeolite support is stronger in the oxidation state +1 than in the oxidation state 0. For the oxidation state 0, the hydrogenated clusters AuH/(2H)-FAU, AuH2/H-FAU generated by stepwise reverse hydrogen spillover from bridging OH groups of zeolite are energetically preferred over the Au/(3H)-FAU structure. Reverse hydrogen spillover of all the three acidic protons from the zeolite to the Au monomer did not lead to a stable structure. The calculated reverse hydrogen spillover energy per hydrogen atom for zeolite supported AuH and AuH2 clusters are −10.2 and −5.1 kJ/mol, respectively, in the oxidation state 0, while in the oxidation state +1 it is 20.9 kJ/mol for zeolite supported Au+H cluster.
Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis: Disease Characteristics and Patterns of Recurrence
Authors: Koh Ye Xin , Chiow Adrian Kah Heng , Chok Aik Yong , Lee Lip Seng , Tan Siong San , Ibrahim Salleh
Published: May 2013

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is characterized by repeated infections of the biliary system with the formation of stones and strictures. The management aims are to treat acute cholangitis, clear the biliary ductal debris and calculi, and eliminate predisposing factors of bile stasis. Operative options include hepatectomy and biliary drainage procedures or a combination of both; nonoperative options include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) guided procedures. This current study compares the operative and the nonoperative management outcomes in patients with RPC in 80 consecutive patients. In addition, we aim to evaluate our approach to the management of RPC over the past decade, according to the various degrees of severity and extent of the disease, and identify the patterns of recurrence in this complex clinical condition. Initial failure rate in terms of residual stone of operative compared with nonoperative treatment was 10.2% versus 32.3% (P=0.020). Long-term failure rate for operative compared with non-operative treatment was 20.4% versus 61.3% (P=0.010). Based on multivariate logistic regression, the only significant factors associated with failure were bilaterality of disease (OR: 8.101, P=0.007) and nonoperative treatment (OR: 26.843, P=0.001). The median time to failure of the operative group was 48 months as compared to 20 months in the nonoperative group (P<0.010). Thus operative treatment is a durable option in long-term resolution of disease. Hepatectomy is the preferred option to prevent recurrent disease. However, biliary drainage procedures are also an effective treatment option. The utility of nonoperative treatment can achieve a reasonable duration of disease free interval with minimal complications, albeit inferior to operative management.
A Bidirectional Flow Joint Sobolev Gradient for Image Interpolation
Authors: Zhan Yi , Li Sheng Jie , Li Meng
Published: May 2013

An energy functional with bidirectional flow is presented to sharpen image by reducing its edge width, which performs a forward diffusion in brighter lateral on edge ramp and backward diffusion that proceeds in darker lateral. We first consider the diffusion equations asL2gradient flows on integral functionals and then modify the inner product fromL2to a Sobolev inner product. The experimental results demonstrate that our model efficiently reconstructs the real image, leading to a natural interpolation with reduced blurring, staircase artifacts and preserving better the texture features of image.
A Novel Complex Valued Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Zheng Hongqing
Published: May 2013

To expand the information of nest individuals, the idea of complex‐valued encoding is used in cuckoo search (PCS); the gene of individuals is denoted by plurality, so a diploid swarm is structured by a sequence plurality. The value of independent variables for objective function is determined by modules, and a sign of them is determined by angles. The position of nest is divided into two parts, namely, real part gene and imaginary gene. The updating relation of complex‐valued swarm is presented. Six typical functions are tested. The results are compared with cuckoo search based on real‐valued encoding; the usefulness of the proposed algorithm is verified.
Risk Factors Associated with Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Lima Priscila Carneiro Moreira , Moura Neto Arnaldo , Tambascia Marcos Antonio , Zantut Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht
Published: May 2013

Objectives. Assess the prevalence of thyroid nodules and predictors of malignant origin in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients and Methods. Retrospective study including 275 patients, 198 with Graves' disease and 77 with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Clinical and demographical data, ultrasonographical nodule characteristics, total thyroid volume and histological characteristics were recorded. Results. Graves’ disease: the prevalence of thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma were 27.78% and 5.05%, respectively. Older age (OR = 1.054; 95% CI = 1.029–1.080) and larger thyroid volumes (OR = 1.013; 95% CI = 1.003–1.022) increased the chance of nodules. Younger age (OR = 1.073; 95% CI = 1.020–1.128) and larger thyroid volume (OR = 1.018; 95% CI = 1.005–1.030) predicted thyroid carcinoma. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: the prevalence of thyroid nodules and carcinomas were 50.7% and 7.8%, respectively. Nodules were predicted by thyroid volume (OR = 1.030; 95% CI = 1.001–1.062). We found higher number of nodules in patients with thyroid carcinoma than in those with benign nodules (3 versus 2; ). Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis presented nodules more frequently than patients with Graves’ disease (50.65% versus 27.28%; ), while the prevalence of carcinoma was similar (). Conclusions. Larger goiter was associated with carcinoma in Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Younger patients presented higher risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Graves’ disease. The prevalence of carcinoma was similar in both conditions.
Rayleigh Waves in a Rotating Orthotropic Micropolar Elastic Solid Half-Space
Authors: Singh Baljeet , Sindhu Ritu , Singh Jagdish
Published: May 2013

A problem on Rayleigh wave in a rotating half-space of an orthotropic micropolar material is considered. The governing equations are solved for surface wave solutions in the half space of the material. These solutions satisfy the boundary conditions at free surface of the half-space to obtain the frequency equation of the Rayleigh wave. For numerical purpose, the frequency equation is approximated. The nondimensional speed of Rayleigh wave is computed and shown graphically versus nondimensional frequency and rotation-frequency ratio for both orthotropic micropolar elastic and isotropic micropolar elastic cases. The numerical results show the effects of rotation, orthotropy, and nondimensional frequency on the nondimensional speed of the Rayleigh wave.
A Case of Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Myeloproliferative Neoplasm in a Pregnant Woman with Unusual Primary Myelofibrosis Features
Authors: Koshy Jason , Alperin Jack , Jana Bagi , Markowitz Avi , Qian You-Wen
Published: May 2013

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are traditionally separated intoBCR-ABL-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and BCR-ABL-negative MPNs including primary myelofibrosis (PMF), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and so forth. One of the diagnostic requirements for PMF and ET is the absence of the Philadelphia chromosome, while its presence is almost universally indicative of CML. However, a diagnostic dilemma arises when Philadelphia chromosome-positive MPNs lack the majority of the typical features seen in CML. Some of these classic CML features include basophilIa, marked leukocytosis, neutrophils left-shift with myelocytes bulge, and “dwarf” megakaryocytes. Presented here is a case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient who did not have typical morphologic findings for CML, and yet the Philadelphia chromosome was positive. The patient demonstrated some pathologic features that are commonly presented in PMF that included bone marrow reticulin fibrosis, leukoerythroblastosis, splenomegaly, and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase.
Synchronization ofNDifferent Chaotic Systems Based on Antisymmetric Structure
Authors: Chen Xiangyong , Qiu Jianlong
Published: May 2013

The problem of synchronization ofNdifferent chaotic systems is investigated. By using the direct design control method, the synchronization controler is designed to transform the error system into a nonlinear system with a special antisymmetric structure. The sufficient stability conditions are presented for such systems, and the complete synchronization of chaotic systems is realized. Finally, the corresponding numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Novel Threadlike Structures May Be Present on the Large Animal Organ Surface: Evidence in Swine Model
Authors: Bae Kyoung-Hee , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Byung-Cheon , Nam Min-Ho , Yoon Ji Woong , Kwon Hee-Min , Yoon Seung Zhoo
Published: May 2013

Background. The types of embryonic development probably provoke different paths of novel threadlike structure (NTS) development. The authors hypothesized that NTS may be easily observed on the surface of swine intestines by using trypan blue staining method and visualization under an optical microscope.Methods. General anesthesia was administered to 2 Yorkshire pigs. The abdominal walls of the pigs were carefully dissected along the medial alba. NTSs were identified on organ surfaces under a stereoscopic microscope after trypan blue staining. Isolated NTS specimens obtained from the large intestine were subjected to 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and observed using the polarized light microscopy to confirm whether the obtained structure fits the definition of NTS.Results. We found elastic, semitransparent threadlike structures (forming a network structure) that had a milky-white colorin situandin vivoin swine large intestines. The samples showed distinct extinction of polarized light at every 90 degrees, and nucleus was shown to be rod shaped by DAPI staining, indicating that they meet the criteria of NTS.Conclusion. We used a swine model to demonstrate that NTS may be present on large animal organ surfaces. Our results may permit similar studies by using human specimens.
Galangin Abrogates Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Inflammation via Negative Regulation of NF-κB
Authors: Zha Wang-Jian , Qian Yan , Shen Yi , Du Qiang , Chen Fei-Fei , Wu Zhen-Zhen , Li Xiao , Huang Mao
Published: May 2013

Persistent activation of nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) has been associated with the development of asthma. Galangin, the active pharmacological ingredient fromAlpinia galanga,is reported to have a variety of anti-inflammatory properties in vitro via negative regulation of NF-κB. This study aimed to investigate whether galangin can abrogate ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced airway inflammation by negative regulation of NF-κB. BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with OVA developed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation. Galangin dose dependently inhibited OVA-induced increases in total cell counts, eosinophil counts, and interleukin-(IL-) 4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced serum level of OVA-specific IgE. Galangin also attenuated AHR, reduced eosinophil infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia, and reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1) levels in lung tissue. Additionally, galangin blocked inhibitor ofκB degradation, phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, and p65 nuclear translocation from lung tissues of OVA-sensitized mice. Similarly, in normal human airway smooth muscle cells, galangin blocked tumor necrosis factor-αinduced p65 nuclear translocation and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, eotaxin, CXCL10, and VCAM-1. These results suggest that galangin can attenuate ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.