bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitators and Barriers to Health-Seeking Behaviours among Filipino Migrants: Inductive Analysis to Inform Health Promotion
Authors: Maneze D. , DiGiacomo M. , Salamonson Y. , Descallar J. , Davidson P. M.
Published: August 2015

Understanding factors that influence health-seeking behaviour of migrants is necessary to intervene for behaviour change. This paper explores Filipino migrants’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to maintaining health in Australia. Open-ended survey item responses reflecting factors that assisted and hindered health following migration to Australia were inductively analysed. Three hundred and thirty-seven of the 552 survey respondents (61%) provided open-ended responses. Responses were grouped into two major categories: individual factors, including personal resources and cultural influences, and environmental factors encompassing both the physical conditions in the host country and health service access. Awareness of practices that enhance health was a major personal facilitator of health-seeking behaviour; however, competing priorities of daily living were perceived as barriers. Cultural beliefs and practices influenced health-seeking behaviour. Despite high self-rated English language skills in this population, new migrants and the elderly cited communication difficulties as barriers to accessing health services. Insight into facilitators and barriers to health-seeking behaviour in this less researched migrant population revealed tools for enhancing engagement in health promotion programs addressing healthy lifestyle.
Urinary Angiotensinogen Could Be a Prognostic Marker of Renoprotective Effects of Alogliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mizushige Tomoko , Kobori Hiroyuki , Nishijima Yoko , Yano Yuichiro , Sakata Koji , Hayakawa Manabu , Nishiyama Akira
Published: August 2015

Background. The aims of this study were (1) to examine the renoprotective effects of alogliptin and (2) to establish urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) as a prognostic marker of renoprotective effects of alogliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods. In 43 patients with T2D (18 women,66.1±1.71years), 25 mg/day of alogliptin was added to the traditional hypoglycemic agents and/or nondrug treatments. Urinary concentrations of albumin (Alb) and AGT, normalized by urinary concentrations of creatinine (Cr) (UAlbCR and UAGTCR, respectively), were measured before and after the 12-week alogliptin treatment.Results. Alogliptin treatment tended to decrease UAlbCR (99.6±26.8versus114.6±36.0 mg/g Cr,P=0.198). Based on % change in UAlbCR, patients were divided into two groups, responders (<-25%) and nonresponders (≥-25%), and a logistic analysis of UAGTCR before treatment showed cutoff value of 20.8 µg/g Cr. When all patients were redivided into two groups, those with higher values of UAGTCR before the treatment (Group H,n=20) and those with lower values (Group L), Group H showed significantly decreased UAlbCR in response to alogliptin (-14.6±8.6versus+22.8±16.8%,P=0.033).Conclusion. Urinary AGT could be a prognostic marker of renoprotective effects of alogliptin in patients with T2D.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Evapotranspiration Paradox and Impact Factors in China in the Period of 1960–2013
Authors: Huang Huiping , Han Yuping , Cao Mingming , Song Jinxi , Xiao Heng , Cheng Weili
Published: August 2015

Downward trend of potential evaporation accompanied with upward of air temperature which is denoted as evaporation paradox has been reported in many regions over the past several decades in the world. In this paper, evaporation paradox and key factors attributed to ET0changes are systematically analyzed based on data from 599 meteorological stations during 1960–2013. Results show that (1) Evaporation paradox exists in all regions in1960–2013 and 1960–1999 except SWRB in 1960–2013 but no evaporation paradox in 2000–2013. (2) Evaporation paradox exists in large areas in spring and summer, the extent and range fall in autumn, and there is no evaporation paradox in winter. (3) The evaporation paradox area accounts for 73.7% of China in 1960–2013 and 91.2% in 1969–1999. (4) Sunshine hours, humidity, wind speed, and maximum temperature appear to be the most important variables which contributed to ET0change in China.
Tennis Elbow Diagnosis Using Equivalent Uniform Voltage to Fit the Logistic and the Probit Diseased Probability Models
Authors: Lee Tsair-Fwu , Lin Wei-Chun , Wang Hung-Yu , Lin Shu-Yuan , Wu Li-Fu , Guo Shih-Sian , Huang Hsiang-Jui , Ting Hui-Min , Chao Pei-Ju
Published: August 2015

To develop the logistic and the probit models to analyse electromyographic (EMG) equivalent uniform voltage- (EUV-) response for the tenderness of tennis elbow. In total, 78 hands from 39 subjects were enrolled. In this study, surface EMG (sEMG) signal is obtained by an innovative device with electrodes over forearm region. The analytical endpoint was defined as Visual Analog Score (VAS) 3+ tenderness of tennis elbow. The logistic and the probit diseased probability (DP) models were established for the VAS score and EMG absolute voltage-time histograms (AVTH). TV50is the threshold equivalent uniform voltage predicting a 50% risk of disease. Twenty-one out of 78 samples (27%) developed VAS 3+ tenderness of tennis elbow reported by the subject and confirmed by the physician. The fitted DP parameters were TV50= 153.0 mV (CI: 136.3–169.7 mV),γ50= 0.84 (CI: 0.78–0.90) and TV50= 155.6 mV (CI: 138.9–172.4 mV),m= 0.54 (CI: 0.49–0.59) for logistic and probit models, respectively. When the EUV ≥ 153 mV, the DP of the patient is greater than 50% and vice versa. The logistic and the probit models are valuable tools to predict the DP of VAS 3+ tenderness of tennis elbow.
IgG4-Seronegative Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Kahn Allon , Yadav Anitha D. , Harrison M. Edwyn
Published: August 2015

IgG4-related disease is a relatively novel clinical entity whose gastrointestinal manifestations include type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis. The presence of elevated serum IgG4 is suggestive but not essential for the diagnosis of type 1 AIP and is a pervasive feature of the proposed diagnostic criteria. The differential diagnosis of type 1 AIP includes malignant conditions, emphasizing the importance of a deliberate, comprehensive evaluation. Management of patients with a suggestive clinical presentation, but without serum IgG4 elevation, is difficult. Here we present three cases of IgG4-seronegative AIP and sclerosing cholangitis that responded to empiric steroid therapy and discuss approach considerations. These cases demonstrate the value of meticulous application of existing diagnostic algorithms to achieve a clinical diagnosis and avoid surgical intervention.
Identification and Progression of Heart Disease Risk Factors in Diabetic Patients from Longitudinal Electronic Health Records
Authors: Jonnagaddala Jitendra , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Ray Pradeep , Kumar Manish , Dai Hong-Jie , Hsu Chien-Yeh
Published: August 2015

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, assessing the risk of its occurrence is a crucial step in predicting serious cardiac events. Identifying heart disease risk factors and tracking their progression is a preliminary step in heart disease risk assessment. A large number of studies have reported the use of risk factor data collected prospectively. Electronic health record systems are a great resource of the required risk factor data. Unfortunately, most of the valuable information on risk factor data is buried in the form of unstructured clinical notes in electronic health records. In this study, we present an information extraction system to extract related information on heart disease risk factors from unstructured clinical notes using a hybrid approach. The hybrid approach employs both machine learning and rule-based clinical text mining techniques. The developed system achieved an overall microaveragedF-score of 0.8302.
Behavioral Tagging: A Translation of the Synaptic Tagging and Capture Hypothesis
Authors: Moncada Diego , Ballarini Fabricio , Viola Haydée
Published: August 2015

Similar molecular machinery is activated in neurons following an electrical stimulus that induces synaptic changes and after learning sessions that trigger memory formation. Then, to achieve perdurability of these processes protein synthesis is required for the reinforcement of the changes induced in the network. The synaptic tagging and capture theory provided a strong framework to explain synaptic specificity and persistence of electrophysiological induced plastic changes. Ten years later, the behavioral tagging hypothesis (BT) made use of the same argument, applying it to learning and memory models. The hypothesis postulates that the formation of lasting memories relies on at least two processes: the setting of a learning tag and the synthesis of plasticity related proteins, which once captured at tagged sites allow memory consolidation. BT explains how weak events, only capable of inducing transient forms of memories, can result in lasting memories when occurring close in time with other behaviorally relevant experiences that provide proteins. In this review, we detail the findings supporting the existence of BT process in rodents, leading to the consolidation, persistence, and interference of a memory. We focus on the molecular machinery taking place in these processes and describe the experimental data supporting the BT in humans.
Dominant Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Systems for the Extreme Precipitation over the Western Sichuan Basin in Summer 2013
Authors: Hu Yamin , Zhai Panmao , Liu Lihong , Chen Yang , Liu Yanju
Published: August 2015

The western Sichuan Basin (WSB) is a rainstorm center influenced by complicated factors such as topography and circulation. Based on multivariable empirical orthogonal function technique for extreme precipitation processes (EPP) in WSB in 2013, this study reveals the dominant circulation patterns. Results indicate that the leading modes are characterized by “Saddle” and “Sandwich” structures, respectively. In one mode, a TC from the South China Sea (SCS) converts into the inverted trough and steers warm moist airflow northward into the WSB. At the same time, WPSH extends westward over the Yangtze River and conveys a southeasterly warm humid flow. In the other case, WPSH is pushed westward by TC in the Western Pacific and then merges with an anomalous anticyclone over SCS. The anomalous anticyclone and WPSH form a conjunction belt and convey the warm moist southwesterly airflow to meet with the cold flow over the WSB. The configurations of WPSH and TC in the tropic and the blocking and trough in the midhigh latitudes play important roles during the EPPs over the WSB. The persistence of EPPs depends on the long-lived large-scale circulation configuration steady over the suitable positions.
Supervised Learning Based Hypothesis Generation from Biomedical Literature
Authors: Sang Shengtian , Yang Zhihao , Li Zongyao , Lin Hongfei
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, the amount of biomedical literatures is growing at an explosive speed, and there is much useful knowledge undiscovered in this literature. Researchers can form biomedical hypotheses through mining these works. In this paper, we propose a supervised learning based approach to generate hypotheses from biomedical literature. This approach splits the traditional processing of hypothesis generation with classic ABC model into AB model and BC model which are constructed with supervised learning method. Compared with the concept cooccurrence and grammar engineering-based approaches like SemRep, machine learning based models usually can achieve better performance in information extraction (IE) from texts. Then through combining the two models, the approach reconstructs the ABC model and generates biomedical hypotheses from literature. The experimental results on the three classic Swanson hypotheses show that our approach outperforms SemRep system.
Determination of Biological Treatability Processes of Textile Wastewater and Implementation of a Fuzzy Logic Model
Authors: Kabuk Harun Akif , Avsar Yasar , Kuzu S. Levent , Ilhan Fatih , Ulucan Kubra
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the biological treatability of textile wastewater. For this purpose, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was utilized for biological treatment after the ozonation process. Due to the refractory organic contents of textile wastewater that has a low biodegradability capacity, ozonation was implemented as an advanced oxidation process prior to the MBR system to increase the biodegradability of the wastewater. Textile wastewater, oxidized by ozonation, was fed to the MBR at different hydraulic retention times (HRT). During the process, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiencies were monitored for 24-hour, 12-hour, 6-hour, and 3-hour retention times. Under these conditions, 94% color, 65% COD, and 55% BOD removal efficiencies were obtained in the MBR system. The experimental outputs were modeled with multiple linear regressions (MLR) and fuzzy logic. MLR results suggested that color removal is more related to COD removal relative to BOD removal. A surface map of this issue was prepared with a fuzzy logic model. Furthermore, fuzzy logic was employed to the whole modeling of the biological system treatment. Determination coefficients for COD, BOD, and color removal efficiencies were 0.96, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Psychoeducational Intervention in Treatment‐Naïve Patients with Antidepressant Medication in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Casañas R. , Catalán R. , Penadés R. , Real J. , Valero S. , Muñoz MA. , Lalucat-Jo LL. , Casas M.
Published: August 2015

Background. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychoeducation (PE) in patients with symptoms of depression in primary care (PC), but very few studies have assessed this intervention in antidepressant‐naïve patients. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a PE program in these patients, since the use of antidepressant (AD) medication may interfere with the effects of the intervention. Methods. 106 participants were included, 50 from the PE program (12 weekly 1.5‐hour sessions) and 56 from the control group (CG) that received the usual care. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months. The main outcome measures were the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and remission based on the BDI. The analysis was carried out on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Results. The PE program group showed remission of symptoms of 40% (P = 0.001) posttreatment and 42% (P = 0.012) at 6 months. The analysis only showed significant differences in the BDI score posttreatment (P = 0.008; effect size Cohen’s d′ = 0.55). Conclusions. The PE intervention is an effective treatment in the depressive population not treated with AD medication. Before taking an AD, psychoeducational intervention should be considered.
Effects of a Health Promotion Program Based on a Train-the-Trainer Approach on Quality of Life and Mental Health of Long-Term Unemployed Persons
Authors: Limm Heribert , Heinmüller Mechthild , Gündel Harald , Liel Katrin , Seeger Karin , Salman Ramazan , Angerer Peter
Published: August 2015

Background. Long-term unemployment is associated with poorer mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion program using the train-the-trainer approach on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health of long-term unemployed persons.Methods. A prospective parallel-group study was conducted among 365 long-term unemployed persons. 287 participants (179 members of the intervention group IG and 108 members of the control group) were reassessed after three months. The intervention comprised both individual sessions based on Motivational Interviewing and participatory group sessions; no health promotion program was administered in the control group. The endpoints were HRQoL (SF-12), depression, and anxiety. The effect size of the change across time in the IG and CG was measured by Cohen’sd. To assess the significance of group differences in the change across time, a random effects model was used.Results. Within three months HRQoL improved and anxiety and depression decreased significantly in the IG. A significant intervention effect was observed for anxiety (p= 0.012). Effect sizes in the IG were small to moderate in terms of Cohen’sd(anxiety:d=-0.33; SF-12 mental:d=0.31; depression:d=-0.25; SF-12 physical:d=0.19).Conclusions. The health promotion program, based on a train-the-trainer approach, showed positive effects on HRQoL and mental health, especially anxiety, of long-term unemployed persons, a highly burdened target group where an improvement in mental health is a crucial prerequisite to social participation and successful reintegration into the job market.
Comparison of Alcian Blue, Trypan Blue, and Toluidine Blue for Visualization of the Primo Vascular System Floating in Lymph Ducts
Authors: Kim Da-Un , Han Jae Won , Jung Sharon Jiyoon , Lee Seung Hwan , Cha Richard , Chang Byung-Soo , Soh Kwang-Sup
Published: August 2015

The primo vascular system (PVS), floating in lymph ducts, was too transparent to be observed by using a stereomicroscope. It was only detectable with the aid of staining dyes, for instance, Alcian blue, which was injected into the lymph nodes. Some dyes were absorbed preferentially by the PVS than the lymph wall. It remains a standing problem to know what dyes are absorbed better by the PVS than the lymph walls. Such information would be useful to unravel the biochemical properties of the PVS that are badly in need for obtaining large amount of PVS specimens. In the current work we tried two other familiar dyes which were used in PVS research before. We found that Trypan blue and toluidine blue did not visualize the PVS. Trypan blue was cleared by the natural washing. Toluidine blue did not stain the PVS, but it did leave stained spots in the lymph wall and its surrounding tissues, and it leaked out of the lymph wall to stain surrounding connective tissues. These completely different behaviors of the three dyes were found for the first time in the current work and provide valuable information to elucidate the mechanism through which some special dyes stained the PVS preferentially compared to the lymphatic wall.
Autobiographical Memory Disturbances in Depression: A Novel Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Köhler Cristiano A. , Carvalho André F. , Alves Gilberto S. , McIntyre Roger S. , Hyphantis Thomas N. , Cammarota Martín
Published: August 2015

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by a dysfunctional processing of autobiographical memories. We review the following core domains of deficit: systematic biases favoring materials of negative emotional valence; diminished access and response to positive memories; a recollection of overgeneral memories in detriment of specific autobiographical memories; and the role of ruminative processes and avoidance when dealing with autobiographical memories. Furthermore, we review evidence from functional neuroimaging studies of neural circuits activated by the recollection of autobiographical memories in both healthy and depressive individuals. Disruptions in autobiographical memories predispose and portend onset and maintenance of depression. Thus, we discuss emerging therapeutics that target memory difficulties in those with depression. We review strategies for this clinical domain, including memory specificity training, method-of-loci, memory rescripting, and real-time fMRI neurofeedback training of amygdala activity in depression. We propose that the manipulation of the reconsolidation of autobiographical memories in depression might represent a novel yet largely unexplored, domain-specific, therapeutic opportunity for depression treatment.
Secular Changes of Adiposity and Motor Development in Czech Preschool Children: Lifestyle Changes in Fifty-Five Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Sedlak Petr , Pařízková Jana , Daniš Robert , Dvořáková Hana , Vignerová Jana
Published: August 2015

Secular trends of adiposity and motor development in preschool children since the fifties of the last century up to the beginning of this millennium were analyzed so as to reveal possible changes due to continuously differentiating lifestyle. In preschool children (n=3678) height, weight, skinfold thickness over triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac were measured by Harpenden caliper in 1957, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1990, and 2012. Simultaneously, motor performance was tested by evaluating the achievements in broad jump and throwing a ball, as a marker of adaptation to changing level of physical activity, free games, and exercise. Along the period of five decades the values of skinfold thickness increased significantly until 2012, mainly on the trunk. Simultaneously, the level of motor performance significantly decreased. Modifications of the way of life during the mentioned five decades characterized by sedentarism and inadequate food intake as related to energy output influenced negatively both adiposity and motor performance already in preschool children. Mostly increased deposition of fat on the trunk which is considered as a marker of possible development of metabolic syndrome was apparent already in preschool age, indicating the importance of early intervention concerning also physical activity and availability for exercise since early life.
Extracellular Vesicles: Role in Inflammatory Responses and Potential Uses in Vaccination in Cancer and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Campos João Henrique , Soares Rodrigo Pedro , Ribeiro Kleber , Cronemberger Andrade André , Batista Wagner Luiz , Torrecilhas Ana Claudia
Published: August 2015

Almost all cells and organisms release membrane structures containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which have a wide range of functions concerning intercellular communication and signaling events. Recently, the characterization and understanding of their biological role have become a main research area due to their potential role in vaccination, as biomarkers antigens, early diagnostic tools, and therapeutic applications. Here, we will overview the recent advances and studies of Evs shed by tumor cells, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, focusing on their inflammatory role and their potential use in vaccination and diagnostic of cancer and infectious diseases.
Supervisors’ Strategies to Facilitate Work Functioning among Employees with Musculoskeletal Complaints: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Ask Tove , Magnussen Liv Heide
Published: August 2015

Aim. To explore what strategies the supervisors found beneficial to prevent or reduce sickness absence among employees with musculoskeletal complaints. Methods. Five focus groups were conducted and 26 supervisors from health and social sector participated. Commonly used strategies to prevent sickness absence and interdisciplinary cooperation in this work were discussed in the focus groups. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data. Results. The supervisors described five strategies for sick leave management: (1) promoting well‐being and a healthy working environment, (2) providing early support and adjustments, (3) making employees more responsible, (4) using confrontational strategies in relation to employees on long‐term sick leave, and (5) cooperation with general practitioners (GPs). Conclusions. Strategies of promoting a healthy working environment and facilitating early return to work were utilised in the follow‐up of employees with musculoskeletal complaints. Supportive strategies were found most useful especially in the early phases, while finding a balance between being supportive, on one side, and confronting the employee, on the other, was endeavoured in cases of recurrent or long‐term sick leave. Further, the supervisors requested a closer cooperation with the GPs, which they believed would facilitate return to work.
Using Photovoice as a Community Based Participatory Research Tool for Changing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Behaviours in Usoma, Kenya
Authors: Bisung Elijah , Elliott Susan J. , Abudho Bernard , Karanja Diana M. , Schuster-Wallace Corinne J.
Published: August 2015

Recent years have witnessed an increase in the use of community based participatory research (CBPR) tools for understanding environment and health issues and facilitating social action. This paper explores the application and utility of photovoice for understanding water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) behaviours and catalysing community led solutions to change behaviours. Between June and August 2013, photovoice was conducted with eight (8) women in Usoma, a lakeshore community in Western Kenya with a follow-up community meeting (baraza) in May 2014 to discuss findings with the community members and government officials. In the first part of the study, photovoice one-on-one interviews were used to explore local perceptions and practices around water-health linkages and how the ecological and socio-political environment shapes these perceptions and practices. This paper, which is the second component of the study, uses photovoice group discussions to explore participants’ experiences with and (re)action to the photographs and the photovoice project. The findings illustrate that photovoice was an effective CBPR methodology for understanding behaviours, creating awareness, facilitating collective action, and engaging with local government and local health officials at the water-health nexus.
The Lambert Way to Gaussianize Heavy‐Tailed Data with the Inverse of Tukey’s h Transformation as a Special Case
Authors: Goerg Georg M.
Published: August 2015

I present a parametric, bijective transformation to generate heavy tail versions of arbitrary random variables. The tail behavior of this heavy tail Lambert  W × FX random variable depends on a tail parameter δ ≥ 0: for δ = 0, Y ≡ X, for δ > 0 Y has heavier tails than X. For X being Gaussian it reduces to Tukey’s h distribution. The Lambert W function provides an explicit inverse transformation, which can thus remove heavy tails from observed data. It also provides closed‐form expressions for the cumulative distribution (cdf) and probability density function (pdf). As a special case, these yield analytic expression for Tukey’s h pdf and cdf. Parameters can be estimated by maximum likelihood and applications to S&P 500 log‐returns demonstrate the usefulness of the presented methodology. The R package LambertW implements most of the introduced methodology and is publicly
available on CRAN.
Application of “Systems Vaccinology” to Evaluate Inflammation and Reactogenicity of Adjuvanted Preventative Vaccines
Authors: Lewis David J. M. , Lythgoe Mark P.
Published: August 2015

Advances in “omics” technology (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genomics/epigenomics, etc.) allied with statistical and bioinformatics tools are providing insights into basic mechanisms of vaccine and adjuvant efficacy or inflammation/reactogenicity. Predictive biomarkers of relatively frequent inflammatory reactogenicity may be identified in systems vaccinology studies involving tens or hundreds of participants and used to screen new vaccines and adjuvants inin vitro,ex vivo, animal, or human models. The identification of rare events (such as those observed with initial rotavirus vaccine or suspected autoimmune complications) will require interrogation of large data sets and population-based research before application of systems vaccinology. The Innovative Medicine Initiative funded public-private project BIOVACSAFE is an initial attempt to systematically identify biomarkers of relatively common inflammatory events after adjuvanted immunization using human, animal, and population-based models. Discriminatory profiles or biomarkers are being identified, which require validation in large trials involving thousands of participants before they can be generalized. Ultimately, it is to be hoped that the knowledge gained from such initiatives will provide tools to the industry, academia, and regulators to select optimal noninflammatory but immunogenic and effective vaccine adjuvant combinations, thereby shortening product development cycles and identifying unsuitable vaccine candidates that would fail in expensive late stage development or postmarketing.
An Enhanced Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting System with Macro Fiber Composite
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Yan Bo , Luo Yajun , Miao Weikai , Xu Minglong
Published: August 2015

Self-power supply is a promising project in various applied conditions. Among this research area, piezoelectric material-based energy harvesting (EH) method has been researched in recent years due to its advantages. With the limitation of energy form acceptance range of EH circuit system, a sum of energy is not accessible to be obtained. To enlarge the EH quantity from the vibration, an enhanced piezoelectric vibration EH structure with piezoelectric film is developed in this work. Piezoelectric-based energy harvesting mechanism is primarily proposed in this work. The special-designed electric circuit for EH from macro fiber composite (MFC) is proposed and then analyzed. When the structure vibrates in its modes of frequencies, the experiments are developed to measure the EH effect. The energy harvested from the vibrating structure is analyzed and the enhanced effect is presented. The results indicate that, with the enhanced EH structure in this work, vibration energy from structure is obtained in a larger range, and the general EH quantity is enlarged.
A Low Latency, Energy Efficient MAC Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Zhe-tao , Chen Qian , Zhu Geng-ming , Choi Young-june , Sekiya Hiroo
Published: August 2015

Reducing unnecessary and redundant handshake frame is considered as a promising way to reduce the end-to-end delay and energy consumption. Here, a protocol named compressed handshake media access control (CH-MAC) is presented. CH-MAC introduces a new handshake mechanism with implicit RTS to achieve the object of low delivery latency and an initiative sleeping mechanism to settle the hidden terminal problem. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol outperforms SMAC protocol in both energy consumption and packet latency.
Multiple Target Localization in WSNs Based on Compressive Sensing Using Deterministic Sensing Matrices
Authors: Nguyen Thu L. N. , Shin Yoan
Published: August 2015

Accurate and low-cost localization of multiple targets or nodes is one of fundamental and challenging technical issues in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Furthermore, compressive sensing allows that a sparse signal can be reconstructed from few measurements, and choosing a suitable sensing matrix is also important. For this purpose, random sensing matrices have been studied, while a few researches on deterministic sensing matrices have been considered. In this paper, we use compressive sensing for multiple target localization in WSNs. We formulate multiple target locations as a sparse matrix in the discrete time domain. Then, we exploit received signal strength information to recover noisy measurements, while utilizing deterministic sensing matrices and greedy algorithm to locate each target. The proposal approach reduces the number of measurements in localization process, takes low-cost, and maintains the accuracy as compared to the conventional approach which is noncompressive sensing. Further simulation shows that the proposed approach is practical in use, while being favorably comparable to the existing random sensing matrices in reconstruction performance. This cooperation between the compressive sensing using deterministic sensing matrices and multiple target localization provides a new point of view in WSN localization.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis as a Supplementary Tool for Interpretation of Variations in Salivary Cortisol Level in Women with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Dziurkowska Ewelina , Wesolowski Marek
Published: August 2015

Multivariate statistical analysis is widely used in medical studies as a profitable tool facilitating diagnosis of some diseases, for instance, cancer, allergy, pneumonia, or Alzheimer’s and psychiatric diseases. Taking this in consideration, the aim of this study was to use two multivariate techniques, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), to disclose the relationship between the drugs used in the therapy of major depressive disorder and the salivary cortisol level and the period of hospitalization. The cortisol contents in saliva of depressed women were quantified by HPLC with UV detection day‐to‐day during the whole period of hospitalization. A data set with 16 variables (e.g., the patients’ age, multiplicity and period of hospitalization, initial and final cortisol level, highest and lowest hormone level, mean contents, and medians) characterizing 97 subjects was used for HCA and PCA calculations. Multivariate statistical analysis reveals that various groups of antidepressants affect at the varying degree the salivary cortisol level. The SSRIs, SNRIs, and the polypragmasy reduce most effectively the hormone secretion. Thus, both unsupervised pattern recognition methods, HCA and PCA, can be used as complementary tools for interpretation of the results obtained by laboratory diagnostic methods.
Health Care Utilization, Lifestyle, and Emotional Factors and Mammography Practices in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Ford Jennifer S. , Henderson Tara O. , Frazier A. Lindsay , Diller Lisa R. , Hudson Melissa M. , Stanton Annette L. , Chou Joanne F. , Smith Stephanie , Leisenring Wendy M. , Mertens Ann C. , Cox Cheryl L. , Nathan Paul C. , Krull Kevin R. , Robison Leslie L. , Oeffinger Kevin C.
Published: August 2015

Background: Women with a history of chest radiotherapy have an increased risk of breast cancer; however, many do not undergo annual recommended screening mammography. We sought to characterize the relationship between mammography and potentially modifiable factors, with the goal of identifying targets for intervention to improve utilization.

Methods: Of 625 female participants sampled from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, who were treated with chest radiotherapy, 551 responded to a survey about breast cancer screening practices. We used multivariate Poisson regression to assess several lifestyle and emotional factors, health care practices, and perceived breast cancer risk, in relation to reporting a screening mammogram within the last two years.

Results: Women who had a Papanicolaou test [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–2.49], and who perceived their breast cancer risk as higher than the average woman were more likely to have had a mammogram (PR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09–1.46). We detected an attenuated effect of echocardiogram screening [PR, 0.70; 95% CI (0.52–0.95)] on having a mammogram among older women compared with younger women. Smoking, obesity, physical activity, coping, and symptoms of depression and somatization were not associated with mammographic screening.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that compliance with routine and risk-based screening can be an important indicator of mammography in childhood cancer survivors. In addition, there is a need to ensure women understand their increased breast cancer risk, as a means to encouraging them to follow breast surveillance guidelines.

Impact: Screening encounters could be used to promote mammography compliance in this population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(11); 1699–706. ©2015 AACR.
Discordant Clinical Course of Vitamin-D-Hydroxylase (CYP24A1) Associated Hypercalcemia in Two Adult Brothers With Nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Jobst-Schwan Tilman , Pannes Andrea , Schlingmann Karl Peter , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Beck Bodo B. , Wiesener Michael S.
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Hypercalcemia can result in nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis and may lead to renal failure. Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia is caused by mutations of the CYP24A1 gene, which regulates vitamin D activity. Classically infants present with hypercalcemia. Recently, a number of individuals have been reported with late onset clinical manifestation or late diagnosis in adulthood. All these patients are believed to show hypercalciuria. Methods: We report a 24 year old patient of healthy consanguine parents. Genetic analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing of the CYP24A1 gene in the index patient and targeted exon 2 analysis of all other family members. Results: The patient was hospitalized with severe malaise during an acute EBV-infection. He showed hypercalcemia > 3mmol/l and acute, hypovolemic renal failure with profound nephrocalcinosis, but no hypercalciuria. Genetic workup revealed a homozygous loss-of-function mutation p.E143del in the CYP24A1 gene. His clinically asymptomatic brother showed nephrocalcinosis of lesser degree. Repeatedly, low parathyroid hormone levels were detected in both brothers. Conclusion: This family displays the highly variable phenotype of CYP24A1 biallelic mutation carriers. CYP24A1 associated disease is an important differential diagnosis for the workup and counseling of infants as well as adults with hypercalcemia since a proper genetic diagnosis may result in therapeutic consequences.
MiR-497 Suppresses YAP1 and Inhibits Tumor Growth in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Chongbiao , Ma Ruijue , Yue Jie , Li Na , Li Zengxun , Qi Daliang
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: To investigate the expression, clinical significance and the cellular effects of miR-497 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: NSCLC cells were transiently transfected with miR-497 mimics or siRNA to up-regulate or down-regulate expression. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA level of miR-497. Luciferase assays, colony formation assays and BrdU incorporation assays were performed to identify the targets and role of miR-497 in NSCLC cells. Finally, the abundance of miR-497 was analyzed in a total of 51 NSCLC specimens. Results: The transcript levels of miR-497 were significantly decreased in NSCLC tissue (25/30; 83.3%). Low miR-497 levels in tumor tissue correlated with advanced pT stage. Additionally, miR-497 transcript levels correlated with overall survival of NSCLC patients (n = 51, p = 0.022). Overexpression of miR-497 inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cell and down-regulation of miR-497 resulted in elevated NSCLC growth. Exogenous over-expression of YAP1 partially eliminated miR-497-induced cell growth. Conclusion: miR-497 plays an important role in inhibiting the proliferation of NSCLC by targeting YAP1. Our results suggest that miR-497 is a potential therapeutic target in treating patients with NSCLC.
MicroRNA-340 Inhibits Esophageal Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion by Targeting Phosphoserine Aminotransferase 1
Authors: Yan Shuo , Jiang Haosheng , Fang Shiming , Yin Fang , Wang Zhenlei , Jia Yiping , Sun Xianjun , Wu Shaoqiu , Jiang Tinghui , Mao Aiwu
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Emerging evidence indicates that microRNA (miR)-340 is downregulated in various human cancers, suggesting that it acts as a tumor suppressor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and role of miR-340 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: The expression of miR-340 was examined in 64 paired ESCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues by quantitative real time PCR. The effects of miR-340 on ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis were examined by MTT and Matrigel invasion assays. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice. Targets of miR-340 were identified by bioinformatics and verified by luciferase reporter assays, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting. Results: MiR-340 was significantly downregulated in ESCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues and in ESCC cell lines compared to esophageal endothelial cells. Overexpression of miR-340 inhibited ESCC cell growth, colony formation, and invasion, and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. PSAT1 was identified as a direct target of miR-340 and its ectopic expression partially reversed the miR-340 mediated inhibition of viability, invasion and EMT in ESCC cells. The expression of miR-340 was negatively correlated with that of PSAT1 in human ESCC samples. Conclusion: MiR-340 functions as a tumor suppressor by modulating the expression of PSAT1 and may contribute to the progression and invasiveness of ESCC.
The Therapeutic Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Facial Nerve Palsy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Luo Gang , He Jue , Wu Tao , Huang Yinuo , Miao Zhongrong , Zhao Zhijun , Wang Xinchun , Wang Yongjun
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: The conventional systemic corticosteroid treatment for acute peripheral facial nerve palsy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can induce hyperglycemia, and an alternative local therapy may be necessary. Our purpose in this study is to evaluate therapeutic effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on facial nerve palsy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 361 cases of acute peripheral, chronic peripheral, acute central and chronic central facial nerve palsy treated with SGB or conventional therapy were included in this retrospective study. The facial nerve function score (Sunnybrook Facial Grading System) obtained at before and after treatment in non-SGB and SGB groups was used to assess the outcome. Furthermore, the blood glucose level in acute peripheral facial nerve palsy was measured. Results: The facial nerve function score in the SGB group was higher than that in the non-SGB group after treatment in peripheral facial nerve palsy, while the blood glucose level in the non-SGB group increased and was higher than that in the SGB group during the treatment in acute peripheral facial nerve palsy. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that SGB has better therapeutic effect than conventional treatment on acute and chronic peripheral facial nerve palsy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Fatal Outcome in a Newborn Calf Associated with Partial Trisomy 25q and Partial Monosomy 11q, 60,XX,der(11)t(11;25)(q11;q14∼21)
Authors: Iannuzzi Alessandra , Genualdo Viviana , Perucatti Angela , Pauciullo Alfredo , Varricchio Giovanna , Incarnato Domenico , Matassino Donato , Iannuzzi Leopoldo
Published: August 2015

A newborn calf of the Agerolese cattle breed underwent clinical cytogenetic investigation because of hyperflexion of the forelimbs, red eyes and the inability to stand. Anamnesis revealed that the mother, phenotypically normal, carried a chromosomal aberration. The newborn died after 2 weeks, and no remarkable alterations were found by the veterinarian on postmortem examination. The mother was a carrier of a reciprocal balanced translocation rcp(11;25)(q11,q14∼21) detected after a cytogenetic investigation in 2011; however, the analysis of the newborn revealed a different chromosomal aberration with partial trisomy of chromosome 25 and partial monosomy of chromosome 11. In fact, the results showed both chromosomes 25, one chromosome 11 and only one long derivative chromosome (der11). FISH analysis, performed using BAC clones, confirmed the chromosomes and their regions involved. Finally, both the localization of the breakpoints on band q11 (centromere) of chromosome 11 and band q14-21 of chromosome 25, and the complete loss of the der25 identified the aberration as an unbalanced translocation 60,XX,der(11)t(11;25)(q11;q14∼21). A comparison with human chromosomes was also performed to search for similarities and possible genes involved in order to study their effects, thus extending the knowledge of these aberrations by case reports.
External Validation for Acute Kidney Injury Severity Scores: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in 14 Japanese ICUs
Authors: Ohnuma Tetsu , Uchino Shigehiko , Toki Noriyoshi , Takeda Kenta , Namba Yoshitomo , Katayama Shinshu , Kawarazaki Hiroo , Yasuda Hideto , Izawa Junichi , Uji Makiko , Tokuhira Natsuko , Nagata Isao ,   for JSEPTIC (Japanese Society for Physicians and Trainees in Intensive Care) Clinical Trial Group
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality. Multiple AKI severity scores have been derived to predict patient outcome. We externally validated new AKI severity scores using the Japanese Society for Physicians and Trainees in Intensive Care (JSEPTIC) database. Methods: New AKI severity scores published in the 21st century (Mehta, Stuivenberg Hospital Acute Renal Failure (SHARF) II, Program to Improve Care in Acute Renal Disease (PICARD), Vellore and Demirjian), Liano, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II and lactate were compared using the JSEPTIC database that collected retrospectively 343 patients with AKI who required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in 14 intensive care units. Accuracy of the severity scores was assessed by the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC, discrimination) and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L test, calibration). Results: The median age was 69 years and 65.8% were male. The median SAPS II score was 53 and the hospital mortality was 58.6%. The AUROC curves revealed low discrimination ability of the new AKI severity scores (Mehta 0.65, SHARF II 0.64, PICARD 0.64, Vellore 0.64, Demirjian 0.69), similar to Liano 0.67, SAPS II 0.67 and lactate 0.64. The H-L test also demonstrated that all assessed scores except for Liano had significantly low calibration ability. Conclusions: Using a multicenter database of AKI patients requiring CRRT, this study externally validated new AKI severity scores. While the Demirjian's score and Liano's score showed a better performance, further research will be required to confirm these findings.
In Vivo Analysis of Troponin C Knock-In (A8V) Mice
Authors: Martins Adriano S. , Parvatiyar Michelle S. , Feng Han-Zhong , Bos J. Martijn , Gonzalez-Martinez David , Vukmirovic Milica , Turna Rajdeep S. , Sanchez-Gonzalez Marcos A. , Badger Crystal-Dawn , Zorio Diego A.R. , Singh Rakesh K. , Wang Yingcai , Jin J.-P. , Ackerman Michael J. , Pinto Jose R.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Mutations in thin-filament proteins have been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it has never been demonstrated that variants identified in the
TNNC1
(gene encoding troponin C) can evoke cardiac remodeling in vivo. The goal of this study was to determine whether
TNNC1
can be categorized as an hypertrophic cardiomyopathy susceptibility gene, such that a mouse model can recapitulate the clinical presentation of the proband.

Methods and Results—

The TNNC1-A8V proband diagnosed with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at 34 years of age exhibited mild-to-moderate thickening in left and right ventricular walls, decreased left ventricular dimensions, left atrial enlargement, and hyperdynamic left ventricular systolic function. Genetically engineered knock-in (KI) mice containing the A8V mutation (heterozygote=KI-TnC-A8V
+/−
; homozygote=KI-TnC-A8V
+/+
) were characterized by echocardiography and pressure–volume studies. Three-month-old KI-TnC-A8V
+/+
mice displayed decreased ventricular dimensions, mild diastolic dysfunction, and enhanced systolic function, whereas KI-TnC-A8V
+/−
mice displayed cardiac restriction at 14 months of age. KI hearts exhibited atrial enlargement, papillary muscle hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy was used to determine incorporation of mutant cardiac troponin C (≈21%) into the KI-TnC-A8V
+/−
cardiac myofilament. Reduced diastolic sarcomeric length, increased shortening, and prolonged Ca
2+
and contractile transients were recorded in intact KI-TnC-A8V
+/−
and KI-TnC-A8V
+/+
cardiomyocytes. Ca
2+
sensitivity of contraction in skinned fibers increased with mutant gene dose: KI-TnC-A8V
+/+
>KI-TnC-A8V
+/−
>wild-type, whereas KI-TnC-A8V
+/+
relaxed more slowly on flash photolysis of diazo-2.

Conclusions—

The TNNC1-A8V mutant increases the Ca
2+
-binding affinity of the thin filament and elicits changes in Ca
2+
homeostasis and cellular remodeling, which leads to diastolic dysfunction. These in vivo alterations further implicate the role of
TNNC1
mutations in the development of cardiomyopathy.