bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trip Generations at “Polyclinic” Land Use Type in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaque , Abdulrahman Suleiman , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Hassan Sitti Asmah
Published: December 2014

Transportation planners need to estimate the trip generations of different land use types in the travel demand forecasting process. The Trip Generation Manual of Malaysia, similar to the Trip Generation Manual of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, USA, provides the trip generation rate at “Polyclinics” as a function of the Gross Floor Area. However, the data for this rate have no line of best fit resulting in the lack of confidence in the prediction. This study considered ten locations in Malaysia and verified the significance of different parameters, i.e. Number of Doctors, Number of Staff, Gross Floor Area and Density of Similar Clinics within 0.5 kilometre radius in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The study developed regression equations for estimating the peak hours and daily trips at polyclinics in terms of “Number of Doctors”. The developed models can be used in estimating the number of trips generated by the polyclinics in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
A Novel Use of Biomarkers in the Modeling of Cancer Activity Based on the Theory of Endobiogeny
Authors: Buehning Laura J. , Hedayat Kamyar M. , Sachdeva Aarti , Golshan Shahrokh , Lapraz Jean Claude
Published: December 2014

Introduction:

Cancer is a complex disorder whose detection and monitoring remains challenging. A biological modeling system, the biology of functions (BoF), claims to be able to evaluate physiologic elements related to carcinogenic activity. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of the BoF in detecting differences between cancer cases and matched controls.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective case control study was performed using the BoF analyses of 46 patients with all types of solid and hematgenous cancers, active and inactive (total cases), and 46 controls from a private practice. The standard BoF panel of 17 biomarkers was evaluated. Sixty-two of 150 BoF indices derived from these biomarkers were pre-selected for analysis based on their relationship to cancer physiology. The data was analyzed with the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test using SPSS software.

Results:

Of the 62 indices, 7 were found to be statistically significant in comparing total cancer cases to controls: βMSH/αMSH, Estrogen Fraction #5, Comparative Genital Androgeny, Thyroid, Genito-thyroid, Catabolism/Anabolism and Pro-inflammatory.

Conclusions:

In a small retrospective case control study, statistically significant differences were found between cancer cases and controls in 7 BoF indices. These indices are indicators of physiological conditions consistent with cancer growth. These results warrant further study of this biological modeling system in cancer patients.
Patient Expectations of Acupuncture in Pregnancy
Authors: Soliday Elizabeth , Hapke Patrice
Published: December 2014

Background:

Expectations for treatment have been associated with outcomes. Expectations in acupuncture treatment have rarely been addressed, and due to the unique concerns of pregnancy and childbirth, obstetric patients merit special attention.

Primary Study Objective:

Assess treatment expectations of acupuncture clinic patients treated for obstetric and related concerns.

Methods/Design:

Descriptive follow-up involving a patient-completed survey; chief treatment concern and number of treatment sessions were validated against patient records. Participants: Of 265 former clinic patients, 137 (51.7%) completed the internet survey.

Main Outcome Measures:

Self-reported demographic variables; responses to open-ended questions on treatment expectations; general treatment variables.

Results:

Using standard qualitative data analytic strategies, we identified five major treatment expectations, for example, affecting labor and delivery, benefiting the whole system, and treating specific symptoms.

Limitations:

Retrospective method and recall bias may have influenced reported expectations.

Conclusion:

Obstetric acupuncture patients’ expectations overlap with other subgroups in terms of symptom treatment. They also indicate a distinct interest in taking an active role in childbirth and in replacing conventional interventions, warranting further inquiry into obstetric acupuncture effects and safety in childbearing women.
The Positive Impact of Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Chronic Daily Headache: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Amoils Steve , Amoils Sandi , Lester Tiffany , Woolford Liz , Gallagher Lisa
Published: December 2014

People who suffer from recalcitrant chronic daily headache (CDH)—a primary, episodic headache occurring at least 15 days per month, and lasting four or more hours per day for at least three consecutive months1—have generally tried many pain relief medications with few positive results. These patients often continue to add more and more medications and travel from clinician to clinician seeking help, without relief. Patients with recalcitrant CDH are often caught in a vicious cycle of increasing pain which results in a substantial impact from their disease on productivity and quality of life. Studies in the United States and Europe indicate that four to five percent of the general population has recalcitrant CDH,2 which encompasses transformed migraine and chronic tension-type headache.3

The disability associated with recalcitrant CDH is substantial, as patients have a significantly diminished quality of life and mental health, as well as impaired physical, social, and occupational functioning.4,5

Research shows that CDH may not be treated effectively with conventional medicine (CM). Integrative medicine (IM) offers a complex, personalized intervention necessary to treat CDH. Many integrative therapies have shown benefit, effectiveness, cost effectiveness and low side effect profile in patients with both chronic headache and chronic pain.6—17 Yet even within the IM community, clinicians often struggle with the balance between providing evidence-based therapy and patient-centered, complex, personalized integrative approaches, which may use popular but unproven therapies.

In this article, we present a series of cases comprising patients with CDH who had previously been recalcitrant to CM approaches. In each case, employing a five-pronged treatment algorithm resulted in the successful IM treatment of CDH. By using this five-pronged approach, clinicians can offer the standardized protocols and scientific rationale they are accustomed to when employing CM options while additionally offering the benefit of IM possibilities.
Acupuncture Treatment of Diplopia Associated with Abducens Palsy: A Case Report
Authors: Do Alexander , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L. , Bauer Brent A.
Published: December 2014

Abducens palsy (ie, sixth nerve palsy) is the most common single extraocular muscle palsy. The primary symptom is double vision. The treatment goal is to correct the underlying cause. If no cause is identified or the palsy is related to a well-managed chronic disease, treatment consists of patching one eye or applying a temporary prism. We report a patient whose abducens palsy resolved with four acupuncture treatments. The patient, a 58-year-old Vietnamese man with diabetes mellitus, presented to our institution's ophthalmology department with sudden onset of double vision. Ophthalmologic examination resulted in diagnosis of isolated left abducens palsy. The patient received a temporary prism for symptomatic relief. With no improvement after 2 months, he presented to our integrative medicine program inquiring about acupuncture. He received four acupuncture treatments over 11 weeks with complete resolution of his diplopia. This case is suggestive that acupuncture may be helpful treatment of patients with abducens palsy.
Alleviation of Peanut Allergy through Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAEt): A Case Report
Authors: Nambudripad Roy
Published: December 2014

This case report illustrates the reduction of immunoglobulin E titers and clinical reactivity of peanut allergy in a patient, using Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET). The patient's initial symptoms and immunoglobulin E result correlated with an oral challenge test that showed signs of anaphylaxis upon ingestion of a fragment of dry-roasted peanut. The symptoms subsided after the patient completed a program of treatments, which lasted approximately 18 months. Moreover, the immunoglobulin E titers decreased in two different types of immunoassays after a total of 18 months: HYTEC enzyme immunoassay (Hycor Biomedical Inc, Garden Grove, California) and ImmunoCAP system (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). A repeat oral challenge test was performed with peanut concentrate solution (1:20 weight/volume extract by Greer Laboratories, Inc, Lenoir, North Carolina), and the patient exhibited no reaction after ingesting up to 1 gram of peanut protein gradually over a 3-hour period. This report could support further investigation into the possibility of successful desensitization toward food allergies using NAET.
Arsenic Compounds
Authors: Doak G. O. , Long G. Gilbert , Freedman Leon D. , by Staff Updated
Published: December 2014

Arsenic is the third member of the nitrogen family of elements. In the majority of arsenic compounds the arsenic atom is in the tetrahedral valence state. A variety of inorganic and organic compounds are used in commerce, however, arsenic trioxide is the most consumed of all the compounds. China is the world leader in arsenic trioxide production. This article gives physical properties, preparation, and uses of many inorganic compounds of arsenic, eg, halides, hydrides, oxides, acid, and sulfides, and organic compounds, eg, arsines, haloarsines, diarsines, arsenin, arsonic acid, and arsine oxides. Arsenic compounds must be considered extremely poisonous. Arsenic compounds are used in fertilizers, herbicides, preparation of wood preservative (CCA), fireworks, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals.
The Dawn of a New Eos
Authors: Richman Barbara T.
Published: December 2014

Today's Eos marks a historic pivot point in the publication's history: After 35 years as a weekly newspaper, this is the last tabloid issue.
Elders Recall an Earlier Tsunami on Indian Ocean Shores
Authors: Kakar Din Mohammad , Naeem Ghazala , Usman Abdullah , Hasan Haider , Lohdi Hira Ashfaq , Srinivasalu Seshachalam , Andrade Vanessa , Rajendran C. P. , Beni Abdolmajid Naderi , Hamzeh Mohammad Ali , Hoffmann Goesta , Balushi Noora Al , Gale Nora , Kodijat Ardito M. , Fritz Hermann M. , Atwater Brian F.
Published: December 2014

Ten years later, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 still looms large in efforts to reduce tsunami risk. The disaster has spurred worldwide advances in tsunami detection and warning, risk assessment, and awareness [Satake, 2014].
Geoscientists Are Key to Reducing Climate Threats, Expert Says
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: December 2014

The world is facing an extreme environmental crisis, and Earth scientists have a unique and crucial role to play in helping to reduce the impact of climate change and other threats.
Circulation a key factor in Mediterranean algal growth
Authors: Orwig Jessica
Published: December 2014

The early appearance of nitrate in December appears to have been the driving force for favorable conditions for algal blooms in the Mediterranean, a new study indicates. To better understand the role of nutrients' availability to enable the growth of phytoplankton in temperate seas, D'Ortenzio et al. installed nitrate concentration sensors on two profiling floats in the northwestern Mediterranean basin in summer 2011. Each spring, the phytoplankton in this basin rapidly grow to form a bloom that blankets the surface and contributes to the transport of carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean. Scientists are still unsure exactly what produces the conditions for these blooms, but they know that the availability of nutrients, induced by large‐scale circulation in the oceans, during the winter is a factor.
Radiopaque iodinated ethers of poly(vinyl iodobenzyl ether)s: Synthesis and evaluation for endovascular embolization
Authors: Agusti Géraldine , Jordan Olivier , Andersen Gert , Doelker Éric , Chevalier Yves
Published: December 2014

Leachable‐free radiopaque iodinated polymers were designed as long‐lived embolization materials visible by X‐ray tomography. This is a definite improvement over liquid embolics incorporating either radiopaque inorganic particles or iodinated polymers having hydrolysable ester bonds. Grafting 4‐iodobenzyl or 2,3,5‐triiodobenzyl groups to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) yields iodobenzyl ethers of PVAL having iodine contents in the range 40–70 wt %. Their solubility in solvents accepted for medical devices (DMSO and NMP), viscosity of concentrated solutions, precipitation behavior, radiopacity, and stability with respect to sterilization and hydrolysis were assessed. The solvent NMP allows the preparation of concentrated solutions of suitable viscosity for their application as liquid embolics. Precipitation in water yields a cohesive mass of material that can plug vascular malformations. A rationale to the properties is given in terms of the Hansen contributions to the Hildebrand solubility parameters. Iodobenzyl ethers of PVA resist hydrolysis whereas their corresponding iodobenzoyl esters leach iodinated fragments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41791.
Kinetics of the propylene polymerization with prepolymerization at high temperature using Ziegler‐Natta catalyst
Authors: Tan Ning , Yu Luqiang , Tan Zhong , Mao Bingquan
Published: December 2014

The bulk polymerization of propylene in liquid monomers with Ziegler‐Natta catalyst at 95°C is studied, using alkyl aluminum as the cocatalyst and dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane as the external donor. The highest catalyst activity is shown at the cocatalyst/Ti molar ratio of 300, which keeps relatively constant with the molar ratio increasing from 300 to 800. Besides, the catalyst activity is up to 65 kgPP/(gCat*h) in the range of cocatalyst/donor molar ratio from 12 to 16. The polymerization reaction rate curves with and without catalyst precontacting are similar, while the activity with catalyst precontacting are higher than that without precontacting. Furthermore, the kinetics of polymerization with and without prepolymerization are investigated in the range of the polymerization temperature from 70 to 95°C. It shows that at the high temperature, the polymerization rate increases with prepolymerization. Finally, the influence of prepolymerization at 95°C on the polymerization kinetics and particle properties is also described. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41816.
Properties and curing behavior of reactive blended allyl novolak with bismaleimide using dicumyl peroxide as a novel curing agent
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wang Rumin , Farhan Shameel , Zheng Shuirong
Published: December 2014

For reducing the cure temperature and improving the thermal stability and mechanical properties, a thermosetting resin system composed of novolak and bismaleimide (BMI) was developed by reactive blending and using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a novel curing agent. Novolak was allylated and reacted with BMI to produce bismaleimide allylated novolak (BAN), and the effect of DCP on flexural, impact and heat distortion temperature of cured resin were investigated. On the basis of improved mechanical and thermal properties at 0.5% DCP contents, the curing behavior of DCP/BAN resin system was evaluated by DSC analysis. Ene, Diels‐Alder, homo‐polymerization and alternating copolymerization which occurred in DCP/BAN resin system were further verified using FTIR at sequential cure conditions from 140 to 200°C. Kissinger and Ozawa‐Flynn‐wall methods were used to optimize the process and curing reactions of DCP/BAN resin system. The results showed that the addition of 0.5% DCP in BAN reduced the curing temperature and time of the modified resin. For evaluating process ability of the modified system, composite samples using polyvinyl acetyl fiber were molded and tested for flexural properties. The resulting samples showed better flexural properties when compared with the composite made with neat BAN. The modified 0.5% DCP/BAN resin system with good mechanical properties and manufacturability can be used for making bulk molding compounds and fiber reinforced composites required in various commercial and aerospace applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41829.
Elective valve‐in‐valve implantation for migration of a corevalve in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Tanaka Yutaka , Tanaka Masashi , Saito Shigeru
Published: December 2014

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis (BAVS) is controversial, as its unfavorable anatomy may lead to device dislocation or malfunctioning. If device failure occurs, the bailout intervention can be more complex and technically challenging. We here report a unique case of late migration of a CoreValve (Medtronic, MN) implanted in a patient with BAVS, who was successfully treated with elective valve‐in‐valve implantation using the first valve as a firm scaffold after waiting for it to adhere at the migrated position. This new strategy may represent a useful salvage option for some patients with prosthesis migration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using heterozygosity–fitness correlations to study inbreeding depression in an isolated population of white‐tailed deer founded by few individuals
Authors: Brommer Jon E. , Kekkonen Jaana , Wikström Mikael
Published: December 2014

A heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs) may reflect inbreeding depression, but the extent to which they do so is debated. HFCs are particularly likely to occur after demographic disturbances such as population bottleneck or admixture. We here study HFC in an introduced and isolated ungulate population of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in Finland founded in 1934 by four individuals. A total of 422 ≥ 1‐year‐old white‐tailed deer were collected in the 2012 hunting season in southern Finland and genotyped for 14 microsatellite loci. We find significant identity disequilibrium as estimated by g2. Heterozygosity was positively associated with size‐ and age‐corrected body mass, but not with jaw size or (in males) antler score. Because of the relatively high identity disequilibrium, heterozygosity of the marker panel explained 51% of variation in inbreeding. Inbreeding explained approximately 4% of the variation in body mass and is thus a minor, although significant source of variation in body mass in this population. The study of HFC is attractive for game‐ and conservation‐oriented wildlife management because it presents an affordable and readily used approach for genetic monitoring that allowing identification of fitness costs associated with genetic substructuring in what may seem like a homogeneous population.
An evaluation of 25 selected ToxCast chemicals in medium‐throughput assays to detect genotoxicity
Authors: Kligerman Andrew D. , Young Robert R. , Stankowski Leon F. , Pant Kamala , Lawlor Tim , Aardema Marilyn J. , Houck Keith A.
Published: December 2014

ToxCast is a multiyear effort to develop a cost‐effective approach for the US EPA to prioritize chemicals for toxicity testing. Initial evaluation of more than 500 high‐throughput (HT) microwell‐based assays without metabolic activation showed that most lacked high specificity and sensitivity for detecting genotoxicants. Thus, EPA initiated a pilot project to investigate the use of standard genotoxicity endpoints using medium‐throughput genotoxicity (MTG) assays in the context of a large testing program. Twenty‐five chemicals were selected from the ToxCast program based in part on their known genotoxicity. The two MTG assays used were the Ames II™ assay and 96‐well In Vitro MicroFlow® Micronucleus (MN) assay. The Ames II assay showed a reasonable correlation with published Ames test data and industry submissions, though specificity was much better than sensitivity due to restraints on top concentrations as prescribed by ToxCast. Overall concordance was 73% both with and without metabolic activation. The flow MN assay had concordances of 71% and 58% with and without metabolic activation, respectively, when compared to published data and submissions. Importantly, a comparison of results without S9 from the MTG assays to an HT ToxCast p53 activation assay showed a fairly good degree of concordance (67%). The results reported here indicate that assays for genotoxicity endpoints can be conducted in a MT format and have the potential to add to the interpretation of results from large‐scale testing programs such as EPA's ToxCast program. Inherent limitations such as the top concentrations used in large scale testing programs are discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:468–476, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homozygous deletions at 3p22, 5p14, 6q15, and 9p21 result in aberrant expression of tumor suppressor genes in gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Bona , Yoon Kwiyeom , Lee Sunghoon , Kang Jin Muk , Kim Junil , Shim Sung Han , Kim Hak‐Min , Song Sanghoon , Naka Kazuhito , Kim An Keun , Yang Han‐Kwang , Kim Seong‐Jin
Published: December 2014

Homozygous deletion is a frequent mutational mechanism of silencing tumor suppressor genes in cancer. Therefore, homozygous deletions have been analyzed for identification of tumor suppressor genes that can be utilized as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this study, to elucidate potential tumor suppressor genes involved in gastric cancer (GC), we analyzed the entire set of large homozygous deletions in six human GC cell lines through genome‐ and transcriptome‐wide approaches. We identified 51 genes in homozygous deletion regions of chromosomes and confirmed the deletion frequency in tumor tissues of 219 GC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We evaluated the effect of homozygous deletions on the mRNA level and found significantly affected genes in chromosome bands 9p21, 3p22, 5p14, and 6q15. Among the genes in 9p21, we investigated the potential tumor suppressive effect of KLHL9. We demonstrated that ectopic expression of KLHL9 inhibited cell proliferation and tumor formation in KLHL9‐deficient SNU‐16 cell line. In addition, we observed that homozygous focal deletions generated truncated transcripts of TGFBR2, CTNNA1, and STXBP5. Ectopic expression of two kinds of TGFBR2‐reverse GADL1 fusion genes suppressed TGF‐β signaling, which may lead to the loss of sensitivity to TGF‐β tumor suppressive activity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that novel tumor suppressor genes that are aberrantly expressed through homozygous deletions may play important roles in gastric tumorigenesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic potential of 1‐step nucleic acid amplification assay in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on CK19 expression in a primary lesion
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Matsuzuka Takashi , Hashimoto Yuko , Ikeda Masakazu , Saijo Satoshi , Omori Koichi
Published: December 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CK19 expression in the primary lesions of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma on the diagnosis of the cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis using the 1‐step nucleic acid amplification assay.

Methods

Primary lesions and 54 CLNs were resected from 21 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma between 2009 and 2011. Each CLN was tested by the 1‐step nucleic acid amplification assay, and the CK19 mRNA copy number obtained was compared to the corresponding histopathological results.

Results

In the primary lesion CK19‐positive group, the sensitivity and specificity of the 1‐step nucleic acid amplification assay against hematoxylin‐eosin staining were 86% and 100%, respectively. The p value by Fisher's exact test was < .0001, indicating statistical significance.

Conclusion

These results suggest that 1‐step nucleic acid amplification offers similar diagnostic potential to that of histopathological diagnosis of CLN biopsy in patients with a CK19‐positive primary lesion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E239–E245, 2016
Midcheek endoscopic anatomy
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Romano Antonio , AlQahtani Abdulaziz , Manfuso Alfonso , Hirt Bernhard , Castelnuovo Paolo , Califano Luigi
Published: December 2014

Background

Surgical approaches to the midcheek area are challenging. Recent clinical reports have proposed minimally endoscopic approach again, in order to obtain to obtain a correct balance between the operation's safety and the cosmetic and minimally invasive outcome, but none of them provides a careful anatomic description of the midcheek area. The purpose of this study was to provide a new anatomic perception of the midcheek area through a detailed anatomic endoscopic‐assisted dissection.

Methods

Four freshly injected cadaver heads were dissected to illustrate the endoscopic anatomy of the midcheek region.

Results

An endoscope provided an excellent surgical window that achieved greater exposure for dissection and at the same time improved magnification of the noble key anatomic elements.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the critical role of the transverse facial artery and the facial retaining ligaments as a fundamental endoscopic landmark that allows the identification of key anatomic structures and the creation of safe surgical corridors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E268–E273, 2016
Long‐term swallowing after chemoradiotherapy: Prospective study of functional and patient‐reported changes over time
Authors: Frowen Jacqui , Drosdowsky Allison , Perry Alison , Corry June
Published: December 2014

Background

This prospective study evaluated long‐term swallowing outcomes and associated risk factors 5 years postchemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Methods

Following an earlier study of 69 patients, 39 patients had patient‐reported activity and quality of life (QOL) data collected. Twenty‐one patients also underwent a videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS).

Results

Between 6 months and 5 years posttreatment, patient‐reported activity for solid foods significantly improved (p < .001), returning to pretreatment levels for 74% of patients. On VFSS, swallowing function for semisolids declined, with 5 patients demonstrating a clinically significant deterioration. Factors that predicted poorer long‐term swallowing were the same as at 6 months, with the addition of older age and disease stage.

Conclusion

Although long‐term patient‐reported activity improves and swallowing‐related QOL is high, up to 24% of patients may demonstrate a clinically significant deterioration in swallowing function at 5 years posttreatment. This divergence suggests a degree of adaptation that patients develop, which warrants further investigation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E307–E315, 2016
Farnesoid X receptor–induced lysine‐specific histone demethylase reduces hepatic bile acid levels and protects the liver against bile acid toxicity
Authors: Kim Young‐Chae , Fang Sungsoon , Byun Sangwon , Seok Sunmi , Kemper Byron , Kemper Jongsook Kim
Published: December 2014

Bile acids (BAs) function as endocrine signaling molecules that activate multiple nuclear and membrane receptor signaling pathways to control fed‐state metabolism. Since the detergent‐like property of BAs causes liver damage at high concentrations, hepatic BA levels must be tightly regulated. Bile acid homeostasis is regulated largely at the level of transcription by nuclear receptors, particularly the primary BA receptor, farnesoid X receptor, and small heterodimer partner, which inhibits BA synthesis by recruiting repressive histone‐modifying enzymes. Although histone modifiers have been shown to regulate BA‐responsive genes, their in vivo functions remain unclear. Here, we show that lysine‐specific histone demethylase1 (LSD1) is directly induced by BA‐activated farnesoid X receptor, is recruited to the BA synthetic genes Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1 and the BA uptake transporter gene Ntcp, and removes a gene‐activation marker, trimethylated histone H3 lysine‐4, leading to gene repression. Recruitment of LSD1 was dependent on small heterodimer partner, and LSD1‐mediated demethylation of trimethylated histone H3 lysine‐4 was required for additional repressive histone modifications, acetylated histone 3 on lysine 9 and 14 deacetylation, and acetylated histone 3 on lysine 9 methylation. A BA overload, feeding 0.5% cholic acid chow for 6 days, resulted in adaptive responses of altered expression of hepatic genes involved in BA synthesis, transport, and detoxification/conjugation. In contrast, adenovirus‐mediated downregulation of hepatic LSD1 blunted these responses, which led to substantial increases in liver and serum BA levels, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and hepatic inflammation. Conclusion: This study identifies LSD1 as a novel histone‐modifying enzyme in the orchestrated regulation mediated by the farnesoid X receptor and small heterodimer partner that reduces hepatic BA levels and protects the liver against BA toxicity. (Hepatology 2015;62:220‐231)
Dual Effect of Cyanidin on RANKL‐Induced Differentiation and Fusion of Osteoclasts
Authors: Dou Ce , Li Jianmei , Kang Fei , Cao Zhen , Yang Xiaochao , Jiang Hong , Yang Bo , Xiang Junyu , Xu Jianzhong , Dong Shiwu
Published: December 2014

Bone homeostasis is maintained by the balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or monocyte/macrophage progenitor cells and formed by osteoclasts precursors (OCPs) fusion. Cyanidin is an anthocyanin widely distributed in food diet with novel antioxidant activity. However, the effect of cyanidin on osteoclasts is still unknown. We investigated the effect of cyanidin on RANKL‐induced osteoclasts differentiation and cell fusion. The results showed that cyanidin had a dual effect on RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. Lower dosage of cyanidin (< 1µg/ml) has a promoting effect on osteoclastogenesis while higher dosage of cyanidin (> 10µg/ml) has an inhibitory effect. Fusogenic genes like CD9, ATP6v0d2, DC‐STAMP, OC‐STAMP, and osteoclasts related genes like NFATc1, mitf, and c‐fos were all regulated by cyanidin consistent to its dual effect. Further exploration showed that low concentration of cyanidin could increase osteoclasts fusion whereas higher dosage of cyanidin lead to the increase of LXR‐β expression and activation which is suppressive to osteoclasts differentiaton. All these results showed that cyanidin exhibits therapeutic potential in prevention of osteoclasts related bone disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 558–567, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SPEEK/cSMM membrane for simultaneous electricity generation and wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cell
Authors: Mayahi Alireza , Ilbeygi Hamid , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Jaafar Juhana , Daud Wan Ramli Wan , Emadzadeh Daryoush , Shamsaei Ezzatollah , Martin Darren , Rahbari‐Sisakht Masoud , Ghasemi Mostafa , Zaidi Javaid
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes and their modifications are viewed as arguably the most promising in microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications due to their non‐fluorinated base, superior chemical stability, and lower costs compared with Nafion membranes. In this work, SPEEK membranes with different degrees of sulfonation (DSs) (60% to 76%) and blended with charged surface modifying macromolecule (cSMM) were used as electrolytes in an MFC for simultaneous electricity generation and wastewater treatment.

RESULTS

Performance evaluation of newly fabricated membranes was carried out and was compared with that of Nafion 117. The MFC with SPEEK76/cSMM generated about 16.5% higher maximum power density (172.1 mW m−2) than that with Nafion 117 (143.7 mW m−2). In addition, the SPEEK76/cSMM exhibited the highest coulombic efficiency (CE) of 17.6%, which was 21.6% higher than that of Nafion 117 (13.8%). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of all characterized membranes was above 80% in our particular MFC.

CONCLUSION

MFC is a suitable method for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation. SPEEK76/cSMM is a promising membrane to be applied in MFC. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of apparent diffusion coefficient associated with pathological grade of lung carcinoma, before therapy
Authors: Liu Haidong , Liu Ying , Yu Tielian , Ye Ning , Wang Qing
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting the tumor cellular density and grades of lung cancers.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐one consecutive patients (26 men and 15 women; mean age, 59.9 years) with histologically proven lung cancers were enrolled in the study and underwent MR examination. ADC values and tumor cellular density of different histological grades were analyzed. The relationship of the ADC with tumor cellular density and grades were also evaluated.

Results

The ADC values of lung cancer in grade III was significantly lower than those in grade I and grade II (P = 0.008 and 0.011, respectively). The cellular density in grade III was significantly higher than other two grades (P = 0.029 and 0.022, respectively). ADC value of lung cancer correlated negatively with grades and tumor cellular density (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). According to the ROC analysis, the cutoff value of ADC was 1.175 × 10−3 mm2/s with the optimal sensitivity (88.2%) and specificity (62.5%), respectively.

Conclusion

ADC measurement of lung cancer was a helpful method to evaluate the pathological grade and tumor cellular density. The quantitative analysis of ADC in conjunction with conventional MR findings could provide more valuable information for the assessment of pulmonary tumor. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:595–601.
Reliability of magnetic resonance elastography using multislice two‐dimensional spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging (SE‐EPI) and three‐dimensional inversion reconstruction for assessing renal stiffness
Authors: Low Gavin , Owen Nicola E. , Joubert Ilse , Patterson Andrew J. , Graves Martin J. , Glaser Kevin J. , Alexander Graeme J.M. , Lomas David J.
Published: December 2014

Background

To evaluate the reliability of MRE using a spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging (SE‐EPI) renal MRE technique in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Institutional review board approved prospective study in which all participants provided written informed consent. Sixteen healthy volunteers comprising seven males and nine females with a median age of 35 years (age range: 23 to 59 years) were included. Coronal 90 Hz and 60 Hz MRE acquisitions were performed twice within a 30‐min interval between examinations. Renal MRE reliability was assessed by (i) test–retest repeatability, and (ii) inter‐rater agreement between two independent readers. The MRE‐measured averaged renal stiffness values were evaluated using: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland‐Altman and the within‐subject coefficient of variation (COV).

Results

For test–retest repeatability, Bland‐Altman showed a mean stiffness difference between examinations of 0.07 kPa (95% limits of agreement: −1.41, 1.54) at 90 Hz and 0.01 kPa (95% limits of agreement: −0.51, 0.53) at 60 Hz. Coefficient of repeatability was 1.47 kPa and 0.52 kPa at 90 Hz and 60 Hz, respectively. The within‐subject COV was 13.6% and 7.7% at 90 Hz and 60 Hz, respectively. ICC values were 0.922 and 0.907 for test–retest repeatability and 0.998 and 0.989 for inter‐rater agreement, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SE‐EPI renal MRE is a reliable technique. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:844–850.
Spatiotemporal consistency of local neural activities: A new imaging measure for functional MRI data
Authors: Dong Li , Luo Cheng , Cao Weifang , Zhang Rui , Gong Jinnan , Gong Diankun , Yao Dezhong
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To characterize the local consistency by integrating temporal and spatial information in the local region using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Materials and Methods

One simulation was implemented to explain the definition of FOur‐dimensional (spatiotemporal) Consistency of local neural Activities (FOCA). Then three experiments included resting state data (33 subjects), resting state reproducibility data (16 subjects), and event state data (motor execution task, 26 subjects) were designed. Finally, FOCA were respectively analyzed using statistical analysis methods, such as one‐sample t‐test and paired t‐test, etc.

Results

During resting state (Experiment 1), the FOCA values (P < 0.05, family‐wise error [FWE] corrected, voxel size >621 mm3) were found to be distinct at the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, and precuneus/cuneus. In Experiment 2 (reproducibility), a high degree of consistency within subjects (correlation ≈0.8) and between subjects (correlation ≈0.6) of FOCA were obtained. Comparing event with resting state in Experiment 3, enhanced FOCA (P < 0.05, FWE‐corrected, voxel size >621 mm3) was observed mainly in the precentral gyrus and lingual gyrus.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that FOCA has the potential to provide further information that will help to better understand brain function in neural imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:729–736.
Thermo‐Responsive Microcapsules Based on Guar Gum Derivatives
Authors: Eggers Katharina , Szopinski Daniel , Luinstra Gerrit A.
Published: December 2014

Microcapsules were prepared from sustainable origin by complex coacervation in a two phase system of water/tetrachloroethylene containing gelatin and guar gum derivatives. Furan modified carboxymethyl guar gum and a bismaleimide‐PEG‐crosslinker were used to obtain thermo‐sensitive Diels‐Alder crosslinking points in the capsule wall. Stimuli‐induced disintegration of the microcapsules can be achieved at elevated temperatures.
Donor‐Acceptor Type π‐Conjugated Copolymers Based on Soluble Benzodifuranone
Authors: Kimoto Atsushi , Tajima Yusuke
Published: December 2014

We designed a soluble building block containing a backbone based on benzodifuranone (BDF), a high‐performance pigment, to form a novel donor‐acceptor type polymer. By attaching dodecylthienyl moiety to the less soluble BDF framework, the soluble BDF monomer was readily obtained and applied to Suzuki‐Miyaura condensation with electron‐rich carbazole moiety to form a new class of low‐bandgap polymers. The structural characterization and estimation of the molecular weight of the target π‐conjugated polymer (PCTBDF) was carried out by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. We determined its optical and electrochemical properties, investigating how they were affected by different molecular weights. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels were estimated to be typically –5.5 and –3.8 eV, respectively.
Drug Delivery From Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Scaffolds Produced by DLC Based Micro‐Stereolithography
Authors: Vehse Mark , Petersen Svea , Sternberg Katrin , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Seitz Hermann
Published: December 2014

In this study, the production of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) scaffolds by micro‐stereolithography based on diode laser curing (DLC) is demonstrated. Sample scaffolds are also loaded with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) as model drug. The samples are immersed in physiological NaCl solution and the drug release characteristics are tested. We show that DLC is a useful technique to prepare drug‐loaded PEGDA scaffolds. The compressive strength of the enriched and DLC‐cured PEGDA is between 7 and 10 MPa, dependent on ASS concentration. ASS free samples reach 14 MPa. The release experiments show an initial burst release phase and the ASS is released within the first 3 hours.
Double Layer Porous Structures by an Injection Molding/Particulate Leaching Approach
Authors: Saatchi Mersa , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2014

Scaffolds as a temporary substitute for the extracellular matrix should provide interconnected pores and often require a multilayer design to mimic the geometry and biomechanics of the target tissue. Here, it was explored whether bilayer porous structures can be obtained by a process free of organic solvents and how the individual layers contribute to the overall elastic properties. Porous layers were obtained from polyurethane (PU) blends with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which were immersed in water after sequential injection molding. Pore sizes in both layers ranged from 1 μm to 100 μm with an average of 22 ± 1 μm at a porosity of 50 ± 5% in combination with a high interconnectivity. The pore sizes were tailored by applying an annealing treatment, while the porosity was kept constant. Mechanical properties of the individual layers and the double layer constructs as determined by tensile tests suggested that the overall elasticity of the compact bilayer construct and porous bilayer construct was in agreement with the predicted overall elasticity according to the rule of mixtures. The porous bilayer model system will serve as a basis for determining structure‐property relationships with respect to pore size, porosity as well as mechanical properties of individual layers and in this way enable a knowledge‐based design of layered scaffolds.
Scatter search for the profile minimization problem
Authors: Sánchez‐Oro Jesús , Laguna Manuel , Duarte Abraham , Martí Rafael
Published: December 2014

We study the problem of minimizing the profile of a graph and develop a solution method by following the tenets of scatter search. Our procedure exploits the network structure of the problem and includes strategies that produce a computationally efficient and agile search. Among several mechanisms, our search includes path relinking as the basis for combining solutions to generate new ones. The profile minimization problem (PMP) is NP‐Hard and has relevant applications in numerical analysis techniques that rely on manipulating large sparse matrices. The problem was proposed in the early 1970s but the state‐of‐the‐art does not include a method that could be considered powerful by today's computing standards. Extensive computational experiments show that we have accomplished our goal of pushing the envelope and establishing a new standard in the solution of the PMP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(1), 10–21. 2015
Prospective Effects of Possible Selves on Alcohol Consumption in Adolescents
Authors: Lee Chia‐Kuei , Corte Colleen , Stein Karen F. , Park Chang G. , Finnegan Lorna , McCreary Linda L.
Published: December 2014

Possible selves, cognitions about the self that reflect hopes, fears, and expectations for the future, are reliable predictors of health risk behaviors but have not been explored as predictors of adolescents' alcohol use. In a secondary analysis of data from 137 adolescents, we examined the influence of possible selves assessed in eighth grade on alcohol consumption (yes/no and level of use) in ninth grade. Having a most important feared possible self related to academics in eighth grade predicted alcohol abstinence in ninth grade. Among those who reported alcohol use, having many hoped‐for possible selves and a most important hoped‐for possible self related to academics in eighth grade predicted lower level of alcohol consumption in ninth grade. Interventions that foster the personal relevance and importance of academics and lead to the development of hoped‐for possible selves may reduce adolescents' alcohol consumption. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuropsychological late effects of treatment for acute leukemia in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Roncadin Caroline , Hitzler Johann , Downie Andrea , Montour‐Proulx Isabelle , Alyman Cheryl , Cairney Elizabeth , Spiegler Brenda J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have an elevated risk of developing acute leukemia, but little is known about treatment‐related neuropsychological morbidity because they are systematically excluded from research in this area. The current study investigated neuropsychological outcomes in children with DS treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared to children with DS with no history of cancer.

Procedure

Participants were 4 to 17 years of age at testing and were administered measures of intelligence, academic achievement, language, visual‐motor and fine‐motor skills, and adaptive function. Patients had been off treatment for at least 2 years.

Results

The AML group (N = 12) had significantly lower verbal intelligence and receptive vocabulary compared to controls (N = 21). By contrast, the ALL group (N = 14) performed significantly worse than controls on measures of verbal intelligence, spelling, receptive and expressive vocabulary, visual‐motor skills, and adaptive function.

Conclusions

Patients with DS treated for AML may have specific post‐treatment morbidity in verbal function, whereas those treated for ALL have broader morbidity affecting multiple neuropsychological domains and overall adaptive function. We hypothesize that the broader impairment profile of ALL survivors may be related to a combination of the longer duration of central nervous system‐directed treatment for ALL compared to AML and the concomitant limited access to intervention opportunities during active treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:854–858. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reassessing dose constraints of organs at risk in children with abdominal neuroblastoma treated with definitive radiation therapy: A correlation with late toxicity
Authors: Kandula Shravan , Sutter Anna , Prabhu Roshan S. , Jegadeesh Naresh , Esiashvili Natia
Published: December 2014

Background

In children treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) for abdominal neuroblastoma, normal tissue constraints for organs at risk (OARs) are not well‐standardized or evidence‐based. In this study, we analyze dosimetric data of principal abdominal OARs, reassess existing RT planning constraints, and examine corresponding acute and late toxicity to OARs.

Procedure

The treatment plans of 30 consecutive children who underwent definitive RT for high‐risk abdominal neuroblastoma were reviewed. Dose‐volume histogram (DVH) statistics were recorded for the ipsilateral kidney (if unresected), contralateral kidney, and liver. DVH data were analyzed to determine if OAR constraints from recent protocols were met and correlated with the development of toxicity.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 53.0 months. Ten, thirteen, and ten percent of patients’ RT plans did not meet OAR DVH constraints for the liver, ipsilateral kidney, and contralateral kidney, respectively. Of the three patients whose plans did not achieve ipsilateral kidney DVH constraint(s), two developed evidence of late ipsilateral kidney hypoplasia, but maintained normal laboratory kidney function. No patient experienced late toxicity of the contralateral kidney nor developed RT‐related late hepatic complications.

Conclusions

In children treated for abdominal neuroblastoma, the risk of developing clinically significant RT‐related late toxicity of the kidney and liver is not appreciable, even when current DVH parameters for OARs are not achieved in planning. Toxicity outcomes did not necessarily correlate with present‐day OAR dose constraints. Currently utilized DVH constraints are highly variable, and must be further studied and supported by toxicity outcomes to more accurately characterize risk of complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:970–975. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.