bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Efflux Transporters Are Overexpressed in Short-Term Tamoxifen-Induced MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Krisnamurti Desak Gede Budi , Louisa Melva , Anggraeni Erlia , Wanandi Septelia Inawati
Published: February 2016

Tamoxifen is the first line drug used in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to tamoxifen remains a major challenge in the treatment of cancer. One of the mechanisms related to MDR is decrease of drug influx via overexpression of drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/MDR1), multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP), or BCRP (breast cancer resistance protein). We aimed to investigate whether the sensitivity of tamoxifen to the cells is maintained through the short period and whether the expressions of several drug efflux transporters have been upregulated. We exposed MCF7 breast cancer cells with tamoxifen 1 μM for 10 passages (MCF7 (T)). The result showed that MCF7 began to lose their sensitivity to tamoxifen from the second passage. MCF7 (T) also showed a significant increase in all transporters examined compared with MCF7 parent cells. The result also showed a significant increase of CC50 in MCF7 (T) compared to that in MCF7 (97.54 μM and 3.04 μM, resp.). In conclusion, we suggest that the expression of several drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein, MRP2, and BCRP might be used and further studied as a marker in the development of tamoxifen resistance.
Transcatheter Arterial Infusion of Autologous CD133+ Cells for Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Lian Weishuai , Lou Wensheng , Han Shilong , Lu Chenhui , Zuo Keqiang , Su Haobo , Xu Jichong , Cao Chuanwu , Tang Tao , Jia Zhongzhi , Jin Tao , Uzan Georges , Gu Jianping , Li Maoquan
Published: February 2016

Microvascular lesion in diabetic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) still cannot be resolved by current surgical and interventional technique. Endothelial cells have the therapeutic potential to cure microvascular lesion. To evaluate the efficacy and immune‐regulatory impact of intra‐arterial infusion of autologous CD133+ cells, we recruited 53 patients with diabetic PAD (27 of CD133+ group and 26 of control group). CD133+ cells enriched from patients’ PB‐MNCs were reinfused intra‐arterially. The ulcer healing followed up till 18 months was 100% (3/3) in CD133+ group and 60% (3/5) in control group. The amputation rate was 0 (0/27) in CD133+ group and 11.54% (3/26) in control group. Compared with the control group, TcPO2 and ABI showed obvious improvement at 18 months and significant increasing VEGF and decreasing IL‐6 level in the CD133+ group within 4 weeks. A reducing trend of proangiogenesis and anti‐inflammatory regulation function at 4 weeks after the cells infusion was also found. These results indicated that autologous CD133+ cell treatment can effectively improve the perfusion of morbid limb and exert proangiogenesis and anti‐inflammatory immune‐regulatory impacts by paracrine on tissue microenvironment. The CD133+ progenitor cell therapy may be repeated at a fixed interval according to cell life span and immune‐regulatory function.
Enhanced Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Hematopoietic Progenitors on Native and Spin Coated Acellular Matrices Prepared from Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Wasnik Samiksha , Kantipudi Suma , Kirkland Mark A. , Pande Gopal
Published: February 2016

The extracellular microenvironment in bone marrow (BM) is known to regulate the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We have developed cell‐free matrices from a BM stromal cell line (HS‐5), which can be used as substrates either in native form or as tissue engineered coatings, for the enhanced ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived HSPC. The physicochemical properties (surface roughness, thickness, and uniformity) of native and spin coated acellular matrices (ACM) were studied using scanning and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM). Lineage‐specific expansion of HSPC, grown on these substrates, was evaluated by immunophenotypic (flow cytometry) and functional (colony forming) assays. Our results show that the most efficient expansion of lineage‐specific HSPC occurred on spin coated ACM. Our method provides an improved protocol for ex vivo HSPC expansion and it offers a system to study the in vivo roles of specific molecules in the hematopoietic niche that influence HSPC expansion.
The Efficacy of Shen Shuaining Capsule on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhang Jinfeng , Guo Ming , Lian Xiaobo , Sun Miaomiao , Guo Lizhong
Published: February 2016

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Shen shuaining capsule on treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Shen shuaining capsule in treating CKD were collected from CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane library clinical controlled trials database. Two reviewers independently performed analysis of the included trials according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias tool was from the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. The Review Manager 5.2 software was employed for data analysis. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were applied to evaluate publication bias. Results. 20 studies including 1606 participants met the inclusion criteria, most of which were of low quality. Meta‐analysis indicated that Shen shuaining capsule was effective for CKD in terms of SCR, BUN, Hb, and response rate and with less adverse effects, of which SCR and BUN decreased significantly (MD = −84.72, 95% CI: −107.36, −62.07, P < 0.00001) (MD = −4.30, 95% CI: −5.71, −2.89, P < 0.00001); Hb and response rate increased significantly (MD = 9.94, 95% CI: 9.24, 10.64, P < 0.00001) (OR = 4.25, 95% CI (3.32, 5.42), P < 0.00001). Conclusion. Shen shuaining capsule significantly reduced SCR and BUN, increased HB, and improved total efficiency of the symptoms and signs in patients with CKD. Subgroup analysis found that Shen shuaining capsule group was better than control group. Due to low quality of the methodology of included studies, further high‐quality researches were needed to study its efficacy and safety.
Boolean Modeling of Cellular and Molecular Pathways Involved in Influenza Infection
Authors: Anderson Christopher S. , DeDiego Marta L. , Topham David J. , Thakar Juilee
Published: February 2016

Systems virology integrates host-directed approaches with molecular profiling to understand viral pathogenesis. Self-contained statistical approaches that combine expression profiles of genes with the available databases defining the genes involved in the pathways (gene-sets) have allowed characterization of predictive gene-signatures associated with outcome of the influenza virus (IV) infection. However, such enrichment techniques do not take into account interactions among pathways that are responsible for the IV infection pathogenesis. We investigate dendritic cell response to seasonal H1N1 influenza A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (NC) infection and infer the Boolean logic rules underlying the interaction network of ligand induced signaling pathways and transcription factors. The model reveals several novel regulatory modes and provides insights into mechanism of cross talk between NFκB and IRF mediated signaling. Additionally, the logic rule underlying the regulation of IL2 pathway that was predicted by the Boolean model was experimentally validated. Thus, the model developed in this paper integrates pathway analysis tools with the dynamic modeling approaches to reveal the regulation between signaling pathways and transcription factors using genome-wide transcriptional profiles measured upon influenza infection.
Biomonitoring with Micronuclei Test in Buccal Cells of Female Farmers and Children Exposed to Pesticides of Maneadero Agricultural Valley, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Castañeda-Yslas Idalia Jazmin , Arellano-García María Evarista , García-Zarate Marco Antonio , Ruíz-Ruíz Balam , Zavala-Cerna María Guadalupe , Torres-Bugarín Olivia
Published: February 2016

Feminization of the agricultural labor is common in Mexico; these women and their families are vulnerable to several health risks including genotoxicity. Previous papers have presented contradictory information with respect to indirect exposure to pesticides and DNA damage. We aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effect in buccal mucosa from female farmers and children, working in the agricultural valley of Maneadero, Baja California. Frequencies of micronucleated cells (MNc) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) in 2000 cells were obtained from the buccal mucosa of the study population (n=144), divided in four groups: (1) farmers (n=37), (2) unexposed (n=35), (3) farmers’ children (n=34), and (4) unexposed children (n=38). We compared frequencies of MNc and NA and fitted generalized linear models to investigate the interaction between these variables and exposition to pesticides. Differences were found between farmers and unexposed women in MNc (p<0.0001), CC (p=0.3376), and PN (p<0.0001). With respect to exposed children, we found higher significant frequencies in MNc (p<0.0001), LN (p<0.0001), CC (p<0.0001), and PN (p<0.004) when compared to unexposed children. Therefore working as a farmer is a risk for genotoxic damage; more importantly indirectly exposed children were found to have genotoxic damage, which is of concern, since it could aid in future disturbances of their health.
Predictors for Return to Work in Subjects with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Vikane Eirik , Hellstrøm Torgeir , Røe Cecilie , Bautz-Holter Erik , Aßmus Jörg , Skouen Jan Sture
Published: February 2016

Objective. To predict return to work (RTW) at 12 months for patients who either were sick-listed or were at risk to be sick-listed with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PCS) at six to eight weeks after injury.Method. A prospective cohort study of 151 patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) admitted consecutively to outpatient clinics at two University Hospitals in Norway. The study was conducted as part of a randomised clinical trial. Injury characteristics were obtained from the medical records. Sick leave data from one year before to one year after MTBI were obtained from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service. Self-report questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and symptom profiles.Results. We observed a significant negative association between RTW at 12 months and psychological distress, global functioning, and being sick-listed at two months after MTBI, as well as having been sick-listed the last year before injury.Conclusion. Psychological distress, global functioning postinjury, and the sick leave trajectory of the subjects were negative predictors for RTW. These findings should be taken into consideration when evaluating future vocational rehabilitation models.
DEM Resolution Impact on the Estimation of the Physical Characteristics of Watersheds by Using SWAT
Authors: Buakhao Waranyu , Kangrang Anongrit
Published: February 2016

A digital elevation model (DEM) is an important spatial input for automatic extraction of topographic parameters for the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of DEM resolution (from 5 to 90 m) on the delineation process of a SWAT model with two types of watershed characteristics (flat area and mountain area) and three sizes of watershed area (about 20,000, 200,000, and 1,500,000 hectares). The results showed that the total lengths of the streamline, main channel slope, watershed area, and area slope were significantly different when using the DEM datasets to delineate. Delineation using the SRTM DEM (90 m), ASTER DEM (30 m), and LDD DEM (5 m) for all watershed characteristics showed that the watershed sizes and shapes obtained were only slightly different, whereas the area slopes obtained were significantly different. The total lengths of the generated streams increased when the resolution of the DEM used was higher. The stream slopes obtained using the small area sizes were insignificant, whereas the slopes obtained using the large area sizes were significantly different. This suggests that water resource model users should use the ASTER DEM as opposed to a finer resolution DEM for model input to save time for the model calibration and validation.
Evaluating the Effects of Tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone, an Active Metabolite of Pentachlorophenol, on the Growth of Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ling Binbing , Gao Bosong , Yang Jian
Published: February 2016

Tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ), an active metabolite of pentachlorophenol (PCP), is genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. As an electrophilic and oxidative molecule, TCBQ can conjugate with deoxyguanosine in DNA molecules and/or impose oxidative stress in cells. In the current study, we investigated the effects of TCBQ on intracellular ROS production, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity against three different subtypes of human breast cancer cells. Luminal A subtype MCF7 (ER+, PR+, HER2−) cells maintained the highest intracellular ROS level and were subjected to TCBQ-induced ROS reduction, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity. HER2 subtype Sk-Br-3 (ER−, PR−, HER2+) cells possessed the lowest intracellular ROS level. TCBQ promoted ROS production, inhibited apoptosis, and elevated cytotoxicity (due to necrosis) against Sk-Br-3 cells. Triple-negative/basal-like subtype MDA-MB-231 cells were less sensitive towards TCBQ treatment. Therefore, the effect of prolonged exposure to PCP and its active metabolites on cancer growth is highly cancer-cell-type specific.
Forest Monitoring and Wildland Early Fire Detection by a Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Molina-Pico Antonio , Cuesta-Frau David , Araujo Alvaro , Alejandre Javier , Rozas Alba
Published: February 2016

A wildland fire is an uncontrolled fire that occurs mainly in forest areas, although it can also invade urban or agricultural areas. Among the main causes of wildfires, human factors, either intentional or accidental, are the most usual ones. The number and impact of forest fires are expected to grow as a consequence of the global warming. In order to fight against these disasters, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that enables a continuous situational awareness and instant responsiveness. This paper describes a hierarchical wireless sensor network aimed atearly fire detection in risky areas, integrated with the fire fighting command centres, geographical information systems, and fire simulators. This configuration has been successfully tested in two fire simulations involving all the key players in fire fighting operations: fire brigades, communication systems, and aerial, coordination, and land means.
A New Feature Extraction Technique Based on 1D Local Binary Pattern for Gear Fault Detection
Authors: Abdul Zrar Kh. , Al-Talabani Abdulbasit , Abdulrahman Ayub O.
Published: February 2016

Gear fault detection is one of the underlying research areas in the field of condition monitoring of rotating machines. Many methods have been proposed as an approach. One of the major tasks to obtain the best fault detection is to examine what type of feature(s) should be taken out to clarify/improve the situation. In this paper, a new method is used to extract features from the vibration signal, called 1D local binary pattern (1D LBP). Vibration signals of a rotating machine with normal, break, and crack gears are processed for feature extraction. The extracted features from the original signals are utilized as inputs to a classifier based onk-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for three classes (normal, break, or crack). The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated for gear fault detection, on the vibration data obtained from the Prognostic Health Monitoring (PHM’09) Data Challenge. The experiment results show that the 1D LBP method can extract the effective and relevant features for detecting fault in the gear. Moreover, we have adopted the LOSO and LOLO cross-validation approaches to investigate the effects of speed and load in fault detection.
Study on Time-Dependent Behavior of Granite and the Creep Model Based on Fractional Derivative Approach Considering Temperature
Authors: He Zhilei , Zhu Zhende , Wu Nan , Wang Zhen , Cheng Shi
Published: February 2016

Based on mineral components and the creep experimental studies of Three Gorges granite and Beishan granite from different regions of China at various temperatures, the strength and creep property of two types of granites are compared and analyzed. Considering the damage evolution process, a new creep constitutive model is proposed to describe the creep property of granite at different temperatures based on fractional derivative. The parameters of the new creep model are determined on the basis of the experimental results of the two granites. In addition, a sensitivity study is carried out, showing effects of stress level, fractional derivative order, and the exponentm. The results indicate that the proposed creep model can describe the three creep stages of granite at different temperatures and contribute to further research on the creep property of granite.
Tender Endothelium Syndrome: Combination of Hypotension, Bradycardia, Contrast Induced Chest Pain, and Microvascular Angina
Authors: Goberdhan Shivesh , Chiew Soon Kwang , Syed Jaffer
Published: February 2016

Hypotension, bradycardia, and contrast induced chest pain are potential complications of cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. Catheter-induced coronary spasm has been occasionally demonstrated, but its relationship to spontaneous coronary spasm is unclear. We describe a 64-year-old female who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in 1998 on the basis of an angiographic diagnosis of severe left main disease, who recently presented with increasingly frequent typical angina. Repeat coronary angiography was immediately complicated by severe chest pain, hypotension, and bradycardia but demonstrated only mild disease of the left main artery and entire coronary tree with complete occlusion of her prior grafts. This reaction was almost identical to that observed during her original coronary angiogram. We now believe her original angiogram was complicated by severe catheter-induced left main spasm, with the accompanying contrast reaction attributed to left main disease, and the occlusion of coronary grafts explained by the absence of significant left main disease. The combination of these symptoms has not been documented in the literature. In this instance, these manifestations erroneously led to coronary bypass surgery. It is unknown whether routine, systematic injection of intracoronary nitroglycerin prior to angiography might blunt the severity of such reactions.
Comparative mRNA Expression of eEF1A Isoforms and a PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in a Cellular Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Khwanraj Kawinthra , Madlah Suriyat , Grataitong Khwanthana , Dharmasaroja Permphan
Published: February 2016

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is one of dysregulated pathways in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous studies in nonneuronal cells showed that Akt regulation can be increased by eukaryotic protein elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2). eEF1A2 is proposed to contribute protection against apoptotic death, likely through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Whether eEF1A2 plays a role in the prevention of cell death in PD has not been investigated. Recently, gene profiling on dopaminergic neurons from postmortem PD patients showed both upregulation and downregulation of some PI3K and mTOR genes. In this paper, the expression of all gene members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in relation to those of the eEF1A isoforms in a cellular model of PD was investigated at the mRNA level. The results showed a similar trend of upregulation of genes of the eEF1A isoforms (eEF1A1andeEF1A2) and of the PI3K (classes I–III)/Akt (Akt1,Akt2, andAkt3)/mTOR (mTORC1andmTORC2) pathway in both nondifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Upregulation ofeEF1A2,Akt1, andmTORC1was consistent with the relative increase of eEF1A2, Akt, phospho-Akt, and mTORC1 proteins. The possible role of eEF1A isoforms in the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in PD is discussed.
Segmental Testicular Infarction, an Underdiagnosed Entity: Case Report with Histopathologic Correlation and Review of the Diagnostic Features
Authors: Shiraj Sahar , Ramani Nisha , Wojtowycz Andrij R.
Published: February 2016

A 30-year-old male presented with a 1-day history of left scrotal pain and a tender left testicle and epididymis on physical exam. Scrotal ultrasound showed an avascular, heterogeneous, hypoechoic lesion in the superior left testis suggestive of infarction or neoplasm. The patient was managed conservatively; however, his pain continued and follow-up ultrasound 6 days later showed interval increase in the size of the mass. Left radical orchiectomy was done and pathology result showed segmental infarction of the left testis.
Recent Advance in the Relationship between Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , Tan Feng , Xu Pingyi , Qu Shaogang
Published: February 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder disease in the elderly and is characterized by degeneration of dopamine neurons and formation of Lewy bodies. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). If glutamate is not removed promptly in the synaptic cleft, it will excessively stimulate the glutamate receptors and induce excitotoxic effects on the CNS. With lack of extracellular enzyme to decompose glutamate, glutamate uptake in the synaptic cleft is mainly achieved by the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs, also known as high-affinity glutamate transporters). Current studies have confirmed that decreased expression and function of EAATs appear in PD animal models. Moreover, single unilateral administration of EAATs inhibitor in the substantia nigra mimics several PD features and this is a solid evidence supporting that decreased EAATs contribute to the process of PD. Drugs or treatments promoting the expression and function of EAATs are shown to attenuate dopamine neurons death in the substantia nigra and striatum, ameliorate the behavior disorder, and improve cognitive abilities in PD animal models. EAATs are potential effective drug targets in treatment of PD and thus study of relationship between EAATs and PD has predominant medical significance currently.
An Unusual Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Hemophagocytic Syndrome
Authors: Sharmeen Saika , Hussain Nazia
Published: February 2016

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune mediated phenomenon that can occur in the setting of an autoimmune disease, chronic immunosuppression, malignancy, or infection. It has been more commonly described in the pediatric population and less commonly in adults. We describe a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with a rash. He simultaneously met the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the diagnostic criteria of HS as described in the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) 2004 trial. The bone marrow on autopsy showed the presence of abundant hemosiderophages with focal hemophagocytosis. SLE-associated HS might be underdiagnosed due to the overlap in clinical findings. This case represents the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of such a potentially fatal clinical syndrome.
Cancer Stem Cells and Macrophages: Implications in Tumor Biology and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sainz Bruno , Carron Emily , Vallespinós Mireia , Machado Heather L.
Published: February 2016

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique subset of cells within tumors with stemlike properties that have been proposed to be key drivers of tumor initiation and progression. CSCs are functionally defined by their unlimited self-renewal capacity and their ability to initiate tumor formationin vivo. Like normal stem cells, CSCs exist in a cellular niche comprised of numerous cell types including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) which provides a unique microenvironment to protect and promote CSC functions. TAMs provide pivotal signals to promote CSC survival, self-renewal, maintenance, and migratory ability, and in turn, CSCs deliver tumor-promoting cues to TAMs that further enhance tumorigenesis. Studies in the last decade have aimed to understand the molecular mediators of CSCs and TAMs, and recent advances have begun to elucidate the complex cross talk that occurs between these two cell types. In this review, we discuss the molecular interactions that define CSC-TAM cross talk at each stage of tumor progression and examine the clinical implications of targeting these interactions.
New Claims for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) Essential Oil
Authors: Alves-Silva Jorge M. , Zuzarte Mónica , Gonçalves Maria José , Cavaleiro Carlos , Cruz Maria Teresa , Cardoso Susana M. , Salgueiro Lígia
Published: February 2016

The essential oil of Daucus carota subsp. carota from Portugal, with high amounts of geranyl acetate (29.0%), α‐pinene (27.2%), and 11αH‐himachal‐4‐en‐1β‐ol (9.2%), was assessed for its biological potential. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes, and Aspergillus strains. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were evaluated showing a significant activity towards Gram‐positive bacteria (MIC = 0.32–0.64 μL/mL), Cryptococcus neoformans (0.16 μL/mL), and dermatophytes (0.32–0.64 μL/mL). The inhibition of the germ tube formation and the effect of the oil on Candida albicans biofilms were also unveiled. The oil inhibited more than 50% of filamentation at concentrations as low as 0.04 μL/mL (MIC/128) and decreased both biofilm mass and cell viability. The antioxidant capacity of the oil, as assessed by two in chemico methods, was not relevant. Still, it seems to exhibit some anti‐inflammatory potential by decreasing nitric oxide production around 20% in LPS‐stimulated macrophages, without decreasing macrophages viability. Moreover, the oils safety profile was assessed on keratinocytes, alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages, and hepatocytes. Overall, the oil demonstrated a safety profile at concentrations below 0.64 μL/mL. The present work highlights the bioactive potential of D. carota subsp. carota suggesting its industrial exploitation.
Nanowires Nickel Oxide and Nanospherical Manganese Oxide Synthesized via Low Temperature Hydrothermal Technique for Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor
Authors: Ibrahim Suriani , Charinpanitkul Tawatchai , Kobatake Eiry , Sriyudthsak Mana
Published: February 2016

Binary catalyst nickel oxides (NiO) and manganese oxides (MnO) were prepared individually via hydrothermal route. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and amperometry. Morphology studies revealed physical structure of nanowires nickel oxide and spherical manganese oxide with estimated length of 0.3–2.3 μm and diameter of 0.2–0.8 μm, respectively. Surface areas obtained for nickel oxide and manganese oxide were 68.9 m2 g−1and 45.2 m2 g−1, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry exhibits electrochemical responses corresponding to the electrode surfaces. The linear responses of the binary catalyst modified gold electrodes with NiO-MnO were observed in the concentration range from 31.8 μM to 0.5 mM with the detection limit of 62.5 μM.
Description of Concrete Creep under Time-Varying Stress Using Parallel Creep Curve
Authors: Park Yeong-Seong , Lee Yong-Hak , Lee Youngwhan
Published: February 2016

An incremental format of creep model was presented to take account of the development of concrete creep due to loading at different ages. The formulation was attained by introducing a horizontal parallel assumption of creep curves and combining it with the vertical parallel creep curve of the rate of creep method to remedy the disadvantage of the rate of creep method that significantly underestimates the amount of creep strain, regardless of its simple format. Two creep curves were combined by introducing an ageing parameter whose value was obtained from two sets of time-dependent laboratory experiments on cylindrical specimens. The presented creep description takes the advantage that a single creep curve due to the initial loading describes the entire development of creep under the persistent change of creep-causing stress. Further, the creep formulation takes advantage of being consistent with the incremental format of age-dependent constitutive formulation. The performance of the presented creep equation was investigated with time-dependent laboratory experiments on cylindrical specimens and compared with the performances of four existing creep models.
Sparsity-Based Optimization of the Sensors Positions in Radar Networks with Separated Transmit and Receive Nodes
Authors: Ivashko I. M. , Krasnov O. A. , Yarovoy A. G.
Published: February 2016

A sparsity-based approach for the joint optimization of the transmit and the receive nodes positions in the radar network with widely distributed antennas is proposed in this paper. The optimization problem is formulated as minimization of the number of radars that meet fixed target localization requirements over the surveillance area. We demonstrated that this type of the problem is different from the problem of the monostatic radar network topology optimization and implies the bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) problem. To tackle it, we propose to use the relaxation technique, which allows for joint selection of the positions for transmit and receive radar nodes. Provided numerical analysis shows that, in order to satisfy the same requirements to the target localization accuracy, the radar network with bistatic radars requires less number of the nodes than the one with monostatic radars.
A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis Initiating with Unexplained Fever
Authors: Hirayama Kosuke , Iwanaga Nozomi , Izumi Yasumori , Yoshimura Satoshi , Kurohama Kazuhiro , Yamashita Mai , Takahata Taichi , Oku Ryuta , Ito Masahiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: February 2016

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the multiple organ system. Here, we describe a case of RP initially presenting with high fever. The patient was referred to our hospital for further examination of fever of unknown origin (FUO). On admission, the patient reported dry cough in addition to fever. On physical examination, her red, swollen ears were noted, attributed on histology to inflammation with auricular perichondritis. She was diagnosed with RP and treated with oral prednisone (50 mg/day); her fever and auricular inflammation resolved. The patient no longer reported cough and body temperature returned to normal and the elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were normalized. In this case, identification of the origin of fever was a challenge because of unspecific symptoms; however, awareness of the systemic manifestations of RP may lead to the prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
The Oncogenic Functions of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Zhao Yue
Published: February 2016

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ion channels that are expressed in the cell membrane of all mammalian cells, including cancer cells. Recent findings suggest that nAChRs not only mediate nicotine addiction in the brain but also contribute to the development and progression of cancers directly induced by nicotine and its derived carcinogenic nitrosamines whereas deregulation of the nAChRs is observed in many cancers, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicate that SNPs nAChRs associate with risks of lung cancers and nicotine addiction. Emerging evidences suggest nAChRs are posited at the central regulatory loops of numerous cell growth and prosurvival signal pathways and also mediate the synthesis and release of stimulatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters induced by their agonists. Thus nAChRs mediated cell signaling plays an important role in stimulating the growth and angiogenic and neurogenic factors and mediating oncogenic signal transduction during cancer development in a cell type specific manner. In this review, we provide an integrated view of nAChRs signaling in cancer, heightening on the oncogenic properties of nAChRs that may be targeted for cancer treatment.
Stochastic Geometry Analysis and Additional Small Cell Deployment for HetNets Affected by Hot Spots
Authors: E Nan , Chu Xiaoli
Published: February 2016

Hot spots (HSs) of mobile users that were not expected in the original network planning may occur after a heterogeneous network (HetNet) has been deployed and affect the network performance. In this case, deploying additional small cells on top of the existing HetNet without changing the existing network infrastructure is considered as a solution. In this paper, we first provide a stochastic geometry analysis for a HetNet affected by a large HS and for the additional small cells that need to be deployed based on the spatial bivariate Poisson point process. The optimal numbers of additional small cells required in the HS and non-HS areas are obtained by minimizing the difference between the numbers of macrocell users after and before the HS occurs based on the analytical results. We then propose an algorithm to maximize the average user throughput by jointly optimizing the locations of additional small cells and user associations of all cells. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can maintain the average user throughput above a threshold with excellent fairness among all users even for a very high density of HS users.
An Efficient Distributed Scheduling Algorithm for Mobility Support in IEEE 802.15.4e DSME-Based Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Yun-Sung , Chung Sang-Hwa
Published: February 2016

Recently, the Internet of Things technology has rapidly spread and been applied in various fields including smart factories. Smart factory technologies are used for flexible process automation and custom manufacturing; thus, it requires adaptive network management for frequent network fluctuations due to mobility. Moreover, it is very important to ensure the timeliness of the data collected through the sensor nodes. In order to ensure network mobility in industrial WSNs, distributed scheduling algorithms should be supported. In this paper, we evaluated IEEE 802.15.4e-based industrial WSN MAC performances by using various mobility scenarios for smart factory environments. Also we proposed an IEEE 802.15.4e DSME-based distributed scheduling algorithm for mobility support and measured various performance metrics. The proposed algorithm can adaptively assign communication slots by analyzing the network traffic of each node and improve the network reliability and timeliness. The experimental result shows that the throughput of DSME MAC protocol is better than IEEE 802.15.4e TSCH and legacy slotted CSMA/CA in large network with above 30 nodes. Also the proposed algorithm improves the throughput by 15% higher than other MACs including original DSME. The algorithm was experimentally confirmed to reduce power consumption by improving the availability of communication slots.
Inhibition of Mycobacterium-RmlA by Molecular Modeling, Dynamics Simulation, and Docking
Authors: Harathi N. , Pulaganti Madhusudana , Anuradha C. M. , Kumar Chitta Suresh
Published: February 2016

The increasing resistance to anti-tb drugs has enforced strategies for finding new drug targets againstMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). In recent years enzymes associated with the rhamnose pathway in Mtb have attracted attention as drug targets. The present work is onα-D-glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (RmlA), the first enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of L-rhamnose, of Mtb cell wall. This study aims to derive a 3D structure of RmlA by using a comparative modeling approach. Structural refinement and energy minimization of the built model have been done with molecular dynamics. The reliability assessment of the built model was carried out with various protein checking tools such as Procheck, Whatif, ProsA, Errat, and Verify 3D. The obtained model investigates the relation between the structure and function. Molecular docking interactions of Mtb-RmlA with modified EMB (ethambutol) ligands and natural substrate have revealed specific key residues Arg13, Lys23, Asn109, and Thr223 which play an important role in ligand binding and selection. Compared to all EMB ligands, EMB-1 has shown better interaction with Mtb-RmlA model. The information thus discussed above will be useful for the rational design of safe and effective inhibitors specific to RmlA enzyme pertaining to the treatment of tuberculosis.
Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Biviano Angelo B. , Nazif Tamim , Dizon Jose , Garan Hasan , Fleitman Jessica , Hassan Dua , Kapadia Samir , Babaliaros Vasilis , Xu Ke , Parvataneni Rupa , Rodes-Cabau Josep , Szeto Wilson Y. , Fearon William F. , Dvir Danny , Dewey Todd , Williams Mathew , Mack Michael J. , Webb John G. , Miller D. Craig , Smith Craig R. , Leon Martin B. , Kodali Susheel
Published: February 2016

Background—

This study sought to evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results—

Data were evaluated in 1879 patients with baseline and discharge ECGs who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve (PARTNER) trial. A total of 1262 patients manifested sinus rhythm (SR) at baseline/SR at discharge, 113 SR baseline/AF discharge, and 470 AF baseline/AF discharge. Patients who converted from SR to AF by discharge had the highest rates of all-cause mortality at 30 days (
P
<0.0001 across all groups; 14.2% SR/AF versus 2.6% SR/SR; adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=3.41;
P
=0.0002) and over 2-fold difference at 1 year (
P
<0.0001 across all groups; 35.7% SR/AF versus 15.8% SR/SR; adjusted HR=2.14;
P
<0.0001). The presence of AF on baseline or discharge ECG was a predictor of 1-year mortality (adjusted HR=2.14 for SR/AF group and HR=1.88 for AF/AF groups;
P
<0.0001 for both groups versus SR/SR). For patients discharged in AF, those with lower ventricular response (ie, <90 bpm) experienced less 1-year all-cause mortality (HR=0.74;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

After transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the presence of AF at discharge, and particularly, the conversion to AF by discharge and higher ventricular response are associated with increased mortality. These data underscore the deleterious impact of AF, as well as the need for targeted interventions to improve clinical outcomes, in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00530894.
MicroRNA-181b Improves Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Sensitivity by Regulating Endothelial Function in White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Sun Xinghui , Lin Jibin , Zhang Yu , Kang Sona , Belkin Nathan , Wara Akm K. , Icli Basak , Hamburg Naomi M. , Li Dazhu , Feinberg Mark W.
Published: February 2016

Rationale:

The pathogenesis of insulin resistance involves dysregulated gene expression and function in multiple cell types, including endothelial cells (ECs). Post-transcriptional mechanisms such as microRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression could affect insulin action by modulating EC function.

Objective:

To determine whether microRNA-181b (miR-181b) affects the pathogenesis of insulin resistance by regulating EC function in white adipose tissue during obesity.

Methods and Results:

MiR-181b expression was reduced in adipose tissue ECs of obese mice, and rescue of miR-181b expression improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Systemic intravenous delivery of miR-181b robustly accumulated in adipose tissue ECs, enhanced insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation at Ser473, and reduced endothelial dysfunction, an effect that shifted macrophage polarization toward an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype in epididymal white adipose tissue. These effects were associated with increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase and FoxO1 phosphorylation as well as nitric oxide activity in epididymal white adipose tissue. In contrast, miR-181b did not affect insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in liver and skeletal muscle. Bioinformatics and gene profiling approaches revealed that Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase, a phosphatase that dephosphorylates Akt at Ser473, is a novel target of miR-181b. Knockdown of Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase increased Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 in ECs, and phenocopied miR-181b’s effects on glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation of epididymal white adipose tissue in vivo. Finally, ECs from diabetic subjects exhibited increased Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase expression.

Conclusions:

Our data underscore the importance of adipose tissue EC function in controlling the development of insulin resistance. Delivery of miR-181b or Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase inhibitors may represent a new therapeutic approach to ameliorate insulin resistance by improving adipose tissue endothelial Akt–endothelial nitric oxide synthase–nitric oxide signaling.
Going for gold: A prospective assessment of the economic impacts of the Commonwealth Games 2014 on the East End of Glasgow
Authors: Clark Julie , Kearns Ade
Published: February 2016

Host cities have increasingly sought to combine the staging of a multi-sports event with the regeneration of run-down areas. Like London 2012, Glasgow has sought to use the Commonwealth Games 2014 as a catalyst for the physical, social and economic renewal of its East End. This paper presents a novel approach to the assessment of legacy for a host community which recognises the complexity of potential impacts, without assuming a trickle-down effect to the local area. This comprises a holistic approach to evaluation, encompassing consideration of plausibility, the specifics of people and place, and legacy programmes. Three requirements for sustained economic legacy impacts for the host community are identified: continued and extended partnership working at a strategic level; extending the scope and duration of legacy programmes beyond that required for the event itself; resolving inherent tensions between delivering legacy at different spatial scales, and ensuring the equitable treatment of disadvantaged areas.
An assessment of the business impacts of the UK’s Enterprise Capital Funds
Authors: Baldock Robert
Published: February 2016

Recent European studies present persistently critical views of the under performance of government-backed venture capital (GVC) schemes when compared to their private sector counterparts. However, they assess the performance of outmoded funding models and fail to contextualise the economic development role of these schemes. This paper provides a contemporary assessment of the business impacts of the UK government’s flagship Enterprise Capital Funds VC scheme in addressing the sub-£2 m equity finance gap facing young potential high-growth businesses requiring investments. Supply and demand-side evidence is presented from interviews with ECF fund managers, alternative private VCs, industry experts and surveys of successful and unsuccessful scheme applicants. We find that, despite the limitations of mid-scheme evaluation, Enterprise Capital Funds are addressing the UK equity gap and delivering business employment, revenue and innovation impacts. However, further progress is required in order to achieve optimal business exits and sustainable early stage private VC system impacts.
Transparency in Governments: A Meta-Analytic Review of Incentives for Digital Versus Hard-Copy Public Financial Disclosures
Authors: Alcaide Muñoz Laura , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro , López Hernández Antonio Manuel
Published: February 2016

Prior research has indicated that information transparency in governments depends on institutional and environmental factors. Nonetheless, previous studies show heterogeneity in the results, and the academic researchers cannot make consistent conclusions. It makes it difficult to know the behavior of governments regarding their information policies. Therefore, making use of meta-analysis techniques, we integrate the empirical results reported by studies to determine the factors favoring the disclosure of public financial information via two modes of information disclosure— online versus hard-copy format. Several moderating effects— administrative culture, accounting regime, impact of measure used on determining variables, and level of government—have been considered and analyzed for their influence on the degree of correlation between the determinants and the disclosure of public financial information in both modes of information disclosure. Our study does not only show that the variables analyzed are positively associated with the disclosure of public financial information, but also that this depends on the context in which the research is conducted. The administrative style and the level of government are the main moderating effects that influence the results of analyzed studies.
Expanding the Nomological Net of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory: German Validation and Extension in a Clinical Inpatient Sample
Authors: Morf Carolyn C. , Schürch Eva , Küfner Albrecht , Siegrist Philip , Vater Aline , Back Mitja , Mestel Robert , Schröder-Abé Michela
Published: February 2016

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure for assessing grandiose and vulnerable features in narcissistic pathology. The aim of the present research was to construct and validate a German translation of the PNI and to provide further information on the PNI’s nomological net. Findings from a first study confirm the psychometric soundness of the PNI and replicate its seven-factor first-order structure. A second-order structure was also supported but with several equivalent models. A second study investigating associations with a broad range of measures ( DSM Axis I and II constructs, emotions, personality traits, interpersonal and dysfunctional behaviors, and well-being) supported the concurrent validity of the PNI. Discriminant validity with the Narcissistic Personality Inventory was also shown. Finally, in a third study an extension in a clinical inpatient sample provided further evidence that the PNI is a useful tool to assess the more pathological end of narcissism.
Beyond Content of Conversation
Authors: Koudenburg Namkje , Postmes Tom , Gordijn Ernestine H.
Published: February 2016

Social interaction is pivotal to the formation of social relationships and groups. Much is known about the importance of interaction content (e.g., the transfer of information). The present review concentrates on the influence of the act of conversing on the emergence of a sense of solidarity, more or less independently of the content. Micro-characteristics of the conversation (e.g., brief silences, smooth turn-taking) can profoundly influence the emergence and the regulation of relationships and of solidarity. We suggest that this might be because the form of a conversation is experienced as an expression of the social structures within the group. Because of its dynamic nature, moreover, the form of conversation provides group members with a continuous gauge of the group’s structural features (e.g., its hierarchy, social norms, and shared reality). Therefore, minor changes in the form and flow of group conversation can have considerable consequences for the regulation of social structure.