bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from Tonsils and Posterior Oropharynx
Authors: Bissessor M. , Whiley D. M. , Lee D. M. , Snow A. F. , Fairley C. K. , Peel J. , Bradshaw C. S. , Hocking J. S. , Lahra M. M. , Chen M. Y.
Published: September 2015

We examined the factors influencing gonorrhea detection at the pharynx. One hundred men infected with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
were swabbed from the tonsils and posterior oropharynx.
N. gonorrhoeae
was reisolated from the tonsils and posterior oropharynx in 62% and 52%, respectively (
P
= 0.041). Culture positivity was greater with higher gonococcal DNA loads at the tonsils (
P
= 0.001) and oropharynx (
P
< 0.001).
N. gonorrhoeae
can be cultured from the tonsils and posterior oropharynx with greater isolation rates where gonococcal loads are higher.
Identification of a Bovine Enteric Calicivirus, Kırklareli Virus, Distantly Related to Neboviruses, in Calves with Enteritis in Turkey
Authors: Alkan Feray , Karayel İlke , Catella Cristiana , Bodnar Livia , Lanave Gianvito , Bányai Krisztián , Di Martino Barbara , Decaro Nicola , Buonavoglia Canio , Martella Vito
Published: September 2015

A calicivirus was detected in neonatal calves with enteritis in Kırklareli, Thrace, Turkey. In the full-length genome, Kırklareli virus was related (48% nucleotide identity) to bovine enteric caliciviruses (
Nebovirus
genus). The virus was also detected in a herd in Ankara, Central Anatolia, but not in other Turkish prefectures.
Utility of PCR, Culture, and Antigen Detection Methods for Diagnosis of Legionellosis
Authors: Chen Derrick J. , Procop Gary W. , Vogel Sherilynn , Yen-Lieberman Belinda , Richter Sandra S.
Published: September 2015

The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the performance of different diagnostic tests for Legionnaires' disease in a clinical setting where
Legionella pneumophila
PCR had been introduced. Electronic medical records at the Cleveland Clinic were searched for
Legionella
urinary antigen (UAG), culture, and PCR tests ordered from March 2010 through December 2013. For cases where two or more test methods were performed and at least one was positive, the medical record was reviewed for relevant clinical and epidemiologic factors. Excluding repeat testing on a given patient, 19,912 tests were ordered (12,569 UAG, 3,747 cultures, and 3,596 PCR) with 378 positive results. The positivity rate for each method was 0.4% for culture, 0.8% for PCR, and 2.7% for UAG. For 37 patients, at least two test methods were performed with at least one positive result: 10 (27%) cases were positive by all three methods, 16 (43%) were positive by two methods, and 11 (30%) were positive by one method only. For the 32 patients with medical records available, clinical presentation was consistent with proven or probable
Legionella
infection in 84% of the cases. For those cases, the sensitivities of culture, PCR, and UAG were 50%, 92%, and 96%, respectively. The specificities were 100% for culture and 99.9% for PCR and UAG.
Membrane Stored Curvature Elastic Stress Modulates Recruitment of Maintenance Proteins PspA and Vipp1
Authors: McDonald Christopher , Jovanovic Goran , Ces Oscar , Buck Martin
Published: September 2015

Phage shock protein A (PspA), which is responsible for maintaining inner membrane integrity under stress in enterobacteria, and vesicle-inducting protein in plastids 1 (Vipp1), which functions for membrane maintenance and thylakoid biogenesis in cyanobacteria and plants, are similar peripheral membrane-binding proteins. Their homologous N-terminal amphipathic helices are required for membrane binding; however, the membrane features recognized and required for expressing their functionalities have remained largely uncharacterized. Rigorously controlled,
in vitro
methodologies with lipid vesicles and purified proteins were used in this study and provided the first biochemical and biophysical characterizations of membrane binding by PspA and Vipp1. Both proteins are found to sense stored curvature elastic (SCE) stress and anionic lipids within the membrane. PspA has an enhanced sensitivity for SCE stress and a higher affinity for the membrane than Vipp1. These variations in binding may be crucial for some of the proteins’ differing roles
in vivo
. Assays probing the transcriptional regulatory function of PspA in the presence of vesicles showed that a relief of transcription inhibition occurs in an SCE stress-specific manner. This
in vitro
recapitulation of membrane stress-dependent transcription control suggests that the Psp response may be mounted
in vivo
when a cell's inner membrane experiences increased SCE stress.

IMPORTANCE
All cell types maintain the integrity of their membrane systems. One widely distributed membrane stress response system in bacteria is the phage shock protein (Psp) system. The central component, peripheral membrane protein PspA, which mitigates inner membrane stress in bacteria, has a counterpart, Vipp1, which functions for membrane maintenance and thylakoid biogenesis in plants and photosynthetic bacteria. Membrane association of both these proteins is accepted as playing a pivotal role in their functions. Here we show that direct membrane binding by PspA and Vipp1 is driven by two physio-chemical signals, one of which is membrane stress specific. Our work points to alleviation of membrane stored curvature elastic stress by amphipathic helix insertions as an attractive mechanism for membrane maintenance by PspA and Vipp1. Furthermore, the identification of a physical, stress-related membrane signal suggests a unilateral mechanism that promotes both binding of PspA and induction of the Psp response.
Republished: Left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Alli Oluseun , Holmes David
Published: September 2015

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion for stroke and thromboembolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiovascular disease. Prevention and avoidance of the devastating consequences of thromboembolic complications from AF continues to be central in the management of these patients. The role of LAA as a nidus for thrombus formation is well documented. Multiple approaches to exclude the LAA from the circulation either percutaneously or surgically have been described and are undergoing testing. Although pharmacological therapy for stroke prevention remains the cornerstone of treatment, device and surgical exclusion of the LAA have proven to be viable alternatives in carefully selected patients. Even though current evidence show that LAA occlusion is safe and effective, approval and adoption of this strategy has been quite difficult due to paucity of randomised clinical trial data on the risk and benefit ratio, cost effectiveness and the issues of procedural risk as well as longer-term outcome. This review aims to provide an update on the current status of LAA occlusion, specifically looking at interpretation of current clinical data, available techniques and devices, issues with current devices and future direction.
Mature fine tailings consolidation through microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation
Authors: Liang Jiaming , Guo Zhengyang , Deng Lijun , Liu Yang
Published: September 2015

The performance and mechanisms of a microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP)-assisted mature fine tailings (MFT) consolidation method was assessed. Mature fine tailings samples of 35 wt% and 60 wt% were treated with MICP by ureolysis. The undrained shear strength of treated MFT was measured to evaluate the effects of MICP on MFT consolidation. To investigate the surface interaction mechanisms involved in the process, the size and shape of MFT particles were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that ureolysis-driven MICP can accelerate raw MFT consolidation, leaving compact sludge with significantly enhanced shear strength within 24 h of the experiment.
Active and passive environmental DNA surveillance of aquatic invasive species
Authors: Simmons Megan , Tucker Andrew , Chadderton W. Lindsay , Jerde Christopher L. , Mahon Andrew R.
Published: September 2015

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is useful for delimiting species ranges in aquatic systems, whereby water samples are screened for the presence of DNA from a single species. However, DNA from many species is collected in every sample, and high-throughput sequencing approaches allow for more passive surveillance where a community of species is identified. In this study, we use active (targeted) and passive molecular surveillance approaches to detect species in the Muskingum River Watershed in Ohio, USA. The presence of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) eDNA in the Muskingum River Watershed was confirmed with active surveillance using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). The passive surveillance method detected the presence of eDNA from northern snakehead (Channa argus), which was further confirmed with active ddPCR. Whereas active surveillance may be more sensitive to detecting rare DNA, passive surveillance has the capability of detecting unexpected invasive species. Deploying both active and passive surveillance approaches with the same eDNA samples is beneficial for invasive species management.
Quantification of realised genetic gain in radiata pine and its incorporation into growth and yield modelling systems
Authors: Kimberley Mark O. , Moore John R. , Dungey Heidi S.
Published: September 2015

Realised genetic gain for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) was estimated using data from 46 installations of three series of block-plot trials spanning a wide range of site types throughout New Zealand. These trials contained 63 unique seedlots with different levels of genetic improvement. Realised genetic gain was quantified using two measures of productivity: site index and 300 Index (a measure of volume productivity). The level of genetic improvement of each seedlot was determined by its GF Plus rating, a genetic rating system based on breeding values used for New Zealand radiata pine. There was a positive relationship between GF Plus rating and both productivity measures. Differences of 25% in total standing volume at age 30 years and of 5.6% in site index were found between unimproved (GF Plus 9.9) and highly improved (GF Plus 25) seedlots. Each unit increase in GF Plus rating was associated with a 1.51% increase in volume growth rate. In absolute terms, the magnitude of the increase was greater on more productive sites compared with less productive sites, although in percentage terms, it varied little between sites or regions. Quantification of genetic gain in this manner enables it to be easily incorporated into existing growth and yield simulators.
Modeling and flight testing of wing shaping for roll control of an unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Thamann Michael A. , Smith Suzanne Weaver , Bailey Sean C.C. , Doepke E. Brady , Ashcraft Scott W.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, an approach is described to implement autonomous (waypoint tracking) flight in a testbed airframe, which uses wing twist for roll control. These flights were performed using an existing commercial autopilot. Aileron effectiveness was identified as a parameter that could be modified to maintain roll control during autonomous flight. A modeling process was then developed to calculate the aileron effectiveness for a wing shaping demonstrator aircraft utilizing numerically determined aerodynamic properties. Simulations and flight tests with the testbed aircraft were performed that demonstrated suitability of the approach for autonomous flight. In-flight aileron doublets were used to validate the aileron effectiveness predicted by the numerical model, which matched within 7%.
HOW DO IMMIGRANTS FROM TAIWAN FARE IN THE U.S. LABOR MARKET?
Authors: LIN CARL
Published: September 2015

This paper presents evidence that since 1980, relative to native-born Americans and other immigrants, the earnings of Taiwanese immigrants have grown rapidly as they assimilate into the U.S. economy. Consistent with the existing U.S. evidence, I show that most of the immigrant–native earnings gaps can be explained by endowments, and the importance of endowments continues to increase. The estimates indicate that the improved endowments from education and U.S. experience, along with rising returns to both factors, largely explain Taiwanese immigrants’ economic assimilation experience. I show that more recently arrival cohorts of Taiwanese immigrants have earned more than the older ones since 1980.
The influence of the classical homogenous gravitational field on interaction of a three-level atom with a single mode cavity field
Authors: Abd El-Wahab N. H. , Salah Ahmed
Published: September 2015

We study the interaction between a single mode electromagnetic field and a three-level [Formula: see text]-type atom in the presence of a classical homogenous gravitational field when the atom is prepared initially in the momentum eigenstate. The model includes the detuning parameters and the classical homogenous gravitational field. The wave function is calculated by using the Schrödinger equation for a coherent electromagnetic field and an atom is in its excited state. The influence of the detuning parameter and the classical homogenous gravitational field on the temporal behavior of the mean photon number, the normalized second-order correlation function and the normal squeezing is analyzed. The results show that the presence of these parameters has an important effect on these phenomena. The conclusion is reached and some features are given.
Laboratory Resource Management System with Intelligent Power-Aware Strategies — A Software Approach
Authors: Pillai Anju S. , Isha T. B.
Published: September 2015

Fast growing technologies have made pervasive computing elements part of our routine life. These computing elements dissipate a lot of energy, and power optimization is one of the critical design aspects of such systems. In this work an intelligent laboratory automation and resource management system (iLARMS) is proposed, which incorporates power-aware strategies activated in software with hardware support. In the current work, investigations are carried out to observe the energy issues of the application and the processors used. Various software techniques for energy saving are incorporated in the application level and in the processor core level. The hardware implementation of the proposed resource management system is carried out using PIC16F877A and ARM7 LPC2148 microcontrollers and Intel Core 2 Duo processors. An average energy saving of the order of 48.78% was achieved with iLARMS when compared to a conventional resource management system.
Dalian Sanyo Cold Chain: The Service Industrialization as a New Development Engine
Authors: Cui Miao , Su Jingqin , Cao Jingxiang
Published: September 2015

Mr Ji, the general manager of China's largest cold chain manufacturer, Dalian Sanyo Cold Chain Co., Ltd. (DSC), was pondering whether to expand the service industrialization into other business areas or to just focus on the current display case business. DSC initiated the service industrialization in 2005 when facing severe competition in the Chinese market and realizing western customer in urgent need of high value-added service. After the incubation period, the service industrialization began to make profit and was welcomed by western customers. However, it was not successful among their Chinese customers. Meanwhile, there were several competitors planning to imitate DSC's service practices. Mr Ji had to decide on the future of service industrialization.
mKrishi
Authors: Hajela Ashish , Akbar M.
Published: September 2015

The case is about mKrishi, a mobile based agro advisory system launched by TCS as a pilot project in India. The purpose of the innovative venture is to provide personalized, integrated, interactive advice and information regarding agricultural activities to the farmers, based on their local conditions through mobile handset in their native language. The pilot project has shown social and business benefits as well as challenges. TCS has been contemplating on launching mKrishi as a full scale commercial venture.
Geely Automotive's Acquisition of Volvo
Authors: Chen Yuanyi Amy , Wang Xinran Joyce , Young Michael N.
Published: September 2015

The case describes Geely Automotive's strategy to grow from an unknown Chinese refrigerator manufacturer into a global international player. A big step toward Geely's internationalization was its acquisition of Volvo Car Corporation in 2010. The acquisition prompted the largest profits and most intense technology transfer in Geely's history. But it also created conflicts between the two merging organizations including differences over leadership style, resource sharing, and branding strategy. The case discusses the synergies and challenges encountered by Geely and Volvo and illustrates the details of the acquisition. The case also provides lessons for other enterprises from emerging economies that are increasingly wishing to expand to well-developed markets such as America and Europe.
The Anthropology of Life After AIDS: Epistemological Continuities in the Age of Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Moyer Eileen
Published: September 2015

Anthropologists working on HIV are increasingly reframing their research as taking place in “the age of treatment,” marking a shift from “the age of AIDS.” The age of treatment is characterized by the increasing biomedicalization of HIV, which has come about as a result of improved pharmaceutical and surveillance technologies and the presumption by international experts in global health that HIV could be eradicated in the near future through biomedical interventions. Despite this radical transformation, I argue that there are many important epistemological continuities for anthropologists researching HIV/AIDS in the twenty-first century. This review identifies such continuities between anthropological research conducted prior to and that conducted since the availability of life-saving treatment for HIV.
Near-Inertial Internal Gravity Waves in the Ocean
Authors: Alford Matthew H. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Simmons Harper L. , Nash Jonathan D.
Published: September 2015

We review the physics of near-inertial waves (NIWs) in the ocean and the observations, theory, and models that have provided our present knowledge. NIWs appear nearly everywhere in the ocean as a spectral peak at and just above the local inertial period f, and the longest vertical wavelengths can propagate at least hundreds of kilometers toward the equator from their source regions; shorter vertical wavelengths do not travel as far and do not contain as much energy, but lead to turbulent mixing owing to their high shear. NIWs are generated by a variety of mechanisms, including the wind, nonlinear interactions with waves of other frequencies, lee waves over bottom topography, and geostrophic adjustment; the partition among these is not known, although the wind is likely the most important. NIWs likely interact strongly with mesoscale and submesoscale motions, in ways that are just beginning to be understood.
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Lymphoma
Authors: Ramos Carlos A. , Heslop Helen E. , Brenner Malcolm K.
Published: September 2015

Lymphomas arise from clonal expansions of B, T, or NK cells at different stages of differentiation. Because they occur in the immunocyte-rich lymphoid tissues, they are easily accessible to antibodies and cell-based immunotherapy. Expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on T cells is a means of combining the antigen-binding site of a monoclonal antibody with the activating machinery of a T cell, enabling antigen recognition independent of major histocompatibility complex restriction, while retaining the desirable antitumor properties of a T cell. Here, we discuss the basic design of CARs and their potential advantages and disadvantages over other immune therapies for lymphomas. We review current clinical trials in the field and consider strategies to improve the in vivo function and safety of immune cells expressing CARs. The ultimate driver of CAR development and implementation for lymphoma will be the demonstration of their ability to safely and cost-effectively cure these malignancies.
HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer: Unique Features of Epidemiology and Clinical Management
Authors: Maxwell Jessica H. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: September 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a recently identified causative agent for a subset of head and neck cancers, primarily in the oropharynx, and is largely responsible for the rising worldwide incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Patients with HPV-positive OPC have distinct risk factor profiles and generally have a better prognosis than patients with traditional, HPV-negative, head and neck cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation is a widely accepted primary treatment modality for many patients with HPV-positive OPC. However, recent advances in surgical modalities, including transoral laser and robotic surgery, have led to the reemergence of primary surgical treatment for HPV-positive patients. Clinical trials are under way to determine optimal treatment strategies for the growing subset of patients with HPV-positive OPC. Similarly, identifying those patients with HPV-positive cancer who are at risk for recurrence and poor survival is critical in order to tailor individual treatment regimens and avoid potential undertreatment.
Opioid Receptors
Authors: Stein Christoph
Published: September 2015

Opioids are the oldest and most potent drugs for the treatment of severe pain. Their clinical application is undisputed in acute (e.g., postoperative) and cancer pain, but their long-term use in chronic pain has met increasing scrutiny. This article reviews mechanisms underlying opioid analgesia and other opioid actions. It discusses the structure, function, and plasticity of opioid receptors; the central and peripheral sites of analgesic actions and side effects; endogenous and exogenous opioid receptor ligands; and conventional and novel opioid compounds. Challenging clinical situations, such as the tension between chronic pain and addiction, are also illustrated.
Stochastic Switching of Cell Fate in Microbes
Authors: Norman Thomas M. , Lord Nathan D. , Paulsson Johan , Losick Richard
Published: September 2015

Microbes transiently differentiate into distinct, specialized cell types to generate functional diversity and cope with changing environmental conditions. Though alternate programs often entail radically different physiological and morphological states, recent single-cell studies have revealed that these crucial decisions are often left to chance. In these cases, the underlying genetic circuits leverage the intrinsic stochasticity of intracellular chemistry to drive transition between states. Understanding how these circuits transform transient gene expression fluctuations into lasting phenotypic programs will require a combination of quantitative modeling and extensive, time-resolved observation of switching events in single cells. In this article, we survey microbial cell fate decisions demonstrated to involve a random element, describe theoretical frameworks for understanding stochastic switching between states, and highlight recent advances in microfluidics that will enable characterization of key dynamic features of these circuits.
Endogenous Retroviruses in the Genomics Era
Authors: Johnson Welkin E.
Published: September 2015

Endogenous retroviruses comprise millions of discrete genetic loci distributed within the genomes of extant vertebrates. These sequences, which are clearly related to exogenous retroviruses, represent retroviral infections of the deep past, and their abundance suggests that retroviruses were a near-constant presence throughout the evolutionary history of modern vertebrates. Endogenous retroviruses contribute in myriad ways to the evolution of host genomes, as mutagens and as sources of genetic novelty (both coding and regulatory) to be acted upon by the twin engines of random genetic drift and natural selection. Importantly, the richness and complexity of endogenous retrovirus data can be used to understand how viruses spread and adapt on evolutionary timescales by combining population genetics and evolutionary theory with a detailed understanding of retrovirus biology (gleaned from the study of extant retroviruses). In addition to revealing the impact of viruses on organismal evolution, such studies can help us better understand, by looking back in time, how life-history traits, as well as ecological and geological events, influence the movement of viruses within and between populations.
Parvovirus Family Conundrum: What Makes a Killer?
Authors: Kailasan Shweta , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , Parrish Colin R.
Published: September 2015

Parvoviruses infect a wide variety of hosts, and their ancestors appear to have emerged tens to hundreds of millions of years ago and to have spread widely ever since. The diversity of parvoviruses is therefore extensive, and although they all appear to descend from a common ancestor and share common structures in their capsid and nonstructural proteins, there is often low homology at the DNA or protein level. The diversity of these viruses is also seen in the widely differing impacts they have on their hosts, which range from severe and even lethal disease to subclinical or nonpathogenic infections. In the past few years, deep sequencing of DNA samples from animals has shown just how widespread the parvoviruses are in nature, but most of the newly discovered viruses have not yet been associated with any disease. However, variants of some parvoviruses have altered their host ranges to create new epidemic or pandemic viruses. Here, we examine the properties of parvoviruses and their interactions with their hosts that are associated with these disparate pathogenic outcomes.
Cholinergic mechanisms of high-frequency stimulation in entopeduncular nucleus
Authors: Luo Feng , Kiss Zelma H. T.
Published: September 2015

Chronic, high-frequency (>100 Hz) electrical stimulation, known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) is a highly effective therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) and dystonia. Despite some understanding of how it works acutely in PD models, there remain questions about its mechanisms of action. Several hypotheses have been proposed, such as depolarization blockade, activation of inhibitory synapses, depletion of neurotransmitters, and/or disruption/alteration of network oscillations. In this study we investigated the cellular mechanisms of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) in entopeduncular nucleus (EP; rat equivalent of GPi) neurons using whole cell patch-clamp recordings. We found that HFS applied inside the EP nucleus induced a prolonged afterdepolarization that was dependent on stimulation frequency, pulse duration, and current amplitude. The high frequencies (>100 Hz) and pulse widths (>0.15 ms) used clinically for dystonia DBS could reliably induce these afterdepolarizations, which persisted under blockade of ionotropic glutamate (kynurenic acid, 2 mM), GABAA (picrotoxin, 50 μM), GABAB (CGP 55845, 1 μM), and acetylcholine nicotinic receptors (DHβE, 2 μM). However, this effect was blocked by atropine (2 μM; nonselective muscarinic antagonist) or tetrodotoxin (0.5 μM). Finally, the muscarinic-dependent afterdepolarizations were sensitive to Ca2+-sensitive nonspecific cationic (CAN) channel blockade. Hence, these data suggest that muscarinic receptor activation during HFS can lead to feedforward excitation through the opening of CAN channels. This study for the first time describes a cholinergic mechanism of HFS in EP neurons and provides new insight into the underlying mechanisms of DBS.
Substance P excites GABAergic neurons in the mouse central amygdala through neurokinin 1 receptor activation
Authors: Sosulina L. , Strippel C. , Romo-Parra H. , Walter A. L. , Kanyshkova T. , Sartori S. B. , Lange M. D. , Singewald N. , Pape H.-C.
Published: September 2015

Substance P (SP) is implicated in stress regulation and affective and anxiety-related behavior. Particularly high expression has been found in the main output region of the amygdala complex, the central amygdala (CE). Here we investigated the cellular mechanisms of SP in CE in vitro, taking advantage of glutamic acid decarboxylase-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knockin mice that yield a reliable labeling of GABAergic neurons, which comprise 95% of the neuronal population in the lateral section of CE (CEl). In GFP-positive neurons within CEl, SP caused a membrane depolarization and increase in input resistance, associated with an increase in action potential firing frequency. Under voltage-clamp conditions, the SP-specific membrane current reversed at −101.5 ± 2.8 mV and displayed inwardly rectifying properties indicative of a membrane K+ conductance. Moreover, SP responses were blocked by the neurokinin type 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist L-822429 and mimicked by the NK1R agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed localization of NK1R in GFP-positive neurons in CEl, predominantly in PKCδ-negative neurons (80%) and in few PKCδ-positive neurons (17%). Differences in SP responses were not observed between the major types of CEl neurons (late firing, regular spiking, low-threshold bursting). In addition, SP increased the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic synaptic events in CEl neurons depending on upstream spike activity. These data indicate a NK1R-mediated increase in excitability and GABAergic activity in CEl neurons, which seems to mostly involve the PKCδ-negative subpopulation. This influence can be assumed to increase reciprocal interactions between CElon and CEloff pathways, thereby boosting the medial CE (CEm) output pathway and contributing to the anxiogenic-like action of SP in the amygdala.
Characterizations of resting-state modulatory interactions in the human brain
Authors: Di (邸新) Xin , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: September 2015

Functional connectivity between two brain regions, measured using functional MRI (fMRI), has been shown to be modulated by other regions even in a resting state, i.e., without performing specific tasks. We aimed to characterize large-scale modulatory interactions by performing region-of-interest (ROI)-based physiophysiological interaction analysis on resting-state fMRI data. Modulatory interactions were calculated for every possible combination of three ROIs among 160 ROIs sampling the whole brain. Firstly, among all of the significant modulatory interactions, there were considerably more negative than positive effects; i.e., in more cases, an increase of activity in one region was associated with decreased functional connectivity between two other regions. Next, modulatory interactions were categorized as to whether the three ROIs were from one single network module, two modules, or three different modules (defined by a modularity analysis on their functional connectivity). Positive modulatory interactions were more represented than expected in cases in which the three ROIs were from a single module, suggesting an increase within module processing efficiency through positive modulatory interactions. In contrast, negative modulatory interactions were more represented than expected in cases in which the three ROIs were from two modules, suggesting a tendency of between-module segregation through negative modulatory interactions. Regions that were more likely to have modulatory interactions were then identified. The numbers of significant modulatory interactions for different regions were correlated with the regions' connectivity strengths and connection degrees. These results demonstrate whole-brain characteristics of modulatory interactions and may provide guidance for future studies of connectivity dynamics in both resting state and task state.
Microstructure Control of Columnar‐Grained Silicon Substrate Solidified from Silicon Melts Using Gas Pressure
Authors: Lee Jun-Kyu , Wi Sung-Min , Lee Jin-Seok , Jang Bo-Yun , Kim Joon-Soo , Ahn Young-Soo , Cho Churl-Hee
Published: September 2015

A silicon substrate with the dimensions of 100 × 140 × 0.3 mm was grown directly from liquid silicon with gas pressure. The silicon melt in the sealed melting part was injected into the growth part at applied pressure of 780–850 Torr. The solidified silicon substrate was then transferred by the pull of the cooled dummy bar. A desirable structure with a liquid‐solid interface perpendicular to the pulling direction was formed when the mold temperature in the solidification zone of the growth part was much higher than that of the dummy bar, as this technique should be able to overcome thermal loss through the molds and the limited heat flux derived from the very narrow contact area between the silicon melt and the dummy bar. In addition, because the metallic impurities and expansion of volume during solidification are preferably moved to a liquid phase, a high‐quality silicon substrate, without defects such as cracks and impurities in the substrate, could be manufactured in the interface structure. The present study reports the experimental findings on a new and direct growth system for obtaining silicon substrates characterized by high quality and productivity, as a candidate for alternate routes for the fabrication of silicon substrates.
Modeling and Stability Analysis of Worm Propagation in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Feng Liping , Song Lipeng , Zhao Qingshan , Wang Hongbin
Published: September 2015

An improved SIRS model considering communication radius and distributed density of nodes is proposed. The proposed model captures both the spatial and temporal dynamics of worms spread process. Using differential dynamical theories, we investigate dynamics of worm propagation to time in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Reproductive number which determines global dynamics of worm propagation in WSNs is obtained. Equilibriums and their stabilities are also found. If reproductive number is less than one, the infected fraction of the sensor nodes disappears and if the reproduction number is greater than one, the infected fraction asymptotically stabilizes at the endemic equilibrium. Based on the reproduction number, we discuss the threshold of worm propagation about communication radius and distributed density of nodes in WSNs. Finally, numerical simulations verify the correctness of theoretical analysis.
An Omics Perspective on Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapeutics of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Seeree Pattaya , Pearngam Phorutai , Kumkate Supeecha , Janvilisri Tavan
Published: September 2015

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive biliary tract malignancy arising from the epithelial bile duct. The lack of early diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic measures results in severe outcomes and poor prognosis. Thus, effective early diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers are required to improve the prognosis and prolong survival rates in CCA patients. Recent advancement in omics technologies combined with the integrative experimental and clinical validations has provided an insight into the underlying mechanism of CCA initiation and progression as well as clues towards novel biomarkers. This work highlights the discovery and validation of molecular markers in CCA identified through omics approaches. The possible roles of these molecules in various cellular pathways, which render CCA carcinogenesis and progression, will also be discussed. This paper can serve as a reference point for further investigations to yield deeper understanding in the complex feature of this disease, potentially leading to better approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics.
Modulation of the Left Prefrontal Cortex with High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Facilitates Gait in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Burhan Amer M. , Subramanian Priya , Pallaveshi Luljeta , Barnes Brittany , Montero-Odasso Manuel
Published: September 2015

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease. Gait abnormalities are common and disabling in patients with MS with limited treatment options available. Emerging evidence suggests a role of prefrontal attention networks in modulating gait. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is known to enhance cortical excitability in stimulated cortex and its correlates. We investigated the effect of high-frequency left prefrontal rTMS on gait parameters in a 51-year-old Caucasian male with chronic relapsing/remitting MS with residual disabling attention and gait symptoms. Patient received 6 Hz, rTMS at 90% motor threshold using figure of eight coil centered onF3location (using 10-20 electroencephalography (EEG) lead localization system). GAITRite gait analysis system was used to collect objective gait measures before and after one session and in another occasion three consecutive daily sessions of rTMS. Two-tailed within subject repeated measuret-test showed significant enhancement in ambulation time, gait velocity, and cadence after three consecutive daily sessions of rTMS. Modulating left prefrontal cortex excitability using rTMS resulted in significant change in gait parameters after three sessions. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of rTMS applied to the prefrontal cortex on gait in MS patients.
Favorable Outcomes after Implantation of Biodegradable Polymer Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Diabetic Population: Results from INDOLIMUS-G Diabetic Registry
Authors: Polavarapu Anurag , Polavarapu Raghava Sarma , Prajapati Jayesh , Raheem Asif , Thakkar Kamlesh , Kothari Shivani , Thakkar Ashok
Published: September 2015

Objective. The main aim is to evaluate safety, efficacy, and clinical performance of the Indolimus (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Surat, India) sirolimus-eluting stent in high-risk diabetic population with complex lesions.Methods. It was a multicentre, retrospective, non-randomized, single-arm study, which enrolled 372 diabetic patients treated with Indolimus. The primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which is a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), and stent thrombosis (ST). The clinical follow-ups were scheduled at 30 days, 6 months, and 9 months.Results. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 53.4 ± 10.2 years. A total of 437 lesions were intervened successfully with 483 stents (1.1 ± 0.3 per lesion). There were 256 (68.8%) male patients. Hypertension and totally occluded lesions were found in 202 (54.3%) and 45 (10.3%) patients, respectively. The incidence of MACE at 30 days, 6 months and 9 months was 0 (0%), 6 (1.6%), and 8 (2.2%), respectively. The event-free survival at 9-month follow-up by Kaplan Meier method was found to be 97.8%.Conclusion. The use of biodegradable polymer coated sirolimus-eluting stent is associated with favorable outcomes. The results demonstrated in our study depict its safety and efficacy in diabetic population.
The Use of Tutomesh for a Tension-Free and Tridimensional Repair of Uterovaginal and Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Preliminary Report
Authors: Dodero Danilo , Bernardini Luca
Published: September 2015

Objective. To evaluate efficacy in terms of vaginal capacity, coital function, and recurrence prevention of a new biological mesh of bovine pericardium (Tutomesh) in the repair of severe POP.Methods. Thirty cases of patients suffering from stage III uterine or apical prolapse undergone surgical repair by means of a modified sacrospinous ligament suspension combined with mesh attachment to both the cardinal ligaments, posterior and anterior colporrhaphy, and perineal body fixation. The mesh was replaced inside the pelvis with the goal of reconstructing the tridimensional fascial disposition of the structures sustaining the correct axis of vagina. Follow-up was done at 12 months with POPIQ analysis.Results. One total mesh failure occurred early after surgery due to marked deficiency of anatomy. Two cystoceles were observed at 12 months in two patients treated for apical prolapse where anterior repair was not performed. Two other patients developed a de novo SUI at 12 months. No reported abnormalities of coital function or dyspareunia were ever found after surgery.Conclusions. It is possible that the utilization of a tension-free and tridimensional placement of Tutomesh might favor a more physiologic reconstruction of the vaginal axis as compared with traditional sacrospinous ligament suspension.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Biokinetics in EGSB Reactor
Authors: Yang Jixiang , Yang Yanqing , Ji Xin , Chen Youpeng , Guo Jinsong , Fang Fang
Published: September 2015

A three-dimensional model integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and biokinetics was established to model an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor in this study. The EGSB reactor treating synthesized municipal wastewater was operated at ambient temperature. The model provided satisfactory modeling results regarding hydrodynamics and biokinetics. The model shows that influent distribution was evenly distributed. In addition, butyrate and propionate degradation rates linearly decreased along the flow direction in the reactor. However, acetate degradation rate increased first and decreased later. VFA degradation rate distributions were different at each reactor cross section. VFA degradation rates near reactor wall were lower than VFA degradation rates at reactor axis. Moreover, a pulse high influent COD concentration had a tiny impact on effluent quality, which indicates that the reactor was stable while treating synthesized wastewater at adopted conditions.
An Experimental Performance Evaluation and Compatibility Study of the Bluetooth Low Energy Based Platform for ECG Monitoring in WBANs
Authors: Touati Farid , Erdene-Ochir Ochirkhand , Mehmood Waiser , Hassan Ammad , Mnaouer Adel Ben , Gaabab Brahim , Rasid Mohd Fadlee A. , Khriji Lazhar
Published: September 2015

A long term healthcare monitoring system requires battery operated devices with low-power technologies. Researchers tried to adapt various short-range technologies for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) in ubiquitous health monitoring. The classical Bluetooth is known for its greedy power consumption, IrDA and NFC require line-of-sight conditions, and ANT has weak coexistence features and interference issues. A typical choice remains ZigBee/6LoWPAN over IEEE 802.15.4 based solutions in WBANs because of their low-power consumption. However, the recently proposed Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) announced more compelling features in various aspects. Only few studies have been published supporting these claims on BLE. In this paper, we present a BLE based remote healthcare monitoring platform and we study its compatibility for ECG monitoring. ECG data requires continuous and real-time transmissions, making it particularly challenging for resource constrained devices. In our system, a BLE112 module from Bluegiga and a BLE USB dongle are used for WBAN. The performance of the system is evaluated experimentally and the results showed good potential of this proposed BLE platform in meeting the main QoS requirements of medical applications in terms of throughput, end-to-end delay, and packet error rate, while staying energy efficient.
Isolated Right Ventricular Myocarditis: Rarely Reported Pathology
Authors: Virk Hafeez Ul Hassan , Munir Muhammad Bilal
Published: September 2015

Objective.Preventing the morbidity and mortality from isolated right ventricular myocarditis by its early recognition and treatment.Background. The clinical presentation of myocarditis ranges from nonspecific systemic symptoms (fever, myalgia, palpitations, or exertional dyspnea) to fulminant cardiac failure and sudden death. In our case, echocardiography raised the possibility of myocarditis at an early stage, although the signs and symptoms did not indicate right ventricular disease. Review of the literature showed only 4 previous reports, all diagnosed at autopsy, in which diagnosis was not suspected in vivo.Design/Methods. We are reporting case of a 23-year-old male with no past medical history who presented to emergency room with a nonexertional sharp left sided chest pain. Diagnostic tests were conducted, which revealed elevated troponins, decreased right ventricular ejection function but preserved left ventricular function, and no evidence of coronary artery disease.Results. A diagnosis of isolated right ventricular myocarditis was made on the basis of clinical, echocardiographic, and cardiac MRI findings.Conclusions. Isolated right ventricular myocarditis should be suspected in a patient with depressed right ventricular function without left ventricular involvement on echocardiography and cardiac MRI, elevated cardiac enzymes, and no evidence of coronary artery disease.
POD-1/TCF21Reduces SHP Expression, AffectingLRH-1Regulation and Cell Cycle Balance in Adrenocortical and Hepatocarcinoma Tumor Cells
Authors: França Monica Malheiros , Ferraz-de-Souza Bruno , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Lotfi Claudimara Ferini Pacicco
Published: September 2015

POD-1/TCF21may play a crucial role in adrenal and gonadal homeostasis and repressesSf-1/SF-1 expression in adrenocortical tumor cells. SF-1 and LRH-1 are members of the Fzt-F1 subfamily of nuclear receptors. LRH-1 is involved in several biological processes, and both LRH-1 and its repressor SHP are involved in many types of cancer. In order to assess whether POD-1 can regulate LRH-1 via the same mechanism that regulates SF-1, we analyzed the endogenous mRNA levels ofPOD-1,SHP, andLRH-1in hepatocarcinoma and adrenocortical tumor cells using qRT-PCR. Hereafter, these tumor cells were transiently transfected with pCMVMycPod-1, and the effect of POD-1 overexpression on E-box elements in theLRH-1andSHPpromoter region were analyzed by ChIP assay. Also, Cyclin E1 protein expression was analyzed to detect cell cycle progression. We found that POD-1 overexpression significantly decreasedSHP/SHP mRNA and protein levels through POD-1 binding to the E-box sequence in theSHPpromoter. DecreasedSHPexpression affectedLRH-1regulation and increased Cyclin E1. These findings show that POD-1/TCF21regulates SF-1 and LRH-1 by distinct mechanisms, contributing to the understanding of POD-1 involvement and its mechanisms of action in adrenal and liver tumorigenesis, which could lead to the discovery of relevant biomarkers.
Potential Renoprotective Agents through Inhibiting CTGF/CCN2 in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Wang Songyan , Li Bing , Li Chunguang , Cui Wenpeng , Miao Lining
Published: September 2015

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The development and progression of DN might involve multiple factors. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2, originally known as CTGF) is the one which plays a pivotal role. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to CCN2 as a potential therapeutic target for DN. Up to date, there are also many drugs or agents which have been shown for their protective effects against DN via different mechanisms. In this review, we only focus on the potential renoprotective therapeutic agents which can specifically abolish CCN2 expression or nonspecifically inhibit CCN2 expression for retarding the development and progression of DN.