bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphlyococcus aureus Phenol-Soluble Modulins Stimulate the Release of Proinflammatory Cytokines from Keratinocytes and Are Required for Induction of Skin Inflammation
Authors: Syed Adnan K. , Reed Tamra J. , Clark Kaitlyn L. , Boles Blaise R. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle
Published: June 2015

Staphylococcus aureusis a human commensal that colonizes the skin. While it is normally innocuous, it has strong associations with atopic dermatitis pathogenesis and has become the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in the United States. The factors that dictate the role ofS. aureusin disease are still being determined. In this work, we utilized primary keratinocyte culture and an epidermal murine colonization model to investigate the role ofS. aureusphenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) in proinflammatory cytokine release and inflammation induction. We demonstrated that many species ofStaphylococcusare capable of causing release of interleukin 18 (IL-18) from keratinocytes and thatS. aureusPSMs are necessary and sufficient to stimulate IL-18 release from keratinocytes independently of caspase 1. Further, after 7 days of epicutaneous exposure to wild-typeS. aureus, but notS. aureusΔpsm, we saw dramatic changes in gross pathology, as well as systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines. This work demonstrates the importance of PSM peptides inS. aureus-mediated inflammatory cytokine release from keratinocytesin vitroandin vivoand further implicates PSMs as important contributors to pathogenesis.
Streptococcus salivarius K12 Limits Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Authors: Patras Kathryn A. , Wescombe Philip A. , Rösler Berenice , Hale John D. , Tagg John R. , Doran Kelly S.
Published: June 2015

Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B streptococcus [GBS]) colonizes the rectovaginal tract in 20% to 30% of women and during pregnancy can be transmitted to the newborn, causing severe invasive disease. Current routine screening and antibiotic prophylaxis have fallen short of complete prevention of GBS transmission, and GBS remains a leading cause of neonatal infection. We have investigated the ability of
Streptococcus salivarius
, a predominant member of the native human oral microbiota, to control GBS colonization. Comparison of the antibacterial activities of multiple
S. salivarius
strains by use of a deferred-antagonism test showed that
S. salivarius
strain K12 exhibited the broadest spectrum of activity against GBS. K12 effectively inhibited all GBS strains tested, including disease-implicated isolates from newborns and colonizing isolates from the vaginal tract of pregnant women. Inhibition was dependent on the presence of megaplasmid pSsal-K12, which encodes the bacteriocins salivaricin A and salivaricin B; however, in coculture experiments, GBS growth was impeded by K12 independently of the megaplasmid. We also demonstrated that K12 adheres to and invades human vaginal epithelial cells at levels comparable to GBS. Inhibitory activity of K12 was examined
in vivo
using a mouse model of GBS vaginal colonization. Mice colonized with GBS were treated vaginally with K12. K12 administration significantly reduced GBS vaginal colonization in comparison to nontreated controls, and this effect was partially dependent on the K12 megaplasmid. Our results suggest that K12 may have potential as a preventative therapy to control GBS vaginal colonization and thereby prevent its transmission to the neonate during pregnancy.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Found in the
migA
and
wbpX
Glycosyltransferase Genes Account for the Intrinsic Lipopolysaccharide Defects Exhibited by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14
Authors: Hao Youai , Murphy Kathleen , Lo Reggie Y. , Khursigara Cezar M. , Lam Joseph S.
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PA14 is widely used by researchers in many laboratories because of its enhanced virulence over strain PAO1 in a wide range of hosts. Although lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important virulence factor of all
P. aeruginosa
strains, the LPS of PA14 has not been characterized fully. A recent study showed that the structure of its O-specific antigen (OSA) belongs to serotype O19. We found that the OSA gene cluster of PA14 shares ∼99% identity with those of the O10/O19 group. These two serotypes share the same O-unit structure, except for an
O
-acetyl substitution in one of the sugars in O10. Here we showed that both PA14 and O19 LPS cross-reacted with the O10-specific monoclonal antibody MF76-2 in Western blots. Analysis by SDS-PAGE and silver staining showed that PA14 LPS exhibited modal chain lengths that were different from those of O19 LPS, in that only “very long” and “short” chain lengths were observed, while “medium” and “long” chain lengths were not detected. Two other novel observations included the lack of the uncapped core oligosaccharide epitope and of common polysaccharide antigen (CPA) LPS. The lack of the uncapped core oligosaccharide was caused by point mutations in the glycosyltransferase gene
migA
, while the CPA-negative phenotype was correlated with a single amino acid substitution, G20R, in the glycosyltransferase WbpX. Additionally, we showed that restoring CPA biosynthesis in PA14 significantly stimulated mature biofilm formation after 72 h, while outer membrane vesicle production was not affected.

IMPORTANCE
P. aeruginosa
PA14 is a clinical isolate that has become an important reference strain used by many researchers worldwide. LPS of PA14 has not been characterized fully, and hence, confusion about its phenotype exists in the literature. In the present study, we set out to characterize the O-specific antigen (OSA), the common polysaccharide antigen (CPA), and the core oligosaccharide produced by PA14. We present evidence that PA14 produces an LPS consisting of “very-long-chain” and some “short-chain” OSA belonging to the O19 serotype but is devoid of CPA and the uncapped core oligosaccharide epitope. These intrinsic defects in PA14 LPS were due to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes that encode glycosyltransferases in the corresponding biosynthesis pathways. Since sugars in CPA and the uncapped core are receptors for different bacteriocins and pyocins, the lack of CPA and an intact core may contribute to the increased virulence of PA14. Restoring CPA production in PA14 was found to stimulate mature biofilm formation.
Penile Microbiota and Female Partner Bacterial Vaginosis in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Liu Cindy M. , Hungate Bruce A. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Ravel Jacques , Prodger Jessica L. , Serwadda David , Kigozi Godfrey , Galiwango Ronald M. , Nalugoda Fred , Keim Paul , Wawer Maria J. , Price Lance B. , Gray Ronald H.
Published: June 2015

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal bacterial imbalance associated with risk for HIV and poor gynecologic and obstetric outcomes. Male circumcision reduces BV-associated bacteria on the penis and decreases BV in female partners, but the link between penile microbiota and female partner BV is not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that having a female partner with BV increases BV-associated bacteria in uncircumcised men. We characterized penile microbiota composition and density (i.e., the quantity of bacteria per swab) by broad-coverage 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 165 uncircumcised men from Rakai, Uganda. Associations between penile community state types (CSTs) and female partner's Nugent score were assessed. We found seven distinct penile CSTs of increasing density (CST1 to 7). CST1 to 3 and CST4 to 7 were the two major CST groups. CST4 to 7 had higher prevalence and abundance of BV-associated bacteria, such as
Mobiluncus
and
Dialister
, than CST1 to 3. Men with CST4 to 7 were significantly more likely to have a female partner with a high Nugent score (
P
= 0.03). Men with two or more extramarital partners were significantly more likely to have CST4 to 7 than men with only marital partners (CST4 to 7 prevalence ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 2.92). Female partner Nugent BV is significantly associated with penile microbiota. Our data support the exchange of BV-associated bacteria through intercourse, which may explain BV recurrence and persistence.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is sexually associated but not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Our findings suggest that the uncircumcised penis is an important niche for BV-associated genital anaerobes. In addition, we found a link between extramarital sexual relationships and BV-associated bacteria in men, which parallels earlier findings of the association between sexual activity and BV in women. This suggests the sexual transmissibility of BV-associated bacteria. Reducing bacterial exchange by barrier methods and managing carriage of BV-associated bacteria in men may decrease BV persistence and recurrence in women.
Customised simple limbal epithelial transplantation for recurrent limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Vazirani Jayesh , Lal Ikeda , Sangwan Virender
Published: June 2015

A 4-year-old boy developed unilateral, total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) following an acid injury. A stable ocular surface was achieved with autologous simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), performed 4 months after the injury. Focal areas of conjunctivalisation were noted in the postoperative period. These were addressed using a novel modification of SLET. A very small piece of limbus from the healthy eye was split into multiple pieces, and applied to the bare corneal stroma with fibrin glue after pannus resection. The surface was covered with amniotic membrane. This resulted in a stable surface, and visual acuity improved to 20/50. The donor remained healthy despite two biopsies being harvested. This case demonstrates that early ocular surface reconstruction may be considered in children with LSCD if amblyopia is a concern. Customised SLET allows surgeons to tackle focal recurrences of LSCD effectively, using minimal limbal tissue from the donor site.
Recommendations for management of diabetes during Ramadan: update 2015
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud , Abu Al Magd Megahed , Annabi Firas A , Assaad-Khalil Samir , Ba-Essa Ebtesam M , Fahdil Ibtihal , Karadeniz Sehnaz , Meriden Terry , Misha'l Aly A , Pozzilli Paolo , Shera Samad , Thomas Abraham , Bahijri Suhad , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Yilmaz Temel , Umpierrez Guillermo E
Published: June 2015

Since the first ADA working group report on the recommendations for management of diabetes during Ramadan in 2005 and our update in 2010, we received many inquiries asking for regular updates on information regarding education, nutritional habits and new oral and injectable agents that may be useful for the management of patients with diabetes during Ramadan. Patients can be stratified into their risk of hypoglycemia and/or complications prior to the start of the fasting period of Ramadan. Those at high risk of hypoglycemia and with multiple diabetic complications should be advised against prolonged fasting. Even in the lower hypoglycemia risk group, adverse effects may still occur. In order to minimize adverse side effects during fasting in patients with diabetes and improve or maintain glucose control, education and discussion of glucose monitoring and treatment regimens should occur several weeks prior to Ramadan. Agents such as metformin, thiazolidinediones and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors appear to be safe and do not need dose adjustment. Most sulfonylureas may not be used safely during Ramadan except with extreme caution; besides, older agents, such as chlorpropamide or glyburide, should not be used. Reduction of the dosage of sulfonylurea is needed depending on the degree of control prior to fasting. Misconceptions and local habits should be addressed and dealt with in any educational intervention and therapeutic planning with patients with diabetes. In this regard, efforts are still needed for controlled prospective studies in the field of efficacy and safety of the different interventions during the Ramadan Fast.
Impact of an individualized type 2 diabetes education program on clinical outcomes during Ramadan
Authors: McEwen Laura N , Ibrahim Mahmoud , Ali Nahed M , Assaad-Khalil Samir H , Tantawi Hyam Refaat , Nasr Gamela , Mohammadmoradi Shayan , Misha'l Aly A , Annabi Firas A , Ba-Essa Ebtesam M , Bahijri Suhad M , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Jaber Linda A , Herman William H
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine if individualized education before Ramadan results in a safer fast for people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes who received care from participating clinics in Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia and intended to fast during Ramadan 2014 were prospectively studied. Twelve clinics participated. Individualized education addressed meal planning, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring and acute metabolic complications and when deemed necessary, provided an individualized diabetes treatment plan.

Results

774 people met study criteria, 515 received individualized education and 259 received usual care. Those who received individualized education were more likely to modify their diabetes treatment plan during Ramadan (97% vs 88%, p<0.0001), to perform self-monitoring of blood glucose at least twice daily during Ramadan (70% vs 51%, p<0.0001), and to have improved knowledge about hypoglycemic signs and symptoms (p=0.0007). Those who received individualized education also reduced their body mass index (−1.1±2.4 kg/m2vs −0.2±1.7 kg/m2, p<0.0001) and glycated haemoglobin (−0.7±1.1% vs −0.1±1.3%, p<0.0001) during Ramadan compared those who received usual care. There were more mild (77% vs 67%, p=0.0031) and moderate (38% vs 19%, p<0.0001) hypoglycemic events reported by participants who received individualized education than those who received usual care, but fewer reported severe hypoglycemic events during Ramadan (23% vs 34%, p=0.0017).

Conclusions

This individualized education and diabetes treatment program helped patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight, improve glycemic control and achieve a safer fast during Ramadan.
The effectiveness of return-to-work interventions that incorporate work-focused problem-solving skills for workers with sickness absences related to mental disorders: a systematic literature review
Authors: Dewa Carolyn S , Loong Desmond , Bonato Sarah , Joosen Margot C W
Published: June 2015

Objectives

This paper reviews the current state of the published peer-reviewed literature related to return-to-work (RTW) interventions that incorporate work-related problem-solving skills for workers with sickness absences related to mental disorders. It addresses the question: What is the evidence for the effectiveness of these RTW interventions?

Design

Using a multiphase screening process, this systematic literature review was based on publically available peer-reviewed studies. Five electronic databases were searched: (1)Medline Current, (2)Medline In-process, (3)PsycINFO, (4)Econlitand (5)Web of Science.

Setting

The focus was on RTW interventions for workers with medically certified sickness absences related to mental disorders.

Participants

Workers with medically certified sickness absences related to mental disorders.

Interventions

RTW intervention included work-focused problem-solving skills.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

RTW rates and length of sickness absences.

Results

There were 4709 unique citations identified. Of these, eight articles representing a total of six studies were included in the review. In terms of bias avoidance, two of the six studies were rated asexcellent, two asgoodand two asweak. Five studies were from the Netherlands; one was from Norway. There was variability among the studies with regard to RTW findings. Two of three studies reported significant differences in RTW rates between the intervention and control groups. One of six studies observed a significant difference in sickness absence duration between intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence that combinations of interventions that include work-related problem-solving skills are effective in RTW outcomes. The evidence could be strengthened if future studies included more detailed examinations of intervention adherence and changes in problem-solving skills. Future studies should also examine the long-term effects of problem-solving skills on sickness absence recurrence and work productivity.
Cadmium exposure and incidence of heart failure and atrial fibrillation: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Borné Yan , Barregard Lars , Persson Margaretha , Hedblad Bo , Fagerberg Björn , Engström Gunnar
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Cadmium is a non-essential toxic metal with multiple adverse health effects. Cadmium has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases, but few studies have investigated heart failure (HF) and none of them reported atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined whether cadmium exposure is associated with incidence of HF or AF.

Design

A prospective, observational cohort study with a 17-year follow-up.

Setting

The city of Malmö, Sweden.

Participants

Blood cadmium levels were measured in 4378 participants without a history of HF or AF (aged 46–67 years, 60% women), who participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) study during 1992–1994.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Incidence of HF and AF were identified from the Swedish hospital discharge register.

Results

143 participants (53% men) were diagnosed with new-onset HF and 385 individuals (52% men) were diagnosed with new-onset AF during follow-up for 17 years. Blood cadmium in the sex-specific 4th quartile of the distribution was significantly associated with incidence of HF. The (HR, 4th vs 1st quartile) was 2.64 (95% CI 1.60 to 4.36), adjusted for age, and 1.95 (1.02 to 3.71) after adjustment also for conventional risk factors and biomarkers. The blood cadmium level was not significantly associated with risk of incident AF.

Conclusions

Blood cadmium levels in the 4th quartile were associated with increased incidence of HF in this cohort with comparatively low exposure to cadmium. Incidence of AF was not associated with cadmium.
Transitioning patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from adolescent to adult services: a systematic review
Authors: Clarke Tilean , Lusher Joanne
Published: June 2015

Approximately a quarter of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diagnosed before 20 years of age, presenting with more extensive distribution and severity of disease than adult onset. The purpose of this review was to determine facilitators of, and barriers to, successful transition of patients with IBD from adolescent to adult services. A systematic review of IBD transition research was conducted in March 2014 searching PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. A hand search of reference lists and narrative reviews was carried out to maximise the potential for retrieving all relevant manuscripts. Primary studies written in English of full-length peer-reviewed journal articles that investigated transition of paediatric patients with IBD to adult services were included. Studies were excluded if the primary focus was not IBD. The search produced 283 potentially relevant studies. After removing duplicates and screening for suitability, six met our inclusion criteria. Barriers to transition included system inadequacies and a lack of resources, clinical time and training. Successful transition involved joint medical visits, structured transition services, improved communication between paediatric and adult services and improved education for patients and staff. If the transition process for adolescents suffering with IBD is to improve then it is vital that more research is conducted to better our understanding of ways in which we can ensure that defined protocols are in place for a smooth transition for every adolescent, leading to improved standards and minimal disruption to care.
Shear strength properties of plain and spirally profiled cable bolts
Authors: Aziz Naj , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , Nemcik Jan , Heemann Kay , Mayer Stefan
Published: June 2015

An experimental investigation into the performance of two 22 mm diameter, 60 t tensile strength capacity Hilti cable bolts in shear was conducted using the double-shear testing apparatus at the laboratory of the School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong. The tested cable bolts were (i) Hilti 19 wire HTT-UXG plain strand and (ii) Hilti 19 wire HTT-IXG spirally profiled (smaller cross-sectional area than the plain one) cable bolt, with indentation only on the surface of the outer strands. These cable bolts are of sealed wire construction type, consisting of an outer 5.5 mm diameter wire layer overlying the middle 3 mm diameter wire strands. Both layers are wrapped around a single solid 7 mm diameter strand wire core. The double-shearing test was carried out in 40 MPa concrete blocks, contained in concrete moulds. Cable bolts were encapsulated in concrete using Orica FB400 pumpable grout. Prior to encapsulation, each cable bolt was pre-tensioned initially to 50 kN axial force. A 500 t capacity servocontrolled compression testing machine was used for both tests, and during each test the vertical shear displacement was limited to 70 mm of travel. The rate of vertical shear displacement was maintained constant at 1 mm/min. The maximum shear load achieved for the plain strand cable was 1024 kN, while the spiral cable peak load was 904 kN, before the cable bolt wires began to individually snap, leading to the cable bolt break-up into two sections. It is apparent that spiral profiles of the outer wires weaken both the tensile and shearing strength. Finally, another set of tests was undertaken using the British Standard single-shear approach, producing lower shear strength values.
Low flow frequency analysis for stream with mixed populations
Authors: Hulley Mike , Clarke Colin , Watt Ed
Published: June 2015

A methodology is developed for the estimation of annual low-flow quantiles for streams with annual low flows occurring in both the summer and winter. Since the low flow generating processes are different in summer and winter, independent seasonal analyses are required. The methodology provides recommendations for assessment of record length, randomness, homogeneity, independence and stationarity, as well as guidelines for distribution selection and fitting for seasonal distributions. The seasonal distributions are then used to develop the combined distribution for annual low flow estimation. Four worked examples of long-term Canadian hydrometric stations are provided.
Nonautonomous Graphs and Topological Entropy of Nonautonomous Lorenz Systems
Authors: Ferreira Alves João , Silva Luís
Published: June 2015

In this work, we associate a p-periodic nonautonomous graph to each p-periodic nonautonomous Lorenz system with finite critical orbits. We develop Perron–Frobenius theory for nonautonomous graphs and use it to calculate their entropy. Finally, we prove that the topological entropy of a p-periodic nonautonomous Lorenz system is equal to the entropy of its associated nonautonomous graph.
Delayed Feedback Control and Bifurcation Analysis in a Chaotic Chemostat System
Authors: Jiang Zhichao , Ma Wanbiao
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the effect of delay on a nonlinear chaotic chemostat system with delayed feedback is investigated by regarding delay as a parameter. At first, the stability of the positive equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcations are obtained. Then an explicit algorithm for determining the direction and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions is derived by using the normal form theory and center manifold argument. Finally, some numerical simulation examples are given, which indicate that the chaotic oscillation can be converted into a stable steady state or a stable periodic orbit when delay passes through certain critical values.
Instability and Pattern Formation in Three-Species Food Chain Model via Holling Type II Functional Response on a Circular Domain
Authors: Abid Walid , Yafia R. , Aziz Alaoui M. A. , Bouhafa H. , Abichou A.
Published: June 2015

This paper is devoted to the study of food chain predator–prey model. This model is given by a reaction–diffusion system defined on a circular spatial domain, which includes three-state variables namely, prey and intermediate predator and top predator and incorporates the Holling type II and a modified Leslie–Gower functional response. The aim of this paper is to investigate theoretically and numerically the asymptotic behavior of the interior equilibrium of the model. The local and global stabilities of the positive steady-state solution and the conditions that enable the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation and Turing instability in the circular spatial domain are proved. In the end, we carry out numerical simulations to illustrate how biological processes can affect spatiotemporal pattern formation in a disc spatial domain and different types of spatial patterns with respect to different time steps and diffusion coefficients are obtained.
ASSESSING SOME IMPORTANT FACTORS TO REDUCE OBSTACLES IN PRODUCT INNOVATION
Authors: NAGANO MARCELO SEIDO , STEFANOVITZ JULIANO PAVANELLI , GUIMARAES TOR
Published: June 2015

The need for effective and efficient Product Innovation (PI) is a great challenge for organisations in today’s hypercompetitive global markets. Many research studies addressed problems/obstacles to successful PI from various perspectives. Many other studies proposed factors to help companies mitigate such problems. Here, the primary objective is to propose an integrated model, to empirically test this model, and get insights about which factors, if managed appropriately, will help reduce the obstacles to PI in practice. A questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, and used to collect data from 47 PI managers. The results support the theoretical importance of a formal PI process, characteristics of the company environment, and the availability of specific resources as important factors to reduce obstacles to company PI. Based on the results recommendations are made to practitioners and researchers in this important area.
Torsional Vibration of Cracked Nanobeam Based on Nonlocal Stress Theory with Various Boundary Conditions: An Analytical Study
Authors: Rahmani Omid , Hosseini S. A. H. , Noroozi Moghaddam M. H. , Fakhari Golpayegani I.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the torsional vibration of cracked nanobeam was studied based on a nonlocal elasticity theory. The location of the crack is simulated by a torsional spring which links segments of nanobeam together. Also, different boundary conditions, including clamped–free, clamped–clamped and clamped–torsional spring, were considered. Furthermore, a detailed parametric study was conducted to investigate the influence of crack location, nonlocal parameter, length of nanobeam, spring constant and end supports on the torsional vibration.
Topology, Magnetic Field, and Strongly Interacting Matter
Authors: Kharzeev Dmitri E.
Published: June 2015

Gauge theories with compact symmetry groups possess topologically nontrivial configurations of gauge field. This characteristic has dramatic implications for the vacuum structure of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and for the behavior of QCD plasma, as well as for condensed matter systems with chiral quasi-particles. I review the current status of this problem with an emphasis both on the interplay between chirality and a background magnetic field and on the observable manifestations of topology in heavy-ion collisions, Dirac semimetals, neutron stars, and the early Universe.
Inverse relationship between body mass index and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in human subcutaneous adipocytes
Authors: Fischer Britta , Schöttl Theresa , Schempp Christina , Fromme Tobias , Hauner Hans , Klingenspor Martin , Skurk Thomas
Published: June 2015

Obesity is characterized by a substantial increase in adipose tissue that may contribute to energy balance. Recently, obesity was suggested to be associated with impaired mitochondrial function in adipocytes. In this study, we investigated the following: 1) the respiratory capacities of mitochondria isolated from mature adipocytes of female subjects whose body mass index (BMI) values were distributed over a wide range and 2) the amounts of electron transport chain complexes in these mitochondria. Fat cells were isolated from adipose tissue specimens by collagenase digestion. Mitochondria were isolated from these fat cells, and their respiratory capacity was determined using a Clark-type electrode. Fat cells were also sorted on the basis of their size into large and small fractions to assess their respiration. Western blot analyses were performed to quantify respiratory chain complex components. We also examined mitochondrial activity development during differentiation using human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome cells. Our results showed that mitochondrial respiratory capacities in adipocytes were inversely associated with BMI values but were independent of cell size. Western blot analyses revealed significantly fewer complex I and IV components in adipose tissues from obese compared with nonobese women. These results suggest that differences at the level of respiratory chain complexes might be responsible for the deterioration of respiratory capacity in obese individuals. In particular, electron transport at the level of complexes I and IV seems to be most affected.
Blood flow and muscle oxygenation during low, moderate, and maximal sustained isometric contractions
Authors: McNeil Chris J. , Allen Matti D. , Olympico Eric , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Rice Charles L.
Published: June 2015

A reduction of blood flow to active muscle will precipitate fatigue, and sustained isometric contractions produce intramuscular and compartmental pressures that can limit flow. The present study explored how blood flow and muscle oxygenation respond to isometric contractions at low, moderate, and maximal intensities. Over two visits, 10 males (26 ± 2 yr; means ± SD) performed 1-min dorsiflexion contractions at 30, 60, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque. Doppler ultrasound of the anterior tibial artery was used to record arterial diameter and mean blood velocity and to calculate absolute blood flow. The tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of tibialis anterior was acquired with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). There was a progressive increase in blood flow at 30% MVC (peak of 289 ± 139% resting value), no change from rest until an increase in the final 10 s of exercise at 60% MVC (peak of 197 ± 102% rest), and an initial decrease (59 ± 30% resting value) followed by a progressive increase at 100% MVC (peak of 355 ± 133% rest). Blood flow was greater at 30 and 100% than 60% MVC during the last 30 s of exercise. TOI was ∼63% at rest and, within 30 s of exercise, reached steady-state values of ∼42%, ∼22%, and ∼22% for 30, 60, and 100% MVC, respectively. Even maximal contraction of the dorsiflexors is unable to cause more than a transient decrease of flow in the anterior tibial artery. Unlike dynamic or intermittent isometric exercise, our results indicate blood flow is not linearly graded with intensity or directly coupled with oxygenation during sustained isometric contractions.
Investigating the Effect of Piezoelectric Polarization on GaN-Based LEDs with Different Prestrain Layer by Temperature-Dependent Electroluminescence
Authors: Wang C. K. , Chiou Y. Z. , Chiang T. H. , Lin T. K.
Published: June 2015

The effect of piezoelectric polarization on GaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) with different kinds of prestrain layers between the multiple quantum wells (MQWs) and n-GaN layer is studied and demonstrated. Compared with the conventional LED, more than 10% enhancement in the output power of the LED with prestrain layer can be attributed to the reduction of polarization field within MQWs region. In this study, we reported a simple method to provide useful comparison of polarization fields within active region in GaN-based LEDs by using temperature-dependent electroluminescence (EL) measurement. The results pointed out that the polarization field of conventional LED was stronger than that of the others due to larger variation of the wavelength transition position (i.e., blue-shift change to red-shift) from 300 to 350 K, and thus the larger polarization field must be effectively screened by injecting more carriers into the MQWs region.
The Study of Dynamic Characteristic of Acupoints Based on the Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients with the Tenderness Reflection onDiji(SP 8)
Authors: Chen Sheng , Miao Yanhuan , Nan Yinan , Wang Yanping , Zhao Qi , He Enhui , Sun Yini , Zhao Jiping
Published: June 2015

In TCM theory, acupoint is not a fixed point but a portal with dynamic characteristics where the channelqienters and flows out. The dynamic characteristics have been verified primarily by detecting the tenderness reaction onDiji(SP 8) in primary dysmenorrhea patients. In this study, finger pressing and algometer were applied inDiji(SP 8) area of participants in menstrual period and nonmenstrual period, respectively, to detect the tenderness occurrence rate, the VAS score of the tenderest point, the tenderness threshold of the tenderest point, and the location of the tenderest point. The result suggests that the acupoint may not be a fixed location but a point in a dynamic state within a certain range in time and space varying with different physiological and pathological status.
Analysis of the Metals in Soil-Water Interface in a Manganese Mine
Authors: Ren Bozhi , Wang Qian , Chen Yangbo , Ding Wenjie , Zheng Xie
Published: June 2015

In order to reveal the influence of the metals of soil-water interface in a manganese mine (Xiangtan, China), on local water environment, there are six kinds of metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) characterized by measuring their concentration, correlation, source, and special distribution using principal component analysis, single factor, and Nemero comprehensive pollution index. The results showed that the corresponding average concentration was 0.3358, 0.045, 0.0105, 0.0148, 0.0067, and 0.0389 mg/L. The logarithmic concentration of Mn, Zn, and Pb was normal distribution. The correlation coefficients (between Mn and Pb, Mn and Zn, Mn and Ni, Cu and Zn, Cu and Pb, and Zn and Cd) were found to range from 0.5 to 0.6, and those between Cu and Ni and Cu and Cd were below 0.3. It was found that Zn and Mn pollution were caused primarily by ore mining, mineral waste transportation, tailing slag, and smelting plants, while Cu and Ni mainly originate from the mining industry activities and the traffic transportation in the mining area. In addition, the Cd was considered to be produced primarily from the agricultural or anthropogenic activities. The pollution indexes indicated that metal pollution degree was different in soil-water interface streams as listed in increasing order of pollution level as Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd. For all of the pollution of the soil-water interface streams, there was moderate metal pollution but along the eastern mine area the pollution seemed to get more serious. There was only a small amount of soil-water interface streams not contaminated by the metals.
Results for Two‐Level Designs with General Minimum Lower‐Order Confounding
Authors: Li Zhi Ming , Zhang Run Chu
Published: June 2015

The general minimum lower‐order confounding (GMC) criterion for two‐level design not only reveals the confounding information of factor effects but also provides a good way to select the optimal design, which was proposed by Zhang et al. (2008). The criterion is based on the aliased effect‐number pattern (AENP). Therefore, it is very important to study properties of AENP for two‐level GMC design. According to the ordering of elements in the AENP, the confounding information between lower‐order factor effects is more important than that of higher‐order effects. For two‐level GMC design, this paper mainly shows the interior principles to calculate the leading elements and in the AENP. Further, their mathematical formulations are obtained for every GMC 2n−m design with N = 2n−m according to two cases: (i) 5N/16 + 1 ≤ n < N/2 and (ii) N/2 ≤ n ≤ N − 1.
A Methodology for Optimization in Multistage Industrial Processes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jarosz Piotr , Kusiak Jan , Małecki Stanisław , Oprocha Piotr , Sztangret Łukasz , Wilkus Marek
Published: June 2015

The paper introduces a methodology for optimization in multistage industrial processes with multiple quality criteria. Two ways of formulation of optimization problem and four different approaches to solve the problem are considered. Proposed methodologies were tested first on a virtual process described by benchmark functions and next were applied in optimization of multistage lead refining process.
On the Vortex Detection Method Using Continuous Wavelet Transform with Application to Propeller Wake Analysis
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Hu Ruifeng , Zhang Jun , Ma Yunpeng
Published: June 2015

The method based on the continuous wavelet transformation to detect and characterize two-dimensional vortex is analyzed for a synthetic flow and applied to vortex detection of propeller wake. The characteristics of a vortex, such as center location, core radius, and circulation, are extracted based on the Lamb-Oseen and Rankine vortex models, the latter of which is a novel attempt. The effects of various factors such as the difference scheme, the grid and scale discretization, transform variable, and vortex model on vortex detection have been investigated thoroughly. The method is further applied to identify the tip vortex in a propeller wake.
Scalability of Phase Change Materials in Nanostructure Template
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jackson Biyun L. , Sun Ke , Lee Jae Young , Huang Shyh-Jer , Yu Hsin-Chieh , Chang Sheng-Po , Chang Shoou-Jinn , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: June 2015

The scalability of In2Se3, one of the phase change materials, is investigated. By depositing the material onto a nanopatterned substrate, individual In2Se3nanoclusters are confined in the nanosize pits with well-defined shape and dimension permitting the systematic study of the ultimate scaling limit of its use as a phase change memory element. In2Se3of progressively smaller volume is heated inside a transmission electron microscope operating in diffraction mode. The volume at which the amorphous-crystalline transition can no longer be observed is taken as the ultimate scaling limit, which is approximately 5 nm3for In2Se3. The physics for the existence of scaling limit is discussed. Using phase change memory elements in memory hierarchy is believed to reduce its energy consumption because they consume zero leakage power in memory cells. Therefore, the phase change memory applications are of great importance in terms of energy saving.
Analysis and Solutions to 3G Gateway Issues in Agriculture WSNs
Authors: Ge Zhihui , Liu Wei , Li Tao Shen , Ye Jin
Published: June 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are used extensively in various important areas of agriculture. Many of the associated activities involve the transmission of data or control commands through gateways that connect the servers to 3G networks. In this paper, we investigate the issues caused by Radio Resource Control (RRC) state transitions, which introduce high sudden delays in TCP packets. The packets that are subjected to these delays are then usually retransmitted because of timeouts. Further, the recently recommended TCP retransmission timer settings (RFC6298) reduce the initial retransmission timeout (RTO) from the previous three seconds to one second, further exacerbating the phenomenon of SYN packet retransmission, because a SYN packet is always the first packet to trigger the RRC state to change. We conduct a number of tests to examine the phenomenon and analyze the effect of this spurious retransmission timeout. Consequently, we propose recommendations for improvement.
Distributed Cooperative Search Control Method of Multiple UAVs for Moving Target
Authors: Ru Chang-jian , Qi Xiao-ming , Guan Xu-ning
Published: June 2015

To reduce the impact of uncertainties caused by unknown motion parameters on searching plan of moving targets and improve the efficiency of UAV’s searching, a novel distributed Multi-UAVs cooperative search control method for moving target is proposed in this paper. Based on detection results of onboard sensors, target probability map is updated using Bayesian theory. A Gaussian distribution of target transition probability density function is introduced to calculate prediction probability of moving target existence, and then target probability map can be further updated in real-time. A performance index function combining with target cost, environment cost, and cooperative cost is constructed, and the cooperative searching problem can be transformed into a central optimization problem. To improve computational efficiency, the distributed model predictive control method is presented, and thus the control command of each UAV can be obtained. The simulation results have verified that the proposed method can avoid the blindness of UAV searching better and improve overall efficiency of the team effectively.
Efficacy of Acupuncture in Children with Nocturnal Enuresis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lv Zheng-tao , Song Wen , Wu Jing , Yang Jun , Wang Tao , Wu Cai-hua , Gao Fang , Yuan Xiao-cui , Liu Ji-hong , Li Man
Published: June 2015

Background. Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is recognized as a widespread health problem in young children and adolescents. Clinical researches about acupuncture therapy for nocturnal enuresis are increasing, while systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of acupuncture therapy are still lacking.Objective. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for nocturnal enuresis.Materials and Methods. A comprehensive literature search of 8 databases was performed up to June 2014; randomized controlled trials which compared acupuncture therapy and placebo treatment or pharmacological therapy were identified. A meta-analysis was conducted.Results. This review included 21 RCTs and a total of 1590 subjects. The overall methodological qualities were low. The results of meta-analysis showed that acupuncture therapy was more effective for clinical efficacy when compared with placebo or pharmacological treatment. Adverse events associated with acupuncture therapy were not documented.Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, we cautiously suggest that acupuncture therapy could improve the clinical efficacy. However, the beneficial effect of acupuncture might be overstated due to low methodological qualities. Rigorous high quality RCTs are urgently needed.
The Effects of Hyperhydrating Supplements Containing Creatine and Glucose on Plasma Lipids and Insulin Sensitivity in Endurance-Trained Athletes
Authors: Polyviou Thelma P. , Pitsiladis Yannis P. , Celis-Morales Carlos , Brown Benjamin , Speakman John R. , Malkova Dalia
Published: June 2015

The addition of carbohydrate (CHO) in the form of simple sugars to creatine (Cr) supplements is central. The study aimed to determine whether ingestion of glucose (Glu) simultaneously with Cr and glycerol (Cr/Gly) supplement is detrimental to plasma lipids of endurance-trained individuals and find out whether modification arising can be attenuated by replacing part of the Glu with alpha lipoic acid (Ala). Twenty-two endurance-trained cyclists were randomized to receive Cr/Gly/Glu (11.4 g Cr-H2O, 1 g Gly/kg BM, and 150 g Glu) or Cr/Gly/Glu/Ala (11.4 g Cr-H2O, 1 g Gly/kg BM, 100 g Glu, and 1 g Ala) for 7 days. Fasting concentration of TAG increased significantly (P< 0.01) after supplementation with Cr/Gly/Glu (before: 0.9 ± 0.2 mmol/L; after: 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L) and Cr/Gly/Glu/Ala (before: 0.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L; after: 1.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L) but changes were not different between the groups. Supplementation significantly (P< 0.05) increased the TAG to HDL-cholesterol ratio but had no effect on fasting concentration of total, HDL-, and LDL-cholesterol and insulin resistance. Thus, addition of Glu to Cr containing supplements enhances plasma TAG concentration and the TAG to HDL-cholesterol ratio and this enhancement cannot be attenuated by partial replacement of Glu with Ala.
Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in Polyps Development in Mice with ApcMin/+Mutation
Authors: Barone Michele , Scavo Maria Principia , Licinio Raffaele , Piombino Michele , De Tullio Nicola , Mallamaci Rosanna , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: June 2015

We explored the hypothesis that an altered microenvironment (intestinal adenomatous polyp) could modify the differentiation program of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), involving them in colon carcinogenesis. Sublethally irradiated 8-week-old femaleApcMin/+mice were transplanted with bone marrow (BM) cells obtained from either male age-matchedApcMin/+(Apc-Tx-Apc) or wild type (WT) (WT-Tx-Apc) mice. At 4 and 7 weeks after transplantation, BM-derived colonocytes were recognized by colocalization of Y-chromosome and Cdx2 protein (specific colonocyte marker). Polyp number, volume, and grade of dysplasia were not influenced by irradiation/transplantation procedures since they were similar in both untreated femaleApcMin/+and Apc-Tx-Apc mice. At 4 and 7 weeks after transplantation, a progressive significant reduction of polyp number and volume was observed in WT-Tx-Apc mice. Moreover, the number of WT-Tx-Apc mice with a high-grade dysplastic polyps significantly decreased as compared to Apc-Tx-Apc mice. Finally, at 4 and 7 weeks after transplantation, WT-Tx-Apc mice showed a progressive significant increase of Y+/Cdx2+ cells in “normal” mucosa, whereas, in the adenomatous tissue, Y+/Cdx2+ cells remained substantially unvaried. Our findings demonstrate that WT BMSCs do not participate in polyp development but rather inhibit their growth. The substitution of genotypically altered colonocytes with Y+/Cdx2+ cells probably contributes to this process.
Physical Activity Increases the Total Number of Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Enhances Their Osteogenic Potential, and Inhibits Their Adipogenic Properties
Authors: Marędziak Monika , Śmieszek Agnieszka , Chrząstek Klaudia , Basinska Katarzyna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

Aging and sedentary lifestyle are common nowadays and are associated with the increasing number of chronic diseases. Thus, physical activity is recommended as one of three healthy behavior factors that play a crucial role in health prophylaxis. In the present study, we were interested whether physical activity influences the number and potential of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells BMMSCs. In this study, four-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were trained on a treadmill at progressive speeds over a 5-week period. Comparisons made between exercised (EX) and sedentary animal groups revealed (i) significantly higher number of MSCs in EX animals, (ii) elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, (iii) increased level of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCL), and (iv) reduced marrow cavity fat. The results obtained support the thesis that EX may play a substantial role in the regeneration of mesenchymal tissues. Therefore, EX may represent a novel, nonpharmacological strategy of slowing down age-related decline of the musculoskeletal functions.