bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UAE-HPLC-UV: New Contribution for Fast Determination of Total Isothiocyanates in Brassicaceae Vegetables
Authors: Fusari Cecilia M. , Locatelli Daniela A. , Altamirano Jorgelina C. , Camargo Alejandra B.
Published: December 2015

Total isothiocyanates content (ITC) is considered a good indicator of bioactive compounds responsible for beneficial effects related to Brassicaceae vegetables.Analytical performance is a critical factor for routine analysis in plant tissues. The extraction technique for isolating phytochemicals from Brassicaceae vegetables is currently the bottleneck of the methodology. The aim of this work was to optimize this step in the analytical process. Fast and less expensive alternative, based on ultrasound-assisted extraction technique (UAE) for direct extraction of GLS into an aqueous phase and further analysis of the hydrolysis product, was optimized. Full factorial (2k) design followed by Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to obtain the optimum extraction conditions. Selected conditions were homogenization time (9 min); ultrasound bath time (5 min); and sample-to-solvent ratio (1 : 5 w/v mg mL−1). The proposed analytical methodology exhibits satisfactory analytical performance in terms of linearity, precision (RSD < 2.4%), and limits of detection (26 nmol g−1 w.w.). The new analytical methodology was applied to cauliflower, cabbage, watercress, and broccoli samples with recoveries higher than 86%. The UAE extraction technique was showed to be efficient for real samples analysis leading to sensible, selective, and reproducible methodology for ITC analysis.
Evaluation of theIn VivoandIn VitroEffects of Fructose on Respiratory Chain Complexes in Tissues of Young Rats
Authors: Macongonde Ernesto António , Vilela Thais Ceresér , Scaini Giselli , Gonçalves Cinara Ludvig , Ferreira Bruna Klippel , Costa Naithan Ludian Fernandes , de Oliveira Marcos Roberto , Avila Silvio , Streck Emilio Luiz , Ferreira Gustavo Costa , Schuck Patrícia Fernanda
Published: December 2015

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by fructose and fructose-1-phosphate accumulation in tissues and biological fluids of patients. This disease results from a deficiency of aldolase B, which metabolizes fructose in the liver, kidney, and small intestine. We here investigated the effect of acute fructose administration on the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in cerebral cortex, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle of male 30-day-old Wistar rats. The rats received subcutaneous injection of sodium chloride (0.9%; control group) or fructose solution (5 μmol/g; treated group). One hour later, the animals were euthanized and the cerebral cortex, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle were isolated and homogenized for the investigations. Acute fructose administration increased complex I-III activity in liver. On the other hand, decreased complexes II and II-III activities in skeletal muscle and MDH in kidney were found. Interestingly, none of these parameters were affectedin vitro. Our present data indicate that fructose administration elicits impairment of mitochondrial energy metabolism, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the HFI patients.
Training a Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Team in Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Lusilla-Palacios Pilar , Castellano-Tejedor Carmina
Published: December 2015

Background. An acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a severe condition that requires extensive and very specialized management of both physical and psychological dimensions of injured patients.Objective. The aim of the part of the study reported here was twofold: (1) to describe burnout, empathy, and satisfaction at work of these professionals and (2) to explore whether a tailored program based on motivational interviewing (MI) techniques modifies and improves such features.Methods. This paper presents findings from an intervention study into a tailored training for professionals (N=45) working in a spinal cord injury (SCI) unit from a general hospital. Rehabilitation professionals’ empathy skills were measured with the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE), burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and additional numeric scales were used to assess the perceived job-related stress and perceived satisfaction with job.Results. Findings suggest that professionals are performing quite well and they refer to satisfactory empathy, satisfaction at work, and no signs of burnout or significant stress both before and after the training.Conclusions. No training effect was observed in the variables considered in the study. Some possible explanations for these results and future research directions are discussed in depth in this paper. The full protocol of this study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier:NCT01889940).
Single Stage Endovascular Treatment of a Type 2 Abernethy Malformation: Successful Nonsurgical Outcome in a Case Report
Authors: Kraus Carl , Sheynzon Vladimir , Hanna Robert , Weintraub Joshua
Published: December 2015

Abernethy malformations are a rare collection of congenital hepatic portosystemic shunts. Our 19-year-old patient is with a type 2 Abernethy malformation elected permanent shunt closure following worsening dyspnea. This report details a single stage endovascular technique wherein shunt closure was achieved immediately by placement of an aortic endograft. At 5-month follow-up, the patient reported decreased shortness of breath. Furthermore, ultrasound investigation demonstrated a patent portal vein and right heart catheterization 6 months after procedure revealed decreased pulmonary hypertension relative to preprocedure values. This one step method may serve as an alternative treatment strategy to multistage endovascular closure techniques of type 2 Abernethy malformations.
Maternal and Pediatric Health Outcomes in relation to Gestational Vitamin D Sufficiency
Authors: Genuis Stephen J.
Published: December 2015

Juxtaposed with monumental improvement in maternal-fetal outcomes over the last century, there has been the recent emergence of rising rates of gestational complications including preterm birth, operative delivery, and gestational diabetes. At the same time, there has been a burgeoning problem with widespread vitamin D deficiency among populations of many developed nations. This paper provides a brief review of potential health outcomes recently linked to gestational vitamin D deficiency, including preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and gestational diabetes. Although immediate costs for obstetric complications related to gestational vitamin D insufficiency may be modest, the short- and long-term costs for pediatric healthcare resulting from such gestational complications may be enormous and present an enduring burden on healthcare systems. With increasing evidence pointing to fetal origins of some later life disease, securing vitamin D sufficiency in pregnancy appears to be a simple, safe, and cost-effective measure that can be incorporated into routine preconception and prenatal care in the offices of primary care clinicians. Education on gestational nutritional requirements should be a fundamental part of medical education and residency training, instruction that has been sorely lacking to date.
Evaluation ofIn VivoAcaricidal Effect of Soap Containing Essential Oil ofChenopodium ambrosioidesLeaves onRhipicephalus lunulatusin the Western Highland of Cameroon
Authors: Kouam Marc K. , Payne Vincent K. , Miégoué Emile , Tendonkeng Fernand , Lemoufouet Jules , Kana Jean R. , Boukila Benoit , Pamo E. Tedonkeng , MNM Bertine
Published: December 2015

A study on the acaricidal properties of foam soap containing the essential oil ofChenopodium ambrosioidesleaves was carried out onRhipicephalus lunulatus. Four doses (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 µL of essential oil per gram of soap) and a control (soap without essential oil) with four replications for each treatment were used forin vitrotrial. Each replication consisted of 10 ticks in a Petri dish with filter paper impregnated with the foam soap on the bottom. Followingin vitrotrials, three doses (0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 µL/g) and the control in two replications were selected forin vivotest based on mortality rate recorded from thein vitrotrial. Each replication was made up of 10 goats naturally infested with ticks. Results show that soap containing essential oil is toxic toR. lunulatus. Thein vivomortality rate in the control on day 8 was 22.69% whereas the highest dose (0.12 µL/g) killed 96.29% of the ticks on day 8. The LD50of the foam soap containing essential oil was 0.037 and 0.059 µL/g on day 2 in the laboratory and on the farm, respectively. This indicates the potentially high efficiency of this medicated soap on this parasite.
Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Polyaniline and Polyaniline/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Prepared by Solid Reaction Using Spectroscopy Impedance
Authors: Bekri-Abbes Imene , Srasra Ezzeddine
Published: December 2015

The combination of two components with uniform distribution in nanoscale is expected to facilitate wider applications of the material. In this study, polyaniline (PAn) and polyaniline/montmorillonite (Mt) nanocomposite were prepared by solid reaction using persulfate of ammonium as oxidant. The phase composition and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The electrical and dielectric properties were determined using spectroscopy impedance. The analysis of UV‐visible and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that aniline chloride has been polymerized into PAn in its conducting emeraldine form. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that PAn chains intercalated in the clay host are more thermally stable than those of free PAn prepared by solid‐solid reaction. Electrical measurements were carried out using the complex impedance technique in the frequency range of 10−2 to 104 Hz at different temperatures. The ac conductivity data of different nanocomposites were analyzed as a function of frequency and temperature. It has been found that the incorporation of inorganic clay phase into polyaniline matrix has an effect on the electrical and dielectric properties of the nanomaterial.
Nondestructive Measurement of Water Content and Moisture Migration of Unsaturated Red Clays in South China
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Jiang Qingping , Zhang Yuqing , Dai Liangliang , Wu Houxuan
Published: December 2015

To reveal the moisture migration mechanism of the unsaturated red clays, which are sensitive to water content change and widely distributed in South China, and then rationally use them as a filling material for highway embankments, a method to measure the water content of red clay cylinders using X-ray computed tomography (CT) was proposed and verified. Then, studies on the moisture migrations in the red clays under the rainfall and ground water level were performed at different degrees of compaction. The results show that the relationship between dry density, water content, and CT value determined from X-ray CT tests can be used to nondestructively measure the water content of red clay cylinders at different migration time, which avoids the error reduced by the sample-to-sample variation. The rainfall, ground water level, and degree of compaction are factors that can significantly affect the moisture migration distance and migration rate. Some techniques, such as lowering groundwater table and increasing degree of compaction of the red clays, can be used to prevent or delay the moisture migration in highway embankments filled with red clays.
Compensating Operator and Weak Convergence of Semi-Markov Process to the Diffusion Process without Balance Condition
Authors: Malyk Igor V.
Published: December 2015

Weak convergence of semi-Markov processes in the diffusive approximation scheme is studied in the paper. This problem is not new and it is studied in many papers, using convergence of random processes. Unlike other studies, we used in this paper concept of the compensating operator. It enables getting sufficient conditions of weak convergence under the conditions on the local characteristics of output semi-Markov process.
Aneurysm of the Left Coronary Artery in Postoperative Bland-White-Garland Syndrome
Authors: Bravo-Valenzuela Nathalie Jeanne Magioli , Silva Guilherme Ricardo Nunes
Published: December 2015

We report a case of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) or Bland-White-Garland syndrome, present the challenges of performing a differential diagnosis, and discuss the treatment of the syndrome. Although ALCAPA is a rare congenital heart disease, it is one of the most common causes of myocardial ischemia in childhood and presents a diagnostic challenge. A four-year-old girl was referred to a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation of mitral valve regurgitation murmur and heart failure. The transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated the left coronary artery (LCA) not arising from the aorta, presence of coronary collateral circulation, and moderate mitral valve regurgitation. ALCAPA was confirmed using angiotomography. The LCA was surgically reimplanted into the aorta. After 3 years of postoperative follow-up, the patient developed an LCA aneurysm. Diagnosis of cardiac ischemia in childhood remains a challenge, and careful evaluation of coronary arteries on the echocardiogram is an important tool. In this report, we present a case of ALCAPA with an uncommon postoperative outcome.
Upconversion NaYF4 Nanoparticles for Size Dependent Cell Imaging and Concentration Dependent Detection of Rhodamine B
Authors: Hu Shigang , Wu Xiaofeng , Tang Zhijun , Xi Zaifang , Chen Zenghui , Hu Pan , Yu Yi , Yan Huanyuan , Liu Yunxin
Published: December 2015

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) based on NaYF4 nanocrystals with strong upconversion luminescence are synthesized by the solvothermal method. The emission color of these NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles can be easily modulated by the doping. These NaYF4 upconversion nanocrystals can be employed as fluorescence donors to pump fluorescent organic molecules. For example, the efficient luminescence resonant energy transfer (LRET) can be achieved by controlling the distance between NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs and Rhodamine B (RB). NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs can emit green light at the wavelength of ~540 nm while RB can efficiently absorb the green light of ~540 nm to emit red light of 610 nm. The LRET efficiency is highly dependent on the concentration of NaYF4 upconversion fluorescent donors. For the fixed concentration of 3.2 µg/mL RB, the optimal concentration of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs is equal to 4 mg/mL which generates the highest LRET signal ratio. In addition, it is addressed that the upconversion nanoparticles with diameter of 200 nm are suitable for imaging the cells larger than 10 µm with clear differentiation between cell walls and cytoplasm.
Developing of the Computer Method for Annotation of Bacterial Genes
Authors: Golyshev Mikhail A. , Korotkov Eugene V.
Published: December 2015

Over the last years a great number of bacterial genomes were sequenced. Now one of the most important challenges of computational genomics is the functional annotation of nucleic acid sequences. In this study we presented the computational method and the annotation system for predicting biological functions using phylogenetic profiles. The phylogenetic profile of a gene was created by way of searching for similarities between the nucleotide sequence of the gene and 1204 reference genomes, with further estimation of the statistical significance of found similarities. The profiles of the genes with known functions were used for prediction of possible functions and functional groups for the new genes. We conducted the functional annotation for genes from 104 bacterial genomes and compared the functions predicted by our system with the already known functions. For the genes that have already been annotated, the known function matched the function we predicted in 63% of the time, and in 86% of the time the known function was found within the top five predicted functions. Besides, our system increased the share of annotated genes by 19%. The developed system may be used as an alternative or complementary system to the current annotation systems.
CR-MDC: A Method of Constrained Route for Avoiding Congestion of the Satellite Sensor Network for Agriculture
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Jing , Jiang Hao , Zhou Jianguo , Li Xiuhong , Zhu Laitao , Cheng Zijing
Published: December 2015

In recent years, wireless sensor networks have been widely employed in monitoring agriculture. With social development, large-scale agriculture monitoring by satellite sensor network attracts increasing concerns as well as the transmission problem of plentiful agriculture data. In this paper, we propose a new method of constrained route based on the metric of delay and capacity (CR-MDC) to find route path in satellite sensor network, with the aim of achieving congestion avoidance of network for transferring a large amount of data while monitoring large-scale agriculture. We model the rosette constellation network according to network characteristics through a discrete-time figure and formulate the scheme as a binary integer programming problem in consideration of time-variant parameters, for example, link capacity and link delay. The performance of the constrained route algorithm is compared with the Dijkstra-based routing protocols proposed in existing literature. Moreover, an improved CR-MDC under a route similarity constraint is developed to reduce the handoff times in adjacent slots. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme exhibits lower blocking probability and maximum link utilization but higher average network delay than Dijkstra-based routing while the improved CR-MDC has a higher route similarity than CR-MDC.
Lanreotide Autogel in the Treatment of Persistent Diarrhea following a Total Colectomy
Authors: Schoeters Patrick , De Pooter Karl
Published: December 2015

Diarrhea is one of the most common complications following colectomy in patients with slow transit constipation (STC). Early postoperative diarrhea is usually treated with opioid agonists; however, to date, published data on the management of persistent diarrhea after colectomy for STC are scarce. Here, we report a case of severe diarrhea after a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. One year after the surgery, the patient presented with persistent diarrhea. Treatment with a long-acting somatostatin analogue, lanreotide Autogel, was initiated. One month after the first injection of lanreotide Autogel the diarrhea was resolved. The patient’s stool transit was markedly improved (type 4 or type 5 according to the Bristol Stool Chart compared to type 7 before the treatment), positively affecting the patient’s quality of life (mean score of 2.1 on the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire compared to 3.9 before the treatment). This case report describes a successful use of lanreotide Autogel in a patient with persistent diarrhea after a total colectomy.
A Large Extragnathic Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour
Authors: Makarla Soumya , Bavle Radhika M. , Muniswamappa Sudhakara , Narasimhamurthy Srinath
Published: December 2015

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental cysts which occur typically in the jawbones. They present more commonly in the posterior mandible of young adults than the maxilla. OKCs have been reclassified under odontogenic tumours in 2005 by the WHO and have since been termed as keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs). Here we report a case of a recurrent buccal lesion in a 62-year-old man which was provisionally diagnosed as a space infection (buccal abscess) but surprisingly turned out to be a soft tissue KCOT in an unusual location on histopathologic examination.
Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Polyneuropathy in a Patient with Sweet’s Syndrome
Authors: Cala Cather M. , Kole Lauren , Sami Naveed
Published: December 2015

Sweet’s syndrome is an inflammatory systemic disease which has been associated with various underlying causes. The disease can involve multiple areas of the body including the skin and neurological system. There have been only two cases which have described otological involvement. This report presents a patient who developed loss of hearing secondary to Sweet’s syndrome after developing cutaneous involvement along with peripheral neuropathy. Despite the patient’s skin and neuropathy noticing improvement with intravenous immunoglobulin and azathioprine, he required bilateral cochlear implants for partial recovery of his hearing loss. This case highlights the need to recognize Sweet’s syndrome as a complicated disease process where the role of otolaryngologists is important in the multidisciplinary coordination of care in both diagnosis and treatment.
Roller Bearing Monitoring by New Subspace-Based Damage Indicator
Authors: Gautier G. , Serra R. , Mencik J.-M.
Published: December 2015

A frequency-band subspace-based damage identification method for fault diagnosis in roller bearings is presented. Subspace-based damage indicators are obtained by filtering the vibration data in the frequency range where damage is likely to occur, that is, around the bearing characteristic frequencies. The proposed method is validated by considering simulated data of a damaged bearing. Also, an experimental case is considered which focuses on collecting the vibration data issued from a run-to-failure test. It is shown that the proposed method can detect bearing defects and, as such, it appears to be an efficient tool for diagnosis purpose.
Management of Recurrent Rectourethral Fistula by York Mason Posterior Transrectal Transsphincteric Approach
Authors: Yetişir Fahri , Şarer A. Ebru , Acar H. Zafer , Parlak Omer , Osmanoglu Gokhan , Karalova Gulen
Published: December 2015

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) may develop after ureterovesical and rectal intervention or radiation therapy (RT) rarely, but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The patient will typically present with pneumaturia, faecaluria, and urinary drainage from the rectum. Diagnosis can be easily done with digital rectal examination, cystography, and urethrocystoscopy. Conservative supportive management of RUF does not appear to be successful in most patients, and management with surgical intervention remains the best treatment option. Several surgical techniques have been described including transabdominal, transanal, transperineal, combined abdominoperineal, anterior and posterior transsphincteric, transsacral, laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic minimally invasive approaches. There have been very few data about treatment of recurrent RUF. We would like to report the management of recurrent RUF following transurethral resection of prostate and RT for prostate carcinoma in an immunosuppressed, 75-year-old patient by York Mason posterior transrectal transsphincteric approach.
Low Dose Perioperative Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Motififard Mahdi , Tahririan Mohammad Ali , Saneie Mehdi , Badiei Sajad , Nemati Amin
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives.The null hypothesis of this study was that TA has no effect on postsurgical bleeding in patients undergoing TKA.Methods.This study was a double-blind randomized trial. In the first group (T) patients received 500 mg of intravenous Tranexamic acid (TA) twice (once preoperatively and once 3 hours postoperatively) and in the second group (P) they received slow infusion of normal saline as placebo. The primary outcome of the study was the level of Hb 48 hours after surgery.Results.Hb levels 48 hours after surgery as the primary outcome were10.92±0.97and10.23±0.98 (g/dL) in groups T and P, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed in Hb levels 6 and 24 hours after surgery, the drain output 48 hours after surgery, and the number of units of packed cells transfused between study groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization between the study groups (P= n.s.).Conclusions.The low dose perioperative intravenous TA significantly reduces blood loss, requirement for blood transfusion, and drain output in patients undergoing TKA. However, duration of hospitalization did not change significantly.
Synergistic Stimulation with Different TLR7 Ligands Modulates Gene Expression Patterns in the Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Line CAL‐1
Authors: Hilbert Tobias , Steinhagen Folkert , Weisheit Christina , Baumgarten Georg , Hoeft Andreas , Klaschik Sven
Published: December 2015

Objective. TLR7 ligation in plasmacytoid dendritic cells is promising for the treatment of cancer, allergy, and infectious diseases; however, high doses of ligands are required. We hypothesized that the combination of structurally different TLR7 ligands exponentiates the resulting immune response. Methods. CAL‐1 (human pDC line) cells were incubated with the TLR7‐specific adenine analog CL264 and single‐stranded 9.2s RNA. Protein secretion was measured by ELISA. Microarray technique was used to detect modified gene expression patterns upon synergistic stimulation, revealing underlying functional groups and networks. Cell surface binding properties were studied using FACS analysis. Results. CL264 in combination with 9.2s RNA significantly enhanced cytokine and interferon secretion to supra‐additive levels. This effect was due to a stronger stimulation of already regulated genes (by monostimulation) as well as to recruitment of thus far unregulated genes. Top scoring canonical pathways referred to immune‐related processes. Network analysis revealed IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF, and IFN‐β as major regulatory nodes, while several minor regulatory nodes were also identified. Binding of CL264 to the cell surface was enhanced by 9.2s RNA. Conclusion. Structurally different TLR7 ligands act synergistically on gene expression patterns and on the resulting inflammatory response. These data could impact future strategies optimizing TLR7‐targeted drug design.
Spectrogram Image Analysis of Error Signals for Minimizing Impulse Noise
Authors: Kim Jeakwan , Choi Yunseon , Lee Young-Sup
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the theoretical and experimental study on the spectrogram image analysis of error signals for minimizing the impulse input noises in the active suppression of noise. Impulse inputs of some specific wave patterns as primary noises to a one-dimensional duct with the length of 1800 mm are shown. The convergence speed of the adaptive feedforward algorithm based on the least mean square approach was controlled by a normalized step size which was incorporated into the algorithm. The variations of the step size govern the stability as well as the convergence speed. Because of this reason, a normalized step size is introduced as a new method for the control of impulse noise. The spectrogram images which indicate the degree of the attenuation of the impulse input noises are considered to represent the attenuation with the new method. The algorithm is extensively investigated in both simulation and real-time control experiment. It is demonstrated that the suggested algorithm worked with a nice stability and performance against impulse noises. The results in this study can be used for practical active noise control systems.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells from Discarded Neonatal Sternal Tissue: In Vitro Characterization and Angiogenic Properties
Authors: Wang Shuyun , Mundada Lakshmi , Colomb Eric , Ohye Richard G. , Si Ming-Sing
Published: December 2015

Autologous and nonautologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are being evaluated as proangiogenic agents for ischemic and vascular disease in adults but not in children. A significant number of newborns and infants with critical congenital heart disease who undergo cardiac surgery already have or are at risk of developing conditions related to inadequate tissue perfusion. During neonatal cardiac surgery, a small amount of sternal tissue is usually discarded. Here we demonstrate that MSCs can be isolated from human neonatal sternal tissue using a nonenzymatic explant culture method. Neonatal sternal bone MSCs (sbMSCs) were clonogenic, had a surface marker expression profile that was characteristic of bone marrow MSCs, were multipotent, and expressed pluripotency‐related genes at low levels. Neonatal sbMSCs also demonstrated in vitro proangiogenic properties. Sternal bone MSCs cooperated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to form 3D networks and tubes in vitro. Conditioned media from sbMSCs cultured in hypoxia also promoted HUVEC survival and migration. Given the neonatal source, ease of isolation, and proangiogenic properties, sbMSCs may have relevance to therapeutic applications.
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix as an In Vitro Model to Study the Comprehensive Roles of the ECM in Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hoshiba Takashi , Chen Guoping , Endo Chiho , Maruyama Hiroka , Wakui Miyuki , Nemoto Eri , Kawazoe Naoki , Tanaka Masaru
Published: December 2015

Stem cells are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine. Stem cell differentiation must be regulated for applications in regenerative medicine. Stem cells are surrounded by extracellular matrix (ECM) in vivo. The ECM is composed of many types of proteins and glycosaminoglycans that assemble into a complex structure. The assembly of ECM molecules influences stem cell differentiation through orchestrated intracellular signaling activated by many ECM molecules. Therefore, it is important to understand the comprehensive role of the ECM in stem cell differentiation as well as the functions of the individual ECM molecules. Decellularized ECM is a useful in vitro model for studying the comprehensive roles of ECM because it retains a native‐like structure and composition. Decellularized ECM can be obtained from in vivo tissue ECM or ECM fabricated by cells cultured in vitro. It is important to select the correct decellularized ECM because each type has different properties. In this review, tissue‐derived and cell‐derived decellularized ECMs are compared as in vitro ECM models to examine the comprehensive roles of the ECM in stem cell differentiation. We also summarize recent studies using decellularized ECM to determine the comprehensive roles of the ECM in stem cell differentiation.
Roles of Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cancers
Authors: Zuo Tao , Zhu Minghui , Xu Wenming
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress (OS) has received extensive attention in the last two decades, because of the discovery that abnormal oxidation status was related to patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cancer, and neurological diseases. OS is considered as a potential inducing factor in the pathogenesis of PCOS, which is one of the most common complex endocrine disorders and a leading cause of female infertility, affecting 4%–12% of women in the world, as OS has close interactions with PCOS characteristics, just as insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenemia, and chronic inflammation. It has also been shown that DNA mutations and alterations induced by OS are involved in cancer pathogenesis, tumor cell survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and so on. Furthermore, recent studies show that the females with PCOS are reported to have an increasing risk of cancers. As a result, the more serious OS in PCOS is regarded as an important potential incentive for the increasing risk of cancers, and this study aims to analyze the possibility and potential pathogenic mechanism of the above process, providing insightful thoughts and evidences for preventing cancer potentially caused by PCOS in clinic.
Role of Galectin‐3 in Obesity and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Menini Stefano , Iacobini Carla , Blasetti Fantauzzi Claudia , Pesce Carlo M. , Pugliese Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

Galectin‐3 is an important modulator of several biological functions. It has been implicated in numerous disease conditions, particularly in the long‐term complications of diabetes because of its ability to bind the advanced glycation/lipoxidation end products that accumulate in target organs and exert their toxic effects by triggering proinflammatory and prooxidant pathways. Recent evidence suggests that galectin‐3 may also participate in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It has been shown that galectin‐3 levels are higher in obese and diabetic individuals and parallel deterioration of glucose homeostasis. Two studies in galectin‐3 knockout mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) have shown increased adiposity and adipose tissue and systemic inflammation associated with altered glucose homeostasis, suggesting that galectin‐3 negatively modulates the responsiveness of innate and adaptive immunity to overnutrition. However, these studies have also shown that impaired glucose homeostasis occurs in galectin‐3 knockout animals independently of obesity. Moreover, another study reported decreased weight and fat mass in HFD‐fed galectin‐3 knockout mice. In vitro, galectin‐3 was found to stimulate differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Altogether, these data indicate that galectin‐3 deserves further attention in order to clarify its role as a potential player and therapeutic target in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Dopamine and Its Dysfunction as a Consequence of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Juárez Olguín Hugo , Calderón Guzmán David , Hernández García Ernestina , Barragán Mejía Gerardo
Published: December 2015

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, and hypothalamus of the brain. Dysfunction of the dopamine system has been implicated in different nervous system diseases. The level of dopamine transmission increases in response to any type of reward and by a large number of strongly additive drugs. The role of dopamine dysfunction as a consequence of oxidative stress is involved in health and disease. Introduce new potential targets for the development of therapeutic interventions based on antioxidant compounds. The present review focuses on the therapeutic potential of antioxidant compounds as a coadjuvant treatment to conventional neurological disorders is discussed.
An integrative description of Macrobiotus paulinae sp. nov. (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae: hufelandi group) from Kenya
Authors: STEC DANIEL , SMOLAK RADOSLAV , KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ , MICHALCZYK ŁUKASZ
Published: December 2015

In this paper we describe Macrobiotus paulinae, a new species of the hufelandi group from the Kenyan highlands. In addition to the traditional taxonomic description, aided with morphometrics as well as light and scanning microscopy imaging, we also provide nucleotide sequences of three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI) DNA fragment of the new species. The sequences allowed not only a more accurate description but also provided an independent verification of the taxonomic status of Ma. paulinae sp. nov. Such integrative approach requires a considerable number of individuals and eggs, which we have partially subsidised by employing an in vitro culture of the new species. Our analyses revealed that Ma. paulinae sp. nov. is most similar to Macrobiotus madegassus Maucci, 1993 and Macrobiotus modestus Pilato & Lisi, 2009, however it differs from these species, as well as from all other known species of the hufelandi group, by the presence of seven paired dorso-lateral patches of cuticular granulation and the presence of chorionic filaments growing out of terminal discs of egg processes. Macrobiotus paulinae sp. nov. is an example of a species with a miniaturised buccal apparatus (i.e. with reduced peribuccal lamellae and oral cavity armature, and stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube more anteriorly than in typical Ma. hufelandi group species), and it therefore resembles two recently described two-macroplacoided Minibiotus species: Mi. acadianus Meyer & Domingue, 2011 and Mi. julianae Meyer, 2012. The re-examination of the type material for these two species confirmed that they are equipped with peribuccal lamellae and therefore we transfer them to the genus Macrobiotus, specifically to the hufelandi group.
Sabellaria jeramae, a new species (Annelida: Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) from the shallow waters of Malaysia, with a note on the ecological traits of reefs
Authors: NISHI EIJIROH , MATSUO KANAKO , CAPA MARIA , TOMIOKA SHINRI , KAJIHARA HIROSHI , KUPRIYANOVA ELENA K. , POLGAR GIANLUCA
Published: December 2015

A new species of the genus Sabellaria Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida: Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) is described from the intertidal zone of Jeram, Selangor, Malaysia. Sabellaria jeramae n. sp. is a gregarious species that constructs large reefs several hundreds of meters long and 50–200 m wide. The new species is distinguished from other congeners by the character combination of the presence of a single kind of middle paleae with conspicuous morphology, and outer paleae with long frayed teeth. Morphological features of the species are described and compared to those of all congeneric species. We also compare the reef structure and geographical distribution of the new species to those of the members of the family Sabellariidae around the world, demonstrating the ecological traits of the reefs.
On the attribution of authorship for several elasmobranch species in Müller and Henle’s Systematische Beschreibung der Plagiostomen (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii)
Authors: JONES CHRISTIAN M. , DRIGGERS WILLIAM B. III , CASTRO JOSÉ I. , CARVALHO MARCELO R. DE
Published: December 2015

Even in light of the recent peak in new species descriptions of elasmobranchs (summarized in White & Last, 2012), Johannes Müller and Friedrich Henle’s Systematische Beschreibung der Plagiostomen (1839–1841) stands as a major achievement in chondrichthyan taxonomy. This volume included all elasmobranch species then known as well as descriptions of 61 new species (for a total of 214 species), and established many of the family-level groups still in use today. Müller & Henle’s work, however, would not have been possible without the collaboration of other naturalists who provided specimens for examination, detailed notes, and illustrations (Müller & Henle, 1841). Four men in particular made significant enough contributions to warrant Müller & Henle attributing the authority of several species to them: Achille Valenciennes (1794–1865), Gabriel Bibron (1805–1848), Heinrich Bürger (1806–1858), and Andrew Smith (1797–1872). In nearly every case however, authority is currently placed on Müller & Henle themselves, and not the gentlemen to whom they gave credit.
Transvenosus, a new genus in the leafhopper subfamily Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with description of one new species
Authors: WANG YANG , ZHANG YALIN
Published: December 2015

Evacanthinae is a small subfamily in the Cicadellidae (Young, 1968; Zhang, 1990). It was redefined by Dietrich (2004), who included the tribes Evacanthini, Nirvanini, Balbillini and Pagaroniini in this subfamily. Recently, a new species was found in loaned material from Thailand, having several peculiar features worthy of establishing a new genus, described below. In addition, based on study of specimens collected from the type locality, Cunedda signuma Li & Webb is transferred to the new genus.
Social Determinants of Remitting Practices among Bangladeshi Migrants in Japan
Authors: Mahmud Hasan
Published: December 2015

Why do migrants send remittances? Through ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews among Bangladeshi migrants in Tokyo, this article explores the social determinants of migrants’ remitting practices. It offers a realist analytical approach following Durkheim’s perspective on how society determines an individual’s action. It recognizes social relations between the migrants and their families and relatives as the essential foundation for remitting to occur, while migrants’ adherence to social norms, as well as legal and social exclusion in the destination, causes them to participate in various qualitatively distinct remitting practices. Therefore, it argues that migrants’ social relations to the family and community cause them to remit, and changes in these relations result in subsequent changes in their remitting. It complements the New Economics of Labor Migration (NELM) approach by incorporating the social (both relational and spatial) context of remitting. By bringing in migrants’ agency, it also overcomes the limitations in social-cultural approaches that prioritize structural determinants.
Longitudinal Evaluation of the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of ADHD in a Sample of College Students With ADHD
Authors: Eddy Laura D. , Dvorsky Melissa R. , Molitor Stephen J. , Bourchtein Elizaveta , Smith Zoe , Oddo Lauren E. , Eadeh Hana-May , Langberg Joshua M.
Published: December 2015

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal pathways to impairment as outlined in the cognitive-behavioral model of ADHD in a sample of 59 college students diagnosed with ADHD. Method: Serial mediation models were used to test whether underachievement, defined as prior year GPA, would longitudinally predict self-reported impairment at the end of the next school year, through negative self-concept and associated changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression, while controlling for baseline impairment and changes in ADHD symptoms. Results: Findings supported the cognitive-behavioral model of ADHD. The association between prior year GPA and overall impairment at the end of the year was fully mediated through self-concept and symptoms of depression. Conclusion: These results help explain why impairment often persists even when ADHD symptoms remit and suggests that internalizing symptoms may be an important target for intervention in college students with ADHD.
Price Rigidity, Inflation and the Distribution of Relative Price Changes
Authors: Rather Sartaj Rasool , Durai S. Raja Sethu , Ramachandran M.
Published: December 2015

This study examines whether skewness of the cross-sectional distribution of relative price changes is positively associated with aggregate inflation as predicted by the menu cost model of Ball and Mankiw (1994, 1995). Further, the study examines the size and frequency of price changes across various commodities and the distribution of relative price changes. The results from highly disaggregated Indian wholesale price index (WPI) data suggest that the skewness of relative price changes explains a significant proportion of short-run fluctuations in aggregate inflation. More importantly, the results indicate that the average size of price increases is greater than the size of price decreases implying downwards rigidity in the prices of various commodities.

JEL Classification: E30, E31, E52
Decolonization Not Inclusion
Authors: Steinman Erich W.
Published: December 2015

American Indians experience forms of domination and resist them through a wide range of decolonizing processes that are commonly overlooked, misidentified, or minimally analyzed by American sociology. This inattention reflects the naturalizing use of minoritizing frameworks regarding tribal members and ethnic rather than political conceptions of American Indian nationhood, membership, and identity. Drawing upon a settler colonial framework, the author uses an analytic typology to identify particular dimensions of settler colonialism, their manifestations, and indigenous action addressing those forms of power. Implications for race and ethnic scholarship and for indigenous participation in racial politics are considered.
“We Stick Out Like a Sore Thumb . . .”
Authors: Oware Matthew
Published: December 2015

Employing the concept of racial evasion—a derivation of Bonilla-Silva’s colorblind ideology theory—the author analyzes 237 songs of underground white and nonwhite rappers from 2006 to 2010. Performing a content analysis on their lyrics, the author finds that white artists make fewer references to racially political and social themes (e.g., racial profiling, police brutality, racist policies) than nonwhite artists—what the author terms racial evasion. The author speculates that white rappers, understanding that they operate in a specifically racialized black and brown cultural art form, deemphasize or mask their racial identity in their lyrics. This tactic is achieved through lyrically referencing hypermasculine tropes such as violence, misogyny, and homophobia to a greater degree than nonwhite artists. This work demonstrates the strategic use of hypermasculine discourse as a rhetorical strategy to achieve “hip hop authenticity” by minimizing or evading racial discourse within this popular cultural form. Furthermore, the author illustrates how the maintenance and manifestation of white male privilege operates via the process of deracialization as a form of meaning making. Ultimately, this work elaborates on the debate of “authenticity” within hip hop studies, providing a window into white racial identity construction within popular culture.
Highly Efficient Olefin Hydrosilylation Catalyzed by Iron Complexes with Iminobipyridine Ligand
Authors: Hayasaka Kazumasa , Kamata Kouji , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

Several iron complexes bearing an iminobipyridine ligand, (RBPIAr)FeBr2 (R = H, Me; Ar = Mes, Dipp), were synthesized. These iron complexes exhibited high catalytic activities with the help of NaBHEt3 for the hydrosilylation of 1-octene with primary, secondary, and tertiary silanes. The reaction between 1-octene and PhSiH3 produced three different species: mono- (Ph(octyl)SiH2), di- (Ph(octyl)2SiH), and trialkylated (Ph(octyl)3Si) silanes. The selective formation of Ph(octyl)SiH2 and Ph(octyl)2SiH could be achieved under different conditions. Single or double hydrosilylation reactions of secondary silanes (PhMeSiH2 and Ph2SiH2) afforded tertiary and quaternary silanes, respectively. The iron iminobipyridine complexes exhibited catalytic activity in organic solvents such as hexane, toluene, diethyl ether, and THF; an appropriate solvent choice could reverse the mono/dialkylated selectivity of the reacting silanes. In addition, a high catalyst turnover number of 12038 was achieved for the reaction between 1-octene and Ph2SiH2, and the catalyst remained active at 100 °C without any loss of activity.
ESTRUTURA DE CAPITAL E ALAVANCAGEM FINANCEIRA DE EMPRESAS DA AGROINDÚSTRIA CANAVIEIRA UM ESTUDO MULTICASO PARA O CENTRO-OESTE
Authors: Martins Helder Henrique , Goes Thiago Henrique Moreira , Shikida Pery Francisco Assis , Gimenes Régio Marcio Toesca , Piacenti Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2015

Este trabalho analisou grupos empresariais da agroindústria canavieira do Centro-Oeste brasileiro, procurando caracterizar suas estruturas de capital e a alavancagem financeira mediante cálculo do Endividamento, da Dependência Financeira e do Grau de Alavancagem Financeira (GAF). Os resultados demonstram um alto nível de Endividamento, inerente à necessidade de incorporações tecnológicas, aumento de capacidade produtiva e melhoria das características de gestão. Mesmo com um índice elevado, o cálculo do GAF demonstrou que a maioria dos grupos empresariais ainda pode captar mais recursos de terceiros, pois o retorno dado pela empresa é mais elevado que o Custo da Dívida. O que limita, porém, a captação de mais recursos de terceiros são os riscos vinculados à atividade, principalmente as quebras de safra, o controle do governo sobre os preços dos combustíveis (gasolina) e as barreiras tarifárias.