bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation: a management dilemma
Authors: Alrashidi Salah , Aziz Ayman A , Krema Hatem
Published: May 2014

A female patient suffered from gradual decline of vision for few months. She presented with bilateral multiple pigmented choroidal tumours, associated with overlying retinal changes. The clinical presentation suggested bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) syndrome, which is a paraneoplastic disease, although there was no evidence of any concurrent malignancy. The periodic systemic surveillance that was undertaken for the following 4 years failed to reveal any occult cancer. Nevertheless, there has been relentless progressive deterioration in vision as a consequence of BDUMP syndrome. The management of the declining vision in BDUMP syndrome is challenging and controversial.
A weeping umbilical hernia: bilateral ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis
Authors: Singh Varun Kumar , Nishant Kumar , Sharma Barun Kumar , Lamichaney Rachna
Published: May 2014

A young woman was referred to us for the management of an umbilical hernia with macerated overlying skin through which massive ascites was leaking. On examination we found a jelly-like substance seeping out of the opening. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed bilateral ovarian cystadenocarcinoma with pseudomyxoma peritonei. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery along with hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with mitomycin C. Histopathological examination showed bilateral borderline cystadenoma with peritoneal adenomucinosis. Follow-up at 1 year showed no signs of recurrence.
Rates of obstetric intervention and associated perinatal mortality and morbidity among low-risk women giving birth in private and public hospitals in NSW (2000–2008): a linked data population-based cohort study
Authors: Dahlen Hannah G , Tracy Sally , Tracy Mark , Bisits Andrew , Brown Chris , Thornton Charlene
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To examine the rates of obstetric intervention and associated perinatal mortality and morbidity in the first 28 days among low-risk women giving birth in private and public hospitals in NSW (2000–2008).

Design

Linked data population-based retrospective cohort study involving five data sets.

Setting

New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

691 738 women giving birth to a singleton baby during the period 2000–2008.

Main outcome measures

Rates of neonatal resuscitation, perinatal mortality, neonatal admission following birth and readmission to hospital in the first 28 days of life in public and private obstetric units.

Results

Rates of obstetric intervention among low-risk women were higher in private hospitals, with primiparous women 20% less likely to have a normal vaginal birth compared to the public sector. Neonates born in private hospitals were more likely to be less than 40 weeks; more likely to have some form of resuscitation; less likely to have an Apgar <7 at 5 min. Neonates born in private hospitals to low-risk mothers were more likely to have a morbidity attached to the birth admission and to be readmitted to hospital in the first 28 days for birth trauma (5% vs 3.6%); hypoxia (1.7% vs 1.2%); jaundice (4.8% vs 3%); feeding difficulties (4% vs 2.4%) ; sleep/behavioural issues (0.2% vs 0.1%); respiratory conditions (1.2% vs 0.8%) and circumcision (5.6 vs 0.3%) but they were less likely to be admitted for prophylactic antibiotics (0.2% vs 0.6%) and for socioeconomic circumstances (0.1% vs 0.7%). Rates of perinatal mortality were not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions

For low-risk women, care in a private hospital, which includes higher rates of intervention, appears to be associated with higher rates of morbidity seen in the neonate and no evidence of a reduction in perinatal mortality.
Do difficulties in accessing in-hours primary care predict higher use of out-of-hours GP services? Evidence from an English National Patient Survey
Authors: Zhou Yin , Abel Gary , Warren Fiona , Roland Martin , Campbell John , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: May 2014

Introduction

It is believed that some patients are more likely to use out-of-hours primary care services because of difficulties in accessing in-hours care, but substantial evidence about any such association is missing.

Methods

We analysed data from 567 049 respondents to the 2011/2012 English General Practice Patient Survey who reported at least one in-hours primary care consultation in the preceding 6 months. Of those respondents, 7% also reported using out-of-hours primary care. We used logistic regression to explore associations between use of out-of-hours primary care and five measures of in-hours access (ease of getting through on the telephone, ability to see a preferred general practitioner, ability to get an urgent or routine appointment and convenience of opening hours). We illustrated the potential for reduction in use of out-of-hours primary care in a model where access to in-hours care was made optimal.

Results

Worse in-hours access was associated with greater use of out-of-hours primary care for each access factor. In multivariable analysis adjusting for access and patient characteristic variables, worse access was independently associated with increased out-of-hours use for all measures except ease of telephone access. Assuming these associations were causal, we estimated that an 11% relative reduction in use of out-of-hours primary care services in England could be achievable if access to in-hours care were optimal.

Conclusions

This secondary quantitative analysis provides evidence for an association between difficulty in accessing in-hours care and use of out-of-hours primary care services. The findings can motivate the development of interventions to improve in-hour access.
Association between resting heart rate across the life course and all-cause mortality: longitudinal findings from the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD)
Authors: Ó Hartaigh Bríain , Gill Thomas M , Shah Imran , Hughes Alun D , Deanfield John E , Kuh Diana , Hardy Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Background

Resting heart rate (RHR) is an independent risk factor for mortality. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether elevations in childhood and mid-adulthood RHR, including changes over time, are associated with mortality later in life. We sought to evaluate the association between RHR across the life course, along with its changes and all-cause mortality.

Methods

We studied 4638 men and women from the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) cohort born during 1 week in 1946. RHR was obtained during childhood at ages 6, 7 and 11, and in mid-adulthood at ages 36 and 43. Using multivariable Cox regression, we calculated the HR for incident mortality according to RHR measured at each time point, along with changes in mid-adulthood RHR.

Results

At age 11, those in the top fifth of the RHR distribution (≥97 bpm) had an increased adjusted hazard of 1.42 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.93) for all-cause mortality. A higher adjusted risk (HR, 95% CI 2.17, 1.40 to 3.36) of death was also observed for those in the highest fifth (≥81 bpm) at age 43. For a >25 bpm increased change in the RHR over the course of 7 years (age 36–43), the adjusted hazard was elevated more than threefold (HR, 95% CI 3.26, 1.54 to 6.90). After adjustment, RHR at ages 6, 7 and 36 were not associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Elevated RHR during childhood and midlife, along with greater changes in mid-adulthood RHR, are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Dual cross-linking ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assay
Authors: Khan Dilshad H. , Davie James R.
Published: May 2014

Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) is an antibody-based method to detect RNA–protein interactions in situ. In the assay, UV cross-linking is commonly used to preserve RNA–protein interactions for subsequent target identification. UV light is a zero-length cross linker and thus identifies proteins directly bound to RNAs. Here, we describe a dual cross-linking RIP method that involves sequential protein–protein cross-linking step with a protein–protein cross-linker, followed by protein–RNA fixation by UV irradiation. In this way, proteins that indirectly bound to RNA can be analyzed.
Using water injection to remove pile base resistance during installation
Authors: Shepley Paul , Bolton Malcolm D.
Published: May 2014

Water injection is currently used to reduce pile installation resistance in a variety of soil conditions. However, the mechanisms governing load reduction remain unclear, and there are uncertainties over the effect of water injection on the long-term behaviour of the installed pile. This paper offers some insights based on centrifuge model tests, with the aim of clarifying the installation mechanism. A novel approach to scaling was required, and the particle size was deemed to scale with enhanced gravity. A three-stage variable permeability mechanism is proposed and validated against a series of instrumented pile installations. Various pile installations were completed using different flow rates and injection geometries to investigate the differing injection effects. Base resistance was eliminated by forming a fluidized region around the pile toe, extending to two pile radii. However, fluidization could not be maintained beyond a critical depth of installation, and base resistance increased thereafter.
Exercise mitigates the adverse effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on macrophages, MMP-9, skeletal muscle, and white adipocytes
Authors: Winchester Lee , Veeranki Sudhakar , Givvimani Srikanth , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: May 2014

Regular exercise is a great medicine with its benefits encompassing everything from prevention of cardiovascular risk to alleviation of different muscular myopathies. Interestingly, elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy), also known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), antagonizes beta-2 adrenergic receptors (β2AR), gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) receptors. HHcy also stimulates an elevation of the M1/M2 macrophage ratio, resulting in a more inflammatory profile. In this review we discuss several potential targets altered by HHcy that result in myopathy and excessive fat accumulation. Several of these HHcy mediated changes can be countered by exercise and culminate into mitigation of HHcy induced myopathy and metabolic syndrome. We suggest that exercise directly impacts levels of Hcy, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), macrophages, and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs, especially Gs). While HHcy promotes the M1 macrophage phenotype, it appears that exercise may diminish the M1/M2 ratio, resulting in a less inflammatory phenotype. HHcy through its influence on GPCRs, specifically β2AR, PPARγ and GABA receptors, promotes accumulation of white fat, whereas exercise enhances the browning of white fat and counters HHcy-mediated effects on GPCRs. Alleviation of HHcy-associated pathologies with exercise also includes reversal of excessive MMP-9 activation. Moreover, exercise, by reducing plasma Hcy levels, may prevent skeletal muscle myopathy, improve exercise capacity and rescue the obese phenotype. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pathological conditions surrounding HHcy and to clarify the importance of regular exercise as a method of disease prevention.
Simulation study of car accidents at the intersection of two roads in the mixed traffic flow
Authors: Marzoug R. , Ez-Zahraouy H. , Benyoussef A.
Published: May 2014

Using cellular automata (CA) Nagel–Schreckenberg (NaSch) model, we numerically study the probability P ac of the occurrence of car accidents at nonsignalized intersection when drivers do not respect the priority rules. We also investigated the impact of mixture lengths and velocities of vehicles on this probability. It is found that in the first case, where vehicles distinguished only by their lengths, the car accidents start to occur above a critical density ρc. Furthermore, the increase of the fraction of long vehicles (FL) delays the occurrence of car accidents (increasing ρc) and increases the risk of collisions when ρ > ρc. In other side, the mixture of maximum velocities (with same length for all vehicles) leads to the appearance of accidents at the intersection even in the free flow regime. Moreover, the increase of the fraction of fast vehicles (Ff) reduces the accident probability (P ac ). The influence of roads length is also studied. We found that the decrease of the roads length enhance the risk of collision.
The OD, D geometry of string theory
Authors: Berman David S. , Blair Chris D. A. , Malek Emanuel , Perry Malcolm J.
Published: May 2014

We construct an action for double field theory using a metric connection that is compatible with both the generalised metric and the OD, D structure. The connection is simultaneously torsionful and flat. Using this connection, one may construct a proper covariant derivative for double field theory. We then write the doubled action in terms of the generalised torsion of this connection. This action then exactly reproduces that required for double field theory and gauged supergravity.
Conway and iteration hemirings Part 2
Authors: Droste M. , Ésik Z. , Kuich W.
Published: May 2014

Conway and iteration hemimodules were introduced in the first part of the paper. Here, we define and study hemimodules of Conway and iteration hemirings and study their relation to (partial) Conway and iteration semiring-semimodule pairs. Moreover, we show their applicability in the analysis of quantitative aspects of the infinitary behavior of weighted transition systems. These include discounted and average computations of weights investigated recently.
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF CrO2 (100) FILM GROWN ON TiO2 BY A SIMPLE ATMOSPHERE PRESSURE CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
Authors: XIE LIANG , ZHANG JIN ZHI , CUI NAI YI , ZHANG HONG GUANG
Published: May 2014

Epitaxial CrO 2 (100)-oriented film was successfully fabricated on TiO 2 (100) substrate by a simple chemical vapor deposition in a two-zone furnace with oxygen flow from a CrO 3 precursor. The transport measurements show that the CrO 2 film is metallic with a small residual resistivity 4 μΩ cm down to 0.6 K. The temperature dependence of resistivity was best described by a phenomenological expression ρ(T) = ρ0 + AT2 exp (-Δ/T) over the range of 0.6–300 K with Δ = 123.6 K. The magnetization of the film becomes saturated in a relatively low field with a small coercive field. The temperature dependence of magnetization shows Bloch's T3/2 law and the slope of the curve suggests a critical wavelength of λΔ ~ 26.6 Å beyond which spin-flip scattering becomes important.
Minimal path cover sets and monomial ideals
Authors: Sharifan Leila , Nasernejad Mehrdad , Khashyarmanesh Kazem
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of minimal path cover sets and the index of covering of a simple graph G, and study the basic properties of these notions. Corresponding to these combinatorial concepts, we define max-path ideal and path cover ideal attached to G and study its algebraic properties in the case that G is a tree. Especially, we characterize the trees in which the max-path ideals have height 1 or 2.
A primer on ideal theoretical operation in non-commutative polynomial rings
Authors: Mora Teo
Published: May 2014

Buchberger Theory provides, for commutative polynomial rings, computational tools allowing to perform ideal theoretical operations. Such techniques are easily adapted to deal with similar problems in the non-commutative setting. I give here an elementary primer.
Tests of second-generation and third-generation density functionals for electron affinities of the alkylthio radicals
Authors: Gao Aifang , Li Aiguo
Published: May 2014

The molecular structures and electron affinities of the R – S / R – S -( R = CH 3, C 2 H 5, n- C 3 H 7, n- C 4 H 9, n- C 5 H 11, i- C 3 H 7, i- C 4 H 9, t- C 4 H 9) species have been studied using 17 pure and hybrid density functionals (five generalized gradient approximation (GGA) methods, six hybrid GGAs, one meta GGA method and five hybrid meta GGAs). The basis set used in this work is of double-ζ plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s- and p-type functions, denoted by DZP++. The geometries are fully optimized with each DFT method and discussed. Harmonic vibrational frequencies are found to be within 3.5% of available experimental values for most functionals. Three different types of the neutral-anion energy separations have been presented. The theoretical electron affinities of alkylthio radicals are in good agreement with the experiment data. The M06 method is very good for the adiabatic electron affinity calculations, and the average absolute error is 0.0439 eV. The HCTH method performs better for EA prediction. The M06-HF, mPWPW91, VSXC and B98 are also reasonable. The most reliable adiabatic electron affinities are predicted to be 1.864 eV ( CH 3 S ), 1.946 eV ( C 2 H 5 S ), 1.959 eV (n- C 3 H 7 S ), 1.970 eV (n- C 4 H 9 S ), 1.982 eV (n- C 5 H 11 S ), 2.053 eV (i- C 3 H 7 S ), 1.991 eV (i- C 4 H 9 S ) and 2.100 eV (t- C 4 H 9 S ) at the M06/DZP++ level of theory, respectively.
The study on the geometry and electronic properties of (WO3)x/(TiO2)y heterostructure by using the layered structural model
Authors: Zhang Yong-Qiang , Li Xiao-Hui , Li Fen-Fen , Lv Jie , Liu Guang-Jun , Gao Hong-Tao
Published: May 2014

The layered structural model was proposed to study the geometry and electronic properties of the ( WO 3)x/( TiO 2)y heterostructures in this paper. The geometry and electronic properties were affected greatly by the relative proportion of TiO 2 and WO 3 in the nanocomposites. The minimum band gap of ( WO 3)x/( TiO 2)y heterostructures decreased with the proportion of WO 3 increasing but increased with the proportion of TiO 2 increasing. Interestingly, electrons at the upper valence band (VB) can be directly excited from 2p and 3d orbitals of titania to the conduction band (CB), which was mainly consisted of 5d orbitals of tungsten trioxide. The effective electron mass of ( WO 3)x/( TiO 2)y heterostructures was higher than that of pure TiO 2. It indicated that the electron–hole recombination rate of hybrid ( WO 3)x/( TiO 2)y heterostructure was lower than that of pure TiO 2, which might imply that photocatalytic activities of the hybrid ( WO 3)x/( TiO 2)y heterostructures were enhanced under visible light irradiation. The theoretical results might offer a new useful guide for designing semiconductors photocatalyst, such as heterostructure nanocomposites.
Studies of electrical conductivity and magnetic properties of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 multiferroics
Authors: Pattanayak Samita , Choudhary R. N. P. , Das Piyush R.
Published: May 2014

The polycrystalline samples of Bi 1-x Gd x FeO 3 (x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) multiferroic oxides have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction/mixed oxide technique. The preliminary X-ray structural analysis with room temperature diffraction data confirmed the formation of single-phase systems. Study of room temperature scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of the above samples exhibits a uniform distribution of plate- and rod-shaped grains throughout the sample surface with less porosity. The dielectric behavior of the materials was studied in a wide range of frequency (1 kHz–1 MHz) and temperature (30–400°C). The nature of temperature dependence of dc conductivity confirms the Arrhenius behavior of the materials. The frequency–temperature dependence of ac conductivity suggests that the material obeys Jonscher's universal power law. An increase in Gd -content results in the enhancement of spontaneous magnetization BiFeO 3 (BFO) due to the collapse of spin cycloid structure. The magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of BFO has been enhanced on Gd -substitution.
Indispensable functions of ABL and PDGF receptor kinases in epithelial adherence of attaching/effacing pathogens under physiological conditions
Authors: Manthey Carolin F. , Calabio Christine B. , Wosinski Anna , Hanson Elaine M. , Vallance Bruce A. , Groisman Alex , Martín Martín G. , Wang Jean Y. J. , Eckmann Lars
Published: May 2014

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Citrobacter rodentium are attaching-and-effacing (A/E) pathogens that cause intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. The bacteria adhere to the intestinal epithelium, destroy microvilli, and induce actin-filled membranous pedestals but do not invade the mucosa. Adherence leads to activation of several host cell kinases, including FYN, n-SRC, YES, ABL, and ARG, phosphorylation of the bacterial translocated intimin receptor, and actin polymerization and pedestal formation in cultured cells. However, marked functional redundancy appears to exist between kinases, and their physiological importance in A/E pathogen infections has remained unclear. To address this question, we employed a novel dynamic in vitro infection model that mimics transient and short-term interactions in the intestinal tract. Screening of a kinase inhibitor library and RNA interference experiments in vitro revealed that ABL and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR) kinases, as well as p38 MAP kinase, have unique, indispensable roles in early attachment of EPEC to epithelial cells under dynamic infection conditions. Studies with mutant EPEC showed that the attachment functions of ABL and PDGFR were independent of the intimin receptor but required bacterial bundle-forming pili. Furthermore, inhibition of ABL and PDGFR with imatinib protected against infection of mice with modest loads of C. rodentium, whereas the kinases were dispensable for high inocula or late after infection. These results indicate that ABL and PDGFR have indispensable roles in early A/E pathogen attachment to intestinal epithelial cells and for in vivo infection with limiting inocula but are not required for late intimate bacterial attachment or high inoculum infections.
Central exogenous nitric oxide decreases cardiac sympathetic drive and improves baroreflex control of heart rate in ovine heart failure
Authors: Ramchandra Rohit , Hood Sally G. , May Clive N.
Published: May 2014

Heart failure (HF) is associated with increased cardiac and renal sympathetic drive, which are both independent predictors of poor prognosis. A candidate mechanism for the centrally mediated sympathoexcitation in HF is reduced synthesis of the inhibitory neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO), resulting from downregulation of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). Therefore, we investigated the effects of increasing the levels of NO in the brain, or selectively in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), on cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) and baroreflex control of CSNA and heart rate in ovine pacing-induced HF. The resting level of CSNA was significantly higher in the HF than in the normal group, but the resting level of RSNA was unchanged. Intracerebroventricular infusion of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 500 μg·ml−1·h−1) in conscious normal sheep and sheep in HF inhibited CSNA and restored baroreflex control of heart rate, but there was no change in RSNA. Microinjection of SNP into the PVN did not cause a similar cardiac sympathoinhibition in either group, although the number of nNOS-positive cells was decreased in the PVN of sheep in HF. Reduction of endogenous NO with intracerebroventricular infusion of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester decreased CSNA in normal but not in HF sheep and caused no change in RSNA in either group. These findings indicate that endogenous NO in the brain provides tonic excitatory drive to increase resting CSNA in the normal state, but not in HF. In contrast, exogenously administered NO inhibited CSNA in both the normal and HF groups via an action on sites other than the PVN.
In vivo selective expression of thyroid hormone receptor α1in endothelial cells attenuates myocardial injury in experimental myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Suarez Jorge , Wang Hong , Scott Brian T. , Ling Haiyun , Makino Ayako , Swanson Eric , Brown Joan Heller , Suarez Jorge A. , Feinstein Shera , Diaz-Juarez Julieta , Dillmann Wolfgang H.
Published: May 2014

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the single most common cause of death. New approaches to enhance myocardial perfusion are needed to improve outcomes for patients with IHD. Thyroid hormones (TH) are known to increase blood flow; however, their usefulness for increasing perfusion in IHD is limited because TH accelerates heart rate, which can be detrimental. Therefore, selective activation of TH effects is desirable. We hypothesized that cell-type-specific TH receptor (TR) expression can increase TH action in the heart, while avoiding the negative consequences of TH treatment. We generated a binary transgenic (BTG) mouse that selectively expresses TRα1in endothelial cells in a tetracycline-inducible fashion. In BTG mice, endothelial TRα1protein expression was increased by twofold, which, in turn, increased coronary blood flow by 77%, coronary conductance by 60%, and coronary reserve by 47% compared with wild-type mice. Systemic blood pressure was decreased by 20% in BTG mice after TRα1expression. No effects on heart rate were observed. Endothelial TRα1expression activated AKT/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway and increased A2AR adenosine receptor. Furthermore, hearts from BTG mice overexpressing TRα1that were submitted to 20 min ischemia and 20 min reperfusion showed a 20% decline in left ventricular pressure (LVP) compared with control mice where LVP was decreased by 42%. Studies using an infarction mouse model demonstrated that endothelial overexpression of TRα1decreased infarct size by 45%. In conclusion, selective expression of TRα1in endothelial cells protects the heart against injury after an ischemic insult and does not result in adverse cardiac or systemic effects.
Hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture on insulin resistance
Authors: Yin Jieyun , Kuang Jian , Chandalia Manisha , Tuvdendorj Demidmaa , Tumurbaatar Batbayar , Abate Nicola , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Both wild-type (WT) and adipose ectonucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase (ENPP1) transgenic (TG) mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 wk; for each mouse, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed with or without EA at abdomen or auricular areas. A high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in both WT and TG mice. In the WT mice, EA at 3 Hz and 15 Hz, but not at 1 Hz or 100 Hz, via CV4+CV12 significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels; EA at 3 Hz was most potent. The glucose level was reduced by 61.7% at 60 min and 74.5% at 120 min with EA at 3 Hz (all P < 0.001 vs. control). Similar hypoglycemic effect was noted in the TG mice. On the contrary, EA at auricular points increased postprandial glucose level ( P < 0.03). 4). EA at 3 Hz via CV4+CV12 significantly enhanced the decrease of blood glucose after insulin injection, suggesting improvement of insulin sensitivity. Plasma free fatty acid was significantly suppressed by 42.5% at 15 min and 50.8% at 30 min with EA ( P < 0.01) in both WT and TG mice. EA improves glucose tolerance in both WT and TG mice fed a high-fat diet, and the effect is associated with stimulation parameters and acupoints and is probably attributed to the reduction of free fatty acid.
Effects of NKCC2 isoform regulation on NaCl transport in thick ascending limb and macula densa: a modeling study
Authors: Edwards Aurélie , Castrop Hayo , Laghmani Kamel , Vallon Volker , Layton Anita T.
Published: May 2014

This study aims to understand the extent to which modulation of the Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter NKCC2 differential splicing affects NaCl delivery to the macula densa. NaCl absorption by the thick ascending limb and macula densa cells is mediated by apical NKCC2. A recent study has indicated that differential splicing of NKCC2 is modulated by dietary salt (Schieβl IM, Rosenauer A, Kattler V, Minuth WW, Oppermann M, Castrop H. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 305: F1139–F1148, 2013). Given the markedly different ion affinities of its splice variants, modulation of NKCC2 differential splicing is believed to impact NaCl reabsorption. To assess the validity of that hypothesis, we have developed a mathematical model of macula densa cell transport and incorporated that cell model into a previously applied model of the thick ascending limb (Weinstein AM, Krahn TA. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 298: F525–F542, 2010). The macula densa model predicts a 27.4- and 13.1-mV depolarization of the basolateral membrane [as a surrogate for activation of tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF)] when luminal NaCl concentration is increased from 25 to 145 mM or luminal K+concentration is increased from 1.5 to 3.5 mM, respectively, consistent with experimental measurements. Simulations indicate that with luminal solute concentrations consistent with in vivo conditions near the macula densa, NKCC2 operates near its equilibrium state. Results also suggest that modulation of NKCC2 differential splicing by low salt, which induces a shift from NKCC2-A to NKCC2-B primarily in the cortical thick ascending limb and macula densa cells, significantly enhances salt reabsorption in the thick limb and reduces Na+and Cl−delivery to the macula densa by 3.7 and 12.5%, respectively. Simulation results also predict that the NKCC2 isoform shift hyperpolarizes the macula densa basolateral cell membrane, which, taken in isolation, may inhibit the release of the TGF signal. However, excessive early distal salt delivery and renal salt loss during a low-salt diet may be prevented by an asymmetric TGF response, which may be more sensitive to flow increases.
Motor demand-dependent activation of ipsilateral motor cortex
Authors: Buetefisch Cathrin M. , Revill Kate Pirog , Shuster Linda , Hines Benjamin , Parsons Michael
Published: May 2014

The role of ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) in hand motor control during complex task performance remains controversial. Bilateral M1 activation is inconsistently observed in functional (f)MRI studies of unilateral hand performance. Two factors limit the interpretation of these data. As the motor tasks differ qualitatively in these studies, it is conceivable that M1 contributions differ with the demand on skillfulness. Second, most studies lack the verification of a strictly unilateral execution of the motor task during the acquisition of imaging data. Here, we use fMRI to determine whether ipsilateral M1 activity depends on the demand for precision in a pointing task where precision varied quantitatively while movement trajectories remained equal. Thirteen healthy participants used an MRI-compatible joystick to point to targets of four different sizes in a block design. A clustered acquisition technique allowed simultaneous fMRI/EMG data collection and confirmed that movements were strictly unilateral. Accuracy of performance increased with target size. Overall, the pointing task revealed activation in contralateral and ipsilateral M1, extending into contralateral somatosensory and parietal areas. Target size-dependent activation differences were found in ipsilateral M1 extending into the temporal/parietal junction, where activation increased with increasing demand on accuracy. The results suggest that ipsilateral M1 is active during the execution of a unilateral motor task and that its activity is modulated by the demand on precision.
Movement order and saccade direction affect a common measure of eye-hand coordination in bimanual reaching
Authors: Mooshagian Eric , Wang Cunguo , Ferdoash Afreen , Snyder Lawrence H.
Published: May 2014

Studies of visually guided unimanual reaching have established that a saccade usually precedes each reach and that the reaction times (RTs) for the saccade and reach are highly correlated. The correlation of eye and hand RT is commonly taken as a measure of eye-hand coordination and is thought to assist visuospatial guidance of the hand. We asked what happens during a bimanual reach task. As with a unimanual reach, a saccade was executed first. Although latencies were fastest on unimanual trials, eye and hand RT correlation was identical whether just one or both hands reached to a single target. The average correlation was significantly reduced, however, when each hand reached simultaneously to a different target. We considered three factors that might explain the drop. We found that correlation strength depended on which hand reached first and on which hand reached to the same target as the saccade. Surprisingly, these two factors were largely independent, and the identity of the hand, left or right, had little effect. Eye-hand correlation was similar to that seen with unimanual reaching only when the hand that moved to the same target as the saccade was also the first hand to move. Thus both timing as well as spatial pattern are important in determining eye-hand coordination.
Altered activation of the antagonist muscle during practice compromises motor learning in older adults
Authors: Chen Yen-Ting , Kwon MinHyuk , Fox Emily J. , Christou Evangelos A.
Published: May 2014

Aging impairs the activation of muscle; however, it remains unclear whether it contributes to deficits in motor learning in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether altered activation of antagonistic muscles in older adults during practice inhibits their ability to transfer a motor task ipsilaterally. Twenty young (25.1 ± 3.9 yr; 10 men, 10 women) and twenty older adults (71.5 ± 4.8 yr; 10 men, 10 women) participated. Half of the subjects practiced 100 trials of a rapid goal-directed task with ankle dorsiflexion and were tested 1 day later with elbow flexion (transfer). The rest did not perform any ankle practice and only performed the task with elbow flexion. The goal-directed task consisted of rapid movement (180 ms) to match a spatiotemporal target. For each limb, we recorded the EMG burst activity of the primary agonist and antagonist muscles. The rate of improvement during task acquisition (practice) was similar for young and older adults ( P > 0.3). In contrast, only young adults were able to transfer the task to the upper limb. Specifically, young adults who practiced ankle dorsiflexion exhibited ∼30% ( P < 0.05) lower movement error and ∼60% ( P < 0.05) lower antagonist EMG burst activity compared with older adults who received equal practice and young adults who did not receive any ankle dorsiflexion practice. These results provide novel evidence that the deficient motor learning in older adults may be related to a differential activation of the antagonist muscle, which compromises their ability to acquire the task during practice.
Twisted Conformal Algebra and Quantum Statistics of Harmonic Oscillators
Authors: Naji J. , Heydari S. , Darabi R.
Published: May 2014

We consider noncommutative two-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillators and extend them to the case of twisted algebra. We obtained modified raising and lowering operators. Also we study statistical mechanics and thermodynamics and calculated partition function which yields the free energy of the system.
Hermite-Hadamard and Simpson Type Inequalities for Differentiable P-GA-Functions
Authors: İşcan İmdat
Published: May 2014

The author introduces the concept of the P-GA-functions, gives Hermite-Hadamard's inequalities for P-GA-functions, and defines a new identity. By using this identity, the author obtains new estimates on generalization of Hadamard and Simpson type inequalities for P-GA-functions. Some applications to special means of real numbers are also given.
Carbon Market Regulation Mechanism Research Based on Carbon Accumulation Model with Jump Diffusion
Authors: Guo Dongmei , Hu Yi , Zhang Bingjie
Published: May 2014

In order to explore carbon market regulation mechanism more effectively, based on carbon accumulation model with jump diffusion, this paper studies the carbon price from two perspectives of quantity instrument and price instrument and quantitatively simulates carbon price regulation mechanisms in the light of actual operation of EU carbon market. The results show that quantity instrument and price instrument both have certain effects on carbon market; according to the comparison of the elasticity change of the expected carbon price, comparative advantages of both instruments rely on the price of carbon finance market. Where the carbon price is excessively high, price instrument is superior to quantity instrument; where carbon price is excessively low, quantity instrument is better than price instrument. Therefore, in the case of carbon market regulation based on expected carbon price, if the carbon price is too high, price instrument should prevail; if the carbon price is excessively low, quantity instrument should prevail.
Response of Soil C and N, Dissolved Organic C and N, and Inorganic N to Short-Term Experimental Warming in an Alpine Meadow on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Cheng-Qun , Shen Zhen-Xi , Zhang Xian-Zhou , Sun Wei , Fu Gang
Published: May 2014

Although alpine meadows of Tibet are expected to be strongly affected by climatic warming, it remains unclear how soil organic C (SOC), total N (TN), ammonium N(NH4+-N), nitrate N(NO3+-N), and dissolved organic C (DOC) and N (DON) respond to warming. This study aims to investigate the responses of these C and N pools to short-term experimental warming in an alpine meadow of Tibet. A warming experiment using open top chambers was conducted in an alpine meadow at three elevations (i.e., a low (4313 m), mid-(4513 m), and high (4693 m) elevation) in May 2010. Topsoil (0–20 cm depth) samples were collected in July–September 2011. Experimental warming increased soil temperature by ~1–1.4°C but decreased soil moisture by ~0.04 m3m−3. Experimental warming had little effects on SOC, TN, DOC, and DON, which may be related to lower warming magnitude, the short period of warming treatment, and experimental warming-induced soil drying by decreasing soil microbial activity. Experimental warming decreased significantly inorganic N at the two lower elevations,but had negligible effect at the high elevation. Our findings suggested that the effects of short-term experimental warming on SOC, TN and dissolved organic matter were insignificant, only affecting inorganic forms.
High Frequency of Latent ConjunctivalC. trachomatis,M. hominis, andU. urealyticumInfections in Young Adults with Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Boiko Ernest V. , Pozniak Alexei L. , Maltsev Dmitrii S. , Suetov Alexei A. , Nuralova Irina V.
Published: May 2014

Aim. To determine the frequency of detection of conjunctivalC. trachomatis(CT),M. hominis(MH), andU. urealyticum(UU) infections in young adults with dry eye disease (DED), since these infections may potentially produce the chronic subclinical inflammation characteristic of DED.Materials and Methods. The study included subjects of 25–45 years of age, divided into the DED (n=114) and nondry eye control (n=98) groups, with the diagnosis based on self-reported complaints, biomicroscopy, the Schirmer I test, and break-up time. All patients had conjunctival scrapings taken to detect CT, MH, and UU with direct fluorescent-antibody assay kits.Results. At least one of the three microorganisms was found in 87.7% of the DED patients versus 8.2% of the controls. Of all the DED patients, 63.2%, 50.8%, and 42.1% were found to be infected with CT, MH, and UU, respectively. Multiple pathogens were identified in 65% of the DED patients found to be infected. CT infection was detected in 6.1% of the controls.Conclusion.C. trachomatis,M. hominis, andU. urealyticumwere detected with high frequency in the conjunctiva of young adults with DED and may be an important risk factor for DED in them.
Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy with Doxorubicin and Cisplatin Is Effective for Advanced Hepatocellular Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ming-Chun , Chen Yen-Yang , Li Shau-Hsuan , Cheng Yu-Fan , Wang Chih-Chi , Chiu Tai-Jan , Pei Sung-Nan , Liu Chien-Ting , Huang Tai-Lin , Huang Chen-Hua , Su Yu-Li , Chen Yen-Hao , Lu Sheng-Nan , Rau Kun-Ming
Published: May 2014

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a fatal disease even in the era of targeted therapies. Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IACT) can provide therapeutic benefits for patients with locally advanced HCC who are not eligible for local therapies or are refractory to targeted therapies. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the effect of IACT with cisplatin and doxorubicin on advanced HCC.Methods. Patients with advanced HCC who were not eligible for local therapies or were refractory to sorafenib received doxorubicin (50 mg/m2) and cisplatin (50 mg/m2) infusions into the liver via the transhepatic artery. Between January 2005 and December 2011, a total of 50 patients with advanced HCC received this treatment regimen. The overall response rate (ORR) was 22% in all treated patients. In patients who received at least 2 cycles of IACT, the ORR was 36.7%, and the disease control rate was 70%. Survival rate differed significantly between patients who received only one cycle of IACT (group I) and those who received several cycles (group II). The median progression-free survival was 1.3 months and 5.8 months in groups I and II, respectively (P<0.0001). The median overall survival was 8.3 months for all patients and was 3.1 months and 12.0 months in groups I and II, respectively (P<0.0001). The most common toxicity was alopecia. Four patients developed grade 3 or 4 leukopenia. Worsening of liver function, nausea, and vomiting were uncommon side effects. This study demonstrated clinical efficacy and tolerable side effects of repeated IACT with doxorubicin and cisplatin in advanced HCC. Our regimen can be an alternative choice for patients with adequate liver function who do not want to receive continuous infusion of IACT.
Chemokines in Cancer Development and Progression and Their Potential as Targeting Molecules for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mukaida Naofumi , Sasaki So-ichiro , Baba Tomohisa
Published: May 2014

Chemokines were initially identified as bioactive substances, which control the trafficking of inflammatory cells including granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages. Moreover, chemokines have profound impacts on other types of cells associated with inflammatory responses, such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. These observations would implicate chemokines as master regulators in various inflammatory responses. Subsequent studies have further revealed that chemokines can regulate the movement of a wide variety of immune cells including lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells in both physiological and pathological conditions. These features endow chemokines with crucial roles in immune responses. Furthermore, increasing evidence points to the vital effects of several chemokines on the proliferative and invasive properties of cancer cells. It is widely acknowledged that cancer develops and progresses to invade and metastasize in continuous interaction with noncancerous cells present in cancer tissues, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. The capacity of chemokines to regulate both cancerous and noncancerous cells highlights their crucial roles in cancer development and progression. Here, we will discuss the roles of chemokines in carcinogenesis and the possibility of chemokine targeting therapy for the treatment of cancer.
A New Exceptional Family of Elements and Solvability of General Order Complementarity Problems
Authors: Huang Na , Ma Changfeng
Published: May 2014

By using the concept of exceptional family, we propose a sufficient condition of a solution to general order complementarity problems (denoted by GOCP) in Banach space, which is weaker than that in Németh, 2010 (Theorem 3.1). Then we study some sufficient conditions for the nonexistence of exceptional family for GOCP in Hilbert space. Moreover, we prove that without exceptional family is a sufficient and necessary condition for the solvability of pseudomonotone general order complementarity problems.
Parameter Interval Estimation of System Reliability for Repairable Multistate Series-Parallel System with Fuzzy Data
Authors: Bamrungsetthapong Wimonmas , Pongpullponsak Adisak
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this paper is to create an interval estimation of the fuzzy system reliability for the repairable multistate series–parallel system (RMSS). Two-sided fuzzy confidence interval for the fuzzy system reliability is constructed. The performance of fuzzy confidence interval is considered based on the coverage probability and the expected length. In order to obtain the fuzzy system reliability, the fuzzy sets theory is applied to the system reliability problem when dealing with uncertainties in the RMSS. The fuzzy number with a triangular membership function is used for constructing the fuzzy failure rate and the fuzzy repair rate in the fuzzy reliability for the RMSS. The result shows that the good interval estimator for the fuzzy confidence interval is the obtained coverage probabilities the expected confidence coefficient with the narrowest expected length. The model presented herein is an effective estimation method when the sample size isn≥100. In addition, the optimalα-cut for the narrowest lower expected length and the narrowest upper expected length are considered.
On New Generalized Ostrowski Type Integral Inequalities
Authors: Qayyum A. , Shoaib M. , Matouk A. E. , Latif M. A.
Published: May 2014

The Ostrowski inequality expresses bounds on the deviation of a function from its integral mean. The aim of this paper is to establish some new inequalities similar to the Ostrowski's inequality. The current paper obtains bounds for the deviation of a function from a combination of integral means over the end intervals covering the entire interval in terms of the norms of the second derivative of the function. Some new perturbed results are obtained. Application for cumulative distribution function is also discussed.
Bond Graph Modeling and Validation of an Energy Regenerative System for Emulsion Pump Tests
Authors: Li Yilei , Zhu Zhencai , Chen Guoan
Published: May 2014

The test system for emulsion pump is facing serious challenges due to its huge energy consumption and waste nowadays. To settle this energy issue, a novel energy regenerative system (ERS) for emulsion pump tests is briefly introduced at first. Modeling such an ERS of multienergy domains needs a unified and systematic approach. Bond graph modeling is well suited for this task. The bond graph model of this ERS is developed by first considering the separate components before assembling them together and so is the state-space equation. Both numerical simulation and experiments are carried out to validate the bond graph model of this ERS. Moreover the simulation and experiments results show that this ERS not only satisfies the test requirements, but also could save at least 25% of energy consumption as compared to the original test system, demonstrating that it is a promising method of energy regeneration for emulsion pump tests.