bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Physical Capacities Between Nonselected and Selected Elite Male Competitive Surfers for the National Junior Team
Authors: Tran Tai T. , Lundgren Lina , Secomb Josh , Farley Oliver R.L. , Haff G. Gregory , Seitz Laurent B. , Newton Robert U. , Nimphius Sophia , Sheppard Jeremy M.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To determine whether a previously validated performance-testing protocol for competitive surfers is able to differentiate between Australian elite junior surfers selected (S) to the national team and those not selected (NS).

Methods:

Thirty-two elite male competitive junior surfers were divided into 2 groups (S = 16, NS = 16). Their age, height, body mass, sum of 7 skinfolds, and lean-body-mass ratio (mean ± SD) were 16.17 ± 1.26 y, 173.40 ± 5.30 cm, 62.35 ± 7.40 kg, 41.74 ± 10.82 mm, 1.54 ± 0.35 for the S athletes and 16.13 ± 1.02 y, 170.56 ± 6.6 cm, 61.46 ± 10.10 kg, 49.25 ± 13.04 mm, 1.31 ± 0.30 for the NS athletes. Power (countermovement jump [CMJ]), strength (isometric midthigh pull), 15-m sprint paddling, and 400-m endurance paddling were measured.

Results:

There were significant (P ≤ .05) differences between the S and NS athletes for relative vertical-jump peak force (P = .01, d = 0.9); CMJ height (P = .01, d = 0.9); time to 5-, 10-, and 15-m sprint paddle; sprint paddle peak velocity (P = .03, d = 0.8; PV); time to 400 m (P = .04, d = 0.7); and endurance paddling velocity (P = .05, d = 0.7).

Conclusions:

All performance variables, particularly CMJ height; time to 5-, 10-, and 15-m sprint paddle; sprint paddle PV; time to 400 m; and endurance paddling velocity, can effectively discriminate between S and NS competitive surfers, and this may be important for athlete profiling and training-program design.
Effects of Tai Chi on a Functional Arm Reaching Task in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Varghese Rini , Hui-Chan Christina W.Y. , Bhatt Tanvi
Published: July 2014

This study quantified the effect of aging and the long-term practice of Tai Chi on upper limb movement control, indicated by performance outcome (temporal) and performance production (amplitude) measures, on a multiplanar stand-reaching (i.e., functional) task. Twelve Tai Chi practitioners (TCPs), 11 age-matched older nonpractitioners (ONPs), and 12 young subjects performed cued, flexion-reaching, and abduction-reaching tasks using a custom set-up. Surface EMG and acceleration data sampled from wireless sensors rendered performance outcome (reaction time, burst duration, time to peak, and movement time) and performance production (normalized EMG amplitude and peak acceleration) measures. Young subjects and TCPs demonstrated better performance outcome and performance production than ONPs. Relative-effect computations (i.e., the effect of Tai Chi expressed as a percentage of the effect of aging) showed that TCPs exhibited approximately 20–60% (flexion) and 20–100% (abduction) improvement in reaching task performance compared with ONPs. Tai Chi practitioners displayed better arm movement control than ONPs on a relatively challenging and functional stand-reaching task.
Knowledge boosting: a graph-based integration approach with multi-omics data and genomic knowledge for cancer clinical outcome prediction
Authors: Kim Dokyoon , Joung Je-Gun , Sohn Kyung-Ah , Shin Hyunjung , Park Yu Rang , Ritchie Marylyn D , Kim Ju Han
Published: July 2014

Objective Cancer can involve gene dysregulation via multiple mechanisms, so no single level of genomic data fully elucidates tumor behavior due to the presence of numerous genomic variations within or between levels in a biological system. We have previously proposed a graph-based integration approach that combines multi-omics data including copy number alteration, methylation, miRNA, and gene expression data for predicting clinical outcome in cancer. However, genomic features likely interact with other genomic features in complex signaling or regulatory networks, since cancer is caused by alterations in pathways or complete processes.

Methods Here we propose a new graph-based framework for integrating multi-omics data and genomic knowledge to improve power in predicting clinical outcomes and elucidate interplay between different levels. To highlight the validity of our proposed framework, we used an ovarian cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas for predicting stage, grade, and survival outcomes.

Results Integrating multi-omics data with genomic knowledge to construct pre-defined features resulted in higher performance in clinical outcome prediction and higher stability. For the grade outcome, the model with gene expression data produced an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.7866. However, models of the integration with pathway, Gene Ontology, chromosomal gene set, and motif gene set consistently outperformed the model with genomic data only, attaining AUCs of 0.7873, 0.8433, 0.8254, and 0.8179, respectively.

Conclusions Integrating multi-omics data and genomic knowledge to improve understanding of molecular pathogenesis and underlying biology in cancer should improve diagnostic and prognostic indicators and the effectiveness of therapies.
Secondary syphilis: a rare cause of nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Janeiro Sérgio , Fernandes Ana Margarida , Lopes Paula , Pedroso Ermelinda
Published: July 2014

A 59-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes and a left nephrectomy following trauma reported of malaise and weakness. He reported a penile ulcer 2 months earlier, but there had been no lymphadenopathy or fever. His speech was slurred, he was breathless on minimal exertion and there was ankle swelling. Twenty-four hours later he developed a generalised maculopapular rash. Laboratory investigation confirmed syphilis and nephrotic syndrome. He was treated with a single injection of benzylpenicillin following which there was a rapid and complete recovery. The temporal association and improvement with treatment suggest that syphilis caused his illness. The incidence of syphilis is increasing and doctors should remain alert to syphilis as a possible cause of the nephrotic syndrome.
Breaking the cycle: the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in inflammation-driven cancers
Authors: Patterson William L. , Georgel Philippe T.
Published: July 2014

Chronic inflammation is a cyclical, self-stimulating process. Immune cells called to sites of inflammation release pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that stimulate activation of inducible enzymes and transcription factors. These enzymes and transcription factors then stimulate production of signaling molecules that attract more immune cells and induce more enzymatic and transcriptional activity, creating a perpetual loop of inflammation. This self-renewing pool of inflammatory stimuli makes for an ideal tumor microenvironment, and chronic inflammation has been linked to oncogenesis, tumor growth, tumor cell survival, and metastasis. Three protein pathways in particular, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), cyclooxygenase (COX), and lipoxygenase (LOX), provide excellent examples of the cyclical, self-renewing nature of chronic inflammation-driven cancers. NF-kB is an inducible transcription factor responsible for the expression of a vast number of inflammation and cancer related genes. COX and LOX convert omega-6 (n-6) and omga-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules. These signaling molecules stimulate or repress activity of all three of these pathways. In this review, we will discuss the pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of these fatty acids and their role in chronic inflammation and cancer progression.
Measurement of vertical and longitudinal rail displacements using digital image correlation
Authors: Murray Chris A. , Take W. Andy , Hoult Neil A.
Published: July 2014

Excessive rail displacements can result in reduced rail traffic speeds and increased risk of derailments. A number of methods exist for the measurement of vertical rail displacements, including using geophones, high-speed cameras, and rail vehicle mounted systems. The advantage of rail vehicle mounted methods is that large lengths of track can be assessed. However, there are some instances where the measurement of absolute rail deformations is essential, particularly in poor subgrade conditions where significant long-term settlements are possible. Vehicle-mounted monitoring strategies cannot capture the so-called “running rail” phenomena, where the passage of a train can push the rails longitudinally. Monitoring rail displacements using digital image correlation (DIC) has the potential to capture both of these phenomena unlike other technologies. The objectives of this paper are to evaluate the use of a system of synchronized high-speed cameras to measure absolute longitudinal and vertical rail displacements using DIC, to observe what factors influence the relative magnitudes of these displacements, and to investigate whether DIC measurements can be used to evaluate the stiffness and damping parameters required to develop the displacement–time response of a rail foundation system. The DIC system was evaluated at two sites: one with a high-quality subgrade and one with a peat subgrade. The DIC system was able to capture the absolute vertical and longitudinal displacements due to the passage of trains at both sites. The data from one of the sites, with the high-quality subgrade, were used to develop parameters for system stiffness and damping.
Genetic monitoring of trout movement after culvert remediation: family matters
Authors: Neville Helen M. , Peterson Douglas P.
Published: July 2014

We contrasted various genetic analyses to evaluate their utility and constraints for detecting movement of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) through restored culverts in different field settings: population-level metrics of genetic variability (heterozygosity and allelic richness); Bayesian clustering and assignment of individual genotypes from age 1+ fish; and a novel “sib-split” approach, where movement patterns are extracted from the spatial distribution of young-of-year (YOY) full-sibling groups inferred via pedigree reconstruction. Family structure greatly influenced population-level and individual clustering results in our small headwater populations, even though field sampling was implemented to avoid siblings. Sib-split, which uses family structure to detect movement, uncovered passage of YOY just weeks after emergence. When retrospectively applied to older individuals, it proved essential in interpreting clustering patterns and captured passage in several families of 1- and 2-year-olds. Where family structuring may negatively affect genetic analyses or, alternatively, be prominent enough to allow application of sib-split is difficult to predict a priori; we discuss benefits and limitations of all approaches under different ecological, spatial, and management scenarios.
A critical review of RHIC experimental results
Authors: Trainor Thomas A.
Published: July 2014

The relativistic heavy-ion collider (RHIC) was constructed to achieve an asymptotic state of nuclear matter in heavy-ion collisions, a near-ideal gas of deconfined quarks and gluons denoted quark–gluon plasma or QGP. RHIC collisions are indeed very different from the hadronic processes observed at the Bevalac and AGS, but high-energy elementary-collision mechanisms are also non-hadronic. The two-component model (TCM) combines measured properties of elementary collisions with the Glauber eikonal model to provide an alternative asymptotic limit for A–A collisions. RHIC data have been interpreted to indicate formation of a strongly-coupled QGP (sQGP) or "perfect liquid". In this review, I consider the experimental evidence that seems to support such conclusions and alternative evidence that may conflict with those conclusions and suggest different interpretations.
Abstractions from proofs
Authors: Henzinger Thomas A. , Jhala Ranjit , Majumdar Rupak , McMillan Kenneth L.
Published: July 2014

The success of model checking for large programs depends crucially on the ability to efficiently construct parsimonious abstractions. A predicate abstraction is parsimonious if at each control location, it specifies only relationships between current values of variables, and only those which are required for proving correctness. Previous methods for automatically refining predicate abstractions until sufficient precision is obtained do not systematically construct parsimonious abstractions: predicates usually contain symbolic variables, and are added heuristically and often uniformly to many or all control locations at once. We use Craig interpolation to efficiently construct, from a given abstract error trace which cannot be concretized, a parsominous abstraction that removes the trace. At each location of the trace, we infer the relevant predicates as an interpolant between the two formulas that define the past and the future segment of the trace. Each interpolant is a relationship between current values of program variables, and is relevant only at that particular program location. It can be found by a linear scan of the proof of infeasibility of the trace.We develop our method for programs with arithmetic and pointer expressions, and call-by-value function calls. For function calls, Craig interpolation offers a systematic way of generating relevant predicates that contain only the local variables of the function and the values of the formal parameters when the function was called. We have extended our model checker BLAST with predicate discovery by Craig interpolation, and applied it successfully to C programs with more than 130,000 lines of code, which was not possible with approaches that build less parsimonious abstractions.
J/ψ and Ψ Polarization in Hadronic Production Processes
Authors: Braaten Eric , Russ James
Published: July 2014

Both charm and bottom quarks form nonrelativistic bound states analogous to positronium. The J/ψ and ψ(2S) charmonium states and the first three Ψ(nS) bottomonium states, all spin-triplet S-wave quarkonium states below open heavy-flavor thresholds, have relatively large branching ratios to e−e+ or μ−μ+ pairs. In hadron collisions, experiments measuring lepton pairs can determine polarization by using angular correlation techniques. The polarization, in turn, can be related theoretically to the production mechanism for the bound state. This review summarizes experimental studies with proton beams at fixed-target and colliding-beam accelerators, covering a center-of-mass energy range from 39 to 7,000 GeV for nucleon and antiproton targets. Analyses using various polarization frames and spin-quantization axes are described and results compared. A pattern emerges that connects experimental results over the whole energy span. The theoretical implications of the pattern are presented, and a set of new measurements is proposed.
Glycan Engagement by Viruses: Receptor Switches and Specificity
Authors: Ströh Luisa J. , Stehle Thilo
Published: July 2014

A large number of viruses, including many human pathogens, bind cell-surface glycans during the initial steps of infection. Viral glycan receptors such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acid–containing carbohydrates are often negatively charged, but neutral glycans such as histo–blood group antigens can also function as receptors. The engagement of glycans facilitates attachment and entry and, consequently, is often a key determinant of the host range, tissue tropism, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of viruses. Here, we review current knowledge about virus-glycan interactions using representative crystal structures of viral attachment proteins in complex with glycans. We illuminate the determinants of specificity utilized by different glycan-binding viruses and explore the potential of these interactions for switching receptor specificities within or even between glycan classes. A detailed understanding of these parameters is important for the prediction of binding sites where structural information is not available, and is invaluable for the development of antiviral therapeutics.
Vaccine Development as a Means to Control Dengue Virus Pathogenesis: Do We Know Enough?
Authors: Pierson Theodore C. , Diamond Michael S.
Published: July 2014

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-transmitted RNA virus responsible for 390 million infections each year and significant morbidity and mortality throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Efforts to develop a DENV vaccine span 70 years and include the work of luminaries of the virus vaccine field. Although vaccines have been used to reduce the global health burden of other flaviviruses, the unique requirement for a single vaccine to protect against four different groups of dengue viruses, and the link between secondary infections and DENV disease pathogenesis, has limited success to date. In this review, we discuss several promising DENV vaccine candidates in clinical trials and assess how recent advances in understanding of DENV biology and immunity may expedite efforts toward the development of safe and effective vaccines.
Porthole Extrusion Process Design for Magnesium-Alloy Bumper Back Beam by Using FE Analysis and Extrusion Limit Diagram
Authors: Lee Sung-Yun , Ko Dae-Cheol , Lee Sang-Kon , Lee In-Kyu , Joeng Myeong-Sik , Kim Da Hye , Cho Yong-Jae
Published: July 2014

In recent years, several studies with focus on developing state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies have been conducted to produce light vehicles by employing parts made of light materials such as aluminum and magnesium. Of such materials, magnesium has been found to pose numerous issues, because it cannot be deformed (plastic deformation) easily at low temperatures. Furthermore, oxidation on the surface of manganese occurs at high temperatures. This study analyzes the extrusion process for manufacturing magnesium bumper back beams used in vehicles, using finite element (FE) analysis. The properties of magnesium were determined through a compression test performed at high temperatures. And the temperature at which oxidation occurs at its surface was evaluated via an extrusion test. FE analysis was used to evaluate the extrusion load and temperature during the extrusion process, according to changes in initial material temperature and ram speed. Extrusion limit diagram of the extrusion process was derived based on the results of the FE analysis. Process conditions required to be established during the extrusion process were determined by using the derived extrusion limit diagram. The conditions were further validated by the extrusion test.
Informed Consent in Otolaryngologic Surgery: Case Scenario from a Nigerian Specialist Hospital
Authors: Afolabi O. A. , Fadare J. O. , Ajiboye O. T.
Published: July 2014

Informed consent is a foundational concept necessary for ethical conduct of clinical research and practice. It is a technical tool that shifts the autonomy to decide whether a medical procedure should be performed—from the doctor to the patient. However there is an ongoing discussion in bioethical circles on the level of comprehension of the informed consent process by the patients and research participants. We present this case vignette and the discussion afterwards to explore the question of to what extent a patient comprehends the information given to him/her before a surgical procedure is carried out. In other words, the question being asked here is how informed is informed consent in the context of oto-laryngological practice.
Ecological Features of Cultivated Stands ofAquilaria malaccensisLam. (Thymelaeaceae), a Vulnerable Tropical Tree Species in Assamese Homegardens
Authors: Saikia P. , Khan M. L.
Published: July 2014

Research was conducted in twenty-seven selected villages located in Jorhat and Golaghat districts of upper Assam, northeast India, for population estimation, quantitative ecological analysis, and evaluation ofAquilaria malaccensis(Thymelaeaceae). Vegetation sampling was done by quadrat method andA. malaccensisis the most dominant tree species in all twenty-seven different study sites of upper Assam contributing 10–54% of the total tree density with a mean of34%±2. Density of the species varied from 6,236 individuals ha−1to 429 individuals ha−1with a mean of 1,609 individualsha-1±217, whereas frequency of occurrence is very high ranging from 93% to 100% with a mean of98%±0.53in different study sites. Distribution ofA. malaccensisis found contagious in all twenty-six study sites on the basis of abundance to frequency ratio except in KBG, Golaghat, where its distribution is random with 0.04 abundance to frequency ratio. The widespread cultivation ofA. malaccensisin upper Assam, northeast India, offers a potential ex situ reservoir for the future conservation and management of this threatened tree.
Tinnitus-Related Distress and the Personality Characteristic Resilience
Authors: Wallhäusser-Franke Elisabeth , Delb Wolfgang , Balkenhol Tobias , Hiller Wolfgang , Hörmann Karl
Published: July 2014

It has been suggested that personality traits may be prognostic for the severity of suffering from tinnitus. Resilience as measured with the Wagnild and Young resilience scale represents a positive personality characteristic that promotes adaptation to adverse life conditions including chronic health conditions. Aim of the study was to explore the relation between resilience and tinnitus severity. In a cross-sectional study with a self-report questionnaire, information on tinnitus-related distress and subjective tinnitus loudness was recorded together with the personality characteristic resilience and emotional health, a measure generated from depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity scales. Data from 4705 individuals with tinnitus indicate that tinnitus-related distress and to a lesser extent the experienced loudness of the tinnitus show an inverse correlation with resilience. A mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between resilience and tinnitus-related distress is mediated by emotional health. This indirect effect indicates that high resilience is associated with better emotional health or less depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity, which in turn is associated with a less distressing tinnitus. Validity of resilience as a predictor for tinnitus-related distress is supported but needs to be explored further in longitudinal studies including acute tinnitus patients.
Oxidative Stress and Proteostasis Network: Culprit and Casualty of Alzheimer’s-Like Neurodegeneration
Authors: Di Domenico Fabio , Head Elizabeth , Butterfield D. Allan , Perluigi Marzia
Published: July 2014

Free radical-mediated damage to proteins is particularly important in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, because in the majority of cases it is a non-reversible phenomenon that requires clearance systems for removal. Major consequences of protein oxidation are loss of protein function and the formation of large protein aggregates, which are often toxic to cells if allowed to accumulate. Deposition of aggregated, misfolded, and oxidized proteins may also result from the impairment of protein quality control (PQC) system, including protein unfolded response, proteasome, and autophagy. Perturbations of such components of the proteostasis network that provides a critical protective role against stress conditions are emerging as relevant factor in triggering neuronal death. In this outlook paper, we discuss the role of protein oxidation as a major contributing factor for the impairment of the PQC regulating protein folding, surveillance, and degradation. Recent studies from our group and from others aim to better understand the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology. We propose oxidative stress and alteration of proteostasis network as a possible unifying mechanism triggering neurodegeneration.
Investigation of the Interaction between Patulin and Human Serum Albumin by a Spectroscopic Method, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Yuqin Li , Guirong You , Zhen Yang , Caihong Liu , Baoxiu Jia , Jiao Chen , Yurong Guo
Published: July 2014

The interaction of patulin with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied in vitro under normal physiological conditions. The study was performed using fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), circular dichroism (CD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and molecular modeling techniques. The quenching mechanism was investigated using the association constants, the number of binding sites, and basic thermodynamic parameters. A dynamic quenching mechanism occurred between HSA and patulin, and the binding constants (K) were 2.60 × 104, 4.59 × 104, and 7.01 × 104 M−1at 288, 300, and 310 K, respectively. Based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the distance between the HSA and patulin was determined to be 2.847 nm. TheΔG0,ΔH0, andΔS0values across various temperatures indicated that hydrophobic interaction was the predominant binding force. The UV-Vis and CD results confirmed that the secondary structure of HSA was altered in the presence of patulin. The AFM results revealed that the individual HSA molecule dimensions were larger after interaction with patulin. In addition, molecular modeling showed that the patulin-HSA complex was stabilized by hydrophobic and hydrogen bond forces. The study results suggested that a weak intermolecular interaction occurred between patulin and HSA. Overall, the results are potentially useful for elucidating the toxigenicity of patulin when it is combined with the biomolecular function effect, transmembrane transport, toxicological, testing and other experiments.
High Prevalence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) Genes in Nosocomial-AcquiredStaphylococcus aureusIsolated from Tertiary Care Hospitals in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Bidya , Singh Winny , Raj V. Samuel , Pokhrel Bharat Mani , Mohapatra Tribhuban Mohan
Published: July 2014

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) carrying the important virulence determinant, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), is an emerging infectious pathogen associated with skin and soft tissue infections as well as life-threatening invasive diseases. In carrying out the first PVL prevalence study in Nepal, we screened 73 nosocomial isolates ofS. aureusfrom 2 tertiary care Nepali hospitals and obtained an overall PVL-positivity rate of 35.6% among the hospital isolates: 26.1% of MRSA and 51.9% of methicillin sensitiveS. aureus(MSSA) isolates were found to be positive for the PVL genes. PVL prevalence was not associated with a specific (i) infection site, (ii) age group, or (iii) hospital of origin. It was found to be positively associated with heterogeneous MRSA (73.3%) compared to homogeneous MRSA (3.2%) and MSSA (51.9%); negatively associated with multiresistant MRSA (22%) compared to nonmultiresistant MRSA (60%) and MSSA (51.9%); and positively associated with macrolide-streptogramin B resistance (93.8%) compared to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance (0%) and no-resistance (45.8%) types. Macrolide-streptogramin B resistance was confirmed by the presence ofmsr(A) gene. Restriction pattern analyses provided evidence to support the circulation of a limited number of clones of PVL-positive MRSA, arguing for the adaptability of these isolates to a hospital setting.
Modelling the Aggregation Process of Cellular Slime Mold by the Chemical Attraction
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Vermeulen P. D.
Published: July 2014

We put into exercise a comparatively innovative analytical modus operandi, the homotopy decomposition method (HDM), for solving a system of nonlinear partial differential equations arising in an attractor one-dimensional Keller-Segel dynamics system. Numerical solutions are given and some properties show evidence of biologically practical reliance on the parameter values. The reliability of HDM and the reduction in computations give HDM a wider applicability.
Success Rates of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Ferric Sulfate as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Molars
Authors: Cantekin Kenan , Gümüş Hüsniye
Published: July 2014

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic findings of treatments using a new hemostatic agent (Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS)), as compared to ferric sulfate (FS), when used as a pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth. Materials and Methods. The primary molars (70) were selected from 35 children aged 4 to 6 years. The teeth were randomized into two groups for pulpotomy with the ABS (n=35) and the FS (n=35) agents. The patients were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluation at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month intervals. Results. At the 3- and 6-month clinical and radiographic evaluations, total success rates of 100% were observed in each group. In ABS and FS groups, the clinical success rates, however, reduced to 90.9% and 93.9% at the 9-month examination and 84,8% and 90.9% at the 12-month examination, respectively. Similarly, the teeth in the ABS and FS groups had radiographic success rates of 90.9% and 93.9% at 9 months and 84.8% and 87.8% at 12 moths, respectively. Conclusion. Although the findings indicated that ABS agents may be useful agents for pulpotomy medicament, further long-term and comprehensive histological investigations of ABS treatments are necessary.
Unit Cell Analysis of the Superelastic Behavior of Open-Cell Tetrakaidecahedral Shape Memory Alloy Foam under Quasi-Static Loading
Authors: Maîtrejean Guillaume , Terriault Patrick , Devís Capilla Diego , Brailovski Vladimir
Published: July 2014

Cellular solid materials and, more specifically, foams are increasingly common in many industrial applications due to their attractive characteristics. The tetrakaidecahedral foam microstructure, which can be observed in many types of foams, is studied in the present work in association with shape memory alloys (SMA) material. SMA foams are of particular interest as they associate both the shape memory effect and the superelasticity with the characteristics of foam. A Unit Cell Finite Element Method approach is used, an approach that allows accurate predicting of the macroscale response of the foam with a highly reduced numerical effort. The tetrakaidecahedral foam’s responses, both in the elastic and in the superelastic stages, are then extracted and compared with results from the literature. The tetrakaidecahedral geometry is found to be of particular interest when associated with SMA as it takes more advantage of the superelastic property of the material than foams with randomly distributed porosity.
Oil and Grease Removal from Industrial Wastewater Using New Utility Approach
Authors: Abd El-Gawad H. S.
Published: July 2014

The present study is an attempt to investigate oil and grease pollution that may pollute fresh water and influence aquatic environment. Then removal of oil and grease from manufacturing wastewater befall essential but common techniques not enough. Enzyme and adsorption units representing major developed new laboratory were selected to assess the water quality and humiliation prospective of oil and grease from wastewater. Several components and environmental variables that were dissolved oxygen, bacteriology measure, flow rate and adsorption material amount studied to assess the removal performance of oil and grease. The results elucidated significant variations among different tests which influenced microbial necessary role of oxidation declining develop biological treatment process reached to 72%. The study stressed out natural material (zeolite) that enhanced organic reduction under optimal conditions. These conditions were closer spacing and high length of adsorbing unit that led to increase oil and grease contact period with adsorbent and added to increase performance removal reached to 99%.
Development of Avian External Genitalia: Interspecific Differences and Sexual Differentiation of the Male and Female Phallus
Authors: Herrera Ana M. , Brennan Patricia L.R. , Cohn Martin J.
Published: July 2014

Avian genitalia, particularly in waterfowl, are extremely diverse. Penis morphology varies among species, and penis length and elaboration are associated with the frequency of forced extra-pair copulations, yet the developmental mechanisms responsible for this variation are unknown. In addition, females have a small phallic structure that is homologous to the male phallus, but little is known about when or how sexual differentiation takes place. To determine whether species-specific genital morphologies and sexual differentiation occur during duck embryonic development, we characterized development from the onset of genital tubercle initiation through stages of sexual differentiation in 3 species. Pekin and Laysan ducks have long, thick penises, whereas those of Mandarin ducks are shorter and thinner. Development of the genital tubercle is similar throughout the pre-hatching period across the 3 species, suggesting that differences in penis morphology arise post-hatching. We observed that male and female phallus development is similar at early stages, but the female phallus later regresses. Then, we compared male and female genital development between ducks and chickens, which develop a non-intromittent penis. We found that external genital development in male and female chickens resembles that of female ducks, which raises the possibility that male phallus development became feminized during galliform evolution.
Endogenous Kisspeptin Tone Is a Critical Excitatory Component of Spontaneous GnRH Activity and the GnRH Response to NPY and CART
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Kirigiti Melissa A. , Millar Robert P. , Grove Kevin L. , Smith M. Susan
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: Kisspeptin is the major excitatory regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and is responsible for basal GnRH/LH release and the GnRH/LH surge. Although it is widely assumed, based on mutations in kisspeptin and Kiss1R, that kisspeptin acts to sustain basal GnRH neuronal activity, there have been no studies to investigate whether endogenous basal kisspeptin tone plays a direct role in basal spontaneous GnRH neuronal excitability. It is also of interest to examine possible interactions between endogenous kisspeptin tone and other neuropeptides that have direct effects on GnRH neurons, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) or cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), since the activity of all these neuropeptides changes during states of negative energy balance. Methods: Loose cell-attached and whole-cell current patch-clamp recordings were made from GnRH-GFP neurons in hypothalamic slices from female and male rats. Results: Kisspeptin activated GnRH neurons in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 3.32 ± 0.02 nM. Surprisingly, a kisspeptin antagonist, Peptide 347, suppressed spontaneous activity in GnRH neurons, demonstrating the essential nature of the endogenous kisspeptin tone. Furthermore, inhibition of endogenous kisspeptin tone blocked the direct activation of GnRH cells that occurs in response to antagonism of NPY Y5 receptor or by CART. Conclusions: Our electrophysiology studies suggest that basal endogenous kisspeptin tone is not only essential for spontaneous GnRH neuronal firing, but it is also required for the net excitatory effects of other neuropeptides, such as CART or NPY antagonism, on GnRH neurons. Therefore, endogenous kisspeptin tone could serve as the linchpin in GnRH activation or inhibition.
Taxonomic study of oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Bi Dup—Nui Ba National Park (southern Vietnam)
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , ANICHKIN ALEXANDER E.
Published: July 2014

A list of oribatid mite taxa from six localities of Bi Dup—Nui Ba National Park (southern Vietnam) is provided. It includes 89 species/subspecies, 68 genera, and 40 families, of these 23 species, two subgenera, 15 genera and seven families are recorded for the first time in Vietnam. Three species (Elaphoppia quadripilosa, Exoribatula cf. longior, Allogalumna (Allogalumna) rotundiceps), one subgenus (Lohamnnia (Carolohmannia) and one genus (Elaphoppia) are recorded for the first time in the Oriental region. Fourteen new species, Lohmannia (Carolohmannia) monosetosa sp. nov., Tectodamaeus heterotrichus sp. nov., Allosuctobelba vietnamensis sp. nov., Epieremulus bidupensis sp. nov., Dolicheremaeus insolitus sp. nov., Fissicepheus striganovae sp. nov., Tegeocranellus martinezi sp. nov., Anachipteria svetlanae sp. nov., Indoribates (Indoribates) bicarinatus sp. nov., Peloribates tatyanae sp. nov., Neoribates (Neoribates) monodactylus sp. nov., Allogalumna (Allogalumna) paramachadoi sp. nov., Galumna (Neogalumna) longilineata sp. nov., G. (N.) tolstikovi sp. nov., are described. The taxonomic status of the two galumnid genera, Neogalumna and Globogalumna, is discussed: Neogalumna is proposed as the subgenus Galumna (Neogalumna) stat. nov.; Globogalumna is proposed as the subgenus Allogalumna (Globogalumna) stat. nov. An identification key to the known species of Galumna (Neogalumna) is given.
Approximate Stokes Drift Profiles in Deep Water
Authors: Breivik Øyvind , Janssen Peter A. E. M. , Bidlot Jean-Raymond
Published: July 2014

A deep-water approximation of the Stokes drift velocity profile is explored as an alternative to the monochromatic profile. The alternative profile investigated relies on the same two quantities required for the monochromatic profile, namely, the Stokes transport and the surface Stokes drift velocity. Comparisons with parametric spectra and profiles under wave spectra from the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and buoy observations reveal much better agreement than the monochromatic profile even for complex sea states. That the profile gives a closer match and a more correct shear has implications for ocean circulation models since the Coriolis–Stokes force depends on the magnitude and direction of the Stokes drift profile, and Langmuir turbulence parameterizations depend sensitively on the shear of the profile. The alternative profile comes at no added numerical cost compared to the monochromatic profile.
Coexistence of halloysite and iron-bearing clays in an altered ignimbrite, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Cravero F. , Marfil S. A. , Ramos C. P. , Maiza P.
Published: July 2014

The Mamil Choique halloysite deposits of Patagonia, Argentina, contain randomly distributed green clay inclusions and patches within the halloysite mass. Halloysite has been formed from the thorough alteration of rhyolitic to dacitic ash fall tuffs and ignimbrites of the Huitrera Formation, Eocene age, under ambient conditions. The smectites present in the clay inclusions have been determined as ferruginous beidellites with variables amounts of Fe3+in octahedral sites. The weathering activity that caused the formation of halloysite was also responsible for the genesis of the iron-bearing clay minerals, the formation of which was controlled mainly by permeability. Textural variations within the rock indicate favourable local geochemical environments for the formation of the green clay minerals.
A collection of aspect ratios of common clay minerals determined from conductometric titrations
Authors: Weber C. , Heuser M. , Stanjek H.
Published: July 2014

The aspect ratios of common clay minerals have been determined from conductometric titrations. The sample set comprises 11 Na-saturated bentonites, 16 smectites with different interlayer cations, three illites/muscovites and two talc dominated specimens. It is shown that the aspect ratios of smectites saturated with divalent cations are lower than those of the same smectite saturated with a monovalent cation. This observation is discussed in terms of the number of smectite layers making up a particle.
Higher Serum S100B and BDNF Levels are Correlated with a Lower Pressure-Pain Threshold in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Zanette Simone Azevedo , Dussan-Sania Jairo Alberto , Souza Andressa , Deitos Alicia , Torres Iraci Lucena Silva , Caumo Wolnei
Published: July 2014

Background:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is conceptualized as a central sensitization (CS) condition, that presents high serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuroglia activation. Although the S100B protein regulates neuroglia functions, it has been traditionally used as a proxy of central nervous system damage. However, neither BDNF nor S100B association with the clinical picture of FM has been elucidated. To explore their association with the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) in FM, we performed a cross-sectional study, including 56 females with confirmed FM aged 18–65 years. Linear regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding factors between serum BDNF, S100B and PPT.

Results:

Serum BDNF and S100B were correlated (Spearman's Rho = 0.29). Serum BDNF ( log) and S100B ( log) were correlated with the PPT ( log) (Partial η2 = 0.129, P = 0.012 for the BDNF ( log), and Partial η2 = 0.105, P = 0.025 for the S100B ( log)). Serum BDNF ( log) was inversely associated with PPT ( log) (β = −1.01, SE = 0.41), age (β = −0.02, SE = 0.15) and obsessive compulsive disorder (β = −0.36, SE = 0.15), while serum S100B ( log) was inversely associated with PPT ( log) (β = −1.38, SE = 0.50), only.

Conclusions:

Both neuroglia key mediators in the CS process were inversely correlated with the PPT. Serum assessment of BDNF and S100B deserve further study to determine its potential as a proxy for the CS spectrum in FM.
Evaluating the predictive value of biomarkers for efficacy outcomes in response to pertuzumab- and trastuzumab-based therapy: an exploratory analysis of the TRYPHAENA study
Authors: Schneeweiss Andreas , Chia Stephen , Hegg Roberto , Tausch Christoph , Deb Rahul , Ratnayake Jayantha , McNally Virginia , Ross Graham , Kiermaier Astrid , Cortés Javier
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Molecular markers that predict responses to particular therapies are invaluable for optimization of patient treatment. The TRYPHAENA study showed that pertuzumab and trastuzumab with chemotherapy was an efficacious and tolerable combination for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. We analyzed whether particular biomarkers correlated with the responses observed and therefore may predict outcomes in patients given pertuzumab plus trastuzumab.

Methods

We describe the analysis of a panel of biomarkers including HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and PCR-based mutational analyses as appropriate. For each marker analyzed, patients were categorized into ‘low’ (generally below median) or ‘high’ (generally above median) subgroups at baseline and post-treatment.

Results

Correlation of marker subgroups with the achievement of a pathological complete response (pCR) (ypT0/is) was analyzed. HER2 protein and mRNA expression levels were associated with pCR rate in two of the three study arms and the pooled analyses. Correlations of biomarker status with pCR occurred in one individual arm only and the pooled analyses with EGFR and PTEN; however, interpretation of these results is limited by a strong imbalance in patient numbers between the high and low subgroups and inconsistency between arms. We also found no association between expression levels of TOP2A and pCR rate in either the anthracycline-containing or free arms of TRYPHAENA.

Conclusions

According to these analyses, and in line with other analyses of pertuzumab and trastuzumab in the neoadjuvant setting, we conclude that HER2 expression remains the only marker suitable for patient selection for this regimen at present.

Trial registration

The TRYPHAENA study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00976989, on September 14 2009.
Cellular and physical mechanisms of branching morphogenesis
Authors: Varner Victor D. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: July 2014

Branching morphogenesis is the developmental program that builds the ramified epithelial trees of various organs, including the airways of the lung, the collecting ducts of the kidney, and the ducts of the mammary and salivary glands. Even though the final geometries of epithelial trees are distinct, the molecular signaling pathways that control branching morphogenesis appear to be conserved across organs and species. However, despite this molecular homology, recent advances in cell lineage analysis and real-time imaging have uncovered surprising differences in the mechanisms that build these diverse tissues. Here, we review these studies and discuss the cellular and physical mechanisms that can contribute to branching morphogenesis.
Εξόρυξη γνώσης από δεδομένα χρήσης του παγκόσμιου ιστού για την εξατομίκευση θεματικών καταλόγων
Authors: Πιερράκος Δημήτριος
Published: July 2014

Το θέμα της διατριβής είναι η παρουσίαση μια ολοκληρωμένης και πρωτότυπης μεθοδολογίας που συνδυάζει την εξατομίκευση του Παγκόσμιου Ιστού και τους Θεματικούς καταλόγους προκειμένου να αντιμετώπισει την υπερπληροφόρηση. Ο συνδυασμός αυτός έχει ως αποτέλεσμα την δημιουργία των Εξατομικευμένων Καταλόγων Παγκόσμιου Ιστού, που αντιστοιχούν σε τμήματα της ιεραρχίας του αρχικού καταλόγου, αντιπροσωπεύοντας τα ενδιαφέροντα και τις προτιμήσεις κοινοτήτων χρηστών. Η προσέγγιση βασίζεται στην εξαγωγή γνώσης από δεδομένα χρήσης του Παγκόσμιου ιστού. Τα δεδομένα χρήσης αντιστοιχούν στην περιήγηση του χρήστη σε όλο τον Ιστό και όχι σε ένα μεμονωμένο ιστότοπο, με αποτέλεσμα να παρουσιάζουν μεγάλη θεματική ποικιλία. Για τη κατασκευή των εξατομικευμένων Καταλόγων, παρουσιάζονται τρεις νέες μέθοδοι μηχανικής μάθησης οι οποίες συνδυάζουν τη συμπεριφορά των χρηστών με τις θεματικές πληροφορίες που υπάρχουν στους καταλόγους. Οι μέθοδοι αυτοί βασίζονται σε αλγόριθμους ομαδοποίησης και πιθανοτικής μάθησης, ενώ εφαρμόζονται και αξιολογούνται σε τεχνητούς και σε πραγματικούς θεματικούς καταλόγους, πιστοποιώντας την δυνητική αξία τους για τον τελικό χρήστη, και την αποτελεσματικότητα στην εφαρμογή τους. Τέλος, στη διατριβή παρουσιάζεται το σύστημα OurDMOZ, το οποίο δημιουργεί και διαχειρίζεται εξατομικευμένους θεματικούς καταλόγους. Μια πρώτη αξιολόγηση του συστήματος από χρήστες, επαληθεύει τη χρησιμότητά του για τον τελικό χρήστη στα πλαίσια μιας αναβαθμισμένης εξατομικευμένης εμπειρίας στον Παγκόσμιο Ιστό.