bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation is a sufficient and robust predictor of genetic variation for mitotic spindle traits inC. elegans
Authors: Farhadifar Reza , Ponciano José Miguel , Andersen Erik C. , Needleman Daniel J. , Baer Charles F.
Published: December 2015

Different types of phenotypic traits consistently exhibit different levels of genetic variation in natural populations. There are two potential explanations: either mutation produces genetic variation at different rates, or natural selection removes or promotes genetic variation at different rates. Whether mutation or selection is of greater general importance is a longstanding unresolved question in evolutionary genetics. Where the input of genetic variation by mutation differs between traits, it is usually uncertain whether the difference is the result of different mutational effects (“mutational robustness”) or different numbers of underlying loci (“mutational target”), although conventional wisdom favors the latter. We report mutational variances (VM) for 19 traits related to the first mitotic cell division inC. elegans, and compare them to the standing genetic variances (VG) for the same suite of traits in a worldwide collectionC. elegans. Two robust conclusions emerge. First, the mutational process is highly repeatable: the correlation between VM in two independent sets of mutation accumulation lines is ~0.9. Second, VM for a trait is a very good predictor of VG for that trait: the correlation between VM and VG is ~0.9. This result is predicted for a population at mutation-selection balance; it is not predicted if balancing selection plays a primary role in maintaining genetic variation. Goodness- of-fit of the data to two simple models of mutation suggest that differences in mutational effects may be a more important cause of differences in VM between traits than differences in the size of the mutational target.
A framework for estimating the determinants of spatial and temporal variation in vital rates and inferring the occurrence of unobserved extreme events
Authors: Vincenzi Simone , Jesenšek Dušan , Crivelli Alain J
Published: December 2015

We develop an overarching framework that combines long-term tag-recapture data and powerful statistical and modeling techniques to investigate how population, environmental, and climate factors determine variation in vital rates and population dynamics in an animal species, using as a model system the population of brown trout living in Upper Volaja (Western Slovenia). This population has been monitored since 2004; Upper Volaja is also a sink, receiving individuals from a source population living above a waterfall. We estimate the numerical contribution of the source population on the sink population and test the effects of temperature, population density, and extreme events on variation in vital rates among more than 2,500 individually tagged brown trout. We found that fish dispersing downstream from the source population help maintain high population densities in the sink population despite poor recruitment. The best model of survival for individuals older than juveniles includes additive effects of year-of-birth and time. Fast growth of older cohorts and higher population densities in 2004-2005 suggest very low population densities in late1990s, which we hypothesize were caused by a flash flood that strongly reduced population size and created the habitat conditions for faster growth and transient higher population densities after the extreme event.
Financial incentives to promote extended smoking abstinence in opioid‐maintained patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Sigmon Stacey C. , Miller Mollie E. , Meyer Andrew C. , Saulsgiver Kathryn , Badger Gary J. , Heil Sarah H. , Higgins Stephen T.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

Prior studies by our group demonstrated the efficacy of a brief but intensive behavioral intervention for producing initial smoking abstinence among opioid‐dependent patients. In the present study, our aim was to promote longer‐duration abstinence in this population. Following an initial 2‐week incentive intervention for smoking abstinence, we examined whether a 10‐week maintenance arm involving continuation of contingent reinforcement will produce greater smoking abstinence than a similar duration of noncontingent reinforcement.

Design

Randomized, 12‐week, parallel‐group study.

Setting

Out‐patient research clinic in Burlington, Vermont, USA.

Participants

Opioid‐maintained smokers (n = 88) who provided breath carbon monoxide and urinary cotinine specimens and received contingent reinforcement for smoking abstinence during weeks 1–2 (phase 1), with 63 randomized on day 14 to an extended contingent (EC; n = 31) or extended noncontingent (EN; n = 32) experimental condition for weeks 3–12 (phase 2).

Intervention and control

The EC condition consisted of voucher values that escalated across consecutive negative samples until they reached $30, after which they remained at $30 per negative sample. A positive or a missing sample resulted in no vouchers for that day and reset the value of the next negative same to $9. Two consecutive negatives returned the schedule to the pre‐reset value. The EN control condition consisted of vouchers delivered for providing scheduled samples, but independent of smoking status.

Measurements

The primary outcome was percentage of biochemically abstinent samples during phase 2. Secondary measures included abstinence status at final study visit, complete abstinence, participants’ longest duration of continuous abstinence, cotinine and carbon monoxide (CO) levels and self‐reported cigarettes per day.

Findings

EC participants achieved greater smoking abstinence during phase 2 than EN participants [46.7 versus 23.5% negative samples, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–7.65, χ21 = 5.0, P = 0.02]. When longest duration of continuous abstinence was compared between experimental groups, EC participants achieved twice the mean duration of continuous abstinence compared with EN participants (3.31 versus 1.68 weeks; t61 = 1.83, P = 0.07). An effect of experimental condition was also seen on mean cotinine levels (42.5 versus 210.6 ng/ml, respectively; F1,61=5.9, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Among opioid‐maintained smokers receiving an initial period of daily contingent incentives, a contingent reinforcement intervention appears to be more effective at extending smoking abstinence than noncontingent reinforcement over 10 weeks.
Single‐cell functional analysis of parathyroid adenomas reveals distinct classes of calcium sensing behaviour in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Koh James , Hogue Joyce A. , Wang Yuli , DiSalvo Matthew , Allbritton Nancy L. , Shi Yuhong , Olson John A. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: December 2015

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine neoplastic disorder caused by a failure of calcium sensing secondary to tumour development in one or more of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid adenomas are comprised of distinct cellular subpopulations of variable clonal status that exhibit differing degrees of calcium responsiveness. To gain a clearer understanding of the relationship among cellular identity, tumour composition and clinical biochemistry in PHPT, we developed a novel single cell platform for quantitative evaluation of calcium sensing behaviour in freshly resected human parathyroid tumour cells. Live‐cell intracellular calcium flux was visualized through Fluo‐4‐AM epifluorescence, followed by in situ immunofluorescence detection of the calcium sensing receptor (CASR), a central component in the extracellular calcium signalling pathway. The reactivity of individual parathyroid tumour cells to extracellular calcium stimulus was highly variable, with discrete kinetic response patterns observed both between and among parathyroid tumour samples. CASR abundance was not an obligate determinant of calcium responsiveness. Calcium EC50 values from a series of parathyroid adenomas revealed that the tumours segregated into two distinct categories. One group manifested a mean EC50 of 2.40 mM (95% CI: 2.37–2.41), closely aligned to the established normal range. The second group was less responsive to calcium stimulus, with a mean EC50 of 3.61 mM (95% CI: 3.45–3.95). This binary distribution indicates the existence of a previously unappreciated biochemical sub‐classification of PHPT tumours, possibly reflecting distinct etiological mechanisms. Recognition of quantitative differences in calcium sensing could have important implications for the clinical management of PHPT.
Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for treatment of gastric varices due to portal hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yun‐Bing , Zhang Jian‐Ying , Gong Jian‐Ping , Zhang Fan , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and safety of both balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for treatment of gastric varices due to portal hypertension through the method of meta‐analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for both randomized controlled trials and cohort studies concerning BRTO compared with TIPS in the treatment of gastric varices from their inception to April 26, 2015. The Cochrane network RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistic analysis. The primary markers that need to be evaluated contained technical success rate, hemostasis rate, incidence rate of postoperative rebleeding, incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy, and postoperative procedure‐related complication. Study‐specific odds ratios (ORs) were combined to calculate pooled value by using random effects model.

Results:

Five original studies were included in total. Meta‐analysis showed that BRTO and TIPS had no difference in aspects of technical success rate (OR, 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–1.08; P = 0.06), hemostasis rate (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 0.33–35.40; P = 0.30), and incidence rate of postoperative procedure‐related complication (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.44–8.84; P = 0.37). However, BRTO had a lower incidence rate of post‐operative rebleeding (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09–0.81; P = 0.02) and a lower incidence rate of postoperative encephalopathy (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.13; P < 0.00001).

Conclusions:

Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration was a technically feasible as well as a secure method for the treatment of gastric varices originated from portal hypertension. It may have the potential to be an alterative shunt approach of TIPS, when suitable patients selected.
Identification of Ourmiavirus 30K movement protein amino acid residues involved in symptomatology, viral movement, subcellular localization and tubule formation
Authors: Margaria Paolo , Anderson Charles T. , Turina Massimo , Rosa Cristina
Published: December 2015

Several plant viruses encode movement proteins (MPs) classified in the 30K superfamily. Despite a great functional diversity, alignment analysis of MP sequences belonging to the 30K superfamily revealed the presence of a central core region, including amino acids potentially critical for MP structure and functionality. We performed alanine‐scanning mutagenesis of the Ourmia melon virus (OuMV) MP, and studied the effects of amino acid substitutions on MP properties and virus infection. We identified five OuMV mutants that were impaired in systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, and two mutants showing necrosis and pronounced mosaic symptoms, respectively, in N. benthamiana. Green fluorescent protein fusion constructs (GFP:MP) of movement‐defective MP alleles failed to localize in distinct foci at the cell wall, whereas a GFP fusion with wild‐type MP (GFP:MPwt) mainly co‐localized with plasmodesmata and accumulated at the periphery of epidermal cells. The movement‐defective mutants also failed to produce tubular protrusions in protoplasts isolated from infected leaves, suggesting a link between tubule formation and the ability of OuMV to move. In addition to providing data to support the importance of specific amino acids for OuMV MP functionality, we predict that these conserved residues might be critical for the correct folding and/or function of the MP of other viral species in the 30K superfamily.
Paraspinal and Extensive Epidural Abscess: The Great Masqueraders of Abdominal Pain
Authors: Chu Andrew , Aung Thu Thu , Shankar Uday
Published: December 2015

Paraspinal and epidural abscesses are rare conditions often diagnosed later in the disease process that can have significant morbidity and mortality. Predisposing risk factors include diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, intravenous drug abuse, and previous history of spinal surgery or injection. They can threaten the spinal cord by compressive effect, leading to sensory motor deficits and ultimately paralysis and death. Diagnosis may be a challenge due to the delayed presentation of nonspecific back pain or radicular pain such as chest pain or abdominal pain. We present a rare case on a patient with periumbilical pain, constipation, and urinary retention who was ultimately diagnosed with a paraspinal abscess extending into the epidural space from T1 to S2. He underwent decompressive laminectomy with incision and drainage of the abscesses. The patient made an excellent recovery postoperatively, and repeat magnetic resonance imaging at six weeks showed resolution of the abscess.
Species Turnover across Different Life Stages from Seedlings to Canopy Trees in Swamp Forests of Central Brazil
Authors: Fontes Clarissa G. , Walter Bruno M. T. , Pinto José Roberto R. , Damasco Gabriel
Published: December 2015

Processes driving the assembly of swamp forest communities have been poorly explored. We analyzed natural regeneration and adult tree communities data of a swamp gallery forest in Central Brazil to discuss the role of ecological filters in shaping plant species turnover in a successional gradient. Species data of 120 plots were used to assess species turnover between natural regeneration and adult tree communities. Our analyses were based on 4995 individuals belonging to 72 species. Community patterns were discerned using ordination analyses. A clear floristic turnover among plant life stages was distinguished. Regeneration community of swamp forests was richer in species composition than the adult community. Tree species commonly found in nonflooded gallery forests were present in the regeneration plots but not in the adult community. Differences in the floristic composition of these two strata suggest that not all species in the seedling stage can stand permanent flooding conditions and only a few tolerant species survive to become adult trees. We propose that natural disturbances play an important role by altering limiting resources, allowing seeds of nonflooded forest species to germinate. This paper elucidates the turnover between plant life stages in swamp forests and suggests mechanisms that may shape these communities.
Selective Mobile Communication within a Coverage Area Bounded by Radiating Cables
Authors: Behairy Hatim , Alrobian Waleed , Alghammas Adnan , Alasaad Amr , Suter Brian , Alshareef Mohammed , Alsuwayyeh Yahya
Published: December 2015

It is often desirable to control mobile phone services in areas where complete silence is either expected or mandatory, including schools, places of worship, hospitals, and prisons. In contrast to conventional techniques, such as jammers or Faraday cages, we present a novel technique to selectively control mobile phone services within a desired area. Our solution enables the area’s keeper to allow mobile phones on a whitelist to freely use mobile services without disruption while denying services to all other mobile phones that are within the boundaries of the desired area to be controlled. Our solution uses a base station controller to identify all mobile devices located within the area to be controlled, while an antenna is placed inside the area to attract all mobile devices in the area to connect to the base station controller. In previous work, we proposed a system that uses directional antennas for the attraction technique. In this work, we show that replacement of the directional antennas with a leaky feeder antenna enables more accurate control of mobile phone services in and around the area to be controlled. Simulations and experiments of the leaky feeder technique confirm its precise control of mobile phone services within the desired areas.
Aberrant “Barbed-Wire” Nuclear Projections of Neutrophils in Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome)
Authors: Kahwash Basil M. , Nowacki Nicholas B. , Kahwash Samir B.
Published: December 2015

We discuss the significance of neutrophils with increased, aberrant nuclear projections mimicking “barbed-wire” in a newborn child with trisomy 18 (T18). Increased, aberrant nuclear projections have been previously reported in trisomy of the D group of chromosomes (chromosomes 13, 14, and 15), and we report similar findings in a patient with T18. The peripheral blood smear showed relative neutrophilia with the majority (37%) of neutrophils showing two or more thin, rod-shaped or spike-shaped, and often pedunculated aberrant nuclear projections. The number of projections ranged from 2 to 6 per cell, averaged 2 per affected neutrophil, and ranged in length from 0.22 μm to 0.83 μm. This case confirms that the morphologic finding described is not restricted to trisomy of one of the chromosomes in group D, as implied in the literature.
Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Membranes for CO2Separation Applications
Authors: Kim Hyung-Ju , Yang Hee-Chul , Chung Dong-Yong , Yang In-Hwan , Choi Yun Jung , Moon Jei-kwon
Published: December 2015

Mesoporous silica molecular sieves are emerging candidates for a number of potential applications involving adsorption and molecular transport due to their large surface areas, high pore volumes, and tunable pore sizes. Recently, several research groups have investigated the potential of functionalized mesoporous silica molecular sieves as advanced materials in separation devices, such as membranes. In particular, mesoporous silica with a two- or three-dimensional pore structure is one of the most promising types of molecular sieve materials for gas separation membranes. However, several important challenges must first be addressed regarding the successful fabrication of mesoporous silica membranes. First, a novel, high throughput process for the fabrication of continuous and defect-free mesoporous silica membranes is required. Second, functionalization of mesopores on membranes is desirable in order to impart selective properties. Finally, the separation characteristics and performance of functionalized mesoporous silica membranes must be further investigated. Herein, the synthesis, characterization, and applications of mesoporous silica membranes and functionalized mesoporous silica membranes are reviewed with a focus on CO2separation.
Research on Gas Hydrate Plug Formation under Pipeline-Like Conditions
Authors: Merkel Florian Stephan , Schmuck Carsten , Schultz Heyko Jürgen , Scholz Timo Alexander , Wolinski Sven
Published: December 2015

Hydrates of natural gases like methane have become subject of great interest over the last few decades, mainly because of their potential as energy resource. The exploitation of these natural gases from gas hydrates is seen as a promising mean to solve future energetic problems. Furthermore, gas hydrates play an important role in gas transportation and gas storage: in pipelines, particularly in tubes and valves, gas hydrates are formed and obstruct the gas flow. This phenomenon is called “plugging” and causes high operational expenditure as well as precarious safety conditions. In this work, research on the formation of gas hydrates under pipeline-like conditions, with the aim to predict induction times as a mean to evaluate the plugging potential, is described.
Amnion and Chorion Membranes: Potential Stem Cell Reservoir with Wide Applications in Periodontics
Authors: Gupta Akanksha , Kedige Suresh D. , Jain Kanu
Published: December 2015

The periodontal therapy usually aims at elimination of disease causing bacteria and resolution of inflammation. It involves either resective or regenerative surgery to resolve the inflammation associated defects. Over the years, several methods have been used for achievement of periodontal regeneration. One of the oldest biomaterials used for scaffolds is the fetal membrane. The amniotic membranes of developing embryo, that is, amnion (innermost lining) and chorion (a layer next to it), have the properties with significant potential uses in dentistry. This paper reviews the properties, mechanism of action, and various applications of these placental membranes in general and specifically in Periodontics.
Global Stability of Humoral Immunity HIV Infection Models with Chronically Infected Cells and Discrete Delays
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Alghamdi N. A.
Published: December 2015

We study the global stability of three HIV infection models with humoral immune response. We consider two types of infected cells: the first type is the short-lived infected cells and the second one is the long-lived chronically infected cells. In the three HIV infection models, we modeled the incidence rate by bilinear, saturation, and general forms. The models take into account two types of discrete-time delays to describe the time between the virus entering into an uninfected CD4+T cell and the emission of new active viruses. The existence and stability of all equilibria are completely established by two bifurcation parameters,R0andR1. The global asymptotic stability of the steady states has been proven using Lyapunov method. In case of the general incidence rate, we have presented a set of sufficient conditions which guarantee the global stability of model. We have presented an example and performed numerical simulations to confirm our theoretical results.
Hybrid ZnO/TiO2Loaded in Electrospun Polymeric Fibers as Photocatalyst
Authors: Araújo Evando S. , Libardi Juliano , Faia Pedro M. , de Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: December 2015

Hybrid ZnO/TiO2nanoparticles were applied as potential photocatalyst agents incorporated into electrospun fibers of enteric block copolymers. The resistance of fibers avoids aggregation and contributes to prolonged action of semiconductor nanoparticles under continuous light irradiation. Such behavior is attributed to the minimal aggregation degree and elevated efficiency of photodegradation of modified nanoparticles in comparison with pristine ones. Hybrid ZnO/TiO2in nanofibers contributes to the association of different mechanisms such as N-deethylation and cleavage of dye molecules applied in the overall process of photodegradation.
The Solitary Variant of Mandibular Intraosseous Neurofibroma: Report of a Rare Entity
Authors: Gujjar Pavan Kumar , Hallur Jayadev M. , Patil Shruthi T. , Dakshinamurthy Shylaja Mysore , Chande Mayura , Pereira Treville , Zingade Jyoti
Published: December 2015

Neurofibroma (NF) is a benign neoplasm derived from peripheral nerve cells. NF may extend either as a solitary lesion or as part of a generalized syndrome of neurofibromatosis. Intraorally, the intraosseous variant of neurofibroma is a very rare tumor. The literature provides only few cases of solitary intraosseous neurofibroma of the mandible. We report a case of 28-year-old female who was diagnosed with a solitary intraosseous neurofibroma involving the lower left quadrant of the mandible. The present case is rare in regard to its dimensions and its location.
Power Control at Grid Connected Converters and Analytical Solution of Steady States
Authors: Valouch Viktor , Škramlík Jiří , Muller Zdeněk , Švec Jan , Tlustý Josef
Published: December 2015

The paper presents a power control technique at grid connected converters under unbalanced voltage conditions. The current positive and negative sequences during grid voltage sags are controlled to ensure a proper exchange of active and reactive powers without power ripples. An analytical solution in a closed form of the B6 and B4 converters working with an optimized half a period switching symmetry is presented. The analytical solution may be applied for the converters connected to highly unbalanced grids and for different grid filter topologies.
EEG Derived Neuronal Dynamics during Meditation: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Kaur Chamandeep , Singh Preeti
Published: December 2015

Meditation advances positivity but how these behavioral and psychological changes are brought can be explained by understanding neurophysiological effects of meditation. In this paper, a broad spectrum of neural mechanics under a variety of meditation styles has been reviewed. The overall aim of this study is to review existing scientific studies and future challenges on meditation effects based on changing EEG brainwave patterns. Albeit the existing researches evidenced the hold for efficacy of meditation in relieving anxiety and depression and producing psychological well-being, more rigorous studies are required with better design, considering client variables like personality characteristics to avoid negative effects, randomized controlled trials, and large sample sizes. A bigger number of clinical trials that concentrate on the use of meditation are required. Also, the controversial subject of epileptiform EEG changes and other adverse effects during meditation has been raised.
Factors That Could Impact on Liver Fibrosis Staging by Transient Elastography
Authors: Perazzo Hugo , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Hyde Chris , Castro Rodolfo
Published: December 2015

Transient elastography (TE) based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is one of the most validated noninvasive methods for liver fibrosis staging in patients with chronic liver diseases. This method is painless, has no potential complications, is rapid (<10 min), and can be performed at the patient’s bedside. However, several points should be considered when interpreting TE results. This review aims to discuss the critical points that might influence liver stiffness and TE results. Spectrum bias and the impact of the prevalence of fibrosis stages should be taken into account when interpreting the studies that validated this method using liver biopsy as a gold-standard. LSM might be influenced by nonfasting status, flare of transaminases, heart failure, extrahepatic cholestasis, presence of steatosis, aetiology of liver disease, type and position of probe, and operator’s experience. In addition, interobserver variability can impact on the management of patients with chronic liver diseases. TE should be performed by an experienced operator (>100 exams), in a 3-hour fasting status, and its results should be handled by specialist clinicians that are aware of the limitations of this method.
Enhanced Bioremediation of Soil Artificially Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons after Amendment with Capra aegagrus hircus (Goat) Manure
Authors: Nwogu T. P. , Azubuike C. C. , Ogugbue C. J.
Published: December 2015

This study was carried out to evaluate the biostimulant potentials of Capra aegagrus hircus manure for bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil (COCS) under tropical conditions. 1 kg of COCS sample was amended with 0.02 kg of C. a. hircus manure and monitored at 14-day intervals for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), nutrient content, and changes in microbial counts. At the end of the study period, there was 62.08% decrease in the concentration of TPH in the amended sample compared to 8.15% decrease in the unamended sample, with significant differences (P<0.05) in TPH concentrations for both samples at different time intervals. Similarly, there was a gradual decrease in the concentrations of total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in both samples. The culturable hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (CHUB) increased steadily from 8.5 × 105 cfu/g to 2.70 × 106 cfu/g and from 8.0 × 105 cfu/g to 1.78 × 106 cfu/g for both samples. Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus were isolated from amended sample with Pseudomonas being the predominant isolated bacterial genus. This study demonstrated that C. a. hircus manure is a good biostimulant, which enhanced the activities of indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria resulting in significant decrease in TPH concentration of COCS.
Differential Expression of MUC12, MUC16, and MUC20 in Patients with Active and Remission Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho Jesús K. , Ascaño-Gutiérrez Ilse , Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette , Fonseca-Camarillo Gabriela
Published: December 2015

Background. Patients with UC have shown an important defect in the secretion and maintenance of the mucosal barrier as part of inadequate expression of mucin genes. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of MUC12, MUC16, and MUC20 in colonic tissue from patients with UC in regard to their clinical outcomes. Methods. We included a total of 40 patients with UC and 30 normal controls. Mucin gene expression was performed by RT‐PCR and protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results. Patients with active UC showed no significant expression of MUC12 gene in mucosa compared to the group of patients with UC in remission and the normal control group. MUC16 gene expression was significantly increased in the UC active and remission groups compared to the normal control group (P = 0.03). MUC20 gene expression was found significantly decreased in patients with active UC compared to both remission group (P = 0.001) and normal controls (P = 0.001). Furthermore, an association was found between MUC20 gene expression and the presence of histological remission in patients with UC (P = 0.003, OR = 0.37). Conclusions. An increased gene expression of MUC16 and MUC20 was found in patients with remission UC.
Reconciling the IPC and Two-Hit Models: Dissecting the Underlying Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Two Seemingly Opposing Frameworks
Authors: Morris Carlos F. M. , Tahir Muhammad , Arshid Samina , Castro Mariana S. , Fontes Wagner
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory cascades and mechanisms are ubiquitous during host responses to various types of insult. Biological models and interventional strategies have been devised as an effort to better understand and modulate inflammation-driven injuries. Amongst those the two-hit model stands as a plausible and intuitive framework that explains some of the most frequent clinical outcomes seen in injuries like trauma and sepsis. This model states that a first hit serves as a priming event upon which sequential insults can build on, culminating on maladaptive inflammatory responses. On a different front, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has risen to light as a readily applicable tool for modulating the inflammatory response to ischemia and reperfusion. The idea is that mild ischemic insults, either remote or local, can cause organs and tissues to be more resilient to further ischemic insults. This seemingly contradictory role that the two models attribute to a first inflammatory hit, as priming in the former and protective in the latter, has set these two theories on opposing corners of the literature. The present review tries to reconcile both models by showing that, rather than debunking each other, each framework offers unique insights in understanding and modulating inflammation-related injuries.
Investigation of Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminium Alloy Subjected to Laser Shock Peening without a Protective Coating
Authors: Trdan U. , Grum J.
Published: December 2015

The effect of shock waves and strain hardening of laser shock peening without protective coating (LSPwC) on alloy AA 6082-T651 was investigated. Analysis of residual stresses confirmed high compression in the near surface layer due to the ultrahigh plastic strains and strain rates induced by multiple laser shock waves. Corrosion tests in a chloride environment were carried out to determine resistance to localised attack, which was also verified on SEM/EDS. OCP transients confirmed an improved condition, that is, a more positive and stable potential after LSPwC treatment. Moreover, polarisation resistance of the LSPwC treated specimen was by a factor of 25 higher compared to the untreated specimen. Analysis of voltammograms confirmed an improved enhanced region of passivity and significantly smaller anodic current density of the LSPwC specimen compared to the untreated one. Through SEM, reduction of pitting attack at the LSPwC specimen surface was confirmed, despite its increased roughness.
Plasmodium falciparummsp2Genotypes and Multiplicity of Infections among Children under Five Years with Uncomplicated Malaria in Kibaha, Tanzania
Authors: Kidima W. , Nkwengulila G.
Published: December 2015

Genetic diversity ofPlasmodium falciparummay pose challenges in malaria treatment and prevention through chemotherapy and vaccination. We assessedPlasmodium falciparumgenetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) ofP. falciparuminfections and sort relationship of parasitaemia withP. falciparum msp2genotypes as well as with the number of infecting clones. The study was carried out in Kibaha, Tanzania. Ninety-nine children under five years with uncomplicated malaria were recruited. Genetic diversity was analyzed by genotyping themsp2gene using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Thirty-two differentmsp2alleles were obtained. Themsp23D7 allelic frequency was higher (48.1%) and more prevalent than FC27 (27.3%) (p<0.05). Twenty-four percent of the infections were mixed alleles. The individuals with FC27 had high parasitemia compared to those with 3D7 alleles (p=0.038). The mean MOI was low (1.4 clones, 95% CI 1.2–1.5). TheP. falciparumpopulation among children at Kibaha is composed of distinctP. falciparumclones, and parasites having 3D7 are more frequent than those with FC27 alleles. Individuals with parasite having FC27 alleles have high parasite densities suggesting that parasites with FC27 alleles may associate with severity of disease in Kibaha. Low MOI at Kibaha suggests low malaria transmission rate.
Current Mathematical Models for Analyzing Anti-Malarial Antibody Data with an Eye to Malaria Elimination and Eradication
Authors: Sepúlveda Nuno , Stresman Gillian , White Michael T. , Drakeley Chris J.
Published: December 2015

The last decade has witnessed a steady reduction of the malaria burden worldwide. With various countries targeting disease elimination in the near future, the popular parasite infection or entomological inoculation rates are becoming less and less informative of the underlying malaria burden due to a reduced number of infected individuals or mosquitoes at the time of sampling. To overcome such problem, alternative measures based on antibodies against specific malaria antigens have gained recent interest in malaria epidemiology due to the possibility of estimating past disease exposure in absence of infected individuals. This paper aims then to review current mathematical models and corresponding statistical approaches used in antibody data analysis. The application of these models is illustrated with three data sets from Equatorial Guinea, Brazilian Amazonia region, and western Kenyan highlands. A brief discussion is also carried out on the future challenges of using these models in the context of malaria elimination.
Sucrose Replacement by Sweeteners in Strawberry, Raspberry, and Cherry Jams: Effect on the Textural Characteristics and Sensorial Profile—A Chemometric Approach
Authors: Vilela Alice , Matos Sílvia , Abraão Ana S. , Lemos André M. , Nunes Fernando M.
Published: December 2015

Sucrose is the main sugar used in jams preparation; however his excessive consumption has been related to several diseases; therefore its replacement by alternative sweeteners is an attractive solution. Nonetheless, substitution of sucrose in jam’s preparation can cause changes in texture, structure, and flavor, making them less attractive to the consumers. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop strawberry, raspberry, and cherry jams with more adequate nutritional profile, maintaining their textural and flavor characteristics in comparison with the traditional formulation. Sucrose was replaced by fructose, sorbitol, or fructooligosaccharides (FOS), given the product different nutritional profiles: potential low glycemic index, reduced calories in the case of sorbitol and FOS, and enrichment with dietary fiber, in the case of FOS. After sensorial and rheological evaluation we found that the sweeteners used interfered, significantly, in the parameters measured. Fructose was the alternative sweetener yielding jams more similar to those of sucrose; however, the use of formulations containing fructose and FOS or sorbitol and FOS resulted in a 51% to 68% decrease of the energy value. Nevertheless, consumer sensorial tests are needed to evaluate, in a more consistent way, the use of these alternative sweeteners for jams production at industrial level.
Dynamic Pricing and Production Control of an Inventory System with Remanufacturing
Authors: Gao Chunyan , Wang Yao , Xu Liang , Liao Yi
Published: December 2015

We consider optimal pricing and manufacturing control of a continuous-review inventory system with remanufacturing. Customer demand and product return follow independent Poisson processes. Customer demand is filled by serviceable product, which can be either manufactured or remanufactured from the returned product. The lead times for both manufacturing and remanufacturing are exponentially distributed. The objective is to maximize the expected total discounted profit over an infinite planning horizon. We characterize the structural properties of the optimal policy through the optimality equation. Specifically, the optimal manufacturing policy is a base-stock policy with the base-stock level nonincreasing in the return inventory level. The optimal pricing policy is also a threshold policy, where the threshold level is nonincreasing in the return inventory level.
Development and Validation of a Simple and Selective Analytical HPLC Method for the Quantification of Oxaliplatin
Authors: Matos Breno Noronha , Oliveira Paula Martins de , Reis Thaiene Avila , Gratieri Taís , Cunha-Filho Marcílio , Gelfuso Guilherme Martins
Published: December 2015

Considering that currently published oxaliplatin (OXPt) analytical methods require complex procedures and equipment, the objective of this paper was to present the validation of a simple, rapid, precise, and specific isocratic HPLC method for quantification of OXPt. Such method will be essential during the future development of innovative, topical drug formulations for the treatment of mucosal and skin cancers. Validated method demonstrated OXPt separation without interference from the solvents or polymers with the most relevance for developing of bioadhesive pharmaceutical drug carries (chitosan and poloxamer). Method was linear(r>0.999)over studied OXPt concentration range (0.5–15.0 µg/mL) with acceptable precision and accuracy. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.099 µg/mL and 0.331 µg/mL, respectively.
Correlation between Porosity and Electrical‐Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper with Various Porosities
Authors: Liu Ling , Yang Qiaoxin , Shen Jingwen
Published: December 2015

Porous carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypapers (BPs) with various porosities were obtained by using a positive pressure filtration method. The porosity of the BPs fell into a wide range of 11.3–39.3%. Electrical conductivities and tensile mechanical properties of the prepared BPs were then measured and correlated with the porosity of the CNT BPs. Results demonstrated that the conductivities, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the BPs could decrease by increasing their porosity. The elongation at break of the BPs on the other hand did increase significantly, suggesting improved toughness of the BPs. The obtained electrical conductivity and tensile strength of the porous BPs can reach nearly 0.6 S/m and 26 MPa, respectively, which may be potentially useful in composites reinforcement and conductive materials.
Conservative Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy with Fetal Heart Activity and a Very Highβ-hCG
Authors: McLaren Rodney , McCalla Sandra , Irani Mohamad
Published: December 2015

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that is growing in incidence. The diagnosis of most CSP occurs when patients present in unstable conditions requiring surgical management and leading sometimes to hysterectomy. It has been shown that medical management is a safe option for early diagnosed hemodynamically stable CSP. However, no cases of CSP withβ-hCG higher than 62,000 IU/L, conservatively treated, have been reported. We report the case of a 29-year-old patient who presented for her first prenatal visit at 13-week gestation and was diagnosed with CSP with present fetal heart tones and a quantitativeβ-hCG of 144,337 IU/L. She was treated with bilateral uterine artery embolization and systemic methotrexate. Herβ-hCG significantly decreased and became undetectable within 10 weeks. We propose that patients with CSP with very highβ-hCG and fetal heart activity can be offered conservative or fertility preserving management.
Study and Application of Safety Risk Evaluation Model for CO2Geological Storage Based on Uncertainty Measure Theory
Authors: He Hujun , Zhao Yaning , Yang Xingke , Gao Yaning , Wu Xu
Published: December 2015

Analyzing showed that the safety risk evaluation for CO2geological storage had important significance. Aimed at the characteristics of CO2geological storage safety risk evaluation, drawing on previous research results, rank and order models for safety risk evaluation of CO2geological storage were put forward based on information entropy and uncertainty measure theory. In this model, the uncertainty problems in safety risk evaluation of CO2geological storage were solved by qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis, respectively; uncertainty measurement functions for the relevant factors were established based on experimental data; information entropy theory was applied to calculate the index weight of factors; safety risk level was judged based on credible degree recognition criterion and ordered. This model was applied in three typical zones of Erdos and Hetao basins. The results show that uncertainty measure method is objective and reasonable and can be used as a new way to evaluate the safety of CO2geological storage sites in the future.
Acute Exercise‐Induced Mitochondrial Stress Triggers an Inflammatory Response in the Myocardium via NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation with Mitophagy
Authors: Li Haiying , Miao Weiguo , Ma Jingfen , Xv Zhen , Bo Hai , Li Jianyu , Zhang Yong , Ji Li Li
Published: December 2015

Increasing evidence has indicated that acute strenuous exercise can induce a range of adverse reactions including oxidative stress and tissue inflammation. However, little is currently known regarding the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of the inflammatory response in the myocardium during acute heavy exercise. This study evaluated the mitochondrial function, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and mitochondrial autophagy‐related proteins to investigate the regulation and mechanism of mitochondrial stress regarding the inflammatory response of the rat myocardium during acute heavy exercise. The results indicated that the mitochondrial function of the myocardium was adaptively regulated to meet the challenge of stress during acute exercise. The exercise‐induced mitochondrial stress also enhanced ROS generation and triggered an inflammatory reaction via the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, the mitochondrial autophagy‐related proteins including Beclin1, LC3, and Bnip3 were all significantly upregulated during acute exercise, which suggests that mitophagy was stimulated in response to the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the myocardium. Taken together, our data suggest that, during acute exercise, mitochondrial stress triggers the rat myocardial inflammatory response via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and activates mitophagy to minimize myocardial injury.
Association of Haemostatic and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Domingueti Caroline Pereira , Fóscolo Rodrigo Bastos , Reis Janice Sepúlveda , Campos Fernanda Magalhães Freire , Dusse Luci Maria S. , Carvalho Maria das Graças , Braga Gomes Karina , Fernandes Ana Paula
Published: December 2015

This study aimed at investigating the association between haemostatic biomarkers, proinflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines with chronic kidney disease in type 1 diabetic patients. Patients were divided into two groups: with nephropathy (albuminuria≥30 mg/g and/or GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2),n=65; and without nephropathy (albuminuria < 30 mg/g and GFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2),n=60. INF-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-αplasma levels were determined by flow cytometry. VWF, ADAMTS13 antigen, and D-Dimer plasma levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ADAMTS13 activity was assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. Elevated levels of INF-γ, VWF, ADAMTS13 antigen, D-Dimer, and reduced ADAMTS13 activity/antigen ratio were observed in patients with nephropathy as compared to those without nephropathy (P=0.001,P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.001, andP<0.001, resp.). Cytokines and haemostatic biomarkers remained associated with nephropathy after adjustments (use of statin, acetylsalicylic acid, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and angiotensin antagonist). INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 significantly correlated with haemostatic biomarkers. Inflammatory and hypercoagulability status are associated with nephropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus and an interrelationship between them may play an important role in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Night-Time Vehicle Sensing in Far Infrared Image with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Hai , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Xiaobo , Chen Long
Published: December 2015

The use of night vision systems in vehicles is becoming increasingly common. Several approaches using infrared sensors have been proposed in the literature to detect vehicles in far infrared (FIR) images. However, these systems still have low vehicle detection rates and performance could be improved. This paper presents a novel method to detect vehicles using a far infrared automotive sensor. Firstly, vehicle candidates are generated using a constant threshold from the infrared frame. Contours are then generated by using a local adaptive threshold based on maximum distance, which decreases the number of processing regions for classification and reduces the false positive rate. Finally, vehicle candidates are verified using a deep belief network (DBN) based classifier. The detection rate is 93.9% which is achieved on a database of 5000 images and video streams. This result is approximately a 2.5% improvement on previously reported methods and the false detection rate is also the lowest among them.