bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Effect on Yield and Yield Components of Different Rice Cultivars in Flowering Stage
Authors: Ghadirnezhad R. , Fallah A.
Published: May 2014

In order to study the effect of cold stress in flowering stage on yield and yield components of different rice cultivars, an experiment was performed as split plot factorial based on completely randomized design (CRD) in greenhouse of deputy of rice research institute of Iran (Amol) in 2010, in three repetitions. Treatment included 5 varieties as main factors that included cultivars of shirudi, fajr, local tarom, hybrid, and line 843. Two levels of temperatures

T

1

(13°C, stress temperature) and

T

2

(32°C, normal temperature, control) along with flowering stage were selected as two subfactors. Three seedlings were planted in each plot. The cold stress was done in flowering stage with holding pots at 13°C for 15 days. Results showed that low temperature had significant effect in level of 1 percent on all characters, such as the number of panicles, the length of panicle, and the number of full, empty, and total grains; as a result, yield had caused significant reduction. Interaction between temperature and varieties showed that most tolerant variety in relation to temperature stress along with least percentage yield (19%) is shirudi variety and the most sensitive one with most percentage of yield decrease (29%) was local tarom variety.
Large Pyoderma Gangrenosum-Like Ulcers: A Rare Presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Tashtoush Basheer , Memarpour Roya , Johnston Yasmin , Ramirez Jose
Published: May 2014

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), is a rare systemic vasculitis that classically manifests as necrotizing granulomas of the upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys, and blood vessels; however, it may affect any organ system, including the skin. Cutaneous manifestations occur in up to 45% of patients during the disease course, and are the presenting feature in 9% to 14% of patients. The most common skin lesion specific to GPA is palpable purpura, with the histopathologic correlate of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. However, a wide range of clinical and histologic features may be seen. We herein report a case of a previously healthy 52-year-old Caucasian man who presented with multiple progressively enlarging painful ulcers on his face, upper extremities, back, and abdomen over a two-month period. Skin biopsies revealed pyoderma gangrenosum-like features. Serological tests were positive for PR3/c-ANCA. Six months later, the patient developed recurrent episodes of sinusitis associated with nasal bleeds and eventually nasal septum perforation. Despite aggressive treatment with Cyclophosphamide and steroids over one year, the patient had persistent nonhealing large ulcers and developed multiple lung nodules with cavitary lesions.
Discrete-Time Event-Triggered Control of Nonlinear Wireless Networked Control Systems
Authors: Hu Songlin , Yue Dong , Shi Min , Xie Xiangpeng
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the problem of stabilization of nonlinear discrete-time networked control systems (NCSs) with event-triggering communication scheme in the presence of signal transmission delay. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model and parallel-distributed compensation (PDC) scheme are first employed to design a nonlinear fuzzy event-triggered controller for the stabilization of nonlinear discrete-time NCSs. The idea of the event-triggering communication scheme (i.e., a soft computation algorithm) under consideration is that the current sensor data is transmitted only when the current sensor data and the previously transmitted one satisfy a certain state-dependent trigger condition. By taking the signal transmission delay into consideration and using delay system approach, a T-S fuzzy delay system model is established to describe the nonlinear discrete-time NCSs with event-triggering communication scheme. Attention is focused on the design of fuzzy event-triggered controller which ensures asymptotic stability of the closed-loop fuzzy systems. Linear matrix inequality- (LMI-) based conditions are formulated for the existence of admissible fuzzy event-triggered controller. If these conditions are feasible, a desired fuzzy event-triggered controller can be readily constructed. A nonlinear mass-spring-damper mechanical system is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Endodontic and Esthetic Management of a Dilacerated Maxillary Central Incisor Having Two Root Canals Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography as a Diagnostic Aid
Authors: Sharma Sarang , Grover Shibani , Sharma Vivek , Srivastava Dhirendra , Mittal Meenu
Published: May 2014

Traumatic injuries to the primary dentition are quite common. When primary teeth are subjected to trauma, force transmission and/or invasion of the underlying tooth germs lying in close proximity can result in a variety of disturbances in the permanent successors. Few of these disturbances include hypoplasia, dilaceration, or alteration in the eruption sequence and pattern. Dilaceration is defined as an angulation or sharp bend or curve in the linear relationship of the crown of a tooth to its root. A rare case of maxillary left central incisor having crown dilaceration and Vertucci’s type II canal configuration with symptomatic periapical periodontitis is reported. Cone beam computed tomography was used for better understanding of the anomaly and complicated root canal morphology. The tooth was successfully managed by nonsurgical root canal therapy and restoration with resin composite to restore esthetics.
FTIR and Electrical Study of Dysprosium Doped Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Hemaunt , Singh Jitendra Pal , Srivastava R. C. , Negi P. , Agrawal H. M. , Asokan K.
Published: May 2014

We have studied the role of Dy3+ doping on the XRD, TEM, FTIR, and dielectric and electrical properties of CoFe2O4 at room temperature. Cubic spinel phase of CoFe2−xDyxO4 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) was synthesized by using different sintering temperatures (300, 500, 700, and 900°C). The two absorption bands ν1 and ν2 are observed in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra corresponding to the tetrahedral and octahedral sites, which show signature of spinel structure of the sample. For the sample sintered at 300°C, the dielectric constant is almost unchanged with the frequency at the particular concentrations of x = 0.00 and 0.05. Similar result is obtained for the sample sintered at 500°C (x = 0.10, 0.15), 700°C (x = 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15), and 900°C (x = 0.05, 0.10). An increase in the dielectric constant was observed for the undoped cobalt ferrite sintered at 500, 700, and 900°C. The values of electrical resistivity of the materials vary from ~105 to 109 Ω-cm.
Simultaneous Intercalation of 1‐Naphthylacetic Acid and Indole‐3‐butyric Acid into Layered Double Hydroxides and Controlled Release Properties
Authors: Li Shifeng , Shen Yanming , Xiao Min , Liu Dongbin , Fan Lihui , Zhang Zhigang
Published: May 2014

Controlled release formulations have been shown to have potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional plant growth regulators formulations. A controlled‐release formulation of 1‐naphthylacetic acid (NAA) and indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA) simultaneous intercalated MgAl‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was prepared. The synthetic nanohybrid material was characterized by various techniques, and release kinetics was studied. NAA and IBA anions located in the gallery of MgAl‐LDHs with bilayer arrangement, and the nanohybrids particles were of typical plate‐like shape with the lateral size of 50–100 nm. The results revealed that NAA and IBA have been intercalated into the interlayer spaces of MgAl‐LDHs. The release of NAA and IBA fits pseudo‐second‐order model and is dependent on temperature, pH value, and release medium. The nanohybrids of NAA and IBA simultaneously intercalated in LDHs possessed good controlled release properties.
St. John’s Wort Has Metabolically Favorable Effects on Adipocytes In Vivo
Authors: Fuller Scott , Richard Allison J. , Ribnicky David M. , Beyl Robbie , Mynatt Randall , Stephens Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2014

In addition to serving as a storage site for reserve energy, adipocytes play a critical role in whole‐body insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. St. John’s Wort (SJW) is a botanical supplement widely used as an over‐the‐counter treatment of depression and a variety of other conditions associated with anxiety and nerve pain. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that SJW inhibits insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and adipocyte differentiation in cultured murine and mature human adipocytes. To investigate the effects of SJW on adipocyte function in vivo, we utilized C57BL/6J mice. In our studies, mice were administered SJW extract (200 mg/kg) once daily by gavage for two weeks. In contrast to our in vitro studies, mice treated with SJW extract showed increased levels of adiponectin in white adipose tissue in a depot specific manner (P < 0.01). SJW also exerted an insulin‐sensitizing effect as indicated by a significant increase in insulin‐stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation in epididymal white adipose tissue (P < 0.01). Food intake, body weight, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin did not differ between the two groups. These results are important as they indicate that SJW does not promote metabolic dysfunction in adipose tissue in vivo.
Expression of Serum Exosomal MicroRNA-21 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Hou Lijuan , Li Aihui , Duan Yuxiu , Gao Haili , Song Xinwen
Published: May 2014

New strategies for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are urgently needed. There is an increasing interest in using microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers in diseases. In this study, we examined the expression of miR-21 in serum exosomes from patients with HCC or chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and investigated the potential clinical significance of miR-21. Quantitative RT-PCR indicated that the concentration of miR-21 was significantly higher in exosomes than in exosome-depleted supernatants or the whole serum. Further, the expression level of serum exosomal miR-21 was significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with CHB or healthy volunteers (P<0.0001,P<0.0001, resp.). High level of miR-21 expression correlated with cirrhosis (P=0.024) and advanced tumor stage (P=0.001). Although serum level of miR-21 was higher in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB and healthy volunteers, the sensitivity of detection is much lower than using exosomal miR-21. These findings indicate that miR-21 is enriched in serum exosomes which provides increased sensitivity of detection than whole serum. Exosomal miR-21 may serve as a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis.
Aspiration Pneumonitis Caused by Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution Treated with Conservative Management
Authors: Mosquera Ricardo A. , McDonald Mark , Samuels Cheryl
Published: May 2014

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte solution, Golytely, is an osmotic laxative commonly used in preoperative bowel cleansing. In this case report, a 9-year-old boy developed aspiration pneumonitis following accidental infusion of PEG solution into his right lung following migration of his nasogastric tube (NGT). Hypoxemia and tachypnea without respiratory failure were observed after infusion. Because PEG is a nonabsorbable toxic material, previous case reports have advocated for the performance of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the treatment of PEG pneumonitis. With close monitoring, our patient was able to be successfully treated without the need for invasive interventions including BAL or intubation. Generalizations about PEG absorption in the lung based on its permeability in the gastrointestinal tract should not deter the use of more conservative treatment in the appropriate patient.
Morphological Analysis and Interaction of Chlorophyll and BSA
Authors: Gorza Filipe D. S. , Pedro Graciela C. , Trescher Tarquin F. , da Silva Romário J. , Silva Josmary R. , de Souza Nara C.
Published: May 2014

Interactions between proteins and drugs, which can lead to formation of stable drug-protein complexes, have important implications on several processes related to human health. These interactions can affect, for instance, free concentration, biological activity, and metabolism of the drugs in the blood stream. Here, we report on the UV-Visible spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with chlorophyll (Chl) in aqueous solution under physiological conditions. Binding constants at different temperatures—obtained by using the Benesi-Hildebrand equation—were found to be of the same order of magnitude (~104 M−1) indicating low affinity of Chl with BSA. We have found a hyperchromism, which suggested an interaction between BSA and Chl occurring through conformational changes of BSA caused by exposition of tryptophan to solvent. Films from BSA and Chl obtained at different Chl concentrations showed fractal structures, which were characterized by fractal dimension calculated from microscopic image analysis.
Total and Free Serum Sialic Acid Concentration in Liver Diseases
Authors: Gruszewska Ewa , Cylwik Bogdan , Panasiuk Anatol , Szmitkowski Maciej , Flisiak Robert , Chrostek Lech
Published: May 2014

Background. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of total (TSA) and free (FSA) sialic acid in acute and chronic liver diseases.Materials and Methods. The serum TSA and FSA levels were determined in 278 patients suffering from acute and chronic liver diseases of different etiologies. TSA was estimated by enzymatic method and FSA by the thiobarbituric method modified by Skoza and Mohos.Results. There were no significant differences in the serum TSA concentration between liver diseases of different etiologies, although in most of the liver diseases the mean TSA level was significantly lower than that in the control group. In contrast to TSA, the concentration of FSA appears to differ between liver diseases. In toxic hepatitis it was higher than that in nonalcoholic cirrhosis. However, neither of them differs between alcoholic and nonalcoholic cirrhosis or between liver tumors and tumors with cirrhosis.Conclusions. We conclude that the changes in concentrations of TSA and FSA during the same liver diseases indicate significant disturbances in sialylation of serum glycoproteins.
Endoscopic Evacuation of Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage via Keyhole Approach Using an Adjustable Cannula in Comparison with Craniotomy
Authors: Zhang Heng-Zhu , Li Yu-Ping , Yan Zheng-cun , Wang Xing-dong , She Lei , Wang Xiao-dong , Dong Lun
Published: May 2014

Neuroendoscopic (NE) surgery as a minimal invasive treatment for basal ganglia hemorrhage is a promising approach. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NE approach using an adjustable cannula to treat basal ganglia hemorrhage. In this study, we analysed the clinical and radiographic outcomes between NE group (21 cases) and craniotomy group (30 cases). The results indicated that NE surgery might be an effective and safe approach for basal ganglia haemorrhage, and it is also suggested that NE approach may improve good functional recovery. However, NE approach only suits the selected patient, and the usefulness of NE approach needs further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate.
Preparation and Characterization of a Collagen‐Liposome‐Chondroitin Sulfate Matrix with Potential Application for Inflammatory Disorders Treatment
Authors: Craciunescu Oana , Gaspar Alexandra , Trif Mihaela , Moisei Magdalena , Oancea Anca , Moldovan Lucia , Zarnescu Otilia
Published: May 2014

Smart drug delivery systems with controllable properties play an important role in targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. The aim of our study was the preparation and in vitro evaluation of a collagen (Col) matrix embedding a liposomal formulation of chondroitin sulfate (L‐CS) for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Structural studies using Oil Red O specific staining for lipids and scanning electron microscopy showed an alveolar network of nanosized Col fibrils decorated with deposits of L‐CS at both periphery and inner of the matrix. The porosity and density of Col‐L‐CS matrix were similar to those of Col matrix, while its mean pore size and biodegradability had significantly higher and lower values (P < 0.05), respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the matrix system induced high cell viability and stimulated cell metabolism in L929 fibroblast cell culture. Light and electron micrographs of the cell‐matrix construct showed that cells clustered into the porous structure at 72 h of cultivation. In vitro diffusion test indicated that the quantity of released CS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) after embedment of L‐CS within Col matrix. All these results indicated that the biocompatible and biodegradable Col‐L‐CS matrix might be a promising delivery system for local treatment of inflamed site.
EMMPRIN Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Correlation with Tumor Proliferation and Patient Survival
Authors: Monteiro Luís Silva , Delgado Maria Leonor , Ricardo Sara , Garcez Fernanda , Amaral Barbas do , Pacheco José Júlio , Lopes Carlos , Bousbaa Hassan
Published: May 2014

The aim of our study was to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), and its relation with the proliferative tumor status of OSCC. We examined EMMPRIN and Ki-67 proteins expression by immunohistochemistry in 74 cases with OSCC. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine their clinicopathological and prognostic significance in OSCC. EMMPRIN membrane expression was observed in all cases, with both membrane and cytoplasmic tumor expression in 61 cases (82.4%). EMMPRIN overexpression was observed in 56 cases (75.7%). Moderately or poorly differentiated tumors showed EMMPRIN overexpression more frequently than well-differentiated tumors(P=0.002). Overexpression of EMMPRIN was correlated with high Ki-67 expression(P=0.004). In the multivariate analysis, EMMPRIN overexpression reveals an adverse independent prognostic value for cancer-specific survival (CSS)(P=0.034). Our results reveal that EMMPRIN protein is overexpressed in more than two-thirds of OSCC cases, especially in high proliferative and less differentiated tumors. The independent value of EMMPRIN overexpression in CSS suggests that this protein could be used as an important biological prognostic marker for patients with OSCC. Moreover, the high expression of EMMPRIN makes it a possible therapeutic target in OSCC patients.
Spider Silk as Guiding Biomaterial for Human Model Neurons
Authors: Roloff Frank , Strauß Sarah , Vogt Peter M. , Bicker Gerd , Radtke Christine
Published: May 2014

Over the last years, a number of therapeutic strategies have emerged to promote axonal regeneration. An attractive strategy is the implantation of biodegradable and nonimmunogenic artificial scaffolds into injured peripheral nerves. In previous studies, transplantation of decellularized veins filled with spider silk for bridging critical size nerve defects resulted in axonal regeneration and remyelination by invading endogenous Schwann cells. Detailed interaction of elongating neurons and the spider silk as guidance material is unknown. To visualize direct cellular interactions between spider silk and neuronsin vitro, we developed anin vitrocrossed silk fiber array. Here, we describe in detail for the first time that human (NT2) model neurons attach to silk scaffolds. Extending neurites can bridge gaps between single silk fibers and elongate afterwards on the neighboring fiber. Culturing human neurons on the silk arrays led to an increasing migration and adhesion of neuronal cell bodies to the spider silk fibers. Within three to four weeks, clustered somata and extending neurites formed ganglion-like cell structures. Microscopic imaging of human neurons on the crossed fiber arraysin vitrowill allow for a more efficient development of methods to maximize cell adhesion and neurite growth on spider silk prior to transplantation studies.
Shen‐Zhi‐Ling Oral Liquid Improves Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pan Weidong , Wang Qiudong , Kwak Shin , Song Yu , Qin Baofeng , Wang Mingzhe , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: May 2014

We evaluated the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Shen‐Zhi‐Ling oral liquid (SZL) on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among 98 patients with AD and BPSD enrolled (mean age, 57.2 ± 8.9 years old), 91 (M = 55, F = 36; mean age, 57.2 ± 9.7 years old) completed the study. Patients took either SZL (n = 45) or placebo granules (n = 46) in a double‐blind manner for 20 weeks while maintaining other anticognitive medications unchanged. Changes in BPSD between week 0, week 10, week 20, and week 25 were assessed using the behavioral pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (BEHAVE‐AD) rating scale and the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) represented by diurnal activity (DA), evening activity (EA), and nocturnal activity (NA) according to actigraphic recordings. SZL but not placebo oral liquid delayed the development of BPSD significantly according to the changes in some of the clinical scores and the EA and NA parameters of DFA at week 20 compared with week 0. No side effects were observed in laboratory tests. The results indicate that SZL might delay the development of BPSD in AD patients and thus is a potentially suitable drug for long‐term use.
Differential Macrophage Response to Slow- and Fast-Growing Pathogenic Mycobacteria
Authors: Helguera-Repetto A. Cecilia , Chacon-Salinas Rommel , Cerna-Cortes Jorge F. , Rivera-Gutierrez Sandra , Ortiz-Navarrete Vianney , Estrada-Garcia Iris , Gonzalez-y-Merchand Jorge A.
Published: May 2014

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have recently been recognized as important species that cause disease even in immunocompetent individuals. The mechanisms that these species use to infect and persist inside macrophages are not well characterised. To gain insight concerning this process we used THP-1 macrophages infected withM. abscessus,M. fortuitum,M. celatum, andM. tuberculosis. Our results showed that slow-growing mycobacteria gained entrance into these cells with more efficiency than fast-growing mycobacteria. We have also demonstrated that viable slow-growingM. celatumpersisted inside macrophages without causing cell damage and without inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), asM. tuberculosiscaused. In contrast, fast-growing mycobacteria destroyed the cells and induced high levels of ROS. Additionally, the macrophage cytokine pattern induced byM. celatumwas different from the one induced by eitherM. tuberculosisor fast-growing mycobacteria. Our results also suggest that, in some cases, the intracellular survival of mycobacteria and the immune response that they induce in macrophages could be related to their growth rate. In addition, the modulation of macrophage cytokine production, caused byM. celatum, might be a novel immune-evasion strategy used to survive inside macrophages that is different from the one reported forM. tuberculosis.
Numerical Investigation of Water Droplets Shape Influence on Mathematical Modeling Results of Its Evaporation in Motion through a High‐Temperature Gas
Authors: Glushkov Dmitrii O. , Kuznetsov Genii V. , Strizhak Pavel A.
Published: May 2014

The numerical investigation of influence of a single water droplet shape on the mathematical modeling results of its evaporation in motion through high‐temperature gases (combustion products of a typical condensed substance) has been executed. Values of evaporation time, motion velocity, and distance passed by various droplet shapes (cylinder, sphere, hemisphere, cone, and ellipsoid) in a high‐temperature gases medium were analyzed. Conditions have been defined when a droplet surface configuration affects the integrated characteristics of its evaporation, besides temperature and combustion products concentration in a droplet trace, insignificantly. Experimental investigations for the verification of theoretical results have been carried out with using of optical diagnostic methods for two‐phase gas‐vapor‐liquid flows.
Algebra Structure of Operator-Valued Riesz Means
Authors: Miana Pedro J.
Published: May 2014

We characterize operator-valued Riesz means via an algebraic law of composition and establish their functional calculus accordingly. With this aim, we give a new integral expression of the Leibniz derivation rule for smooth functions.
Influence on Therapeutic Decision Making of SPECT-CT for Different Regions of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Claassen Leif , Uden Theodor , Ettinger Max , Daniilidis Kiriakos , Stukenborg-Colsman Christina , Plaass Christian
Published: May 2014

Background. Single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography (SPECT-CT) has a high impact on diagnosis and treatment decision of different joints. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a different gain of SPECT-CT for different foot regions.Material and Methods. We retrospectively identified 86 patients who received a SPECT-CT of the foot and ankle between April 2011 and December 2012. We divided all patients into the following subgroups: ankle (group 1), subtalar (group 2), Chopart (group 3), and Lisfranc (group 4). The local ethical committee approved the study.Results. The clinical treatment decision was changed based on SPECT-CT results in 64.5% of group 1, 65.2% of group 2, and 75% each of groups 3 and 4. Eighty patients (93%) had pain relief after treatment based on SPECT-CT. The overall SPECT-CT sensitivity was 0.94 and the specificity was 0.57. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.87 and 0.75, respectively.Conclusion. The impact of SPECT-CT on treatment decision is slightly higher in diseases of the Chopart and Lisfranc joints than in the upper ankle and subtalar joints. The additional information has a clinical relevance due to the high rate of pain relief by treatment based on SPECT-CT diagnosis.
Practical Context Awareness Information System for Wireless Vehicular Networks Based on a Core Telematics Platform
Authors: Cheng Tzu-Kai , Leu Jenq-Shiou , Chen Ing-Xiang , Wu Jean-Lien C. , Zhu Zhe-Yi
Published: May 2014

The popularization of consumer electronic products and the promotion of digital mobile devices have assisted telematics services in becoming more important and practicable. The global positioning system (GPS) is commonly used today and context awareness technologies are often adopted. To support efficient and effective telecommunications between a huge number of devices and the intelligent transport systems (ITS) services, a scalable networking platform is hence demanded. In this study, we present a novel approach to support an open architecture environment for telematics services based on international standards. The proposed core telematics platform (CTP) can optimize the data transmission under linearly increased time complexity by employing a high-scalable architecture design when a large number of devices connect to the application servers. The proposed context awareness application server (CAAS) approach can optimize context awareness features to provide personal tracking services to children and elders for safety purposes. The simulations and experiments in this study have verified the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The (G>A) rs11573191 Polymorphism ofPLA2G5Gene Is Associated with Premature Coronary Artery Disease in the Mexican Mestizo Population: The Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease Mexican Study
Authors: Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Posadas-Romero Carlos , Villarreal-Molina Teresa , Alvarez-León Edith , Angeles-Martinez Javier , Soto María Elena , Monroy-Muñoz Irma , Juárez Juan Gabriel , Sánchez-Ramírez Carlos Jerges , Ramirez-Bello Julian , Ramírez-Fuentes Silvestre , Fragoso José Manuel , Rodríguez-Pérez José Manuel
Published: May 2014

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disorder that results from an excessive inflammatory response. Secretory phospholipase A2-V (sPLA2-V) encoded byPLA2G5gene promotes diverse proinflammatory processes. The aim of the present study was to analyze ifPLA2G5gene polymorphisms are associated with premature CAD. ThreePLA2G5polymorphisms (rs11573187, rs2148911, and rs11573191) were analyzed in 707 patients with premature CAD and 749 healthy controls. Haplotypes were constructed after linkage disequilibrium analysis. Under dominant, recessive, and additive models, the rs11573191 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of premature CAD (OR = 1.51,Pdom= 3.5 × 10−3; OR = 2.95,Prec= 0.023; OR = 1.51,Padd= 1.2 × 10−3). According to the informatics software, this polymorphism had a functional effect modifying the affinity of the sequence by the MZF1 transcription factor.PLA2G5polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium and theCGAhaplotype was associated with increased risk of premature CAD (OR = 1.49,P= 0.0023) and with hypertension in these patients (OR = 1.75,P= 0.0072). Our results demonstrate the association of thePLA2G5rs11573191 polymorphism with premature CAD. In our study, it was possible to distinguish one haplotype associated with increased risk of premature CAD and hypertension.
A Digital Model to Simulate Effects of Bone Architecture Variations on Texture at Spatial Resolutions of CT, HR-pQCT, and μCT Scanners
Authors: Lowitz T. , Museyko O. , Bousson V. , Kalender W. A. , Laredo J.-D. , Engelke K.
Published: May 2014

The quantification of changes in the trabecular bone structure induced by musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others by means of a texture analysis is a valuable tool which is expected to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of a disease. The reaction of texture parameters on different alterations in the architecture of the fine trabecular network and inherent imaging factors such as spatial resolution or image noise has to be understood in detail to ensure an accurate and reliable determination of the current bone state. Therefore, a digital model for the quantitative analysis of cancellous bone structures was developed. Five parameters were used for texture analysis: entropy, global and local inhomogeneity, local anisotropy, and variogram slope. Various generic structural changes of cancellous bone were simulated for different spatial resolutions. Additionally, the dependence of the texture parameters on tissue mineralization and noise was investigated. The present work explains changes in texture parameter outcomes based on structural changes originating from structure modifications and reveals that a texture analysis could provide useful information for a trabecular bone analysis even at resolutions below the dimensions of single trabeculae.
Genotoxicity of Microcystin-LR inIn VitroandIn VivoExperimental Models
Authors: Dias Elsa , Louro Henriqueta , Pinto Miguel , Santos Telma , Antunes Susana , Pereira Paulo , Silva Maria João
Published: May 2014

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a cyanobacterial toxin known for its acute hepatotoxicity. Despite being recognized as tumour promoter, its genotoxicity is far from being completely clarified, particularly in organs other than liver. In this work, we used the comet and/or the micronucleus (MN) assays to study the genotoxicity of MCLR in kidney- (Vero-E6) and liver-derived (HepG2) cell lines and in blood cells from MCLR-exposed mice. MCLR treatment (5 and 20 μM) caused a significant induction in the MN frequency in both cell lines and, interestingly, a similar positive effect was observed in mouse reticulocytes (37.5 μg MCLR/kg, i.p. route). Moreover, the FISH-based analysis of the MN content (HepG2 cells) suggested that MCLR induces both chromosome breaks and loss. On the other hand, the comet assay results were negative in Vero-E6 cells and in mouse leukocytes, with the exception of a transient increase in the level of DNA damage 30 minutes after mice exposure. Overall, the present findings contributed to increase the weight of evidence in favour of MCLR genotoxicity, based on its capacity to induce permanent genetic damage eitherin vitroorin vivo. Moreover, they suggest a clastogenic and aneugenic mode of action that might underlie a carcinogenic effect.
A New Design of Clock Synchronization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Jingmeng , Li Xuerong , Liu Min , Cui Xikui , Xu Dong
Published: May 2014

The introduction of Ethernet makes the distributed network system more flexible and efficient, but it also makes nodes which are far apart from each other unable to work in the same time basis due to the long distance. This is not allowed for the high performance requirements of the system synchronization, such as high-precision multiaxis machining system. This paper presents a high-precision network clock synchronization algorithm, namely, optimal PI clock servo, which imposes a PI controller in order to compensate for the clock drift of each network node. Then a simulation platform established by the toolbox TrueTime is used to verify the stability of the algorithm and compare it with the clock synchronization algorithm of EtherCAT. The results show that the new synchronization algorithm has higher synchronization precision and faster convergence rate.
Negative and Positive Association Rules Mining from Text Using Frequent and Infrequent Itemsets
Authors: Mahmood Sajid , Shahbaz Muhammad , Guergachi Aziz
Published: May 2014

Association rule mining research typically focuses on positive association rules (PARs), generated from frequently occurring itemsets. However, in recent years, there has been a significant research focused on finding interesting infrequent itemsets leading to the discovery of negative association rules (NARs). The discovery of infrequent itemsets is far more difficult than their counterparts, that is, frequent itemsets. These problems include infrequent itemsets discovery and generation of accurate NARs, and their huge number as compared with positive association rules. In medical science, for example, one is interested in factors which can either adjudicate the presence of a disease or write-off of its possibility. The vivid positive symptoms are often obvious; however, negative symptoms are subtler and more difficult to recognize and diagnose. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for discovering positive and negative association rules among frequent and infrequent itemsets. We identify associations among medications, symptoms, and laboratory results using state-of-the-art data mining technology.
Lipoprotein Ratios as Surrogate Markers for Insulin Resistance in South Indians with Normoglycemic Nondiabetic Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rajappa Medha , Sridhar M. G. , Balachander J. , Sethuraman K. R. , Rajendiran Kalai Selvi
Published: May 2014

Background. Insulin resistance has been associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Even though homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a well-known insulin resistance predictor, estimation of serum lipoprotein ratios has been recently suggested as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance. Here, we evaluated the relationship between lipoprotein ratios and insulin resistance in normoglycemic nondiabetic south Indians with acute coronary syndrome.Methods. 100 normoglycemic nondiabetic ACS patients and 140 controls were enrolled in the study. Levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels were measured and lipoprotein ratios were computed. HOMA-IR was used to calculate the insulin resistance. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis was used to compare the power of these lipoprotein ratios to predict insulin resistance.Results. Lipoprotein ratios were significantly higher in normoglycemic nondiabetic ACS patients, as compared to healthy controls, and were significantly correlated with HOMA-IR by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. ROC curve showed that Lp(a)/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios were the best surrogate predictors of insulin resistance in normoglycemic nondiabetic ACS.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that serum lipoprotein ratios significantly correlate with insulin resistance in normoglycemic nondiabetic ACS. Lp(a)/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios could be used as surrogate markers of insulin resistance in atherosclerosis-prone south Indians with normoglycemic nondiabetic ACS.
Expression of LacdiNAc Groups on N-Glycans among Human Tumors Is Complex
Authors: Hirano Kiyoko , Matsuda Akio , Shirai Takashi , Furukawa Kiyoshi
Published: May 2014

Aberrant glycosylation of proteins and lipids is one of the characteristic features of malignantly transformed cells. The GalNAcβ1 → 4GlcNAc (LacdiNAc or LDN) group at the nonreducing termini of both N- and O-glycans is not generally found in mammalian cells. We previously showed that the expression level of the LacdiNAc group in N-glycans decreases dramatically during the progression of human breast cancer. In contrast, the enhanced expression of the LacdiNAc group has been shown to be associated with the progression of human prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, the expression of the disaccharide group appears to be dependent on types of tumors. The mechanism of formation of the LacdiNAc group in human tumors and cancer cells has been studied, and twoβ4-N-acetylgalacto-saminyltransferases (β4GalNAcTs),β4GalNAcT3 andβ4GalNAcT4, have been shown to be involved in the biosynthesis of this disaccharide group in a tissue-dependent manner. Transfection of theβ4GalNAcT3 gene brought about significant changes in the malignant phenotypes of human neuroblastoma, indicating that this disaccharide group is important for suppressing the tumor growth.
Clinical Study on Prospective Efficacy of All‐Trans Acid, Realgar‐Indigo Naturalis Formula Combined with Chemotherapy as Maintenance Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Xiang-Xin Li , Lu-Qun Wang , Hao Li , Xiao-Peng He , Fang-Lin Li , Ling-Ling Wang , Xue-Liang Chen , Ming Hou
Published: May 2014

Objectives. To test the efficiency and safety of sequential application of retinoic acid (ATRA), Realgar‐Indigo naturalis formula (RIF) and chemotherapy (CT) were used as the maintenance treatment in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Methods. This was a retrospective study of 98 patients with newly diagnosed APL who accepted two different maintenance treatments. After remission induction and consolidation chemotherapy according to their Sanz scores, patients received two different kinds of maintenance scheme. The first regimen was using ATRA, RIF, and standard dose of CT sequentially (ATRA/RIF/CT regimen), while the second one was using ATRA and low dose of chemotherapy with methotrexate (MTX) plus 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) alternately (ATRA/CTlow regimen). The OS, DFS, relapse rate, minimal residual disease, and adverse reactions in two groups were monitored and evaluated. Results. ATRA/RIF/CT regimen could effectively reduce the chance of relapse in different risk stratification of patients, but there was no significant difference in 5‐year DFS rate and OS rate between the two groups. Besides, the patients in the experimental group suffered less severe adverse reactions than those in the control group. Conclusions. The repeated sequential therapeutic regimen to APL with ATRA, RIF, and chemotherapy is worth popularizing for its high effectiveness and low toxicity.
Effect of Niacin on FGF23 Concentration in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rao Madhumathi , Steffes Michael , Bostom Andrew , Ix Joachim H.
Published: May 2014

Background: Elevated serum phosphorus and FGF23 are independent cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease. In a randomized controlled trial of patients with dyslipidemia assigned to either extended release niacin (ERN) alone, ERN combined with the selective prostaglandin D2 receptor subtype 1 inhibitor laropiprant (ERN-L) or placebo, niacin lowered serum phosphorus; however, it is not known if it lowers FGF23 concentrations. Methods: This is an ancillary study to a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among patients with dyslipidemia and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30-74 ml/min/1.73 m2. Participants were randomized to ERN-L (n = 162), ERN (n = 97), or placebo (n = 68) in a 3:2:1 ratio for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in serum FGF23 concentrations, and secondary outcomes were changes in other mineral metabolism parameters. Results: Both the ERN and ERN-L groups showed significant declines in serum phosphorus, calcium and calcium·phosphorus product at 24 weeks compared to placebo. A significant decline from baseline (10.9%, p < 0.01) in the serum FGF23 concentration was observed in the ERN group compared to placebo, but not in the ERN-L group compared to placebo (p = 0.36 and 0.97 for ERN-L and placebo, respectively), despite equivalent declines in serum phosphorus. Similarly, the most marked declines in PTH occurred in the ERN-only group versus placebo; no change in PTH was observed in the ERN-L group. Conclusions: In this ancillary study of hyperlipidemic patients with an eGFR of 30-74 ml/min/1.73 m2, ERN alone but not in combination with laropiprant lowered FGF23 and PTH concentrations. If confirmed, niacin may provide a novel strategy to decrease phosphorus, FGF23, and PTH concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Unifying Mechanism of Sustained Idiopathic Atrial and Ventricular Annular Tachycardia
Authors: Ip James E. , Liu Christopher F. , Thomas George , Cheung Jim W. , Markowitz Steven M. , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: May 2014

Background—

Based on the current understanding of cardiac conduction system development and the observation that arrhythmogenic foci can originate in areas near the atrioventricular annuli, we hypothesized that focal annular tachycardias, whether atrial or ventricular, share a common mechanism. We, therefore, prospectively evaluated this hypothesis in patients with sustained atrial and ventricular tachycardia originating from the peri-tricuspid and mitral annuli.

Methods and Results—

Forty-nine consecutive patients with sustained, focal annular tachycardia comprised the study group. All underwent electrophysiological evaluation and the mode of tachycardia initiation, termination, sensitivity to catecholamine infusion, and response to adenosine/verapamil were evaluated. Electroanatomical activation maps identified the sites of arrhythmia origin. Tachycardias could be initiated or terminated or both with programmed stimulation in 46 of 46 patients and most (70%) were catecholamine facilitated. Of the 9 patients with sustained annular ventricular tachycardia, 3 were localized to the tricuspid annulus, and 6 to the mitral annulus. All the 9 ventricular tachycardias (100%) terminated with adenosine, 2 of 2 terminated with verapamil, and 2 of 2 terminated with Valsalva. Of the 40 patients with annular atrial tachycardia, 4 tachycardias were localized to the mitral annulus and 37 to the tricuspid annulus (including 9 para-Hisian), and all were adenosine sensitive.

Conclusions—

Peri-annular atrial and ventricular tissue correspond to a region enriched with arrhythmogenic foci, which may reflect a common developmental origin. Furthermore, the sensitivity of these tachycardias to adenosine provides evidence for a shared arrhythmia mechanism, consistent with intracellular calcium overload and triggered activity.
Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Stimulation Increases Renal Function in Female, but Not Male, Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Hilliard Lucinda M. , Chow Charis L.E. , Mirabito Katrina M. , Steckelings U. Muscha , Unger Thomas , Widdop Robert E. , Denton Kate M.
Published: May 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests that the protective pathways of the renin–angiotensin system are enhanced in women, including the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT
2
R), which mediates vasodilatory and natriuretic effects. To provide insight into the sex-specific ability of pharmacological AT
2
R stimulation to modulate renal function in hypertension, we examined the influence of the AT
2
R agonist, compound 21 (100–300 ng/kg per minute), on renal function in 18- to 19-week-old anesthetized male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats. AT
2
R stimulation significantly increased renal blood flow in female hypertensive rats (
P
Treatment
<0.001), without influencing arterial pressure. For example, at 300 ng/kg per minute of compound 21, renal blood flow increased by 14.3±1.8% from baseline. Furthermore, at 300 ng/kg per minute of compound 21, a significant increase in urinary sodium excretion was observed in female hypertensive rats (+180±59% from baseline;
P
<0.05 versus vehicle-treated rats). This was seen in the absence of any major change in glomerular filtration rate, indicating that the natriuretic effects of AT
2
R stimulation were likely the result of altered renal tubular function. Conversely, we did not observe any significant effect of AT
2
R stimulation on renal hemodynamic or excretory function in male hypertensive rats. Finally, gene expression studies confirmed greater renal AT
2
R expression in female than in male hypertensive rats. Taken together, acute AT
2
R stimulation enhanced renal vasodilatation and sodium excretion without concomitant alterations in glomerular filtration rate in female hypertensive rats. Chronic studies of AT
2
R agonist therapy on renal function and arterial pressure in hypertensive states are now required to establish the suitability of AT
2
R as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease, particularly in women.
Elevated Testosterone Levels During Rat Pregnancy Cause Hypersensitivity to Angiotensin II and Attenuation of Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Uterine Arteries
Authors: Chinnathambi Vijayakumar , Blesson Chellakkan S. , Vincent Kathleen L. , Saade George R. , Hankins Gary D. , Yallampalli Chandra , Sathishkumar Kunju
Published: May 2014

Elevated testosterone levels increase maternal blood pressure and decrease uterine blood flow in pregnancy, resulting in abnormal perinatal outcomes. We tested whether elevated testosterone alters uterine artery adaptations during pregnancy, and whether these alterations depend on endothelium-derived factors such as nitric oxide, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and prostacyclin, or endothelium-independent mechanisms such as angiotensin II (Ang-II). Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with vehicle (n=20) or testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg per day from gestation day 15 to 19; n=20). Plasma testosterone levels increased 2-fold in testosterone-injected rats compared with controls. Elevated testosterone significantly decreased placental and pup weights compared with controls. In endothelium-intact uterine arteries, contractile responses to thromboxane, phenylephrine, and Ang-II were greater in testosterone-treated rats compared with controls. In endothelium-denuded arteries, contractile responses to Ang-II (pD
2
=9.1±0.04 versus 8.7±0.04 in controls;
P
<0.05), but not thromboxane and phenylephrine, were greater in testosterone-treated rats. Ang-II type 1b receptor expression was increased, whereas Ang-II type 2 receptor was decreased in testosterone-exposed arteries. In endothelium-denuded arteries, relaxations to sodium nitroprusside were unaffected. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was significantly lower in arteries from testosterone-treated dams (E
max
=51.80±6.9% versus 91.98±1.4% in controls;
P
<0.05). The assessment of endothelial factors showed that nitric oxide–, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor–, and prostacyclin-mediated relaxations were blunted in testosterone-treated dams. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase, small conductance calcium–activated potassium channel-3, and prostacyclin receptor expressions were significantly decreased in arteries from testosterone-treated dams. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, Ankrd37, and Egln were significantly increased in testosterone-exposed placentas. These results suggest that elevated maternal testosterone impairs uterine vascular function, which may lead to an increased vascular resistance and a decrease in uterine blood flow.