bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the relevance of eBooks to corporate communication
Authors: Walton Rebecca , Hailey David
Published: June 2015

Once one realizes that eBook formats (and particularly the EPUB3.0 format) are portable websites that can be carried on virtually any digital reading device, it should be self-evident that in the future eBooks may play an important role in corporate communications. This is especially true if one considers that eBooks solve important problems such as website passivity (websites are only useful when readers actually come to the site). Rather than wait for readers to come to them, corporations can send the websites to their readers (e.g., marketing, training updates, contact information, documentation). This may become especially true of the new IPUB3 format. Because e-reader devices have become so ubiquitous and because most new devices can read most formats, corporations can count on their audiences being able to access the content.

This paper examines many of the positives and negatives that eBooks in general and the EPUB format in particular might bring to corporate communication. In the end, corporations will almost certainly adopt some eBook technologies. The questions become which ones, for what uses, and how? This paper addresses these questions.
Differential Regulation of Gene Expression of Alveolar Epithelial Cell Markers in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma-Derived A549 Clones
Authors: Kondo Hiroshi , Miyoshi Keiko , Sakiyama Shoji , Tangoku Akira , Noma Takafumi
Published: June 2015

Stem cell therapy appears to be promising for restoring damaged or irreparable lung tissue. However, establishing a simple and reproducible protocol for preparing lung progenitor populations is difficult because the molecular basis for alveolar epithelial cell differentiation is not fully understood. We investigated anin vitrosystem to analyze the regulatory mechanisms of alveolus-specific gene expression using a human alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cell line, A549. After cloning A549 subpopulations, each clone was classified into five groups according to cell morphology and marker gene expression. Two clones (B7 and H12) were further analyzed. Under serum-free culture conditions,surfactant protein C(SPC), an ATII marker, was upregulated in both H12 and B7.Aquaporin 5(AQP5), an ATI marker, was upregulated in H12 and significantly induced in B7. When the RAS/MAPK pathway was inhibited,SPCandthyroid transcription factor-1(TTF-1) expression levels were enhanced. After treatment with dexamethasone (DEX), 8-bromoadenosine 3′5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF),surfactant protein BandTTF-1expression levels were enhanced. We found that A549-derived clones have plasticity in gene expression of alveolar epithelial differentiation markers and could be useful in studying ATII maintenance and differentiation.
Adaptive Nonlinear Tire-Road Friction Force Estimation for Vehicular Systems Based on a Novel Differentiable Friction Model
Authors: Fu Zhi-Jun , Xie Wei-Dong , Ning Xiao-Bin
Published: June 2015

A novel adaptive nonlinear observer-based parameter estimation scheme using a newly continuously differentiable friction model has been developed to estimate the tire-road friction force. The differentiable friction model is more flexible and suitable for online adaptive identification and control with the advantage of more explicit parameterizable form. Different from conventional estimation methods, the filtered regression estimation parameter is introduced in the novel adaptive laws, which can guarantee that both the observer error and parameter error exponentially converge to zero. Lyapunov theory has been used to prove the stability of the proposed methods. The effectiveness of the estimation algorithm is illustrated via a bus simulation model in the Trucksim software and simulation environment. The relatively accurate tire-road friction force was estimated just by the easily existing sensors signals wheel rotational speed and vehicle speed and the proposed method also displays strong robustness against bounded disturbances.
A Case of Transient Local Anesthetic Induced Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy
Authors: Rafiq M. , Al-Zoraigi U. , Alzahrani S. , Alabdulkarim Y.
Published: June 2015

We report a rare case of bilateral vocal cord palsy following total thyroidectomy with successful extubation within 12 hours. The patient is a 33-year-old lady who underwent uneventful total thyroidectomy for compressive symptoms. Thirty minutes after extubation, she developed stridor and the flexible laryngoscopy showed bilaterally adducted vocal cords. The patient, thus, was reintubated and after 12 hours she met the extubation parameters and so she was extubated successfully. The repeated flexible laryngoscopy showed normal vocal cords. A review of the literature revealed limited information on this transient condition.
Parameter Analysis on Torque Stabilization for the Eddy Current Brake: A Developed Model, Simulation, and Sensitive Analysis
Authors: Zhou Quan , Guo Xuexun , Tan Gangfeng , Shen Xiaomeng , Ye Yifan , Wang Zhaohua
Published: June 2015

Eddy current brake (ECB) is an attractive contactless brake whereas it suffers from braking torque attenuation when the rotating speed increases. To stabilize the ECB’s torque generation property, this paper introduces the concept of anti-magneto-motive force to develop the ECB model on the fundamental of magnetic circles. In the developed model, the eddy current demagnetization and the influence of temperature which make the braking torque attenuation are clearly presented. Using the developed model of ECB, the external and internal characteristics of the ECB are simulated through programming byMATLAB. To find the sensibility of the influences on ECB’s torque generation stability, the stability indexes are defined and followed by a sensibility analysis on the internal parameters of an ECB. Finally, this paper indicates that (i) the stability of ECB’s torque generating property could be enhanced by obtaining the optimal combination of “demagnetization speed point and the nominal maximum braking torque.” (ii) The most remarkable influencing factor on the shifting the demagnetization speed point of ECB was the thickness of the air-gap. (iii) The radius of pole shoe’s cross section area and the distance from the pole shoe center to the rotation center are both the most significant influences on the nominal maximum braking torque.
Fabrication of TiO2 Nanotanks Embedded in a Nanoporous Alumina Template
Authors: Massard C. , Pairis S. , Raspal V. , Sibaud Y. , Awitor K. O.
Published: June 2015

The feasibility of surface nanopatterning with TiO2 nanotanks embedded in a nanoporous alumina template was investigated. Self‐assembled anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) template, in conjunction with sol gel process, was used to fabricate this nanocomposite object. Through hydrolysis and condensation of the titanium alkoxide, an inorganic TiO2 gel was moulded within the nanopore cavities of the alumina template. The nanocomposite object underwent two thermal treatments to stabilize and crystallize the TiO2. The morphology of the nanocomposite object was characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The TiO2 nanotanks obtained have cylindrical shapes and are approximately 69 nm in diameter with a tank‐to‐tank distance of 26 nm. X‐ray diffraction analyses performed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were used to investigate the TiO2 structure. The optical properties were studied using UV‐Vis spectroscopy.
Failure Mechanism Analysis and Support Design for Deep Composite Soft Rock Roadway: A Case Study of the Yangcheng Coal Mine in China
Authors: Jiang Bangyou , Wang Lianguo , Lu Yinlong , Gu Shitan , Sun Xiaokang
Published: June 2015

This paper presented a case study of the failure mechanisms and support design for deep composite soft rock roadway in the Yangcheng Coal Mine of China. Many experiments and field tests were performed to reveal the failure mechanisms of the roadway. It was found that the surrounding rock of the roadway was HJS complex soft rock that was characterized by poor rock quality, widespread development of joint fissures, and an unstable creep property. The major horizontal stress, which was almost perpendicular to the roadway, was 1.59 times larger than the vertical stress. The weak surrounding rock and high tectonic stress were the main internal causes of roadway instabilities, and the inadequate support was the external cause. Based on the failure mechanism, a new support design was proposed that consisted of bolting, cable, metal mesh, shotcrete, and grouting. A field experiment using the new design was performed in a roadway section approximately 100 m long. Detailed deformation monitoring was conducted in the experimental roadway sections and sections of the previous roadway. The monitoring results showed that deformations of the roadway with the new support design were reduced by 85–90% compared with those of the old design. This successful case provides an important reference for similar soft rock roadway projects.
Revealing Glycoproteins in the Secretome of MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tan Aik-Aun , Phang Wai-Mei , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Hashim Onn H. , Kiew Lik Voon , Chen Yeng
Published: June 2015

Breast cancer is one of the major issues in the field of oncology, reported with a higher prevalence rate in women worldwide. In attempt to reveal the potential biomarkers for breast cancer, the findings of differentially glycosylated haptoglobin and osteonectin in previous study have drawn our attention towards glycoproteins of secretome from the MCF-7 cancer cell line. In the present study, further analyses were performed on the medium of MCF-7 cells by subjecting it to two-dimensional analyses followed by image analysis in contrast to the medium of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEpC) as a negative control. Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), haptoglobin (HP), and HSC70 were detected in the medium of MCF-7, while only CPA4 and osteonectin (ON) were detected in HMEpC medium. In addition, CPA4 was detected as upregulated in the MCF-7 medium. Further analysis by lectin showed that CPA4, AAT, HP, and HSC70 were secreted as N-glycan in the medium of MCF-7, with HP also showing differentially N-glycosylated isoforms. For the HMEpC, only CPA4 was detected as N-glycan. No O-glycan was detected in the medium of HMEpC but MCF-7 expressed O-glycosylated CPA4 and HSC70. All these revealed that glycoproteins could be used as glycan-based biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer.
Modeling the Lithium Ion/Electrode Battery Interface Using Fick’s Second Law of Diffusion, the Laplace Transform, Charge Transfer Functions, and a [4, 4] Padé Approximant
Authors: Summerfield John H. , Curtis Charles N.
Published: June 2015

This work investigates a one-dimensional model for the solid-state diffusion in a LiC6/LiMnO2rechargeable cell. This cell is used in hybrid electric vehicles. In this environment the cell experiences low frequency electrical pulses that degrade the electrodes. The model’s starting point is Fick’s second law of diffusion. The Laplace transform is used to move from time as the independent variable to frequency as the independent variable. To better understand the effect of frequency changes on the cell, a transfer function is constructed. The transfer function is a transcendental function so a Padé approximant is found to better describe the model at the origin. Consider∂c(r,t)/∂t=D∂2c(r)/∂2r+(2/r)(∂c(r)/∂r).
Contrasting Perspectives of Anesthesiologists and Gastroenterologists on the Optimal Time Interval between Bowel Preparation and Endoscopic Sedation
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Marull Javier , Tian Chenlu , Rockey Don C.
Published: June 2015

Background. The optimal time interval between the last ingestion of bowel prep and sedation for colonoscopy remains controversial, despite guidelines that sedation can be administered 2 hours after consumption of clear liquids.Objective. To determine current practice patterns among anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists regarding the optimal time interval for sedation after last ingestion of bowel prep and to understand the rationale underlying their beliefs.Design. Questionnaire survey of anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists in the USA. The questions were focused on the preferred time interval of endoscopy after a polyethylene glycol based preparation in routine cases and select conditions.Results. Responses were received from 109 anesthesiologists and 112 gastroenterologists. 96% of anesthesiologists recommended waiting longer than 2 hours until sedation, in contrast to only 26% of gastroenterologists. The main reason for waiting >2 hours was that PEG was not considered a clear liquid. Most anesthesiologists, but not gastroenterologists, waited longer in patients with history of diabetes or reflux.Conclusions. Anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists do not agree on the optimal interval for sedation after last drink of bowel prep. Most anesthesiologists prefer to wait longer than the recommended 2 hours for clear liquids. The data suggest a need for clearer guidelines on this issue.
Role ofGeitlerinemasp. DE2011 andScenedesmussp. DE2009 as Bioindicators and Immobilizers of Chromium in a Contaminated Natural Environment
Authors: Millach Laia , Solé Antoni , Esteve Isabel
Published: June 2015

The aim of this work was to study the potential of the two phototrophic microorganisms, both isolated from Ebro Delta microbial mats, to be used as bioindicators and immobilizers of chromium. The results obtained indicated that (i) the Minimum Metal Concentration (MMC) significantly affecting Chlorophyllaintensity inGeitlerinemasp. DE2011 andScenedesmussp. DE2009 was 0.25 µM and 0.75 µM, respectively, these values being lower than those established by current legislation, and (ii)Scenedesmussp. DE2009 was able to immobilize chromium externally in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and intracellularly in polyphosphate (PP) inclusions. Additionally, this microorganism maintained high viability, including at 500 µM. Based on these results, we postulate thatGeitlerinemasp. DE2011 andScenedesmussp. DE2009 are good chromium-indicators of cytotoxicity and, further, thatScenedesmussp. DE2009 plays an important role in immobilizing this metal in a contaminated natural environment.
On the Interplay between Cannibalism and Harvest in Stage-Structured Population Models
Authors: Wikan Arild
Published: June 2015

By use of a nonlinear stage-structured population model the role of cannibalism and the combined role of cannibalism and harvest have been explored. Regarding the model, we prove that in most parts of parameter space it is permanent. We also show that the transfer from stability to nonstationary dynamics always occurs when the unique stable equilibrium undergoes a supercritical Neimark-Sacker (Hopf) bifurcation. Moreover, the dynamic consequences of catch depend not only on which part of the population (immature or mature) is exposed to increased harvest pressure but also on which part of the immature population (newborns, older immature individuals) suffers from cannibalism. Indeed, if only newborns are exposed to cannibalism an enlargement of harvest pressure on the mature part of the population may act in a stabilizing fashion. On the other hand, whenever the whole immature population is exposed to cannibalism there are parts in parameter space where increased harvest on the mature population acts in a destabilizing fashion.
Mushroomβ-Glucan May Immunomodulate the Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Lewis Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Wan-Jhen , Wu Yu-Sheng , Chen Sherwin , Liu Chi-Feng , Chen Shiu-Nan
Published: June 2015

The present study showed that oral mushroom beta-glucan treatment significantly increased IFN-γmRNA expression but significantly reduced COX-2 mRNA expression within the lung. For LLC tumor model, oralGanoderma lucidumorAntrodia camphoratapolysaccharides treatments significantly reduced TGF-βproduction in serum. In addition, IL-12 and IFN-γmRNA expression were significantly increased, but IL-6, IL-10, COX-2, and TGF-βmRNA expression were substantially following oral mushroom polysaccharides treatments. The study highlights the efficacious effect of mushroom polysaccharides for ameliorating the immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Increased M1 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages and attenuated M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages could be achieved by ingesting mushroom polysaccharides.
Triphala Extract Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Stem Cells via Suppressing c-Myc/Cyclin D1 and Elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio
Authors: Vadde Ramakrishna , Radhakrishnan Sridhar , Reddivari Lavanya , Vanamala Jairam K. P.
Published: June 2015

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the USA. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to drive continued expansion of the population of malignant cells. Therefore, strategies that target CSCs could be effective against colon cancer and in reducing the risk of relapse and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of triphala, a widely used formulation in Indian traditional medicine, on HCT116 colon cancer cells and human colon cancer stem cells (HCCSCs). The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical composition (LC-MS-MS) of methanol extract of triphala (MET) were also measured. We observed that MET contains a variety of phenolics including naringin, quercetin, homoorientin, and isorhamnetin. MET suppressed proliferation independent of p53 status in HCT116 and in HCCSCs. MET also induced p53-independent apoptosis in HCCSCs as indicated by elevated levels of cleaved PARP. Western blotting data suggested that MET suppressed protein levels of c-Myc and cyclin D1, key proteins involved in proliferation, and induced apoptosis through elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, MET inhibited HCCSCs colony formation, a measure of CSCs self-renewal ability. Anticancer effects of triphala observed in our study warrant future studies to determine its efficacyin vivo.
Immunotherapy for Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Uehara Takenori , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Takeda Ken , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Ozaki Toshifumi , Udono Heiichiro
Published: June 2015

Although multimodal therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have improved clinical outcomes of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, the prognosis of patients has plateaued over these 20 years. Immunotherapies have shown the effectiveness for several types of advanced tumors. Immunotherapies, such as cytokine therapies, vaccinations, and adoptive cell transfers, have also been investigated for bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Cytokine therapies with interleukin-2 or interferons have limited efficacy because of their cytotoxicities. Liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE), an activator of the innate immune system, has been approved as adjuvant therapeutics in combination with conventional chemotherapy in Europe, which has improved the 5-year overall survival of patients. Vaccinations and transfer of T cells transduced to express chimeric antigen receptors have shown some efficacy for sarcomas. Ipilimumab and nivolumab are monoclonal antibodies designed to inhibit immune checkpoint mechanisms. These antibodies have recently been shown to be effective for patients with melanoma and also investigated for patients with sarcomas. In this review, we provide an overview of various trials of immunotherapies for bone and soft tissue sarcomas, and discuss their potential as adjuvant therapies in combination with conventional therapies.
Full Scope Modeling and Analysis on the Secondary Circuit of Chinese Large-Capacity Advanced PWR Based on RELAP5 Code
Authors: Lu Dao-gang , Zhang Fan , Sui Dan-ting , Xi Xue-zhang , Yu Lei-bo
Published: June 2015

Chinese large-capacity advanced PWR under construction in China is a new and indispensable reactor type in the developing process of NPP fields. At the same time of NPP construction, accident sequences prediction and operators training are in progress. Since there are some possible events such as feedwater pumps trip in secondary circuit may lead to severe accident in NPP, training simulators and engineering simulators of CI are necessary. And, with an increasing proportion of nuclear power in China, NPP will participate in regulating peak load in power network, which requires accuracy calculation and control of secondary circuit. In order to achieve real-time and full scope simulation in the power change transient and accident scenarios, RELAP5/MOD 3.4 code has been adopted to model the secondary circuit for its advantage of high calculation accuracy. This paper describes the model of steady state and turbine load transient from 100% to 40% of secondary circuit using RELAP5 and provides a reasonable equivalent method to solve the calculation divergence problem caused by dramatic two-phase condition change while guaranteeing the heat transfer efficiency. The validation of the parameters shows that all the errors between the calculation values and design values are reasonable and acceptable.
Lactotransferrin Gene Polymorphism Associated with Caries Experience
Authors: Doetzer Andrea D. , Brancher João A. , Pecharki Giovana D. , Schlipf Nina , Werneck Renata , Mira Marcelo T. , Riess Olaf , Bauer Peter , Trevilatto Paula Cristina
Published: June 2015

Dental caries is a common multifactorial disease, resulting from the interaction of biofilm, cariogenic diet and host response over time. Lactotransferrin (LTF) is a main salivary glycoprotein, which modulates the host immune-inflammatory and antibacterial response. Although a genetic component for caries outcome has been identified, little is known over the genetic aspects underlying its susceptibility. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between LTF polymorphisms and caries susceptibility. Six hundred seventy seven 12-year-old students were selected: 346 with (DMFT ≥ 1) and 331 without caries experience (DMFT = 0). Also, individuals concentrating higher levels of disease (polarization group, DMFT ≥ 2, n = 253) were tested against those with DMFT ≤ 1 (n = 424). Along with clinical parameters, three representative LTF tag SNPs (rs6441989, rs2073495, rs11716497) were genotyped and the results were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Allele A for tag SNP rs6441989 was found to be significantly less frequent in the polarization group, conferring a protective effect against caries experience [AA + AG × GG (OR: 0.710, 95% CI: 0.514-0.980, p = 0.045)], and remained significantly associated with caries protection in the presence of gingivitis (p = 0.020) and plaque (p = 0.035). These results might contribute to the understanding of the genetic control of caries susceptibility in humans.
Potential Role of Phosphorylation as a Regulator of Aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase: Relevance to Infiltrative Spread of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Borgas Diana L. , Gao Jin-Song , Tong Ming , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: June 2015

Abundant expression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase (AAH) correlates with infiltrative growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we examine the role of phosphorylation in relation to AAH's protein expression, hydroxylase activity, promotion of cell motility, and activation of Notch signaling in human Huh7 hepatoma cells. Predicted glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) , protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites encoded by human AAH cDNA were ablated by S/T→A site-directed mutagenesis using N-Myc-tagged constructs in which gene expression was controlled by a cytomegalovirus promoter. Functional consequences were assessed in transiently transfected Huh7 cells. Cells transfected with wildtype AAH had significantly increased AAH expression, catalytic activity, HES-1 expression, and directional motility relative to controls. Single phosphorylation site mutations in the C-terminus largely abrogated these effects and further inhibited catalytic activity relative to that in cells transfected with empty vector, whereas the effects of single point mutations within the N-terminus were more varied. In contrast, AAH cDNAs carrying multiple phosphorylation site mutations exhibited wildtype levels of AAH catalytic activity suggesting that the effects of AAH phosphorylation are complex and non-uniform. AAH expression and function can be modulated by direct phosphorylation of the protein. These findings suggest additional strategies for inhibiting infiltrative growth of HCC.
Indoxyl Sulfate, Not P-Cresyl Sulfate, is Associated with Advanced Glycation end Products in Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jui , Lin Jackson , Pan Chi-Feng , Chuang Chih-Kuang , Liu Hsuan-Liang , Sun Fang-Ju , Wang Tuan-Jen , Chen Han-Hsiang , Wu Chih-Jen
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative compounds that play a critical role in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Protein-bound uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), inhibit endothelial function. We explored the association of IS and PCS with AGEs in a hemodialysis (HD) cohort. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that recruited 129 stable patients on maintenance HD in a single medical center from July 1 to July 15, 2011. Serum levels of total and free IS, PCS and AGEs were measured concurrently. General laboratory results and patient background were also investigated. Results: Serum levels of AGEs were associated with total IS (r = 2.7, p < 0.01) but not total PCS (r = 0.01, NS), free IS (r = 0.11, NS) or free PCS (r = 0.04, NS) using Pearson's analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that total IS was significantly related to AGEs (β = 0.296, p < 0.01), free IS (β = 0.502, p < 0.01) and creatinine (β = 0.294, p < 0.01). Serum AGEs levels were also independently correlated with diabetes status (β = 0.250, p = 0.01) and total IS (β = 0.341, p < 0.01) concentrations after adjusting for other confounding variables. Moreover, patients with diabetes had higher serum AGEs levels than patients without diabetes (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that serum levels of total IS were associated with AGEs levels, which may participate in the process of atherosclerosis.
Rheological Influence Upon the Glomerular Podocyte and Resultant Mechanotransduction
Authors: Pichler Sekulic Simona , Sekulic Miroslav
Published: June 2015

The glomerular podocyte is exposed to numerous mechanical forces as a constituent of the glomerular filtration apparatus. This includes fluid shear stress (FSS) displaced upon the podocytic foot process's apical, lateral, and basal surfaces. Even in the face of continuous flow the podocyte is capable of contributing to physiologic filtration, however with pathologic levels of hyperfiltration there is increased FSS placed upon the cell. The mechanisms by which the podocyte detects and responds to FSS are topics of recent investigations, with the aim to clarify the way these cells are injured and/or adapt in times of hyperfiltration and disease states. As the pathogenesis of numerous glomerulopathies is contingent on the status of the podocyte, understanding the manner that these cells can be modified by FSS is essential. Likewise, determination of the effect of such mechanical forces upon other resident cells of the renal corpuscle would reveal the contribution of FSS in the progression of glomerular diseases. The biochemical manner in which podocytes sense and respond to FSS, that is mechanotransduction, will be discussed.
Glomerular Damage in Experimental Proliferative Glomerulonephritis Under Glomerular Capillary Hypertension
Authors: Wang Pei-Rong , Kitamura Hiroshi , Shimizu Akira , Yamanaka Nobuaki
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Immunologically and hemodynamically mediated the destruction of glomerular architecture is thought to be the major causes of end-stage renal failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of glomerular hypertension on glomerular injury and the progression of glomerular sclerosis after Thy-1 nephritis was induced. Method: Thy-1 nephritis was induced in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat strain (SHR-SP) (group SP) and in age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) (group WKY) rats, following unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), and a vehicle was injected alone in UNX SHR-SP as control (group SC). Result: The degree of glomerular damage in response to a single dose of anti-thy-1 antibody, and its functional consequences (eg. proteinuria, diminished GFR) are more pronounced in group SP than normotensive group WKY and hypertensive group SC without mesangial cell injury. While normotensive group WKY rats recovered completely from mesangial cell injury on day 28-42, glomeruli in group SP kept on persistent macrophage infiltration, α-SMA expression on day 42-56. In addition, glomerular capillary repair with the GECs was rarely seen in pronouncedly proliferative and sclerostic areas. The incidence of glomerular sclerosis and the level of proteinuria were markedly increased by day 56 in the group SP. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that glomerular hypertension aggravate glomerular damage and glomerulosclerosis in this model of Thy 1 nephritis.
Diminished Nap Effects on Memory Consolidation Are Seen Under Oral Contraceptive Use
Authors: Genzel Lisa , Bäurle Anna , Potyka Alina , Wehrle Renate , Adamczyk Marek , Friess Elisabeth , Steiger Axel , Dresler Martin
Published: June 2015

Many young females take exogenous hormones as oral contraceptive (OC), a condition rarely controlled for in studies on sleep and memory consolidation even though sex hormones influence consolidation. This study investigated the effects of OCs on sleep-related consolidation of a motor and declarative task, utilizing a daytime nap protocol. Fifteen healthy, young females taking OCs came to the sleep lab for three different conditions: nap with previous learning, wake with previous learning and nap without learning. They underwent each condition twice, once during the ‘pill-active' weeks and once during the ‘pill-free' week, resulting in 6 visits. In all conditions, participants showed a significant off-line consolidation effect, independent of pill week or nap/wake condition. There were no significant differences in sleep stage duration, spindle activity or spectral EEG frequency bands between naps with or without the learning condition. The present data showed a significant off-line enhancement in memory irrespective of potential beneficial effects of a nap. In comparison to previous studies, this may suggest that the use of OCs may enhance off-line memory consolidation in motor and verbal tasks per se. These results stress the importance to control for the use of OCs in studies focusing on memory performance.
Recognition Memory Bias in Earthquake-Exposed Survivors: A Behavioral and ERP Study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kong Fanchang , Hasan Abbasi Najam ul , Jackson Todd , Chen Hong
Published: June 2015

Objective and Methods: To investigate the neural correlates of earthquake-related stimuli among earthquake-exposed survivors, 13 earthquake-exposed undergraduates without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 13 matched controls completed a study-test task during which event-related potentials were recorded synchronously. Results: The earthquake-exposed group exhibited stronger P2, P300 and late positive component amplitudes to earthquake-related stimuli compared with the control group on the anterior scalp during recognition memory processing. In addition, earthquake-related stimuli elicited enhanced positivity compared with neutral stimuli in the earthquake-exposed group. Conclusion: The results indicate that earthquake-exposed subjects demonstrate recognition memory bias toward threatening stimuli. Even though both groups showed no PTSD symptoms, potential threat cues or stimuli associated with a traumatic event may trigger traumatic memories in this group.
Salivary Testosterone Is Consistently and Positively Associated with Extraversion: Results from The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Smeets-Janssen Maureen M.J. , Roelofs Karin , van Pelt Johannes , Spinhoven Philip , Zitman Frans G. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Giltay Erik J.
Published: June 2015

Background: Testosterone has been postulated as a ‘social' hormone, but the relationship between testosterone and personality traits linked with socially oriented behaviors such as extraversion remains unclear. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between baseline salivary testosterone levels and the Big Five personality traits. Methods: We studied the relationship between salivary testosterone (morning and evening) and NEO-FFI (Five-Factor Inventory) personality traits in 1,611 participants with lifetime or current depression and/or anxiety and 482 participants without depression/anxiety of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Results: The personality domain of extraversion was independently associated with higher salivary testosterone, both in healthy subjects (β = 0.094; p = 0.04) and in subjects with lifetime or current depression and/or anxiety (β = 0.092; p < 0.001). In multivariable adjusted analyses, extraversion remained the only personality trait that was positively associated with salivary testosterone (β = 0.079; p = 0.006). Conclusion: We conclude that salivary testosterone is consistently and positively related to extraversion, supporting the notion of a hormonal basis of this personality trait, which may be linked to the tendency to strive for and maintain social status.
Stress Response to the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Environment in Healthy Adults Relates to the Degree of Limbic Reactivity during Emotion Processing
Authors: Weldon Anne L. , Hagan Melissa , Van Meter Anna , Jacobs Rachel H. , Kassel Michelle T. , Hazlett Kathleen E. , Haase Brennan D. , Vederman Aaron C. , Avery Erich , Briceno Emily M. , Welsh Robert C. , Zubieta Jon-Kar , Weisenbach Sara L. , Langenecker Scott A.
Published: June 2015

Background: Imaging techniques are increasingly being used to examine the neural correlates of stress and emotion processing; however, relations between the primary stress hormone cortisol, the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) environment, and individual differences in response to emotional challenges are not yet well studied. The present study investigated whether cortisol activity prior to, and during, an fMRI scan may be related to neural processing of emotional information. Methods: Twenty-six healthy individuals (10 female) completed a facial emotion perception test during 3-tesla fMRI. Results: Prescan cortisol was significantly correlated with enhanced amygdala, hippocampal, and subgenual cingulate reactivity for facial recognition. Cortisol change from pre- to postscanning predicted a greater activation in the precuneus for both fearful and angry faces. A negative relationship between overall face accuracy and activation in limbic regions was observed. Conclusion: Individual differences in response to the fMRI environment might lead to a greater heterogeneity of brain activation in control samples, decreasing the power to detect differences between clinical and comparison groups.
Efficacy of Heroin-Assisted Treatment in Belgium: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Demaret Isabelle , Quertemont Etienne , Litran Géraldine , Magoga Cécile , Deblire Clémence , Dubois Nathalie , De Roubaix Jérôme , Charlier Corinne , Lemaître André , Ansseau Marc
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) can improve the condition of heroin addicts still using street heroin after a methadone treatment. In Belgium, a new trial compared the efficacy of a HAT to existing methadone maintenance treatment. Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, HAT was limited to 12 months. Participants were assessed every 3 months. They were responders if they showed improvement on the level of street heroin use, health or criminal involvement. Results: 74 participants were randomised in the trial. The experimental group (n = 36) counted 30% of responders more than the control group (n = 38) at each assessment point (p < 0.05), except at 12 months where the difference (11%) was no longer significant (p = 0.35). Still, after 12 months, participants in the experimental group reported significantly greater improvements (p < 0.05) than the control group on the level of street heroin use and on the level of physical and mental health. Both groups reported significantly less criminal acts after 12 months (p < 0.001), but with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: This trial confirms the short-term efficacy of HAT for severe heroin addicts, who already failed methadone treatment.
The Development of Carotid Stent Material
Authors: He Dongsheng , Liu Wenhua , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2015

Endovascular angioplasty with stenting is a promising option for treating carotid artery stenosis. There exist a rapidly increasing number of different stent types with different materials. The bare-metal stent is the most commonly used stent with acceptable results, but it leaves us with the problems of thrombosis and restenosis. The drug-eluting stent is a breakthrough as it has the ability to reduce the restenosis rate, but the problem of late thrombosis still has to be addressed. The biodegradable stent disappears after having served its function. However, restenosis and degradation rates remain to be studied. In this article, we review every stent material with its characteristics, clinical results and complications and point out the standards of an ideal carotid stent. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Repeated Cortisol Awakening Response as Predictor of Antidepressant Treatment Outcome with Duloxetine
Authors: Beck Johannes , Bruni Nicole , Brand Serge , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith
Published: June 2015

Background: Despite considerably extended knowledge about the mechanism of action of antidepressants, physicians would greatly benefit from reliable biological predictors identifying those patients who will respond poorly to a given treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess whether repeated testing of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) between baseline and after 10 days of duloxetine treatment is able to predict antidepressant treatment outcome after 6 weeks of treatment. Methods: 12 patients with a major depressive episode were treated with duloxetine 90 mg/day for 6 weeks. At baseline and after 10 days of duloxetine treatment, the CAR was assessed, and changes between baseline and day 10 were categorized as improved or unimproved according to the change in cortisol area under the concentration-time curve total concentrations. Depression severity was assessed with the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-21). Results: Non-remission after 6 weeks of treatment with duloxetine was predicted by an unfavourable saliva cortisol change between baseline and 10 days of duloxetine treatment. Linear regression analysis revealed that patients with a higher decrease in saliva cortisol measures between baseline and 10 days of treatment show a higher decrease in HDRS-21 scores. Conclusion: Repeated CAR during early treatment is a putative predictive marker of antidepressant treatment outcome with duloxetine.
Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Transcription Factor-1 Gene Variation and Medication Load Influence White Matter Structure in Schizophrenia
Authors: Bollettini Irene , Barberi Ignazio , Poletti Sara , Radaelli Daniele , Pirovano Adele , Lorenzi Cristina , Falini Andrea , Cavallaro Roberto , Smeraldi Enrico , Benedetti Francesco
Published: June 2015

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have shown a widespread disruption of white matter (WM) microstructure in schizophrenia. Furthermore, higher fractional anisotropy (FA) has been consistently correlated with the severity of psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) affect lipid homeostasis. Gene polymorphisms in sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor (SREBF)-1 and SREBF-2 have been associated with schizophrenia. Methods: In a sample of 65 patients affected by chronic schizophrenia, we investigated the effect of ongoing APD medication, SREBF-1 rs11868035 polymorphism and SREBF-2 rs1052717 polymorphism on the WM microstructure, using tract-based spatial statistics with threshold-free cluster enhancement. Results: We reported increased FA associated with the risk rs11868035 G/G genotype in several WM tracts, mainly located in the left hemisphere, and opposite effects of the APD medication load, with reduced FA and generally increased diffusivity. These opposite effects overlapped in the forceps minor, cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, the corticospinal tract, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and the anterior thalamic radiation. Conclusion: We suggest that changes of WM structure could be an as yet poorly explored biomarker of the effects of APDs, to be further investigated in prospective studies correlating long-term clinical effects with changes of DTI measures in specific WM tracts contributing to the functional integrity of the brain.
Cyclosporine Combined with Levamisole for Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Li Xingxin , Shi Jun , Wang Min , Nie Neng , Shao Yingqi , Ge Meili , Huang Jinbo , Huang Zhendong , Zhang Jing , Zheng Yizhou
Published: June 2015

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests an immune-mediated pathophysiology in subjects with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in whom immunosuppressive therapy may be effective. The novel immunosuppressive strategy of cyclosporine A (CsA) alternately combined with levamisole (LMS; CsA + LMS regimen) can dramatically improve the response rate and survival in aplastic anemia from those of our previous study. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 89 lower-risk MDS patients who received the CsA + LMS regimen. A total of 63 patients (70.8%) achieved either complete remission or hematological improvement at 4 months. Overall, 51, 41 and 19 patients had erythroid, platelet and neutrophil responses, respectively. Following the CsA + LMS regimen, 6 patients progressed to more advanced MDS at a median interval of 5 months (range, 3-42 months). The estimated 24-month progression-free survival was 82.2% (95% CI, 72.84-91.56) for all patients. Within the median follow-up of 18.5 months (range, 7.0-61.0), 6 patients died. In conclusion, the CsA + LMS regimen alleviated cytopenias and improved survival and freedom from evolution, suggesting that it could be reserved as an alternative choice for lower-risk MDS.
Stage-Specific Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 on the Differentiation of Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Sagomonyants Karen , Mina Mina
Published: June 2015

Dentinogenesis is a complex and multistep process, which is regulated by various growth factors, including members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. Both positive and negative effects of FGFs on dentinogenesis have been reported, but the underlying mechanisms of these conflicting results are still unclear. To gain a better insight into the role of FGF2 in dentinogenesis, we used dental pulp cells from various transgenic mice, in which fluorescent protein expression identifies cells at different stages of odontoblast differentiation. Our results showed that the continuous exposure of pulp cells to FGF2 inhibited mineralization and revealed both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of FGF2 on the expression of markers of dentinogenesis and various transgenes. During the proliferation phase of in vitro growth, FGF2 increased the expression of markers of dentinogenesis and the percentages of dentin matrix protein 1/green fluorescent protein (DMP1-GFP)-positive functional odontoblasts and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP)-Cerulean-positive odontoblasts. Additional exposure to FGF2 during the differentiation/mineralization phase of in vitro growth decreased the extent of mineralization and the expression of markers of dentinogenesis and of the DMP1-GFP and DSPP-Cerulean transgenes. Recovery experiments showed that the inhibitory effects of FGF2 on dentinogenesis were related to the blocking of the differentiation of cells into mature odontoblasts. These observations together showed the stage-specific effects of FGF2 on dentinogenesis by dental pulp cells, and they provide critical information for the development of improved treatments for vital pulp therapy and dentin regeneration.
Flattened Tumor Requires a More Careful Attention for Residual Distal Cancer Spread in Locally Advanced Lower Rectal Carcinoma after Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kinoshita Osamu , Nakanishi Masayoshi , Murayama Yasutoshi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Kokuba Yukihito , Otsuji Eigo
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Limited data are available on distal resection margin (DRM) for lower rectal cancer (LRC) after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pre-CRT); thus, we aimed to establish the criteria for DRMs as estimated by the macroscopic tumor appearance. Methods: This was a pathological study using whole-mount sections that included the entire circumference of tumor. Residual cancer spread located most distally from the macroscopic tumor border was mainly evaluated. Results: A retrospective cohort of 42 consecutive patients with locally advanced LRC after pre-CRT was enrolled, and 38 patients were eligible for this study. According to the macroscopic tumor appearance, 18 patients had raised-type and 20 had flattened-type tumors. Patients with flattened-type tumors were closely associated with histopathological regression grade. Residual distal cancer spread (RDCS) was located ≤4.0 mm (median, 0.1 mm) in the raised-type tumors and ≤17.1 mm (median, 4.2 mm) in the flattened-type tumors. RDCS in flattened-type tumors was distributed diffusely and distally from the tumor border (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Even in patients evaluated as pre-CRT responders, flattened tumors often accompanied distally located residual cancer that had spread from the tumor border and require more careful attention in order to ensure cancer clearance.
Association between Blood Level of Plasma Oxytocin and Novelty Seeking among Methadone-Maintained Heroin Users
Authors: Lin Shih-Hsien , Lee Lan-Ting , Tsai Hsin Chun , Chen Kao Chin , Chen Wei Tseng , Lee I Hui , Lu Ru-Band , Chen Po See , Yang Yen Kuang
Published: June 2015

Background: Oxytocin interacts with the dopaminergic system, which plays a role in addiction behaviors. The association between oxytocin and addiction was confirmed in animal studies. Novelty seeking is one of the predictors and indicators of drug addiction. The aim of the present study was to probe the association between oxytocin and novelty seeking. Methods: The study was conducted in a methadone maintenance therapy clinic of a medical center in Taiwan; 77 patients with heroin dependency were enrolled. Plasma oxytocin was measured using an ELISA kit. Novelty seeking was measured using an established instrument (the novelty seeking subscale of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire). Results: A significant negative association (ρ = -0.27, p = 0.02; r = -0.34, p = 0.003) between the blood level of plasma oxytocin and novelty seeking was found. This association was significant after controlling the effects of perceived social support and the dosage of methadone (r = -0.32, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The negative association between oxytocin and novelty seeking may provide insight into future treatments for addiction.