bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical investigation on the geometric, spectroscopic, nonlinear optical parameter, and frontier molecular orbital of 1,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one by DFT/ab initio calculations
Authors: Li Xiao-Hong , Zhang Rui-Zhou , Zhang Xian-Zhou
Published: September 2013

Quantum chemical calculations of energies, geometries, and vibrational wavenumbers of 1,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (C17H16O3) in the ground state were carried out by the using ab initio Hartree−Fock and density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) methods with the 6-311++G** basis set. The difference between the observed and scaled wavenumber values of most of the fundamentals is very small. Theoretical vibrational spectra of the title compound were interpreted by means of potential energies distributions. The theoretical spectrograms for IR spectra of the title compound have been constructed. The analysis of natural bond orbitals shows that the intramolecular hyperconjugative interactions are formed by the orbital overlap between π*(C–C) and π(C–C) bond orbitals, which results in intramolecular charge transfer causing stabilization of the system. The predicted nonlinear optical properties of the title compound are much larger than those of urea. In addition, the analysis of frontier molecular orbitals shows that the title compound has good stability and high chemical hardness.
Evaluating analytical approaches for estimating pelagic fish biomass using simulated fish communities
Authors: Yule Daniel L. , Adams Jean V. , Warner David M. , Hrabik Thomas R. , Kocovsky Patrick M. , Weidel Brian C. , Rudstam Lars G. , Sullivan Patrick J.
Published: September 2013

Pelagic fish assessments often combine large amounts of acoustic-based fish density data and limited midwater trawl information to estimate species-specific biomass density. We compared the accuracy of five apportionment methods for estimating pelagic fish biomass density using simulated communities with known fish numbers that mimic Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Ontario, representing a range of fish community complexities. Across all apportionment methods, the error in the estimated biomass generally declined with increasing effort, but methods that accounted for community composition changes with water column depth performed best. Correlations between trawl catch and the true species composition were highest when more fish were caught, highlighting the benefits of targeted trawling in locations of high fish density. Pelagic fish surveys should incorporate geographic and water column depth stratification in the survey design, use apportionment methods that account for species-specific depth differences, target midwater trawling effort in areas of high fish density, and include at least 15 midwater trawls. With relatively basic biological information, simulations of fish communities and sampling programs can optimize effort allocation and reduce error in biomass estimates.
Altered calcium regulation in isolated cardiomyocytes from Egr-1 knock-out mice
Authors: Pacini Luca , Suffredini Silvia , Ponti Donatella , Coppini Raffaele , Frati Giacomo , Ragona Giuseppe , Cerbai Elisabetta , Calogero Antonella
Published: September 2013

Early growth response-1 one gene (Egr-1), one of the immediate early response genes, plays an important role in the adaptive response of the myocardium to hypertrophic stimuli. We aimed to investigate the effects of Egr-1 deletion on cardiac function. Egr-1 knock-out (Egr-1−/−) homozygous mice were employed to evaluate the electrophysiological and molecular properties of left ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCM) by using patch-clamp technique, intracellular calcium measurements, real-time PCR, and Western blot. Action potential was prolonged and diastolic potential was positive-shifted in VCMs isolated from Egr-1−/− mice, in comparison with those from their wild-type (WT) littermates. The calcium content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reduced and the decay time for steady-state calcium transient slowed down. Serca2, Ryr, L-type Ca2+-channel, and PLB mRNA expression were reduced in Egr-1−/− mice compared with the controls. Moreover, Serca2 protein was reduced, while the amount of Ncx1 protein was increased in Egr-1−/− hearts compared with those of the WT littermates. Furthermore, genes involved in heart development (GATA-4, TGF-β) and in Egr-1 regulation (Nab1, Nab2) were down regulated in Egr-1−/− mice. These results suggest that Egr-1 plays a pivotal role in regulating excitation–contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes.
Isolation and characterization of novelTy1-copia-like retrotransposons from lily
Authors: Lee Sung-Il , Park Kyong-Cheul , Son Jae-Han , Hwang Youn-Jung , Lim Ki-Byung , Song Ye-Su , Kim Jong-Hwa , Kim Nam-Soo
Published: September 2013

Species of the genus Lilium are well known for their large genomes. Although expansion of noncoding repeated DNA is believed to account for this genome size, retroelement del Ty3-gypsy is the only one described so far in the genus Lilium. We isolated Ty1-copia elements from Lilium longiflorum and named them LIREs (lily retrotransposons). The long terminal repeats, primer binding site, and polypurine tract sequences are highly similar among the LIRE elements, indicating that they are in the same lineage. Although the protein-coding regions were highly decayed, the sequence motifs of the integrase, reverse transcriptase, and RNase H domains were identifiable as belonging to the order of Ty1-copia elements. Phylogenetic analysis and primer binding site sequences revealed that these elements belonged to the Ale lineage among the six lineages of plant Ty1-copia elements. Base substitutions in the long terminal repeats estimated that the integration times of the LIRE Ty1-copia elements were between 0.7 and 5.5 mya. In situ hybridization showed that the LIRE elements were present in all the chromosomes of L. longiflorum and L. lancifolium, but absent in centromeres, telomeres, and 45S rRNA sites in both species. The LIRE elements were present very abundantly in species of the genus Lilium, but absent in other genera of the family Liliaceae, implying that the LIRE elements might have contributed to the expansion of the genome in the genus Lilium.
BLACK-HOLE SOLUTION WITHOUT CURVATURE SINGULARITY
Authors: KLINKHAMER F. R.
Published: September 2013

An exact solution of the vacuum Einstein field equations over a nonsimply-connected manifold is presented. This solution is spherically symmetric and has no curvature singularity. It can be considered as a regularization of the Schwarzschild solution over a simply-connected manifold, which has a curvature singularity at the center. Spherically symmetric collapse of matter in ℝ4 may result in this nonsingular black-hole solution, if quantum-gravity effects allow for topology change near the center.
THE HYDRODYNAMIC DESCRIPTION OF THE ENERGY AND CENTRALITY DEPENDENCES OF THE PSEUDORAPIDITY DISTRIBUTIONS OF THE PRODUCED CHARGED PARTICLES INAu+AuCOLLISIONS
Authors: JIANG ZHIJIN , LI QINGGUANG , JIANG GUANXIANG
Published: September 2013

By using the revised Landau hydrodynamic model and taking into account the effect of leading particles, we discuss the pseudorapidity distributions of produced charged particles in high energy heavy-ion collisions. The charged particles resulted from the freeze-out of the matter produced in collisions possess the Gaussian-like rapidity distributions. The leading particles are assumed having the rapidity distributions of the Gaussian form with the normalization constant being equal to the number of participants, which can be figured out in theory. It is found that the results from the revised Landau hydrodynamic model together with the contributions from leading particles are well consistent with the experimental data carried out by BNL-RHIC-PHOBOS Collaboration in different centrality Au + Au collisions at energies of [Formula: see text], 130 and 62.4 GeV , respectively.
Income Smoothing, Information Uncertainty, Stock Returns, and Cost of Equity
Authors: Chen Linda H.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the effect of income smoothing on information uncertainty, stock returns, and cost of equity. I show that income smoothing through both total accruals and discretionary accruals tends to reduce firms' information uncertainty, as measured by stock return volatility, analyst earnings forecast dispersion, and analyst earnings forecast error. Further, I provide evidence that stocks of income smoothing firms are priced with a premium. Controlling for earnings shocks and other firm characteristics, income smoothing firms have significantly higher abnormal returns around earnings announcement. In addition, I show that income smoothing reduces firms' implied cost of equity or expected returns. The result is more robust over short horizons up to two years.
The Impact of Market-Nurtured Optimism on Mergers: Empirical Evidence by the Taiwan's Equity Market
Authors: Shu Pei-Gi , Yeh Yin-Hua , Chiu Shean-Bii , Wang Li-Hui
Published: September 2013

We create a novel measure of market-nurtured optimism in that managers become more optimistic if the market had responded more favorably, and to a larger extent to positive earnings surprises, than to negative earnings surprises. These market-nurtured managers are prone to engage in value-destructive mergers. The inclination is further reinforced by abundant internal cash. In contrast, a good governance structure mitigates the odds of engaging in mergers and the detrimental effect associated with mergers. The acquisitions launched by overconfident managers are associated with lower market value.
Investigating reservoir pressure transmission for three types of coalbed methane reservoirs in the Qinshui Basin in Shan’xi Province, China
Authors: Zou Mingjun , Wei Chongtao , Fu Xuehai , Bao Yuan , Cai Zhixiang
Published: September 2013

Based on the characteristics of seven representative coalbed reservoirs in the Qinshui Basin in Shan’xi Province, China, the reservoirs were classified as gas pressure reservoirs, water pressure reservoirs or hybrid pressure reservoirs. Reservoir modelling technology was adopted to study the 1000 day recoverability and reservoir pressure transmission process of three typical coalbed methane (CBM) wells, each of which represents one of the three coalbed reservoir classifications identified. The results indicate that the three reservoirs are quite different in terms of their drainage performance. For gas pressure reservoirs, reservoir pressure changes in a very small region around the well bore. The gas production of this type of reservoir is very low; hence, integrated coal and gas mining may be appropriate to enhance its recovery. Reservoir pressure propagates further in water pressure reservoirs but declines gradually. The gas recoverability in water pressure reservoirs is also low, which indicates that effective water drainage is the key technology for improving it. The pressure in hybrid pressure reservoirs propagates moderately in the whole effective region. This type of reservoir has the strongest gas recoverability and is suitable for CBM exploitation using surface to reservoir boreholes.
Lithotherapeutical research sources from antiquity to the mid-eighteenth century
Authors: Duffin Christopher J.
Published: September 2013

Geopharmaceuticals have a recorded history of use by a wide range of cultures for over 3000 years. The history of geological simples is written in the leaves of a diversity of literary sources, an overview of which is attempted for the first time. Egyptian medical papyri, Assyrian and Babylonian clay tablets, Indian
Puranas
, plus ancient Chinese, classical Greek and Roman writings all preserve a folk tradition of therapeutic earths, rocks, minerals and fossils. Anglo-Saxon
Laeceboc
, medieval Islamic writings, and Western medieval bestiaries all contain scattered references to geological simples. A surge of appreciation for geopharmaceuticals took place with the onset of the Western medieval lapidary tradition, which influenced the writings of the early encyclopaedists and writers of herbals. With the advent of printing, many classical and newly translated Islamic texts were made more readily available, stimulating a burst of scholarship by early modern scientists of the Renaissance. Increasingly detailed illustrations were used to embellish the catalogues of Renaissance
Wunderkammern
. By the late eighteenth century, the use of geological materials was declining, and being replaced by a more empirical approach to pharmacology.
Increased susceptibility of db/db mice to rosiglitazone-induced plasma volume expansion: role of dysregulation of renal water transporters
Authors: Zhou Li , Liu Gang , Jia Zhanjun , Yang Kevin T. , Sun Ying , Kakizoe Yutaka , Liu Mi , Zhou Shufeng , Chen Ren , Yang Baoxue , Yang Tianxin
Published: September 2013

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subtype-γ (PPARγ), agonists are highly effective for treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the side effect of fluid retention has significantly limited their application. Most of the previous studies addressing TZD-induced fluid retention employed healthy animals. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is still incompletely understood, particularly in the setting of disease state. The present study was undertaken to examine rosiglitazone (RGZ)-induced fluid retention in db/db mice and to further investigate the underlying mechanism. In response to RGZ treatment, db/db mice exhibited an accelerated plasma volume expansion as assessed by hematocrit (Hct) and fluorescent nanoparticles, in parallel with a greater increase in body weight, compared with lean controls. In response to RGZ-induced fluid retention, urinary Na+ excretion and urine volume were significantly increased in lean mice. In contrast, the natriuretic and diuretic responses were significantly blunted in db/db mice. RGZ db/db mice exhibited a parallel decrease in plasma Na+ concentration and plasma osmolality, contrasting to unchanged levels in lean controls. Imunoblotting analysis showed downregulation of renal aquaporin (AQP) 2 expression in response to RGZ treatment in lean mice but not in db/db mice. Renal AQP3 protein expression was unaffected by RGZ treatment in lean mice but was elevated in db/db mice. In contrast, the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger-3 (NHE3) and NKCC2 was unchanged in either mouse strain. Together these results suggest that compared with the lean controls, db/db mice exhibited accelerated plasma volume expansion that was in part due to the inappropriate response of renal water transporters.
Elevated carbon dioxide upregulates NBCn1 Na+/HCO3−cotransporter in human embryonic kidney cells
Authors: Orlowski Alejandro , Vargas Lorena A. , Aiello Ernesto A. , Álvarez Bernardo V.
Published: September 2013

The NBCn1 Na+/HCO3−cotransporter catalyzes the electroneutral movement of 1 Na+:1 HCO3−into kidney cells. We characterized the intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) subjected to NH4Cl prepulse acid loading, and we examined the NBCn1 expression and function in HEK cells subjected to 24-h elevated Pco2(10–15%). After acid loading, in the presence of HCO3−, ∼50% of the pHirecovery phase was blocked by the Na+/H+exchanger inhibitors EIPA (10–50 μM) and amiloride (1 mM) and was fully cancelled by 30 μM EIPA under nominally HCO3−-free conditions. In addition, in the presence of HCO3−, pHirecovery after acid loading was completely blocked when Na+was omitted in the buffer. pHirecovery after acidification in HEK cells was repeated in the presence of the NBC inhibitor S0859, and the pHirecovery was inhibited by S0859 in a dose-dependent manner ( Ki= 30 μM, full inhibition at 60 μM), which confirmed NBC Na+/HCO3−cotransporter activation. NBCn1 expression increased threefold after 24-h exposure of cultured HEK cells to 10% CO2and sevenfold after exposure to 15% CO2, examined by immunoblots. Finally, exposure of HEK cells to high CO2significantly increased the HCO3−-dependent recovery of pHiafter acid loading. We conclude that HEK cells expressed the NBCn1 Na+/HCO3−cotransporter as the only HCO3−-dependent mechanism responsible for cellular alkaline loading. NBCn1, which expresses in different kidney cell types, was upregulated by 24-h high-Pco2exposure of HEK cells, and this upregulation was accompanied by increased NBCn1-mediated HCO3−transport.
Can noninvasive brain stimulation enhance function in the ageing brain?
Authors: Vallence Ann-Maree , Goldsworthy Mitchell R.
Published: September 2013

Advancing age is associated with cognitive and motor performance deficits and a reduced capacity for plasticity. Zimerman and colleagues (Zimerman M, Nitsch M, Giraux P, Gerloff C, Cohen LG, Hummel FC. Ann Neurol 73: 10–15, 2013) have recently shown that noninvasive brain stimulation can enhance behavioral improvements following training on a motor sequence task in older adults. The work is of high clinical importance given the rapidly growing ageing population and the accompanying costs to health systems globally.
Calcium influx through N-type channels and activation of SK and TRP-like channels regulates tonic firing of neurons in rat paraventricular thalamus
Authors: Wong Adrian Y. C. , Borduas Jean-Francois , Clarke Stephen , Lee Kevin F. H. , Béïque Jean-Claude , Bergeron Richard
Published: September 2013

The thalamus is a major relay and integration station in the central nervous system. While there is a large body of information on the firing and network properties of neurons contained within sensory thalamic nuclei, less is known about the neurons located in midline thalamic nuclei, which are thought to modulate arousal and homeostasis. One midline nucleus that has been implicated in mediating stress responses is the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). Like other thalamic neurons, these neurons display two distinct firing modes, burst and tonic. In contrast to burst firing, little is known about the ionic mechanisms modulating tonic firing in these cells. Here we performed a series of whole cell recordings to characterize tonic firing in PVT neurons in acute rat brain slices. We found that PVT neurons are able to fire sustained, low-frequency, weakly accommodating trains of action potentials in response to a depolarizing stimulus. Unexpectedly, PVT neurons displayed a very high propensity to enter depolarization block, occurring at stimulus intensities that would elicit tonic firing in other thalamic neurons. The tonic firing behavior of these cells is modulated by a functional interplay between N-type Ca2+ channels and downstream activation of small-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ (SK) channels and a transient receptor potential (TRP)-like conductance. Thus these ionic conductances endow PVT neurons with a narrow dynamic range, which may have fundamental implications for the integrative properties of this nucleus.
α7-Containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on interneurons of the basolateral amygdala and their role in the regulation of the network excitability
Authors: Pidoplichko Volodymyr I. , Prager Eric M. , Aroniadou-Anderjaska Vassiliki , Braga Maria F. M.
Published: September 2013

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays a key role in fear-related learning and memory, in the modulation of cognitive functions, and in the overall regulation of emotional behavior. Pathophysiological alterations involving hyperexcitability in this brain region underlie anxiety and other emotional disorders as well as some forms of epilepsy. GABAergic interneurons exert a tight inhibitory control over the BLA network; understanding the mechanisms that regulate their activity is necessary for understanding physiological and disordered BLA functions. The BLA receives dense cholinergic input from the basal forebrain, affecting both normal functions and dysfunctions of the amygdala, but the mechanisms involved in the cholinergic regulation of inhibitory activity in the BLA are unclear. Using whole cell recordings in rat amygdala slices, here we demonstrate that the α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) are present on somatic or somatodendritic regions of BLA interneurons. These receptors are active in the basal state enhancing GABAergic inhibition, and their further, exogenous activation produces a transient but dramatic increase of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in principal BLA neurons. In the absence of AMPA/kainate receptor antagonists, activation of α7-nAChRs in the BLA network increases both GABAergic and glutamatergic spontaneous currents in BLA principal cells, but the inhibitory currents are enhanced significantly more than the excitatory currents, reducing overall excitability. The anxiolytic effects of nicotine as well as the role of the α7-nAChRs in seizure activity involving the amygdala and in mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, may be better understood in light of the present findings.
Quinolinic Acid: An Endogenous Neurotoxin with Multiple Targets
Authors: Lugo-Huitrón Rafael , Ugalde Muñiz Perla , Pineda Benjamin , Pedraza-Chaverrí José , Ríos Camilo , Pérez-de la Cruz Verónica
Published: September 2013

Quinolinic acid (QUIN), a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, is normally presented in nanomolar concentrations in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is often implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human neurological diseases. QUIN is an agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and it has a highin vivopotency as an excitotoxin. In fact, although QUIN has an uptake system, its neuronal degradation enzyme is rapidly saturated, and the rest of extracellular QUIN can continue stimulating the NMDA receptor. However, its toxicity cannot be fully explained by its activation of NMDA receptors it is likely that additional mechanisms may also be involved. In this review we describe some of the most relevant targets of QUIN neurotoxicity which involves presynaptic receptors, energetic dysfunction, oxidative stress, transcription factors, cytoskeletal disruption, behavior alterations, and cell death.
The Engagement in Physical Activity for Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Findings from a Community Health Assessment
Authors: Lee Wei-Chen , Ory Marcia G.
Published: September 2013

The current aging trends accompanying the increasing prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and decreasing participation in physical activity (PA) have swept the United States. In light of the magnitude of this phenomenon, this study seeks to identify the most common MCC combinations and their relationships with PA level. A cross-sectional study,Brazos Valley Health Assessment, was conducted between October 2009 and July 2010. All data analyses were performed by STATA 12.0. The overall sample which met the inclusion criteria is 2,603. Among people older than 45 years, chronic conditions of cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems were the most prevalent. Participants with three chronic conditions were less likely to meet the PA standard than those with only two chronic conditions. Younger age, women, rural residence, and unsafe environments were related to the lower PA level. After adjusting for seven covariates, all MCCs combinations adversely affect the level of PA (, ). People with MCCs were among the least active subgroups despite the health benefits of doing exercise. Given the well-documented benefits of physical activity for delaying the onset or progression of MCCs, public health efforts to enhance regular PA in middle-aged and older adults are recommended.
In SilicoDetermination and Validation of Baumannii Acinetobactin Utilization A Structure and Ligand Binding Site
Authors: Sefid Fatemeh , Rasooli Iraj , Jahangiri Abolfazl
Published: September 2013

Acinetobacter baumanniiis a deadly nosocomial pathogen. Iron is an essential element for the pathogen. Under iron-restricted conditions, the bacterium expresses iron-regulated outer membrane proteins (IROMPs). Baumannii acinetobactin utilization (BauA) is the most important member of IROMPs inA. baumannii. Determination of its tertiary structure could help deduction of its functions and its interactions with ligands. The present study unveils BauA 3D structure viain silicoapproaches. Apart fromab initio, other rational methods such as homology modeling and threading were invoked to achieve the purpose. For homology modeling, BLAST was run on the sequence in order to find the best template. The template was then served to model the 3D structure. All the models built were evaluated qualitatively. The best model predicted by LOMETS was selected for analyses. Refinement of 3D structure as well as determination of its clefts and ligand binding sites was carried out on the structure. In contrast to the typical trimeric arrangement found in porins, BauA is monomeric. The barrel is formed by 22 antiparallel transmembraneβ-strands. There are short periplasmic turns and longer surface-located loops. An N-terminal domain referred to either as the cork, the plug, or the hatch domain occludes theβ-barrel.
Characterization of Tibetan MedicineZuotaby Multiple Techniques
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Yan , Sun Mei , Wang Jing-Xia , Xu Yun-Zhang , Liu Yuan , Zhang Zhi-Feng , Lu Lu-Yang
Published: September 2013

Zuotais regarded as the king of Tibetan medicine. However, due to the confidentiality of this precious medicine, the scientific characterization ofZuotais very scarce, which limits the pharmacology and biosafety studies ofZuota. Herein, we collected four differentZuotasamples from Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan and characterized them by multiple techniques. Our results showed thatZuotawas mainly an inorganic mixture of HgS, sulfur, and graphite. Morphologically,Zuotasamples were composed of nanoparticles, which further aggregated into microsized particles. Chemically, the majorities ofZuotawere S and Hg (in the forms of HgS and pure sulfur). All samples contained pure sulfur with orthorhombic crystalline.Zuotafrom Qinghai province had different HgS crystalline, namely, hexagonal crystalline. The others were all face-centered cubic crystalline. Carbon inZuotaNPs was in the form of graphite. The implication to future studies ofZuotawas discussed.
HAM-Based Adaptive Multiscale Meshless Method for Burgers Equation
Authors: Mei Shu-Li
Published: September 2013

Based on the multilevel interpolation theory, we constructed a meshless adaptive multiscale interpolation operator (MAMIO) with the radial basis function. Using this operator, any nonlinear partial differential equations such as Burgers equation can be discretized adaptively in physical spaces as a nonlinear matrix ordinary differential equation. In order to obtain the analytical solution of the system of ODEs, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) proposed by Shijun Liao was developed to solve the system of ODEs by combining the precise integration method (PIM) which can be employed to get the analytical solution of linear system of ODEs. The numerical experiences show that HAM is not sensitive to the time step, and so the arithmetic error is mainly derived from the discrete in physical space.
Immune Activation and Viral Replication after Vaccination with an Influenza A H1N1 2009 Vaccine in HIV-Infected Children Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Onlamoon Nattawat , Unpol Petai , Boonchan Michittra , Sukapirom Kasama , Wittawatmongkol Orasri , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Ammaranond Palanee , Pattanapanyasat Kovit
Published: September 2013

Immunization with a pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 was recommended for HIV-infected patients. However, there is limited information concerning the impact of immunization with this vaccine on immune activation and HIV viral replication. In this study, 45 HIV-infected children and adolescents receiving antiretroviral therapy were immunized with a 2-dose series of nonadjuvated monovalent influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccine upon enrollment and approximately 1 month later. Immunogenicity was determined by haemagglutination inhibition assay. The level of immune activation was determined by identification of CD38 and HLA-DR on CD8+ T cells. Patients were divided into 2 groups which include patients who had an undetectable HIV viral load (HIV detectable group) and patients who show virological failure (HIV nondetectable group). The results showed seroconversion rate of 55.2% in HIV nondetectable group, whereas 31.3% was found in HIV detectable group. Both groups of patients showed no major increase in immune activation after immunization. Interestingly, a decrease in the frequency of CD8+ T cells that coexpressed CD38 and HLA-DR was observed after immunization in both groups of patients. We suggested that immunization with influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccine can induce immune response to the pandemic virus without major impact on HIV viral replication and immune activation.
Computational Engineering Modeling for Runner Athletes
Authors: Yavarmasroor Soheila , Hojjati Zidashti Zahra , Khodaparast Haghi Akbar , Hariri Asli Kaveh
Published: September 2013

The literature indicates that relatively little research is available to describe the relationship between functional running tasks and characteristics of individuals who perform these tasks. As a main purpose, the present work is to define the computational modeling for anthropometric characteristics of athletes. Thus the dynamic model presented by this 100-meter running test can play an important role in talent and coaching. The research question was formed by classification and comparison of statures of sportswomen with other anthropometric classes. On the other hand, the present work compares the anthropometric data for runner velocity (running time) against runner weight. The method of research is regression statistical analysis method. In this work, the regression method is based on the univariable ANOVA variance with repeated measures and t-test for independent samples. Data analysis was performed by using the software SPSS13. The results of the 100-meter running test of sportswomen showed good correlation between the parameters. As a dynamic modeling selection, the logarithmic function showed suitable correlation on scatter diagram. Consequently, the results of this work will help to reduce the risk of sportswomen activities. Therefore it can be recommended for medical professionals and athletic talent.
Infliximab Dose Reduction Sustains the Clinical Treatment Effect in Active HLAB27 Positive Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Two-Year Pilot Study
Authors: Mörck Boel , Pullerits Rille , Geijer Mats , Bremell Tomas , Forsblad-d'Elia Helena
Published: September 2013

The rationale of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to determine whether IFX dose reduction and interval extension sustains the treatment effect. Nineteen patients were included and treated with IFX 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks for 56 weeks. All patients concomitantly received MTX with median dose 7.5 mg/weekly. During the second year, the IFX dose was reduced to 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Eighteen patients completed the 1-year and 15 patients the 2-year trial. The ≥50% improvement at week 16 from baseline of BASDAI was achieved in 16/19 (84%) patients. Significant reductions in BASDAI, BASFI, and BASMI scores, decrease in ESR and CRP, and improvement in SF-36 were observed at weeks 16 and 56. The MRI-defined inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints disappeared in 10/15 patients (67%) already at 16 weeks. IFX treatment effect was sustained throughout the second year after IFX dose reduction and interval extension. We conclude that IFX treatment is effective in well-established active AS and a dose reduction sustains the treatment effect. These observations are of clinical importance and open the opportunity to reduce the drug costs. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01850121.
Cancer, Health Literacy, and Happiness: Perspectives from Patients under Chemotherapy
Authors: Oliveira Pinto Sara Maria , Alves Caldeira Berenguer Sílvia Maria , Martins José Carlos Amado
Published: September 2013

Cancer is a dreaded disease that affects all dimensions of human life. In this context, issues related to the quality of life—as happiness, perception about health status, or health literacy—are important. This study aims to analyze the following topics the perception: the Portuguese cancer patients have about their health status while undergoing chemotherapy, the satisfaction with the information relating to their health, their level of happiness, and their vision of the future. An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was developed. Data were collected between May and July 2012 in the day hospital of a central hospital in northern Portugal. The sample was composed of 92 cancer patients who were asked to answer a questionnaire during chemotherapy. The results indicate that, despite this life-threatening disease, patients consider themselves fairly happy and have an optimistic view of the future. Information about their health condition and religious beliefs was important coping mechanisms to help dealing with the suffering caused by the disease. The study highlights the importance of providing care in a holistic way. Nurses must be alert and available to listen, answer questions, provide supporting structures, or refer to other professionals when needed.
Examining a Ripple Effect: Do Spouses’ Behavior Changes Predict Each Other’s Weight Loss?
Authors: Schierberl Scherr Anna E. , McClure Brenchley Kimberly J. , Gorin Amy A.
Published: September 2013

Background. Including spouses in obesity treatment has been found to promote weight loss. We assessed whether spouses’ diet and activity changes impacted each other’s weight loss when both members attended an active weight loss program (TOGETHER) or only the primary participant attended treatment (ALONE).Methods. Heterosexual couples (N=132) enrolled in an 18-month randomized controlled weight loss trial were weighed and completed measures of dietary intake and physical activity at baseline and 6 months. We conducted dyadic data analyses using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.Results. Participants’ weight loss was not predicted by their partners’ behavior changes. However, partners’ weight loss was predicted by their participants’ changes in calorie and fat intake. When partners were coupled with a participant who did not reduce their own calorie and fat intake as much, these partners had higher weight loss when treated in the TOGETHER group but lower weight loss when they were untreated in the ALONE group. There were no reciprocal effects found with physical activity changes.Conclusions. Direct treatment had the greatest impact on participants and partners who were treated. Untreated partners’ weight losses were positively impacted by their spouses’ dietary changes, suggesting a ripple effect from treated spouses to their untreated partners.
Open Randomized Clinical Trial on JWSJZ Decoction for the Treatment of ALS Patients
Authors: Pan Weidong , Su Xiaojing , Bao Jie , Wang Jun , Zhu Jin , Cai Dingfang , Yu Li , Zhou Hua
Published: September 2013

Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine Jiawei Sijunzi (JWSJZ) decoction for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods. Forty-eight patients with ALS were divided into a JWSJZ group (n=24) and a control group (n=24) using a randomized number method. Together with the basic treatment for ALS, JWSJZ decoction was added to the treatment regimen of patients in the JWSJZ group or Riluzole was administered to the control group for 6 months. Neurologists evaluated the treated and control patients using the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS) before, 3 and 6 months after starting the additional treatments.Results. The ALSFRS scores in both groups were lower 3 and 6 months after treatment than before. There was a significant difference at 6 months after treatment between the subgroups of patients with ALS whose limbs were the initial site of attack. No serious adverse effects were observed in the JWSJZ group.Conclusion. JWSJZ decoction may be a safe treatment for ALS, and may have delayed the development of ALS, especially in the subgroup of patients in whom the limbs were attacked first when compared with Riluzole treatment.
Time Synchronization and Performance of BeiDou Satellite Clocks in Orbit
Authors: Chunhao Han , Zhiwu Cai , Yuting Lin , Li Liu , Shenghong Xiao , Lingfeng Zhu , Xianglei Wang
Published: September 2013

The time model of Beidou satellite clocks is analyzed. The general relations of satellite clocks with the system time are studied. The error sources of two-way radio time transfer between satellites and uplink stations are analyzed. The uncertainty of type A is about 0.3 ns in Beidou system. All the satellite clocks in orbit of Beidou satellite navigation system are evaluated by the clock offsets observed by the two-way radio time transfer. The frequency stabilities at a sample time of 10000 s and 1 day for all the satellite clocks are better than . It means that the performance of Beidou satellite clocks in orbit is consistent with the ground test, and the results in orbit are a little better than those in ground vacuum.
DPOAE Intensity Increase at Individual Dominant Frequency after Short-Term Auditory Exposure
Authors: Bakk Judit , Karosi Tamás , Batta Tamás József , Sziklai István
Published: September 2013

Previous experiments suggested the possibility of a short-term sound stimulus-evoked and transient increase in DPOAE amplitudes. This phenomenon is possibly due to the complexity of the outer hair cells and their efferent control system and the different time scales of regulatory processes. A total of 100 healthy subjects ranging from 18 to 40 years of age with normal hearing and normal DPOAE values in the range of 781–4000 Hz were recruited in the study. Diagnostic DPOAE measurements were performed after short-term sound exposure. We proposed a 10 sec, 50 dB sound impulse as the most effective stimulus for clinical practice between 40 and 60 sec poststimulus time to detect the aforementioned transient DPOAE increase. We developed a procedure for detection of this transient increase in DPOAE by the application of a short-term sound exposure. The phenomenon was consistent and well detectable. Based on our findings, a new aspect of cochlear adaptation can be established that might be introduced as a routine clinical diagnostic tool. A mathematical model was provided that summarizes various factors that determine electromotility of OHCs and serves as a possible clinical application using this phenomenon for the prediction of individual noise susceptibility.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Screening and Outcomes in Southern Italian Pregnant Women
Authors: Capula Carmelo , Chiefari Eusebio , Vero Anna , Arcidiacono Biagio , Iiritano Stefania , Puccio Luigi , Pullano Vittorio , Foti Daniela P. , Brunetti Antonio , Vero Raffaella
Published: September 2013

Recent Italian guidelines exclude women <35 years old, without risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), from screening for GDM. To determine the effectiveness of these measures with respect to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria, we evaluated 2,448 pregnant women retrospectively enrolled in Calabria, southern Italy. GDM was diagnosed following the IADPSG 2010 criteria. Among 538 women <35 years old, without risk factors, who would have not been tested according to the Italian guidelines, we diagnosed GDM in 171 (31.8%) pregnants (7.0% of total pregnants). Diagnosis was made at baseline (55.6%), 1 hour (39.8%), or 2 hours (4.7%) during OGTT. Despite of appropriate treatment, GDM represented a risk factor for cesarean section, polyhydramnios, increased birth weight, admission to neonatal intensive care units, and large for gestational age. These outcomes were similar to those observed in GDM women at high risk for GDM. In conclusion, Italian recommendations failed to identify 7.0% of women with GDM, when compared to IADPSG criteria. The risk for adverse hyperglycaemic-related outcomes is similar in low-risk and high-risk pregnants with GDM. To limit costs of GDM screening, our data suggest to restrict OGTT to two steps (baseline and 1 hour).
A Semantic Medical Multimedia Retrieval Approach Using Ontology Information Hiding
Authors: Guo Kehua , Zhang Shigeng
Published: September 2013

Searching useful information from unstructured medical multimedia data has been a difficult problem in information retrieval. This paper reports an effective semantic medical multimedia retrieval approach which can reflect the users’ query intent. Firstly, semantic annotations will be given to the multimedia documents in the medical multimedia database. Secondly, the ontology that represented semantic information will be hidden in the head of the multimedia documents. The main innovations of this approach are cross-type retrieval support and semantic information preservation. Experimental results indicate a good precision and efficiency of our approach for medical multimedia retrieval in comparison with some traditional approaches.
Evaluation of Cereals and Pseudocereals Suitability for the Development of New Probiotic Foods
Authors: Kocková Monika , Dilongová Monika , Hybenová Eva , Valík L’ubomír
Published: September 2013

The aim of the present work was to evaluate suitability of cereals and pseudocereals for the development of new probiotic foods and to evaluate the stability of cereal and pseudocereal porridges fermented by probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Ten samples of cereals and pseudocereals obtained from Slovak mill house and markets were used in this work. A mixture of each cereal and pseudocereal samples with water (10% w/v) was inoculated after sterilization with coequal number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, to obtain approximately 5‐6 log colony form units per gram of suspensions. Fermentation was led at 37°C during 10 hours. Fermented suspensions were stored for 21 days at 5°C. Monitoring of cell counts, pH value, and concentration of organic acids during fermentation and storage was done.
Herbal Medicines: Malaysian Women’s Knowledge and Practice
Authors: Kim Sooi Law , Lean Keng Soon
Published: September 2013

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study among Malay women admitted in the antenatal and postnatal ward to determine the prevalence and use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and elemental analysis in the most popular herbs. A total of 460 women were surveyed. Herbal medicine use during pregnancy was 34.3%, while 73% utilized herbal medicines during labor, because of a belief that it may shorten and ease labor. The most commonly used herbal medicines in pregnancy wereAnastatica hierochunticaL. (60.1%) followed by coconut oil (35.4%). The majority of women (89.2%) used only one type of herbal medicines and took one capsule/glass (38%) per day. Herbal medicines use by pregnant women is largely unsupervised (81%), with most women getting information from their parents (60.7%) and buying the products directly from traditional midwives (32.2%) and 77% agreed upon its efficacy and safety. From the 460 respondents, 89.8% women were in the low end of the herbs knowledge. There was a significant difference found between knowledge score and income (P<0.05). Microdiffraction analysis revealed significant presence of carbon, oxygen, silica, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, potassium, zinc, and iron that were found inAnastatica hierochunticaL. and proved to have good benefits for pregnancy.
Protective Effects of Extracts fromFructus rhodomyrtiagainst Oxidative DNA DamageIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Ke Yuebin , Xu Xinyun , Wu Shuang , Huang Juan , Geng Yijie , Misra Hara , Li Yunbo
Published: September 2013

Objective. To evaluate the potential protective effects of extracts fromFructus rhodomyrti(FR) against oxidative DNA damage using a cellular system and the antioxidant ability onpotassiumbromate- (KBrO3-) mediated oxidative stress in rats.Methods. The effects of FR on DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were evaluated by comet assay in primary spleen lymphocytes cultures. The effects of FR on the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx and the levels of GSH, hydroperoxides, and 8-OHdG were determined in the plasma and tissues of rats treated with KBrO3.Results. FR was shown to effectively protect against DNA damage induced by H2O2  in vitro, and the maximum protective effect was observed when FR was diluted 20 times. Endogenous antioxidant status, namely, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx and the levels of GSH were significantly decreased in the plasma, the liver, and the kidney of the KBrO3-treated rats, while the pretreatment of FR prevented the decreases of these parameters. In addition, the pretreatment of FR was also able to prevent KBrO3-induced increases in the levels of hydroperoxides and 8-OHdG in the plasma, the liver, and the kidney in rats.Conclusions. Our findings suggested that FR might act as a chemopreventive agent with antioxidant properties offering effective protection against oxidative DNA damage in a concentration-dependent mannerin vitroandin vivo.
N-Phenylpropyl-N′-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazine (YZ-185) Attenuates the Conditioned-Rewarding Properties of Cocaine in Mice
Authors: Sage Andrew S. , Vannest Scott C. , Fan Kuo-Hsien , Will Matthew J. , Lever Susan Z. , Lever John R. , Miller Dennis K.
Published: September 2013

Sigma receptor antagonists diminish the effects of cocaine in behavioral assays, including conditioned place preference. Previous locomotor activity experiments in mice determined that the sigma receptor ligand YZ-185 (N-phenylpropyl-N′-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazine) enhanced cocaine-induced hyperactivity at a lower (0.1 μmol/kg) dose and dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-induced hyperactivity at higher (3.16–31.6 μmol/kg) doses. The present study investigated the effect of YZ-185 on cocaine’s conditioned-rewarding properties in mice. YZ-185 (0.1, 0.316, 3.16, and 31.6 μmol/kg) did not have intrinsic activity to produce conditioned place preference or aversion. A higher (31.6 μmol/kg) YZ-185 dose, but not lower (0.1–3.16 μmol/kg) YZ-185 doses, prevented the development of place preference to cocaine (66 μmol/kg). YZ-185 did not alter the expression of cocaine place preference. To further characterize YZ-185’s behavioral profile, its effects in the elevated zero maze and rotarod procedures were also determined; YZ-185 produced no significant change from baseline in either assay, indicating that the sigma receptors probed by YZ-185 do not regulate anxiety-like or coordinated motor skill behaviors. Overall, these results suggest that YZ-185 is a sigma receptor antagonist at the 31.6 μmol/kg dose and demonstrate that sigma receptors can mediate the development of the conditioned-rewarding properties of cocaine.