bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and awareness of Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines: a synthesis of existing evidence
Authors: LeBlanc Allana G. , Berry Tanya , Deshpande Sameer , Duggan Mary , Faulkner Guy , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , O’Reilly Norm , Rhodes Ryan E. , Spence John C. , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this review was to consolidate and synthesize existing evidence regarding current knowledge and awareness of the Canadian Physical Activity (PA) and Sedentary Behaviour (SB) Guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed publications pertaining to the guidelines. Content experts, key organizations (i.e., ParticipACTION and the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute), journal Web sites, and service organizations (i.e., the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and the Public Health Agency of Canada) were consulted for additional evidence. Scientific publications (n = 6) and research from ParticipACTION and the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute reported that awareness of the guidelines is low, especially with respect to the SB guidelines. Less than 10% of survey respondents from the Canadian population were aware of the PA guidelines, and less than 5% were aware of the SB guidelines. Information on the guidelines was available on 51% of public health unit and CSEP partner Web sites. Online metrics (e.g., downloads, site accessions) from CSEP, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and journal Web sites showed that online accession of the guidelines was high (e.g., all “highly accessed” on journal Web sites). This review showed that awareness of the Canadian PA and SB Guidelines is low among the general population but higher among the scientific and stakeholder communities. Governmental, nongovernmental, and stakeholder organizations should collaborate in creating sustained, long-term, and well-resourced communication plans to reach the Canadian population to raise awareness of PA and SB guidelines and should implement programs to facilitate their uptake.
Where do we draw the line? A simulation approach for evaluating management of marine fish stocks with isolation-by-distance stock structure
Authors: Spies Ingrid , Spencer Paul D. , Punt André E.
Published: March 2015

There is no established management protocol for stocks subject to isolation-by-distance (IBD) stock structure. This study examines several management strategies for two marine fish species subject to IBD using simulation: Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in the Aleutian Islands (AI) and northern rockfish (Sebastes polyspinis) in the Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) and AI. A one-dimensional stepping stone model was used to model IBD and was intended to mimic regions where marine species are exploited along a continental shelf. The performance of spatial assessment and management methods depended on how the range was split. Splitting anywhere within the managed area led to fewer demes falling below target and threshold biomass levels and higher yield than managing the entire area as a single unit. Equilibrium yield was maximized when each deme was assessed and managed separately and under catch cascading, in which harvest quotas within a management unit are spatially allocated based upon the distribution of survey biomass. The longer-lived rockfish declined more slowly than Pacific cod and experienced greater depletion in biomass under disproportionate fishing effort because of lower productivity. Overall, splitting a management area of the size simulated in the model improved performance measures, and the optimal management strategy grouped management units by demes with similar relative fishing effort.
Topological phase transition in effective model of QCD with chiral nonrestoration
Authors: Phat Tran Huu , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Ha Phung Thi Thu
Published: March 2015

The topological phase transition is studied systematically within an effective model of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) where the chiral symmetry, broken at zero temperature, is not restored at high temperature and/or baryon chemical potential. It is found that during phase transition the system undergoes a first-order transition from the nonFermi liquid state to the Fermi liquid state which is protected by topology of the Fermi sphere. The phase diagram of the transition in the plane of temperature and baryon chemical potential is established. The critical behaviors of various equations of state are determined.
On noncommutative geometry of orbifolds
Authors: Harju Antti J.
Published: March 2015

An orbifold is a Morita equivalence class of a proper étale Lie groupoid. A unitary equivalence class of spectral triples over the algebra of smooth invariant functions is associated with any compact spin orbifold. In the case of an effective spin orbifold, we construct a collection of spectral triples over the smooth convolution algebras of the representatives of the Morita equivalence class.
The sieve topology on the arithmetic site
Authors: Le Bruyn Lieven
Published: March 2015

The induced topology on the points of the Connes–Consani "arithmetic site," which are the finite adèle classes, is family coarse. In this note we define another topology on this set having properties one might expect of the mythical object [Formula: see text].
An accurate modeling of piezoelectric smart beams with first-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Sulbhewar Litesh N. , Raveendranath P.
Published: March 2015

A finite element model for piezoelectric smart beam in extension mode based on First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) with an appropriate through-thickness distribution of electric potential is presented. Accuracy of piezoelectric finite element formulations depends on the selection of assumed mechanical and electrical fields. Most of the conventional FSDT-based piezoelectric beam formulations available in the literature use linear through-thickness distribution of electric potential which is actually nonlinear. Here, a novel quadratic profile of the through-thickness electric potential is proposed to include the nonlinear effects. The results obtained show that the accuracy of conventional formulations with linear through-thickness potential approximation is affected by the material configuration, especially when the piezoelectric material dominates the beam cross section. It is shown that the present formulation gives the same level of accuracy for all regimes of material configurations in the beam cross section. Also, a modified form of the FSDT displacements is employed, which utilizes the shear angle as a degree of freedom instead of section rotation. Such a FSDT displacement field shows improved performance compared to the conventional field. The present formulation is validated by comparing the results with ANSYS 2D simulation. The comparison of results proves the improved efficiency and accuracy of the present formulation over the conventional formulations.
Antiferroelectric Materials, Applications and Recent Progress on Multiferroic Heterostructures
Authors: Zhou Ziyao , Yang Qu , Liu Ming , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Xinyang , Sun Dazhi , Nan Tianxiang , Sun Nianxiang , Chen Xing
Published: March 2015

Antiferroelectric (AFE) materials with adjacent dipoles oriented in antiparallel directions have a double polarization hysteresis loops. An electric field (E-field)-induced AFE–ferroelectric (FE) phase transition takes place in such materials, leading to a large lattice strain and energy change. The high dielectric constant and the distinct phase transition in AFE materials provide great opportunities for the realization of energy storage devices like super-capacitors and energy conversion devices such as AFE MEMS applications. Lots of work has been done in this field since 60–70 s. Recently, the strain tuning of the spin, charge and orbital orderings and their interactions in complex oxides and multiferroic heterostructures have received great attention. In these systems, a single control parameter of lattice strain is used to control lattice–spin, lattice–phonon, and lattice–charge interactions and tailor properties or create a transition between distinct magnetic/electronic phases. Due to the large strain/stress arising from the phase transition, AFE materials are great candidates for integrating with ferromagnetic (FM) materials to realize in situ manipulation of magnetism and lattice-ordered parameters by voltage. In this paper, we introduce the AFE material and it's applications shortly and then review the recent progress in AFEs based on multiferroic heterostructures. These new multiferroic materials could pave a new way towards next generation light, compact, fast and energy efficient voltage tunable RF/microwave, spintronic and memory devices promising approaches to in situ manipulation of lattice-coupled order parameters is to grow epitaxial oxide films on FE/ferroelastic substrates.
mTOR inhibition with temsirolimus causes acute increases in glomerular permeability, but inhibits the dynamic permeability actions of puromycin aminonucleoside
Authors: Axelsson Josefin , Rippe Anna , Rippe Bengt
Published: March 2015

Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORi) can produce de novo proteinuria in kidney transplant patients. On the other hand, mTORi has been shown to suppress disease progression in several animal models of kidney disease. In the present study, we investigated whether glomerular permeability can be acutely altered by the mTORi temsirolimus and whether mTORi can affect acute puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) or angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced glomerular hyperpermeability. In anesthetized Wistar rats, the left ureter was cannulated for urine collection, while simultaneously blood access was achieved. Temsirolimus was administered as a single intravenous dose 30 min before the start of the experiments in animals infused with PAN or ANG II or in nonexposed animals. Polydispersed FITC-Ficoll-70/400 (molecular radius 10–80 Å) and51Cr-EDTA infusion was given during the whole experiment. Measurements of Ficoll in plasma and urine were performed sequentially before the temsirolimus injection (baseline) and at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after the start of the experiments. Urine and plasma samples were analyzed by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) to assess glomerular sieving coefficients (θ) for Ficoll10-80Å. Temsirolimus per se increased baseline glomerular permeability to Ficoll50-80Å45 min after its administration, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent phenomenon. PAN caused a rapid and reversible increase in glomerular permeability, peaking at 5 min, and again at 60–120 min, which could be blocked by the ROS scavenger tempol. mTORi abrogated the second permeability peak induced by PAN. However, it had no effect on the immediate ANG II- or PAN-induced increases in glomerular permeability.
Multiple timescales in the adaptation of the rotational VOR
Authors: Colagiorgio Paolo , Bertolini Giovanni , Bockisch Christopher J. , Straumann Dominik , Ramat Stefano
Published: March 2015

Goal-directed movements, such as pointing and saccades, have been shown to share similar neural architectures, in spite of the different neuromuscular systems producing them. Such structure involve an inverse model of the actuator being controlled, which produces the commands innervating the muscles, and a forward model of the actuator, which predicts the sensory consequences of such commands and allows online movement corrections. Recent studies have shown that goal-directed movements also share similar motor-learning and motor-memory mechanisms, which are based on multiple timescales. The hypothesis that also the rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (rVOR) may be based on a similar architecture has been presented recently. We hypothesize that multiple timescales are the brain's solution to the plasticity-stability dilemma, allowing adaptation to temporary and sudden changes while keeping stable motor-control abilities. If that were the case, then we would also expect the adaptation of reflex movements to follow the same principles. Thus we studied rVOR gain adaptation in eight healthy human subjects using a custom paradigm aimed at investigating the existence of spontaneous recovery, which we considered as the hallmark of multiple timescales in motor learning. Our experimental results show that spontaneous recovery occurred in six of eight subjects. Thus we developed a mathematical model of rVOR adaptation based on two hidden-states processes, which adapts the cerebellar-forward model of the ocular motor plant, and show that it accurately simulates our experimental data on rVOR gain adaptation, whereas a single timescale learning process fails to do so.
Kinematics of unconstrained tactile texture exploration
Authors: Callier Thierri , Saal Hannes P. , Davis-Berg Elizabeth C. , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: March 2015

A hallmark of tactile texture exploration is that it involves movement between skin and surface. When we scan a surface, small texture-specific vibrations are produced in the skin, and specialized cutaneous mechanoreceptors convert these vibrations into highly repeatable, precise, and informative temporal spiking patterns in tactile afferents. Both texture-elicited vibrations and afferent responses are highly dependent on exploratory kinematics, however; indeed, these dilate or contract systematically with decreases or increases in scanning speed, respectively. These profound changes in the peripheral response that accompany changes in scanning speed and other parameters of texture scanning raise the question as to whether exploratory behaviors change depending on what surface is explored or what information is sought about that surface. To address this question, we measure and analyze the kinematics as subjects explore textured surfaces to evaluate different types of texture information, namely the textures' roughness, hardness, and slipperiness. We find that the exploratory movements are dependent both on the perceptual task, as has been previously shown, but also on the texture that is scanned. We discuss the implications of our findings regarding the neural coding and perception of texture.
A Modified Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for Solving Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Nezhadhosein Saeed , Heydari Aghileh , Ghanbari Reza
Published: March 2015

Here, a two-phase algorithm is proposed for solving bounded continuous-time nonlinear optimal control problems (NOCP). In each phase of the algorithm, a modified hybrid genetic algorithm (MHGA) is applied, which performs a local search on offsprings. In first phase, a random initial population of control input values in time nodes is constructed. Next, MHGA starts with this population. After phase 1, to achieve more accurate solutions, the number of time nodes is increased. The values of the associated new control inputs are estimated by Linear interpolation (LI) or Spline interpolation (SI), using the curves obtained from the phase 1. In addition, to maintain the diversity in the population, some additional individuals are added randomly. Next, in the second phase, MHGA restarts with the new population constructed by above procedure and tries to improve the obtained solutions at the end of phase 1. We implement our proposed algorithm on 20 well-known benchmark and real world problems; then the results are compared with some recently proposed algorithms. Moreover, two statistical approaches are considered for the comparison of the LI and SI methods and investigation of sensitivity analysis for the MHGA parameters.
Own Experience in Treatment of Patients with Penile Cancer Using Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Filonenko Elena , Kaprin Andrey , Alekseev Boris , Urlova Antonina
Published: March 2015

Penile cancer is a rare pathology. For penile cancer surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined modality treatment are available. Because of great importance of this organ for mental condition of patient, the development of organ-preserving methods allowing to minimize impact on patient’s quality of life without compromising of oncological results is desirable. In the Center of Laser and Photodynamic diagnosis and treatment of tumors in P.A. Herzen Moscow Cancer Research Institute the methods of photodynamic therapy in patients with penile cancer have been developed. From 2011 to 2013 the treatment was conducted in 11 patients with precancer and cancer of penile. The average age was 56.6. According to morphological diagnosis photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed using two methods. One method included topical application of agent for PDT and the second intravenous administration of photosensitizer. For topical application alasens was used and for intravenous injection we applied radachlorine. All patients had no complications. Complete regression was achieved in 9 patients, and partial regression in 2. Thus, the results showed that photodynamic therapy for penile cancer stage Tis-1N0M0 permits performing organ-preserving treatment with satisfactory oncological results and no impairment of patient’s quality of life.
A Novel OBDD-Based Reliability Evaluation Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks on the Multicast Model
Authors: Yan Zongshuai , Nie Chenhua , Dong Rongsheng , Gao Xi , Liu Jianming
Published: March 2015

The two-terminal reliability calculation for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a #P-hard problem. The reliability calculation of WSNs on the multicast model provides an even worse combinatorial explosion of node states with respect to the calculation of WSNs on the unicast model; many real WSNs require the multicast model to deliver information. This research first provides a formal definition for the WSN on the multicast model. Next, a symbolic OBDD_Multicast algorithm is proposed to evaluate the reliability of WSNs on the multicast model. Furthermore, our research on OBDD_Multicast construction avoids the problem of invalid expansion, which reduces the number of subnetworks by identifying the redundant paths of two adjacent nodes ands-tunconnected paths. Experiments show that the OBDD_Multicast both reduces the complexity of the WSN reliability analysis and has a lower running time than Xing’s OBDD- (ordered binary decision diagram-) based algorithm.
The Effect of Iloprost and N-Acetylcysteine on Skeletal Muscle Injury in an Acute Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion Model: An Experimental Study
Authors: Tiryakioglu Osman , Erkoc Kamuran , Tunerir Bulent , Uysal Onur , Altin H. Firat , Gunes Tevfik , Aydin Selim
Published: March 2015

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of iloprost and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle, following the occlusion-reperfusion period in the abdominal aorta of rats.Materials and Methods. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups.Group 1: control group. Group 2 (IR): aorta was occluded. The clamp was removed after 1 hour of ischemia. Blood samples and muscle tissue specimens were collected following a 2-hour reperfusion period.Group 3 (IR + iloprost): during a 1-hour ischemia period, iloprost infusion was initiated from the jugular catheter. During a 2-hour reperfusion period, the iloprost infusion continued.Group 4 (IR + NAC): similar to the iloprost group.Findings. The mean total oxidant status, CK, and LDH levels were highest in Group 2 and lowest in Group 1. The levels of these parameters in Group 3 and Group 4 were lower compared to Group 2 and higher compared to Group 1 (P<0.05). The histopathological examination showed that Group 3 and Group 4, compared to Group 2, had preserved appearance with respect to hemorrhage, necrosis, loss of nuclei, infiltration, and similar parameters.Conclusion. Iloprost and NAC are effective against ischemia-reperfusion injury and decrease ischemia-related tissue injury.
Probabilistic Assessment of Degree of Bending in Tubular X-Joints of Offshore Structures Subjected to Bending Loads
Authors: Ahmadi Hamid , Ghaffari Amirreza
Published: March 2015

Fatigue life of tubular joints in offshore structures is significantly influenced by the degree of bending (DoB). The DoB exhibits considerable scatter calling for greater emphasis in accurate determination of its governing probability distribution which is a key input for the fatigue reliability analysis of a tubular joint. Although the tubular X-joints are commonly found in offshore jacket structures, as far as the authors are aware, no comprehensive research has been carried out on the probability distribution of the DoB in tubular X-joints. In the present paper, results of parametric equations available for the calculation of the DoB have been used to develop probability distribution models for the DoB in the chord member of tubular X-joints subjected to four types of bending loads. Based on a parametric study, a set of samples was prepared and density histograms were generated for these samples using Freedman-Diaconis method. Twelve different probability density functions (PDFs) were fitted to these histograms. In each case, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit. Finally, after substituting the values of estimated parameters for each distribution, a set of fully defined PDFs have been proposed for the DoB in tubular X-joints subjected to bending loads.
Lacrimal Gland Fistula following Severe Head Trauma
Authors: Demir Cemil , Toprak Ibrahim , Gungen Sukru , Arslan Alp
Published: March 2015

We aim to present a unique case with discharging lacrimal gland fistula secondary to severe head trauma by an animal. A 9-year-old girl presented with serous fluid discharge from a cutaneous fistula in the left orbital region. The patient had history of surgery for traumatic frontal bone fracture and skin laceration in the superior orbital rim three weeks earlier. She underwent a complete ophthalmological examination and there was no anterior segment or fundus pathology. The orifice of the fistula was detected in mediolateral part of the left superior orbital rim and fluid secretion was increasing with irritation of the left eye. Neurosurgical complications were excluded and radiological assessment was nonremarkable. The patient’s legal representatives were informed and lacrimal gland fistulectomy was planned. However, the fistula was self-closed one week after initial ophthalmological examination, and the patient had no symptoms. In conclusion, traumatic injuries of superior orbital region should be carefully evaluated and wounds should be well closed to prevent consecutive lacrimal gland fistula.
Control of Wind-Induced Vibration of Transmission Tower-Line System by Using a Spring Pendulum
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ren Liang , Li Hongnan , Jia Ziguang , Jiang Tao
Published: March 2015

The high-voltage power transmission tower-line system, which is a high flexible structure, is very susceptible to the wind-induced vibrations. This paper proposes the utilization of the internal resonance feature of the spring pendulum to reduce the wind-induced vibration of a transmission tower. The kinetic expression of the spring pendulum system is obtained through Lagrangian equation. The condition of the internal resonance is verified to beλ = 2, in whichλis the ratio of the spring mode frequency over the pendulum mode frequency. A 55 m tower in the Liaoning province is established in SAP2000 to numerically verify the effectiveness of the proposed device. The spring pendulum is modeled using Link element. The wind speed history is generated based on Kaimal spectrum using harmonic superposition method. Results show that, (1) compared with the suspended mass pendulum, the spring pendulum absorbs more energy and reduces the oscillation more effectively and (2) the vibration control performance of the proposed spring pendulum improves as the external wind load increases.
Effect of Crossing C57BL/6 and FVB Mouse Strains on Basal Cytokine Expression
Authors: Szade Agata , Nowak Witold N. , Szade Krzysztof , Gese Anna , Czypicki Ryszard , Waś Halina , Dulak Józef , Józkowicz Alicja
Published: March 2015

C57BL/6 is the most often used laboratory mouse strain. However, sometimes it is beneficial to cross the transgenic mice on the C57BL/6 background to the other strain, such as FVB. Although this is a common strategy, the influence of crossing these different strains on homeostatic expression of cytokines is not known. Here we have investigated the differences in the expression of selected cytokines between C57BL/6J and C57BL/6JxFVB mice in serum and skeletal muscle. We have found that only few cytokines were altered by crossing of the strains. Concentrations of IL5, IL7, LIF, MIP‐2, and IP‐10 were higher in serum of C57BL/6J mice than in C57BL/6JxFVB mice, whereas concentration of G‐CSF was lower in C57BL/6J. In the skeletal muscle only the concentration of VEGF was higher in C57BL/6J mice than in C57BL/6JxFVB mice. Concluding, the differences in cytokine expression upon crossing C57BL/6 and FVB strain in basal conditions are not profound.
Prediction of “Aggregation-Prone” Peptides with Hybrid Classification Approach
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhang Wenyi , Jia Longjia , Wang Jianan , Zhao Xiaowei , Yin Minghao
Published: March 2015

Protein aggregation is a biological phenomenon caused by misfolding proteins aggregation and is associated with a wide variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and prion diseases. Many studies indicate that protein aggregation is mediated by short “aggregation-prone” peptide segments. Thus, the prediction of aggregation-prone sites plays a crucial role in the research of drug targets. Compared with the labor-intensive and time-consuming experiment approaches, the computational prediction of aggregation-prone sites is much desirable due to their convenience and high efficiency. In this study, we introduce two computational approaches Aggre_Easy and Aggre_Balance for predicting aggregation residues from the sequence information; here, the protein samples are represented by the composition ofk-spaced amino acid pairs(CKSAAP). And we use the hybrid classification approach to predict aggregation-prone residues, which integrates the naïve Bayes classification to reduce the number of features, and two undersampling approaches EasyEnsemble and BalanceCascade to deal with samples imbalance problem. The Aggre_Easy achieves a promising performance with a sensitivity of 79.47%, a specificity of 80.70% and a MCC of 0.42; the sensitivity, specificity, and MCC of Aggre_Balance reach 70.32%, 80.70% and 0.42. Experimental results show that the performance of Aggre_Easy and Aggre_Balance predictor is better than several other state-of-the-art predictors. A user-friendly web server is built for prediction of aggregation-prone which is freely accessible to public at the website.
Cytokines in the Cerebrospinal Fluids of Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Peterson D. , Brenu E. W. , Gottschalk G. , Ramos S. , Nguyen T. , Staines D. , Marshall-Gradisnik S.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. Previous research has provided evidence for dysregulation in peripheral cytokines in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). To date only one study has examined cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of CFS/ME patients. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the role of cytokines in CSF of CFS/ME patients. Methods. CSF was collected from 18 CFS/ME patients and 5 healthy controls. The CSF samples were examined for the expression of 27 cytokines (interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐13, IL‐15, IL‐17, basic FGF, eotaxin, G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, IP‐10, MCP‐1 (MCAF), MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, PDGF‐BB, RANTES, TNF‐α, and VEGF) using the Bio‐Plex Human Cytokine 27‐plex Assay. Results. Of the 27 cytokines examined, only IL‐10 was significantly reduced in the CFS/ME patients in comparison to the controls. Conclusions. This preliminary investigation suggests that perturbations in inflammatory cytokines in the CSF of CFS/ME patients may contribute to the neurological discrepancies observed in CFS/ME.
Stability and Sensitive Analysis of a Model with Delay Quorum Sensing
Authors: Zhang Zhonghua , Suo Yaohong , Zhang Juan
Published: March 2015

This paper formulates a delay model characterizing the competition between bacteria and immune system. The center manifold reduction method and the normal form theory due to Faria and Magalhaes are used to compute the normal form of the model, and the stability of two nonhyperbolic equilibria is discussed. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the growth rate of bacteria is the most sensitive parameter of the threshold parameterR0and should be targeted in the controlling strategies.
The Hippo Coactivator YAP1 Mediates EGFR Overexpression and Confers Chemoresistance in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Song Shumei , Honjo Soichiro , Jin Jiankang , Chang Shih-Shin , Scott Ailing W. , Chen Qiongrong , Kalhor Neda , Correa Arlene M. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Albarracin Constance T. , Wu Tsung-Teh , Johnson Randy L. , Hung Mien-Chie , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy and often resistant to therapy. Overexpression of EGFR has been associated with poor prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. However, clinical trials using EGFR inhibitors have not provided benefit for patients with esophageal cancer. Failure of EGFR inhibition may be due to crosstalk with other oncogenic pathways.

Experimental Design: In this study, expression of YAP1 and EGFR were examined in EAC-resistant tumor tissues versus sensitive tissues by IHC. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, promoter analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and in vitro and in vivo functional assays were performed to elucidate the YAP1-mediated EGFR expression and transcription and the relationship with chemoresistance in esophageal cancer.

Results: We demonstrate that Hippo pathway coactivator YAP1 can induce EGFR expression and transcription in multiple cell systems. Both YAP1 and EGFR are overexpressed in resistant esophageal cancer tissues compared with sensitive esophageal cancer tissues. Furthermore, we found that YAP1 increases EGFR expression at the level of transcription requiring an intact TEAD-binding site in the EGFR promoter. Most importantly, exogenous induction of YAP1 induces resistance to 5-fluorouracil and docetaxcel, whereas knockdown of YAP1 sensitizes esophageal cancer cells to these cytotoxics. Verteporfin, a YAP1 inhibitor, effectively inhibits both YAP1 and EGFR expression and sensitizes cells to cytotoxics.

Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that YAP1 upregulation of EGFR plays an important role in conferring therapy resistance in esophageal cancer cells. Targeting YAP1-EGFR axis may be more efficacious than targeting EGFR alone in esophageal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 21(11); 2580–90. ©2015 AACR.
Correlation between Abdominal Rectus Diastasis Width and Abdominal Muscle Strength
Authors: Gunnarsson Ulf , Stark Birgit , Dahlstrand Ursula , Strigård Karin
Published: March 2015

Background: Surgery for Abdominal Rectus Diastasis (ARD) is a controversial topic and some argue that it is solely an aesthetic problem. Many symptoms in these patients are indefinite, and no objective criteria have been established, indicating which patients are likely to benefit from surgery. This study investigated the correlation between preoperative assessment and intraoperative measurement of ARD width, and objective measurements of muscle strength. Methods: 57 patients undergoing surgery for ARD underwent preoperative assessment of ARD width by clinical measurement and CT scan, and thereafter intraoperative measurement. Abdominal muscle strength was investigated using the Biodex System 4 including flexion, extension and isometric measurements. Correlations were calculated by the Spearman test. Results: Intraoperative ARD width between the umbilicus and the symphysis correlated strongly with Biodex measurements during flexion (p = 0.007, R = -0.35) and isometric work load (p = 0.01, R = -0.34). The following measurements showed no correlation: between muscle strength and BMI; muscle strength and waistline; or between muscle strength and ARD width above the umbilicus, assessed preoperatively at the outpatient clinic, by CT scan, or measured intraoperatively. Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between intraoperatively measured ARD width below the umbilicus and flexion and isometric abdominal muscle strength measured with the Biodex System 4.
In vitro Dermal Absorption: Sample Application and Seal Quality in a Franz Diffusion Cell System
Authors: Desmedt Bart , Courselle Patricia , De Beer Jacques O. , Rogiers Vera , Deconinck Eric , De Paepe Kristien
Published: March 2015

One of the known drawbacks of in vitro dermal absorption methods is their high interlaboratory variation. Although often attributed to biological skin differences, it has been shown that validation of other parameters such as temperature and stirring speed can reduce the high variability observed. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and, at the EU level, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have published guidance documents of how to perform these in vitro tests. For the parameter ‘sample application' and ‘adequate seal', it is indicated to apply the sample homogeneously and provide an adequate seal between the donor chamber and the membrane on which the sample is applied. Here, a simple and visual densitometer-based method is provided, which makes evaluation possible of any application protocol used.
Post Stroke Pain: Identification, Assessment, and Therapy
Authors: Harrison Rebecca A. , Field Thalia S.
Published: March 2015

Background: Pain is a common complication after stroke and is associated with the presence of depression, cognitive dysfunction, and impaired quality of life. It remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite evidence that effective treatment of pain may improve function and quality of life. Summary: We provide an overview of the means for clinical assessment and risk factors for the development of post-stroke pain, then review the newest available literature regarding the commonest post-stroke pain syndromes, including central post-stroke pain, complex regional pain syndrome, musculoskeletal pain including shoulder subluxation, spasticity-related pain, and post-stroke headache, as well as the available epidemiology and current treatment options. Key Messages: In the best interests of optimizing quality of life and function after stroke, clinicians should be aware of pain as a common complication after stroke, identify those patients at highest risk, directly inquire as to the presence and characteristics of pain, and should be aware of the options for treatment for the various pain syndromes.
Effects of a High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate versus a Standard Hypocaloric Diet on Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors during 9 Months: Role of a Genetic Variation in the Cannabinoid Receptor Gene (CNR1) (G1359A Polymorphism)
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Aller Rocío , Izaola Olatz , Díaz Soto G. , López Gómez J.J. , Gómez Hoyos E. , Torres B. , Villar A. , Romero Enrique
Published: March 2015

Objective: We decided to investigate the role of this polymorphism on cardiovascular risk factors and weight loss secondary to a high-protein/low-carbohydrate vs. a standard hypocaloric diet (1,000 kcal/day) over a period of 9 months. Material and methods: A nutritional evaluation was performed at the beginning and at the end of a 9-month period in which subjects received 1 of 2 diets (diet HP: high protein/low carbohydrate vs. S: standard diet). Results: One hundred and four patients (54.7%) had the genotype G1359G and 86 (45.3%) patients had G1359A (77 patients, 25.8%) or A1359A (9 patients, 3.7%) (A-allele-carriers). In subjects with both genotypes, the body mass index, weight, fat mass, waist circumference and systolic blood pressures decreased with both diets. After the diet type HP and in subjects with both genotypes, the glucose, leptin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-R levels decreased. After diet S and in all subjects, the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and leptin levels decreased, too. Conclusion: Our interventional study didn't show a relationship between the rs1049353 CNR-1 polymorphism and body weight response after two different hypocaloric (low carbohydrate/high protein vs. standard) diets over a period of 9 months. However, a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet for 9 months improved glucose metabolism in subjects with both genotypes.
Dengue virus and antiplatelet autoantibodies synergistically induce haemorrhage through Nlrp3-inflammasome and FcүRIII
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Wu Cheng-Yeu , Dai Ming-Shen , Chan Hao , Wu Wen-Sheng , Su Shu-Hui , Lin You-Yen , Lien Te-Sheng , Sun Der-Shan , Chang Hsin-Hou
Published: March 2015

Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) typically occurs during secondary infections with dengue viruses (DENVs). Although it is generally accepted that antibody-dependent enhancement is the primary reason why patients with secondary infection are at an increased risk of developing DHF, a growing body of evidence shows that other mechanisms, such as the elicitation of antiplatelet autoantibodies by DENV nonstructural protein NS1, also play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DHF. In this study, we developed a “two-hit” model of secondary DENV infection to examine the respective roles of DENV (first hit) and antiplatelet Igs (second hit) on the induction of haemorrhage. Mice were first exposed to DENV and then exposed to antiplatelet or anti-NS1 Igs 24 hours later. The two-hit treatment induced substantial haemorrhage, coagulopathy, and cytokine surge, and additional treatment with antagonists of TNF-α, IL-1, caspase-1, and FcүRIII ameliorated such effects. In addition, knockout mice lacking the Fcү receptor III, Toll-like receptor 3, and inflammasome components Nlrp3 and caspase-1 exhibited considerably fewer pathological alterations than did wild type controls. These findings may provide new perspectives for developing feasible approaches to treat patients with DHF.
Rapid immunochromatographic test for detection of anti-factor XIII A subunit antibodies can diagnose 90 % of cases with autoimmune haemorrhaphilia XIII/13
Authors: Osaki Tsukasa , Sugiyama Daisuke , Magari Yasuo , Souri Masayoshi , Ichinose Akitada
Published: March 2015

Autoimmune haemorrhaphilia XIII/13 (AH13) is an acquired lifethreatening bleeding disorder due to anti-factor XIII (FXIII) autoantibodies (auto-Abs). AH13 patients may die of haemorrhage without correct diagnosis and proper treatment because of lack of awareness and the absence of rapid easy-to-use tests specific for this disease. Currently, the definitive diagnosis is established by cumbersome and time-consuming laboratory tests such as dot-blot assays and enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and therefore these tests are generally not carried out. To save AH13 patients’ lives, there is an urgent necessity for developing a rapid test for FXIII auto-Abs. We first generated and characterised mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against human FXIII A subunit (FXIII-A), and then developed a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detection of anti-FXIII-A auto- Abs using one mAb with a dissociation constant of 9.3 × 10-11 M. The auto-Ab-FXIII-A complex was captured by the mAb on a nitrocellulose membrane and visualised by Au-conjugated anti-human IgG Ab. Mixing with healthy control plasma improved the detection of auto-Abs in patients having extremely low levels of FXIII-A. The specificity and sensitivity of the ICT were 87% and 94%, respectively. We also detected auto-Abs against activated FXIII (FXIIIa) in three patients by pre-converting FXIII to FXIIIa by thrombin treatment. ICT values were significantly inversely correlated with FXIII activity levels, indicating an association between the quantity of anti-FXIII autoantibodies and AH13. This reliable rapid ICT assay can be applied to a point-of-care test to detect anti-FXIII-A auto-Abs, and will contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of AH13.
Electromyographic Monitoring for Prevention of Phrenic Nerve Palsy in Second-Generation Cryoballoon Procedures
Authors: Franceschi Frédéric , Koutbi Linda , Gitenay Edouard , Hourdain Jérome , Maille Baptiste , Trévisan Lory , Deharo Jean-Claude
Published: March 2015

Background—

Electromyography-guided phrenic nerve (PN) monitoring using a catheter positioned in a hepatic vein can aid in preventing phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) during cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation. We wanted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of PN monitoring during procedures using second-generation cryoballoons.

Methods and Results—

This study included 140 patients (43 women) in whom pulmonary vein isolation was performed using a second-generation cryoballoon. Electromyography-guided PN monitoring was performed by pacing the right PN at 60 per minute and recording diaphragmatic compound motor action potential (CMAP) via a quadripolar catheter positioned in a hepatic vein. If a 30% decrease in CMAP amplitude was observed, cryoapplication was discontinued with forced deflation to avoid a PNP. Monitoring was unfeasible in 8 of 140 patients (5.7%), PNP occurred in 1. Stable CMAP amplitudes were achieved before ablation in 132 of 140 patients (94.3%). In 18 of 132 patients (13.6%), a 30% decrease in CMAP amplitude occurred and cryoablation was discontinued. Each time, recovery of CMAP amplitude took <60 s. In 9 of 18 cases, a second cryoapplication in the same pulmonary vein was safely performed. We observed no PNP or complication related to electromyography-guided PN monitoring.

Conclusions—

Electromyography-guided PN monitoring using a catheter positioned in a hepatic vein seems feasible and effective to prevent PNP during cryoballoon ablation using second-generation cryoballoon.
Socrates’ Warning Against Misology (Plato, Phaedo 88c-91c)
Authors: Miller Thomas
Published: March 2015

In thePhaedo, Socrates warns his listeners, discouraged by the objections of Simmias and Cebes, against becoming haters oflogoi. I argue that the ‘misologists’ are presented as a type of proto-skeptic and that Socrates in fact shows covert sympathy for their position. The difference between them is revealed by the pragmatic argument for trust in the immortality of the soul that Socrates offers near the end of the passage: the misologists reject such therapeutic uses oflogos. I conclude by assessing the relationship of the positions of Socrates and the misologists in thePhaedoto those of later ancient skeptics.
A new species of Kali (Salsoloideae, Chenopodiaceae) from Sicily, supported by molecular analysis
Authors: BRULLO CRISTIAN , Brullo Salvatore , GASKIN JOHN F. , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL , HRUSA G. FREDERIC , SALMERI CRISTINA
Published: March 2015

Nomenclatural and taxonomical considerations on Kali, a controversial genus recently segregated from the polyphyletic Salsola s. lat. (Chenopodiaceae), are provided. The Kali group includes annual plants with leaves ending in a spine and lacking hypodermis, having also a cortex alternate to longitudinal chlorenchymatous striae. The species belonging to this genus mainly have a paleotemperate distribution (Europe, Asia and North Africa), occurring as aliens in North America, Australia and South Africa. A new species collected on Mt. Etna (Sicily), and closely related to K. australe, is described and illustrated as K. basalticum Its morphological and molecular features, karyology (2n=54), ecology, distribution, phylogeny and conservation status are examined. In addition, a list of the currently known species of Kali is provided, with some new combinations: Kali nepalense (Grubov) comb. nov., Kali pellucidum (Litvinov) comb. nov., Kali sinkiangense (A.J. Li) comb. nov., Kali gobicolum (Iljin) comb. nov., and Kali ryanii (G.F. Hrusa & Gaskin) comb. nov.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 67. Notes on Lejeuneaceae subtribus Cololejeuneinae (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Pócs Tamás , Zhu Rui-Liang , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: March 2015

Cololejeunea subg. Aphanolejeunea is validated. Two new combinations, one validated species name, 14 new synonyms and four new lectotypes in Cololejeunea are proposed. The genus Austrolejeunea is shown to be invalid and all species are transferred to Nephelolejeunea making three new combinations and validating five species names.
Coralliidae (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from the INDEMARES 2010 expedition to north and northwest Spain (northeast Atlantic), with delimitation of a new species using both morphological and molecular approaches
Authors: TU TZU-HSUAN , ALTUNA ÁLVARO , JENG MING-SHIOU
Published: March 2015

Three species of deep-water bathyal Coralliidae were collected during the INDEMARES 2010 expedition of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography to the Avilés Canyon System and the Galicia Bank (Spain, northeast Atlantic): Corallium occultum n. sp., Corallium cf. bayeri Simpson & Watling, 2011, and Corallium niobe Bayer, 1964. The new species is supported by both morphological and molecular evidence, and its phylogenetic relationship within the Coralliidae is inferred. Corallium cf. bayeri is first recorded from European waters. Corallium johnsoni Gray, 1860 from off Portugal and Madeira, and Corallium tricolor (Johnson, 1898) from Madeira are redescribed from museum material, and their sclerites first depicted by scanning electron microscopy. The sclerome of C. johnsoni is more complex than previously thought, with occurrence of double clubs, and 6-, 7- and 8-radiates. A key is proposed for the identification of all the Atlantic species of the genus Corallium.
The genus Hippomedon in Australian waters (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Lysianassidae, Tryphosinae)
Authors: KILGALLEN N. M. , LOWRY J. K.
Published: March 2015

Two new species of Hippomedon, H. hippolyte sp. nov. and H. tourville sp. nov. are described from Australian waters. The distribution of H. rodericki is extended from Tasmania northwards into New South Wales. The distribution of Hippomedon geelongi is also extended from Victoria northwards into New South Wales and southwards into Tasmania.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) immiscible blends with high loadings of graphite
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Luo Wei , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei , Li Shengzhao
Published: March 2015

In this study, flake graphite was dispersed in immiscible polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends to improve their thermal conductivity. Blends of PA6/PP were prepared in different relative fractions and thermal conductivity of the graphite-containing blends showed enhanced values for immiscible blends when compared with those of mono-PA6-based composites at the same graphite loading fractions. Moreover, a PA6/PP mass ratio of 8/2 showed better dispersion of graphite and less interfacial defects, resulting in better heat conduction ability when compared with other immiscible blends. At graphite loading of 40 wt%, thermal conductivity of PA6/PP/graphite composite reached 2.896 W/mK, which is nearly 40% higher than that of mono-PA6/graphite composite. Morphology and melt rheology measurements confirmed that flake graphite began to form thermally conductive network at 30 wt% in immiscible blends which is crucial to the improvement of thermal conductivity.