bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of time-window bias on the assessment of the long-term effect of medication adherence: the case of secondary prevention after myocardial infarction
Authors: Di Martino Mirko , Kirchmayer Ursula , Agabiti Nera , Bauleo Lisa , Fusco Danilo , Perucci Carlo Alberto , Davoli Marina
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Time-window bias was described in case–control studies and led to a biased estimate of drug effect. No studies have measured the impact of this bias on the assessment of the effect of medication adherence on health outcomes. Our goals were to estimate the association between adherence to drug therapies after myocardial infarction (MI) and the incidence of a new MI, and to quantify the error that would have been produced by a time-window bias.

Setting

This is a population-based study. Data were obtained from the Regional Health Information Systems of the Lazio Region in Central Italy (around 5 million inhabitants).

Participants

Patients discharged after MI in 2006–2007 were enrolled in the cohort and followed through 2009.

Outcome measure

The study outcome was reinfarction: either mortality, or hospital admission for MI, whichever occurred first.

Design

A nested case–control study was performed. Controls were selected using both time-dependent and time-independent sampling. Adherence to antiplatelets, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) and statins was calculated using the proportion of days covered (PDC).

Results

A total of 6880 patients were enrolled in the cohort. Using time-dependent sampling, a protective effect was detected for all study drugs. Conversely, using time-independent sampling, the beneficial effect was attenuated, as in the case of antiplatelet agents and statins, or completely masked, as in the case of ACEI/ARBs and β-blockers. For ACEI/ARBs, the time-dependent approach produced ORs of 0.83 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.21) and 0.72 (0.55 to 0.95), respectively, for ‘0.50.75’ versus ‘0≤PDC≤0.5’. Using the time-independent approach, the ORs were 0.96 (0.65 to 1.43) and 1.00 (0.76 to 1.33), respectively.

Conclusions

A time-independent definition of a time-dependent exposure introduces a bias when the length of follow-up varies with the outcome. The persistence of time-related biases in peer-reviewed papers strongly suggests the need for increased awareness of this methodological pitfall.
Evaluation of oxidative stress via total antioxidant status, sialic acid, malondialdehyde and RT‐PCR findings in sheep affected with bluetongue
Authors: Aytekin I. , Aksit H. , Sait A. , Kaya F. , Aksit D. , Gokmen M. , Baca A. Unsal
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Bluetongue (BT) is a non‐contagious infectious disease of ruminants. The disease agent bluetongue virus (BTV) is classified in the Reoviridae family Orbivirus.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidative stres (TAS), total sialic acid (TSA), ceruloplasmin, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholesterol, creatinine, albumin, and total protein levels in sheep with and without bluetongue (BT).

Materials and Methods

The study included 13 Sakiz crossbreed sheep, aged 1–4 years and usually in the last stage of pregnancy, as the BT group and a control group consisting of 10 healthy sheep. All sheep were clinically examined before collecting blood samples. Serum ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, GGT, total protein, creatinine and TAS levels were measured using commercially available kits as per manufacturer's recommendations using a Biochemistry Auto Analyzer (Sinnowa D280, China). Serum lipid peroxidation was estimated through a previously described method in which MDA reacts with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) to form a coloured complex at a maximum absorbance of 535 nm. The TSA value was measured at 549 nm using the method described by Warren (1959): sialic acid was oxidised to formyl‐pyruvic acid, which reacts with TBA to form a pink product. The ceruloplasmin concentration was measured according to Sunderman and Nomoto (1970): ceruloplasmin and p‐phenylenediamine formed a coloured oxidation product that was proportional to the concentration of serum ceruloplasmin. Real time RT‐PCR and conventional RT‐PCR were performed as described by Shaw and others (2007).

Results

Biochemistry analysis of serum showed that in the BT group, TSA, MDA, triglyceride and ALT and AST were higher and that ceruloplasmin and TAS were lower than in the control group. Serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, total protein and GGT did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Serum triglyceride, ceruloplasmin, TSA, MDA and TAS concentrations may prove beneficial to the diagnosis, prognosis and biochemical analysis of BT.
Time-dependent versus time-independent probabilities of transmission and reflection of a quantum particle incident upon potentials with large changes
Authors: Shegelski Mark R.A. , Malmgren Kevin
Published: June 2015

We investigate the transmission and reflection of a quantum particle incident upon a step potential increase, a step potential decrease, a square well, and a square barrier, all well studied in undergraduate quantum mechanics. We are especially interested in the extreme where the change in the potential is arbitrarily large, but with the difference in the energy of the particle and the potential held fixed, if possible. We obtain the probabilities of transmission and reflection using the time-independent Schrödinger equation and also the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. In the time-dependent case, we have the particle initially in a Gaussian wave packet or a similar localized state. We obtain results that fall into three categories: results that are not surprising, results where time-dependent and time-independent agree surprisingly well, and results that are very different. We discuss the unexpected results. Our work may be of interest to instructors of and students in upper year undergraduate quantum mechanics courses.
Classification of ℤ2-graded modules of intermediate series over a Block-type Lie algebra
Authors: Su Yucai , Yue Xiaoqing
Published: June 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be the Lie algebra of Block type with basis {Li,j | i,j ∈ ℤ} and relations [Li,j, Lk,l] = ((j + 1)k - (l + 1)i)Li+k,j+l. Since [Formula: see text] is ℤ2-graded, it is natural to study ℤ2-graded modules over [Formula: see text]. In this paper, ℤ2-graded [Formula: see text]-modules of the intermediate series are classified.
Computer Modeling and Simulation of Fruit Sunscald
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Fan Dongfang
Published: June 2015

Although the simulation of many kinds of natural phenomena has been studied in the field of computer simulation and graphics, the reproduction of natural fruit diseases processes has not received much attention. Sunscald is the representative of physiological diseases. This paper presented a novel computer modeling and simulation method for fruit sunscald. We mainly focus on the morphology change of fruit appearance affected by sunscald disease under the condition of water loss. An improved mass spring model is proposed, by combining cell turgor pressure with mass spring. We adopt this physical deformation model for dynamic simulation of fruit sunscald disease. We calculate the cell turgor pressure variation due to water loss and thereby get the displacement changing of every mass particle in our simulation system. Finally, the software of Maya is adopted to render the deform model to render the simulation result. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
A CLOSED LOOP PERFUSION BIOREACTOR FOR DYNAMIC HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE LOADING AND CARTILAGE TISSUE ENGINEERING
Authors: SCHRÖDER CHRISTIAN , HÖLZER ANDREAS , ZHU GE , WOICZINSKI MATTHIAS , BETZ OLIVER B. , GRAF HELENA , MAYER-WAGNER SUSANNE , MÜLLER PETER E.
Published: June 2015

In the present study, a novel bioreactor for dynamic hydrostatic pressure loading that simultaneously permits medium perfusion was established. This bioreactor enables continuous cultivation without manual attendance. Additional emphasis was placed on a simple bioreactor design which was achieved by pressurizing the medium directly and by applying pressure loading and perfusion through the same piping. Straight forward pressure control and at the same time maintaining sterility were achieved by using a peristaltic pump including inlet and outlet magnetic pinch valves connected with a real-time control. Cell tests using chondrocytes were performed and similar cell proliferation rates in the bioreactor and in the incubator were found. We conclude that the novel bioreactor introduced here, has the potential to be easily applied for cartilage tissue engineering on a larger scale.
EFFECT OF AGE, GENDER, AND WALKWAY LENGTH ON ACCELEROMETRY-BASED GAIT PARAMETERS FOR HEALTHY ADULT SUBJECTS
Authors: YONEYAMA MITSURU , MITOMA HIROSHI , HAYASHI AKITO
Published: June 2015

Accelerometry is now a well-established method for monitoring human body movements, and is increasingly being used for gait analysis under nonlaboratory conditions because of its low-cost and unobtrusive nature. In order to encourage its use in the clinical setting such as for assessing functional declines due to aging or disease, an extensive database of healthy gait is needed. This paper presents reference data for 245 normal Japanese adults (126 men and 119 women aged 40–86 years) obtained from indoor walk tests by using a trunk-mounted acceleration sensor. Seven gait parameters were extracted from the acceleration data measured at fast, normal, and slow gait for 5[Formula: see text]m and 10[Formula: see text]m walkways. The effects of age on cadence, speed, and step length were consistent with those observed in previous studies. Scaled speed and acceleration were closely correlated with each other, and exhibited similar gender- and age-associated behavior, indicating that they could be used interchangeably in gait analysis. A comparison of these parameters between different walkways revealed a significant effect of walkway length. Our parameters may provide a useful reference database for the clinical analysis of not only healthy gait but also impaired gait for the 10[Formula: see text]m walkway as well as for the shorter 5[Formula: see text]m walkway.
BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MESHES FOLLOWING IMPLANTATION IN THE RAT ABDOMINAL WALL MODEL
Authors: UDPA NATASHA , IYER SHAMA , MCDONOUGH SEAN P. , GAO YINGXIN
Published: June 2015

The objective of our study was to (1) evaluate mesh strength and collagen incorporation after 4 and 12 weeks of implantation in a rat abdominal wall model and (2) determine the relationship between collagen deposition and mechanical strength of a chitosan-coated polypropylene mesh. We implanted 0.5% chitosan-coated polypropylene mesh (PPM), collagen-coated PPM (PelvitexTM; C.R. Bard), and PPM (Avaulta Solo[Formula: see text]; C.R. Bard) using a rat abdominal defect model. Mechanical properties were determined from uniaxial tensile testing and collagen deposition of each mesh was evaluated 4 and 12 weeks post-implantation. We found that after implantation, the neo tissue of Ch-PPM is stiffer than the commercially available meshes. We also observed no significant difference in the ratio of collagen types I/III between mesh samples at 4 weeks or 12 weeks. We found no relationship between the ratio of collagen types I/III and the mechanical strength of mesh samples after implantation. The increased stiffness with chitosan coating could be due to increased muscle tissue ingrowth.
VolcFlow capabilities and potential development for the simulation of lava flows
Authors: Kelfoun Karim , Vargas Silvia Vallejo
Published: June 2015

VolcFlow is a finite-difference Eulerian code based on the depth-averaged approach and developed for the simulation of isothermal geophysical flows. Its capability for reproducing lava flows is tested here for the first time. The field example chosen is the 2010 lava flow of Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador), the emplacement of which is tracked by projecting thermal images onto a georeferenced digital topography. Results show that, at least for this case study, the isothermal approach of VolcFlow is able to simulate the velocity of the lava through time, as well as the extent of the solidified lava. However, the good fit between the modelled and the natural flow may be explained by the short emplacement time (
c.
20 h) of a thick lava (
c.
5 m), which could limit the influence of cooling on the flow dynamics, thus favouring the use of an isothermal rheology.
Autonomic and inflammatory consequences of posttraumatic stress disorder and the link to cardiovascular disease
Authors: Brudey Chevelle , Park Jeanie , Wiaderkiewicz Jan , Kobayashi Ihori , Mellman Thomas A. , Marvar Paul J.
Published: June 2015

Stress- and anxiety-related disorders are on the rise in both military and general populations. Over the next decade, it is predicted that treatment of these conditions, in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with its associated long-term comorbidities, will challenge the health care system. Multiple organ systems are adversely affected by PTSD, and PTSD is linked to cancer, arthritis, digestive disease, and cardiovascular disease. Evidence for a strong link between PTSD and cardiovascular disease is compelling, and this review describes current clinical data linking PTSD to cardiovascular disease, via inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, and the renin-angiotensin system. Recent clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the extinction of fear memory and relevance in PTSD-related immune and autonomic dysfunction is also addressed.
Task-dependent modification of leg motor neuron synaptic input underlying changes in walking direction and walking speed
Authors: Rosenbaum Philipp , Schmitz Josef , Schmidt Joachim , Büschges Ansgar
Published: June 2015

Animals modify their behavior constantly to perform adequately in their environment. In terrestrial locomotion many forms of adaptation exist. Two tasks are changes of walking direction and walking speed. We investigated these two changes in motor output in the stick insect Cuniculina impigra to see how they are brought about at the level of leg motor neurons. We used a semi-intact preparation in which we can record intracellularly from leg motor neurons during walking. In this single-leg preparation the middle leg of the animal steps in a vertical plane on a treadwheel. Stimulation of either abdomen or head reliably elicits fictive forward or backward motor activity, respectively, in the fixed and otherwise deafferented thorax-coxa joint. With a change of walking direction only thorax-coxa-joint motor neurons protractor and retractor changed their activity. The protractor switched from swing activity during forward to stance activity during backward walking, and the retractor from stance to swing. This phase switch was due to corresponding change of phasic synaptic inputs from inhibitory to excitatory and vice versa at specific phases of the step cycle. In addition to phasic synaptic input a tonic depolarization of the motor neurons was present. Analysis of changes in stepping velocity during stance showed only a significant correlation to flexor motor neuron activity, but not to that of retractor and depressor motor neurons during forward walking. These results show that different tasks in the stick insect walking system are generated by altering synaptic inputs to specific leg joint motor neurons only.
Interplay between Intravitreal RvD1 and Local Endogenous Sirtuin‐1 in the Protection from Endotoxin‐Induced Uveitis in Rats
Authors: Rossi S. , Di Filippo C. , Gesualdo C. , Testa F. , Trotta M. C. , Maisto R. , Ferraro B. , Ferraraccio F. , Accardo M. , Simonelli F. , D’Amico M.
Published: June 2015

Rat endotoxin‐induced uveitis (EIU) is a well‐established model of human uveitis. In this model, intravitreal injection of resolvin D1 (RvD1, 10–100–1000 ng/kg) 1 hour after subcutaneous treatment of Sprague‐Dawley rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 μg/rat) significantly prevented the development of uveitis into the eye. RvD1 dose‐dependently increased the expression of sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) within the eye, while it decreased the expression of acetyl‐p53 and acetyl‐FOXO1. These effects were accompanied by local downregulation of some microRNAs related to the expression and activity of SIRT1. These were miR‐195‐5p, miR‐200a‐3p, miR‐34a‐5p, and miR‐145‐5p. An increase of manganese superoxide dismutase and decrease of caspase 3 were evident after RvD1 treatment. In another set of experiments, the protective effects of RvD1 (1000 ng/kg) were partly abolished by the pretreatment of the rats with EX527 (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.), a specific inhibitor of SIRT1 activity, for 7 days prior to the induction of EIU in rats. Similarly, the effects of RvD1 (1000 ng/kg) on the SIRT1 protein expression were abolished by Boc2, N‐t‐butoxycarbonyl‐PLPLP, a specific formyl‐peptide receptor type 2/lipoxin A receptor antagonist. Therefore, an interplay of the SIRT1 activity on the RvD1 mediated resolution of EIU is argued.
Diene Valepotriates fromValeriana glechomifoliaPrevent Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sickness and Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Müller Liz G. , Borsoi Milene , Stolz Eveline D. , Herzfeldt Vivian , Viana Alice F. , Ravazzolo Ana Paula , Rates Stela Maris K.
Published: June 2015

Valeriana glechomifolia, a native species from southern Brazil, presents antidepressant-like activity and diene valepotriates (VAL) contribute to the pharmacological properties of the genus. It is known that depression can develop on an inflammation background in vulnerable patients and antidepressants present anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of VAL (10 mg/kg, p.o.) on sickness and depressive-like behaviors as well as proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1βand TNF-α) and BDNF expression in the cortex of mice exposed to a 5 min swimming session (as a stressful stimulus) 30 min before theE. coliLPS injection (600 µg/kg, i.p.). The forced swim + LPS induced sickness and depressive-like behaviors, increased the cortical expression of IL-1βand TNF-α, and decreased BDNF expression. VAL was orally administered to mice 1 h before (pretreatment) or 5 h after (posttreatment)E. coliLPS injection. The pretreatment with VAL restored the behavioral alterations and the expression of cortical proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-injected animals but had no effects on BDNF expression, while the posttreatment rescued only behavioral alterations. Our results demonstrate for the first time the positive effects of VAL in an experimental model of depression associated with inflammation, providing new data on the range of action of these molecules.
Tumor Suppressor Inactivation in the Pathogenesis of Adult T-Cell Leukemia
Authors: Nicot Christophe
Published: June 2015

Tumor suppressor functions are essential to control cellular proliferation, to activate the apoptosis or senescence pathway to eliminate unwanted cells, to link DNA damage signals to cell cycle arrest checkpoints, to activate appropriate DNA repair pathways, and to prevent the loss of adhesion to inhibit initiation of metastases. Therefore, tumor suppressor genes are indispensable to maintaining genetic and genomic integrity. Consequently, inactivation of tumor suppressors by somatic mutations or epigenetic mechanisms is frequently associated with tumor initiation and development. In contrast, reactivation of tumor suppressor functions can effectively reverse the transformed phenotype and lead to cell cycle arrest or death of cancerous cells and be used as a therapeutic strategy. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive lymphoproliferative disease associated with infection of CD4 T cells by the Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-I). HTLV-I-associated T-cell transformation is the result of a multistep oncogenic process in which the virus initially induces chronic T-cell proliferation and alters cellular pathways resulting in the accumulation of genetic defects and the deregulated growth of virally infected cells. This review will focus on the current knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating the inactivation of tumor suppressors in the pathogenesis of HTLV-I.
Development of a Zero-Cement Binder Using Slag, Fly Ash, and Rice Husk Ash with Chemical Activator
Authors: Karim M. R. , Zain M. F. M. , Jamil M. , Lai F. C.
Published: June 2015

The increasing demand and consumption of cement have necessitated the use of slag, fly ash, rice husk ash (RHA), and so forth as a supplement of cement in concrete construction. The aim of the study is to develop a zero-cement binder (Z-Cem) using slag, fly ash, and RHA combined with chemical activator. NaOH, Ca(OH)2, and KOH were used in varying weights and molar concentrations. Z-Cem was tested for its consistency, setting time, flow, compressive strength, XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The consistency and setting time of the Z-Cem paste increase with increasing RHA content. The Z-Cem mortar requires more superplasticizer to maintain a constant flow of110±5% compared with OPC. The compressive strength of the Z-Cem mortar is significantly influenced by the amounts, types, and molar concentration of the activators. The Z-Cem mortar achieves a compressive strength of 42–44 MPa at 28 days with 5% NaOH or at 2.5 molar concentrations. The FTIR results reveal that molecules in the Z-Cem mortar have a silica-hydrate (Si-H) bond with sodium or other inorganic metals (i.e., sodium/calcium-silica-hydrate-alumina gel). Therefore, Z-Cem could be developed using the aforementioned materials with the chemical activator.
A Family of Trigonometrically Fitted Enright Second Derivative Methods for Stiff and Oscillatory Initial Value Problems
Authors: Ngwane F. F. , Jator S. N.
Published: June 2015

A family of Enright’s second derivative formulas with trigonometric basis functions is derived using multistep collocation method. The continuous schemes obtained are used to generate complementary methods. The stability properties of the methods are discussed. The methods which can be applied in predictor-corrector form are implemented in block form as simultaneous numerical integrators over nonoverlapping intervals. Numerical results obtained using the proposed block form reveal that the new methods are efficient and highly competitive with existing methods in the literature.
Light Scattering and Current Enhancement for Microcrystalline Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells on Aluminium-Induced Texture Glass Superstrates with Double Texture
Authors: Yin Yunfeng , Sahraei Nasim , Venkataraj Selvaraj , Calnan Sonya , Ring Sven , Stannowski Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Aberle Armin G. , Stangl Rolf
Published: June 2015

Microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) thin-film solar cells are processed on glass superstrates having both micro- and nanoscale surface textures. The microscale texture is realised at the glass surface, using the aluminium-induced texturing (AIT) method, which is an industrially feasible process enabling a wide range of surface feature sizes (i.e., 700 nm–3 μm) of the textured glass. The nanoscale texture is made by conventional acid etching of the sputter-deposited transparent conductive oxide (TCO). The influence of the resulting “double texture” on the optical scattering is investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) (studying the surface topology), haze measurements (studying scattering into air), and short-circuit current enhancement measurements (studying scattering into silicon). A predicted enhanced optical scattering efficiency is experimentally proven by a short-circuit current enhancementΔIscof up to 1.6 mA/cm2(7.7% relative increase) compared to solar cells fabricated on a standard superstrate, that is, planar glass covered with nanotextured TCO. Enhancing the autocorrelation length (or feature size) of the AIT superstrates might have the large potential to improve theμc-Si:H thin-film solar cell efficiency, by reducing the shunting probability of the device while maintaining a high optical scattering performance.
Genetic Consequences of Antiviral Therapy on HIV-1
Authors: Arenas Miguel
Published: June 2015

A variety of enzyme inhibitors have been developed in combating HIV-1, however the fast evolutionary rate of this virus commonly leads to the emergence of resistance mutations that finally allows the mutant virus to survive. This review explores the main genetic consequences of HIV-1 molecular evolution during antiviral therapies, including the viral genetic diversity and molecular adaptation. The role of recombination in the generation of drug resistance is also analyzed. Besides the investigation and discussion of published works, an evolutionary analysis of protease-coding genes collected from patients before and after treatment with different protease inhibitors was included to validate previous studies. Finally, the review discusses the importance of considering genetic consequences of antiviral therapies in models of HIV-1 evolution that could improve current genotypic resistance testing and treatments design.
Graded Carrier Concentration Absorber Profile for High Efficiency CIGS Solar Cells
Authors: Parisi Antonino , Pernice Riccardo , Rocca Vincenzo , Curcio Luciano , Stivala Salvatore , Cino Alfonso C. , Cipriani Giovanni , Di Dio Vincenzo , Ricco Galluzzo Giuseppe , Miceli Rosario , Busacca Alessandro C.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate an innovative CIGS-based solar cells model with a graded doping concentration absorber profile, capable of achieving high efficiency values. In detail, we start with an in-depth discussion concerning the parametrical study of conventional CIGS solar cells structures. We have used the wxAMPS software in order to numerically simulate cell electrical behaviour. By means of simulations, we have studied the variation of relevant physical and chemical parameters—characteristic of such devices—with changing energy gap and doping density of the absorber layer. Our results show that, in uniform CIGS cell, the efficiency, the open circuit voltage, and short circuit current heavily depend on CIGS band gap. Our numerical analysis highlights that the band gap value of 1.40 eV is optimal, but both the presence of Molybdenum back contact and the high carrier recombination near the junction noticeably reduce the crucial electrical parameters. For the above-mentioned reasons, we have demonstrated that the efficiency obtained by conventional CIGS cells is lower if compared to the values reached by our proposed graded carrier concentration profile structures (up to 21%).
Localization of Presynaptic Plasticity Mechanisms Enables Functional Independence of Synaptic and Ectopic Transmission in the Cerebellum
Authors: Dobson Katharine L. , Bellamy Tomas C.
Published: June 2015

In the cerebellar molecular layer parallel fibre terminals release glutamate from both the active zone and from extrasynaptic “ectopic” sites. Ectopic release mediates transmission to the Bergmann glia that ensheathe the synapse, activating Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors and glutamate transporters. Parallel fibre terminals exhibit several forms of presynaptic plasticity, including cAMP-dependent long-term potentiation and endocannabinoid-dependent long-term depression, but it is not known whether these presynaptic forms of long-term plasticity also influence ectopic transmission to Bergmann glia. Stimulation of parallel fibre inputs at 16 Hz evoked LTP of synaptic transmission, but LTD of ectopic transmission. Pharmacological activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin caused LTP at Purkinje neurons, but only transient potentiation at Bergmann glia, reinforcing the concept that ectopic sites lack the capacity to express sustained cAMP-dependent potentiation. Activation of mGluR1 caused depression of synaptic transmission via retrograde endocannabinoid signalling but had no significant effect at ectopic sites. In contrast, activation of NMDA receptors suppressed both synaptic and ectopic transmission. The results suggest that the signalling mechanisms for presynaptic LTP and retrograde depression by endocannabinoids are restricted to the active zone at parallel fibre synapses, allowing independent modulation of synaptic transmission to Purkinje neurons and ectopic transmission to Bergmann glia.
MIMO SAR Using Orthogonal Coding: Design, Performance Analysis, and Verifications
Authors: Lin Yueguan , Fan Yida , Jiang Chenglong , Wang Zhiqiang , Shao Weizeng
Published: June 2015

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a promising technology in radar imaging which provides a better balance of azimuth resolution and swath width compared with traditional single-input single-output (SISO) SAR. It has the potential to help scientists and engineers to design ambitious SAR system with higher resolution and wider swath. This paper studies the principle of MIMO SAR using orthogonal coding waveform and then provides the performance analysis in resolution and swath width. By using orthogonal coding waveform, lower channel interference is obtained, which makes MIMO SAR achieve wider unambiguous range swath and lower azimuth ambiguity. Simulations are carried out by means of the system parameters of real spaceborne SAR platform. A ground-based MIMO SAR imaging system with up and down chirp modulation is also designed. The performances of MIMO SAR and SISO SAR are compared, and the validity and advantage of MIMO SAR are verified.
Copeptin: Limited Usefulness in Early Stroke Differentiation?
Authors: von Recum Johannes , Searle Julia , Slagman Anna , Vollert Jörn Ole , Endres Matthias , Möckel Martin , Ebinger Martin
Published: June 2015

Background. Stroke can be a challenging diagnosis in an emergency-setting. We sought to determine whether copeptin may be a useful biomarker to differentiate between ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA), and stroke-mimics.Methods. In patients with suspected stroke arriving within 4.5 hours of symptom-onset, copeptin-levels were measured in initial blood-samples. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by vascular neurologists blinded to copeptin-values.Results. Of all 36 patients with available copeptin-values (median age 71 years, IQR: 54–76; 44% female), 20 patients (56%) were diagnosed with IS, no patient was diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke, nine patients (25%) were diagnosed with TIA, and seven patients (19%) were stroke-mimics. Copeptin-levels (in pmol/L) tended to be higher in patients with IS [19.1 (11.2–48.5)] compared to TIA [9.4 (5.4–13.8)]. In stroke-mimics the range of values was extremely broad [33.3 (7.57–255.7)]. The diagnostic accuracy of copeptin for IS was 63% with a sensitivity of 80% and a positive predictive value of 64%.Conclusion. In this cohort of patients copeptin-levels within 4.5 hours of symptom onset were higher in patients with IS compared to TIA but the broad range of values in stroke-mimics limits diagnostic accuracy. This trial is registered with UTN: U1111-1119-7602.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Case Aimed at Raising Clinical Awareness
Authors: Al Danaf Jad , Madara John , Dietsche Caitlin
Published: June 2015

A 60-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder on risperidone, bupropion, and escitalopram was admitted for community acquired streptococcal pneumonia. Four days later, he developed persistent hyperthermia, dysautonomia, rigidity, hyporeflexia, and marked elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase. He was diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and improved with dantrolene, bromocriptine, and supportive therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis for fever in the ICU, carefully reviewing the medication list for all patients, and considering NMS in patients with fever and rigidity.
Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Sexual Behavior among University Students in Ambo, Central Ethiopia: Implication to Improve Intervention
Authors: Sahile Zekariyas , Mekuria Mulugeta , Yared Abenezer
Published: June 2015

Background. Ethiopia has one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates in East Africa, but there are still more than one million people estimated to be living with HIV in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at assessing the comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behavior among university students. Methodology. A cross-sectional comparative study was done with quantitative and qualitative data collection with a stratified sampling technique. The quantitative data were edited, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Result. Both comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention method were higher in the intervention group (75.8% and 48.5%) than comparative group (68.6% and 42.5%) which had a significant difference (P<0.05). Life time sexual intercourse was higher in the intervention group (40.8%) as compared to the comparative group (34.6%). But sexual condom utilization in the past 12 months was higher in the intervention group (73.2%) as compared to the comparative group (56.9%) which had a significant difference (P<0.05). Similarly, history of sexual transmitted disease report was higher in the comparative group (6.3%) as compared to the intervention (4.6%). Among sexual experience respondents in the last 12 months, 32% of them in the intervention and 35.5% of them in the comparative group have had multiple sexual partners. Conclusion. The intervention group had higher comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and condom utilization. But a higher percentage of students were engaged in risky sexual behavior. Therefore, emphasis should be given on designing different strategy to reduce risky sexual behavior and increase comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge.
Automation Countermeasure System for Intersection Optimization
Authors: Lu Hua-pu , Sun Zhi-yuan , Qu Wen-cong , Li Yue
Published: June 2015

To satisfy the demand of congestion problem solving in intersections, this paper studies the method of automation countermeasure system for intersection optimization (ACSIO). Taking into account the extensive contents and objectives of intersection optimization, this paper puts forward the functions and architecture of ACSIO based on intersection optimization problem statement. Seeking optimal design of intersection channelization and signal control, the main goal of ACSIO is to achieve dynamic and coordination management of intersection. The problem is formulated as a multiobjective program, with each objective corresponding to a different player in the system. Moreover, it presents system design of ACSIO. A case study based on a real-world intersection is implemented to test the efficiency and applicability of the proposed modeling and computing methods.
Protective Pleiotropic Effect of Flavonoids on NAD+Levels in Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Glucose
Authors: Boesten Daniëlle M. P. H. J. , von Ungern-Sternberg Saskia N. I. , den Hartog Gertjan J. M. , Bast Aalt
Published: June 2015

NAD+is important for oxidative metabolism by serving as an electron transporter. Hyperglycemia decreases NAD+levels by activation of the polyol pathway and by overactivation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP). We examined the protective role of three structurally related flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, and flavone) during high glucose conditions in anin vitromodel using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally we assessed the ability of these flavonoids to inhibit aldose reductase enzyme activity. We have previously shown that flavonoids can inhibit PARP activation. Extending these studies, we here provide evidence that flavonoids are also able to protect endothelial cells against a high glucose induced decrease in NAD+. In addition, we established that flavonoids are able to inhibit aldose reductase, the key enzyme in the polyol pathway. We conclude that this protective effect of flavonoids on NAD+levels is a combination of the flavonoids ability to inhibit both PARP activation and aldose reductase enzyme activity. This study shows that flavonoids, by a combination of effects, maintain the redox state of the cell during hyperglycemia. This mode of action enables flavonoids to ameliorate diabetic complications.
Electrospun Fibers of Enteric Polymer for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: da Costa Fábia F. P. , Araújo Evando S. , Nascimento Marcio L. F. , de Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: June 2015

The production of electrospun fibers of enteric polymer for controlled delivery of drugs represents a simple and low cost procedure with promising advantages relative to the longer therapeutic window provided by cylindrical geometry in association with intrinsic properties of pH-dependent drug carriers. In this work, we have explored the incorporation of additives (block copolymers of poly(ethylene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)) into matrix of Eudragit L-100 and the effective action of hybrid composites on delivery of nifedipine, providing improvement in the overall process of controlled release of loaded drug.
Ointment ofBrassica oleraceavar.capitataMatures the Extracellular Matrix in Skin Wounds of Wistar Rats
Authors: Sarandy Mariáurea Matias , Novaes Rômulo Dias , da Matta Sérgio Luiz Pinto , Mezencio Jose Mario da Silveira , da Silva Marcelo Barreto , Zanuncio José Cola , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela
Published: June 2015

Wound healing is a complex process that aims to restore damaged tissue. Phytotherapeutics, such as cabbage,Brassica oleraceavar.capitata(Brassicaceae), and sunflower,Helianthus annuusL. (Asteraceae) oil, are used as wound healers. Five circular wounds, each 12 mm in diameter, were made in the dorsolateral region of each rat. The animals were divided into four groups: balsam (B. oleracea); ointment (B. oleracea); sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus); control (saline solution 0.9%). These products were applied daily for 20 days and every four days the tissues of different wounds were removed. The wound contraction area, total collagen, types I and III collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and tissue cellularity were analyzed. In the groups that received ointment and balsam there was reduction in the wound area on days 4, 8, 12, and 20. Throughout the trial period, the balsam and ointment groups showed a higher amount of total collagen, type I collagen, and glycosaminoglycan compared to the others groups. The rats in the groups treated withB. oleraceavar.capitatashowed a higher number of cells on days 8, 16, and 20.B. oleraceawas effective in stimulating the maturation of collagen and increasing the cellularity, as also in improving the mechanical resistance of the newly formed tissue.
Effect of the Tip Size on AFM Cantilever Based Force Sensor
Authors: Shen Yajing
Published: June 2015

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever is a widely used end effector for precise force sensing and micro-nanomanipulation at small scale. However, in current researches, the effect of the cantilever tip on the force sensing and manipulation accuracy is rarely considered. In this paper, we investigate how the tip size of the end effector affects the measurement accuracy of the cell adhesion force. First, several end effectors with different tip sizes are fabricated from the same AFM cantilever via focused ion beam (FIB) etching. Then, the single cell detachment force is measured at the same experiment condition by these end effectors, respectively. The results indicate that the sensed adhesion force is susceptible to the tip size of the end effector obviously. In addition, the precision of cell manipulation is also regulated by the contact area between the cell and end effector greatly. These findings will benefit our in-depth understanding on the force interaction at small scale and will provide valid reference for the development of high-precision force sensor and manipulation.
A Novel Classification Method for Syndrome Differentiation of Patients with AIDS
Authors: Zhao Yufeng , He Liyun , Xie Qi , Li Guozheng , Liu Baoyan , Wang Jian , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhang Xiang , Luo Lin , Li Kun , Jing Xianghong
Published: June 2015

We consider the analysis of an AIDS dataset where each patient is characterized by a list of symptoms and is labeled with one or more TCM syndromes. The task is to build a classifier that maps symptoms to TCM syndromes. We use the minimum reference set-based multiple instance learning (MRS-MIL) method. The method identifies a list of representative symptoms for each syndrome and builds a Gaussian mixture model based on them. The models for all syndromes are then used for classification via Bayes rule. By relying on a subset of key symptoms for classification, MRS-MIL can produce reliable and high quality classification rules even on datasets with small sample size. On the AIDS dataset, it achieves average precision and recall 0.7736 and 0.7111, respectively. Those are superior to results achieved by alternative methods.
Regionalization and Spatiotemporal Variation of Drought in China Based on Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (1961–2013)
Authors: Liu Xiongfei , Wang Shixin , Zhou Yi , Wang Futao , Li Wenjun , Liu Wenliang
Published: June 2015

China is considered to be one of the most drought prone countries. This study is dedicated to analyzing the regionalization and spatiotemporal variations of drought based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, which covers the period 1961–2013 across 810 stations in China. Using Spatial “K”luster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal method, China was divided into eight regions: southwest (SW), northeast (NE), north (N), southeast (SE), Yangtze River (YR), northwest (NW), central China (C), and Tibet Plateau (TP). The spatiotemporal variations of drought characteristics indicated that the drought count in NE and C was generally high. Southern China and NW had suffered long drought duration and extreme severity. The MK test results show that stations with significant drying trends mainly locate in SW, N, NW, and C. The severe drought frequency was very high in 1990s and 2000s. Furthermore, more attention should be paid to abnormal less precipitation in summer and abnormal high temperature in spring in SW, NE, N, and C. Besides, abnormal less precipitation is the main factor of drought in SE and YR in whole year. This study is anticipated to support the water resources management, and to promote the realization of environmental protection and agricultural production.
Anticancer Properties ofPhyllanthus emblica(Indian Gooseberry)
Authors: Zhao Tiejun , Sun Qiang , Marques Maud , Witcher Michael
Published: June 2015

There is a wealth of information emanating from bothin vitroandin vivostudies indicating fruit extract of thePhyllanthus emblicatree, commonly referred to as Indian Gooseberries, has potent anticancer properties. The bioactivity in this extract is thought to be principally mediated by polyphenols, especially tannins and flavonoids. It remains unclear how polyphenols fromPhyllanthus emblicacan incorporate both cancer-preventative and antitumor properties. The antioxidant function ofPhyllanthus emblicacan account for some of the anticancer activity, but clearly other mechanisms are equally important. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the evidence supporting anticancer activity of Indian Gooseberry extracts, suggest possible mechanisms for these actions, and provide future directions that might be taken to translate these findings clinically.
Selected Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers in Psoriatic Patients Treated with Goeckerman Therapy
Authors: Kondelkova Katerina , Borska Lenka , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan , Hamakova Kvetoslava , Rendarova Simona , Rehacek Vit , Kremlacek Jan , Fiala Zdenek
Published: June 2015

Psoriasis is associated with metabolic activity of adipose tissue which produces pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipokines. Goeckerman therapy (GT) represents an effective treatment of psoriasis. This study evaluated variation of selected inflammatory and metabolic markers during GT and the relationships between the markers, severity of the disease (PASI score), body mass, and the basic characteristics of the therapy. The study was conducted on a group of patients (n = 32) and on a control group (n = 24). Before GT, we found significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory CRP (p < 0.001) and leptin (p < 0.05) in psoriatic patients (compared to the controls). The therapy significantly decreased the levels of CRP and adiponectin. We found positive correlations between CRP and total duration of GT (p < 0.05) and CRP and the time of UV exposure (p < 0.01) and negative correlations between adiponectin and the total duration of GT (p < 0.05) and adiponectin and the application of CCT ointment (p < 0.001). From our results, we can conclude that GT causes partial reduction of both proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory markers. However, the levels of proinflammatory CRP and leptin remained significantly higher in the patients than in the control group.
Contribution of the Neighborhood Environment and Obesity to Breast Cancer Survival: The California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium
Authors: Cheng Iona , Shariff-Marco Salma , Koo Jocelyn , Monroe Kristine R. , Yang Juan , John Esther M. , Kurian Allison W. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Henderson Brian E. , Bernstein Leslie , Lu Yani , Sposto Richard , Vigen Cheryl , Wu Anna H. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Keegan Theresa H.M.
Published: June 2015

Little is known about neighborhood attributes that may influence opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity in relation to breast cancer mortality. We used data from the California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium and the California Neighborhoods Data System (CNDS) to examine the neighborhood environment, body mass index, and mortality after breast cancer. We studied 8,995 African American, Asian American, Latina, and non-Latina white women with breast cancer. Residential addresses were linked to the CNDS to characterize neighborhoods. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the associations between neighborhood factors and obesity and Cox proportional hazards regression to examine associations between neighborhood factors and mortality. For Latinas, obesity was associated with more neighborhood crowding [quartile 4 (Q4) vs. Q1: OR, 3.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–7.00]; breast cancer–specific mortality was inversely associated with neighborhood businesses (Q4 vs. Q1: HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25–0.85) and positively associated with multifamily housing (Q3 vs. Q1: HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.20–3.26). For non-Latina whites, lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with obesity [quintile 1 (Q1) vs. Q5: OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.31–4.84], breast cancer–specific (Q1 vs. Q5: HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.47–5.12), and all-cause (Q1 vs. Q5: HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.17–2.62) mortality. For Asian Americans, no associations were seen. For African Americans, lower neighborhood SES was associated with lower mortality in a nonlinear fashion. Attributes of the neighborhood environment were associated with obesity and mortality following breast cancer diagnosis, but these associations differed across racial/ethnic groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1282–90. ©2015 AACR.