bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of immunohistochemistry for hepatitis D and hepatitis B virus in hepatitis delta
Authors: Kabaçam Gökhan , Wedemeyer Heiner , Savaş Berna , Keskin Onur , Dalekos George , Tabak Fehmi , Idilman Ramazan , Erhardt Andreas , Yalçın Kendal , Bozdayi Mithat A. , Bozkaya Hakan , Manns Michael , Dienes Hans , Yurdaydın Cihan ,   the HIDIT‐1 Study Group
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Immunohistochemical assessment of liver tissue in chronic delta hepatitis (CDH) is underinvestigated. Aim of the study was (i) to assess variables associated with hepatitis D antigen (HDAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) staining in the liver.

Methods

Demographic, biochemical and virologic data collected from the HIDIT 1 study were used. HBsAg, HBcAg and HDAg immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was semiquantitatively assessed.

Results

Hepatitis D antigen immunohistochemical staining displayed positive correlations with age and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and negative correlations with serum HBsAg (P = 0.01 for all). HBsAg IHC displayed a negative correlation with gamma glutamyl transferase and positive correlations with serum HBV DNA, serum HBsAg levels and HBeAg serology (P < 0.001, P = 0.02 and P = 0.007 respectively). HBcAg staining was mainly nuclear and displayed negative correlations with serum HBsAg and histologic activity (P = 0.002 and P = 0.02 respectively). Pegylated IFN based treatment led to a decline of all IHC markers, however, these markers had no impact on treatment outcome.

Conclusions

These data suggest an association of liver injury with HDAg expression in CDH whereas the negative correlation between HBcAg expression and liver injury and the overall nuclear localization of HBcAg suggest that HBcAg does not contribute to liver injury in CDH. HDV cases with high level of HBV replication, high serum HBsAg levels, HBeAg positivity, that are probably in the earlier stages of disease (low gamma‐glutamyl transferase), had a more intense HBsAg staining profile. Overall, the data enforce the importance of HDAg and HBsAg in different phases of CDH infection.
The impact of gender and NASH on chronic kidney disease before and after liver transplantation
Authors: Fussner Lynn A. , Charlton Michael R. , Heimbach Julie K. , Fan Chun , Dierkhising Ross , Coss Elizabeth , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) after liver transplant (LT) is associated with increased long‐term mortality. The impact of gender on CKD before and after LT is unknown. To further define risk factors and analyse gender differences in the incidence and progression of CKD after liver transplant.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty‐five consecutive adult primary solitary LT recipients were included. Iothalamate clearance tests performed over time were analysed.

Results

Mean age was 51.4 ± 10.4 years with 63% males. A percentage of 29.1% of females and 21.1% of males had a GFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 10.2% of females and 5.9% of males had GFR<30 ml/min/1.73 m2 prior to transplant. At 1 year, 52.6% of recipients tested (69.6% females, 43.0% males) had GFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 7.3% (11.6% females, 4.9% males) had GFR<30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Pre‐LT GFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 [OR 3.28, (1.76–6.10), P ≤ 0.001], female gender (OR 2.96, (1.72–5.10), P < 0.001) and age [OR 1.09, (1.05–1.12), P < 0.001] were independently predictive of stage ≥3 CKD at 1 year post‐LT. Female gender [OR 2.52, (1.25–4.71), P = 0.004], age [OR 1.05, (1.02–1.08), P = 0.003] and NASH [OR 2.95, (1.06–8.21), P = 0.039] were independently predictive of ≥stage 3 CKD at 5 years post‐LT. Pre‐LT diabetes was associated with stage 4 CKD at 5 years [OR 2.91, (1.33–6.36), P = 0.008] post‐LT.

Conclusions

In addition to age and pre‐LT CKD, female gender and NASH are independent predictors of ≥stage 3 CKD post‐LT. Gender‐based approaches to optimize modifiable risk factors are needed to improved post‐transplant renal function.
The “End of History” 20 Years Later
Authors: FUKUYAMA FRANCIS
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
The Empty Heaven of Democracy
Authors: LÉVY BERNARD‐HENRI
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
Peeling Away the Western Veneer
Authors: MAHBUBANI KISHORE
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
Can India Learn from China?
Authors: SEN AMARTYA
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
Computational Study of the Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering from Silica‐Coated Silver Nanowires
Authors: DeVetter Brent M. , Bhargava Rohit , Murphy Catherine J.
Published: November 2013

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a popular vibrational spectroscopic technique that can have several applications in chemical and biological sensing. Within the last decade or so, our ability to chemically synthesize nanostructures has improved to the point that the rational design of a variety of SERS substrates is now viable. In this report, we describe a computational study using the finite element method (FEM) to investigate the effects of patchy silica coatings on silver nanowires. We found that varying the degree of silica coating on silver nanowires impacts the enhancement and may be explained through two processes. The first process is a consequence of changes in the dielectric environment surrounding the nanowire due to the silica. As additional layers of silica coat the nanowire, the localized surface plasmon resonance of the nanowire redshifts. The second process is a result of silica distorting the local electric field around the nanowire surface. Anisotropic silica coating can influence anticipated enhancement depending on its spatial localization with respect to excited plasmon modes in the nanowire. We propose that the design of nanostructures with patchy silica coatings can be a viable tool for increasing surface enhancement.
Protective immunity against malaria after vaccination
Authors: de Souza J. B.
Published: November 2013

A good understanding of the immunological correlates of protective immunity is an important requirement for the development of effective vaccines against malaria. However, this concern has received little attention even in the face of two decades of intensive vaccine research. Here, we review the immune response to blood‐stage malaria, with a particular focus on the type of vaccine most likely to induce the kind of response required to give strong protection against infection.
The Role of Language in the Automatic Coding of Political Texts
Authors: Ruedin Didier
Published: November 2013

Automatic approaches to coding party manifestos and other political texts have become more widespread. This research note addresses the question to what extent the source language of a text affects the results. To do so, Swiss manifestos in German and French are coded automatically, comparing a keyword‐based dictionary approach and Wordscores. Because of language differences, both stemming and particularly stop words are important to obtain comparable results for Wordscores. If both are used, the predicted scores are almost identical in both languages. With the right preparations, the challenge of language differences can thus be overcome.
Social Capital and Local Socio‐economic Development: The Case of Czech Peripheries
Authors: Pileček Jan , Chromý Pavel , Jančák Vít
Published: November 2013

The paper focuses on the relationship between social capital and local socio‐economic development in the case of Czech peripheries. First, based on individual‐level survey data, it examines relationships among various indicators of social capital encompassing three common dimensions: social networks, trust and civic norms and values. The results (correlations) confirm the existence of statistically significant and positive relationships. Second, the paper explores regional differences in social capital in typologically diverse peripheries and reaffirms an existing dichotomy: continuously settled vs. resettled model territories. Third, using chi‐square analysis, research findings stress the importance of personal characteristics (age, education and economic activity) for residents' amount of social capital. Therefore, social capital can be seen as an instrument in the activation of endogenous development potential of local communities, especially in peripheral regions.
Perioperative and transfusion outcomes in women undergoing cesarean hysterectomy for abnormal placentation
Authors: Brookfield Kathleen F. , Goodnough Lawrence T. , Lyell Deirdre J. , Butwick Alexander J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Women with placenta increta (PI) and placenta percreta (PP) are at high risk of obstetric hemorrhage; however, the severity of hemorrhage and perioperative morbidity may differ according to the degree of placental invasion. We sought to compare blood component usage and perioperative morbidity between women with PI versus PP undergoing cesarean hysterectomy (CH).

Study Design and Methods

We identified 77 women who underwent CH for PI or PP from the NICHD MFMU Network Cesarean Registry, which sourced data from 19 centers from 1999 to 2002. We examined demographic, obstetric, and surgical data and rates of transfusion and perioperative morbidity. We performed statistical tests for between‐group analyses; p values less than 0.05 were significant.

Results

Rates of intraoperative or postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion were similar between groups (PI 84% vs. PP 88%; p = 0.7). We observed no between‐group differences in rates of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion (intraoperative FFP—PI 30% vs. PP 41%; p = 0.3; postoperative FFP—PI 28% vs. PP 18%; p = 0.4) or platelet (PLT) transfusion (intraoperative PLTs—PI 14% vs. PP 29%; p = 0.2; postoperative PLTs—PI 9% vs. PP 9%; p = 1.0). Among the morbidities, a higher proportion of PP women underwent cystotomy (PI 14% vs. PP 38%; p = 0.02) and postoperative mechanical ventilation (PI 14% vs. PP 35%; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Rates of intraoperative RBC, FFP, and PLT transfusion are similar for PI and PP women, and perioperative outcomes are worse for PP women. We suggest the same mobilization transfusion medicine support for both groups, including blood ordering (type and cross‐match for CH) and availability of emergency blood protocols including fibrinogen‐containing preparations.
Quantification of Blood-Brain Barrier Solute Permeability and Brain Transport by Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Shi Lingyan , Zeng Min , Sun Yi , Fu Bingmei M.
Published: November 2013

Development of an optimal systemic drug delivery strategy to the brain will require noninvasive or minimally invasive methods to quantify the permeability of the cerebral microvessel wall or blood-brain barrier (BBB) to various therapeutic agents and to measure their transport in the brain tissue. To address this problem, we used laser-scanning multiphoton microscopy to determine BBB permeability to solutes (P) and effective solute diffusion coefficients (Deff) in rat brain tissue 100–250 μm below the pia mater. The cerebral microcirculation was observed through a section of frontoparietal bone thinned with a microgrinder. Sodium fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans, or Alexa Fluor 488-immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) mammalian Ringer's solution was injected into the cerebral circulation via the ipsilateral carotid artery by a syringe pump at a constant rate of ∼3 ml/min. P and Deff were determined from the rate of tissue solute accumulation and the radial concentration gradient around individual microvessels in the brain tissue. The mean apparent permeability P values for sodium fluorescein (molecular weight (MW) 376 Da), dextran-4k, -20k, -40k, -70k, and IgG (MW ∼160 kDa) were 14.6, 6.2, 1.8, 1.4, 1.3, and 0.54 × 10−7 cm/s, respectively. These P values were not significantly different from those of rat pial microvessels for the same-sized solutes (Yuan et al., 2009, “Non-Invasive Measurement of Solute Permeability in Cerebral Microvessels of the Rat,” Microvasc. Res., 77(2), pp. 166–73), except for the small solute sodium fluorescein, suggesting that pial microvessels can be a good model for studying BBB transport of relatively large solutes. The mean Deff values were 33.2, 4.4, 1.3, 0.89, 0.59, and 0.47 × 10−7 cm2/s, respectively, for sodium fluorescein, dextran-4k, -20k, -40k, -70k, and IgG. The corresponding mean ratio of Deff to the free diffusion coefficient Dfree, Deff/Dfree, were 0.46, 0.19, 0.12, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.11 for these solutes. While there is a significant difference in Deff/Dfree between small (e.g., sodium fluorescein) and larger solutes, there is no significant difference in Deff/Dfree between solutes with molecular weights from 20,000 to 160,000 Da, suggesting that the relative resistance of the brain tissue to macromolecular solutes is similar over a wide size range. The quantitative transport parameters measured from this study can be used to develop better strategies for brain drug delivery.
Aspects of Symbolic Formulations in Flexible Multibody Systems
Authors: Burkhardt Markus , Seifried Robert , Eberhard Peter
Published: November 2013

The symbolic modeling of flexible multibody systems is a challenging task. This is especially the case for complex-shaped elastic bodies, which are described by a numerical model, e.g., an FEM model. The kinematic and dynamic properties of the flexible body are in this case numerical and the elastic deformations are described with a certain number of local shape functions, which results in a large amount of data that have to be handled. Both attributes do not suggest the usage of symbolic tools to model a flexible multibody system. Nevertheless, there are several symbolic multibody codes that can treat flexible multibody systems in a very efficient way. In this paper, we present some of the modifications of the symbolic research code Neweul-M2 which are needed to support flexible bodies. On the basis of these modifications, the mentioned restrictions due to the numerical flexible bodies can be eliminated. Furthermore, it is possible to re-establish the symbolic character of the created equations of motion even in the presence of these solely numerical flexible bodies.
Analysis of the Transient Hot-Wire Method to Measure Thermal Conductivity of Silica Aerogel: Influence of Wire Length, and Radiation Properties
Authors: Cohen Ellann , Glicksman Leon
Published: November 2013

When the transient hot-wire method is used to measure the thermal conductivity of very low thermal conductivity silica aerogel (in the range of 10 mW/m·K at 1 atm) end effects due to the finite wire size and radiation corrections must be considered. An approximate method is presented to account for end effects with realistic boundary conditions. The method was applied to small experimental samples of the aerogel using different wire lengths. Initial conductivity results varied with wire length. This variation was eliminated by the use of the end effect correction. The test method was validated with the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Standard Reference Material 1459, fumed silica board to within 1 mW/m·K. The aerogel is semitransparent. Due to the small wire radius and short transient, radiation heat transfer may not be fully accounted for. In a full size aerogel panel radiation will augment the phonon conduction by a larger amount.
Real-Time Estimation of Glenohumeral Joint Rotation Center With Cable-Driven Arm Exoskeleton (CAREX)—A Cable-Based Arm Exoskeleton
Authors: Mao Ying , Jin Xin , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: November 2013

In the past few years, the authors have proposed several prototypes of a Cable-driven upper ARm EXoskeleton (CAREX) for arm rehabilitation. One of the assumptions of CAREX was that the glenohumeral joint rotation center (GH-c) remains stationary in the inertial frame during motion, which leads to inaccuracy in the kinematic model and may hamper training performance. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to estimate GH-c using measurements of shoulder joint angles and cable lengths. This helps in locating the GH-c center appropriately within the kinematic model. As a result, more accurate kinematic model can be used to improve the training of human users. An estimation algorithm is presented to compute the GH-c in real-time. The algorithm was implemented on the latest prototype of CAREX. Simulations and preliminary experimental results are presented to validate the proposed GH-c estimation method.
Soft x-ray appearance potential spectroscopy study of MgO (100) and α-Al2O3 (100) single crystals
Authors: Fukuda Yasuo , Sanada Noriaki , Mochizuki Sachie , Yatsuzuka Ikuko
Published: November 2013

Soft x-ray appearance potential spectroscopy (SXAPS) measurements was used to measure on MgO (100) and α-Al2O3 (100) single crystals. Mg 1s, Al 1s, and O 1s SXAPS self-deconvoluted (SD) spectra were obtained. The features of the Mg 1s and O1s SD spectra are in fair agreement with those of the near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectra for an MgO thin film (3 ML) on Ag (100). This suggests that the SXAPS spectra reflect electronic states of the relaxed MgO (100) surface. The features of the Al 1s and O 1s SD spectra are in qualitative agreement with those of the electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The SXAPS SD spectra are discussed in terms of antibonding states and partial density of empty states obtained by theoretical calculations for MgO and α-Al2O3, respectively. The present result suggests that the “approximate dipole selection rule” is applicable to the SXAPS spectra of MgO and α-Al2O3, as well as 3d transition metal oxides.
Antagonistic Feedback Loops Involving Rau and Sprouty in the
Drosophila
Eye Control Neuronal and Glial Differentiation
Authors: Sieglitz Florian , Matzat Till , Yuva-Aydemir Yeliz , Neuert Helen , Altenhein Benjamin , Klämbt Christian
Published: November 2013

Balanced feedback loops in a receptor tyrosine kinase network control glial and neuronal differentiation in the fly eye.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 5 November 2013
Authors: Morel Penelope A. , Faeder James R. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2013

The duration of T cell receptor signaling plays a crucial role in the specification of helper and regulatory T cells.
No Migration Without Sequestration
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: November 2013

Migratory zebrafish cells create their own chemoattractant gradient.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Single-Dose Primaquine in Papua New Guinean Children: Feasibility of Abbreviated High-Dose Regimens for Radical Cure of Vivax Malaria
Authors: Moore Brioni R. , Salman Sam , Benjamin John , Page-Sharp Madhu , Robinson Leanne J. , Waita Elizabeth , Batty Kevin T. , Siba Peter , Mueller Ivo , Davis Timothy M. E. , Betuela Inoni
Published: November 2013

Since conventional 14-day primaquine (PMQ) radical cure of vivax malaria is associated with poor compliance, and as total dose, not therapy duration, determines efficacy, a preliminary pharmacokinetic study of two doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg of body weight) was conducted in 28 healthy glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-normal Papua New Guinean children, aged 5 to 12 years, to facilitate development of abbreviated high-dose regimens. Dosing was with food and was directly observed, and venous blood samples were drawn during a 168-h postdose period. Detailed safety monitoring was performed for hepatorenal function and hemoglobin and methemoglobin concentrations. Plasma concentrations of PMQ and its metabolite carboxyprimaquine (CPMQ) were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed using population pharmacokinetic methods. The derived models were used in simulations. Both single-dose regimens were well tolerated with no changes in safety parameters. The mean PMQ central volume of distribution and clearance relative to bioavailability (200 liters/70 kg and 24.6 liters/h/70 kg) were within published ranges for adults. The median predicted maximal concentrations (
C
max
) for both PMQ and CPMQ after the last dose of a 1.0 mg/kg 7-day PMQ regimen were approximately double those at the end of 14 days of 0.5 mg/kg daily, while a regimen of 1.0 mg/kg twice daily resulted in a 2.38 and 3.33 times higher
C
max
for PMQ and CPMQ, respectively. All predicted median
C
max
concentrations were within ranges for adult high-dose studies that also showed acceptable safety and tolerability. The present pharmacokinetic data, the first for PMQ in children, show that further studies of abbreviated high-dose regimens are feasible in this age group.
Histoplasma capsulatum Depends on
De Novo
Vitamin Biosynthesis for Intraphagosomal Proliferation
Authors: Garfoot Andrew L. , Zemska Olga , Rappleye Chad A.
Published: November 2013

During infection of the mammalian host,
Histoplasma capsulatum
yeasts survive and reside within macrophages of the immune system. Whereas some intracellular pathogens escape into the host cytosol,
Histoplasma
yeasts remain within the macrophage phagosome. This intracellular
Histoplasma
-containing compartment imposes nutritional challenges for yeast growth and replication. We identified and annotated vitamin synthesis pathways encoded in the
Histoplasma
genome and confirmed by growth in minimal medium that
Histoplasma
yeasts can synthesize all essential vitamins with the exception of thiamine. Riboflavin, pantothenate, and biotin auxotrophs of
Histoplasma
were generated to probe whether these vitamins are available to intracellular yeasts. Disruption of the
RIB2
gene (riboflavin biosynthesis) prevented growth and proliferation of yeasts in macrophages and severely attenuated
Histoplasma
virulence in a murine model of respiratory histoplasmosis. Rib2-deficient yeasts were not cleared from lung tissue but persisted, consistent with functional survival mechanisms but inability to replicate
in vivo
. In addition, depletion of Pan6 (pantothenate biosynthesis) but not Bio2 function (biotin synthesis) also impaired
Histoplasma
virulence. These results indicate that the
Histoplasma
-containing phagosome is limiting for riboflavin and pantothenate and that
Histoplasma
virulence requires
de novo
synthesis of these cofactor precursors. Since mammalian hosts do not rely on vitamin synthesis but instead acquire essential vitamins through diet, vitamin synthesis pathways represent druggable targets for therapeutics.
Host-Pathogen Interaction and Signaling Molecule Secretion Are Modified in thedpp3Knockout Mutant of Candida lusitaniae
Authors: Sabra Ayman , Bessoule Jean-Jacques , Atanasova-Penichon Vessela , Noël Thierry , Dementhon Karine
Published: November 2013

Candida lusitaniaeis an emerging opportunistic yeast and an attractive model to discover new virulence factors inCandidaspecies by reverse genetics. Our goal was to create adpp3Δ knockout mutant and to characterize the effects of this gene inactivation on yeastin vitroandin vivointeraction with the host. The secretion of two signaling molecules inCandidaspecies, phenethyl alcohol (PEA) and tyrosol, but not of farnesol was surprisingly altered in thedpp3Δ knockout mutant. NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) secretion were also modified in macrophages infected with this mutant. Interestingly, we found that the wild-type (WT) strain induced an increase in IL-10 secretion by zymosan-activated macrophages without the need for physical contact, whereas thedpp3Δ knockout mutant lost this ability. We further showed a striking role of PEA and tyrosol in this modulation. Last, theDPP3gene was found to be an essential contributor to virulence in mice models, leading to an increase in TNF-α secretion and brain colonization. Although reinsertion of a WTDPP3copy in thedpp3Δ knockout mutant was not sufficient to restore the WT phenotypesin vitro, it allowed a restoration of those observedin vivo. These data support the hypothesis that some of the phenotypes observed followingDPP3gene inactivation may be directly dependent onDPP3, while others may be the indirect consequence of another genetic modification that systematically arises when theDPP3gene is inactivated.
Prevalence and associated factors of microalbuminuria in Chinese individuals without diabetes: cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiao Jianzhong , Xing Xiaoyan , Lu Juming , Weng Jianping , Jia Weiping , Ji Linong , Shan Zhongyan , Liu Jie , Tian Haoming , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Ge Jiapu , Chen Gang , Chen Li , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhigang , Li Qiang , Zhou Zhiguang , Yang Zhaojun , Shan Guangliang , He Jiang , Yang Wenying ,   for the China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria (MAU) among Chinese individuals without diabetes and the relationship between MAU and metabolic factors, individual socioeconomic status (SES), and regional economic development level.

Design

Cross-sectional study of prevalence of MAU.

Setting

152 urban street districts and 112 rural villages from northeast, north, east, south central, northwest and southwest China.

Participants

46 239 participants were recruited using a multistage stratified sampling design from 2007 to 2008. A total of 41 290 participants without diabetes determined by oral glucose tolerance test were included in the present study. Urine albumin/creatinine ratio results of 35 430 individuals were available.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Positive detection of MAU was determined using an ACR of 22.1–299.9 mg/g in men 30.9–299.9 mg/g in women.

Results

The prevalence of MAU in men was 22.4% and 24.5% in women. In developed, intermediate-developed and under-developed areas, the prevalence of MAU in men was 20.7%, 21.9% and 32.5%, respectively; in women the prevalence was 19.6%, 26.0% and 29.5%, respectively. The prevalence of MAU increased as the number of metabolic disorders present increased, and as the number of lower SES components increased (farmer, below university education level and low income). Prevalence of MAU in developed and intermediate developed areas had adjusted risk ratios of 0.52 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.60) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.76), respectively. Multivariate logistic analyses demonstrated MAU was strongly associated with older age, high-blood pressure, higher blood glucose low education level, low occupational level and residence in under-developed region.

Conclusions

Several factors had independent correlations to MAU in China: older age, metabolic abnormalities, lower SES level and living in economically under-developed areas, which encourage the development of strategies to lower the risk for MAU in these susceptible populations.
The impact of a health professional recommendation on weight loss attempts in overweight and obese British adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Wardle Jane , Johnson Fiona , Finer Nicholas , Beeken Rebecca J
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To examine the effect that health professional (HP) advice to lose weight has on overweight and obese adults’ motivation to lose weight and attempts to lose weight.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Great Britain.

Participants

810 overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) adults.

Main outcome measures

Participants were asked if they had ever received HP advice to lose weight and reported their desire to weigh less (ideal weight ≤95% of current weight) and whether they were attempting to lose weight.

Results

Only 17% of overweight and 42% of obese respondents recalled ever having received HP advice to lose weight. HP advice was associated with wanting to weigh less (89% vs 61% among those not receiving advice) and attempting to lose weight (68% vs 37%). In multivariable analyses, HP advice to lose weight was associated with increased odds of wanting to weigh less (OR=3.71, 95% CI 2.10 to 6.55) and attempting to lose weight (OR=3.53, 95% CI 2.44 to 5.10) independent of demographic characteristics and weight status.

Conclusions

HP advice to lose weight appears to increase motivation to lose weight and weight loss behaviour, but only a minority of overweight or obese adults receive such advice. Better training for HPs in delivering brief weight counselling could offer an opportunity to improve obese patients’ motivation to lose weight.
Personality factors predict sleep-related shift work tolerance in different shifts at 2-year follow-up: a prospective study
Authors: Storemark Sunniva Straume , Fossum Ingrid Nesdal , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Moen Bente Elisabeth , Flo Elisabeth , Pallesen Ståle
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the personality variables morningness, flexibility, languidity and hardiness could predict sleep-related shift work tolerance for the day, evening and night shifts, respectively.

Design

Prospective study design with questionnaires administered in winter 2008/2009 (wave 1) and 2 years later in spring 2011 (wave 3).

Setting

Different healthcare institutions in Norway.

Participants

The sample comprised in all 700 nurses working a three-shift rotating schedule.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The personality variables were assessed at wave 1, as were the demographic, lifestyle and work-related variables. Sleep-related shift work tolerance, assessed at wave 3, was measured separately for the day, evening and night shifts with the Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire.

Results

Morningness was positively associated with sleep-related day shift tolerance (p<0.001). Flexibility was positively associated with sleep-related tolerance for the evening as well as night shift (p<0.001). Furthermore, languidity was negatively associated with sleep-related shift tolerance for the day, evening and night shifts (p<0.001, <0.01, <0.05, respectively). Hardiness was positively associated with sleep-related tolerance for the day, evening and night shifts (p<0.001, <0.01, <0.05, respectively). Age was negatively associated with sleep-related shift tolerance for the day, night (p<0.01) and evening shifts (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that hardiness and languidity predict sleep-related shift work tolerance across all shift types among shift working nurses. The effects of flexibility and morningness seem to depend on the shift schedule. By and large, our results are in accordance with previous studies; however, we have now demonstrated the prospective importance of personality in relation to sleep-related shift work tolerance across different shifts.
Combining case-based reasoning with genetic algorithm optimization for preliminary cost estimation in construction industry
Authors: Kim Sangyong , Shim Jae Heon
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we propose a hybrid case-based reasoning (CBR) system for predicting the construction cost of high-rise buildings at the preliminary design stage. First, the extracted cost factors (CFs) of a high-rise building were shown to significantly improve the cost estimation system’s performance. For developing a CBR system, a hybrid approach that combines CBR with genetic algorithms (GAs) for cost estimation was adopted. Genetic algorithms were used for optimized weight generation and applied to real project cases. Additionally, this paper proposes the identification of an alternative similarity score measurement formula. The proposed formula evaluates the contrast between the alternative case matching approach and the classical formula in a scenario involving the use of cost factors describing a case. The results indicate that the proposed GA-based CBR system can consistently reduce errors and potentially be useful to owners and contractors in the early financial planning stage. Accordingly, it is expected that the developed CBR system would provide decision-makers with accurate cost information to assess and compare multiple alternatives for obtaining the optimal solution and controlling the cost.
ROLE OF SURFACE ENERGY COEFFICIENT AND TEMPERATURE OF COMPOUND NUCLEUS IN THE α-DECAY PROCESS
Authors: GOLSHANIAN M. , GHODSI O. N. , GHARAEI R.
Published: November 2013

The proximity formalism is used to study the influence of the surface energy coefficient γ and temperature T of compound nucleus on the half-life of the α-decay process. For this purpose, we perform a systematic study based on the original version of the proximity model. The obtained results of the present investigation reveal that the half-life of the α-decay process reduces by increasing the strength of the parameter γ. Whereas, temperature-dependence of the compound nucleus increases the calculated values of the α-decay half-life.
EXCHANGE BIAS-LIKE PHENOMENON IN LU DOPED La0.1Bi0.9FeO3 CERAMICS
Authors: HAI X. , LIU W. F. , GONG Y. F. , ZHANG H. , WU P. , WANG S. Y. , RAO G. H.
Published: November 2013

The polycrystalline La 0.1 Lu x Bi 0.9-x FeO 3(x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) compounds were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. An unusual exchange bias-like (EB-like) phenomenon was found in this system. Both horizontal shift (Hs) and vertical shift (Ms) are observed simultaneously. Moreover, the horizontal shift displays a similar trend to the vertical shift with the variation of Lu content and the variation of maximum applied magnetic field, revealing that the horizontal shift and the vertical shift are closely correlated. We propose that the horizontal shift may be related to the exchange interaction between two different canted-AFM phases and the vertical shift is related to the large anisotropy of LuFeO 3.
BOUND, VIRTUAL AND RESONANCE STATES OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL DIRAC AND SCHRÖDINGER SQUARE WELL
Authors: HOGREVE H.
Published: November 2013

The transition scenario between bound, virtual and resonance states is investigated for the Dirac and Schrödinger operator with a spherically symmetric square well potential of varying depth λ≥0. This includes rigorous results derived with the help of the Birman–Schwinger principle and perturbation methods, and a numerical study of the motion of the corresponding S-matrix poles as a function of λ by displaying the computed energy curves in the complex plane.
A PARAMETRIC NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF LOCAL HAEMODYNAMICS IN THE END-TO-SIDE ANASTOMOSIS OF CERVICAL-TO-PETROUS BYPASS BASED ON REAL GEOMETRY OF INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY
Authors: GAO ZHEN , YANG LIN , LU GANG , DAI PEI-DONG , ZHANG XIAO-LONG , ZHANG TIAN-YU , CHI FANG-LU
Published: November 2013

Bypass reconstructed from the cervical segment of internal carotid artery (ICA) to its petrous segment allows high-volume bypass flow without any risk of intracranial dissection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the geometric effect on the end-to-side anastomosis of cervical-to-petrous bypass, for its close relationship to local haemodynamic and the long-term performance of bypass. We focused on two controllable geometric parameters: diameter ratio (Φ) and angle (α) between the graft and host arteries. Different models covering a range of Φ (0.75, 1 and 1.25) and α (30°, 45°, 60° and 90°) were constructed based on real geometry of human ICA. Numerical simulations of blood flow were performed in physiological flow condition. The flow patterns, flow distributions, time-average wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) in different models were compared. Our results showed geometric factors have influence on both the local haemodynamic parameters and the flow velocity through downstream branches. Of models with different geometric parameters, the model with Φ ≥ 1 or α = 45° were the most optimized considering haemodynamic performance.
A Fast Multipole Boundary Element Method for Three-Dimensional Half-Space Acoustic Wave Problems Over an Impedance Plane
Authors: Wu Haijun , Liu Yijun , Jiang Weikang , Lu Wenbo
Published: November 2013

A high-frequency fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM) based on the Burton–Miller formulation is proposed for three-dimensional acoustic wave problems over an infinite plane with impedance boundary conditions. The Green's function for the sound propagation over an impedance plane is employed explicitly in the boundary integral equation (BIE). To deal with the integral appearing in the half-space Green's function, the downward pass in the FMBEM is divided into two parts to compute contributions from the real domain to the real and image domains, respectively. A piecewise analytical method is proposed to compute the moment-to-local (M2L) translator from the real domain to the image domain accurately. An algorithm based on the multi-level tree structure is designed to compute the M2L translators efficiently. Correspondingly, the direct coefficient can also be computed efficiently by taking advantage of the algorithm of the efficient M2L. A flexible generalized minimal residual (fGMRES) is applied to accelerating the solution when the convergence is very slow. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the developed FMBEM. Good solutions and high acceleration ratios compared with the conventional boundary element method clearly show the potential of the FMBEM for large-scale 3D acoustic wave problems over an infinite impedance plane which are of practical significance.
Angiopoietin-Like 3 Induces Podocyte F-Actin Rearrangement through IntegrinαVβ3/FAK/PI3K Pathway-Mediated Rac1 Activation
Authors: Lin Yi , Rao Jia , Zha Xi-liang , Xu Hong
Published: November 2013

Glomerular podocytes are highly differentiated cells whose foot processes, which are mainly maintained by the architecture of actin filaments, have a unique morphology. A rearrangement of F-actin in podocytes causes changes in their motility that involve foot process effacement and proteinuria in glomerular diseases. Members of the Rho family small GTPases, especially RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, are key molecules in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Our previous study showed that angiopoietin-like 3 (Angptl3) can increase the motility of podocytesin vitro. In this study, we found that recombinant Angptl3 treatment, together with the activation of Rac1, could cause F-actin rearrangement in podocytes. We also found that these effects could be blocked by an integrinαVβ3inhibitor, implicating integrinαVβ3as the Angptl3 receptor in its effects on actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. In addition, we studied the molecular pathway for this process. Our results showed that in podocytes, Angptl3 could induce actin filament rearrangement, mainly in lamellipodia formation, and that this process was mediated by integrinαVβ3-mediated FAK and PI3K phosphorylation and Rac1 activation. Our results might provide a new explanation for the effect of Angptl3 on increasing podocyte motility.
IMU‐Based Online Kinematic Calibration of Robot Manipulator
Authors: Du Guanglong , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2013

Robot calibration is a useful diagnostic method for improving the positioning accuracy in robot production and maintenance. An online robot self‐calibration method based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) is presented in this paper. The method requires that the IMU is rigidly attached to the robot manipulator, which makes it possible to obtain the orientation of the manipulator with the orientation of the IMU in real time. This paper proposed an efficient approach which incorporates Factored Quaternion Algorithm (FQA) and Kalman Filter (KF) to estimate the orientation of the IMU. Then, an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used to estimate kinematic parameter errors. Using this proposed orientation estimation method will result in improved reliability and accuracy in determining the orientation of the manipulator. Compared with the existing vision‐based self‐calibration methods, the great advantage of this method is that it does not need the complex steps, such as camera calibration, images capture, and corner detection, which make the robot calibration procedure more autonomous in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Experimental studies on a GOOGOL GRB3016 robot show that this method has better accuracy, convenience, and effectiveness than vision‐based methods.
Text Mining Perspectives in Microarray Data Mining
Authors: Natarajan Jeyakumar
Published: November 2013

Current microarray data mining methods such as clustering, classification, and association analysis heavily rely on statistical and machine learning algorithms for analysis of large sets of gene expression data. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in methods that attempt to discover patterns based on multiple but related data sources. Gene expression data and the corresponding literature data are one such example. This paper suggests a new approach to microarray data mining as a combination of text mining (TM) and information extraction (IE). TM is concerned with identifying patterns in natural language text and IE is concerned with locating specific entities, relations, and facts in text. The present paper surveys the state of the art of data mining methods for microarray data analysis. We show the limitations of current microarray data mining methods and outline how text mining could address these limitations.
Nonlinear Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of Torsional Spring-Loaded Antibacklash Gear with Time-Varying Meshing Stiffness and Friction
Authors: Yang Zheng , Shang Jianzhong , Luo Zirong , Wang Xiaoming , Yu Naihui
Published: November 2013

Torsional spring-loaded antibacklash gear which can improve the transmission precision is widely used in many precision transmission fields. It is very important to investigate the dynamic characteristics of antibacklash gear. In the paper, applied force analysis is completed in detail. Then, defining the starting point of double-gear meshing as initial position, according to the meshing characteristic of antibacklash gear, single- or double-tooth meshing states of two gear pairs and the transformation relationship at any moment are determined. Based on this, a nonlinear model of antibacklash gear with time-varying friction and meshing stiffness is proposed. The influences of friction and variations of torsional spring stiffness, damping ratio and preload on dynamic transmission error (DTE) are analyzed by numerical calculation and simulation, and the results show that antibacklash gear can increase the composite meshing stiffness; when the torsional spring stiffness is large enough, the oscillating components of the DTE (ODTE) and the RMS of the DTE (RDTE) trend to be a constant value; the variations of ODTE and RDTE are not significant, unless preload exceeds a certain value.
Epiretinal Membranes in Patients with Uveitis: Morphological and Functional Analysis with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Iannetti Ludovico , Tortorella Paolo , D’Ambrosio Enzo , Spena Rossela , Zito Roberta , Gharbiya Magda
Published: November 2013

Purpose. To correlate the uveitic epiretinal membrane (ERM) features using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with visual acuity (VA).Methods. Forty-one eyes of 32 patients were included in this retrospective study. SD-OCT was performed in all patients and data were collected at the time of ERM diagnosis and at the final visit. Both best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ERM thickness were correlated with the morphological and clinical features.Results. Final BCVA was positively correlated with male sex and the focal pattern of ERM attachment and negatively correlated with IS/OS photoreceptor junction disruption . BVCA change showed a positive correlation with the age of ERM onset but a negative correlation with IS/OS photoreceptor disruption at the ERM diagnosis and the increase of central subfield thickness (CST) . Final ERM thickness correlated with the duration of uveitis and the duration of ERM . During the follow-up, ERM thickening correlated with male sex , posterior uveitis , uveitis duration , and broad attachment pattern .Conclusions. In the uveitic ERM, VA negatively correlates with IS/OS photoreceptor junction disruption and the increase of CST. ERM thickness is influenced by longer duration of both uveitis and ERM.
Locally Expansive Solutions for a Class of Iterative Equations
Authors: Song Wei , Chen Sheng
Published: November 2013

Iterative equations which can be expressed by the following form fn(x) = H(x, f(x), f2(x), …, fn−1(x)), where n ≥ 2, are investigated. Conditions for the existence of locally expansive C1 solutions for such equations are given.