bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback in motor neurorehabilitation
Authors: Linden David E.J. , Turner Duncan L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review

Recent developments in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have catalyzed a new field of translational neuroscience. Using fMRI to monitor the aspects of task-related changes in neural activation or brain connectivity, investigators can offer feedback of simple or complex neural signals/patterns back to the participant on a quasireal-time basis [real-time-fMRI-based neurofeedback (rt-fMRI-NF)]. Here, we introduce some background methodology of the new developments in this field and give a perspective on how they may be used in neurorehabilitation in the future.

Recent findings

The development of rt-fMRI-NF has been used to promote self-regulation of activity in several brain regions and networks. In addition, and unlike other noninvasive techniques, rt-fMRI-NF can access specific subcortical regions and in principle any region that can be monitored using fMRI including the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. In Parkinson's disease and stroke, rt-fMRI-NF has been demonstrated to alter neural activity after the self-regulation training was completed and to modify specific behaviours.

Future exploitation of rt-fMRI-NF could be used to induce neuroplasticity in brain networks that are involved in certain neurological conditions. However, currently, the use of rt-fMRI-NF in randomized, controlled clinical trials is in its infancy.
Case series of Bartonella quintana blood culture-negative endocarditis in Washington, DC
Authors: Ghidey Fisseha Y. , Igbinosa Osamuyimen , Mills Kristin , Lai Leon , Woods Christian , Ruiz Maria E. , Fishbein Dawn , Sampath Rahul , Lowery Robert , Wortmann Glenn
Published: May 2016

Introduction:

Prior studies (predominantly from Europe) have demonstrated blood culture-negative endocarditis due to Bartonella. Our objective was to describe three cases of Bartonella quintana endocarditis identified within one year at a large hospital in Washington, DC, USA.

Case presentation:

We constructed a descriptive case series from a retrospective review of medical records from April to December 2013 at an 800-bed urban hospital. All three patients (ages: 52, 55 and 57 years) were undomiciled/homeless men with a history of alcoholism. Although they had negative blood cultures, echocardiography demonstrated aortic/mitral valve perforation and regurgitation in one patient, aortic/mitral valve vegetation with mitral regurgitation in the second patient, and aortic valve vegetation with regurgitation in the third patient. The patients had positive Bartonella quintana serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) with negative immunoglobulin M (IgM). PCR on DNA extracted from cardiac valves was positive for Bartonella, and DNA sequencing of PCR amplicons identified Bartonella quintana. Patients received treatment with doxycycline/rifampin or doxycycline/gentamicin.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should consider Bartonella endocarditis as a differential diagnosis in patients who fit elements of the Duke Criteria, as well as having a history of homelessness and alcoholism.
Traditional Chinese medicines in the management of cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Layne Kerry , Ferro Albert
Published: May 2016

Aims

The aim was to perform a systematic review of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched up to 11 November 2015 for all randomized‐controlled trials evaluating the effect of TCM in hypertension, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a fixed‐effects model.

Results

Four hypertension studies were eligible for statistical analysis and included 133 patients receiving TCM and 130 control patients. There were significant reductions in systolic blood pressure in patients receiving TCM, comparable to results achieved with pharmaceutical medicines. An OR of 3.781 (95% confidence interval 2.392, 5.977; P = 0.000) was observed for the anti‐hypertensive effect of TCM. Significant heterogeneity was present (P = 0.011), with a tendency towards publication bias that did not reach significance (P = 0.05275). Outcome measures for other cardiovascular diseases were inconsistent.

Conclusions

Certain TCM compounds appear to have significant anti‐hypertensive effects, and although some are associated in some studies with improved outcomes in coronary heart disease, heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the data are inconsistent and will require large‐scale randomized‐controlled trials to allow full evaluation of any potential therapeutic benefit in these areas.
A Tool for Selecting Plants When Restoring Habitat for Pollinators
Authors: M'Gonigle Leithen K. , Williams Neal M. , Lonsdorf Eric , Kremen Claire
Published: May 2016

Native pollinators and, particularly bees, are a critical component of agricultural systems. Unfortunately, many factors are leading to their declines, including habitat loss. Consequently, approaches have emerged that aim to restore pollinator habitat in managed landscapes. A widely adopted technique in Europe and North America is the planting of flowering shrubs and forbs along field edges. These habitats usually include a variety of species, chosen because they are attractive to pollinators and because they flower continuously over those pollinators' flight seasons. Because there are many potential plant species with different flowering times and pollinator preferences, selecting a subset is challenging. Here, we develop a tool that identifies a plant mix that optimizes some assessment criteria (e.g., pollinator visitation, richness, or phenology). We test our tool by showing that it identifies mixes that better satisfy these criteria than ones found using conventional expert‐driven methods, when applied to a plant–pollinator dataset.
Ameloblastic carcinoma: a Brazilian collaborative study of 17 cases
Authors: Loyola Adriano M , Cardoso Sergio V , de Faria Paulo R , Servato João P S , Eisenberg Ana L A , Dias Fernando L , Accioly Maria T S , Gomes Carolina C , Gomez Ricardo S , Souza Suzana O M C , dos Santos Jean N
Published: May 2016

Aims

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AMECA) is an odontogenic malignancy that combines the histological features of ameloblastoma and cytological atypia. Because of its rarity, it poses difficulties in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the socio‐demographic data, histopathology, immunohistochemical features, treatment and outcomes of 17 cases.

Methods and results

Descriptive statistical analyses were used to portray the clinicopathological data collected, retrospectively. Log‐rank tests were performed to determine new prognostic factors. Lesions were immunostained for Ki67, p16, p53, and cytokeratins (CKs), and compared with solid/multicystic ameloblastomas (n = 15). AMECA was mostly diagnosed at a late stage, affecting the posterior mandible of male patients in their fifth decade of life. Recurrence was diagnosed in nearly 90% of treated patients, and metastasis occurred in four patients. The mean number of Ki67‐positive cells was 86.4 ± 66 per field. Tumours were focally positive for CK7, CK8, CK14, and CK18, and diffusely positive for CK19, p53, and p16. AMECA showed increased immunoexpression of CK18, CK19, p16, p53 and Ki67 as compared with benign cases.

Conclusions

Our study has contributed to the improved characterization of the epidemiology, prognostic markers, treatment options and outcomes of AMECA. Current criteria must be reviewed to simplify the diagnostic process for these neoplasms.
Molybdate uptake by Agrobacterium tumefaciens correlates with the cellular molybdenum cofactor status
Authors: Hoffmann Marie‐Christine , Ali Koral , Sonnenschein Marleen , Robrahn Laura , Strauss Daria , Narberhaus Franz , Masepohl Bernd
Published: May 2016

Many enzymes require the molybdenum cofactor, Moco. Under Mo‐limiting conditions, the high‐affinity ABC transporter ModABC permits molybdate uptake and Moco biosynthesis in bacteria. Under Mo‐replete conditions, Escherichia coli represses modABC transcription by the one‐component regulator, ModE, consisting of a DNA‐binding and a molybdate‐sensing domain. Instead of a full‐length ModE protein, many bacteria have a shorter ModE protein, ModES, consisting of a DNA‐binding domain only. Here, we asked how such proteins sense the intracellular molybdenum status. We show that the Agrobacterium tumefaciens ModES protein Atu2564 is essential for modABC repression. ModES binds two Mo‐boxes in the modA promoter as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Northern analysis revealed cotranscription of modES with the upstream gene, atu2565, which was dispensable for ModES activity. To identify genes controlling ModES function, we performed transposon mutagenesis. Tn5 insertions resulting in derepressed modA transcription mapped to the atu2565‐modES operon and several Moco biosynthesis genes. We conclude that A. tumefaciens ModES activity responds to Moco availability rather than to molybdate concentration directly, as is the case for E. coli ModE. Similar results in Sinorhizobium meliloti suggest that Moco dependence is a common feature of ModES regulators.
End‐of‐life care in the head and neck cancer patient
Authors: Sciubba JJ
Published: May 2016

Past the point of no longer being able to control malignancies of the oral cavity and head and neck, the decision‐making process must shift to one that essentially concerns itself with creating comfort for the patient. The role of family, physicians, and other caregivers becomes, in many ways, more directed as active neoplasia‐related concerns become less relevant. Challenges remain significant in terms of continuing management of prior treatment‐related side effects and functional impairments to providers concerning themselves with maintenance of dignity, honoring the wishes of the family, and creating full understanding of on the part of all parties concerned what the goals of treatment cessation and palliation are key as death approaches.
Safety and Efficacy of Different Catheter Ablations for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: LIU XIAO‐HUA , CHEN CHAO‐FENG , GAO XIAO‐FEI , XU YI‐ZHOU
Published: May 2016

Background

Previous studies suggested that cryoballoon ablation had clinical benefits comparable to those of radiofrequency ablation. However, recently, some new catheters have been invented, and no universal consensus exists on which ablation is the optimal choice. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation by synthesizing published trials.

Methods and Results

A systematic literature review was conducted searching Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and so forth. All trials comparing cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation were screened and included if inclusion criteria were met. A total of 40 eligible studies were identified, adding up to 11,395 patients. The follow‐up period ranged from 3 months to 25 months. Overall analyses indicated that cryoballoon ablation could bring more benefit in procedural time (risk ratio [RR] = –0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.62 to –0.15), atrial fibrillation (AF) recrudescence (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96), and major complications (RR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58–0.95) for patients with AF. For the subgroups, the first‐generation cryoballoon significantly reduced procedural time and major complications, but it increased ablation time. The patients referred for the second‐generation cryoballoon (CBA) seemed to receive more clinical benefit (procedural time, fluoroscopic time, ablation time, AF recrudescence) and fewer complications. Finally, multiparty catheter (MTCA) was found to significantly reduce procedural and fluoroscopic times with a high rate of AF recrudescence.

Conclusions

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrated that cryoballoon ablation was associated with greater freedom from AF, shorter procedural time, and lower rate of major complications, compared with radiofrequency ablation. Especially, CBA was more advantageous. However, MTCA seems promising for radiofrequency ablation.
Sperm whale codas may encode individuality as well as clan identity
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia , Wahlberg Magnus , Silva Mónica A. , Johnson Mark , Antunes Ricardo , Wisniewska Danuta M. , Fais Andrea , Gonçalves João , Madsen Peter T.
Published: May 2016

Sperm whales produce codas for communication that can be grouped into different types according to their temporal patterns. Codas have led researchers to propose that sperm whales belong to distinct cultural clans, but it is presently unclear if they also convey individual information. Coda clicks comprise a series of pulses and the delay between pulses is a function of organ size, and therefore body size, and so is one potential source of individual information. Another potential individual-specific parameter could be the inter-click intervals within codas. To test whether these parameters provide reliable individual cues, stereo-hydrophone acoustic tags (Dtags) were attached to five sperm whales of the Azores, recording a total of 802 codas. A discriminant function analysis was used to distinguish 288 5 Regular codas from four of the sperm whales and 183 3 Regular codas from two sperm whales. The results suggest that codas have consistent individual features in their inter-click intervals and inter-pulse intervals which may contribute to individual identification. Additionally, two whales produced different coda types in distinct foraging dive phases. Codas may therefore be used by sperm whales to convey information of identity as well as activity within a social group to a larger extent than previously assumed.
Genome Sequence of Serratia plymuthica A153, a Model Rhizobacterium for the Investigation of the Synthesis and Regulation of Haterumalides, Zeamine, and Andrimid
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Drew Alison , Udaondo Zulema , Krell Tino , Salmond George P. C.
Published: May 2016

The rhizobacterium
Serratia plymuthica
A153 is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family
Enterobacteriaceae
. Here, we present the genome sequence of this strain, which produces multiple bioactive secondary metabolites, including the halogenated macrolide oocydin A, the polyamino antibiotic zeamine, and the bacterial acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor andrimid.
Density-functional investigation of the geometric and electronic structure of ethylene oxide adsorbed on Si(100)
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Qing-Fang , Yang Cui-Hong , Wei Yue-Ling , Zhu Xing-Feng , Rao Wei-Feng
Published: May 2016

The geometric and electronic structures of the ethylene oxide (EO) molecule adsorbed on Si(100)-[Formula: see text] surface were investigated by using the density-functional theory calculations. All possible adsorbed structures were considered and it was found that only four adsorption structures are stable. The calculations of the formation energy revealed the most stable conformation and demonstrated that the nature of Si–O bond significantly affects the stability of adsorption systems. The analysis of corresponding electronic structures showed that two adsorbed structures are still semiconductor compounds but the other two are not. In particular, the EO after adsorbing was found to be connected via a ring-opening reaction where the molecule forms a five-membered ring together with the surface of dimer silicon atoms, and the produced five-membered ring is almost perpendicular to the silicon surface.
Role of ion transporters in the bile acid-induced esophageal injury
Authors: Laczkó Dorottya , Rosztóczy András , Birkás Klaudia , Katona Máté , Rakonczay Zoltán , Tiszlavicz László , Róka Richárd , Wittmann Tibor , Hegyi Péter , Venglovecz Viktória
Published: May 2016

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is considered to be the most severe complication of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the prolonged, repetitive episodes of combined acidic and biliary reflux result in the replacement of the squamous esophageal lining by columnar epithelium. Therefore, the acid-extruding mechanisms of esophageal epithelial cells (EECs) may play an important role in the defense. Our aim was to identify the presence of acid/base transporters on EECs and to investigate the effect of bile acids on their expressions and functions. Human EEC lines (CP-A and CP-D) were acutely exposed to bile acid cocktail (BAC) and the changes in intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by microfluorometry. mRNA and protein expression of ion transporters was investigated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We have identified the presence of a Na+/H+exchanger (NHE), Na+/HCO3−cotransporter (NBC), and a Cl−-dependent HCO3−secretory mechanism in CP-A and CP-D cells. Acute administration of BAC stimulated HCO3−secretion in both cell lines and the NHE activity in CP-D cells by an inositol triphosphate-dependent calcium release. Chronic administration of BAC to EECs increased the expression of ion transporters compared with nontreated cells. A similar expression pattern was observed in biopsy samples from BE compared with normal epithelium. We have shown that acute administration of bile acids differently alters ion transport mechanisms of EECs, whereas chronic exposure to bile acids increases the expression of acid/base transporters. We speculate that these adaptive processes of EECs represent an important mucosal defense against the bile acid-induced epithelial injury.
Ray-Based Statistical Propagation Modeling for Indoor Corridor Scenarios at 15 GHz
Authors: Wang Qi , Ai Bo , Guan Ke , Matolak David W. , He Ruisi , Zhou Xin
Published: May 2016

According to the demands for fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, high frequency bands (above 6 GHz) need to be adopted to provide additional spectrum. This paper investigates the characteristics of indoor corridor channels at 15 GHz. Channel measurements with a vector network analyzer in two corridors were conducted. Based on a ray-optical approach, a deterministic channel model covering both antenna and propagation characteristic is presented. The channel model is evaluated by comparing simulated results of received power and root mean square delay spread with the corresponding measurements. By removing the impact of directional antennas from the transmitter and receiver, a path loss model as well as small-scale fading properties for typical corridors is presented based on the generated samples from the deterministic model. Results show that the standard deviation of path loss variation is related to the Tx height, and placing the Tx closer to the ceiling leads to a smaller fluctuation of path loss.
Electrical Response of CdS Thin Film and CdS/Si Heterojunction to Gamma Radiation
Authors: Balboul M. R. , Abdel-Galil A. , Yahia I. S. , Sharaf A.
Published: May 2016

Gamma irradiation method has been used to change the electrical properties of CdS thin film. A specific dose ofγ-irradiation increases the activation energy of CdS thin film. In addition,γ-irradiation was used to change the sign of Hall coefficient,RH, of CdS thin film from negative to positive irrespective of temperature. The Hall mobility mechanism shows noticeable change afterγ-irradiation from decreasing to increasing with raising the temperature. In depth, analysis was done using capacitance-voltage measurement in order to realize the modification in the CdS/Si junction band gap afterγ-irradiation. Several parameters were also studied such as charge carrier concentration,ND, and flat band potential,Vfb. Theγ-irradiation was found to increase the concentration of the deep traps within the band gap of the CdS/Si heterojunction.
The Discovery of Novel Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Proteomic Biomarkers in Cardiovascular and Peripheral Vascular Disease: The State of the Art
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , Metzinger Laurent , Serra Raffaele
Published: May 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in western countries and also responsible of a huge burden in terms of disability, functional decline, and healthcare costs. Biomarkers are measurable biological elements that reflect particular physiological or pathological states or predisposition towards diseases and they are currently widely studied in medicine and especially in CD. In this context, biomarkers can also be used to assess the severity or the evolution of several diseases, as well as the effectiveness of particular therapies. Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have opened new windows on disease phenomena and may permit in the next future an effective development of novel diagnostic and prognostic medicine in order to better prevent or treat CD. This review will consider the current evidence of novel biomarkers with clear implications in the improvement of risk assessment, prevention strategies, and medical decision making in the field of CD.
A General Fuzzy Cerebellar Model Neural Network Multidimensional Classifier Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets for Medical Identification
Authors: Zhao Jing , Lin Lo-Yi , Lin Chih-Min
Published: May 2016

The diversity of medical factors makes the analysis and judgment of uncertainty one of the challenges of medical diagnosis. A well-designed classification and judgment system for medical uncertainty can increase the rate of correct medical diagnosis. In this paper, a new multidimensional classifier is proposed by using an intelligent algorithm, which is the general fuzzy cerebellar model neural network (GFCMNN). To obtain more information about uncertainty, an intuitionistic fuzzy linguistic term is employed to describe medical features. The solution of classification is obtained by a similarity measurement. The advantages of the novel classifier proposed here are drawn out by comparing the same medical example under the methods of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and intuitionistic fuzzy cross-entropy (IFCE) with different score functions. Cross verification experiments are also taken to further test the classification ability of the GFCMNN multidimensional classifier. All of these experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed GFCMNN multidimensional classifier and point out that it can assist in supporting for correct medical diagnoses associated with multiple categories.
Influence of Cellulose on the Mechanical and Thermal Stability of ABS Plastic Composites
Authors: Crews K. , Huntley C. , Cooley D. , Phillips B. , Curry M.
Published: May 2016

Microcrystalline cellulose was explored as possible biodegradable fillers in the fabrication of ABS plastic composites. TGA indicates that upon inclusion of cellulose microcrystals the thermal stability of the ABS plastics was improved significantly when compared to the neat ABS plastic counterparts. Furthermore, inclusion of extracted cellulose from plant biomass showed a higher thermal stability with maximum decomposition temperatures around 131.95°C and 124.19°C for cellulose from cotton andHibiscus sabdariffa, respectively, when compared to that of the purchased cellulose. In addition, TMA revealed that the average CTE value for the neat ABS and 1 : 1 ratio of cellulose to ABS fabricated in this study was significantly lower than the reported CTE (ca. 73.8 μm/m°C).
Soft Tissue Stability around Single Implants Inserted to Replace Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A 3D Evaluation
Authors: Mangano F. G. , Luongo F. , Picciocchi G. , Mortellaro C. , Park K. B. , Mangano C.
Published: May 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the soft tissue stability around single implants inserted to replace maxillary lateral incisors, using an innovative 3D method.Methods. We have used reverse-engineering software for the superimposition of 3D surface models of the dentogingival structures, obtained from intraoral scans of the same patients taken at the delivery of the final crown (S1) and 2 years later (S2). The assessment of soft tissues changes was performed via calculation of the Euclidean surface distances between the 3D models, after the superimposition of S2 on S1; colour maps were used for quantification of changes.Results. Twenty patients (8 males, 12 females) were selected, 10 with a failing/nonrestorable lateral incisor (testgroup: immediate placement in postextraction socket) and 10 with a missing lateral incisor (controlgroup: conventional placement in healed ridge). Each patient received one immediately loaded implant (Anyridge®, Megagen, Gyeongbuk, South Korea). The superimposition of the 3D surface models taken at different times (S2 over S1) revealed a mean (±SD) reduction of 0.057 mm (±0.025) and 0.037 mm (±0.020) fortestandcontrolpatients, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.069).Conclusions. The superimposition of the 3D surface models revealed an excellent peri-implant soft tissue stability in both groups of patients, with minimal changes registered along time.
Abstract PD5-01: HERA trial: 10 years follow up of trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2 positive early breast cancer – Final analysis
Authors: Jackisch C , Piccart MJ , Gelber RD , Procter M , Goldhirsch A , DeAzambuja E , Castro G , Untch M , Smith I , Gianni L , Baselga J , Al-Sakaff N , Lauer S , Mcfadden E , Leyland-Jones B , Bell R , Dowsett M , Cameron D
Published: May 2016

Background: Trastuzumab (T), a recombinant monoclonal antibody against HER-2 receptor, significantly improves overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in women with HER2 positive (HER2+) early breast cancer (EBC) when administered concurrent with or sequentially after adjuvant chemotherapy.

Material and Methods: HERA (BIG 1-01) is an international, multicenter, phase III randomized trial involving 5102 women with HER2-positive (HER2+) EBC either nodal negative (tumor-size ≥ 1cm) or nodal positive. After completion of primary therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as indicated, patients (pts.) were randomized to T every 3 weeks for 1 yr, 2 years (yrs), or observation. Primary endpoint is DFS and secondary endpoints are OS and time to distant recurrence (TTDR). Here, we are presenting the HERA final analysis after 10 years of follow-up.

Results: The clinical data cut-off for this final analysis of the HERA trial is June 2015. Data are being cleaned and final safety and efficacy analyses will be available for presentation at the meeting. Cardiac toxicity remained low and occurred mostly during the treatment phase.

Citation Format: Jackisch C, Piccart MJ, Gelber RD, Procter M, Goldhirsch A, DeAzambuja E, Castro Jr G, Untch M, Smith I, Gianni L, Baselga J, Al-Sakaff N, Lauer S, Mcfadden E, Leyland-Jones B, Bell R, Dowsett M, Cameron D. HERA trial: 10 years follow up of trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2 positive early breast cancer – Final analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD5-01.
Iterative Outlier Removal: A Method for Identifying Outliers in Laboratory Recalibration Studies
Authors: Parrinello Christina M , Grams Morgan E , Sang Yingying , Couper David , Wruck Lisa M , Li Danni , Eckfeldt John H , Selvin Elizabeth , Coresh Josef
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Extreme values that arise for any reason, including those through nonlaboratory measurement procedure-related processes (inadequate mixing, evaporation, mislabeling), lead to outliers and inflate errors in recalibration studies. We present an approach termed iterative outlier removal (IOR) for identifying such outliers.

METHODS

We previously identified substantial laboratory drift in uric acid measurements in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study over time. Serum uric acid was originally measured in 1990–1992 on a Coulter DACOS instrument using an uricase-based measurement procedure. To recalibrate previous measured concentrations to a newer enzymatic colorimetric measurement procedure, uric acid was remeasured in 200 participants from stored plasma in 2011–2013 on a Beckman Olympus 480 autoanalyzer. To conduct IOR, we excluded data points >3 SDs from the mean difference. We continued this process using the resulting data until no outliers remained.

RESULTS

IOR detected more outliers and yielded greater precision in simulation. The original mean difference (SD) in uric acid was 1.25 (0.62) mg/dL. After 4 iterations, 9 outliers were excluded, and the mean difference (SD) was 1.23 (0.45) mg/dL. Conducting only one round of outlier removal (standard approach) would have excluded 4 outliers [mean difference (SD) = 1.22 (0.51) mg/dL]. Applying the recalibration (derived from Deming regression) from each approach to the original measurements, the prevalence of hyperuricemia (>7 mg/dL) was 28.5% before IOR and 8.5% after IOR.

CONCLUSIONS

IOR is a useful method for removal of extreme outliers irrelevant to recalibrating laboratory measurements, and identifies more extraneous outliers than the standard approach.
Comparison of similarity coefficients used for cluster analysis based on SSR markers in sister line wheat cultivars
Authors: Dencic Srbislav , Depauw Ron , Momcilovic Vojislava , Acin Vladimir
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to compared fourteen different similarity
coefficients and their influence in sister line wheat cultivars clustering.
Seventeen sister cultivars developed from two crosses were used and
fingerprinted with 19 wheat microsatellite markers. Comparisons among the
similarity coefficients were made using the Sperman correlation analysis,
dendogram evaluation (visual inspection and consensus fork index - CIc),
projection efficiency in a two-dimensional space, and groups formed by the
Tocher optimization procedure. The Sperman correlation coefficients among the
fourteen similarity coefficients were all high showing a strong association
between them. The correlation coefficient between Dice and Kulczinski and
Ochiai I as well as between Hamann and Simple matching and between Kulczinski
and Ochiai I was equal to 1. Although visual estimation of the dendograms
shows almost identical clustering structures, CIc indexes indicate that all
coefficients are not identical.
Diversity in growth and expression pattern of PoHKT1 and PoVHA transporter genes under NaCl stress in Portulaca oleracea taxa
Authors: El-Bakatoushi R. , Elframawy A.
Published: May 2016

Plant growth and the expression of two transporter genes; PoHKT1 and PoVHA
transcripts in root and shoot tissues were studied under salt stress of three
Portulaca oleracea s.l. taxa. The study showed no significant differences in
ratios between root lengths in saline and non-saline treatments of the three
taxa, which was correlated with a clear down-regulation of the PoHKT1
transcripts in the root after 150mM NaCl. All measured growth parameters
except root length increased in P. oleraceae, decreased in P.
granulatostellulata and remain unchanged after 100mM NaCl in P. nitida
compared to control under saline conditions. The result was consistent with
the type of taxon which had significant effect on the shoot length, number of
leaves and dry weight (P< 0.05). All measured growth parameters except root
length showed a significant negative correlation with the shoot fold change
of PoHKT1 transcripts (r = -0.607, -0.693 and -0.657 respectively). The
regulation of PoVHA in root and shoot tissues in the three taxa are
significantly different. Under salt stress, both decreased uptake of Na+ into
the cytosol by decreasing the expression of PoHKT1 and increased vascular
compartmentalization ability of Na+ by inducing the expression of PoVHA seem
to work more efficiently in P. oleraceae and P. nitida than in P.
granulato-stellulata.
Evaluation of sugar beet genotypes for root traits by principal component analysis and cluster analysis
Authors: Danojevic Dario , Curcic Zivko , Nagl Nevena , Taski-Ajdukovic Ksenija , Bocanski Jan
Published: May 2016

Sugar beet is the most important crop for sugar production in Europe. Wide
genetic variability is essential in sugar beet breeding programs. The aim of
this study is to evaluate variability for the main root traits and
differences between monogerm and multigerm sugar beet genotypes from the
breeding collection at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. The
following traits were analyzed: root weight (g), dry matter content (%), root
head weight (g), root/head ratio (%), number of cambial rings, root length
(cm) and root diameter (cm). Mean values for two years per genotype were
standardized and used for analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and
Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to examine the level of diversity for 20
genotypes and to rank the contributions of the variables. According to CA
genotypes could be placed into five main groups, where a large number of
multigerm genotypes were put in one group. On average multigerm genotypes
were characterized by higher mean values for root weight, length, diameter
and lower root head ratio. Multigerm genotypes had higher coefficients of
variation for nearly all measured root traits.
Wilms tumor (WT)1 gene expression in children with acute leukemia in Serbia
Authors: Jankovic Srdja , Marjanovic Irena , Tosic Natasa , Kotur Nikola , Dokmanovic Lidija , Skoric Dejan , Krstovski Nada , Lazic Jelena , Rodic Predrag , Pavlovic Sonja , Janic Dragana
Published: May 2016

Acute leukemias constitute the most common malignancy in childhood,
accounting for 25-35% of all cancer in children. They are divided into acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genetic
susceptibility is known to play a major role in childhood leukemias. Wilms
tumor (WT)1 is a zinc finger transcription factor involved in regulating the
process of cell differentiation; it has been implicated in a wide range of
human neoplasms. WT1 overexpression in the bone marrow at diagnosis is
reported to be an independent negative prognostic factor in adults and
children with AML. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the
expression of WT1 in the bone marrow of children with AML and ALL in Serbia
and its possible impact on patient survival. We determined bone marrow WT1
expression levels by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
at diagnosis in 20 children with AML and 20 children with ALL (16 B-ALL and 4
T-ALL), as well as 15 age- and sex-matched controls who were evaluated for
immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). For children with AML, follow-up
samples were also analyzed one month after treatment initiation and at
variable later timepoints of control punctures. The results were normalized
based on WT1 expression in controls. We found that children with AML had
significantly higher WT1 expression at diagnosis (median ? SD: 139.42 ?
244.03) than those with ALL (1.18 ? 54.37; Mann-Whitney U=82; p<0.01) and ITP
(0.76 ? 1.01; U=32; p<0.01). Patients with T-ALL had higher WT1 expression
than those with B-ALL, though significance was not reached due to subgroup
size; differences between AML subgroups according to the
French-American-British (FAB) classification were also below the level of
significance, though a tendency toward higher values in M3 and M4 leukemias
was notable. There was also a tendency toward higher values in 14 children
with AML who were still alive after a median follow-up of 1.5 years (181.42 ?
192.52) than in 6 who succumbed to the disease (104.29 ? 354.87). All
children with AML who had WT1 expression 1 month after diagnosis below the
fourth quartile (10 of 10) were still alive, while only 2 of 5 with 1-month
WT1 expression in the fourth quartile survived (Fisher?s exact test:
p=0.0952). Taken together, our results support a role for WT1 in the
diagnostic workup in children with acute leukemia, although it needs to be
considered in view of a complex and indvidualized context. [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 41004]

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/GENRSR1602799E
Downregulation of Runx2 by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Induces the Transdifferentiation of Osteoblasts to Adipocytes
Authors: Kim Jung , Seong Semun , Kim Kabsun , Kim Inyoung , Jeong Byung-Chul , Kim Nacksung
Published: May 2016

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) indirectly stimulates bone formation, but little is known about its direct effect on bone formation. In this study, we observed that 1,25(OH)2D3 enhances adipocyte differentiation, but inhibits osteoblast differentiation during osteogenesis. The positive role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in adipocyte differentiation was confirmed when murine osteoblasts were cultured in adipogenic medium. Additionally, 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced the expression of adipocyte marker genes, but inhibited the expression of osteoblast marker genes in osteoblasts. The inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and promotion of adipocyte differentiation mediated by 1,25(OH)2D3 were compensated by Runx2 overexpression. Our results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 induces the transdifferentiation of osteoblasts to adipocytes via Runx2 downregulation in osteoblasts.
A Study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the SLC19A1/RFC1 Gene in Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mahmuda Naila , Yokoyama Shigeru , Huang Jian-Jun , Liu Li , Munesue Toshio , Nakatani Hideo , Hayashi Kenshi , Yagi Kunimasa , Yamagishi Masakazu , Higashida Haruhiro
Published: May 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with complex genetic etiology. Recent studies have indicated that children with ASD may have altered folate or methionine metabolism, suggesting that the folate–methionine cycle may play a key role in the etiology of ASD. SLC19A1, also referred to as reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1), is a member of the solute carrier group of transporters and is one of the key enzymes in the folate metabolism pathway. Findings from multiple genomic screens suggest the presence of an autism susceptibility locus on chromosome 21q22.3, which includes SLC19A1. Therefore, we performed a case-control study in a Japanese population. In this study, DNA samples obtained from 147 ASD patients at the Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan and 150 unrelated healthy Japanese volunteers were examined by the sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction method pooled with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. p < 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant outcome. Of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) examined, a significant p-value was obtained for AA genotype of one SNP (rs1023159, OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.91, p = 0.0394; Fisher’s exact test). Despite some conflicting results, our findings supported a role for the polymorphism rs1023159 of the SLC19A1 gene, alone or in combination, as a risk factor for ASD. However, the findings were not consistent after multiple testing corrections. In conclusion, although our results supported a role of the SLC19A1 gene in the etiology of ASD, it was not a significant risk factor for the ASD samples analyzed in this study.
Evaluation of Microstructure and Transport Properties of Deteriorated Cementitious Materials from Their X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) Images
Authors: Promentilla Michael , Cortez Shermaine , Papel Regina , Tablada Bernadette , Sugiyama Takafumi
Published: May 2016

Pore structure, tortuosity and permeability are considered key properties of porous materials such as cement pastes to understand their long-term durability performance. Three-dimensional image analysis techniques were used in this study to quantify pore size, effective porosity, tortuosity, and permeability from the X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of deteriorated pastes that were subjected to accelerated leaching test. X-ray microtomography is a noninvasive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique which has been recently gaining attention for material characterization. Coupled with 3D image analysis, the digitized pore can be extracted and computational simulation can be applied to the pore network to measure relevant microstructure and transport properties. At a spatial resolution of 0.50 μm, the effective porosity (ψe) was found to be in the range of 0.04 to 0.33. The characteristic pore size (d) using a local thickness algorithm was found to be in the range of 3 to 7 μm. The geometric tortuosity (τg) based on a 3D random walk simulation in the percolating pore space was found to be in the range of 2.00 to 7.45. The water permeability values (K) using US NIST Permeability Stokes Solver range from an order of magnitudes of 10−14 to 10−17 m2. Indications suggest that as effective porosity increases, the geometric tortuosity increases and the permeability decreases. Correlation among these microstructure and transport parameters is also presented in this study.
Structure and Bioactivity of a Modified Peptide Derived from the LPS-Binding Domain of an Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor (ALF) of Shrimp
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Shihao , Li Fuhua , Xiang Jianhai
Published: May 2016

The lipopolysaccharide binding domain (LBD) in anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) is the main functional element of ALF, which exhibits antimicrobial activities. Our previous studies show that the peptide LBDv, synthesized based on the modified sequence of LBD (named LBD2) from FcALF2, exhibited an apparently enhanced antimicrobial activity. To learn the prospect of LBDv application, the characteristics of LBDv were analyzed in the present study. The LBDv peptide showed higher antimicrobial and bactericidal activities compared with LBD2. These activities of the LBDv peptide were stable after heat treatment. LBDv could also exhibit in vivo antimicrobial activity to Vibrio harveyi. The LBDv peptide was found to bind bacteria, quickly cause bacterial agglutination, and kill bacteria by damaging their membrane integrity. Structure analysis showed that both LBDv and LBD2 held the β-sheet structure, and the positive net charge and amphipathicity characteristic were speculated as two important components for their antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxicity of LBDv was evaluated in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and Cherax quadricarinatus hemocytes. More than 80% cells could survive with the LBDv concentration up to 16 μM. Collectively, these findings highlighted the potential antimicrobial mechanism of LBD peptides, and provided important information for the commercial use of LBDv in the future.
Impact of Microalgae-Bacteria Interactions on the Production of Algal Biomass and Associated Compounds
Authors: Fuentes Juan , Garbayo Inés , Cuaresma María , Montero Zaida , González-del-Valle Manuel , Vílchez Carlos
Published: May 2016

A greater insight on the control of the interactions between microalgae and other microorganisms, particularly bacteria, should be useful for enhancing the efficiency of microalgal biomass production and associated valuable compounds. Little attention has been paid to the controlled utilization of microalgae-bacteria consortia. However, the studies of microalgal-bacterial interactions have revealed a significant impact of the mutualistic or parasitic relationships on algal growth. The algal growth, for instance, has been shown to be enhanced by growth promoting factors produced by bacteria, such as indole-3-acetic acid. Vitamin B12 produced by bacteria in algal cultures and bacterial siderophores are also known to be involved in promoting faster microalgal growth. More interestingly, enhancement in the intracellular levels of carbohydrates, lipids and pigments of microalgae coupled with algal growth stimulation has also been reported. In this sense, massive algal production might occur in the presence of bacteria, and microalgae-bacteria interactions can be beneficial to the massive production of microalgae and algal products. This manuscript reviews the recent knowledge on the impact of the microalgae-bacteria interactions on the production of microalgae and accumulation of valuable compounds, with an emphasis on algal species having application in aquaculture.
Antiproliferative Fate of the Tetraploid Formed after Mitotic Slippage and Its Promotion; A Novel Target for Cancer Therapy Based on Microtubule Poisons
Authors: Nakayama Yuji , Inoue Toshiaki
Published: May 2016

Microtubule poisons inhibit spindle function, leading to activation of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and mitotic arrest. Cell death occurring in prolonged mitosis is the first target of microtubule poisons in cancer therapies. However, even in the presence of microtubule poisons, SAC and mitotic arrest are not permanent, and the surviving cells exit the mitosis without cytokinesis (mitotic slippage), becoming tetraploid. Another target of microtubule poisons-based cancer therapy is antiproliferative fate after mitotic slippage. The ultimate goal of both the microtubule poisons-based cancer therapies involves the induction of a mechanism defined as mitotic catastrophe, which is a bona fide intrinsic oncosuppressive mechanism that senses mitotic failure and responds by driving a cell to an irreversible antiproliferative fate of death or senescence. This mechanism of antiproliferative fate after mitotic slippage is not as well understood. We provide an overview of mitotic catastrophe, and explain new insights underscoring a causal association between basal autophagy levels and antiproliferative fate after mitotic slippage, and propose possible improved strategies. Additionally, we discuss nuclear alterations characterizing the mitotic catastrophe (micronuclei, multinuclei) after mitotic slippage, and a possible new type of nuclear alteration (clustered micronuclei).
Recognizing Physisorption and Chemisorption in Carbon Nanotubes Gas Sensors by Double Exponential Fitting of the Response
Authors: Calvi Andrea , Ferrari Alberto , Sbuelz Luca , Goldoni Andrea , Modesti Silvio
Published: May 2016

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been grown in situ on a SiO 2 substrate and used as gas sensors. For this purpose, the voltage response of the CNTs as a function of time has been used to detect H 2 and CO 2 at various concentrations by supplying a constant current to the system. The analysis of both adsorptions and desorptions curves has revealed two different exponential behaviours for each curve. The study of the characteristic times, obtained from the fitting of the data, has allowed us to identify separately chemisorption and physisorption processes on the CNTs.
Web Application Vulnerabilities and Their Countermeasures
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan
Published: May 2016

The obvious risks to a security breach are that unauthorized individuals: 1) can gain access to restricted information and 2) may be able to escalate their privileges in order to compromise the application and the entire application environment. The areas that can be compromised include user and system administration accounts. In this chapter we identify the major classes of web application vulnerabilities, gives some examples of actual vulnerabilities found in real-life web application audits, and describes some countermeasures for those vulnerabilities. The classes are: 1) authentication 2) session management 3) access control 4) input validation 5) redirects and forwards 6) injection flaws 7) unauthorized view of data 8) error handling 9) cross-site scripting 10) security misconfigurations and 10) denial of service.
Wavelength-dependent switching of photocurrent polarity in a semiconductor film with bifacial band bendings
Authors: Ikuno Takashi , Hasegawa Masaki
Published: May 2016

We have found that a semiconductor film with bifacial band bendings formed in the same direction exhibit a bipolar photocurrent response that depends on the incident light wavelength. A device simulation indicated that the barrier heights and directions of the band bendings were essential factors in the wavelength-dependent bipolar outputs. Interestingly, the transition wavelength of the output polarity can be tuned by changing the film thickness. We experimentally revealed that single crystalline n-type tungsten disulfide, for which the front and rear surfaces were modified, exhibits a wavelength-dependent bipolar output.