bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of time-varying joint development of pitch and dynamics for speech emotion recognition
Authors: Lee Chung , Lui Simon , So Clifford
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we propose a new approach for visualizing the time-varying acoustic features for speech emotion recognition. Although the emotional state does not carry any linguistic information, it is a crucial factor that offers sentiment feedback to the listener. We propose to extract the two most prevalent acoustic features: pitch and dynamics, to identify the speech emotion of the speaker. We represent the time-varying pitch and dynamics as a trajectory in a two-dimensional feature space. Multiple trajectories are then segmented and clustered into signature patterns. This technique was successful in identifying and retargeting expressive musical performance styles. In evaluation, we use the German emotion language database. The database was created with ten professional actors (five males and five females) of ten emotionally unbiased sentences performed in six target emotions (Angry, Happy, Fear, Boredom, Sad, and Disgust). Results showed that the speech samples from the same actor of the same sentence but different emotions have dramatically different trajectory patterns. On the other hand, obvious common patterns were found among low valence emotions like Boredom and Sadness. The current study also opens future research opportunities for applying advanced pattern recognition techniques (e.g., Support Vector Machine and Neural Network) for better emotion identification.
Nonstationarity of Stable States in Rhythmic Bimanual Coordination
Authors: James Eric G.
Published: May 2014

The HKB model and its variants characterize bimanual coordination with fixedpoint dynamics and predict stationarity of the mean and variance of relative phase in stable coordinative states. In the current study, participants performed in-phase and antiphase coordination modes in rhythmic bimanual finger and elbow flexionextension tasks. The results of runs tests revealed that discrete relative phase was nonstationary in 49.25%, 50.25%, and 54% of time-series in the 10, 20, and 30 box runs tests, respectively. In all individual Task conditions >38% of time-series were nonstationary. These findings contradicted model predictions that the mean and variance of relative phase are stationary in bimanual coordination and distinguish the concept of dynamical stability from statistical stationarity. The findings indicated that relative phase was not attracted to a stationary fixed-point and that fluctuations in relative phase are not Gaussian white noise as in existing models of bimanual coordination.
The Placenta Harbors a Unique Microbiome
Authors: Aagaard Kjersti , Ma Jun , Antony Kathleen M. , Ganu Radhika , Petrosino Joseph , Versalovic James
Published: May 2014

Metagenomic approaches demonstrate that the human placenta is not sterile but harbors a unique microbiome.
Global Adaptation to a Lipid Environment Triggers the Dormancy-Related Phenotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Rodríguez Juan G. , Hernández Adriana C. , Helguera-Repetto Cecilia , Aguilar Ayala Diana , Guadarrama-Medina Rosalina , Anzóla Juan M. , Bustos Jose R. , Zambrano María M. , González-y-Merchand Jorge , García María J. , Del Portillo Patricia
Published: May 2014

Strong evidence supports the idea that fatty acids rather than carbohydrates are the main energy source of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
during infection and latency. Despite that important role, a complete scenario of the bacterium’s metabolism when lipids are the main energy source is still lacking. Here we report the development of an
in vitro
model to analyze adaptation of
M. tuberculosis
during assimilation of long-chain fatty acids as sole carbon sources. The global lipid transcriptome revealed a shift toward the glyoxylate cycle, the overexpression of main regulators
whiB3
,
dosR
, and Rv0081, and the increased expression of several genes related to reductive stress. Our evidence showed that lipid storage seems to be the selected mechanism used by
M. tuberculosis
to ameliorate the assumed damage of reductive stress and that concomitantly the bacilli acquired a slowed-growth and drug-tolerant phenotype, all characteristics previously associated with the dormant stage. Additionally, intergenic regions were also detected, including the unexpected upregulation of tRNAs that suggest a new role for these molecules in the acquisition of a drug-tolerant phenotype by dormant bacilli. Finally, a set of lipid signature genes for the adaptation process was also identified. This
in vitro
model represents a suitable condition to illustrate the participation of reductive stress in drugs’ activity against dormant bacilli, an aspect scarcely investigated to date. This approach provides a new perspective to the understanding of latent infection and suggests the participation of previously undetected molecules.

IMPORTANCE
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
establishes long-lasting highly prevalent infection inside the human body, called latent tuberculosis. The known involvement of fatty acids is changing our understanding of that silent infection; however, question of how tubercle bacilli globally adapt to a lipid-enriched environment is still an unanswered. With the single change of providing fatty acids as carbon sources, the bacilli switch on their program related to dormant stage: slowed growth, accumulation of lipid bodies, and development of drug tolerance. In this stage, unexpected and previously unknown participants were found to play putatively important roles during the process. For the first time, this work compares the global transcriptomics of bacteria by using strand-specific RNA sequencing under two different growth conditions. This study suggests novel targets for the control of tuberculosis and provides a new straightforward
in vitro
model that could help to test the activity of drugs against dormant bacilli from a novel perspective.
Chp8, a Diguanylate Cyclase from Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000, Suppresses the Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Flagellin, Increases Extracellular Polysaccharides, and Promotes Plant Immune Evasion
Authors: Engl Christoph , Waite Christopher J. , McKenna Joseph F. , Bennett Mark H. , Hamann Thorsten , Buck Martin
Published: May 2014

The bacterial plant pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
causes disease in a wide range of plants. The associated decrease in crop yields results in economic losses and threatens global food security. Competition exists between the plant immune system and the pathogen, the basic principles of which can be applied to animal infection pathways.
P. syringae
uses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver virulence factors into the plant that promote survival of the bacterium. The
P. syringae
T3SS is a product of the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (
hrp
) and hypersensitive response and conserved (
hrc
) gene cluster, which is strictly controlled by the codependent enhancer-binding proteins HrpR and HrpS. Through a combination of bacterial gene regulation and phenotypic studies, plant infection assays, and plant hormone quantifications, we now report that Chp8 (i) is embedded in the Hrp regulon and expressed in response to plant signals and HrpRS, (ii) is a functional diguanylate cyclase, (iii) decreases the expression of the major pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) flagellin and increases extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), and (iv) impacts the salicylic acid/jasmonic acid hormonal immune response and disease progression. We propose that Chp8 expression dampens PAMP-triggered immunity during early plant infection.

IMPORTANCE
The global demand for food is projected to rise by 50% by 2030 and, as such, represents one of the major challenges of the 21st century, requiring improved crop management. Diseases caused by plant pathogens decrease crop yields, result in significant economic losses, and threaten global food security. Gaining mechanistic insights into the events at the plant-pathogen interface and employing this knowledge to make crops more resilient is one important strategy for improving crop management. Plant-pathogen interactions are characterized by the sophisticated interplay between plant immunity elicited upon pathogen recognition and immune evasion by the pathogen. Here, we identify Chp8 as a contributor to the major effort of the plant pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. tomato DC3000 to evade immune responses of the plant.
Hot and cold: coexistent Graves’ disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a patient with Schmidt's syndrome
Authors: Dasari Sowjanya , Naha Kushal , Hande Manjunath , Vivek Ganapathiraman
Published: May 2014

A 37-year-old housewife presented with generalised fatigue, palpitations and weight loss over the past 3 months. Physical examination revealed signs of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid function tests confirmed the presence of thyrotoxicosis. Pertechnetate radionuclide imaging of the thyroid showed diffusely increased radiotracer uptake consistent with Graves’ disease and a cold nodule in the right lobe. Needle aspiration from the nodule yielded evidence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The patient also tested strongly positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Simultaneous laboratory evaluation revealed primary adrenal failure and probable pernicious anaemia, thus producing a diagnosis of Schmidt's syndrome. The patient was initiated on appropriate medical therapy for endocrinopathy. Graves’ disease was treated with radioablation.
Against all odds. Conservative management of Boerhaave’s syndrome
Authors: Anwuzia-Iwegbu Charles , Al Omran Yasser , Heaford Amelia
Published: May 2014

Spontaneous oesophageal perforation or Boerhaave's syndrome is a life-threatening condition that usually requires early diagnosis and early surgical management. A 79-year-old man presented to the accident and emergency department with an ischaemic left big toe. He reported a 2-week history of worsening symptoms and a claudication distance in his left leg of 20–30 m. Three days post-revascularisation of the leg, the patient reported chest pain radiating to the back. CT angiography of the aorta indicated Boerhaave’s syndrome. Following 35 days of conservative management in the intensive care unit and high dependency unit, the patient was stepped down to a surgical ward. A water-soluble contrast study demonstrated minimal leak through the perforated oesophagus. The patient was started on oral intake, which was well tolerated. This case highlights that conservative management may be appropriate.
Amoeboma: resurfacing of a vanishing illness
Authors: Boopathy Vinoth , Alexander Thomas , Balasubramanian Padhmini , Phansalkar Manjiri
Published: May 2014

Amoeboma is a rare manifestation of intestinal amoebiasis. More than 90% of patients with intestinal amoebiasis have a history of diarrhoea. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old patient who presented with a right iliac fossa (RIF) mass with normal bowel habits and was eventually diagnosed with an amoeboma. In developing countries, a traditional differential diagnosis for an RIF mass is an amoeboma, but its incidence is declining. Hence this treatable condition is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of an RIF mass. This case report emphasises that amoeboma still exists and should be considered in a patient with an RIF mass.
Persistent left superior vena cava in association with sinus venosus defect type of atrial septal defect and partial pulmonary venous return on 64-MDCT
Authors: Disha Bansal , Prakashini Koteshwara , Shetty Ranjan K
Published: May 2014

The most common venous abnormality of the thorax is persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), incidence being less than 0.5%. However, with congenital heart disease, it is about 6.1%. When the coronary sinus is dilated always search for PLSVC. The coronary sinus may communicate with the left atrium. This is known as an unroofed coronary sinus (UCS) and preoperatively documenting it is important. Of all the congenital cardiac anomalies, the sinus venosus defect (SVD) type of atrial septal defect (ASD) is most commonly associated with PLSVC and accounts for 4–11% of all ASDs. Multidetector CT can easily show all these abnormalities along with haemodynamics. On transoesophageal echocardiography it is difficult to characterise SVD and visualise a coronary sinus because of a limited window, contrast resolution and poor patient compliance. The complex of UCS and PLSVC is one such abnormality and its treatment requires careful assessment of other concomitant cardiac abnormalities to prevent post-treatment haemodynamic complications.
Successful use of stellate ganglion block and a new centrally acting analgesic with dual mode of action in a resistant temporomandibular joint pain
Authors: Jones Gareth Peter , Tripathi Shiva Shankar
Published: May 2014

Stellate ganglion blocks have been shown to provide effective pain relief in a number of different conditions involving the upper body. This was demonstrated in a 65-year-old woman who had experienced severe debilitating pain in her left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding area of her face for over 10 years. The pain was unresponsive to indomethacin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, gabapentin, lithium, melatonin and amitriptyline. She had also had four surgical procedures to the TMJ without success. The pain was partially responsive to Syndol tablets and pregabalin, although the use of pregabalin was limited by its adverse effects. The patient underwent 13 ultrasound guided stellate ganglion blocks over a 24-month period which demonstrated 90% pain relief for up to 10 weeks. Pulsed radio frequency lesioning showed no benefit over stellate ganglion block. More recently, tapentadol was found to be effective and this replaced the stellate ganglion blocks.
Clozapine induced tubulointerstitial nephritis in a patient with paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Parekh Ravi , Fattah Zozik , Sahota Dilraj , Colaco Bernie
Published: May 2014

We describe the development of tubulointerstitial nephritis after starting clozapine therapy in a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. A 54-year-old mixed-race patient with a longstanding history of paranoid schizophrenia was started on the antipsychotic clozapine. Two months after starting clozapine he developed fevers, cough and acute renal failure which initially responded to 7 days of prednisolone but recurred after completing the steroid course. Renal biopsy confirmed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and he was started on a course of steroids with renal recovery in 72 h. Clozapine was later stopped. This case highlights a serious and potential life-threatening complication of an important antipsychotic used in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Sympathetic ophthalmitis with predominant posterior segment involvement
Authors: Waris Abdul , Gujral Gaganjeet Singh , Zakir Shiekh Mohammed , Akhtar Naheed
Published: May 2014

We report a case of a 22-year-old obese man, intellectually disabled since birth, who developed sympathetic ophthalmitis in his right eye (RE) 2 months after a penetrating injury to his left eye; this despite primary repair went into phthisis with no perception of light. Initially the patient presented with features of anterior uveitis in the RE, for which oral and topical steroids were prescribed. The patient failed to keep regular follow-up appointments, and returned 2 months later with exudative retinal detachment, and was placed on steroids and immunosuppressives. The visual acuity of the RE on discharge was 6/60 with −0.5×180.
A simple technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation
Authors: Buckley Christina E , Achakzai Akbar Amin , O'Hanlon Deirdre
Published: May 2014

Trismus and microstomia are commonly associated complications of neck irradiation. In recent years we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with various head and neck cancers being treated with radiotherapy. This can pose a significant challenge in performing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in this cohort of patients. We describe a novel technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation. Instead of placing a standard mouthpiece, we place the barrel of a 5 mm syringe, which is cut in half, into the patient's mouth. This method allows easy passage of the gastroscope, where the mouth opening is limited by trismus from prior radiation. It also serves to protect the patient's teeth during OGD. Successful intubation with a gastroscope is possible in patients with severe trismus using our novel technique.
Maternal glucose level and body mass index measured at gestational diabetes mellitus screening and the risk of macrosomia: results from a perinatal cohort study
Authors: Liu Jian , Leng Junhong , Tang Chen , Liu Gongshu , Hay John , Wang Jing , Wen Shiwu , Li Zhenling , She Ye
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the impact of maternal blood glucose (BG) level and body mass index (BMI) measured at gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening on the risk of macrosomia.

Design

A perinatal cohort of women were followed up from receiving perinatal healthcare to giving birth.

Setting

Beichen District, Tianjin, China between June 2011 and October 2012.

Participants

1951 women aged 19–42 years with valid values of BMI and BG level at GDM screening (24–28 weeks gestation), singleton birth and birth weight (BW)>2500 g.

Main outcomes and measures

Primary outcome was macrosomia (BW>4000 g). BG level and BMI were measured at GDM screening.

Results

191 (9.7%) newborns were macrosomia. The ORs (95% CIs) of macrosomia from multiple logistic regression were 1.14 (1.10 to 1.19, p<0.0001) for BMI and 1.11 (1.01 to 1.23, p=0.03) for BG. When BMI and BG levels (continuous) were modelled simultaneously, the OR for BMI was similar, but significantly attenuated for BG. Areas of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were 0.6530 (0.6258 to 0.6803) for BMI and 0.5548 (0.5248 to 0.5848) for BG (χ2=26.17, p<0.0001). BG (mmol/L, <6.7, 6.7–7.8 or ≥7.8) and BMI in quintiles (Q1–Q5) were evaluated with BG <6.7 and Q2 BMI as the reference group. The ORs of macrosomia were not statistically different for mothers in Q1 or Q2 of BMI regardless of the BG levels; the ORs for ≥Q3 of BMI were elevated significantly with the highest OR observed in Q5 of BMI and BG levels ≥7.8 (6.93 (2.61 to 18.43), p<0.0001).

Conclusions

High BMI measured at GDM screening was the most important determinant for risk of macrosomia. These findings suggest that GDM screening may be a critical gestational time point to initiate maternal weight control oriented intervention strategy to lower the risk.
The biomechanics of concussion in unhelmeted football players in Australia: a case–control study
Authors: McIntosh Andrew S , Patton Declan A , Fréchède Bertrand , Pierré Paul-André , Ferry Edouard , Barthels Tobias
Published: May 2014

Objective

Concussion is a prevalent brain injury in sport and the wider community. Despite this, little research has been conducted investigating the dynamics of impacts to the unprotected human head and injury causation in vivo, in particular the roles of linear and angular head acceleration.

Setting

Professional contact football in Australia.

Participants

Adult male professional Australian rules football players participating in 30 games randomly selected from 103 games. Cases selected based on an observable head impact, no observable symptoms (eg, loss-of-consciousness and convulsions), no on-field medical management and no injury recorded at the time.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A data set for no-injury head impact cases comprising head impact locations and head impact dynamic parameters estimated through rigid body simulations using the MAthematical DYnamic MOdels (MADYMO) human facet model. This data set was compared to previously reported concussion case data.

Results

Qualitative analysis showed that the head was more vulnerable to lateral impacts. Logistic regression analyses of head acceleration and velocity components revealed that angular acceleration of the head in the coronal plane had the strongest association with concussion; tentative tolerance levels of 1747 rad/s2and 2296 rad/s2were reported for a 50% and 75% likelihood of concussion, respectively. The mean maximum resultant angular accelerations for the concussion and no-injury cases were 7951 rad/s2(SD 3562 rad/s2) and 4300 rad/s2(SD 3657 rad/s2), respectively. Linear acceleration is currently used in the assessment of helmets and padded headgear. The 50% and 75% likelihood of concussion values for resultant linear head acceleration in this study were 65.1 and 88.5 g, respectively.

Conclusions

As hypothesised by Holbourn over 70 years ago, angular acceleration plays an important role in the pathomechanics of concussion, which has major ramifications in terms of helmet design and other efforts to prevent and manage concussion.
End-of-life decision making: withdrawing from dialysis: a 12-year retrospective single centre experience from the UK
Authors: Aggarwal Y , Baharani J
Published: May 2014

Aim

Withdrawal from dialysis is a common mode of death in patients undergoing dialysis. Anecdotally most patients have a physician-directed dialysis withdrawal (DW) following an acute medical precipitant, rather than a patient-narrated planned withdrawal as part of a collaborative end-of-life care plan. We report a 12-year retrospective experience of patients undergoing dialysis who died following DW, and suggest clinical parameters which can be used to identify patients who are able to direct their end-of-life care process.

Methods

Retrospective 12-year review of inhouse electronic and paper records.

Results

867 patients undergoing dialysis died during the study period.

93 patients died from DW. 9 (10%) patients electively withdrew in the absence of an acute medical precipitant and 84(90%) withdrew from dialysis for medical reasons. Patients who chose to withdraw were 10 years younger at dialysis initiation and withdrawal, had greater reported sessional difficulties/intolerances (p<0.05), greater general deterioration in terms of comorbidity and physical dependency during the course of dialysis (p<0.05), were more likely to rehabilitate following an acute medical precipitant, and were more likely to reside in their own home on DW (p<0.05). All had decision-making capacity compared with 35(42%) patients who had dialysis withdrawn for medical reasons (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Comorbidity, physical dependence, dialysis tolerance, cognitive decline, rehabilitation post an acute medical precipitant and, place of residence are parameters which differentiate between patients who choose to withdraw from dialysis and those who have dialysis withdrawn for medical reasons. These parameters can be used to identify terminal patients on dialysis who are able to be directive in their end-of-life advanced care planning.
‘All singing, all dancing’: staff views on the integration of family planning and genitourinary medicine in Lothian, UK
Authors: Higgins Martin , Chen Eric Zhong , Gebbie Ailsa E , Fernando Imali , Milne Dona , Cochrane Rosemary
Published: May 2014

Background

UK policy documents advocate integrated approaches to sexual health service provision to ensure that everyone can access high-quality treatment. However, there is relatively little evidence to demonstrate any resultant benefits. The family planning and genitourinary medicine services in Lothian have been fully integrated and most care is now delivered from a purpose-built sexual health centre. We wished to study the views of staff on integrated sexual and reproductive care.

Methods

Staff completed anonymous questionnaires before and after integration, looking at four main aspects: the patient pathway, specific patient groups, their own professional status, and their working environment. The surveys used a mixture of five-point Likert-type scales and open-ended questions.

Results

Over 50% of staff completed the surveys on each occasion. Six months after the new building opened, staff attitudes about the integrated service were mixed. Staff reported more stress and less opportunity for specialisation but there was no change in their sense of professional status or development. There were concerns about how well the integrated service met the needs of specific patient groups, notably women. These concerns co-existed with a verdict that overall service quality was no worse following integration.

Conclusions

Staff views should form an important part of service redesign and integration projects. Although the results from the Lothian surveys suggest a perceived worsening of some aspects of the service, further evaluation is needed to unpick the different problems that have appeared under the catch-all term of ‘integration’.
Macrophages and the Regulation of Adipose Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Martinez-Santibañez Gabriel , Nien-Kai Lumeng Carey
Published: May 2014

The ability of adipose tissue to adapt to a changing nutrient environment is critical to the maintenance of metabolic control. Nutrient excess and deficiency alter the shape of adipose tissue drastically and trigger many events that are collectively known as adipose tissue remodeling. Remodeling of adipose tissue involves more than adipocytes and is controlled by an extensive network of stromal cells and extracellular matrix proteins. Prominent players in this process are adipose tissue macrophages, which are a specialized leukocyte present in lean and obese states that contributes to adipose tissue inflammation. The interest in adipose tissue remodeling has been accelerated by the current epidemic of obesity and the chronic generation of signals that lead to expansion of adipose tissue. It is clear that evidence of dysfunctional remodeling events is a hallmark of obesity associated with metabolic disease. This review summarizes and highlights the recent work in this area and provides a framework in which to consider how adipose tissue macrophages contribute to the remodeling events in lean and obese states. Advancing our understanding of the involvement of macrophages in adipose tissue remodeling will promote one aspect of the new field of “immunometabolism,” which connects control systems developed for regulation of immunity with those that control metabolism. It will also provide insight into how physiologic and pathophysiologic remodeling differs in adipose tissue and identify potential nodes for intervention to break the link between obesity and disease.
Both linoleic and α-linolenic acid prevent insulin resistance but have divergent impacts on skeletal muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Matravadia Sarthak , Herbst Eric A. F. , Jain Swati S. , Mutch David M. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: May 2014

The therapeutic use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in preserving insulin sensitivity has gained interest in recent decades; however, the roles of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) remain poorly understood. We investigated the efficacy of diets enriched with either LA or ALA on attenuating the development of insulin resistance (IR) in obesity. Following a 12-wk intervention, LA and ALA both prevented the shift toward an IR phenotype and maintained muscle-specific insulin sensitivity otherwise lost in obese control animals. The beneficial effects of ALA were independent of changes in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity, as obese control and ALA-treated rats showed similar increases in these parameters. However, ALA increased the propensity for mitochondrial H2O2 emission and catalase content within whole muscle and reduced markers of oxidative stress (4-HNE and protein carbonylation). In contrast, LA prevented changes in markers of mitochondrial content, respiratory function, H2O2 emission, and oxidative stress in obese animals, thereby resembling levels seen in lean animals. Together, our data suggest that LA and ALA are efficacious in preventing IR but have divergent impacts on skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and function. Moreover, we propose that LA has value in preserving insulin sensitivity in the development of obesity, thereby challenging the classical view that n-6 PUFAs are detrimental.
Tuning and spontaneous spike time synchrony share a common structure in macaque inferior temporal cortex
Authors: Lin (林佳霈) Chia-pei , Chen (陳嶽鵬) Yueh-peng , Hung (洪洲伯) Chou P.
Published: May 2014

Investigating the relationship between tuning and spike timing is necessary to understand how neuronal populations in anterior visual cortex process complex stimuli. Are tuning and spontaneous spike time synchrony linked by a common spatial structure (do some cells covary more strongly, even in the absence of visual stimulation?), and what is the object coding capability of this structure? Here, we recorded from spiking populations in macaque inferior temporal (IT) cortex under neurolept anesthesia. We report that, although most nearby IT neurons are weakly correlated, neurons with more similar tuning are also more synchronized during spontaneous activity. This link between tuning and synchrony was not simply due to cell separation distance. Instead, it expands on previous reports that neurons along an IT penetration are tuned to similar but slightly different features. This constraint on possible population firing rate patterns was consistent across stimulus sets, including animate vs. inanimate object categories. A classifier trained on this structure was able to generalize category “read-out” to untrained objects using only a few dimensions (a few patterns of site weightings per electrode array). We suggest that tuning and spike synchrony are linked by a common spatial structure that is highly efficient for object representation.
Deficient tonic GABAergic conductance and synaptic balance in the fragile X syndrome amygdala
Authors: Martin Brandon S. , Corbin Joshua G. , Huntsman Molly M.
Published: May 2014

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability. Comorbidities of FXS such as autism are increasingly linked to imbalances in excitation and inhibition (E/I) as well as dysfunction in GABAergic transmission in a number of brain regions including the amygdala. However, the link between E/I imbalance and GABAergic transmission deficits in the FXS amygdala is poorly understood. Here we reveal that normal tonic GABAA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in principal neurons (PNs) of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is comprised of both δ- and α5-subunit-containing GABAA receptors. Furthermore, tonic GABAergic capacity is reduced in these neurons in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS (1.5-fold total, 3-fold δ-subunit, and 2-fold α5-subunit mediated) as indicated by application of gabazine (50 μM), 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4- c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP, 1 μM), and α5ia (1.5 μM) in whole cell patch-clamp recordings. Moreover, α5-containing tonic GABAA receptors appear to preferentially modulate nonsomatic compartments of BLA PNs. Examination of evoked feedforward synaptic transmission in these cells surprisingly revealed no differences in overall synaptic conductance or E/I balance between wild-type (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice. Instead, we observed altered feedforward kinetics in Fmr1 KO PNs that supports a subtle yet significant decrease in E/I balance at the peak of excitatory conductance. Blockade of α5-subunit-containing GABAA receptors replicated this condition in WT PNs. Therefore, our data suggest that tonic GABAA receptor-mediated neurotransmission can modulate synaptic E/I balance and timing established by feedforward inhibition and thus may represent a therapeutic target to enhance amygdala function in FXS.
Experimental Study of the Seismic Performance of L-Shaped Columns with 500 MPa Steel Bars
Authors: Wang Tiecheng , Liu Xiao , Zhao Hailong
Published: May 2014

Based on tests on six L-shaped RC columns with 500 MPa steel bars, the effect of axial compression ratios and stirrup spacing on failure mode, bearing capacity, displacement, and curvature ductility of the specimens is investigated. Test results show that specimens with lower axial load and large stirrup characteristic value (larger than about 0.35) are better at ductility and seismic performance, while specimens under high axial load or with a small stirrup characteristic value (less than about 0.35) are poorer at ductility; L-shaped columns with 500 MPa steel bars show better bearing capacity and ductility in comparison with specimens with HRB400 steel bars.
Properties of Generalized Offset Curves and Surfaces
Authors: Chen Xuejuan , Lin Qun
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes a definition of generalized offsets for curves and surfaces, which have the variable offset distance and direction, by using the local coordinate system. Based on this definition, some analytic properties and theorems of generalized offsets are put forward. The regularity and the topological property of generalized offsets are simply given by representing the generalized offset as the standard offset. Some examples are provided as well to show the applications of generalized offsets. The conclusions in this paper can be taken as the foundation for further study on extending the standard offset.
Remarks on Some Recent Fixed Point Results on Quaternion-Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapınar Erdal , Khojasteh Farshid
Published: May 2014

Very recently, Ahmed et al. introduced the notion of quaternion-valued metric as a generalization of metric and proved a common fixed point theorem in the context of quaternion-valued metric space. In this paper, we will show that the quaternion-valued metric spaces are subspaces of cone metric spaces. Consequently, the fixed point results in such spaces can be derived as a consequence of the corresponding existing fixed point result in the setting cone metric spaces.
Antidiabetic Activity ofArtemisia amygdalinaDecne in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ghazanfar Khalid , Ganai Bashir A. , Akbar Seema , Mubashir Khan , Dar Showkat Ahmad , Dar Mohammad Younis , Tantry Mudasir A.
Published: May 2014

Artemisiaspecies have been extensively used for the management of diabetes in folklore medicine. The current study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects ofArtemisia amygdalina. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, and hydroethanolic extracts ofArtemisia amygdalinawere tested for their antidiabetic potentials in diabetic rats. The effect of extracts was observed by checking the biochemical, physiological, and histopathological parameters in diabetic rats. The hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts each at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b. w significantly reduced glucose levels in diabetic rats. The other biochemical parameters like cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), serum creatinine, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatise (ALP), were found to be reduced by the hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts. The extracts also showed reduction in the feed and water consumption of diabetic rats when compared with the diabetic control. The histopathological results of treated groups showed the regenerative/protective effect onβ-cells of pancreas in diabetic rats. The current study revealed the antidiabetic potential ofArtemisia amygdalinabeing effective in hyperglycemia and that it can effectively protect against other metabolic aberrations caused by diabetes in rats, which seems to validate its therapeutic traditional use.
Acetabular Reconstruction with the Burch-Schneider Antiprotrusio Cage and Bulk Allografts: Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Results
Authors: Regis Dario , Sandri Andrea , Bonetti Ingrid
Published: May 2014

Reconstruction of severe pelvic bone loss is a challenging problem in hip revision surgery. Between January 1992 and December 2000, 97 hips with periprosthetic osteolysis underwent acetabular revision using bulk allografts and the Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage (APC). Twenty-nine patients (32 implants) died for unrelated causes without additional surgery. Sixty-five hips were available for clinical and radiographic assessment at an average follow-up of 14.6 years (range, 10.0 to 18.9 years). There were 16 male and 49 female patients, aged from 29 to 83 (median, 60 years), with Paprosky IIIA (27 cases) and IIIB (38 cases) acetabular bone defects. Nine cages required rerevision because of infection (3), aseptic loosening (5), and flange breakage (1). The average Harris hip score improved from 33.1 points preoperatively to 75.6 points at follow-up (P<0.001). Radiographically, graft incorporation and cage stability were detected in 48 and 52 hips, respectively. The cumulative survival rates at 18.9 years with removal for any reason or X-ray migration of the cage and aseptic or radiographic loosening as the end points were 80.0% and 84.6%, respectively. The use of the Burch-Schneider APC and massive allografts is an effective technique for the reconstructive treatment of extensive acetabular bone loss with long-lasting survival.
Theβ-SiC Nanowires (~100 nm) Induce Apoptosis via Oxidative Stress in Mouse Osteoblastic Cell Line MC3T3-E1
Authors: Xie Weili , Xie Qi , Jin Meishan , Huang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaodong , Shao Zhengkai , Wen Guangwu
Published: May 2014

Silicon carbide (SiC), a compound of silicon and carbon, with chemical formula SiC, the beta modification (β-SiC), with a zinc blende crystal structure (similar to diamond), is formed at temperature below1700∘C.β-SiC will be the most suitable ceramic material for the future hard tissue replacement, such as bone and tooth. Thein vitrocytotoxicity ofβ-SiC nanowires was investigated for the first time. Our results indicated that 100 nm long SiC nanowires could significantly induce the apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells, compared with 100 μm long SiC nanowires. And 100 nm long SiC nanowires increased oxidative stress in MC3T3-E1 cells, as determined by the concentrations of MDA (as a marker of lipid peroxidation) and 8-OHdG (indicator of oxidative DNA damage). Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate the morphological changes of MC3T3-E1 cells. After treatment with 100 nm long SiC nanowires, the mitochondria were swelled and disintegrated, and the production of ATP and the total oxygen uptake were also decreased significantly. Therefore,β-SiC nanowires may have limitations as medical material.
Soliton and Breather Solutions for the Mixed Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation viaN-Fold Darboux Transformation
Authors: Hao Hui-Qin , Zhang Jian-Wen , Guo Rui
Published: May 2014

Under investigation in this paper is the mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which describes the propagation of the subpicosecond or femtosecond optical pulse in a monomodal optical fiber. The Darboux transformation is constructed andN-times iterative potential formula is presented. Two-soliton and breather solutions are derived on the vanishing and two types of nonvanishing backgrounds: the continuous wave(cw) background and constant background, respectively. The dynamic features of the solitons and breathers are discussed via analytic solutions and graphical illustration.
Low-Dose Decitabine-Based Chemoimmunotherapy for Patients with Refractory Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I/II Report
Authors: Fan Hui , Lu Xuechun , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Yang , Guo Bo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Wenying , Nie Jing , Feng Kaichao , Chen Meixia , Zhang Yajing , Wang Yao , Shi Fengxia , Fu Xiaobing , Zhu Hongli , Han Weidong
Published: May 2014

Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the main drivers of tumor initiation and progression. The reversibility of methylation modulation makes it an attractive target for novel anticancer therapies. Clinical studies have demonstrated that high-dose decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, results in some clinical benefits in patients with refractory advanced tumors; however, they are extremely toxic. Low doses of decitabine minimize toxicity while potentially improving the targeted effects of DNA hypomethylation. Based on these mechanisms, low-dose decitabine combined with chemoimmunotherapy may be a new treatment option for patients with refractory advanced tumors. We proposed the regimen of low-dose decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy for patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. A favorable adverse event profile was observed in our trial that was highlighted by the finding that most of these adverse events were grades 1-2. Besides, the activity of our cohort was optimistic and the clinical benefit rate was up to 60%, and the median PFS was prolonged compared with PFS to previous treatment. We also identified a significant correlation between the PFS to previous treatment and clinical response. The low-dose DAC decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy might be a promising protocol for improving the specificity and efficiency of patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (identifierNCT01799083).
Early Intra-Articular Complement Activation in Ankle Fractures
Authors: Schmal Hagen , Salzmann Gian M. , Niemeyer Philipp , Langenmair Elia , Guo Renfeng , Schneider Conny , Habel Maria , Riedemann Niels
Published: May 2014

Cytokine regulation possibly influences long term outcome following ankle fractures, but little is known about synovial fracture biochemistry. Eight patients with an ankle dislocation fracture were included in a prospective case series and matched with patients suffering from grade 2 osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the ankle. All fractures needed external fixation during which joint effusions were collected. Fluid analysis was done by ELISA measuring aggrecan, bFGF, IL-1β, IGF-1, and the complement components C3a, C5a, and C5b-9. The time periods between occurrence of fracture and collection of effusion were only significantly associated with synovial aggrecan and C5b-9 levels (P<0.001). Furthermore, synovial expressions of both proteins correlated with each other (P<0.001). Although IL-1βexpression was relatively low, intra-articular levels correlated with C5a (P<0.01) and serological C-reactive protein concentrations 2 days after surgery (P<0.05). Joint effusions were initially dominated by neutrophils, but the portion of monocytes constantly increased reaching 50% at day 6 after fracture (P<0.02). Whereas aggrecan and IL-1βconcentrations were not different in fracture and OCD patients, bFGF, IGF-1, and all complement components were significantly higher concentrated in ankle joints with fractures (P<0.01). Complement activation and inflammatory cell infiltration characterize the joint biology following acute ankle fractures.
Stability of Solutions to a Free Boundary Problem for Tumor Growth
Authors: Xu Shihe
Published: May 2014

We study the asymptotic behaviour of quasi-stationary solutions of a free boundary problem which had been discussed by Bueno (2005). Using a simpler method we prove that the quasi-steady solutions of the problem converge uniformly to the unique nontrivial steady solution.
Computational Design of Apolipoprotein E4 Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Huang Hung-Jin , Chen Hsin-Yi , Lee Cheng-Chun , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Apolipoprotein E4 (Apo E4) is the major genetic risk factor in the causation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study we utilize virtual screening of the world’s largest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database and investigate potential compounds for the inhibition of ApoE4. We present the top three TCM candidates: Solapalmitine, Isodesacetyluvaricin, and Budmunchiamine L5 for further investigation. Dynamics analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to simulate protein-ligand complexes for observing the interactions and protein variations. Budmunchiamine L5 did not have the highest score from virtual screening; however, the dynamics pose is similar to the initial docking pose after MD simulation. Trajectory analysis reveals that Budmunchiamine L5 was stable over all simulation times. The migration distance of Budmunchiamine L5 illustrates that docked ligands are not variable from the initial docked site. Interestingly, Arg158 was observed to form H-bonds with Budmunchiamine L5 in the docking pose and MD snapshot, which indicates that the TCM compounds could stably bind to ApoE4. Our results show that Budmunchiamine L5 has good absorption, blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and less toxicity according to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) prediction and could, therefore, be safely used for developing novel ApoE4 inhibitors.
NMDA Receptor-Mediated Neuroprotective Effect of theScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi Extract on the Excitotoxic Neuronal Cell Death in Primary Rat Cortical Cell Cultures
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Wu Xiaohong , Yu Haogang , Liao Xinbiao , Teng Lisong
Published: May 2014

The objective of the current research work was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract ofScutellaria baicalensis(S.B.) on the excitotoxic neuronal cell death in primary rat cortical cell cultures. The inhibitory effects of the extract were qualitatively and quantitatively estimated by phase-contrast microscopy and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The extract exhibited a potent and dose-dependent inhibition of the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the culture media. Further, using radioligand binding assays, it was observed that the inhibitory effect of the extract was more potent and selective for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated toxicity. The S.B. ethanol extract competed with [3H] MDL 105,519 for the specific binding to the NMDA receptor glycine site with 50% inhibition occurring at 35.1 μg/mL. Further, NMDA receptor inactivation by the S.B. ethanol extract was concluded from the decreasing binding capability of [3H]MK-801 in the presence of the extract. Thus, S.B. extract exhibited neuroprotection against excitotoxic cell death, and this neuroprotection was mediated through the inhibition of NMDA receptor function by interacting with the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor. Phytochemical analysis of the bioactive extract revealed the presence of six phytochemical constituents including baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, scutellarin, and Oroxylin A.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Aqueous Reduction for Low‐Temperature Sintering Bonding
Authors: Xiliang Qiu , Yang Cao , Tiesong Lin , Peng He , Jun Wang , Ping Liu , Xiaolong Gu
Published: May 2014

Silver nanoparticles with average diameter of 22.4 nm were prepared by aqueous reduction method for low‐temperature sintering bonding application. The reaction temperature and PVP concentration, which are the influential factors of nanoparticle characteristics, were investigated during reduction process. In our research, monodispersity of nanoparticles was remarkably improved while unfavorable agglomeration was avoided with the AgNO3/PVP mass ratio of 1 : 4 at the reaction temperature 30°C. Besides, copper pads were successfully bonded using sintering paste employing fresh silver nanoparticles with diameter of 20~35 nm at 200°C. In addition, after morphology of the bonding joint was analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the porous sintering characteristics were confirmed.