bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Usefulness of SPE Cartridges for the Determination ofβ-Blockers andβ-Agonists (Basic Drugs) in Environmental Aqueous Samples
Authors: Caban Magda , Stepnowski Piotr , Kwiatkowski Marek , Maszkowska Joanna , Wagil Marta , Kumirska Jolanta
Published: March 2015

Even though the methodology used for the determination ofβ-blockers andβ-agonists in environmental samples is based mainly on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, the available literature data on the applied SPE procedures is rather sparse. In this paper such comparison is presented. Moreover, the usefulness of the eight SPE cartridges for the determination of fiveβ-blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, and propranolol) and twoβ-agonists (salbutamol and terbutaline) in environmental aqueous samples using GC techniques is tested. Among them, three (the trifunction sorbent Strata Screen C, the copolymers LiChrolut EN, and the functionalized copolymer Isolute ENV+) were used for the first time for this purpose. It was confirmed that polystyrene-divinylbenzene-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymers (PS-DVB-VP, Strata-X, and Oasis HLB cartridges) have a better potential than a cation-exchange sorbent for the extraction of the target drugs from environmental water samples. However, it should be stressed out that the direct application of the tested SPE conditions for the analysis of real environmental water samples is not possible, and such parameters, like volume of loading sample, appropriate solvents for washing and elution steps, and so forth, must be optimized again in order to achieve satisfactory recovery values for the target compounds.
The Experimental Studies on Behavior of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete Confined by Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tubes
Authors: Deng Zong-cai , Qu Jiu-ling
Published: March 2015

This paper conducts axial compression test of ultrahigh performance concrete- (UHPC-) filled hybrid FRP (HFRP) tubes, using the alternating hybrid technology to improve the deformation capacity of FRP tube and measure the axial compressive responses of ultimate strength, strains, and stress-strain curve of confined specimens. The test results show that the local rupture of HFRP tubes did not lead to explosive failure of UHPC cylinder, and its ductility is better than that of UHPC confined by only one type of FRP tube; HFRP tube can effectively improve the compressive strength and ultimate strain of UHPC specimens; the stress-strain curves divide into three distinct regions: linear phase, transition phase, and linear strengthening phase. None of the models provided a reasonable prediction for strength and strain of HFRP-confined UHPC specimen; therefore, a new ultimate strength and strain perdition model considering the confinement effectiveness of different hybrid FRP series was proposed. The new proposed model presented the best fitting results. The stress-strain responses predicted by the existing models are all below the experimental curves; therefore, a new three-stage constitutive model was proposed, which relatively fits the test curves better than the existing models.
Body Packing: From Seizures to Laparotomy
Authors: Janczak Joanna M. , Beutner Ulrich , Hasler Karin
Published: March 2015

Body packing is a common method for illegal drug trafficking. Complications associated with body packing can be severe and even lead to rapid death. Thus, a timely diagnosis is warranted. As most body packers initially do not show any symptoms, making a correct diagnosis can be rather challenging. We describe a case of a 41-year-old male, who was admitted with an epileptic seizure and who turned out to be a cocaine intoxicated body packer. Due to neurological and cardiovascular deterioration an emergency surgery was performed. Four bags of cocaine could be removed. We discuss the current management regimen in symptomatic and asymptomatic body packers and highlight pearls and pitfalls with diagnosis and treatment.
Combined Material Recycling Study with Aesthetic of Entropy and Place Making
Authors: Wen Yifeng
Published: March 2015

Green building is a hot topic today. The place making and urban cultures are also important issues in postindustrial society. The industrial heritage renovation projects provide a research opportunity in combination with both aspects. This paper tries to shed new light on this issue by interdisciplinary methods, to study six Guangzhou industrial heritage renovation projects, giving aesthetic values for six sites concerning place making and culture creation, especially giving an explanation for old building material’s aesthetic performance in terms of concepts “entropy” and “archetype.” The conclutions regard: the six places are brand spaces of “authentic Guangzhou” that make local experiential knowledge, emotional significance and creative communities in combination with historical and cultural narratives.
Computational Challenge of Fractional Differential Equations and the Potential Solutions: A Survey
Authors: Gong Chunye , Bao Weimin , Tang Guojian , Jiang Yuewen , Liu Jie
Published: March 2015

We present a survey of fractional differential equations and in particular of the computational cost for their numerical solutions from the view of computer science. The computational complexities of time fractional, space fractional, and space-time fractional equations areO(N2M),O(NM2), andO(NM(M+N)) compared withO(MN) for the classical partial differential equations with finite difference methods, whereM,Nare the number of space grid points and time steps. The potential solutions for this challenge include, but are not limited to, parallel computing, memory access optimization (fractional precomputing operator), short memory principle, fast Fourier transform (FFT) based solutions, alternating direction implicit method, multigrid method, and preconditioner technology. The relationships of these solutions for both space fractional derivative and time fractional derivative are discussed. The authors pointed out that the technologies of parallel computing should be regarded as a basic method to overcome this challenge, and some attention should be paid to the fractional killer applications, high performance iteration methods, high order schemes, and Monte Carlo methods. Since the computation of fractional equations with high dimension and variable order is even heavier, the researchers from the area of mathematics and computer science have opportunity to invent cornerstones in the area of fractional calculus.
Gamma-Irradiated Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination Does Not Modulate the Innate Immune Response during Experimental Human Endotoxemia in Adult Males
Authors: Hamers Linda A. C. , Kox Matthijs , Arts Rob J. W. , Blok Bastiaan , Leentjens Jenneke , Netea Mihai G. , Pickkers Peter
Published: March 2015

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine exerts nonspecific immunostimulatory effects and may therefore represent a novel therapeutic option to treat sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. We investigated whether BCG vaccination modulates the systemic innate immune response in humansin vivoduring experimental endotoxemia. We used inactivated gamma-irradiated BCG vaccine because of the potential risk of disseminated disease with the live vaccine in immunoparalyzed patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, healthy male volunteers were vaccinated with gamma-irradiated BCG (n=10) or placebo (n=10) and received 1 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenously on day 5 after vaccination to assess thein vivoimmune response. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with various related and unrelated pathogens 5, 8 to 10, and 25 to 35 days after vaccination to assessex vivoimmune responses. BCG vaccination resulted in a scar in 90% of vaccinated subjects. LPS administration elicited a profound systemic immune response, characterized by increased levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, hemodynamic changes, and flu-like symptoms. However, BCG modulated neither thisin vivoimmune response, norex vivoleukocyte responses at any time point. In conclusion, gamma-irradiated BCG is unlikely to represent an effective treatment option to restore immunocompetence in patients with sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. This trial is registered withNCT02085590.
Antiageing Mechanisms of a Standardized Supercritical CO2Preparation of Black Jack (Bidens pilosaL.) in Human Fibroblasts and Skin Fragments
Authors: Dieamant Gustavo , Pereda Maria Del Carmen V. , Nogueira Cecília , Eberlin Samara , Facchini Gustavo , Checon Juliana Tibério , Cesar Camila Kappke , Mussi Lilian , Polezel Márcio Antonio , Martins-Oliveira Divino , Di Stasi Luiz Claudio
Published: March 2015

The use of topical retinoids to treat skin disorders and ageing can induce local reactions, while oral retinoids are potent teratogens and produce several unwanted effects. This way, efforts to explore complementary care resources should be supported. Based on this, we evaluate the antiageing effects of a supercritical CO2extract fromBidens pilosaL. (BPE-CO2A) containing a standardized multicomponent mixture of phytol, linolenic, palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids. BPE-CO2A was assessed for its effects on human dermal fibroblasts (TGF-β1 and FGF levels using ELISA; collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan by colorimetric assays, and mRNA expression of RXR, RAR, and EGFr by qRT-PCR) and human skin fragments (RAR, RXR, collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan by immunohistochemical analysis). Levels of extracellular matrix elements, TGF-β1 and FGF, and EGFr gene expression were significantly increased by BPE-CO2A. The modulation of RXR and RAR was positively demonstrated after the treatment with BPE-CO2A or phytol, a component of BPE-CO2A. The effects produced by BPE-CO2A were similar to or better than those produced by retinol and retinoic acid. The ability to stimulate extracellular matrix elements, increase growth factors, and modulate retinoid and rexinoid receptors provides a basis for the development of preparation containing BPE-CO2A as an antiageing/skin-repair agent.
Asymptotic Optimality of Combined Double Sequential Weighted Probability Ratio Test for Three Composite Hypotheses
Authors: Wang Lei , Pu Xiaolong , Li Yan
Published: March 2015

We propose the weighted expected sample size (WESS) to evaluate the overall performance on the indifference-zones for three composite hypotheses’ testing problem. Based on minimizing the WESS to control the expected sample sizes, a new sequential test is developed by utilizing two double sequential weighted probability ratio tests (2-SWPRTs) simultaneously. It is proven that the proposed test has a finite stopping time and is asymptotically optimal in the sense of asymptotically minimizing not only the expected sample size but also any positive moment of the stopping time on the indifference-zones under some mild conditions. Simulation studies illustrate that the proposed test has the smallest WESS and relative mean index (RMI) compared with Sobel-Wald and Whitehead-Brunier tests.
Decoupled Closed-Form Solution for Humanoid Lower Limb Kinematics
Authors: Said Alejandro , Rodriguez-Leal Ernesto , Soto Rogelio , Gordillo J. L. , Garrido Leonardo
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an explicit, omnidirectional, analytical, and decoupled closed-form solution for the lower limb kinematics of the humanoid robot NAO. The paper starts by decoupling the position and orientation analysis from the overall Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) transformation matrices. Here, the joint activation sequence for the DH matrices is based on the geometry of a triangle. Furthermore, the implementation of a forward and a reversed kinematic analysis for the support and swing phase equations is developed to avoid matrix inversion. The allocation of constant transformations allows the position and orientation end-coordinate systems to be aligned with each other. Also, the redefinition of the DH transformations and the use of constraints allow decoupling the shared DOF between the legs and the torso. Finally, a geometric approach to avoid the singularities during the walking process is indicated. Numerical data is presented along with an experimental implementation to prove the validity of the analytical results.
Meningitis and Brain Abscess Presenting with Epistaxis in a Woman with Prior Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Cross Danielle , Jeanmonod Rebecca
Published: March 2015

It is estimated that more than 60% of people have epistaxis in their lifetimes, and as such it is a common complaint encountered in emergency medicine. Although epistaxis is usually self-limited and benign, it can occasionally be a sign of serious underlying pathology. We report a case of epistaxis secondary to invasive squamous cell cancer, ultimately leading to pneumocephalus and brain abscess. We recommend a low threshold for neuroimaging in patients with known prior head and neck cancers presenting with epistaxis, as even resolved epistaxis may be related to serious pathology.
Italian Validation of the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale
Authors: Solaro C. , Trabucco E. , Signori A. , Cella M. , Messmer Uccelli M. , Brichetto G. , Cavalla P. , Gironi M. , Patti F. , Prosperini L.
Published: March 2015

Objective. Gait impairment is commonly in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The 12-item MS walking scale (MSWS-12) assesses patients’ measurement of walking quality. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the MSWS-12 for the Italian population with MS.Methods. Six MS out-patient clinics across Italy enrolled subjects between June 2013 and December 2013. Construct validity of MSWS-12 was determined by examining correlations with the Italian version of the EDSS, the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).Results. 321 MS subjects were enrolled. Mean age was 47.55 years and mean disease duration was 13.8 years. Mean EDSS score was 4.46. 185 subjects had a relapsing-remitting course, 92 were secondary progressive, 43 were primary progressive, and 1 had a clinically isolated syndrome. The mean total score of the MSWS-12 was 49.6 (SD: 31) with values ranging between 0 and 100. Correlations between the MSWS-12 with age, disease duration, and disease course were found but not with gender. Values of the MSWS-12/IT were significantly related to EDSS (0.71), to the T25FW (0.65), and to the FSS (0.51).Conclusion. MSWS-12/IT has been adapted and validated, it is a reliable and reproducible scale for Italian patients with MS.
APOEGene Polymorphism and Risk of Coronary Stenosis in Pakistani Population
Authors: Cheema Asma Naseer , Bhatti Attya , Wang Xingbin , Ali Jabar , Bamne Mikhil N. , Demirci F. Yesim , Kamboh M. Ilyas
Published: March 2015

Genetic variation in lipid regulatory genes, particularlyAPOE, significantly influences the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to assess the association betweenAPOEpolymorphism and angiographically assessed coronary stenosis in Pakistani population. A total of 695 subjects (22.3% female, mean age =54±11years) presenting with chest pain were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. CAD stenosis/extent was assessed by angiography. Patients were classified as having severe stenosis (≥70%), moderate stenosis (30–69%), and mild stenosis (<30%). CAD patients with ≥70% stenosis (n=491) were further categorized based on possessing one, two, or three vessel diseases to assess the disease extent. Genomic DNA from leukocytes was isolated with DNA purification kit (Qiagen) andAPOEpolymorphisms (E2/E3/E4) were determined using TaqMan assays. Six hundred and seventy-two of 695 subjects were successfully genotyped. The frequency ofAPOE∗4carriers (3/4 and 4/4 genotypes) was significantly higher in severe stenosis group (≥70%) as compared to mild group (<30%) (22.8% versus 13.01%;P=0.01). In multiple regression, the odds ratio forAPOE∗4carriers to develop ≥70% stenosis was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.29–3.79;P<0.005). In conclusion, the presence ofAPOE∗4allele is a significant risk factor to develop severe coronary stenosis (>70%) among Pakistanis.
Dissipation and Residues of Thiram in Potato and Soil
Authors: Liu Shaowen , Bai Aijuan , Zhou Li , Yu Chuanshan , Li Yanjie , Fan Sufang , Pan Canping
Published: March 2015

The residue levels of thiram during potato cultivation in open field were evaluated. Thiram residues were determined by methylation derivation method with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Wettable powder (WP) formulation containing 25% thiram was applied at 2320 g active gradient hm−2(a.i. hm−2) dosage for the dissipation study. The decline rate in potato leave and soil followed first-order kinetics equation, and the half-life ranged from 2.8 to 5.4 days and 2.6 to 9.9 days, respectively. In terminal residue, the thiram was sprayed at 580 g a.i. hm−2(low concentration, recommended dosage) and 1160 g a.i. hm−2(high concentration, double of recommended dosage). The residues of thiram in potato and soil samples collected in the field at preharvest interval of 21 days and 30 days were all below 0.02 mg kg−1. The results show that thiram possesses low dietary risk in potato at harvest according to supervised residue field trial. It may be safe when used at recommended rate of application.
Detection of T91 Steel Corrosion with a Fe3+-Enhanced Fluorescence Probe
Authors: Xia Tie Feng , Zhang Li , Zhang Da Quan , Gao Li Xin
Published: March 2015

We study a rhodamine-based fluorescent compound (FD2) as corrosion indicator for T91 steel in 3% NaCl solution. FD2 has a desirable property of “turn-on” fluorescence emission via forming a complex with Fe3+ions. The varying of fluorescence intensity is linked to that of weight-loss of T91 steel. Early attack on T91 steel was detected using fluorescence microscopy. This nondestructive method of initial corrosion detection can be used during maintenance before serious damage happens.
Soil Microbial Community Structure and Target Organisms under Different Fumigation Treatments
Authors: Dangi Sadikshya R. , Gerik James S. , Tirado-Corbalá Rebecca , Ajwa Husein
Published: March 2015

Producers of several high-value crops in California rely heavily on soil fumigants to control key diseases, nematodes, and weeds. Fumigants with broad biocidal activity can affect both target and nontarget soil microorganisms. The ability of nontarget soil microorganisms to recover after fumigation treatment is critical because they play an important role in sustaining the health of agricultural and natural soil systems. Fumigation trial was conducted in Parlier, CA, and the study focuses on the effects of different rates of Telone C35 and also methyl bromide fumigation with polyethylene (PE) and totally impermeable film (TIF) tarps on target and nontarget soil microorganisms using field samples. Results indicated that the populations of target organisms, such asFusarium oxysporumandPythiumspp., were reduced at all rates of fumigants. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis indicated that all major nontarget soil microbial groups such as Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, fungi, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were affected by methyl bromide (MeBr) fumigation treatment. In general, the effects of Telone C35 (299 L/ha) under PE tarp had the least impact on microbial community structure and better effect on controlling target microorganisms and, therefore, indicated the better option among fumigation treatments.
Stabilisation of Discrete-Time Piecewise Homogeneous Markov Jump Linear System with Imperfect Transition Probabilities
Authors: Zhai Ding , An Liwei , Li Jinghao , Zhang Qingling
Published: March 2015

This paper is devoted to investigating the stability and stabilisation problems for discrete-time piecewise homogeneous Markov jump linear system with imperfect transition probabilities. A sufficient condition is derived to ensure the considered system to be stochastically stable. Moreover, the corresponding sufficient condition on the existence of a mode-dependent and variation-dependent state feedback controller is derived to guarantee the stochastic stability of the closed-loop system, and a new method is further proposed to design a static output feedback controller by introducing additional slack matrix variables to eliminate the equation constraint on Lyapunov matrix. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Reducing Computational Overhead by Improving the CRI and IRI Implication Step
Authors: Vo Thoai Phu , Chen Joy Iong-Zong
Published: March 2015

In conventional SISO fuzzy expert systems (n-element input,m-element output), the implication step requires theO(n×m)operations using compositional rule-based inference (CRI) and individual rule-based inference (IRI). However, this introduces excessive complexity. This paper proposes two methods, sort compositional rule-based inference (SCRI) and sort individual rule-based inference (SIRI) aiming at reducing both temporal and spatial complexity by changing the operation of the implication step toO((n+m)log2(n+m)). We also propose a divide-and-conquer technique, called Quicksort, to verify the accuracy of SCRI and SIRI algorithms deployment to easily outperform the CRI and IRI methods.
Advances in the Research and Development of Natural Health Products as Main Stream Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Ovadje Pamela , Roma Alessia , Steckle Matthew , Nicoletti Leah , Arnason John Thor , Pandey Siyaram
Published: March 2015

Natural health products (NHPs) are defined as natural extracts containing polychemical mixtures; they play a leading role in the discovery and development of drugs, for disease treatment. More than 50% of current cancer therapeutics are derived from natural sources. However, the efficacy of natural extracts in treating cancer has not been explored extensively. Scientific research into the validity and mechanism of action of these products is needed to develop NHPs as main stream cancer therapy. The preclinical and clinical validation of NHPs would be essential for this development. This review summarizes some of the recent advancements in the area of NHPs with anticancer effects. This review also focuses on various NHPs that have been studied to scientifically validate their claims as anticancer agents. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the efficacy of these NHPs in targeting the multiple vulnerabilities of cancer cells for a more selective efficacious treatment. The studies reviewed here have paved the way for the introduction of more NHPs from traditional medicine to the forefront of modern medicine, in order to provide alternative, safer, and cheaper complementary treatments for cancer therapy and possibly improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Estimation of an Optimal Chemotherapy Utilisation Rate for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers: Setting an Evidence-Based Benchmark for the Best-Quality Cancer Care
Authors: Ng Weng , Jacob Susannah , Delaney Geoff , Do Viet , Barton Michael
Published: March 2015

Aims. The proportion of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers that received chemotherapy varies widely in Australia and internationally, indicating a need for a benchmark rate of chemotherapy utilisation. We developed evidence-based models for upper gastrointestinal cancers to estimate the optimal chemotherapy utilisation rates that can serve as useful benchmarks for measuring and improving the quality of care.Materials and Methods. Optimal chemotherapy utilisation models for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and primary liver were constructed using indications for chemotherapy identified from evidence-based guidelines.Results. Based on the best available evidence, the optimal proportion of upper gastrointestinal cancers that should receive chemotherapy at least once during the course of the patients’ illness was estimated to be 79% for oesophageal cancer, 83% for gastric cancer, 35% for pancreatic cancer, 80% for gallbladder cancer, and 27% for primary liver cancer.Conclusions. The reported chemotherapy utilisation rates for upper gastrointestinal cancers (with the exception of primary liver cancer) appear to be substantially lower than the estimated optimal rates suggesting that chemotherapy may be underutilised. Further studies to elucidate the reasons for the potential underutilisation of chemotherapy in upper gastrointestinal tumours are required to bridge the gap between the ideal and actual practice identified.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Simvastatin and Role of Ciprofloxacin and Amlodipine Coadministration
Authors: De Schryver Nicolas , Wittebole Xavier , Van den Bergh Peter , Haufroid Vincent , Goffin Eric , Hantson Philippe
Published: March 2015

Simvastatin is among the most commonly used prescription medications for cholesterol reduction and the most common statin-related adverse drug reaction is skeletal muscle toxicity. Multiple factors have been shown to influence simvastatin-induced myopathy. In addition to age, gender, ethnicity, genetic predisposition, and dose, drug-drug interactions play a major role. This is particularly true for drugs that are extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4. We describe a particularly severe case of rhabdomyolysis after the introduction of ciprofloxacin, a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, in a patient who previously tolerated the simvastatin-amlodipine combination.
Preliminary Investigation concerning Metals Bioavailability in Waters of Aries River Catchment by Using the Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Technique
Authors: Senila Marin , Levei Erika Andrea , Senila Lacrimioara Ramona , Roman Marius
Published: March 2015

The paper presents the metals content and bioavailability in waters of Aries River catchment, Romania. Concentration of labile dissolved metal species measured by diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT), metals in colloidal and in particulate phases, and also general physical-chemical indicators of water were determined. Very high total metal concentrations were found in the tributaries that drain the mining areas. However, the influence of the polluted tributaries on the Aries River water quality was moderate, as a consequence of the tributaries low flow rate compared with that of the Aries River. Using the DGT technique the bioavailable metals fractions expressed as % of total dissolved metals concentrations were found to be 28–88% for Cu, 43–72% for Zn, 73–85% for Fe, and 33–70% for Mn. Depending on the used method for dissolved metals determination the classification of waters according to quality classes may differ. Excluding the colloidal metal fractions, DGT measures only truly dissolved metal concentrations. In cases with very high metal contamination the differences between total dissolved and DGT-labile concentrations are unimportant for waters classification. However, where the metals concentration is near the thresholds values the determination method is very important.
Limited Effects of aneIF2αS51AAllele on Neurological Impairments in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Paesler Katharina , Xie Kan , Hettich Moritz M. , Siwek Magdalena E. , Ryan Devon P. , Schröder Susanne , Papazoglou Anna , Broich Karl , Müller Ralf , Trog Astrid , Garthe Alexander , Kempermann Gerd , Weiergräber Marco , Ehninger Dan
Published: March 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been associated with increased phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor 2α(eIF2α) at serine 51. Increased phosphorylation of eIF2αalters translational control and may thereby have adverse effects on synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. To analyze if increased levels of p-eIF2αindeed promote AD-related neurocognitive impairments, we crossed 5xFAD transgenic mice with aneIF2αS51Aknock-in line that expresses the nonphosphorylatable eIF2αvarianteIF2αS51A. Behavioral assessment of the resulting mice revealed motor and cognitive deficits in 5xFAD mice that were, with the possible exception of locomotor hyperactivity, not restored by theeIF2αS51Aallele. Telemetric intracranial EEG recordings revealed no measurable effects of theeIF2αS51Aallele on 5xFAD-associated epileptic activity. Microarray-based transcriptome analyses showed clear transcriptional alterations in 5xFAD hippocampus that were not corrected by theeIF2αS51Aallele. In contrast to prior studies, our immunoblot analyses did not reveal increased levels of p-eIF2αin the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice, suggesting that elevated p-eIF2αlevels are not a universal feature of AD models. Collectively, our data indicate that 5xFAD-related pathologies do not necessarily require hyperphosphorylation of eIF2αto emerge; they also show that heterozygosity for the nonphosphorylatableeIF2αS51Aallele has limited effects on 5xFAD-related disease manifestations.
Prevalence and Prognostic Implications of Vitamin D Deficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Obi Yoshitsugu , Hamano Takayuki , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: March 2015

Vitamin D is an important nutrient involved in bone mineral metabolism, and vitamin D status is reflected by serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and nutritional vitamin D supplementation decreases elevated parathyroid hormone concentrations in subgroups of these patients. Furthermore, vitamin D is supposed to have pleiotropic effects on various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, infectious diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Indeed, there is cumulative evidence showing the associations of low vitamin D with the development and progression of CKD, cardiovascular complication, and high mortality. Recently, genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D-binding protein have received great attention because they largely affect bioavailable 25(OH)D concentrations. This finding suggests that the serum total 25(OH)D concentrations would not be comparable among different gene polymorphisms and thus may be inappropriate as an index of vitamin D status. This finding may refute the conventional definition of vitamin D status based solely on serum total 25(OH)D concentrations.
Oleophobic Modification of Hollow Glass Microspheres and Its Effect on the Foaming Capacity and Stability of Foam Extinguishing Agent
Authors: Tang Baohua , Wu Zhaoliang
Published: March 2015

We utilized tridecafluorooctyltriethoxysilane (F8261) for the surface modification of hollow glass microspheres (HGM). We then measured the contact angles and the residing time of oil droplets on the HGM surface under different conditions and investigated the effects of the modifier concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature, and other factors on the outcomes of the modification reaction. We also compared the effects of HGM on the expansion ratio and 25% drainage time of protein foam liquid before and after the modification treatment and investigated the effects of HGM surface oleophobic modification on the foaming capacity and stability of foam extinguishing agent. The results showed that when the F8261 concentration was 1.0%, the temperature was 60°C, and the ultrasound treatment time was 2.0 h, the contact angle was up to 132.5°, the oleophobic property of HGM could be significantly enhanced, and the foaming capacity and the oil surface stability were significantly improved by the oleophobic modification.
Laparoscopic Resection of an Intra-Abdominal Esophageal Duplication Cyst: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Watanobe Ikuo , Ito Yuzuru , Akimoto Eigo , Sekine Yuuki , Haruyama Yurie , Amemiya Kota , Kawano Fumihiro , Fujita Shohei , Omori Satoshi , Miyano Shozo , Kosaka Taijiro , Machida Michio , Kitabatake Toshiaki , Kojima Kuniaki , Sakaguchi Asumi , Ogura Kanako , Matsumoto Toshiharu
Published: March 2015

Duplication of the alimentary tract is a rare congenital malformation that occurs most often in the abdominal region, whereas esophageal duplication cyst develops typically in the thoracic region but occasionally in the neck and abdominal regions. Esophageal duplication cyst is usually diagnosed in early childhood because of symptoms related to bleeding, infection, and displacement of tissue surrounding the lesion. We recently encountered a rare adult case of esophageal duplication cyst in the abdominal esophagus. A 50-year-old man underwent gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to investigate epigastric pain and dysphagia that started 3 months earlier. Imaging findings suggested esophageal duplication cyst, and the patient underwent laparoscopic resection followed by intraoperative esophagoscopy to reconstruct the esophagus safely and effectively. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed two layers of smooth muscle in the cystic wall, confirming the diagnosis of esophageal duplication cyst.
Hic-5 Mediates TGFβ–Induced Adhesion in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by a Nox4-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Fernandez Isabel , Martin-Garrido Abel , Zhou Dennis W. , Clempus Roza E. , Seidel-Rogol Bonnie , Valdivia Alejandra , Lassègue Bernard , García Andrés J. , Griendling Kathy K. , San Martin Alejandra
Published: March 2015

Objective—

Focal adhesions (FAs) link the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and as such play important roles in growth, migration, and contractile properties of vascular smooth muscle cells. Recently, it has been shown that downregulation of Nox4, a transforming growth factor (TGF) β-inducible, hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
)–producing enzyme, affects the number of FAs. However, the effectors downstream of Nox4 that mediate FA regulation are unknown. The FA resident protein H
2
O
2
-inducible clone (Hic)-5 is H
2
O
2
and TGFβ inducible, and a binding partner of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 27. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism, by which Hic-5 and Hsp27 participate in TGFβ-induced, Nox4-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion and migration.

Approach and Results—

Through a combination of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, we found that TGFβ, by a Nox4-dependent mechanism, induces the expression and interaction of Hic-5 and Hsp27, which is essential for Hic-5 localization to FAs. Importantly, we found that Hic-5 expression is required for the TGFβ-mediated increase in FA number, adhesive forces and migration. Mechanistically, Nox4 downregulation impedes Smad (small body size and mothers against decapentaplegic) signaling by TGFβ, and Hsp27 and Hic-5 upregulation by TGFβ is blocked in small body size and mothers against decapentaplegic 4–deficient cells.

Conclusions—

Hic-5 and Hsp27 are effectors of Nox4 required for TGFβ-stimulated FA formation, adhesion strength and migration in vascular smooth muscle cell.
Nonbiased Molecular Screening Identifies Novel Molecular Regulators of Fibrogenic and Proliferative Signaling in Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Thalji Nassir M. , Hagler Michael A. , Zhang Heyu , Casaclang-Verzosa Grace , Nair Asha A. , Suri Rakesh M. , Miller Jordan D.
Published: March 2015

Background—

Pathological processes underlying myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) remain poorly understood. We sought to identify novel mechanisms contributing to the development of this condition.

Methods and Results—

Microarrays were used to measure gene expression in 11 myxomatous and 11 nonmyxomatous human mitral valves. Differential gene expression (thresholds
P
<0.05; fold-change >1.5) and pathway activation (Ingenuity) were confirmed using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Contributions of bone morphogenetic protein 4 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 to differential gene expression were evaluated in vitro. Contributions of angiotensin II to differential pathway activation were examined in mice in vivo. A total of 2602 genes were differentially expressed between myxomatous and nonmyxomatous valves. Canonical TGF-β signaling was increased in MMVD because of increased ligand expression and derepression of SMA mothers against decapentaplegic 2/3 signaling and was confirmed with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Myxomatous valves demonstrated activation of canonical bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and upregulation of their common target runt-related transcription factor 2. Our data set provided transcriptional and immunohistochemical evidence for activated immune cell infiltration. In vitro treatment of mitral valve interstitial cells with TGF-β2 increased β-catenin signaling at mRNA and protein levels, suggesting interactions between TGF-β2 and Wnt signaling. In vivo infusion of mice with angiotensin II recaptured several changes in signaling pathways characteristic of human MMVD.

Conclusions—

These data support a new disease framework whereby activation of TGF-β2, bone morphogenetic protein 4, Wnt/β-catenin, or immune signaling plays major roles in the pathogenesis of MMVD. We propose these pathways act in a context-dependent manner to drive phenotypic changes that fundamentally differ from those observed in aortic valve disease and open novel avenues guiding future research into the pathogenesis of MMVD.
Genetic Variations in MicroRNA-Binding Sites Affect MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Several Genes Associated With Cardio-metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Ghanbari Mohsen , Franco Oscar H. , de Looper Hans W.J. , Hofman Albert , Erkeland Stefan J. , Dehghan Abbas
Published: March 2015

Background—

Genome-wide association studies enabled us to discover a large number of variants and genomic loci contributing to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. However, because the vast majority of the identified variants are thought to merely be proxies for other functional variants, the causal mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We hypothesized that the part of the functional variants involved in deregulating cardiometabolic genes is located in microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites.

Methods and Results—

Using the largest genome-wide association studies available on glycemic indices, lipid traits, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, coronary artery diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, we identified 11 067 variants that are associated with cardiometabolic phenotypes. Of these, 230 variants are located within miRNA-binding sites in the 3′-untranslated region of 155 cardiometabolic genes. Thirty-seven of 230 variants were found to fulfill our predefined criteria for being functional in their genomic loci. Ten variants were subsequently selected for experimental validation based on genome-wide association studies results, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses, and coexpression of their host genes and regulatory miRNAs in relevant tissues. Luciferase reporter assays revealed an allele-specific regulation of genes hosting the variants by miRNAs. These cotransfection experiments showed that rs174545 (
FADS1
:miR-181a-2), rs1059611 (
LPL
:miR-136), rs13702 (
LPL
:miR-410), rs1046875 (
FN3KRP
:miR-34a), rs7956 (
MKRN2
:miR-154), rs3217992 (
CDKN2B
:miR-138-2-3p), and rs11735092 (
HSD17B13
:miR-375) decrease or abrogate miRNA-dependent regulation of the genes. Conversely, 2 variants, rs6857 (
PVRL2
:miR-320e) and rs907091 (
IKZF3
:miR-326), were shown to enhance the activity of miRNAs on their host genes.

Conclusions—

We provide evidence for a model in which polymorphisms in miRNA-binding sites can both positively and negatively affect miRNA-mediated regulation of cardiometabolic genes.
“String Theory” of c-kit
pos
Cardiac Cells
Authors: Keith Matthew C.L. , Bolli Roberto
Published: March 2015

Although numerous preclinical investigations have consistently demonstrated salubrious effects of c-kit
pos
cardiac cells administered after myocardial infarction, the mechanism of action remains highly controversial. We and others have found little or no evidence that these cells differentiate into mature functional cardiomyocytes, suggesting paracrine effects. In this review, we propose a new paradigm predicated on a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including studies of cardiac development; we have (facetiously) dubbed this conceptual construct “string theory” of c-kit
pos
cardiac cells because it reconciles multifarious and sometimes apparently discrepant results. There is strong evidence that, during development, the c-kit receptor is expressed in different pools of cardiac progenitors (some capable of robust cardiomyogenesis and others with little or no contribution to myocytes). Accordingly, c-kit positivity, in itself, does not define the embryonic origins, lineage capabilities, or differentiation capacities of specific cardiac progenitors. C-kit
pos
cells derived from the first heart field exhibit cardiomyogenic potential during development, but these cells are likely depleted shortly before or after birth. The residual c-kit
pos
cells found in the adult heart are probably of proepicardial origin, possess a mesenchymal phenotype (resembling bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells), and are capable of contributing significantly only to nonmyocytic lineages (fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells). If these 2 populations (first heart field and proepicardium) express different levels of c-kit, the cardiomyogenic potential of first heart field progenitors might be reconciled with recent results of c-kit
pos
cell lineage tracing studies. The concept that c-kit expression in the adult heart identifies epicardium-derived, noncardiomyogenic precursors with a mesenchymal phenotype helps to explain the beneficial effects of c-kit
pos
cell administration to ischemically damaged hearts despite the observed paucity of cardiomyogenic differentiation of these cells.
Four-Year Follow-Up of Transient Ischemic Attacks, Strokes, and Mimics
Authors: Dutta Dipankar , Bowen Emily , Foy Chris
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

There is limited information on outcomes from rapid access transient ischemic attack (TIA) clinics. We present 4-year outcomes of TIAs, strokes, and mimics from a UK TIA clinic database.

Methods—

All patients referred between April 2010 and May 2012 were retrospectively identified and outcomes determined. End points were stroke, myocardial infarction, any vascular event (TIA, stroke, or myocardial infarction), and all-cause death. Data were analyzed by survival analysis.

Results—

Of 1067 patients, 31.6% were TIAs, 18% strokes, and 50.4% mimics. Median assessment time was 4.5 days from onset and follow-up was for 34.9 months. Subsequent strokes occurred in 7.1% of patients with TIA, 10.9% of patients with stroke, and 2.0% of mimics at the end of follow-up. Stroke risk at 90 days was 1.3% for patients diagnosed as TIA or stroke. Compared with mimics, hazard ratios for subsequent stroke were 3.88 (1.90–7.91) for TIA and 5.84 (2.81–12.11) for stroke. Hazard ratio for any subsequent vascular event was 2.91 (1.97–4.30) for TIA and 2.83 (1.81–4.41) for stroke. Hazard ratio for death was 1.68 (1.10–2.56) for TIA and 2.19 (1.38–3.46) for stroke.

Conclusions—

Our results show a lower 90-day stroke incidence after TIA or minor stroke than in earlier studies, suggesting that rapid access daily TIA clinics may be having a significant effect on reducing strokes.
Using Creative Process to Guide Integrated Art and Engineering Courses
Authors: Fantauzza Jill
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the design of two university courses that integrated practices and processes from the visual arts and engineering. In both cases, patterns of creative process were used as a means of integration. Researchers found that by focusing on process as a way to structure the integration of these two disciplines, students were able to create emergent, hybrid artifacts along the spectrum between art and engineering, beyond the range of their previous work. Creative process became the backbone that allowed students to integrate knowledge, materials, techniques, and culture across the art and engineering disciplines.
Art Curriculum in Partnership with Canadian Physics Lab
Authors: Koenig Ingrid
Published: March 2015

When art students at Emily Carr University take a hybrid humanities/studio class with a scientific theme, they are challenged to materially transform abstract concepts. Students interact with physicists and make work on site at TRIUMF, Canada’s National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. Strategies for art and science partnership models are tested in a curricular Transformation Art Lab as well as the RAW DATA project, where students view studio faculty struggling with similar challenges.
The Transdisciplinary Cloud Curriculum
Authors: Thomas Paul
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the author looks at the evidence from the international Leonardo Education and Arts Forum on art/science cloud curriculum workshops he instigated in Copenhagen and Prague in 2012. These workshops discussed the aims of affecting a shift in perception toward a foundational understanding of new paradigms for research and learning that challenge and transcend disciplinary boundaries. The curriculum privileged a metacognitive interrogation of content and (re)visioning of traditional disciplinary research methodologies using a syncretic integration of heuristic and practice-based inquiry.
Physical Aesthetics: An Introductory Physics Course Through Metaphor
Authors: Zides Steven
Published: March 2015

At liberal arts institutions, physics faculty struggle with the daunting task of creating a Bachelor of Arts physics offering (often referred to as Physics for Poets) that is both engaging and approachable. Over the past several years, the author has worked toward a new educational paradigm that presents introductory physics as a set of physical metaphors rather than an incomplete collage of problem-solving equations. By engaging the physical metaphors from both traditional physics and art historical viewpoints, students are forced to integrate two seemingly disparate sets of information into a cohesive knowledge base.
The Effect of Immediate and Lifetime Experience of Reading Horizontal and Vertical Texts on Chinese Speakers’ Temporal Orientation
Authors: Chen Jenn-Yeu , Friedrich Michael , Shu Hua
Published: March 2015

The present study examined participants’ performance on a temporal judgment task while holding language constant but varying their lifetime and immediate reading experience of horizontal and vertical texts. Chinese participants from Taiwan and China were randomly assigned to a reading task involving horizontally or vertically arranged texts. A temporal judgment task (spatial-temporal association of response codes or starc) followed the reading task, asking the participants to judge if the event depicted in a second picture occurred earlier or later than that in a first picture. Responses were faster when the left keys represented the ‘earlier’ responses than when the right keys did (a starc effect). Half of the participants responded with horizontally oriented keys while the rest with vertically oriented keys. For the Taiwan participants, the overall starc effect was greater when the response keys were vertical than horizontal, but no difference was observed for the China participants. A questionnaire indicates that the two groups of participants had similar lifetime experiences of reading horizontal texts, but the Taiwan participants read vertical texts in their life far more frequently than the China participants. Immediate reading experiences interacted with lifetime experiences in modulating the vertical bias. For the Taiwan participants, the vertical bias was strong following the vertical prime, but disappeared following the horizontal prime. For the China participants, the horizontal prime led to no vertical bias whereas the vertical prime brought about a horizontal bias. We conclude that the directionality of orthography and speakers’ immediate and lifetime reading experiences can better explain the vertical bias (or the lack of it) in the Chinese speakers’ temporal thinking. The findings, however, may be interpreted as constituting a different manifestation of linguistic relativity and recast under a broader framework of the extended-mind hypothesis of human cognition.