bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of spectral resolution on listening effort revealed by pupil dilation
Authors: Winn Matthew , Edwards Jan R.
Published: November 2013

Poor spectral resolution is a consequence of cochlear hearing loss and remains arguably the primarily limiting factor in success with a cochlear implant. In addition to showing reduced success on word recognition compared to their normal-hearing peers, listeners with hearing impairment also are reported to exert greater effort in everyday listening, leading to difficulties at the workplace and in social settings. Pupil dilation is an index of cognitive effort in various tasks, including speech perception. In this study, spectral resolution was explicitly controlled for in listeners with normal hearing using a noise vocoder with variable number of processing channels. Pupil dilation during a sentence listening and repetition task revealed a systematic relationship between spectral resolution and listening effort; as resolution grew poorer, effort increased. Significant changes in listening effort belie the notion of “ceiling” performance in degraded conditions; listeners are able to achieve success in the face of signal degradation at least partly on behalf of extra effort required to listen. We provide a model by which interventions for clinical populations (e.g., processing strategies) can be evaluated on the basis of listening effort, beyond the conventional techniques of word and sentence recognition accuracy.
Neural plasticity in phonetic training of the /i-I/ contrast for adult Chinese speakers
Authors: Cheng Bing , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2013

This study investigated neural plasticity associated with phonetic training using a software program developed after Zhang et al. [NeuroImage 46, 226–240 (2009)]. The target sounds were /i/ and /I/ in English, a non-phonemic contrast in Mandarin Chinese. The training program integrated four levels of spectro-temporal exaggerations, multi-talker variability, audio-visual presentation, and adaptive listening in seven sessions, each lasting about 15 min. The participants were ten adult Chinese English-as-a-second-language learners. Identical pre- and post-tests were administered one week before and after training. Behavioral measures included discrimination and identification tasks as well as formant analysis of vowel production. Event Related Potential (ERP) measures examined training-induced changes in the mismatch negativity (MMN) responses. The behavioral results showed significant improvement in identification and discrimination scores and a clear continuous-to-categorical perceptual shift, which were also reflected in the MMN responses for detecting the across- vs within-category differences at the pre-attentive level. There was also strong evidence for transfer of learning from trained to untrained stimuli as well as from perception to production. The results demonstrate the existence of substantial neural plasticity for speech learning in adulthood and provide further testimony for the efficacy of the adaptive audiovisual training method for promoting second language phonetic learning.
Laboratory measurements of sound speed and attenuation in sandy sediments
Authors: Huang Yi-Wang , Yang Shi-e , Li Qi , Yu Sheng-Qi , Wang Fei , Tang Dajun , Thorsos Eric I.
Published: November 2013

Marine sediments exist universally as the lower boundary for sound propagation in ocean waveguides, and knowledge of the properties of these sediments is important for accurate modeling of sound propagation and reverberation. In order to test theory predictions of the frequency dependence of sound speed and attenuation, it is necessary to have accurate information on the sediment properties, which is most easily done in a laboratory environment. Initial results reported here were done at high frequency in a small tank, as a preliminary step before making similar low frequency measurements in a much larger tank. A sandy sediment was used and the sound speed and attenuation were measured through different thicknesses of the sample. In the frequency range of 90–170 kHz, the measured sound speed was 1757–1767 m/s, and the attenuation was 22–30 dB/m. The sound speed dispersion was found to be very weak, as expected, and much smaller than the measurement uncertainty. The attenuation was found to increase approximately linearly with frequency. The measured sound speed agrees well with Biot theory predictions, while the measured attenuation is higher than Biot predictions, most likely because the measurement include effects such as volume scattering not taken into account in the theory.
Functional Interactions as Big Data in the Human Brain
Authors: Turk-Browne Nicholas B.
Published: October 2013

Noninvasive studies of human brain function hold great potential to unlock mysteries of the human mind. The complexity of data generated by such studies, however, has prompted various simplifying assumptions during analysis. Although this has enabled considerable progress, our current understanding is partly contingent upon these assumptions. An emerging approach embraces the complexity, accounting for the fact that neural representations are widely distributed, neural processes involve interactions between regions, interactions vary by cognitive state, and the space of interactions is massive. Because what you see depends on how you look, such unbiased approaches provide the greatest flexibility for discovery.
Oscillatory Control of Factors Determining Multipotency and Fate in Mouse Neural Progenitors
Authors: Imayoshi Itaru , Isomura Akihiro , Harima Yukiko , Kawaguchi Kyogo , Kori Hiroshi , Miyachi Hitoshi , Fujiwara Takahiro , Ishidate Fumiyoshi , Kageyama Ryoichiro
Published: November 2013

Oscillation Stabilizes the Progenitor State

Transcription factors regulate fate choice between different neural lineages, but the same transcription factors are also expressed in neural progenitor cells.

Imayoshi
et al.

(p.
1203
, published online 31 October) analyzed the details of expression of several transcription factors in mouse neural cells. In neural progenitor cells, several different transcription factors were expressed in an oscillatory manner, whereas differentiated neurons stably expressed a single lineage-specific factor.
Crystal Structure of a Soluble Cleaved HIV-1 Envelope Trimer
Authors: Julien Jean-Philippe , Cupo Albert , Sok Devin , Stanfield Robyn L. , Lyumkis Dmitry , Deller Marc C. , Klasse Per-Johan , Burton Dennis R. , Sanders Rogier W. , Moore John P. , Ward Andrew B. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: November 2013

Knowing the Enemy

Infection of host cells by HIV-1 is mediated by an envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimeric spike on the surface of the virus. Proteins comprising the Env trimer must be cleaved for infectivity, and thus viral fusion involves three Env conformations. The flexibility of the Env trimer has made it a challenge to determine a high-resolution structure, although such a structure is key both for understanding trimer function and for guiding vaccine design.

Lyumkis
et al.

(p.
1484
) and

Julien
et al.

(p.
1477
) studied soluble cleaved trimers stabilized by specific mutations but that have kept a near-native antigenicity profile. Lyumkis
et al.
present a high-resolution structure of the trimer in complex with a broadly neutralizing antibody, and Julien
et al.
present a crystal structure of the trimer in complex with another broadly neutralizing antibody.
Cryo-EM Structure of a Fully Glycosylated Soluble Cleaved HIV-1 Envelope Trimer
Authors: Lyumkis Dmitry , Julien Jean-Philippe , de Val Natalia , Cupo Albert , Potter Clinton S. , Klasse Per-Johan , Burton Dennis R. , Sanders Rogier W. , Moore John P. , Carragher Bridget , Wilson Ian A. , Ward Andrew B.
Published: November 2013

Knowing the Enemy

Infection of host cells by HIV-1 is mediated by an envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimeric spike on the surface of the virus. Proteins comprising the Env trimer must be cleaved for infectivity, and thus viral fusion involves three Env conformations. The flexibility of the Env trimer has made it a challenge to determine a high-resolution structure, although such a structure is key both for understanding trimer function and for guiding vaccine design.

Lyumkis
et al.

(p.
1484
) and

Julien
et al.

(p.
1477
) studied soluble cleaved trimers stabilized by specific mutations but that have kept a near-native antigenicity profile. Lyumkis
et al.
present a high-resolution structure of the trimer in complex with a broadly neutralizing antibody, and Julien
et al.
present a crystal structure of the trimer in complex with another broadly neutralizing antibody.
HIV Surface Proteins Finally Caught Going Au Naturel
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2013

Researchers studying HIV have finally engineered a "near native" version of its surface proteins, which promises to clarify the infection process and how to derail it.
Experiences of leaders in the implementation of Lean in a teaching hospital—barriers and facilitators in clinical practices: a qualitative study
Authors: Aij Kjeld Harald , Simons Frederique Elisabeth , Widdershoven Guy A M , Visse Merel
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To date, experiences of leaders in the implementation of Lean after a Lean Training Programme have not been systematically investigated within teaching hospitals. Existing studies have identified barriers and facilitators only from an improvement programme perspective and have not considered the experiences of leaders themselves. This study aims to bridge this gap.

Design

Semistructured, indepth interviews.

Setting

One of largest teaching hospitals in the Netherlands.

Participants

31 medical, surgical and nursing professionals with an average of 19.2 years of supervisory experience. All professionals were appointed to a Lean Training Programme and were directly involved in the implementation of Lean.

Results

The evidence obtained in this study shows that, from the perspectives of participants, leadership management support, a continuous learning environment and cross-departmental cooperation play a significant role in successful Lean implementation. The results suggest that a Lean Training Programme contributed to positive outcomes in personal and professional skills that were evident during the first 4 months after programme completion.

Conclusions

Implementing Lean in a teaching hospital setting is a challenge because of the ambiguous and complex environment of a highly professionalised organisation. The study found that leadership management support and a continuous learning environment are important facilitators of Lean implementation. To increase the successful outcomes of leadership actions, training should be supplemented with actions to remove perceived barriers. This requires the involvement of all professionals, the crossing of departmental boundaries and a focus on meaning-making processes rather than simply ‘implementing’ facts. Therefore, this research suggests that programme participants, such as staff members and leaders, can mutually explore the meanings of Lean thinking and working for their own contexts. By entering this shared learning process (eg, learning on the job) the ownership of Lean implementation could also increase.
Hospital charges associated with motorcycle crash factors: a quantile regression analysis
Authors: Olsen Cody S , Thomas Andrea M , Cook Lawrence J
Published: November 2013

Background

Previous studies of motorcycle crash (MC) related hospital charges use trauma registries and hospital records, and do not adjust for the number of motorcyclists not requiring medical attention. This may lead to conservative estimates of helmet use effectiveness.

Methods

MC records were probabilistically linked with emergency department and hospital records to obtain total hospital charges. Missing data were imputed. Multivariable quantile regression estimated reductions in hospital charges associated with helmet use and other crash factors.

Results

Motorcycle helmets were associated with reduced median hospital charges of $256 (42% reduction) and reduced 98th percentile of $32 390 (33% reduction). After adjusting for other factors, helmets were associated with reductions in charges in all upper percentiles studied. Quantile regression models described homogenous and heterogeneous associations between other crash factors and charges.

Conclusions

Quantile regression comprehensively describes associations between crash factors and hospital charges. Helmet use among motorcyclists is associated with decreased hospital charges.
Area deprivation, individual socioeconomic status and low vision in the EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study
Authors: Yip Jennifer L Y , Luben Robert , Hayat Shabina , Khawaja Anthony P , Broadway David C , Wareham Nick , Khaw K T , Foster Paul J
Published: November 2013

Background

Poor vision is associated with lower socioeconomic status, but less is known about its relationship to area deprivation.

Methods

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study Norfolk Eye Study was a cross-sectional study of 8563 participants with completed eye examinations. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA) was measured using standard protocols and low vision (LV) was defined as Snellen equivalent (VA) ≤6/12 in the better eye. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) was defined as improvement of VA by 2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution lines with pinhole. The lowest 5% of index of multiple deprivation rank was used to define the most deprived areas. The index of multiple deprivation is a composite measure using routine data from seven domains of deprivation to identify the most disadvantaged areas in England. Logistic regression was used to examine univariable and multivariable associations with LV.

Results

Ninety-six participants with missing data were excluded, leaving 8467 for analysis (98.9%). The mean age of the study group was 68.7 years (SD=8.1, range=48–92), with 55.1% women. LV was present in 263 participants (3.1%, 95% CI 2.7 to 3.5%). LV was associated with deprivation after adjusting for age, sex, education, social class and cataract surgery (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6, p=0.03), but this effect was mitigated by additionally adjusting for URE (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.4, p=0.09).

Conclusions

People with LV are more likely to live in the most deprived areas; this association was independent of socioeconomic status and partly mediated by URE. Targeting URE in deprived areas may reduce health inequalities associated with LV.
Muscle metabolism during fatiguing isometric quadriceps exercise in adolescents and adults
Authors: Willcocks Rebecca J. , Fulford Jonathan , Armstrong Neil , Barker Alan R. , Williams Craig A.
Published: November 2013

Children and adolescents are less susceptible to muscle fatigue during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise than adults, but the physiological basis for these differences is not clear. The purpose of the current investigation was to investigate the muscle metabolic responses, using 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, during fatiguing isometric quadriceps exercise in 13 adolescents (7 females) and 14 adults (8 females). Participants completed 30 maximal voluntary contractions (6-s duration) separated by 6 s of rest. Fatigue was quantified as the relative decrease in force over the test. Fatigue was not significantly different with age (p = 0.20) or sex (p = 0.63). Metabolic perturbation (change in phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate, and ADP concentrations) was significantly greater in adults compared with adolescents; no sex effects were present. Muscle pH did not differ with age or sex. Phosphocreatine recovery following exercise was not significantly different with age (p = 0.27) or sex (p = 0.97) but a significant interaction effect was present (p = 0.04). Recovery tended to be faster in boys than men but slower in girls than women, though no significant group differences were identified. The results of this study show that at a comparable level of muscle fatigue, the metabolic profile is profoundly different between adolescents and adults.
Integrating physiological, community, and evolutionary perspectives on the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Lekberg Ylva , Koide Roger T.
Published: October 2013

Our knowledge of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) function is largely based on results from short-term studies in controlled environments. While these have provided many important insights into the potential effects of the symbiosis on the two symbionts and their communities, they may have also inadvertently led to faulty assumptions about the function of the symbiosis in natural settings. Here we highlight the consequences of failing to consider the AM symbiosis from the perspectives of community ecology and evolutionary biology. Also, we argue that by distinguishing between physiological and evolutionary viewpoints, we may be able to resolve controversies regarding the mutualistic vs. parasitic nature of the symbiosis. Further, while most AM research has emphasized resource transfers, primarily phosphate and carbohydrate, our perceptions of parasitism, cheating, bet-hedging, and partner choice would most likely change if we considered other services. Finally, to gain a fuller understanding of the role of the AM symbiosis in nature, we need to better integrate physiological processes of plants and their AM fungi with their naturally occurring temporal and spatial patterns. It is our hope that this article will generate some fruitful discussions and make a contribution toward this end.
Irradiance-induced changes in hydraulic architecture
Authors: Hacke Uwe G.
Published: November 2013

The ability to acclimate to a range of light regimes is important, given that shady understory habitats can receive only a fraction of the light available at the top of the canopy. Sun and shade leaves are known to differ in their set of biochemical and morphological characteristics. In recent years, much has also been learned about the effect of shade on xylem structure and function. Several studies found that shaded plants had narrower xylem conduits than plants growing in full sun. Among the most notable responses induced by shade is a shift of xylem vulnerability to cavitation. Shaded plants are typically more vulnerable to cavitation than plants exposed to full light. This appears to coincide with the construction of weaker intervessel and intertracheid pit membranes in shade. Before entering and after exiting the xylem, water moves through living cells in roots and leaves, respectively. This nonvascular pathway can be modified by aquaporins. Rapid changes in root and leaf hydraulic conductance in response to changes in light and transpirational demand have been described. The role of aquaporins in these responses is discussed.
Study of dipolar association in polar–polar system of ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) and carboxylic acids vis-à-vis molecular interaction
Authors: Singh J. , Mohanty G.C. , Acharya S.
Published: November 2013

Dielectric constant of binary mixtures of ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) with some carboxylic acid, namely, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, is measured at 303.16 K and 455 kHz. The data are used to compute the mutual correlation factor, gab, excess molar polarization, ΔP, and excess Gibbs free energy, ΔG, of mixing to study the molecular interaction. The study reveals that interaction is maximum in EMK + butyric acid system and microheterogeneous β-clusters with antiparallel orientation of dissimilar molecules predominate in it.
STUDIES OF THE OPTICAL SPECTRA AND EPR PARAMETERS FOR Dy3+ ION IN CaMoO4 CRYSTAL
Authors: XIE GUO-YA , LIU XIAN-RONG
Published: November 2013

CaMoO 4: Dy 3+ used as solid-state laser single crystal, which operate in the yellow region, have important technological applications. In this paper, based on the crystal-field theory, the optical spectra of Dy 3+ in CaMoO 4 crystal are calculated by diagonalizing the 42 × 42 energy matrix. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters g factors g‖ and g⊥ and hyperfine structure constants A‖ and A⊥ of 161 Dy 3+ and 163 Dy 3+ isotopes in CaMoO 4 crystal are investigated using the perturbation formulas of the 4f9 ion in tetragonal symmetry. The needed crystal parameters are determined from the superposition model and the local structure of the studied system. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental values.
A NEW HYBRID MCDM MODEL COMBINING DANP WITH VIKOR FOR THE SELECTION OF LOCATION — REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE SERVICES
Authors: LEE WEN-SHIUNG
Published: October 2013

Real estate brokerage services have developed from individual stores into a chain-store system, and the location of those stores plays a key role in their operation. The purpose of this study is to define and quantify the factors that affect the selection of a site for real estate brokerage services. Mutual relationships between the factors and sub-factors for site selection and their relative weights are also discussed to provide a complete set of decision evaluation models, then how to reduce the gaps to achieve the aspiration level. This research uses a new hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model, combining the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP), and VIšekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) methods to solve these problems. The DEMATEL technique is used to build an influential network relations map, and DANP is expected to obtain the influential weights using the basic concept of Analytic Network Process (ANP), to solve the dependence and feedback problems in the real world. Then, the VIKOR method is used to integrate the performance gaps from criteria to dimensions and overall. As the result shows, there is an interactive and auto-feedback relationship among the four dimensions. Among the 11 evaluation criteria, the income and consumption level is the most important consideration for selection of the site. The number and density of population ranks second in this regard. This study uses VIKOR method for selection of the best site, among three potential sites. Site A is closest to the aspiration level. Site A is better in this regard than the other two sites. The study develops and provides a decision-making system for the site selection in the real estate brokerage services.
Dislocation mechanism of ferroelectric fatigue during multiple switching
Authors: Sidorkin A. S.
Published: November 2013

The paper is concerned with the characteristic features of the dislocation mechanism related to fatigue in ferroelectrics in the process of their repeated switching. In a polarized crystal, dislocations possess a charge the sign of which depends on the orientation of the spontaneous polarization vector relative to the dislocation line. In the process of hysteresis switching, the average force from the applied field acting on a charged dislocation for one period of the hysteresis loop is not equal to zero. Such long-acting force leads to the accumulation of defects near the surface, which can fix a polarization and so partially remove it from the switching process. The proposed mechanism explains the key dependences of the critical number of switching cycles on the field amplitude, frequency and temperature of the sample.
The influence of aggregate texture, morphology and grading on the carbonation of non-hydraulic (aerial) lime-based mortars
Authors: Arizzi A. , Cultrone G.
Published: November 2013

This paper reports on investigations of the influence of the texture, morphology and grading of fine aggregates on the microstructure and macroscopic properties of aerial lime-based mortars. To understand the role of the aggregate in the outcome of the carbonation process, mortars set with two aggregates were cured for 2 years under standard conditions and studied at different time intervals by means of textural and mineralogical analyses and hygric and physical–mechanical tests. Both the initial and further development of the mortar properties are strongly influenced by compositional and textural differences induced by the type of aggregate used. Results show that a calcareous aggregate with continuous grading, consisting of sub-angular grains with a rough surface, induced better textural and physical–mechanical properties than a siliceous aggregate, with polished surface grains and less continuous grading. The use of a calcareous aggregate also provided compositional continuity between the binder and aggregate, apparently promoting further improvement in carbonation and physical–mechanical properties. Further work to quantify this influence is recommended.
Cholecystokinin and pancreatic cancer: the chicken or the egg?
Authors: Smith Jill P. , Solomon Travis E.
Published: November 2013

The gastrointestinal peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) causes the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and growth of the normal pancreas. Exogenous CCK administration has been used in animal models to study pancreatitis and also as a promoter of carcinogen-induced or Kras-driven pancreatic cancer. Defining CCK receptors in normal human pancreas has been problematic because of its retroperitoneal location, high concentrations of pancreatic proteases, and endogenous RNase. Most studies indicate that the predominant receptor in human pancreas is the CCK-B type, and CCK-A is the predominant form in rodent pancreas. In pancreatic cancer cells and tumors, the role of CCK is better established because receptors are often overexpressed by these cancer cells and stimulation of such receptors promotes growth. Furthermore, in established cancer, endogenous production of CCK and/or gastrin occurs and their actions stimulate the synthesis of more receptors plus growth by an autocrine mechanism. Initially it was thought that the mechanism by which CCK served to potentiate carcinogenesis was by interplay with inflammation in the pancreatic microenvironment. But with the recent findings of CCK receptors on early PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) lesions and on stellate cells, the question has been raised that perhaps CCK actions are not the result of cancer but an early driving promoter of cancer. This review will summarize what is known regarding CCK, its receptors, and pancreatic cancer, and also what is unknown and requires further investigation to determine which comes first, the chicken or the egg, “CCK or the cancer.”
Role of ASIC1 in the development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Nitta Carlos H. , Osmond David A. , Herbert Lindsay M. , Beasley Britta F. , Resta Thomas C. , Walker Benjimen R. , Jernigan Nikki L.
Published: November 2013

Chronic hypoxia (CH) associated with respiratory disease results in elevated pulmonary vascular intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which elicits enhanced vasoconstriction and promotes vascular arterial remodeling and thus has important implications in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) contributes to this elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration and has also been linked to acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Since our laboratory has recently demonstrated an important role for acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) in mediating SOCE, we hypothesized that ASIC1 contributes to both HPV and the development of CH-induced PH. To test this hypothesis, we examined responses to acute hypoxia in isolated lungs and assessed the effects of CH on indexes of PH, arterial remodeling, and vasoconstrictor reactivity in wild-type (ASIC1+/+) and ASIC1 knockout (ASIC1−/−) mice. Restoration of ASIC1 expression in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from ASIC1−/− mice rescued SOCE, confirming the requirement for ASIC1 in this response. HPV responses were blunted in lungs from ASIC1−/− mice. Both SOCE and receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, along with agonist-dependent vasoconstrictor responses, were diminished in small pulmonary arteries from control ASIC−/− mice compared with ASIC+/+ mice. The effects of CH to augment receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor and SOCE responses in vessels from ASIC1+/+ mice were not observed after CH in ASIC1−/− mice. In addition, ASIC1−/− mice exhibited diminished right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial remodeling in response to CH compared with ASIC1+/+ mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate an important role for ASIC1 in both HPV and the development of CH-induced PH.
Effects of exercise training on tumor hypoxia and vascular function in the rodent preclinical orthotopic prostate cancer model
Authors: McCullough Danielle J. , Nguyen Linda M.-D. , Siemann Dietmar W. , Behnke Bradley J.
Published: November 2013

Regular physical exercise is considered to be an integral component of cancer care strategies. However, the effect of exercise training on tumor microvascular oxygenation, hypoxia, and vascular function, all of which can affect the tumor microenvironment, remains unknown. Using an orthotopic preclinical model of prostate cancer, we tested the hypotheses that, after exercise training, in the tumor, there would be an enhanced microvascular Po2, increased number of patent vessels, and reduced hypoxia. We also investigated tumor resistance artery contractile properties. Dunning R-3327 AT-1 tumor cells (104) were injected into the ventral prostate of 4–5-mo-old male Copenhagen or Nude rats, which were randomly assigned to tumor-bearing exercise trained (TB-Ex trained; n = 15; treadmill exercise for 5–7 wk) or sedentary groups (TB-Sedentary; n = 12). Phosphorescence quenching was used to measure tumor microvascular Po2, and Hoechst-33342 and EF-5 were used to measure patent vessels and tumor hypoxia, respectively. Tumor resistance artery function was assessed in vitro using the isolated microvessel technique. Compared with sedentary counterparts, tumor microvascular Po2 increased ∼100% after exercise training (TB-Sedentary, 6.0 ± 0.3 vs. TB-Ex Trained, 12.2 ± 1.0 mmHg, P < 0.05). Exercise training did not affect the number of patent vessels but did significantly reduce tumor hypoxia in the conscious, resting condition from 39 ± 12% of the tumor area in TB-Sedentary to 4 ± 1% in TB-Ex Trained. Exercise training did not affect vessel contractile function. These results demonstrate that after exercise training, there is a large increase in the driving force of O2 from the tumor microcirculation, which likely contributes to the considerable reduction in tumor hypoxia. These results suggest that exercise training can modulate the microenvironment of the tumor, such that a sustained reduction in tumor hypoxia occurs, which may lead to a less aggressive phenotype and improve patient prognosis.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9: Many Shades of Function in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Ma Yonggang , Iyer Rugmani Padmanabhan , Hall Michael E. , Lindsey Merry L.
Published: November 2013

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, one of the most widely investigated MMPs, regulates pathological remodeling processes that involve inflammation and fibrosis in cardiovascular disease. MMP-9 directly degrades extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and activates cytokines and chemokines to regulate tissue remodeling. MMP-9 deletion or inhibition has proven overall beneficial in multiple animal models of cardiovascular disease. As such, MMP-9 expression and activity is a common end point measured. MMP-9 cell-specific overexpression, however, has also proven beneficial and highlights the fact that little information is available on the underlying mechanisms of MMP-9 function. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of MMP-9 physiology, including structure, regulation, activation, and downstream effects of increased MMP-9. We discuss MMP-9 roles during inflammation and fibrosis in cardiovascular disease. By concentrating on the substrates of MMP-9 and their roles in cardiovascular disease, we explore the overall function and discuss future directions on the translational potential of MMP-9 based therapies.
Collective Cell Migration: A Mechanistic Perspective
Authors: Vedula Sri Ram Krishna , Ravasio Andrea , Lim Chwee Teck , Ladoux Benoit
Published: November 2013

Collective cell migration is fundamental to gaining insights into various important biological processes such as wound healing and cancer metastasis. In particular, recent in vitro studies and in silico simulations suggest that mechanics can explain the social behavior of multicellular clusters to a large extent with minimal knowledge of various cellular signaling pathways. These results suggest that a mechanistic perspective is necessary for a comprehensive and holistic understanding of collective cell migration, and this review aims to provide a broad overview of such a perspective.
On Harmonic Meromorphic Functions Associated with Basic Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Al dweby Huda , Darus Maslina
Published: November 2013

By making use of basic hypergeometric functions, a class of complex harmonic meromorphic functions with positive coefficients is introduced. We obtain some properties such as coefficient inequality,
growth theorems, and extreme points.
The Paradox Role of Regulatory T Cells in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xu Xiaomeng , Li Min , Jiang Yongjun
Published: November 2013

The underlying mechanism of ischemic stroke is not completely known. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T cells, play a pivotal role in the pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke. However, there is also controversy over the role of Tregs in stroke. Hence, the function of Tregs in ischemic stroke has triggered a heated discussion recently. In this paper, we reviewed the current lines of evidence to describe the full view of Tregs in stroke. We would like to introduce the basic concepts of Tregs and then discuss their paradox function in ischemic stroke. On one side, Tregs could protect brain against ischemic injury via modulating the inflammation process. On the other side, they exaggerated the insult by causing microvascular dysfunction. They also interfered with the neurological function recovery. In addition, the reasons for this paradox role would be discussed in the review and the prospective of the clinical application of Tregs was also included. In conclusion, Tregs contributed to the outcome of ischemic stroke, while more lines of evidence are needed to understand how Tregs regulate the immune system and influence the outcome of stroke.
Identification of Urban Leprosy Clusters
Authors: Paschoal José Antonio Armani , Paschoal Vania Del’Arco , Nardi Susilene Maria Tonelli , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Ismael Manuela Gallo y Sanches , Sichieri Eduvaldo Paulo
Published: October 2013

Overpopulation of urban areas results from constant migrations that cause disordered urban growth, constituting clusters defined as sets of people or activities concentrated in relatively small physical spaces that often involve precarious conditions. Aim. Using residential grouping, the aim was to identify possible clusters of individuals in São José do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil, who have or have had leprosy. Methods. A population‐based, descriptive, ecological study using the MapInfo and CrimeStat techniques, geoprocessing, and space‐time analysis evaluated the location of 425 people treated for leprosy between 1998 and 2010. Clusters were defined as concentrations of at least 8 people with leprosy; a distance of up to 300 meters between residences was adopted. Additionally, the year of starting treatment and the clinical forms of the disease were analyzed. Results. Ninety‐eight (23.1%) of 425 geocoded cases were located within one of ten clusters identified in this study, and 129 cases (30.3%) were in the region of a second‐order cluster, an area considered of high risk for the disease. Conclusion. This study identified ten clusters of leprosy cases in the city and identified an area of high risk for the appearance of new cases of the disease.
A Constitutive Model for Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys Considering the Influence of Strain Rate
Authors: Qian Hui , Li Hongnan , Song Gangbing , Guo Wei
Published: October 2013

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a relatively new class of functional materials, exhibiting special thermomechanical behaviors, such as shape memory effect and superelasticity, which enable their applications in seismic engineering as energy dissipation devices. This paper investigates the properties of superelastic NiTi shape memory alloys, emphasizing the influence of strain rate on superelastic behavior under various strain amplitudes by cyclic tensile tests. A novel constitutive equation based on Graesser and Cozzarelli’s model is proposed to describe the strain-rate-dependent hysteretic behavior of superelastic SMAs at different strain levels. A stress variable including the influence of strain rate is introduced into Graesser and Cozzarelli’s model. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed constitutive equation, experiments on superelastic NiTi wires with different strain rates and strain levels are conducted. Numerical simulation results based on the proposed constitutive equation and experimental results are in good agreement. The findings in this paper will assist the future design of superelastic SMA-based energy dissipation devices for seismic protection of structures.
Molecular Modeling and Spectroscopic Studies of Benzothiazole
Authors: Sathyanarayanmoorthi V. , Karunathan R. , Kannappan V.
Published: November 2013

The Fourier Transform (FT) infrared and FT‐Raman spectra of benzothiazole (BT) have been recorded and analyzed. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features, and harmonic vibrational frequencies have been investigated by ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. The assignments of the vibrational spectra have been carried out. The computed optimized geometric bond lengths and bond angles show good agreement with experimental data of the title compound. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies indicate that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. Stability of the molecule due to conjugative interactions arising from charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The results show that the electron density (ED) in the σ* and π* antibonding orbital and second‐order delocalization energies E(2) confirm the occurrence of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The calculated results were applied to simulate infrared and Raman spectra BT which show good agreement with recorded spectra.
Modulation of Vascular Cell Function by Bim Expression
Authors: Morrison Margaret E. , Palenski Tammy L. , Jamali Nasim , Sheibani Nader , Sorenson Christine M.
Published: November 2013

Apoptosis of vascular cells, including pericytes and endothelial cells, contributes to disease pathogenesis in which vascular rarefaction plays a central role. Bim is a proapoptotic protein that modulates not only apoptosis but also cellular functions such as migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. Endothelial cells and pericytes each make a unique contribution to vascular formation and function although the details require further delineation. Here we set out to determine the cell autonomous impact of Bim expression on retinal endothelial cell and pericyte function using cells prepared from Bim deficient (Bim−/−) mice. Bim−/−endothelial cells displayed an increased production of ECM proteins, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and VEGF expression but, a decreased eNOS expression and nitric oxide production. In contrast, pericyte proliferation decreased in the absence of Bim while migration, adhesion, and VEGF expression were increased. In addition, we demonstrated that the coculturing of either wild-type or Bim−/−endothelial cells with Bim−/−pericytes diminished their capillary morphogenesis. Thus, our data further emphasizes the importance of vascular cell autonomous regulatory mechanisms in modulation of vascular function.
Gsk-3βInhibitors Mimic the Cardioprotection Mediated by Ischemic Pre- and Postconditioning in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: González Arbeláez Luisa F. , Pérez Núñez Ignacio A. , Mosca Susana M.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of GSK-3βinhibitors compared with PRE and POS in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Isolated hearts were submitted to the following protocols: IC: 45 min global ischemia (GI) and 1-hour reperfusion (R); PRE: a cycle of 5 min GI and 10 minutes of R prior to 45 min GI; POS: three cycles of 30 sec GI/30 sec R at the start of R. Other hearts received lithium chloride (LiCl) or indirubin-3′-monoxime,5-iodo-(IMI) as GSK-3βinhibitors. All interventions reduced the infarct size observed in IC group. The expressions of P-GSK-3βand P-Akt decreased in IC and were restored after PRE, POS, and GSK-3βinhibitors treatments. An increase of cytosolic MnSOD activity and lipid peroxidation and a decrease of GSH content observed in IC hearts were attenuated in PRE, POS, and LiCl or IMI treatments. An increase of P-GSK-3β/VDAC physical association and a partial recovery of mitochondrial permeability were also detected after interventions. These data show that, in SHR hearts, GSK-3βinhibitors mimic the cardioprotection afforded by PRE and POS and suggest that a decrease in mitochondrial permeability mediated by P-GSK-3β/VDAC interaction is a crucial event.
Mass Production of Early-Stage Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Rat Using Gelatin-Coated Matrix
Authors: Park Young Hyun , Yun Jung Im , Han Na Rae , Park Hye Jin , Ahn Ji Yeon , Kim Choonghyo , Choi Jung Hoon , Lee Eunsong , Lim Jeong Mook , Lee Seung Tae
Published: November 2013

Although preparation of early-stage bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) is critical for successful cell transplantation therapy, no culture system offers a sufficient number of early-stage BM-MSCs for cell transplantation. Accordingly, we developed a culture system capable of producing a large number of early-stage BM-MSCs by using gelatin-coated matrix. The greatest retrieval and proliferation rates of the earliest-stage rat BM-MSCs were detected in bone-marrow-derived cells cultured on 1% (wt/v) gelatin-coated matrix, which showed significantly greater colony forming unit-fibroblast number, diameter, and total cell number. Moreover, continuous culture of the earliest-stage BM-MSCs on 1% (wt/v) gelatin-coated matrix resulted in a maximum of21.2±2.7fold increase in the cumulative total number of early-stage BM-MSCs at passage 5. BM-MSCs generated in large quantities due to a reduced doubling time and an increased yield of cell population in S/G2/M phase showed typical fibroblast-like morphology and no significant differences in BM-MSC-related surface marker expression and differentiation potential, except for an increased ratio of differentiation into a neurogenic lineage. The use of gelatin-coated matrix in the retrieval and culture of BM-MSCs contributes greatly to the effective isolation and mass production of early-stage BM-MSCs.
Developing Student Housing Quality Scale in Higher Institutions of Learning: A Factor Analysis Approach
Authors: Bondinuba F. K. , Nimako S. G. , Karley N. K.
Published: November 2013

The researchers developed an instrument for measuring student housing quality (SHQ) in Higher Institutions of Learning (HIL) in Ghana. The paper sought to validate the student housing quality scale (SHOQUAL) through factor analysis approach. 700 respondents were sampled from two public HIL in Ghana in a cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered structured questionnaire for data collection. Confirmatory factor fnalysis (CFA) was conducted to detect the underlying latent variables that significantly determine SHQ in Ghanaian HIL. The findings indicate that four emerged SHQ dimensions relevant to the research context were labelled as follows: core facility quality, enabling facility quality, support facility quality, and cost of housing. The constructs in the derived model possess high reliability and validity. Student housing service providers could conveniently use the derived instrument items for measuring SHQ in HIL. Implications are discussed and limitations are noted. The paper contributes to the literature in the areas of models of service quality in student housing management in HIL.
Accurate Multisteps Traffic Flow Prediction Based on SVM
Authors: Mingheng Zhang , Yaobao Zhen , Ganglong Hui , Gang Chen
Published: October 2013

Accurate traffic flow prediction is prerequisite and important for realizing intelligent traffic control and guidance, and it is also the objective requirement for intelligent traffic management. Due to the strong nonlinear, stochastic, time-varying characteristics of urban transport system, artificial intelligence methods such as support vector machine (SVM) are now receiving more and more attentions in this research field. Compared with the traditional single-step prediction method, the multisteps prediction has the ability that can predict the traffic state trends over a certain period in the future. From the perspective of dynamic decision, it is far important than the current traffic condition obtained. Thus, in this paper, an accurate multi-steps traffic flow prediction model based on SVM was proposed. In which, the input vectors were comprised of actual traffic volume and four different types of input vectors were compared to verify their prediction performance with each other. Finally, the model was verified with actual data in the empirical analysis phase and the test results showed that the proposed SVM model had a good ability for traffic flow prediction and the SVM-HPT model outperformed the other three models for prediction.
Successful Removal of Metal Objects Causing Penile Strangulation by a Silk Winding Method
Authors: Dong Chuanjiang , Dong Ziqiang , Xiong Fei , Xie Zonglan , Wen Qiaoli
Published: November 2013

Penile strangulation is a challenge to urologists. The decompression of the penis is required to prevent long-term complications. Metal objects are difficult to remove. Cutting is the most common method described. Appropriate cutting tools may be difficult to obtain, and the process may be time-consuming with the possibility of iatrogenic penile injury. In this paper, we will present a simple method to remove such objects by use a silk winding method and subcutaneous puncture.
Inhibition of Acute Phase Inflammation byLaminaria japonicathrough Regulation of iNOS-NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Park Seong Kyu , Park Sook Jahr , Park Sang Mi , Cho Il Je , Park Chan Ik , Kim Young Woo , Kim Sang Chan
Published: November 2013

Laminaria japonicahas been frequently used as food supplements in many of the Asian countries and as a drug in traditional oriental medicine. This research investigated the effects ofLaminaria japonicaextract (LJE) on acute phase inflammation in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model, as assessed by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. The effect of LJE was also evaluated in Raw264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the aspect of the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and proinflammatory cytokines production. NO, PGE2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 contents were assayed by ELISA, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were determined by western blot analyses. In rats, LJE treatment inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema formation and infiltration of inflammatory cells in H&E staining. LJE treatment prevented the ability of LPS to increase the levels of iNOS and COX-2 protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistently, LJE suppressed the production of TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Treatment of the cells with LJE caused inhibition of inhibitor ofκBαphosphorylation induced by LPS, suggesting LJE repression of nuclear factor-κB activity by LPS. In conclusion, this study shown here may be of help to understand the action mechanism of LJE and the anti-inflammatory use ofL. japonica.