bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terminating Evaluation of Logic Programs with Finite Three-Valued Models
Authors: Riguzzi Fabrizio , Swift Terrance
Published: September 2014

As evaluation methods for logic programs have become more sophisticated, the classes of programs for which termination can be guaranteed have expanded. From the perspective of ar set programs that include function symbols, recent work has identified classes for which grounding routines can terminate either on the entire program [Calimeri et al. 2008] or on suitable queries [Baselice et al. 2009]. From the perspective of tabling, it has long been known that a tabling technique called
subgoal abstraction
provides good termination properties for definite programs [Tamaki and Sato 1986], and this result was recently extended to stratified programs via the class of bounded term-size programs [Riguzzi and Swift 2013]. In this article, we provide a formal definition of tabling with subgoal abstraction resulting in the SLG
SA
algorithm. Moreover, we discuss a declarative characterization of the queries and programs for which SLG
SA
terminates. We call this class
strongly bounded term-size programs
and show its equivalence to programs with finite well-founded models. For normal programs, strongly bounded term-size programs strictly includes the finitely ground programs of Calimeri et al. [2008]. SLG
SA
has an asymptotic complexity on strongly bounded term-size programs equal to the best known and produces a residual program that can be sent to an answer set programming system. Finally, we describe the implementation of subgoal abstraction within the SLG-WAM of XSB and provide performance results.
Refining the Process Rewrite Systems Hierarchy via Ground Tree Rewrite Systems
Authors: Göller Stefan , Lin Anthony Widjaja
Published: September 2014

In his seminal paper, Mayr introduced the well-known process rewrite systems (PRS) hierarchy, which contains many well-studied classes of infinite-state systems including pushdown systems (PDS), Petri nets, and PA-processes. A separate development in the term rewriting community introduced the notion of ground tree rewrite systems (GTRS), which is a model that strictly extends PDS while still enjoying desirable decidable properties. There have been striking similarities between the verification problems that have been shown decidable (and undecidable) over GTRS and over models in the PRS hierarchy such as PA and PAD processes. It is open to what extent PRS and GTRS are connected in terms of their expressive power. In this article, we pinpoint the exact connection between GTRS and models in the PRS hierarchy in terms of their expressive power with respect to strong, weak, and branching bisimulation. Among others, this connection allows us to give new insights into the decidability results for subclasses of PRS, such as simpler proofs of known decidability results of verifications problems on PAD.
Logical Characterizations of Behavioral Relations on Transition Systems of Probability Distributions
Authors: Crafa Silvia , Ranzato Francesco
Published: September 2014

Probabilistic nondeterministic processes are commonly modeled as probabilistic LTSs (PLTSs). A number of logical characterizations of the main behavioral relations on PLTSs have been studied. In particular, Parma and Segala [2007] and Hermanns et al. [2011] define a probabilistic Hennessy-Milner logic interpreted over probability distributions, whose corresponding logical equivalence/preorder when restricted to Dirac distributions coincides with standard bisimulation/simulation between the states of a PLTS. This result is here extended by studying the full logical equivalence/preorder between (possibly non-Dirac) distributions in terms of a notion of bisimulation/simulation defined on an LTS whose states are distributions (dLTS). We show that the well-known spectrum of behavioral relations on nonprobabilistic LTSs as well as their corresponding logical characterizations in terms of Hennessy-Milner logic scales to the probabilistic setting when considering dLTSs.
Masking produces compression of space and time in the absence of eye movements
Authors: Zimmermann Eckart , Born Sabine , Fink Gereon R. , Cavanagh Patrick
Published: September 2014

Whenever the visual stream is abruptly disturbed by eye movements, blinks, masks, or flashes of light, the visual system needs to retrieve the new locations of current targets and to reconstruct the timing of events to straddle the interruption. This process may introduce position and timing errors. We here report that very similar errors are seen in human subjects across three different paradigms when disturbances are caused by either eye movements, as is well known, or, as we now show, masking. We suggest that the characteristic effects of eye movements on position and time, spatial and temporal compression and saccadic suppression of displacement, are consequences of the interruption and the subsequent reconnection and are seen also when visual input is masked without any eye movements. Our data show that compression and suppression effects are not solely a product of ocular motor activity but instead can be properties of a correspondence process that links the targets of interest across interruptions in visual input, no matter what their source.
Pupil size reflects the focus of feature-based attention
Authors: Binda Paola , Pereverzeva Maria , Murray Scott O.
Published: September 2014

We measured pupil size in adult human subjects while they selectively attended to one of two surfaces, bright and dark, defined by coherently moving dots. The two surfaces were presented at the same location; therefore, subjects could select the cued surface only on the basis of its features. With no luminance change in the stimulus, we find that pupil size was smaller when the bright surface was attended and larger when the dark surface was attended: an effect of feature-based (or surface-based) attention. With the same surfaces at nonoverlapping locations, we find a similar effect of spatial attention. The pupil size modulation cannot be accounted for by differences in eye position and by other variables known to affect pupil size such as task difficulty, accommodation, or the mere anticipation (imagery) of bright/dark stimuli. We conclude that pupil size reflects not just luminance or cognitive state, but the interaction between the two: it reflects which luminance level in the visual scene is relevant for the task at hand.
Using normalization to resolve RNA-Seq biases caused by amplification from minimal input
Authors: Ager-Wick Eirill , Henkel Christiaan V. , Haug Trude M. , Weltzien Finn-Arne
Published: September 2014

RNA-Seq has become a widely used method to study transcriptomes, and it is now possible to perform RNA-Seq on almost any sample. Nevertheless, samples obtained from small cell populations are particularly challenging, as biases associated with low amounts of input RNA can have strong and detrimental effects on downstream analyses. Here we compare different methods to normalize RNA-Seq data obtained from minimal input material. Using RNA from isolated medaka pituitary cells, we have amplified material from six samples before sequencing. Both synthetic and real data are used to evaluate different normalization methods to obtain a robust and reliable pipeline for analysis of RNA-Seq data from samples with very limited input material. The analysis outlined here shows that quantile normalization outperforms other more commonly used normalization procedures when using amplified RNA as input and will benefit researchers employing low amounts of RNA in similar experiments.
Preparation of Cerium Orthophosphate Nanosphere by Coprecipitation Route and Its Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Characterization
Authors: Verma Seema , Bamzai K. K.
Published: September 2014

Cerium orthophosphate (CePO4) nanoparticles were synthesized via wet chemical coprecipitation technique using cerium nitrate hexahydrate for Ce3+ ion and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate for PO43- ion source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggests that the material belongs to monoclinic crystal system with crystallite size of 49.3 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) reveal the surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles as nanospheres having grain size in the range of 30–50 nm. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) gives elemental composition present in the grown nanomaterial. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that the structural phase transition is above 800°C. The optical properties include UV-VIS-NIR absorption and the photoluminescence spectrum shows the absorption and emission peaks in the ultraviolet region. The dielectric constant (ε/ ) and ac conductivity properties were investigated with regard to change in temperature (40 to 500°C) and frequency (5 kHz to 1 MHz). The dielectric measurement indicates that the transition is diffused and the activation energy values decrease suggesting that the conduction mechanism is due to hopping of the charge carriers from one site to another.
Power Estimation for Gene-Longevity Association Analysis Using Concordant Twins
Authors: Tan Qihua , Zhao Jing Hua , Kruse Torben , Christensen Kaare
Published: September 2014

Statistical power is one of the major concerns in genetic association studies. Related individuals such as twins are valuable samples for genetic studies because of their genetic relatedness. Phenotype similarity in twin pairs provides evidence of genetic control over the phenotype variation in a population. The genetic association study on human longevity, a complex trait that is under control of both genetic and environmental factors, has been confronted by the small sample sizes of longevity subjects which limit statistical power. Twin pairs concordant for longevity have increased probability for carrying beneficial genes and thus are useful samples for gene-longevity association analysis. We conducted a computer simulation to estimate the power of association study using longevity concordant twin pairs. We observed remarkable power increases in using singletons from longevity concordant twin pairs as cases in comparison with cases of sporadic proband. A similar power would require doubled sample sizes for fraternal twins than for identical twins who are concordant for longevity suggesting that longevity concordant identical twins are more efficient samples than fraternal twins. We also observed an approximate of 2- to 3-fold increase in sample sizes needed for longevity cutoff at age 90 as compared with that at age 95. Overall, our results showed high value of twins in genetic association studies on human longevity.
Industrial Waste-Derived Nanoparticles and Microspheres Can Be Potent Antimicrobial and Functional Ingredients
Authors: Das Purkayastha Manashi , Manhar Ajay Kumar , Mandal Manabendra , Mahanta Charu Lata
Published: September 2014

Rapeseed oilcake or press-cake is generated as bulk waste during oil extraction from oilseeds. Owing to its high protein content, further processing of oilcakes into vegetable protein generates large quantities of fibrous residue (“oil-and-protein” spent meal) as by-product, which currently has very limited practical utility. Here, we report hydrothermal carbonization of this industrial waste to convert it into carbon nanoparticles, bestowed with multitude of functionalities. We demonstrate that these nanoparticles can be assembled into micrometer-sized spheres when precipitated from water by acetone. These microspheres, with their added feature of hemocompatibility, can be potentially utilized as an encapsulation vehicle for the protection of thermolabile compounds (such as protein); however, the secondary and tertiary features of the protein were marginally perturbed by the encapsulation process. The synthesized carbon nanoparticle was found to be an effective biocidal agent, exhibiting bacterial cellular damage and complex formation with the bacterial plasmid (evident from ethidium bromide exclusion assay), which are critical for cell survival. The results show the ability to convert industrial biowaste into useful nanomaterials for use in food industries and also suggest new scalable and simple approaches to improve environmental sustainability in industrial processes.
Fibre Diffraction Analysis of Skin Offers a Very Early and Extremely Accurate Diagnostic Test for Prostate Cancer
Authors: James Veronica J. , O’Malley Ford Judith M.
Published: September 2014

Double blind analysis of a batch of thirty skin tissue samples from potential prostate cancer sufferers correctly identified all “control” patients, patients with high and low grade prostate cancers, the presence of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), perineural invasions, and the one lymphatic invasion. Identification was by analysis of fibre diffraction patterns interpreted using a schema developed from observations in nine previous studies. The method, schema, and specific experiment results are reported in this paper, with some implications then drawn.
Lenalidomide Induces Immunomodulation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Enhances Antitumor Immune Responses Mediated by NK and CD4 T Cells
Authors: Acebes-Huerta Andrea , Huergo-Zapico Leticia , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Ana Pilar , Fernandez-Guizan Azahara , Payer Angel R. , López-Soto Alejandro , Gonzalez Segundo
Published: September 2014

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug with therapeutic activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, it has pleiotropic effects, and the mechanism of action responsible for its therapeutic activity has not been well defined yet. Herein, we show that lenalidomide treatment does not have an effect on the proliferation of leukemia cells, but it increases the proliferation of B cells from healthy donors. Lenalidomide did not exert a direct effect on the apoptosis of leukemia cells obtained from CLL patients, although it indirectly induced their apoptosis through the activation of nonmalignant immune cells. Thus, lenalidomide markedly increased the proliferation of NK and CD4 T cells. The effect of lenalidomide on NK cells was secondary to the induction of IL-2 production by CD4 T cells. Accordingly, depletion of T cells or blockade of IL-2 activity completely abrogated the proliferation of NK cells. Additionally, lenalidomide enhanced NK and NKT-like cell-mediated natural cytotoxicity against leukemia cells from CLL patients. Lenalidomide also upregulated CD20 expression on leukemia cells and, accordingly, it had a synergistic effect with rituximab on promoting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against primary leukemia cells. Overall, these observations provide a support for combining lenalidomide with rituximab as a treatment in CLL.
Differentially Expressed Genes of Virulent and NonvirulentEntamoeba histolyticaStrains Identified by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization
Authors: Freitas Michelle A. R. , Alvarenga Ângela C. , Fernandes Helen C. , Gil Frederico F. , Melo Maria N. , Pesquero Jorge L. , Gomes Maria A.
Published: September 2014

Entamoeba histolyticais a parasite which presents capacity to degrade tissues and therefore has a pathogenic behavior. As this behavior is not shown by all strains, there have been several studies investigating molecular basis of the cytotoxicity process. Using the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique, differential gene expressions of twoE. histolyticastrains, one virulent (EGG) and one nonvirulent (452), have been analyzed with the purpose of isolating genes which may be involved with amoebic virulence. Nine cDNA fragments presenting high homology withE. histolyticapreviously sequenced genes were subtracted. Of these, four genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. Two coding for hypothetical proteins, one for a cysteine-rich protein, expressed only in the virulent strain, EGG and another one, coding for grainin 2 protein, exclusive from 452 strain. This study provided new insight into the proteins differences in the virulent and nonvirulentE. histolyticastrains. We believe that further studies with these proteins may prove association of them with tissue damage, providing new perceptions to improve treatment or diagnosis of the invasive disease.
Synaptojanin 1 Mutation in Parkinson’s Disease Brings Further Insight into the Neuropathological Mechanisms
Authors: Drouet Valérie , Lesage Suzanne
Published: September 2014

Synaptojanin 1 (SYNJ1) is a phosphoinositide phosphatase highly expressed in nerve terminals. Its two phosphatase domains dephosphorylate phosphoinositides present in membranes, while its proline-rich domain directs protein-protein interactions with synaptic components, leading to efficient recycling of synaptic vesicles in neurons. Triplication of SYNJ1 in Down’s syndrome is responsible for higher level of phosphoinositides, enlarged endosomes, and learning deficits. SYNJ1 downregulation in Alzheimer’s disease models is protective towards amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) toxicity. One missense mutation in one of SYNJ1 functional domains was recently incriminated in an autosomal recessive form of early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the third decade of life, these patients develop progressive Parkinsonism with bradykinesia, dystonia, and variable atypical symptoms such as cognitive decline, seizures, and eyelid apraxia. The identification of this new gene, together with the fact that most of the known PD proteins play a role in synaptic vesicle recycling and lipid metabolism, points out that synaptic maintenance is a key player in PD pathological mechanisms. Studying PD genes as a network regulating synaptic activity could bring insight into understanding the neuropathological processes of PD and help identify new genes at fault in this devastating disorder.
Asymptomatic Malaria and Associated Risk Factors among School Children in Sanja Town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Ligabaw , Damtie Demekech , Endris Mengistu , Getie Sisay , Aemero Mulugeta
Published: September 2014

Introduction. Asymptomatic malaria is prevalent in highly endemic areas of Africa and is new challenge for malaria prevention and control strategies. Objective. To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated risk factors among school children in Sanja Town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2013, on 385 school children selected using stratified proportionate systematic sampling technique. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and associated risk factors. Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films were examined for detection, identification, and quantification of malaria parasites. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression was done for assessing associated risk factors and proportions for categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 6.8% (n=26). The majority of parasitemic study participants had low parasite density 65.5% (17/26). Level of grade, age, bed net usage, and frequent exposure to malaria infection were associated with risk of asymptomatic malaria. Conclusion. Asymptomatic malaria was low in this study area and is associated with level of grade, age, bed net usage, and frequent exposure to malaria infection.
Self-Similarity in Transverse Intensity Distributions in the Farfield Diffraction Pattern of Radial Walsh Filters
Authors: Mukherjee P. , Hazra L. N.
Published: September 2014

In a recent communication we reported the self-similarity in radial Walsh filters. The set of radial Walsh filters have been classified into distinct self-similar groups, where members of each group possess self-similar structures or phase sequences. It has been observed that, the axial intensity distributions in the farfield diffraction pattern of these self-similar radial Walsh filters are also self-similar. In this paper we report the self-similarity in the intensity distributions on a transverse plane in the farfield diffraction patterns of the self-similar radial Walsh filters.
Emerging Rapid Resistance Testing Methods for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories and Their Potential Impact on Patient Management
Authors: Frickmann Hagen , Masanta Wycliffe Omurwa , Zautner Andreas E.
Published: September 2014

Atypical and multidrug resistance, especially ESBL and carbapenemase expressing Enterobacteriaceae, is globally spreading. Therefore, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve therapeutic success by calculated antibiotic therapy. Consequently, rapid antibiotic resistance testing is essential. Various molecular and mass spectrometry-based approaches have been introduced in diagnostic microbiology to speed up the providing of reliable resistance data. PCR- and sequencing-based approaches are the most expensive but the most frequently applied modes of testing, suitable for the detection of resistance genes even from primary material. Next generation sequencing, based either on assessment of allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms or on the detection of nonubiquitous resistance mechanisms might allow for sequence-based bacterial resistance testing comparable to viral resistance testing on the long term. Fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH), based on specific binding of fluorescence-labeled oligonucleotide probes, provides a less expensive molecular bridging technique. It is particularly useful for detection of resistance mechanisms based on mutations in ribosomal RNA. Approaches based on MALDI-TOF-MS, alone or in combination with molecular techniques, like PCR/electrospray ionization MS or minisequencing provide the fastest resistance results from pure colonies or even primary samples with a growing number of protocols. This review details the various approaches of rapid resistance testing, their pros and cons, and their potential use for the diagnostic laboratory.
HPLC-UV Method Development and Validation of Potato Sprout Inhibitor 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene Using Different Systems
Authors: Mohammed Nidhal S. , Flowers T. H. , Duncan H. J.
Published: September 2014

1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) is effective sprout suppressant used in potato stores in many countries in the world. High residue levels of this compound on the potatoes and in other environmental samples are considered for human health and environmental risks. Determination of the residue requires specific analytical methods to be developed and validated. In this study, HPLC-UV was selected for validating a separation method based on reversed phase for the analysis of 1,4-DMN using 2-methylnaphthalene (2-MeN) as internal standard testing three HPLC systems. Under the same chromatographic conditions, all three systems achieved good separation on a Jones column (Hypersil ODS 5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm) at ambient temperature isocratically using 70% acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5 mL min−1, 20 μL injection volume, a run time of 10 min, and a detection wavelength of 228 nm. All three systems showed high precision, good linearity, and low limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ); particularly, the SpectraSERIES UV100-autosampler system offered lower values of LOD (0.001–0.004 μg mL−1) and LOQ (0.002–0.013 μg mL−1) for both compounds. This system can be used for the quantitative determination of 1,4-DMN residue in potato and environmental samples.
Microwave Absorption Properties of Double-Layer RADAR Absorbing Materials Based on Doped Barium Hexaferrite/TiO2/Conducting Carbon Black
Authors: Das Sukanta , Nayak G. C. , Sahu S. K. , Routray P. C. , Roy A. K. , Baskey H.
Published: September 2014

In this report, we demonstrate microwave absorption properties of barium hexaferrite, doped barium hexaferrite, titanium dioxide and conducting carbon black based RADAR absorbing material for stealth application. Double-layer absorbers are prepared with a top layer consisting of 30% hexaferrite and 10% titanium dioxide while the bottom layer composed of 30% hexaferrite and 10% conducting carbon black, embedded in chloroprene matrix. The top and bottom layers are prepared as impedance matching layer and conducting layer, respectively, with a total thickness of 2 mm. Microwave absorption properties of all the composites were analyzed in X-band region. Maximum reflection loss of −32 dB at 10.64 GHz was observed for barium hexaferrite based double-layer absorber whereas for doped barium hexaferrite based absorber the reflection loss was found to be −29.56 dB at 11.7 GHz. A consistence reflection loss value (>−24 dB) was observed for doped barium hexaferrite based RADAR absorbing materials within the entire bandwidth.
Kolaviron and L-Ascorbic Acid Attenuate Chlorambucil-Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Olayinka Ebenezer Tunde , Ore Ayokanmi
Published: September 2014

Chlorambucil (4-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]butanoic acid) is an alkylating agent, indicated in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid complex fromGarcinia kola,and L-ascorbic acid (AA) are known to protect against oxidative damagein vivo. This study evaluates the protective capacity of KV and AA on chlorambucil-induced oxidative stress in the testes of rat. Twenty male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomized into four groups: I: control, II: chlorambucil (0.2 mg/kg b.w.), III: 0.2 mg/kg chlorambucil and 100 mg/kg KV, and IV: 0.2 mg/kg chlorambucil and 100 mg/kg AA. After 14 days of treatments, results indicated that chlorambucil caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in testicular vitamin C and glutathione by 32% and 39%, respectively, relative to control. Similarly, activities of testicular GST, SOD, and CAT reduced significantly by 48%, 47%, and 49%, respectively, in chlorambucil-treated rats relative to control. Testicular MDA and activities of ALP, LDH, and ACP were increased significantly by 53%, 51%, 64%, and 70%, respectively, in the chlorambucil-treated rat. However, cotreatment with KV and AA offered protection and restored the levels of vitamin C, GSH, and MDA as well as SOD, CAT, GST, ACP, ALP, and LDH activities. Overall, kolaviron and L-ascorbic acid protected against chlorambucil-induced damage in the testes of the rat.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy during the Verbal Fluency Task before and after Treatment with Image Exposure and SSRI Therapy in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Nakanishi Mari , Oshita Harumi , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Inoue Ayako , Kawashima Chiwa , Okamoto Kana , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Ishitobi Yoshinobu , Ninomiya Taiga , Akiyoshi Jotaro
Published: September 2014

Drug therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been used as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the present case report, exposure therapy was used in addition to escitalopram (20 mg) to treat a 28-year-old female patient with OCD for 6 months. Her obsessive-compulsive symptoms comprised thoughts of words such as rape, crematorium, neck hanging, unhappy, death, die, and kill and images such as a shelf of gods, a shrine, a Buddhist altar, the sun, the sky, and the faces of her parents, siblings, and relatives. As exposure therapy, she was asked to view the images associated with these symptoms three times a day along with drug therapy. With the combination of drug and exposure therapies, her obsessive-compulsive symptoms improved within 6 months, with no interference in her daily life. Multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed improvement of brain function in the temporal and frontal lobes after treatment. These results suggest that NIRS can be used as an indicator of brain function improvement in patients with OCD.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 as a Regulator of Oral Tolerance in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Tunis Matthew C. , Marshall Jean S.
Published: September 2014

Food allergy, other adverse immune responses to foods, inflammatory bowel disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis have become increasingly common in the last 30 years. It has been proposed in the “hygiene hypothesis” that dysregulated immune responses to environmental microbial stimuli may modify the balance between tolerance and sensitization in some patients. Of the pattern recognition receptors that respond to microbial signals, toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent the most investigated group. The relationship between allergy and TLR activation is currently at the frontier of immunology research. Although TLR2 is abundant in the mucosal environment, little is known about the complex relationship between bystander TLR2 activation by the commensal microflora and the processing of oral antigens. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between TLR2 and oral tolerance, with an emphasis on regulatory T cells, eosinophils, B cells, IgA, intestinal regulation, and commensal microbes.
Shock Waves in the Treatment of Muscle Hypertonia and Dystonia
Authors: Mori Laura , Marinelli Lucio , Pelosin Elisa , Currà Antonio , Molfetta Luigi , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Trompetto Carlo
Published: September 2014

Since 1997, focused shock waves therapy (FSWT) has been reported to be useful in the treatment of muscle hypertonia and dystonia. More recently, also radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) has been successfully used to treat muscle hypertonia. The studies where FSWT and RSWT have been used to treat muscle hypertonia and dystonia are reviewed in this paper. The more consistent and long lasting results were obtained in the lower limb muscles of patients affected by cerebral palsy with both FSWT and RSWT and in the distal upper limb muscles of adult stroke patients using FSWT. The most probable mechanism of action is a direct effect of shock waves on muscle fibrosis and other nonreflex components of muscle hypertonia. However, we believe that up to now the biological effects of shock waves on muscle hypertonia and dystonia cannot be clearly separated from a placebo effect.
Autopsy Report with Clinical and Pathophysiologic Discussion of Autosomal Dominant Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hazra Anup , Siderits Richard , Rimmer Cheryl , Rolleri Noah
Published: September 2014

The average weight of a kidney is approximately 135 gm, measuring on average 10 × 6 × 4 cm. In hereditary conditions, autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, the shape, size, and the weight can be significantly abnormal, causing progressive renal failure, often necessitating dialysis or renal transplant for survival. We report a case of adult polycystic kidney disease in a 50-year-old female without a family history, who died of complications of the disease which included accelerated hypertension, and renal and cardiac failure.
Proinflammatory Cytokines Correlate with Depression and Anxiety in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Oliveira Miranda Diego , Soares de Lima Taís Aparecida , Ribeiro Azevedo Lucas , Feres Omar , Ribeiro da Rocha José Joaquim , Pereira-da-Silva Gabriela
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate whether serum cytokine levels correlate with depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Twenty patients hospitalized for surgical resection of CRC were included in the study group and twenty healthy volunteers comprised the control group. Depression and anxiety were analyzed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and TGF-βwere measured by Cytometric Bead Array. We found that more than half of CRC patients presented clinically significant levels of anxiety or depression, and 65% of them manifested a combination of severe anxiety and depression. CRC patients had increased serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α but lower IL-10 concentrations. Correlation analysis between HADS score and cytokine levels revealed a positive association of anxiety and/or depression with IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and a negative correlation with IL-10. These results indicate that circulating proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression in CRC patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these psychological disorders will allow the design of therapeutic interventions that lead to an improved quality of life and overall survival of CRC patients.
Dendritic Cell Profile Induced bySchistosoma mansoniAntigen in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients
Authors: Lopes Diego Mota , Fernandes Jamille Souza , Cardoso Thiago Marconi de Souza , Bafica Aline Michele Barbosa , Oliveira Sérgio Costa , Carvalho Edgar M. , Araujo Maria Ilma , Cardoso Luciana Santos
Published: September 2014

The inflammatory response in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although responsible for controlling the infection, is associated with the pathogenesis of disease. Conversely, the immune response induced byS. mansoniantigens is able to prevent immune-mediated diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of theS. mansoniSm29 antigen to change the profile of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) from subjects with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL)in vitro. Monocytes derived from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of twelve patients were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for differentiation into dendritic cells and then stimulated with solubleLeishmaniaantigen (SLA) in the presence or absence of Sm29 antigen. The expression of surface molecules associated with maturation and activation (HLA-DR, CD40, CD83, CD80, and CD86), inflammation (IL-12, TNF), and downregulation (IL-10, IL-10R) was evaluated using flow cytometry. We observed that the frequencies of HLA-DR, CD83, CD80, and CD86 as well as of IL-10 and IL-10R on MoDCs were higher in cultures stimulated with Sm29, compared to the unstimulated cell cultures. Our results indicate that the Sm29 antigen is able to activate regulatory MoDCs in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. It might be useful to control the inflammatory process associated with this disease.
Is Mean Platelet Volume Really a Severity Marker for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome without Comorbidities?
Authors: Sökücü Sinem Nedime , Özdemir Cengiz , Dalar Levent , Karasulu Levent , Aydın Şenay , Altın Sedat
Published: September 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that can lead to significant cardiovascular complications. Several studies have reported increased platelet activation and aggregation in patients with OSAS. In this study we aimed to show a correlation between mean platelet volume (MPV) and severity of OSAS in patients with OSAS without any overt cardiac disease or diabetes. The polysomnography recordings of 556 consecutive patients admitted to the sleep laboratory between January 2012 and July 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The relationship between polysomnographic parameters and biochemical parameters was assessed. Polysomnographic results of 200 patients (154 males [77%]; mean age, 44.5 ± 11.4 years) were included. No correlation was observed between MPV and the average oxygen saturation index, the minimum desaturation index, or the oxygen desaturation index in the study population as well as in severe OSAS group (AHI > 30). The only correlation was found between MPV and AHI in the severe OSAS groupP=0.010. MPV was not correlated with OSAS severity in patients without any overt cardiac disease or diabetes. These findings raise doubts about the suggestion that MPV might be a marker for OSAS severity, as recommended in earlier studies. Thus, further prospective data are needed.
Averrhoa carambola: A Renewable Source of Oxalic Acid for the Facile and Green Synthesis of Divalent Metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cu) Oxalates and Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguefack Marius Borel Nguimezong , Foba-Tendo Josepha , Yufanyi Divine Mbom , Peter Etape Ekane , Eko Jude Namanga , John Ngolui Lambi
Published: September 2014

A green, simple, and environmentally benign synthetic approach has been utilised to obtain some bivalent metal oxalates from Averrhoa carambola juice extract, without any purification or special treatment of the juice. The main acid components (oxalic acid and ascorbic acid) of the juice were identified by HPLC technique. The effect of temperature on the purity of the product has been investigated. The as-synthesized metal oxalates were thermally decomposed at low temperatures to their respective metal oxide nanoparticles. The metal oxalates and their respective thermal decomposition products were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetry.
Musical Rhythms Affect Heart Rate Variability: Algorithm and Models
Authors: Wang Hui-Min , Huang Sheng-Chieh
Published: September 2014

There were a lot of psychological music experiments and models but there were few psychological rhythm experiments and models. There were a lot of physiological music experiments but there were few physiological music models. There were few physiological rhythm experiments but there was no physiological rhythm model. We proposed a physiological rhythm model to fill this gap. Twenty-two participants, 4 drum loops as stimuli, and electrocardiogram (ECG) were employed in this work. We designed an algorithm to map tempo, complexity, and energy into two heart rate variability (HRV) measures, the standard deviation of normal-to-normal heartbeats (SDNN) and the ratio of low- and high-frequency powers (LF/HF); these two measures form the physiological valence/arousal plane. There were four major findings. Initially, simple and loud rhythms enhanced arousal. Secondly, the removal of fast and loud rhythms decreased arousal. Thirdly, fast rhythms increased valence. Finally, the removal of fast and quiet rhythms increased valence. Our work extended the psychological model to the physiological model and deepened the musical model into the rhythmic model. Moreover, this model could be the rules of automatic music generating systems.
Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Kurahara David , Morie Marina , Yamane Maya , Lam Sarah , Matthews Wallace , Yee Keolamau , Yamamoto Kara
Published: September 2014

We describe a possible association between pulmonary hemosiderosis (PH) and a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Both patients were born at 28-week gestation and presented with PH at ages 22 months and 6 years, respectively. Both initially presented with cough and tachypnea, and bronchoalveolar lavage showed evidence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Initial hemoglobin levels were < 4 g/dL and chest radiographs showed diffuse infiltrates that cleared dramatically within days after initiation of intravenous corticosteroids. In the first case, frank pulmonary blood was observed upon initial intubation, prompting the need for high frequency ventilation, immediate corticosteroids, and antibiotics. The mechanical ventilation wean was made possible by the addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and hydroxychloroquine. Slow tapering off of medications was accomplished over 6 years. These cases represent a possible correlation between prematurity-associated BPD and PH. We present a review of the literature regarding this possible association. In addition, MMF proved to be life-saving in one of the PH cases, as it has been in pulmonary hemorrhage related to systemic lupus erythematosus. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possible association between PH and prematurity-related BPD, as well as the use of MMF in the treatment of PH.
Structuring Effects of Deer in Boreal Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Côté Steeve D. , Beguin Julien , de Bellefeuille Sonia , Champagne Emilie , Thiffault Nelson , Tremblay Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2014

Many deer populations have recently increased worldwide leading to strong direct and indirect ecological and socioeconomical impacts on the composition, dynamic, and functions of forest ecosystems. Deer directly modify the composition and structure of vegetation communities, but they also indirectly affect other species of the ecosystem by modifying the structure of the vegetation. Here we review the results of a research program on overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the boreal forest of Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada) aimed at identifying deer densities compatible with forest regeneration. Various silvicultural systems and treatments failed to regenerate deer habitat at high deer densities, but planting size-adapted seedlings could be effective at moderate densities. Using a controlled deer density experiment, we found vegetation recovery at deer densities ≤ 15 deer/km2. The same experiment revealed that other groups of organisms such as insects and birds responded favorably to a reduction of deer density. We also found that alternative successional trajectories may occur after a certain period of heavy browsing during early succession. We conclude that one of the most important remaining research gaps is the need to identify habitat-specific threshold densities at which deer impacts occur and then to design effective wildlife and forest management strategies to limit deer impacts and sustain ecosystem integrity.
High Serum Iron Is Associated with Increased Cancer Risk
Authors: Wen Chi Pang , Lee June Han , Tai Ya-Ping , Wen Christopher , Wu Shiuan Be , Tsai Min Kuang , Hsieh Dennis P.H. , Chiang Hung-Che , Hsiung Chao Agnes , Hsu Chung Y. , Wu Xifeng
Published: September 2014

Epidemiologic studies linking high serum iron with cancer risks are limited and inconclusive, despite evidence implicating body iron in human carcinogenesis. A cohort of 309,443 adults in Taiwan who had no history of cancer had serum iron levels tested at the time of recruitment (1997–2008). Initially measured iron levels were associated with subsequent cancer risk by linking individuals with the National Cancer Registry and National Death File. HRs were calculated by the Cox model. One third of males (35%) and one fifth of females (18%) had high serum iron (≥120 μg/dL), which was associated with a 25% increase in risk for incidence of all cancers [HR, 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16–1.35] and with a 39% increase in risk for mortality from all cancers (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23–1.57). The relationship between serum iron and cancer risk was a J-shaped one, with higher cancer risk at both ends, either at lower than 60 μg/dL or higher than 120 μg/dL. At the higher end, cancer risk increased by 4% for every 10 μg/dL increment above 80 μg/dL, showing a dose–response relationship, with 60 to 79 μg/dL as a reference level. In a sensitivity analysis, the increases in risk were still observed after the first 5 years of cancer cases were excluded. Liver cancer risk was increased in HBV (−) non-hepatitis B carrier (3-fold) and HBV (+) hepatitis B carrier (24-fold). Lifestyle risks such as smoking, drinking, or inactivity interacted synergistically with high serum iron and significantly increased the cancer risks. The liver (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.97–3.16) and the breast (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01–1.70) were the two major cancer sites where significant cancer risks were observed for serum iron either ≥120 μg/dL or ≥140 μg/dL, respectively. This study reveals that high serum iron is both a common disorder and a marker of increased risk for several cancers. Cancer Res; 74(22); 6589–97. ©2014 AACR.
Crosstalk between microRNA30a/b/c/d/e-5p and the Canonical Wnt Pathway: Implications for Multiple Myeloma therapy
Authors: Zhao Jian-Jun , Carrasco Ruben D.
Published: September 2014

Dysregulation of transcription via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway underlies the pathogenesis of a wide variety of frequent human cancers. These include epithelial carcinomas such as colorectal cancer and hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma. Thus, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway potentially offers an attractive target for cancer therapy. This approach, however, has thus far proved challenging because the pathway plays a number of critical roles in physiologic homeostasis and because drugs that broadly target the pathway have unacceptable side effects. miRNAs function as regulators of gene expression and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and other human cancers, offering the promise of novel therapeutic approaches if they can be applied effectively in vivo. Because BCL9 is a critical transcriptional coactivator of β-catenin that is aberrantly expressed in many human cancers but is of low abundance in normal tissues the Wnt/β-catenin/BCL9 complex has emerged as a promising and most likely relatively safe therapeutic target in cancers with dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin activity. This review discusses recent advances in the biology of Wnt inhibitors and the appealing possibility of a functional link between BCL9 and miRNA30a/b/c/d/e-5p that could be exploited for multiple myeloma therapy. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5351–8. ©2014 AACR.
Self-Reported Physical Activity in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: Correlates and Barriers
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Pellu Valentina , Di Stasio Enrico , Tazza Luigi , Giungi Stefania , Nebiolo Pier Eugenio
Published: September 2014

Background and Aims: The knowledge of the barriers that are associated with decreased physical activity (PA) in patients on chronic hemodialysis (PCH) may be of primary importance for the nephrologists. Thus, we aimed to assess the barriers associated with the absent or reduced PA in PCH of a Mediterranean country. Methods: Patients were invited to answer the question ‘How often do you exercise during your leisure time?'. Also, patients included in the study were asked to answer questions regarding barriers to physical activity lower than desired. Results: We studied 105 patients. Forty (38.1%) patients reported to never exercise, 6 (5.7%) reported to exercise less than once/week, 4 (3.8%) once/week, 23 (21.9%) two to three times/week, 12 (11.4%) four to five times/week and 20 (19%) daily. Overall, 46 (43.8%) patients never exercised or exercised less than once/week (‘inactive') and 59 (56.2%) did exercise more often (‘active'). At the multivariate analysis, reduced walking ability, fatigue on the non-dialysis days, and shortness of breath were independently and negatively associated with PA. The same results were found when the reduced model of the multivariate logistic backward regression was built introducing in the model also clinical and laboratory variables. Conclusion: In PCH, fatigue on the non-dialysis days, reduced walking ability, and shortness of breath are barriers independently associated to decreased PA. Knowledge about the causes and mechanisms that generate these barriers has to be acquired.
Abnormal Chemokine Receptor Profile on Circulating T Lymphocytes from Nonallergic Asthma Patients
Authors: Barbarroja-Escudero José , Prieto-Martin Alfredo , Monserrat-Sanz Jorge , Reyes-Martin Eduardo , Diaz-Martin David , Antolin-Amerigo Dario , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Mercedes , Canseco-Gonzalez Felipe , Kremer Leonor , Martinez-A Carlos , Alvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: September 2014

Background: T lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of nonallergic asthma. The objective of this study was to characterize the subset distribution and pattern of chemokine receptor expression in circulating T lymphocyte subsets from nonallergic asthma patients. Methods: Forty stable nonallergic asthma patients and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy donors were studied. Twelve patients did not receive inhaled steroids (untreated patients), 16 received 50-500 μg b.i.d. of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) (standard-dose patients), and 12 received over 500 μg b.i.d. of inhaled FP (high-dose patients) for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of this study and were clinically well controlled. Flow cytometry was performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (4 colors). Results: Nonallergic asthma patients treated with high doses of inhaled FP showed a significant reduction in the percentages of CD3+ T lymphocytes compared to healthy controls. Untreated patients showed a significant increase in CCR6 expression in CD8+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+bright T cells compared to healthy controls. The results were similar for CXCR3 and CCR5 expression. In patients treated with standard doses of FP, CCR5 expression was significantly increased in CD3+ T lymphocytes relative to healthy controls. Conclusions: The different groups of clinically stable nonallergic asthmatic patients showed distinct patterns of alterations in subset distribution as well as CCR6, CXCR3, and CCR5 expression on circulating T lymphocytes.