bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicit Estimates for Solutions of Mixed Elliptic Problems
Authors: Consiglieri Luisa
Published: March 2014

We deal with the existence of quantitative estimates for solutions of mixed problems to an elliptic second-order equation in divergence form with discontinuous coefficients. Our concern is to estimate the solutions with explicit constants, for domains in ℝn (n≥2) of class C0,1. The existence of L∞ and W1,q estimates is assured for q=2 and any q<n/(n-1) (depending on the data), whenever the coefficient is only measurable and bounded. The proof method of the quantitative L∞ estimates is based on the De Giorgi technique developed by Stampacchia. By using the potential theory, we derive W1,p estimates for different ranges of the exponent p depending on the fact that the coefficient is either Dini-continuous or only measurable and bounded. In this process, we establish new existences of Green functions on such domains. The last but not least concern is to unify (whenever possible) the proofs of the estimates to the extreme Dirichlet and Neumann cases of the mixed problem.
Cloud-Based Collaborative Media Service Framework for HealthCare
Authors: Hossain M. Shamim , Muhammad Ghulam
Published: March 2014

With the increasing growth of media cloud technologies, web service technologies, and smartphones equipped sensors, a number of collaborative media services are being built for ubiquitous user access. Currently, collaborative services are being used in several areas like healthcare, defense, education, and so forth. However, due to the challenge of providing such service to users in terms of computations, communications, processing, and storage, there is a growing need for an infrastructure to have on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, storages, servers, applications, and services). Cloud computing is such a paradigm or infrastructure to provide configurable platform to support the collaborative service. In this paper, we present the corresponding framework of collaborative media service for efficient collaboration between caregivers and healthcare professionals. The experimental results not only showed our solution is more efficient than the similar system but also proved that our solution can work well for web service-based collaborative environment.
Some Remarks on Biharmonic Elliptic Problems with a Singular Nonlinearity
Authors: Lai Baishun
Published: March 2014

We study the following semilinear biharmonic equation  , which satisfies0<u̲λ<1. In the extremal caseλ=λ*, we prove the existence of a weak solution which is the unique solution even in a very weak sense. Besides, several new difficulties arise and many problems still remain to be solved. We list those of particular interest in the final section.
Using Feed Forward Neural Network to Solve Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Tawfiq Luma N. M. , Salih Othman M.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to presents a parallel processor technique for solving eigenvalue problem for ordinary differential equations using artificial neural networks. The proposed network is trained by back propagation with different training algorithms quasi-Newton, Levenberg-Marquardt, and Bayesian Regulation. The next objective of this paper was to compare the performance of aforementioned algorithms with regard to predicting ability.
Comparison of the Effect of Lidocaine Adding Dexketoprofen and Paracetamol in Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Akdogan Ali , Eroglu Ahmet
Published: March 2014

Objective.Comparison of dexketoprofen and paracetamol added to the lidocaine in Regional Intravenous Anesthesia in terms of hemodynamic effects, motor and sensorial block onset times, intraoperative VAS values, and analgesia requirements.Method.The files of 73 patients between 18 and 65 years old in the ASA I-II risk group who underwent hand and forearm surgery were analyzed and 60 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group D (n=20), 3 mg/kg 2% lidocaine and 50 mg/2 mL dexketoprofen trometamol; Group P (n=20), 3 mg/kg 2% lidocaine and 3 mg/kg paracetamol; Group K (n=20), 3 mg/kg 2% lidocaine. Demographic data, motor and sensorial block times, heart rate, mean blood pressure, VAS values, and intraoperative and postoperative analgesia requirements were recorded.Results.Sensorial and motor block onset durations of Group K were significantly longer than other groups. Motor block termination duration was found to be significantly longer in Group D than in Group K. VAS values of Group K were found higher than other groups. There was no significant difference in VAS values between Group D and Group P. Analgesia requirement was found to be significantly more in Group K than in Group P. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of heart rates and mean arterial pressures.Conclusion.We concluded that the addition of 3 mg/kg paracetamol and 50 mg dexketoprofen to lidocaine as adjuvant in Regional Intravenous Anesthesia applied for hand and/or forearm surgery created a significant difference clinically.
Modeling a Heterogeneous Embedded System in Coloured Petri Nets
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Zhang Hehua , Gu Ming , Sun Jiaguang
Published: March 2014

Embedded devices are everywhere now and, unlike personal computers, their systems differ in implementation languages and behaviors. Interactions of different devices require programmers to master programming paradigms in all related languages. So, a defect may occur if differences in systems' behaviors are ignored. In this paper, a heterogeneous system which is composed of two subsystems is introduced and we point out a potential defect in this system caused by an interface mismatch. Then, a state based approach is applied to verify our analysis of the system.
The Influence Analysis of Number of Functional Logistics Service Providers on Quality Supervision Game in LSSC with Compensation Strategy
Authors: Liu Weihua , Wang Yijia , Liang Zhicheng , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: March 2014

There is a close link between the number of suppliers and the quality of products including service. However, there is a research gap in this field. Particularly, the problem whether this link would be affected by different supply chain profit distribution policies is lack of in-depth research. In this paper, a basic game model for quality supervision game without FLSPs’ competition (Model I) in a logistics service supply chain (LSSC) is established first. Model I adopts a mixed payment contract and is composed of a logistics service integrator (LSI) and functional logistics service provider (FLSP). The mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium of Model I is presented. Model II considering competition among FLSPs is then built based on Model I, and the new mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium is provided. Results show that under competition the ordinary mixed payment contract cannot make quality supervision game parameters all optimized. Therefore, Model III under a compensation mechanism is established based on Model II, and the range of the compensation value is calculated. Furthermore, we propose three kinds of concrete compensation mechanisms, which are fixed, linear, and nonlinear compensation mechanism. And the optimal compensation mechanism for a LSI with different numbers of FLSPs is provided.
General Family of Third Order Methods for Multiple Roots of Nonlinear Equations and Basin Attractors for Various Methods
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Bahl Ashu
Published: March 2014

A general scheme of third order convergence is described for finding multiple roots of nonlinear equations. The proposed scheme requires one evaluation of f, f′, and f′′ each per iteration and contains several known one-point third order methods for finding multiple roots, as particular cases. Numerical examples are included to confirm the theoretical results and demonstrate convergence behavior of the proposed methods. In the end, we provide the basins of attraction for some methods to observe their dynamics in the complex plane.
Mental Health Status among Married Working Women Residing in Bhubaneswar City, India: A Psychosocial Survey
Authors: Panigrahi Ansuman , Padhy Aditya Prasad , Panigrahi Madhulita
Published: March 2014

Mental health is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to assess the mental health status and its correlates among married working women residing in Bhubaneswar city of Odisha, India. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 240 households involving 240 married working women following a multistage cluster random sampling design. Using the predesigned, pretested interview schedule and self-reporting questionnaire, all relevant information was collected. Our study revealed that 32.9% of study respondents had poor mental health and only about 10% of these women had sought any kind of mental health services. Logistic regression analysis showed that 3 predictors such as favourable attitude of colleagues, sharing their own problems with husband, and spending time for yoga/meditation/exercise had significant positive impact on the mental health status of married working women. A preventive program regarding various aspects of mental health for married working women at workplace as well as community level could be a useful strategy in reducing this public health problem.
Reference Curve for the First-Year Growth Response to Growth Hormone Treatment in Prepubertal Children with Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency: Validation of the KIGS First-Year Growth Response Curve Using the Belgian Register for the Study of Growth and Puberty Problems
Authors: Straetemans Saartje , Roelants Mathieu , Thomas Muriel , Rooman Raoul , De Schepper Jean
Published: March 2014

Background: Comparing observed and expected growth after first-year growth hormone (GH) therapy is useful for identifying a poor growth response to GH. Aim: To generate a first-year, age-specific growth response reference curve for prepubertal Belgian children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (iGHD) treated with a standard weight-adjusted GH dose and to compare this national reference with the response references derived from KIGS. Subjects and Methods: First-year height data of 357 prepubertal children (240 males) with iGHD were analyzed. Smooth reference curves of first-year height velocity (HV) in relation to age were created. Differences with the KIGS targets were evaluated after z-score transformation. Results: The observed first-year HVs were log-normal distributed by age and decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001). No GH dose or gender effect was observed (p = 0.5). Distance to target height, severity of GHD and occurrence of multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies had a positive effect (p < 0.01) on the calculated HV SDS. When applying the KIGS targets for severe iGHD, mean HV SDS was close to zero (-0.09 ± 0.84). Conclusion: The developed age-specific growth response curves enable rapid identification of poor response to first-year GH treatment in prepubertal iGHD children. Our results validate the published growth targets derived from the KIGS database.
Biological Characteristics of a Cerebellar Mass Regrowing after Removal in a Patient with Lhermitte-Duclos Disease: Emission Tomography Studies
Authors: Saito Hideo , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Beppu Takaaki , Matsuura Hideki , Terasaki Kazunori
Published: March 2014

Lhermitte-Duclos disease is a rare disorder characterized by a slowly enlarging mass in the cerebellum. The exact nature of this lesion remains unclear, but it has been variously characterized as hypertrophy, hamartoma or benign neoplasm. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 123I-iomazenil and 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) display central benzodiazepine receptors that are widely distributed in the normal brain cortex, a combination of brain perfusion, enzymatic activity and blood-brain barrier function, respectively. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old man who developed Lhermitte-Duclos disease. The mass regrew after a subtotal removal 13 years earlier. The cerebellar lesion exhibited hyperperfusion and hypermetabolism on blood flow and a metabolic rate of oxygen imaging on 15O-gas positron emission tomography (PET), as well as a hyperactivity and a defect in the uptake on 99mTc-ECD and 123I-iomazenil SPECT imaging, respectively. The present Lhermitte-Duclos lesion might have the biological characteristics of both hypertrophy and neoplasm, from the perspective of results from 15O-gas PET, 99mTc-ECD and 123I-iomazenil SPECT.
A Case of Gingival Metastasis from Rectal Cancer in Which Immunohistochemistry and PET-CT Were Useful for the Diagnostic Procedure
Authors: Yamauchi Masami , Shinozaki Katsunori , Doi Mihoko , Nitta Tomoko , Nishisaka Takashi
Published: March 2014

A 50-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a 2-month history of painful gingival swelling. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen showed a metastatic adenocarcinoma, and a chest-abdominopelvic CT showed multiple metastases in the lung, liver, and spleen, but failed to demonstrate the primary tumor. He had never complained of abdominal symptoms, and physical examination did not show any abnormality in the abdomen. However, immunohistochemical staining including caudal-related homeobox transcription factor (CDX-2) of the gingival tumor and PET-CT findings strongly suggested colorectal cancer as the origin. Colonoscopy then revealed a tumor in the rectum, and systemic chemotherapy was started immediately.
On Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Algorithms for Signal-Dependent Noise with Application to Electromyography Data
Authors: Devarajan Karthik , Cheung Vincent C. K.
Published: March 2014

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) by the multiplicative updates algorithm is a powerful machine learning method for decomposing a high-dimensional nonnegative matrix V into two nonnegative matrices, W and H, where [Formula: see text]. It has been successfully applied in the analysis and interpretation of large-scale data arising in neuroscience, computational biology, and natural language processing, among other areas. A distinctive feature of NMF is its nonnegativity constraints that allow only additive linear combinations of the data, thus enabling it to learn parts that have distinct physical representations in reality. In this letter, we describe an information-theoretic approach to NMF for signal-dependent noise based on the generalized inverse gaussian model. Specifically, we propose three novel algorithms in this setting, each based on multiplicative updates, and prove monotonicity of updates using the EM algorithm. In addition, we develop algorithm-specific measures to evaluate their goodness of fit on data. Our methods are demonstrated using experimental data from electromyography studies, as well as simulated data in the extraction of muscle synergies, and compared with existing algorithms for signal-dependent noise.
A Causal Perspective on the Analysis of Signal and Noise Correlations and Their Role in Population Coding
Authors: Chicharro Daniel
Published: March 2014

The role of correlations between neuronal responses is crucial to understanding the neural code. A framework used to study this role comprises a breakdown of the mutual information between stimuli and responses into terms that aim to account for different coding modalities and the distinction between different notions of independence. Here we complete the list of types of independence and distinguish activity independence (related to total correlations), conditional independence (related to noise correlations), signal independence (related to signal correlations), coding independence (related to information transmission), and information independence (related to redundancy). For each type, we identify the probabilistic criterion that defines it, indicate the information-theoretic measure used as statistic to test for it, and provide a graphical criterion to recognize the causal configurations of stimuli and responses that lead to its existence. Using this causal analysis, we first provide sufficiency conditions relating these types. Second, we differentiate the use of the measures as statistics to test for the existence of independence from their use for quantification. We indicate that signal and noise correlation cannot be quantified separately. Third, we explicitly define alternative system configurations used to construct the measures, in which noise correlations or noise and signal correlations are eliminated. Accordingly, we examine which measures are meaningful only as a comparison across configurations and which ones provide a characterization of the actually observed responses without resorting to other configurations. Fourth, we compare the commonly used nonparametric approach to eliminate noise correlations with a functional (model-based) approach, showing that the former approach does not remove those effects of noise correlations captured by the tuning properties of the individual neurons, and implies nonlocal causal structure manipulations. These results improve the interpretation of the measures on the framework and help in understanding how to apply it to analyze the role of correlations.
The Odonata (Insecta) of Patagonia: A synopsis of their current status with illustrated keys for their identification
Authors: MUZÓN JAVIER , PESSACQ PABLO , LOZANO FEDERICO
Published: March 2014

Patagonia is a vast landmass with a distinctive environmental and biotic heterogeneity. Its Odonata biodiversity is the best known of South America, and it is composed of 36 species, of which more than 50% are endemic. We summarize the main taxonomic, distributional and biological information including illustrated keys for adults and known larvae, and distributional maps.
A study on the genus Compsidolon Reuter, 1899 from China (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae), with descriptions of three new species
Authors: LI XIAO-MING , LIU GUO-QING
Published: March 2014

Compsidolon Reuter from China with eleven species is reviewed here. Three of them, C. ailaoshanensis, C. flavidum, and C. pilosum are described as new to science. C. eximium (Reuter) is recorded from China for the first time. Compsidolon punctulatum Qi and Nonnaizab, 1995 is treated as a junior synonym of Compsidolon nebulosum (Reuter, 1878). A key to Chinese species of Compsidolon Reuter is given. Photographs of dorsal habitus, scanning electron micrographs of metathoracic scent-gland, and illustrations of male genitalia are also provided. All type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
A new species and first record of the genus Shoemakerella Pirlot, 1936 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Lysianassidae) from Brazil
Authors: SORRENTINO RAYANE , SENNA ANDRÉ R. , LOWRY JAMES K.
Published: March 2014

A new species of the genus Shoemakerella Pirlot, 1936 is described for the Southeastern Brazilian continental shelf. The new species is easily recognized from the others in the genus mainly by the shape of the gnathopod 2. This is the first species of Shoemakerella from Brazilian waters.
A Lagrangian Analysis of the Northern Hemisphere Subtropical Jet
Authors: Martius Olivia
Published: March 2014

This study presents a 5-yr climatology of 7-day back trajectories started from the Northern Hemisphere subtropical jet. These trajectories provide insight into the seasonally and regionally varying angular momentum and potential vorticity characteristics of the air parcels that end up in the subtropical jet. The trajectories reveal preferred pathways of the air parcels that reach the subtropical jet from the tropics and the extratropics and allow estimation of the tropical and extratropical forcing of the subtropical jet.

The back trajectories were calculated 7 days back in time and started every 6 h from December 2005 to November 2010 using the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) dataset as a basis. The trajectories were started from the 345-K isentrope in areas where the wind speed exceeded a seasonally varying threshold and where the wind shear was confined to upper levels.

During winter, the South American continent, the Indian Ocean, and the Maritime Continent are preferred areas of ascent into the upper troposphere. From these areas, air parcels follow an anticyclonic pathway into the subtropical jet. During summer, the majority of air parcels ascend over the Himalayas and Southeast Asia.

Angular momentum is overall well conserved for trajectories that reach the subtropical jet from the deep tropics. In winter and spring, the hemispheric-mean angular momentum loss amounts to approximately 6%; in summer, it amounts to approximately 18%; and in fall, it amounts to approximately 13%. This seasonal variability is confirmed using an independent potential vorticity–based method to estimate tropical and extratropical forcing of the subtropical jet.
Structure, Energy, and Parameterization of Inertia–Gravity Waves in Dry and Moist Simulations of a Baroclinic Wave Life Cycle
Authors: Mirzaei Mohammad , Zülicke Christoph , Mohebalhojeh Ali R. , Ahmadi-Givi Farhang , Plougonven Riwal
Published: March 2014

The impact of moisture on inertia–gravity wave generation is assessed for an idealized unstable baroclinic wave using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) in a channel on the f plane. The evolution of these waves in a moist simulation is compared with a dry simulation. The centers of action for inertia–gravity wave activity are identified as the equatorward-moving upper-level front and the poleward-progressing upper-level jet–surface front system. Four stratospheric wave packets are found, which are significantly more intense in the moist simulation and have slightly higher frequency. They are characterized by their structure and position during the baroclinic wave life cycle and are related to forcing terms in jet, front, and convection systems.

By exploring the time series of mass and energy, it is shown that the release of latent heat leads to a change in enthalpy, an increase in the eddy kinetic energy, and an intensification of the inertia–gravity wave energy. The ratio of the inertia–gravity wave energy to the eddy kinetic energy is estimated to be about 1/200 for the moist simulation, which is 3 times larger than that for the dry simulation. An empirical parameterization scheme for the inertia–gravity wave energy is proposed, based on the fast large-scale ageostrophic flow associated with the jet, front, and convection. The diagnosed stratospheric inertia–gravity wave energy is well captured by this parameterization in six WRF simulations with different moisture and resolutions. The approach used to construct the parameterization may serve as a starting point for state-dependent nonorographic gravity wave drag schemes in general circulation models.
Common tripled fixed point theorems for W-compatible mappings along with the "Equation missing" property in abstract metric spaces
Authors: Wairojjana Nopparat , Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Kumam Poom
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we introduce the concept of common limit in the range property for mappings

F
:
X
×
X
×
X
→
X

and

g
:
X
→
X

, where

(
X
,
d
)

is an abstract metric space, and establish tripled coincidence point and common tripled fixed point theorems by using the common limit in the range property. Our theorems generalize and extend several well-known comparable results in the literature, in particular the results of Aydi et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2012:134, 2012). Also, we give examples to validate our main results which are not applied by the results in the literature.

MSC:54E40, 47H10, 54E99.
Identification of biomarkers that distinguish chemical contaminants based on gene expression profiles
Authors: Wei Xiaomou , Ai Junmei , Deng Youping , Guan Xin , Johnson David R , Ang Choo Y , Zhang Chaoyang , Perkins Edward J
Published: March 2014

Background

High throughput transcriptomics profiles such as those generated using microarrays have been useful in identifying biomarkers for different classification and toxicity prediction purposes. Here, we investigated the use of microarrays to predict chemical toxicants and their possible mechanisms of action.

Results

In this study, in vitro cultures of primary rat hepatocytes were exposed to 105 chemicals and vehicle controls, representing 14 compound classes. We comprehensively compared various normalization of gene expression profiles, feature selection and classification algorithms for the classification of these 105 chemicals into14 compound classes. We found that normalization had little effect on the averaged classification accuracy. Two support vector machine (SVM) methods, LibSVM and sequential minimal optimization, had better classification performance than other methods. SVM recursive feature selection (SVM-RFE) had the highest overfitting rate when an independent dataset was used for a prediction. Therefore, we developed a new feature selection algorithm called gradient method that had a relatively high training classification as well as prediction accuracy with the lowest overfitting rate of the methods tested. Analysis of biomarkers that distinguished the 14 classes of compounds identified a group of genes principally involved in cell cycle function that were significantly downregulated by metal and inflammatory compounds, but were induced by anti-microbial, cancer related drugs, pesticides, and PXR mediators.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that using microarrays and a supervised machine learning approach to predict chemical toxicants, their potential toxicity and mechanisms of action is practical and efficient. Choosing the right feature and classification algorithms for this multiple category classification and prediction is critical.
Copy number variations among silkworms
Authors: Zhao Qian , Han Min-Jin , Sun Wei , Zhang Ze
Published: March 2014

Background

Copy number variations (CNVs), which are important source for genetic and phenotypic variation, have been shown to be associated with disease as well as important QTLs, especially in domesticated animals. However, little is known about the CNVs in silkworm.

Results

In this study, we have constructed the first CNVs map based on genome-wide analysis of CNVs in domesticated silkworm. Using next-generation sequencing as well as quantitative PCR (qPCR), we identified ~319 CNVs in total and almost half of them (~ 49%) were distributed on uncharacterized chromosome. The CNVs covered 10.8 Mb, which is about 2.3% of the entire silkworm genome. Furthermore, approximately 61% of CNVs directly overlapped with SDs in silkworm. The genes in CNVs are mainly related to reproduction, immunity, detoxification and signal recognition, which is consistent with the observations in mammals.

Conclusions

An initial CNVs map for silkworm has been described in this study. And this map provides new information for genetic variations in silkworm. Furthermore, the silkworm CNVs may play important roles in reproduction, immunity, detoxification and signal recognition. This study provided insight into the evolution of the silkworm genome and an invaluable resource for insect genomics research.
Implications of human genome structural heterogeneity: functionally related genes tend to reside in organizationally similar genomic regions
Authors: Paz Arnon , Frenkel Svetlana , Snir Sagi , Kirzhner Valery , Korol Abraham B
Published: March 2014

Background

In an earlier study, we hypothesized that genomic segments with different sequence organization patterns (OPs) might display functional specificity despite their similar GC content. Here we tested this hypothesis by dividing the human genome into 100 kb segments, classifying these segments into five compositional groups according to GC content, and then characterizing each segment within the five groups by oligonucleotide counting (k-mer analysis; also referred to as compositional spectrum analysis, or CSA), to examine the distribution of sequence OPs in the segments. We performed the CSA on the entire DNA, i.e., its coding and non-coding parts the latter being much more abundant in the genome than the former.

Results

We identified 38 OP-type clusters of segments that differ in their compositional spectrum (CS) organization. Many of the segments that shared the same OP type were enriched with genes related to the same biological processes (developmental, signaling, etc.), components of biochemical complexes, or organelles. Thirteen OP-type clusters showed significant enrichment in genes connected to specific gene-ontology terms. Some of these clusters seemed to reflect certain events during periods of horizontal gene transfer and genome expansion, and subsequent evolution of genomic regions requiring coordinated regulation.

Conclusions

There may be a tendency for genes that are involved in the same biological process, complex or organelle to use the same OP, even at a distance of ~ 100 kb from the genes. Although the intergenic DNA is non-coding, the general pattern of sequence organization (e.g., reflected in over-represented oligonucleotide “words”) may be important and were protected, to some extent, in the course of evolution.
Medical tongue piercing – development and evaluation of a surgical protocol and the perception of procedural discomfort of the participants
Authors: Bentsen Bo , Gaihede Michael , Lontis Romulus , Andreasen Struijk Lotte NS
Published: March 2014

Background

A system providing disabled persons with control of various assistive devices with the tongue has been developed at Aalborg University in Denmark. The system requires an activation unit attached to the tongue with a small piercing. The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a safe and tolerable procedure for medical tongue piercing and to evaluate the expected and perceived procedural discomfort.

Methods

Four tetraplegic subjects volunteered for the study. A surgical protocol for a safe insertion of a tongue barbell piercing was presented using sterilized instruments and piercing parts. Moreover, post-procedural observations of participant complications such as bleeding, edema, and infection were recorded. Finally, procedural discomforts were monitored by VAS scores of pain, changes in taste and speech as well as problems related to hitting the teeth.

Results

The piercings were all successfully inserted in less than 5 min and the pain level was moderate compared with oral injections. No bleeding, infection, embedding of the piercing, or tooth/gingival injuries were encountered; a moderate edema was found in one case without affecting the speech. In two cases the piercing rod later had to be replaced by a shorter rod, because participants complained that the rod hit their teeth. The replacements prevented further problems. Moreover, loosening of balls was encountered, which could be prevented with the addition of dental glue. No cases of swallowing or aspiration of the piercing parts were recorded.

Conclusions

The procedure proved simple, fast, and safe for insertion of tongue piercings for tetraplegic subjects in a clinical setting. The procedure represented several precautions in order to avoid risks in these susceptible participants with possible co-morbidity. No serious complications were encountered, and the procedure was found tolerable to the participants. The procedure may be used in future studies with tongue piercings being a prerequisite for similar systems, and this may include insertion in an out-patient setting.
Life-threatening cardiac tamponade: a rare complication of acupuncture
Authors: Chun Kook-Jin , Lee Sang-Gwon , Son Bong Soo , Kim Do Hyung
Published: March 2014

Acupuncture as an ancient Chinese treatment has proven effective and is utilized worldwide. Although it is generally believed to be a safe clinical procedure, serious lethal complications including death have been reported. We present a rare case of life-threatening cardiac tamponade due to penetration of an acupuncture needle directly into the right ventricle.
Predictors of durable no evidence of disease status in de novo metastatic inflammatory breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-mastectomy radiation
Authors: Takiar Vinita , Akay Catherine L , Stauder Michael C , Tereffe Welela , Alvarez Ricardo H , Hoffman Karen E , Perkins George H , Strom Eric A , Buchholz Thomas A , Ueno Naoto T , Babiera Gildy , Woodward Wendy A
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Definitive locoregional therapy including surgery and post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) has been offered to select IBC patients with de novo metastatic disease. Herein we examined predictive factors for progression-free survival after comprehensive PMRT radiation +/- locoregional treatment of metastatic sites.

Methods

Charts of T4d, any N, M1 (de novo) patients who completed PMRT to ≥ 50 Gy from 2006–2011 were reviewed. Patients who received doses <50Gy to the primary site, received radiation at another facility or were treated pre-operatively were excluded. The remaining 36 patients formed the study cohort. Progression-free survival post-PMRT (PFSx) was assessed from the last day of radiation. Median dose to primary fields was 51 Gy. Boost doses ranged from 6–16 Gy.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 54 (range 33–70). Median follow up from primary irradiation completion was 31 months. Sixteen patients were Stage IV NED at last follow-up (IR 37–60 mo). Fifteen patients died of disease. Five patients experienced an in-field recurrence, three of which resulted from local recurrence at the medial edge of the field. Actuarial 5 year locoregional control (LRC) was 86%. Median PFSx was 20 months. All sites of gross disease were treated with radiation in 21/36 patients. Location of metastatic disease had no correlation with PFSx. Estrogen receptor (ER)- patients had shorter 5-yr actuarial PFSx (28% vs. 66%, P = 0.03) and 5 year actuarial OSx (37% vs 71%, P = 0.02). Nine patients (25%) developed a pathological complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy and with a median follow-up of 59 months, 7 remained without evidence of disease.

Conclusions

Despite the poor prognosis associated with metastatic IBC, our data suggest that select patients may be appropriate candidates for locoregional therapy. Patients who achieve a pCR or those with ER + disease have a favorable PFSx. It remains unclear whether all gross disease needs to be addressed with locoregional therapy to provide benefit.
TMEM106B expression is reduced in Alzheimer’s disease brains
Authors: Satoh Jun-ichi , Kino Yoshihiro , Kawana Natsuki , Yamamoto Yoji , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Saito Yuko , Arima Kunimasa
Published: March 2014

Introduction

TMEM106B is a transmembrane glycoprotein of unknown function located within endosome/lysosome compartments expressed ubiquitously in various cell types. Previously, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a significant association of TMEM106B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with development of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43)-positive inclusions (FTLD-TDP), particularly in the patients exhibiting the progranulin (PGRN) gene (GRN) mutations. Recent studies indicate that TMEM106B plays a pathological role in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, at present, the precise levels of TMEM106B expression in AD brains remain unknown.

Methods

By quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (qPCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry, we studied TMEM106B and PGRN expression levels in a series of AD and control brains, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy and non-neurological cases.

Results

In AD brains, TMEM106B mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced, whereas PGRN mRNA levels were elevated, compared with the levels in non-AD brains. In all brains, TMEM106B was expressed in the majority of cortical neurons, hippocampal neurons, and some populations of oligodendrocytes, reactive astrocytes and microglia with the location in the cytoplasm. In AD brains, surviving neurons expressed intense TMEM106B immunoreactivity, while senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and the perivascular neuropil, almost devoid of TMEM106B, intensely expressed PGRN.

Conclusions

We found an inverse relationship between TMEM106B (downregulation) and PGRN (upregulation) expression levels in AD brains, suggesting a key role of TMEM106B in the pathological processes of AD.
Bone mass and quality in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: longitudinal evaluation of bone-mass determinants by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and quantitative ultrasonography
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Cavalli Loredana , Signorini Carla , Bertini Federico , Cerinic Marco Matucci , Brandi Maria Luisa , Falcini Fernanda
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Our objective was to evaluate longitudinally the main bone-mass and quality predictors in young juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients by using lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, radius peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and phalangeal quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) at the same time.

Methods

In total, 245 patients (172 females, 73 males; median age, 15.6 years: 148 oligoarticular, 55 polyarticular, 20 systemic, and 22 enthesitis-related-arthritis (ERA) onset) entered the study. Of these, 166 patients were evaluated longitudinally. Data were compared with two age- and sex-matched control groups.

Results

In comparison with controls, JIA patients, but not with ERA, had a reduced spine bone-mineral apparent density (BMAD) standard deviation score (P < 0.001) and musculoskeletal deficits, with significantly lower levels of trabecular bone mineral density (TrabBMD) (P < 0.0001), muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) (P < 0.005), and density-weighted polar section modulus (SSIp) (P < 0.05). In contrast, JIA showed fat CSA significantly higher than controls (P < 0.0001). Finally, JIA patients had a significant reduced amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) (P < 0.001), and QUS z score (P < 0.005).

Longitudinally, we did not find any difference in all JIA patients in comparison with baseline, except for the SSIp value that normalized. Analyzing the treatments, a significant negative correlation among spine BMAD values, TrabBMD, AD-SoS, and systemic and/or intraarticular corticosteroids, and a positive correlation among TNF-α-blocking agents and spine BMAD, TrabBMD, and AD-SoS were observed.

Conclusions

JIA patients have a low bone mass that, after a first increase due to the therapy, does not reach the normal condition over time. The pronounced bone deficits in JIA are greater than would be expected because of reduction in muscle cross-sectional area. Thus, bone alterations in JIA likely represent a mixed defect of bone accrual and lower muscle forces.
Mutation signatures of carcinogen exposure: genome-wide detection and new opportunities for cancer prevention
Authors: Poon Song Ling , McPherson John R , Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Rozen Steven G
Published: March 2014

Exposure to environmental mutagens is an important cause of human cancer, and measures to reduce mutagenic and carcinogenic exposures have been highly successful at controlling cancer. Until recently, it has been possible to connect the chemical characteristics of mutagens to actual mutations observed in human tumors only indirectly. Now, next-generation sequencing technology enables us to observe in detail the DNA-sequence-level effects of well-known mutagens, such as ultraviolet radiation and tobacco smoke, as well as endogenous mutagenic processes, such as those involving activated DNA cytidine deaminases (APOBECs). We can also observe the effects of less well-known but potent mutagens, including those recently found to be present in some herbal remedies. Crucially, we can now tease apart the superimposed effects of several mutational exposures and processes and determine which ones occurred during the development of individual tumors. Here, we review advances in detecting these mutation signatures and discuss the implications for surveillance and prevention of cancer. The number of sequenced tumors from diverse cancer types and multiple geographic regions is growing explosively, and the genomes of these tumors will bear the signatures of even more diverse mutagenic exposures. Thus, we envision development of wide-ranging compendia of mutation signatures from tumors and a concerted effort to experimentally elucidate the signatures of a large number of mutagens. This information will be used to link signatures observed in tumors to the exposures responsible for them, which will offer unprecedented opportunities for prevention.
Efficient fermentation of an improved synthetic grape must by enological and laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Viana Tiago , Loureiro-Dias Maria C , Prista Catarina
Published: March 2014

Grape must or freshly pressed grape juice is a complex chemical matrix that impacts the efficiency of yeast fermentation. The composition of natural grape must (NGM) can be variable; thus, to ensure reproducibility, a synthetic grape must (SGM) with defined composition is commonly used. The aim of this work was to create conditions to advance the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae laboratory strains for wine fermentation studies, considering previous results obtained for enological strains fermenting NGM under simulated winery conditions. We designed a new SGM formulation, ISA-SGM, by introducing specific modifications to a commonly used formulation, putting together previous reports. We added glucose and fructose in equal amounts (125 g/l) and 50 parts per million (ppm) sulfur dioxide (SO2, corresponding to standard enological treatment), and we optimized the concentrations of malic acid (3 g/l), citric acid (0.3 g/l), and tartaric acid (3 g/l). Using ISA-SGM, we obtained similar fermentative profiles for the wine strain ISA1000, the prototrophic strain S288C, and its auxotrophic derivative BY4741. In this case, the concentrations of supplements were optimized to 120 mg/l L-uracil, 80 mg/l L-methionine, 400 mg/l L-leucine, and 100 mg/l L-histidine. All these strains tested in ISA-SGM presented a similar fermentative performance as ISA1000 in NGM. ISA-SGM formulation is a promising new tool to allow the use of the auxotrophic BY strains in the detailed assessment of the alcoholic fermentation process under simulated winery conditions, and it provides a foundation to extract relevant physiological conclusions in future research on enological yeast traits.
Xylanase (GH11) from Acremonium cellulolyticus: homologous expression and characterization
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Inoue Benchaporn , Yoshimi Miho , Fujii Tatsuya , Ishikawa Kazuhiko
Published: March 2014

Cellulosic materials constitute most of the biomass on earth, and can be converted into biofuel or bio-based materials if fermentable sugars can be released using cellulose-related enzymes. Acremonium cellulolyticus is a mesophilic fungus which produces a high amount of cellulose-related enzymes. In the genome sequence data of A. cellulolyticus, ORFs showing homology to GH10 and GH11 xylanases were found. The xylanases of A. cellulolyticus play an important role in cellulolytic biomass degradation. Search of a draft genome sequence of A. cellulolyticus for xylanase coding regions identified seven ORFs showing homology to GH 11 xylanase genes (xylA, xylB, xylC, xylD, xylE, xylF and xylG). These genes were cloned and their enzymes were prepared with a homologous expression system under the control of a glucoamylase promoter. Six of the seven recombinant enzymes were successfully expressed, prepared, and characterized. These enzymes exhibited optimal xylanase activity at pH 4.0 – 4.5. But this time, we found that only XylC had enormously higher relative activity (2947 U•mg −1) than the other xylanases at optimum pH. This result is surprising because XylC does not retain a carbohydrate-binding module 1 (CBM-1) that is necessary to bind tightly own substrate such as xylan. In this study, we discuss the relationship between activity, pH and sequence of seven xylanases in A. cellulolyticus.
Deficiency of Clusterin Exacerbates High-Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Male Mice
Authors: Kwon Min Jung , Ju Tae-jin , Heo Jung-Yoon , Kim Yong-Woon , Kim Jong-Yeon , Won Kyu-Chang , Kim Jae-Ryong , Bae Young Kyung , Park In-Sun , Min Bon-Hong , Lee In-Kyu , Park So-Young
Published: March 2014

The present study examined the role of clusterin in insulin resistance in high fat-fed wild-type and clusterin knockout (KO) mice. The plasma levels of glucose and C-peptide and islet size were increased in clusterin KO mice after an 8-week high-fat diet. In an ip glucose tolerance test, the area under the curve for glucose was not different, whereas the area under the curve for insulin was higher in clusterin KO mice. In a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, the clamp insulin levels were higher in clusterin KO mice after the high-fat diet. After adjusting for the clamp insulin levels, the glucose infusion rate, suppression of hepatic glucose production, and glucose uptake were lower in clusterin KO mice in the high fat-fed group. The plasma levels of clusterin and clusterin mRNA levels in the skeletal muscle and liver were increased by the high-fat diet. The mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes were lower, and the mRNA levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) 1 and cytokines and protein carbonylation were higher in the skeletal muscle and liver in clusterin KO mice after the high-fat diet. Palmitate-induced gene expressions of NOX1 and cytokines were higher in the primary cultured hepatocytes of clusterin KO mice compared with the wild-type mice. Clusterin inhibited the gene expression and reactive oxygen species generation by palmitate in the hepatocytes and C2C12. AKT phosphorylation by insulin was reduced in the hepatocytes of clusterin KO mice. These results suggest that clusterin plays a protective role against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance through the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Adiponectin Suppresses Angiotensin II-Induced Inflammation and Cardiac Fibrosis through Activation of Macrophage Autophagy
Authors: Qi Guan-Ming , Jia Li-Xin , Li Yu-Lin , Li Hui-Hua , Du Jie
Published: March 2014

Previous studies have indicated that adiponectin (APN) protects against cardiac remodeling, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate how APN regulates inflammatory responses and cardiac fibrosis in response to angiotensin II (Ang II). Male APN knockout (APN KO) mice and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 littermates were sc infused with Ang II at 750 ng/kg per minute. Seven days after Ang II infusion, both APN KO and WT mice developed equally high blood pressure levels. However, APN KO mice developed more severe cardiac fibrosis and inflammation compared with WT mice. This finding was demonstrated by the up-regulation of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin, IL-1β, and TNF-α and increased macrophage infiltration in APN KO mice. Moreover, there were substantially fewer microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-positive autophagosomes in macrophages in the hearts of Ang II-infused APN KO mice. Additional in vitro studies also revealed that globular APN treatment induced autophagy, inhibited Ang II-induced nuclear factor-κB activity, and enhanced the expression of antiinflammatory cytokines, including IL-10, macrophage galactose N-acetyl-galactosamine specific lectin 2, found in inflammatory zone 1, and type-1 arginase in macrophages. In contrast, APN-induced autophagy and antiinflammatory cytokine expression was diminished in Atg5-knockdown macrophages or by Compound C, an inhibitor of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Our study indicates that APN activates macrophage autophagy through the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway and suppresses Ang II-induced inflammatory responses, thereby reducing the extent of cardiac fibrosis.