bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transatlantic movements of juvenile Atlantic bluefin tuna inferred from analyses of organochlorine tracers
Authors: Graves John E. , Wozniak Andrew S. , Dickhut Rebecca M. , Cochran Michele A. , MacDonald Elizabeth H. , Bush Elizabeth , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Goñi Nicolas
Published: January 2015

Ratios of certain organochlorine pollutants in fish tissues are significantly different between the eastern and western North Atlantic and have been used to identify recent (<1 year) transatlantic migrants of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). In this study we observed limited variation of organochlorine pollutant ratios across collections of young-of-the-year (YOY) bluefin tuna from the western North Atlantic (WNA) and eastern North Atlantic (ENA) in different years and highly significant differences between WNA and ENA YOY samples each year and for all years combined. A significant increase in organochlorine ratios was noted between YOY and age-1 ENA bluefin tuna, consistent with the movement of YOY out of the Mediterranean Sea and into the ENA. Using baseline organochlorine ratios from WNA YOY to identify recent eastern migrants, 29% of age-2, 33% of age-3, and 24% of age-4 juvenile bluefin tuna in the WNA were identified as recent migrants from the east during 2011 and 2012. Applying baseline ratios from age-1 ENA bluefin tuna to identify recent migrants from the WNA, 14.3% of age-2, 9.5% of age-3, and 0% of age-4 juvenile bluefin tuna caught in the Bay of Biscay fishery were identified as recent western migrants during 2010 and 2011. These data reveal substantial connectivity of juvenile bluefin tuna across the North Atlantic and demonstrate that WNA juveniles are heavily subsidized by eastern fish.
Hydraulic traits of Norway spruce sapwood estimated by Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR)
Authors: Luss Saskia , Schwanninger Manfred , Rosner Sabine
Published: January 2015

The potential of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy to predict hydraulic traits in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) sapwood was evaluated. Hydraulic traits tested were P50 (applied air pressure causing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) and RWL50 (applied air pressure causing 50% relative water loss). Samples came from 24-year-old spruce clones. FT-NIR spectra were collected from the axial (transverse) and radial surface of each solid wood sample for the prediction of P50 and RWL50. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models with cross validation were used to establish relationships between the FT-NIR spectra and the reference data from hydraulic properties analysis. The impact of the wavenumber range and the pretreatment during the PLS-R model development and the differences between the axial and radial surfaces were shown. Based on the values of the coefficient of determination (r2) and the root mean square error of cross validation, predicted results were evaluated as acceptable. The models from the axial surface gave better results than the models from the radial surface for P50 (r2 = 0.65), as well as for RWL50 (r2 = 0.77). The first approach to predict hydraulic properties such as P50 and RWL50 by FT-NIR spectroscopy can be regarded as successful. We conclude that the method has high potential to be put into practice as a rapid, reliable, and nondestructive method to determine P50 and RWL50.
Impact of oxygen on the coexistence of nitrification, denitrification, and sulfate reduction in oxygen-based membrane aerated biofilm
Authors: Liu Hong , Tan Shuying , Sheng Zhiya , Yu Tong , Liu Yang
Published: January 2015

Membrane aerated biofilms (MABs) are subject to “counter diffusion” of oxygen and substrates. In a membrane aerated biofilm reactor, gases (e.g., oxygen) diffuse through the membrane into the MAB, and liquid substrates pass from the bulk liquid into the MAB. This behavior can result in a unique biofilm structure in terms of microbial composition, distribution, and community activity in the MAB. Previous studies have shown simultaneous aerobic oxidation, nitrification, and denitrification within a single MAB. Using molecular techniques, we investigated the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the oxygen-based MAB attached to a flat sheet membrane. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments and functional gene fragments specific for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (amoA), denitrifying bacteria (nirK), and SRB (dsrB) demonstrated the coexistence of nitrifiers, denitrifiers, and SRB communities within a single MAB. The functional diversities of SRB and denitrifiers decreased with an increase in the oxygen concentration in the bulk water of the reactor.
On the black holes in alternative theories of gravity: The case of nonlinear massive gravity
Authors: Arraut Ivan
Published: January 2015

I derive general conditions in order to explain the origin of the Vainshtein radius inside dRGT. The set of equations, which I have called "Vainshtein" conditions are extremal conditions of the dynamical metric (gμν) containing all the degrees of freedom of the theory. The Vainshtein conditions are able to explain the coincidence between the Vainshtein radius in dRGT and the scale [Formula: see text], obtained naturally from the Schwarzschild de-Sitter (S-dS) space inside general relativity (GR). In GR, this scale was interpreted as the maximum distance in order to get bound orbits. The same scale corresponds to the static observer position if we want to define the black hole temperature in an asymptotically de-Sitter space. In dRGT, the scale marks a limit after which the extra degrees of freedom of the theory become relevant.
Novel aqueous soluble cobalt(II) phthalocyanines of tetracarboxyl-substituted: Synthesis and catalytic activity on oxidation of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate
Authors: Vashurin Artur , Maizlish Vladimir , Pukhovskaya Svetlana , Voronina Alena , Kuzmin Ilya , Futerman Natalya , Golubchikov Oleg , Koifman Oskar
Published: January 2015

Enhancement of the catalytic activity of phthalocyanine catalysts by immobilizing them on polymer matrix has been studied. It has been found that the immobilization of cobalt(II) phthalocyanines on polymers enhances their catalytic activity in the oxidation of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate by air oxygen under mild conditions.
Myopathic changes in murine skeletal muscle lacking synemin
Authors: García-Pelagio Karla P. , Muriel Joaquin , O'Neill Andrea , Desmond Patrick F. , Lovering Richard M. , Lund Linda , Bond Meredith , Bloch Robert J.
Published: January 2015

Diseases of striated muscle linked to intermediate filament (IF) proteins are associated with defects in the organization of the contractile apparatus and its links to costameres, which connect the sarcomeres to the cell membrane. Here we study the role in skeletal muscle of synemin, a type IV IF protein, by examining mice null for synemin (synm-null). Synm-null mice have a mild skeletal muscle phenotype. Tibialis anterior (TA) muscles show a significant decrease in mean fiber diameter, a decrease in twitch and tetanic force, and an increase in susceptibility to injury caused by lengthening contractions. Organization of proteins associated with the contractile apparatus and costameres is not significantly altered in the synm-null. Elastimetry of the sarcolemma and associated contractile apparatus in extensor digitorum longus myofibers reveals a reduction in tension consistent with an increase in sarcolemmal deformability. Although fatigue after repeated isometric contractions is more marked in TA muscles of synm-null mice, the ability of the mice to run uphill on a treadmill is similar to controls. Our results suggest that synemin contributes to linkage between costameres and the contractile apparatus and that the absence of synemin results in decreased fiber size and increased sarcolemmal deformability and susceptibility to injury. Thus synemin plays a moderate but distinct role in fast twitch skeletal muscle.
Role of intrinsic aerobic capacity and ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction
Authors: Sollanek Kurt J. , Smuder Ashley J. , Wiggs Michael P. , Morton Aaron B. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Powers Scott K.
Published: January 2015

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) leads to rapid diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction, which is collectively termed “ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction” (VIDD). Interestingly, endurance exercise training prior to MV has been shown to protect against VIDD. Further, recent evidence reveals that sedentary animals selectively bred to possess a high aerobic capacity possess a similar skeletal muscle phenotype to muscles from endurance trained animals. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that animals with a high intrinsic aerobic capacity would naturally be afforded protection against VIDD. To this end, animals were selectively bred over 33 generations to create two divergent strains, differing in aerobic capacity: high-capacity runners (HCR) and low-capacity runners (LCR). Both groups of animals were subjected to 12 h of MV and compared with nonventilated control animals within the same strains. As expected, contrasted to LCR animals, the diaphragm muscle from the HCR animals contained higher levels of oxidative enzymes (e.g., citrate synthase) and antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase and catalase). Nonetheless, compared with nonventilated controls, prolonged MV resulted in significant diaphragmatic atrophy and impaired diaphragm contractile function in both the HCR and LCR animals, and the magnitude of VIDD did not differ between strains. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that possession of a high intrinsic aerobic capacity alone does not afford protection against VIDD. Importantly, these results suggest that endurance exercise training differentially alters the diaphragm phenotype to resist VIDD. Interestingly, levels of heat shock protein 72 did not differ between strains, thus potentially representing an important area of difference between animals with intrinsically high aerobic capacity and exercise-trained animals.
Nonpneumatic Antishock Garment Combined with Bakri Balloon as a Nonoperative “Uterine Sandwich” for Temporization of Massive Postpartum Hemorrhage from Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Jelks Andrea , Berletti Monica , Hamlett Liliana , Hugin Michele
Published: January 2015

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication of postpartum hemorrhage. We describe two cases of massive postpartum hemorrhage complicated by DIC that were successfully temporized with combined use of the Bakri balloon and nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG) during massive transfusion. In the first case, a healthy, term gravida underwent emergent cesarean for fetal bradycardia during labor induction. 10 minutes after completion of surgery, brisk vaginal hemorrhage of nonclotting blood from fulminant DIC resulted in maternal shock. A Bakri balloon and NASG were placed during massive transfusion, resulting in rapid maternal stabilization. In the second case, a healthy, term gravida suffered an amniotic fluid embolism during labor requiring emergent cesarean delivery and complicated by cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation. Postoperative rapid uterine bleeding from DIC was treated with a Bakri balloon and NASG, stabilizing the patient during massive transfusion. Neither patient required further surgical procedures. NASG combined with Bakri balloon may serve as a valuable nonoperative treatment or temporization option in cases of massive postpartum hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy such as these. Further study of the utility of NASG in high-resource settings is warranted.
Shear Thickening in Concentrated Soft Sphere Colloidal Suspensions: A Shear Induced Phase Transition
Authors: Kaldasch Joachim , Senge Bernhard , Laven Jozua
Published: January 2015

A model of shear thickening in dense suspensions of Brownian soft sphere colloidal particles is established. It suggests that shear thickening in soft sphere suspensions can be interpreted as a shear induced phase transition. Based on a Landau model of the coagulation transition of stabilized colloidal particles, taking the coupling between order parameter fluctuations and the local strain-field into account, the model suggests the occurrence of clusters of coagulated particles (subcritical bubbles) by applying a continuous shear perturbation. The critical shear stress of shear thickening in soft sphere suspensions is derived while reversible shear thickening and irreversible shear thickening have the same origin. The comparison of the theory with an experimental investigation of electrically stabilized colloidal suspensions confirms the presented approach.
Spot Urine Estimations Are Equivalent to 24-Hour Urine Assessments of Urine Protein Excretion for Predicting Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Teo Boon Wee , Loh Ping Tyug , Wong Weng Kin , Ho Peh Joo , Choi Kwok Pui , Toh Qi Chun , Xu Hui , Saw Sharon , Lau Titus , Sethi Sunil , Lee Evan J. C.
Published: January 2015

Background. The use of spot urine protein to creatinine ratios in estimating 24 hr urine protein excretion rates for diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) predated the standardization of creatinine assays. The comparative predictive performance of spot urine ratios and 24 hr urine collections (of albumin or protein) for the clinical outcomes of CKD progression, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality in Asians is unclear. We compared 4 methods of assessing urine protein excretion in a multiethnic population of CKD patients.Methods. Patients with CKD (n=232) provided 24 hr urine collections followed by spot urine samples the next morning. We created multiple linear regression models to assess the factors associated with GFR decline (median follow-up: 37 months, IQR 26–41) and constructed Cox proportional-hazards models for predicting the combined outcome of ESRD and death.Results. The linear regression models showed that 24 hr urine protein excretion was most predictive of GFR decline but all other methods were similar. For the combined outcomes of ESRD and death, the proportional hazards models had similar predictive performance.Conclusions. We showed that all methods of assessments were comparable for clinical end-points, and any method can be used in clinical practice or research.
Effect of Ondansetron on the Occurrence of Hypotension and on Neonatal Parameters during Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Caesarean Section: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Trabelsi Walid , Romdhani Chihebeddine , Elaskri Haythem , Sammoud Walid , Bensalah Mohamed , Labbene Iheb , Ferjani Mustapha
Published: January 2015

To prevent hypotension during spinal anesthesia for caesarean section, we assessed IV ondansetron of invasive maternal hemodynamic and fetal gazometric parameters.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Pituitary Adenomas by Integrating Analysis of Microarray Data
Authors: Zhao Peng , Hu Wei , Wang Hongyun , Yu Shengyuan , Li Chuzhong , Bai Jiwei , Gui Songbai , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: January 2015

Pituitary adenomas, monoclonal in origin, are the most common intracranial neoplasms. Altered gene expression as well as somatic mutations is detected frequently in pituitary adenomas. The purpose of this study was to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological processes during tumor formation of pituitary adenomas. We performed an integrated analysis of publicly available GEO datasets of pituitary adenomas to identify DEGs between pituitary adenomas and normal control (NC) tissues. Gene function analysis including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks analysis was conducted to interpret the biological role of those DEGs. In this study we detected 3994 DEGs (2043 upregulated and 1951 downregulated) in pituitary adenoma through an integrated analysis of 5 different microarray datasets. Gene function analysis revealed that the functions of those DEGs were highly correlated with the development of pituitary adenoma. This integrated analysis of microarray data identified some genes and pathways associated with pituitary adenoma, which may help to understand the pathology underlying pituitary adenoma and contribute to the successful identification of therapeutic targets for pituitary adenoma.
Sensor-Assisted Face Tracking
Authors: Duan Dingbo , Ma Jian
Published: January 2015

Generally, face detection and tracking focus only on visual data analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel method for face tracking in camera video. By making use of the context metadata captured by wearable sensors on human bodies at the time of video recording, we could improve the performance and efficiency of traditional face tracking algorithms. Specifically, when subjects wearing motion sensors move around in the field of view (FOV) of a camera, motion features collected by those sensors help to locate frames most probably containing faces from the recorded video and thus save large amount of time spent on filtering out faceless frames and cut down the proportion of false alarms. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the proposed method and achieve promising results.
Phylogenetic Relationship of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria according to 16S rRNA Genes
Authors: Javadi Nobandegani Mohammad Bagher , Saud Halimi Mohd , Yun Wong Mui
Published: January 2015

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can convert insoluble form of phosphorous to an available form. Applications of PSB as inoculants increase the phosphorus uptake by plant in the field. In this study, isolation and precise identification of PSB were carried out in Malaysian (Serdang) oil palm field (University Putra Malaysia). Identification and phylogenetic analysis of 8 better isolates were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in which as a result five isolates belong to the Beta subdivision ofProteobacteria, one isolate was related to the Gama subdivision ofProteobacteria, and two isolates were related to theFirmicutes. Bacterial isolates of 6upmr, 2upmr, 19upmnr, 10upmr, and 24upmr were identified asAlcaligenes faecalis. Also, bacterial isolates of 20upmnr and 17upmnr were identified asBacillus cereusandVagococcus carniphilus, respectively, and bacterial isolates of 31upmr were identified asSerratia plymuthica. Molecular identification and characterization of oil palm strains as the specific phosphate solubilizer can reduce the time and cost of producing effective inoculate (biofertilizer) in an oil palm field.
Intrathecal IgG Synthesis: A Resistant and Valuable Target for Future Multiple Sclerosis Treatments
Authors: Bonnan Mickael
Published: January 2015

Intrathecal IgG synthesis is a key biological feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). When acquired early, it persists over time. A growing body of evidence suggests that intrathecal Ig-secreting cells may be pathogenic either by a direct action of toxic IgG or by locally secreting bystander toxic products. Intrathecal IgG synthesis depends on the presence of CNS lymphoid organs, which are strongly linked at anatomical level to cortical subpial lesions and at clinical level to the impairment slope in progressive MS. As a consequence, targeting CNS lymphoid lesions could be a valuable new target in MS, especially during the progressive phase. As intrathecal IgGs are end-products of these lymphoid lesions, intrathecal IgG synthesis may be considered as a specific marker of the persistence of these inflammatory lesions. Here we review the effect upon intrathecal IgG synthesis of all drugs ever used in MS. Except for steroids, all these therapeutic strategies, including rituximab, failed to decrease intrathecal IgG synthesis, with the exception of a questionable incomplete action of natalizumab. Thus, IgG synthesis is a robust marker of persistent intrathecal inflammation and its complete normalization should be one of the goals in future therapeutic strategies.
In Search of Leading Indicator Property of Yield Spread for India: An Approach Based on Quantile and Wavelet Regression
Authors: Dar Arif Billah , Shah Firdous Ahmad
Published: January 2015

The leading indicator ability of yield spread for future output growth and inflation is tested for India. Using the yields on securities with maturities ten years and three months to construct yield spread, we study the predictive power of yield spread for output growth and inflation. Our results based on regression of future inflation and output on yield spreads indicate that there is no information in the yield spread about future economic activity and inflation in India. Further, the predictive power of yield spread is analyzed over different quantiles of inflation and output growth using quantile regression; we find that there is again no evidence of predictive information in the yield spreads. Using multiscale wavelet based regression, predictive power is however unveiled at higher time scales for output growth only.
Beam Tilt-Angle Estimation for Monopole End-Fire Array Mounted on a Finite Ground Plane
Authors: Cao Jia , Xue Zhenghui , Cao Meng
Published: January 2015

A modified method for the beam tilt-angle estimation of monopole end-fire array mounted on finite ground plane is proposed. In the simplified model, the monopole array and ground plane are approximated to two line sources of transverse and longitudinal electric current, respectively. It is deduced that the beam tilt angle is a function about the length of ground plane in front of arrayLg, the length of monopole arrayLa, and the phase constantβα. After verifying the optimizing principle of monopole end-fire array, a 10-element monopole Yagi-Uda antenna satisfying Hansen-Woodyard condition is designed and measured for the analysis. By comparison and analysis, the value ofβαis demonstrated to be the key point of the proposed method. And a slow wave monopole array is proved to be able to achieve a low beam tilt angle from end-fire with only a short-length ground plane.
Bacterial Stigmergy: An Organising Principle of Multicellular Collective Behaviours of Bacteria
Authors: Gloag Erin S. , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B.
Published: January 2015

The self-organisation of collective behaviours often manifests as dramatic patterns of emergent large-scale order. This is true for relatively “simple” entities such as microbial communities and robot “swarms,” through to more complex self-organised systems such as those displayed by social insects, migrating herds, and many human activities. The principle of stigmergy describes those self-organised phenomena that emerge as a consequence of indirect communication between individuals of the group through the generation of persistent cues in the environment. Interestingly, despite numerous examples of multicellular behaviours of bacteria, the principle of stigmergy has yet to become an accepted theoretical framework that describes how bacterial collectives self-organise. Here we review some examples of multicellular bacterial behaviours in the context of stigmergy with the aim of bringing this powerful and elegant self-organisation principle to the attention of the microbial research community.
Long Term Therapeutic Efficacy of a Soft Monobloc Mandibular Advancement Device in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ballanti Fabiana , Ranieri Salvatore , Baldini Alberto , Cozza Paola
Published: January 2015

Aim. To evaluate the long term (48 months) therapeutic efficacy of a soft monobloc mandibular advancement device in adult patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Methods. The study population comprised 28 patients (6 female and 22 male, mean age 52.2 ± 6.8 years) affected by obstructive sleep apnea. After a baseline medical and somnographic examination, a functional examination of the stomatognathic system, and a questionnaire focused on sleep‐related qualities and a daytime somnolence, each patient received an individual device. Two follow‐ups were made 6 months (T1) and 48 months (T2) after soft monobloc mandibular advancement device treatment had been initiated, and all initial examinations were repeated. Results. The statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in body mass index value between T1 and T2 (ρ = 0,012), an increase of Epworth sleepiness scale value between T1 and T2 (ρ = 0,012), and a significant improvement and decrease of apnea/hypopnea index between T0 and T1 (ρ = 0,010) and between T0 and T2 (ρ = 0,013). Conclusion. Treatment with the soft monobloc mandibular advancement device is a therapeutic solution with long term and stable effects (48 months) for patients suffering from mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
DNASynth: A Computer Program for Assembly of Artificial Gene Parts in Decreasing Temperature
Authors: Nowak Robert M. , Wojtowicz-Krawiec Anna , Plucienniczak Andrzej
Published: January 2015

Artificial gene synthesis requires consideration of nucleotide sequence development as well as long DNA molecule assembly protocols. The nucleotide sequence of the molecule must meet many conditions including particular preferences of the host organism for certain codons, avoidance of specific regulatory subsequences, and a lack of secondary structures that inhibit expression. The chemical synthesis of DNA molecule has limitations in terms of strand length; thus, the creation of artificial genes requires the assembly of long DNA molecules from shorter fragments. In the approach presented, the algorithm and the computer program address both tasks: developing the optimal nucleotide sequence to encode a given peptide for a given host organism and determining the long DNA assembly protocol. These tasks are closely connected; a change in codon usage may lead to changes in the optimal assembly protocol, and the lack of a simple assembly protocol may be addressed by changing the nucleotide sequence. The computer program presented in this study was tested with real data from an experiment in a wet biological laboratory to synthesize a peptide. The benefit of the presented algorithm and its application is the shorter time, compared to polymerase cycling assembly, needed to produce a ready synthetic gene.
A Frontal Lobe Meningioma in a Child Leading to Visual Loss
Authors: Sahinoglu-Keşkek Nedime , Soker Gokhan , Keşkek Şakir Özgür , Sahinoglu Sehire , Unal Figen , Unal Fikret , Cevher Selim
Published: January 2015

Objective. Meningiomas are benign primary meningeal tumors and are seen rare in children and adolescents.Clinical Presentation and Intervention. A 15-year-old Turkish boy reported a 1-month history of headache and blurred vision in both eyes. His visual acuity was 0.3 in both eyes with papilledema. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a77×97×77 mm intracranial-extra-axial frontal lesion which compresses the chiasm. He was diagnosed with intracranial meningioma and referred to neurosurgery clinic.Conclusion. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the fact that papilledema and low vision can be caused by an intracranial tumor which compresses optic chiasm.
Purtscher-Like Retinopathy
Authors: Massa Rita , Vale Carolina , Macedo Mafalda , Furtado Maria João , Gomes Miguel , Lume Miguel , Meireles Angelina
Published: January 2015

Purtscher-like retinopathy is associated with retinal hemorrhages and ischaemia probably due to the complement-mediated leukoembolization. It is a rare and severe angiopathy found in conditions such as acute pancreatitis.Case. We present a case of a 53-year-old man who presented with a Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with the development of acute pancreatitis in the context of a Klatskin tumour (a hilar cholangiocarcinoma). The ophthalmologic evaluation revealed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/32 in the right eye (RE) and of 20/40 in the left eye (LE); biomicroscopy of anterior segment showed scleral icterus and fundoscopy revealed peripapillary cotton-wool spots, optic disc edema, and RPE hypo- and hyperpigmentation in the middle peripheral retina in both eyes with an intraretinal hemorrhage in the LE. 15 months after the initial presentation, without ophthalmological treatment, there was an improvement of BCVA to 20/20 in both eyes and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed areas of reduction of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness corresponding to the previous cotton-wool spots.Conclusion. Purtscher-like retinopathy should not be neglected in complex clinical contexts. Its unclear pathophysiology determines an uncertain treatment strategy, but a meticulous follow-up is compulsory in order to avoid its severe complications.
A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Images Based on Level Set Segmentation and ReliefF Feature Selection
Authors: Pang Zhiyong , Zhu Dongmei , Chen Dihu , Li Li , Shao Yuanzhi
Published: January 2015

This study established a fully automated computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for the classification of malignant and benign masses via breast magnetic resonance imaging (BMRI). A breast segmentation method consisting of a preprocessing step to identify the air-breast interfacing boundary and curve fitting for chest wall line (CWL) segmentation was included in the proposed CAD system. The Chan-Vese (CV) model level set (LS) segmentation method was adopted to segment breast mass and demonstrated sufficiently good segmentation performance. The support vector machine (SVM) classifier with ReliefF feature selection was used to merge the extracted morphological and texture features into a classification score. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity measurements for the leave-half-case-out resampling method were 92.3%, 98.2%, and 76.2%, respectively. For the leave-one-case-out resampling method, the measurements were 90.0%, 98.7%, and 73.8%, respectively.
A Case of Healthcare Associated Pneumonia Caused byChryseobacterium indologenesin an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Nemli Salih Atakan , Demirdal Tuna , Ural Serap
Published: January 2015

Chryseobacterium indologenesis nonmotile, oxidase, and indole positive Gram-negative aerobic bacilli which is widely found in plants, soil, foodstuffs, and water. It can colonize hospital environment due to ability to survive in chlorine-treated water supplies. Chryseobacteria can also colonize patients via contaminated medical devices such as respirators, intubation tubes, humidifiers, intravascular catheters, and prosthetic valves. Immune suppression, comorbidities, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and extreme age are other important risk factors forChryseobacteriuminfections. We report a case of an 82-year-old male admitted to our hospital with the complaint of altered mental status with history of trauma, and recent orthopedic and neurosurgery operations. He was transferred to neurosurgery intensive care unit due to respiratory failure. Urine culture yielded extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) (+).E. coliandC. indologeneswere isolated from transtracheal aspirate. He was treated with ertapenem, and levofloxacin and discharged with full recovery.
Gang Reengagement Intentions among Incarcerated Serious Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Boduszek Daniel , Dhingra Katie , Hirschfield Alexander
Published: January 2015

Research examining the factors that precipitate gang membership has contributed substantially to our understanding of gangs and gang-related activity, yet we know little about the factors influencing intentions to rejoin a gang after having being incarcerated. This study examines the relationship between gang characteristics, number of incarcerated friends, and family characteristics and gang reengagement intentions, while controlling for ethnicity. Participants were 206 male serious juvenile offenders interviewed as part of the Pathways to Desistance Study. The model explained between 35% and 47% of variance in gang reengagement intentions. However, only three variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model (punishment if gang rules are broken, importance of gang membership, and moral disengagement), with the strongest predictor being importance of gang membership. The results suggest that challenging young offenders’ perceptions about the importance of gang membership might be particularly effective in reducing gang reengagement intentions after incarceration.
Resistant Starch Contents of Native and Heat‐Moisture Treated Jackfruit Seed Starch
Authors: Kittipongpatana Ornanong S. , Kittipongpatana Nisit
Published: January 2015

Native jackfruit seed starch (JFS) contains 30% w/w type II resistant starch (RS2) and can potentially be developed as a new commercial source of RS for food and pharmaceutical application. Heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) was explored as a mean to increase RS content of native JFS. The effect of the conditions was tested at varied moisture contents (MC), temperatures, and times. Moisture levels of 20–25%, together with temperatures 80–110°C, generally resulted in increases of RS amount. The highest amount of RS (52.2%) was achieved under treatment conditions of 25% MC and 80°C, for 16 h (JF‐25‐80‐16). FT‐IR peak ratio at 1047/1022 cm−1 suggested increases in ordered structure in several HMT‐JFS samples with increased RS. SEM showed no significant change in the granule appearance, except at high moisture/temperature treatment. XRD revealed no significant change in peaks intensities, suggesting the crystallinity within the granule was mostly retained. DSC showed increases in Tg and, in most cases, ΔT, as the MC was increased in the samples. Slight but significant decreases in ΔH were observed in samples with low RS, indicating that a combination of high moisture and temperature might cause partial gelatinization. HMT‐JFS with higher RS exhibited less swelling, while the solubility remained mostly unchanged.
A Note on a Modified Cournot-Puu Duopoly
Authors: Cánovas Jose S.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyze a classical duopoly model introduced by Puu in 1991 when lower bounds for productions are added to the model. In particular, we prove that the complexity of the modified model is smaller than or equal to the complexity of the seminal one by comparing their topological entropies. We also discuss whether the dynamical complexity of the new model is physically observable.
Sensitivity Analysis of Transonic Flow over J-78 Wings
Authors: Kuzmin Alexander
Published: January 2015

3D transonic flow over swept and unswept wings with an J-78 airfoil at spanwise sections is studied numerically at negative and vanishing angles of attack. Solutions of the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are obtained with a finite-volume solver on unstructured meshes. The numerical simulation shows that adverse Mach numbers, at which the lift coefficient is highly sensitive to small perturbations, are larger than those obtained earlier for 2D flow. Due to the larger Mach numbers, there is an onset of self-exciting oscillations of shock waves on the wings. The swept wing exhibits a higher sensitivity to variations of the Mach number than the unswept one.
A Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Tai Chi in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease between 2008 and 2014
Authors: Zhou Ji , Yin Tao , Gao Qian , Yang Xiao Cun
Published: January 2015

Objective. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence on the effect of Tai Chi for Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods. Six electronic databases up to June 2014 were searched. The methodological quality was assessed with PEDro scale. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence intervals of random-effects model were calculated.Results. Nine studies were included in our review. The aggregated results are in favor of Tai Chi on improving motor function (P=0.002) and balance (P<0.00001) in patients with PD. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support or refute the value of Tai Chi on improving gait velocity (P=0.11), stride length (P=0.21), or quality of life (P=0.40). And there is no valid evidence in follow-up effects of Tai Chi for PD. Conclusion. The current results suggest that Tai Chi can significantly improve the motor function and balance in patients with PD, but there is indeed not enough evidence to conclude that Tai Chi is effective for PD because of the small treatment effect, methodological flaws of eligible studies, and insufficient follow-up. Consequently, high-quality studies with long follow-up are warranted to confirm current beneficial findings.
Studying the Effect of ZnO on Physical and Elastic Properties of (ZnO)x(P2O5)1−xGlasses Using Nondestructive Ultrasonic Method
Authors: Amin Matori Khamirul , Mohd Zaid Mohd Hafiz , Quah Hock Jin , Abdul Aziz Sidek Hj. , Abdul Wahab Zaidan , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Sabri
Published: January 2015

Binary zinc phosphate glass system with composition of (ZnO)x(P2O5)1−x, (x= 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mol%) was successfully prepared using a conventional melt-quenching method. Composition dependence of physical properties and elastic properties in the (ZnO)x(P2O5)1−xwere discussed in association with the effects of adding zinc oxide (ZnO) as a modifier. The addition of ZnO modifier was expected to produce substantial changes on physical properties of the phosphate glasses. An increase in density values of the phosphate glasses was observed. Elastic moduli were studied by measuring ultrasonic longitudinal and shear velocities (VlandVt) of the glasses at room. Longitudinal modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Debye temperature(θD)were derived from both data of velocities and respective density of all of the samples. Findings from present work showed dependence of density and elastic moduli of each ZnO-P2O5series on glass composition.
Neurocognitive Rehabilitation in Parkinson’s Disease with Motor Imagery: A Rehabilitative Experience in a Case Report
Authors: Zangrando Federico , Piccinini Giulia , Pelliccioni Andrea , Saraceni Vincenzo Maria , Paolucci Teresa
Published: January 2015

A 50-year-old female with Parkinson’s disease underwent a neurocognitive rehabilitation program consisting of one-hour-lasting sessions attended twice a week for three months. The balance and the risk of falls were determined using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation Scale. The pain was determined using the Visual Analog Scale and the course of the disease was examined using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Endpoints were before the treatment, at the end of the treatment, and at a 12-week follow-up. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of neurocognitive rehabilitation in PD with motor imagery. Primary outcome is the improvement in balance and the falls risk reduction; secondary outcome is lower limb pain reduction.
Optimal Decision for Fashion Supply Chains with Service Level Constraint and Controllable Lead Time
Authors: Li Guo , Kang Yu-chen , Xu Guan
Published: January 2015

We study a two-echelon supply chain inventory model with controllable lead time and service level constraint in fashion supply chains, in which we assume that the unit cost of compressing lead time follows exponential distribution. Under these conditions we investigate the optimal ordering quantity and production quantity in the fashion supply chain by minimizing the joint total cost. Simultaneously, we work out the boundaries of ordering quantity and production quantity, which simplify the computation. Furthermore, numerical examples are presented to test the feasibility of the model. The results show that assuming the unit cost of compressing lead time in accordance with exponential distribution is realistic. It also notices that the optimal order and production decision for fashion supply chains are constrained obviously by the service level and safety factors. What is more, the holding cost rate of both the service level and safety factors has a certain influence on it. And by further analyzing on some references in the last part, we have done some extensions and found some interesting results.
Short-Term Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Subjective and Actigraphy-Assessed Sleep Parameters in Severely Depressed Inpatients
Authors: Hoogerhoud Alexander , Hazewinkel Andreia W. P. , Reijntjens Robert H. A. M. , van Vliet Irene M. , van Noorden Martijn S. , Lammers Gert Jan , van Dijk J. Gert , Giltay Erik J.
Published: January 2015

Background. Sleep disturbances are a key feature of major depression. Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) may improve polysomnography-assessed sleep characteristics, but its short-term effects on actigraphy-assessed and subjective sleep characteristics are unknown. We therefore aimed to assess the effects of ECT on subjective and objective sleep parameters in a proof-of-principle study.Methods. We assessed subjective and objective sleep parameters in 12 severely depressed patients up to 5 consecutive days during their ECT course, corresponding to a total of 43 nights (including 19 ECT sessions). The 12 patients were 83% female and on average 62 (standard deviation (SD) 14) years old and had an average MADRS score of 40 at baseline (SD 21).Results. Subjective and objective sleep parameters were not directly affected by ECT. The subjective sleep efficiency parameter was similar on the day after ECT and other days. ECT did not affect the number of errors in the Sustained Attention to Response Task. Patients subjectively underestimated their total sleep time by 1.4 hours (P<0.001) compared to actigraphy-assessed sleep duration.Conclusion. ECT did not affect subjective and actigraphy-assessed sleep in the short term. Depressed patients profoundly underestimated their sleep duration.
Metabolic Interaction of the Active Constituents ofCoptis chinensisin Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Liu Songcan , Zhang Xinfeng , Qiu Furong , Miao Ping , Shen Shujiao , Zhu Leilei , Zeng Jin , Jiang Jian
Published: January 2015

Coptis chinensisis commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. The study investigated metabolic interaction of the active constituents (berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine) ofCoptis chinensisin human liver microsomes. After incubation of the four constituents ofCoptis chinensisin HLMs, the metabolism of the four constituents was observed by HPLC. Thein vitroinhibition experiment between the active constituents was conducted, and IC50value was estimated. Coptisine exhibited inhibitions against the formation of the two metabolites of berberine with IC50values of 6.5 and 8.3 μM, respectively. Palmatine and jatrorrhizine showed the weaker inhibitory effect on the formation of the metabolites of berberine. Berberine showed a weak inhibitory effect on the production of coptisine metabolite with an IC50value of 115 μM, and palmatine and jatrorrhizine had little inhibitory effect on the formation of coptisine metabolite. Berberine, coptisine, and jatrorrhizine showed no inhibitory effect on the generation of palmatine metabolite (IC50> 200 μM). The findings suggested that there are different degrees of metabolic interaction between the four components. Coptisine showed the strongest inhibition toward berberine metabolism.
N-Acetylcysteine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Thakker Divyesh , Raval Amit , Patel Isha , Walia Rama
Published: January 2015

Objective. To review the benefits and harms of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Method. Literature search was conducted using the bibliographic databases, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, PsyInfo, and PROQUEST (from inception to September 2013) for the studies on women with PCOS receiving NAC.Results. Eight studies with a total of 910 women with PCOS were randomized to NAC or other treatments/placebo. There were high risk of selection, performance, and attrition bias in two studies and high risk of reporting bias in four studies. Women with NAC had higher odds of having a live birth, getting pregnant, and ovulation as compared to placebo. However, women with NAC were less likely to have pregnancy or ovulation as compared to metformin. There was no significant difference in rates of the miscarriage, menstrual regulation, acne, hirsutism, and adverse events, or change in body mass index, testosterone, and insulin levels with NAC as compared to placebo.Conclusions. NAC showed significant improvement in pregnancy and ovulation rate as compared to placebo. The findings need further confirmation in well-designed randomized controlled trials to examine clinical outcomes such as live birth rate in longer follow-up periods. Systematic review registration number isCRD42012001902.
CISAPS: Complex Informational Spectrum for the Analysis of Protein Sequences
Authors: Chrysostomou Charalambos , Seker Huseyin , Aydin Nizamettin
Published: January 2015

Complex informational spectrum analysis for protein sequences (CISAPS) and its web-based server are developed and presented. As recent studies show, only the use of the absolute spectrum in the analysis of protein sequences using the informational spectrum analysis is proven to be insufficient. Therefore, CISAPS is developed to consider and provide results in three forms including absolute, real, and imaginary spectrum. Biologically related features to the analysis of influenza A subtypes as presented as a case study in this study can also appear individually either in the real or imaginary spectrum. As the results presented, protein classes can present similarities or differences according to the features extracted from CISAPS web server. These associations are probable to be related with the protein feature that the specific amino acid index represents. In addition, various technical issues such as zero-padding and windowing that may affect the analysis are also addressed. CISAPS uses an expanded list of 611 unique amino acid indices where each one represents a different property to perform the analysis. This web-based server enables researchers with little knowledge of signal processing methods to apply and include complex informational spectrum analysis to their work.
β-Catenin Promotes Regulatory T-cell Responses in Tumors by Inducing Vitamin A Metabolism in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hong Yuan , Manoharan Indumathi , Suryawanshi Amol , Majumdar Tanmay , Angus-Hill Melinda L. , Koni Pandelakis A. , Manicassamy Balaji , Mellor Andrew L. , Munn David H. , Manicassamy Santhakumar
Published: January 2015

Tumors actively suppress antitumor immunity, creating formidable barriers to successful cancer immunotherapy. The molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-induced immune tolerance are largely unknown. In the present study, we show that dendritic cells (DC) in the tumor microenvironment acquire the ability to metabolize vitamin A to produce retinoic acid (RA), which drives regulatory T-cell responses and immune tolerance. Tolerogenic responses were dependent on induction of vitamin A–metabolizing enzymes via the β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) pathway in DCs. Consistent with this observation, DC-specific deletion of β-catenin in mice markedly reduced regulatory T-cell responses and delayed melanoma growth. Pharmacologic inhibition of either vitamin A–metabolizing enzymes or the β-catenin/TCF4 pathway in vivo had similar effects on tumor growth and regulatory T-cell responses. Hence, β-catenin/TCF4 signaling induces local regulatory DC and regulatory T-cell phenotypes via the RA pathway, identifying this pathway as an important target for anticancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 75(4); 656–65. ©2015 AACR.