bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Response Synchronization in Neuronal Population with Time-Varying Coupling Strength
Authors: Jiao Xianfa , Zhao Wanyu , Cao Jinde
Published: November 2015

We present the dynamic model of global coupled neuronal population subject to external stimulus by the use of phase sensitivity function. We investigate the effect of time-varying coupling strength on the synchronized phase response of neural population subjected to external harmonic stimulus. For a time-periodic coupling strength, we found that the stimulus with increasing intensity or frequency can reinforce the phase response synchronization in neuronal population of the weakly coupled neural oscillators, and the neuronal population with stronger coupling strength has good adaptability to stimulus. When we consider the dynamics of coupling strength, we found that a strong stimulus can quickly cause the synchronization in the neuronal population, the degree of synchronization grows with the increasing stimulus intensity, and the period of synchronized oscillation induced by external stimulation is related to stimulus frequency.
Portal Vein Thrombosis due to Prothrombin Gene Mutation following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Baba Murad , Fakhoury Jordan , Syed Amer
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Portomesenteric thrombosis is increasingly recognized as a complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). It often presents with abdominal pain. We present a mother and her son who both developed portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after LSG.Case Description. A 43-year-old woman presented complaining of sudden severe abdominal pain, two weeks after she had uncomplicated laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast showed portal vein thrombosis and SMV thrombosis. Two weeks later her son had the same LSG for morbid obesity and presented with the same clinical picture. Thrombophilia workup showed heterozygous prothrombin gene mutation.Conclusions. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose PVT; although rare, it can be potentially lethal. Anticoagulation therapy should be initiated immediately to limit the morbidities and improve the outcome. Patients with family history of thrombophilia should be investigated prior to any bariatric surgery and nonsurgical alternative treatments for morbid obesity should be strongly encouraged.
Alternative Methods to Treat Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Sheikhi Mohammad Ali , Ebadi Ahmad , Talaeizadeh Abdolhassan , Rahmani Hossein
Published: November 2015

Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is among the most intensive side effects and critical concerns for patients with cancer. Most of these patients experience nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. Sometimes, this is so annoying that it may prevent them from continuing the therapy. With the recent advances, a variety of therapeutic methods are innovated and applied to control CINV. Among them, the main methods include medicinal therapy, relaxation, and herbal therapy. Yet, using dexamethasone together with massage therapy and ginger is identified as the most effective method.
Oral Health Status of the Elderly at Tonga, West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Michele Lolita Yotat , Ashu Michael Agbor , Hubert Ntumba , Florence Djachechi , Jacques Bolenge
Published: November 2015

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the oral health status of elderly persons in Tonga, West Region of Cameroon.Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study of persons of at least 65 years, living in Tonga village, West Region of Cameroon.Results. A total of 183 persons aged between 65 and 94 years, mean age of 73 years ±7 s.d., 83 (45,4%) males, and 100 (54,6%) females participated in the study. The most represented age range was 65–74 years (60.1%); 86 (47.3%) and elders above 65 constituted 1.8% of the total population. More than a third 117 (41.4%) had visible dental plaque, 117 (48,6%) had periodontal pockets >4 mm, 153 (54,1%) had teeth with total crown destruction, 70 (38.3%) had not lost a tooth, 23 (12.6%) had lost 1 tooth, 19 (10.4%) have lost at least 2 teeth, 100 (55.7%) were partially edentulous at the maxilla and 98 (53.6%) at the mandible, 2 (1.1%) were completely edentulous at the maxilla and 3 (1.6%) at the mandible, and 3.8% had removable dentures. The mean DMF index was 6.11 and 69.4% had dental caries. Risk factors to dental caries were toothbrushing and tobacco consumption while dental plaque was associated to pocket depth of 4–6 mm. Barriers to oral health care included ignorance 47 (25.7%), financial difficulties 124 (67.8%), and distance to the nearest clinic 12 (6.5%).Conclusion.The oral status of the elderly was generally poor.
The Influence ofα-Lipoic Acid and Garlic Administration on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rabbits Exposed to Oxidized Nutrition Oils
Authors: Zalejska-Fiolka Jolanta , Wielkoszyński Tomasz , Rokicki Wojciech , Dąbrowska Natalia , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Owczarek Aleksander , Błaszczyk Urszula , Kasperczyk Sławomir , Stawiarska-Pięta Barbara , Birkner Ewa , Gamian Andrzej
Published: November 2015

We hypothesized that addition of substances with antioxidant activity could decrease the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory process, thus inhibiting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development. We investigated the influence ofα-lipoic acid (ALA) and garlic administration on the development of adverse changes in rabbit liver and serum under oxidative stress conditions induced with HFD from oxidized oils. We determined 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates, total oxidant status (TOS), lipid peroxides (LOO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in blood serum, and TNFαand IL-1αgenes expression in liver. The results indicate that the intake of dietary ALA and garlic was significantly associated with decreases of 8OHdG and MDA levels in rabbits’ liver tissue as well as TOS and LOO levels in rabbits’ serum. Similarly, TNFαand IL-1αgene expressions were suppressed due to ALA and garlic supplementation. The histopathological analysis confirmed that HFD results in liver disorder leading to steatosis. This adverse effect of HFD was ameliorated by the supplementation of ALA and garlic. The obtained results indicate a beneficial effect of ALA and garlic administration by reducing the oxidative stress intensity and the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in rabbits fed HFD.
Improving the Measurement of Disease Activity for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Validation of an Electronic Version of the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3
Authors: Chua Ruthie M. , Mecchella John N. , Zbehlik Alicia J.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. An electronic Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID 3) was incorporated into our electronic health records (EHRs) which did not replicate the visual presentation of the paper version. This study validated the electronic RAPID 3 compared to the paper version.Methods. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n=50) completed both the electronic RAPID 3 online in the week prior to and a paper version on the day of their clinic visit.Results. Pairedt-test showed no significant difference (pvalue = 0.46) between versions.Conclusion. The electronic version of RAPID 3 is valid and can be easily integrated in care of RA patients.
Surface Albedo Variation and Its Influencing Factors over Dongkemadi Glacier, Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Jie , Cui Yuhuan , He Xiaobo , Zhang Jian , Yan Shijiang
Published: November 2015

Glacier albedo plays a critical role in surface-atmosphere energy exchange, the variability of which influences glacier mass balance as well as water resources. Dongkemadi glacier in central Tibetan Plateau was selected as study area; this research used field measurements to verify Landsat TM-derived albedo and MOD10A1 albedo product and then analyzed the spatiotemporal variability of albedo over the glacier according to them, as well as its influence factors and the relationship with glacier mass balance. The spatial distribution of glacier albedo in winter did not vary with altitude and was determined by terrain shield, whereas, in summer, albedo increased with altitude and was only influenced by terrain shield at accumulation zone. During 2000–2009, albedo in summer decreased at a rate of 0.0052 per year and was influenced by air temperature and precipitation levels, whereas albedo in winter increased at a rate of 0.0045 per year, influenced by the level and frequency of precipitation. The annual variation of albedo in summer during 2000–2012 has the high relative to that of glacier mass balance measurement, which indicates that glacier albedo in the ablation period can be considered as a proxy for glacier mass balance.
The Applicability of the International Staging System in Chinese Patients with Multiple Myeloma Receiving Bortezomib or Thalidomide-Based Regimens as Induction Therapy: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Lu Jing , Lu Jin , Liu Aijun , Fu Weijun , Du Juan , Huang Xiaojun , Chen Wenming , Hou Jian
Published: November 2015

The International Staging System (ISS) is the most important prognostic system for multiple myeloma (MM). It was identified in the era of conventional agents. The outcome of MM has significantly changed by novel agents. Thus the applicability of ISS system in the era of novel agents in Chinese patients needs to be demonstrated. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes and prognostic significance of ISS system in 1016 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in Chinese patients between 2008 and 2012, who received bortezomib- or thalidomide-based regimens as first-line therapy. The median overall survival (OS) of patients for ISS stages I/II/III was not reached/55.4 months/41.7 months (p<0.001), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 30/29.5/25 months (p=0.072), respectively. Statistically significant difference in survival was confirmed among three ISS stages in thalidomide-based group, but not between ISS stages I and II in bortezomib-based group. These findings suggest that ISS system can predict the survival in the era of novel agents in Chinese MM patients, and bortezomib may have the potential to partially overcome adverse effect of risk factors on survival, especially in higher stage of ISS system.
Brain-Gut Axis Modulation of Acupuncture in Functional Dyspepsia: A Preliminary Resting-State fcMRI Study
Authors: Fang Jiliang , Wang Danhong , Zhao Qing , Hong Yang , Jin Yulian , Liu Zhishun , Zhou Kehua , Jing Xianghong , Yu Xiaochun , Pan Ruiqi , Chang Andrew , Liu Hesheng , Zhu Bing
Published: November 2015

Objective. To explore acupuncture effects on brain functional connectivity in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).Methods. Eight patients in an acupuncture treatment group and ten healthy adults in the control group participated in the study. Acupuncture effectiveness was evaluated based on changes of the gastrointestinal symptoms, gastric motility measurements, and gastrin levels and comparisons with the control group when appropriate. To investigate functional connectivity changes related to FD and potential modulation after acupuncture, a set of regions of interest (ROIs) were selected according to previous fMRI reports of acupuncture.Results. Patients showed significant improvements of FD signs and symptoms after acupuncture treatments. For all of the ROIs, we identified subportions of the networks showing reduced connectivity in patients with FD. Connectivity between the ROIs and corresponding disease targets showed significant improvement after acupuncture treatment (P<0.05) in all ROIs except for right medial temporal lobe-hippocampus and right inferior parietal lobule.Conclusion. Functional connectivity of the brain is changed in patients with FD but approximates that in healthy control after acupuncture treatment. The relief of gastrointestinal signs and symptoms by acupuncture is likely due to the normalization of brain-gut axis associated with FD.
Impulsive Fractional Integrodifferential Equations and Lyapunov Method for Existence of Almost Periodic Solutions
Authors: Stamov Gani Tr.
Published: November 2015

The plan of this paper is to find conditions for the existence of almost periodic solutions for a class of impulsive fractional integrodifferential equations. The investigations are carried out by using a new fractional comparison principle, coupled with the fractional Lyapunov method. The stability behavior of the almost periodic solutions is also considered, extending the corresponding theory of impulsive integrodifferential equations.
Interspecific and Intersexual Differences in the Chemical Composition of Floral Scent inGlochidionSpecies (Phyllanthaceae) in South China
Authors: Huang Daihong , Shi Fuchen , Chai Minwei , Li Ruili , Li Houhun
Published: November 2015

Plants of theGlochidion(Phyllanthaceae) genus are pollinated exclusively by host-specificEpicephala(Gracillariidae) moths. Floral scent has been thought to play key role in the obligate pollination mutualism betweenGlochidionplants andEpicephalamoths, but few studies have been reported about chemical variation in floral volatiles ofGlochidionspecies in China. Floral volatiles of male and female flowers of fiveGlochidionspecies in south China were collected by dynamic headspace absorption technique and then were chemically analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 69 compounds were identified from floral scents of five investigated species.Glochidion hirsutumandG.zeylanicumshowed no qualitative differences in floral scent, whereas there were clear variations of floral scent among other species (G. eriocarpum,G.daltonii, andG. sphaerogynum) and also they distinctly differed from these two species. Male flowers emitted significantly more scent than female flowers.Glochidionplants exhibited qualitative and quantitative differences in floral scent between two sexes of flowers. The findings suggest that the volatile variation of floral scent amongGlochidionspecies reflects adaptations to specific pollinators. Sexual dimorphism in floral scent has evolved to signal alternative rewards provided by each sex toEpicephalamoths.
On Generalized Semiderivations of Prime Near Rings
Authors: Boua Abdelkarim , Raji A. , Ali Asma , Ali Farhat
Published: November 2015

LetNbe a near ring. An additive mappingF:N→Nis said to be a generalized semiderivation onNif there exists a semiderivationd:N→Nassociated with a functiong:N→Nsuch thatF(xy)=F(x)y+g(x)d(y)=d(x)g(y)+xF(y)andF(g(x))=g(F(x))for allx,y∈N. In this paper we prove that prime near rings satisfying identities involving semiderivations are commutative rings, thereby extending some known results on derivations, semiderivations, and generalized derivations. We also prove that there exist no nontrivial generalized semiderivations which act as a homomorphism or as an antihomomorphism on a 3-prime near ringN.
Simulating the Range Expansion ofSpartina alterniflorain Ecological Engineering through Constrained Cellular Automata Model and GIS
Authors: Zheng Zongsheng , Tian Bo , Zhang L. W. , Zou Guoliang
Published: November 2015

Environmental factors play an important role in the range expansion ofSpartina alterniflorain estuarine salt marshes. CA models focusing on neighbor effect often failed to account for the influence of environmental factors. This paper proposed a CCA model that enhanced CA model by integrating constrain factors of tidal elevation, vegetation density, vegetation classification, and tidal channels in Chongming Dongtan wetland, China. Meanwhile, a positive feedback loop between vegetation and sedimentation was also considered in CCA model through altering the tidal accretion rate in different vegetation communities. After being validated and calibrated, the CCA model is more accurate than the CA model only taking account of neighbor effect. By overlaying remote sensing classification and the simulation results, the average accuracy increases to 80.75% comparing with the previous CA model. Through the scenarios simulation, the future ofSpartina alternifloraexpansion was analyzed. CCA model provides a new technical idea and method for salt marsh species expansion and control strategies research.
Severe Respiratory Distress in a Child with Pulmonary Idiopathic Hemosiderosis Initially Presenting with Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Potalivo A. , Finessi L. , Facondini F. , Lupo A. , Andreoni C. , Giuliani G. , Cavicchi C.
Published: November 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of alveolar hemorrhage in children but should be considered in children with anemia of unknown origin who develop respiratory complications. It is commonly characterized by the triad of recurrent hemoptysis, diffuse parenchymal infiltrates, and iron-deficiency anemia. Pathogenesis is unclear and diagnosis may be difficult along with a variable clinical course. A 6-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a severe iron-deficiency anemia, but he later developed severe acute respiratory failure and hemoptysis requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The suspicion of IPH led to the use of immunosuppressive therapy with high dose of corticosteroids with rapid improvement in clinical condition and discharge from hospital.
Clinicopathological and Targeted Exome Gene Features of a Patient with Metastatic Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland Harboring an ARID2 Nonsense Mutation and CDKN2A/B Deletion
Authors: Warner Wayne A. , Wong Deborah J. , Palma-Diaz Fernando , Shibuya Terry Y. , Momand Jamil
Published: November 2015

We describe the presentation, treatment, clinical outcome, and targeted genome analysis of a metastatic salivary acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC). A 71-year-old male presented with a 3 cm right tail of a parotid lesion, first detected as a nodule by the patient seven months earlier. He had a right total parotidectomy with cranial nerve VII resection, right facial nerve resection and grafting, resection of the right conchal cartilage, and right modified radical neck dissection. The primary tumor revealed AciCC with two distinct areas: a well-differentiated component with glandular architecture and a dedifferentiated component with infiltrative growth pattern associated with prominent stromal response, necrosis, perineural invasion, and cellular pleomorphism. Tumor staging was pT4 N0 MX. Immunohistochemistry staining showed pankeratin (+), CD56 (−), and a Ki67 proliferation index of 15%. Upon microscopic inspection, 49 local lymph nodes resected during parotidectomy were negative for cancer cells. Targeted sequencing of the primary tumor revealed deletions of CDKN2A and CDKN2B, a nonsense mutation in ARID2, and single missense mutations of unknown significance in nine other genes. Despite postoperative localized radiation treatment, follow-up whole body PET/CT scan showed lung, soft tissue, bone, and liver metastases. The patient expired 9 months after resection of the primary tumor.
Assessment of Antifungal Activity of Bakuchiol on Oral-AssociatedCandidaspp.
Authors: Nordin Mohd-Al-Faisal , Abdul Razak Fathilah , Himratul-Aznita Wan Harun
Published: November 2015

Bakuchiol is an active component ofPsoralea glandulosaandPsoralea corylifolia, used in traditional Chinese medicine. The study aimed at investigating the antifungal activity of bakuchiol on planktonic and biofilm forms of orally associatedCandidaspecies. The antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by the broth micro dilution technique. Growth kinetics and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) ofCandidawere measured to assess the inhibitory effect of bakuchiol onCandidaplanktonic cells. Biofilm biomass and cellular metabolic activity were quantitatively estimated by the crystal violet (CV) and the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assays. AllCandidastrains have been shown to be susceptible to bakuchiol with the MIC ranges from 12.5 to 100 μg/mL. Significant decrease in specific growth rates and viable counts demonstrates the inhibitory effect of bakuchiol onCandidaplanktonic cells. A brief exposure to bakuchiol also reduced CSH ofCandida(P<0.05), indicating altered surface properties of yeast cells towards hydrophobic interfaces. Biofilm biomass and cell metabolic activity were mostly decreased, except forC. glabrata(P=0.29). The antifungal properties of bakuchiol onCandidaspecies in thisin vitrostudy may give insights into the application in therapeutic strategy againstCandidainfections.
Extraction of 10–30-Day Stable Components from a Boreal Atmosphere during ENSO Phases
Authors: Wang Kuo , Feng Guolin , Zeng Yuxing , Li Zhengquan
Published: November 2015

Distinguishing the predictable 10–30-day stable components (STs) in the actual atmosphere has been important in atmospheric science research. In this study, a new method for extracting 10–30-day STs was developed with the use of historical observations. We extracted and analyzed 10–30-day STs via statistical extrapolation tests. The results show that the STs are maintained uniformly at the intraseasonal time scale; the overall trends in the atmospheric motion are revealed. Comparisons between pentad-by-pentad changes in the explained variances of the 10–30-day STs under ENSO phases show that the explained variance transmission attenuation trends for El Niño and La Niña years are weaker and more continuous than those of neutral years. Data for 10–30-day STs can remain continuous and stable from one month to the next. The proposed method and results present a new means of extracting predictable STs from the atmosphere using historical data.
Confidence Interval Estimation of an ROC Curve: An Application of Generalized Half Normal and Weibull Distributions
Authors: Balaswamy S. , Vishnu Vardhan R.
Published: November 2015

In the recent past, the work in the area of ROC analysis gained attention in explaining the accuracy of a test and identification of the optimal threshold. Such types of ROC models are referred to as bidistributional ROC models, for example Binormal, Bi-Exponential, Bi-Logistic and so forth. However, in practical situations, we come across data which are skewed in nature with extended tails. Then to address this issue, the accuracy of a test is to be explained by involving the scale and shape parameters. Hence, the present paper focuses on proposing an ROC model which takes into account two generalized distributions which helps in explaining the accuracy of a test. Further, confidence intervals are constructed for the proposed curve; that is, coordinates of the curve (FPR, TPR) and accuracy measure, Area Under the Curve (AUC), which helps in explaining the variability of the curve and provides the sensitivity at a particular value of specificity and vice versa. The proposed methodology is supported by a real data set and simulation studies.
Optimization of Extraction Parameters for Enhanced Production of Ovotransferrin from Egg White for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Alshammari Eyad M. A. , Khan Saif , Jawed Arshad , Adnan Mohd , Khan Mahvish , Nabi Gowher , Lohani Mohtashim , Haque Shafiul
Published: November 2015

Ovotransferrin is the second most abundant protein (~12-13% of the total egg protein) in egg white after ovalbumin. Ovotransferrin is a potent natural antimicrobial agent as it possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and is also the major metal binding protein found in egg, which makes it an industrially important protein. Ovotransferrin was extracted from egg white using its metal (iron) binding properties. In the present study, eggs from two different sources were used (fresh local eggs from domestic household source and poultry eggs from shops) to compare the results and Response Surface Methodology was used for the experiment design and data analysis. The following extraction conditions were optimized so as to maximize the yield of ovotransferrin from egg white: ethanol % (v/v) and pH and volume (mL) of 25 mM FeCl3/50 mL of egg white. A maximum yield of ~85 ± 2.5% was obtained near the optimum extraction conditions. The yield was calculated based on the theoretical value (934 mg) of ovotransferrin in 100 mL of 1.5x diluted egg white solution. Our results suggest that efficient downstream processing may reduce the cost of overall production process of this promising enzyme, making it a natural and cost-effective alternative to the existing chemically synthesized antimicrobial agents.
Effects of Macro- and Microelements in Soil of Rose Farms in Taif on Essential Oil Production byRosa damascenaMill.
Authors: Shohayeb Mohamed , Arida Hassan , Abdel-Hameed El-Sayed S. , Bazaid Saleh
Published: November 2015

Rose is one of the most economically important ornamental crops in the world. In this study, we analyzed nine macro- and microelements in soils and petals ofR. damascenaMill. cultivated in Shafa and Hada mountains. The amounts of the investigated macro- and microelements varied from one soil or petal sample to another and they were generally higher in most soil and petal samples of Shafa compared to Hada. On the other hand, the levels of the investigated elements in petal samples were not dependent on their levels in soil samples. While water extracts of the soil of farms of Shafa were slightly alkaline (pH 7.69), they were moderately alkaline (pH 8.04) in Hada farms. The amounts of oil produced by rose petals of Hada were relatively larger than those of Shafa. Amongst the five investigated constituents of the volatile oil of roses, the amounts of citronellol, geraniol, and eugenol were significantly larger in the volatile oil of rose petals of Hada compared to Shafa. This study suggests that the ecology of roses of both Hada and Shafa mountains is different and this is most likely reflected on the amount of volatile oil and its constituents. Therefore, further integrated multidisciplinary research correlating rose ecology, agronomy, and essential oil yield is highly recommended.
The Triterpenoid Betulin Protects against the Neuromuscular Effects ofBothrops jararacussuSnake VenomIn Vivo
Authors: Ferraz Miriéle Cristina , de Oliveira Jhones Luiz , de Oliveira Junior Joel Reis , Cogo José Carlos , dos Santos Márcio Galdino , Franco Luiz Madaleno , Puebla Pilar , Ferraz Helena Onishi , Ferraz Humberto Gomes , da Rocha Marisa Maria Teixeira , Hyslop Stephen , San Feliciano Arturo , Oshima-Franco Yoko
Published: November 2015

We confirmed the ability of the triterpenoid betulin to protect against neurotoxicity caused byBothrops jararacussusnake venomin vitroin mouse isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations and examined its capability ofin vivoprotection using the rat external popliteal/sciatic nerve-tibialis anterior (EPSTA) preparation. Venom caused complete, irreversible blockade in PND (40 μg/mL), but only partial blockade (~30%) in EPSTA (3.6 mg/kg, i.m.) after 120 min. In PND, preincubation of venom with commercial bothropic antivenom (CBA) attenuated the venom-induced blockade, and, in EPSTA, CBA given i.v. 15 min after venom also attenuated the blockade (by ~70% in both preparations). Preincubation of venom with betulin (200 μg/mL) markedly attenuated the venom-induced blockade in PND; similarly, a single dose of betulin (20 mg, i.p., 15 min after venom) virtually abolished the venom-induced decrease in contractility. Plasma creatine kinase activity was significantly elevated 120 min after venom injection in the EPSTA but was attenuated by CBA and betulin. These results indicate that betulin given i.p. has a similar efficacy as CBA given i.v. in attenuating the neuromuscular effects ofB. jararacussuvenomin vivoand could be a useful complementary measure to antivenom therapy for treating snakebite.
On Negabent Functions and Nega-Hadamard Transform
Authors: Zhuo Zepeng , Chong Jinfeng
Published: November 2015

The Boolean function which has equal absolute spectral values under the nega-Hadamard transform is called negabent function. In this paper, the special Boolean functions by concatenation are presented. We investigate their nega-Hadamard transforms, nega-autocorrelation coefficients, sum-of-squares indicators, and so on. We establish a new equivalent statement onf1∥f2which is negabent function. Based on them, the construction for generating the negabent functions by concatenation is given. Finally, the function expressed asf(Ax⊕a)⊕b·x⊕cis discussed. The nega-Hadamard transform and nega-autocorrelation coefficient of this function are derived. By applying these results, some properties are obtained.
Following “the Roots” of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): The Evolution of an Enhancer from a Traditional Use to Increase Work and Productivity in Southeast Asia to a Recreational Psychoactive Drug in Western Countries
Authors: Cinosi Eduardo , Martinotti Giovanni , Simonato Pierluigi , Singh Darshan , Demetrovics Zsolt , Roman-Urrestarazu Andres , Bersani Francesco Saverio , Vicknasingam Balasingam , Piazzon Giulia , Li Jih-Heng , Yu Wen-Jing , Kapitány-Fövény Máté , Farkas Judit , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Corazza Ornella
Published: November 2015

The use of substances to enhance human abilities is a constant and cross-cultural feature in the evolution of humanity. Although much has changed over time, the availability on the Internet, often supported by misleading marketing strategies, has made their use even more likely and risky. This paper will explore the case ofMitragyna speciosaKorth. (kratom), a tropical tree used traditionally to combat fatigue and improve work productivity among farm populations in Southeast Asia, which has recently become popular as novel psychoactive substance in Western countries. Specifically, it (i) reviews the state of the art on kratom pharmacology and identification; (ii) provides a comprehensive overview of kratom use cross-culturally; (iii) explores the subjective experiences of users; (iv) identifies potential risks and side-effects related to its consumption. Finally, it concludes that the use of kratom is not negligible, especially for self-medication, and more clinical, pharmacological, and socioanthropological studies as well as a better international collaboration are needed to tackle this marginally explored phenomenon.
Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of the Semiactive Suspension System with Magneto-Rheological Damper
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Wang Enrong , Min Fuhong , Zhang Ning , Su Chunyi , Rakheja Subhash
Published: November 2015

This paper examines dynamical behavior of a nonlinear oscillator which models a quarter-car forced by the road profile. The magneto-rheological (MR) suspension system has been established, by employing the modified Bouc-Wen force-velocity (F-v) model of magneto-rheological damper (MRD). The possibility of chaotic motions in MR suspension is discovered by employing the method of nonlinear stability analysis. With the bifurcation diagrams and corresponding Lyapunov exponent (LE) spectrum diagrams detected through numerical calculation, we can observe the complex dynamical behaviors and oscillating mechanism of alternating periodic oscillations, quasiperiodic oscillations, and chaotic oscillations with different profiles of road excitation, as well as the dynamical evolutions to chaos through period-doubling bifurcations, saddle-node bifurcations, and reverse period-doubling bifurcations.
Clinical Variation ofPlasmodium falciparum eba-175,ama-1, andmsp-3Genotypes in Young Children Living in a Seasonally High Malaria Transmission Setting in Burkina Faso
Authors: Soulama Issiaka , Sermé Samuel S. , Bougouma Edith C. , Diarra Amidou , Tiono Alfred B. , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Konate Amadou T. , Nebie Issa , Sirima Sodiomon B.
Published: November 2015

The association betweenP. falciparum eba-175,ama-1, andmsp-3polymorphism in the pathogenicity of malaria disease was investigated. We therefore compared the prevalence of different alleles between symptomatic and asymptomatic malarial children under five years of age living in Burkina Faso. Blood filter papers were collected during the 2008 malaria transmission season from 228 symptomatic and 199 asymptomatic children under five years of age. All patients were living in the rural area of Saponé at about 50 km from Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.P. falciparumparasite DNA was extracted using QIAGEN kits and the alleles diversity was assessed by a nested PCR. PCR products were then digested by restriction enzymes based on already described polymorphic regions of theeba-175,ama-1, andmsp-3genes. The individual alleleseba-175_FCR3andmsp-3_K1frequencies were statistically higher (p<0.0001) in the asymptomatic group compared to the symptomatic ones. No statistically significant difference was noted in the prevalence ofama-1-3D7,ama-1-K1, andama-1-HB3 genotypes between the two groups (p>0.05). The comparative analysis ofP. falciparumgenotypes indicated that the polymorphism ineba-175andmsp-3genotypes varied between asymptomatic and symptomatic clinical groups and may contribute to the pathogenesis of malaria.
Identification of New Rat Bone Marrow‐Derived Population of Very Small Stem Cell with Oct‐4A and Nanog Expression by Flow Cytometric Platforms
Authors: Labedz-Maslowska Anna , Kamycka Elzbieta , Bobis-Wozowicz Sylwia , Madeja Zbigniew , Zuba-Surma Ewa K.
Published: November 2015

Very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSELs) represent a unique rare population of adult stem cells (SCs) sharing several structural, genetic, biochemical, and functional properties with embryonic SCs and have been identified in several adult murine and human tissues. However, rat bone marrow‐ (BM‐) derived SCs closely resembling murine or human VSELs have not been described. Thus, we employed multi‐instrumental flow cytometric approach including classical and imaging cytometry and we established that newly identified population of nonhematopoietic cells expressing CD106 (VCAM‐I) antigen contains SCs with very small size, expressing markers of pluripotency (Oct‐4A and Nanog) on both mRNA and protein levels that indicate VSEL population. Based on our experience in both murine and human VSEL isolation procedures by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), we also optimized sorting protocol for separation of CD45−/Lin−/CD106+ rat BM‐derived VSELs from wild type and eGFP‐expressing rats, which are often used as donor animals for cell transplantations in regenerative studies in vivo. Thus, this is a first study identifying multiantigenic phenotype and providing sorting protocols for isolation VSELs from rat BM tissue for further examining of their functional properties in vitro as well as regenerative capacity in distinct in vivo rat models of tissue injury.
New Methods in Exploring Old Topics: Case Studying Brittle Diabetes in the Family Context
Authors: Günther Moritz Philipp , Winker Peter , Wudy Stefan A. , Brosig Burkhard
Published: November 2015

Background. In questing for a more refined quantitative research approach, we revisited vector autoregressive (VAR) modeling for the analysis of time series data in the context of the so far poorly explored concept of family dynamics surrounding instable diabetes type 1 (or brittle diabetes).Method. We adopted a new approach to VAR analysis from econometrics referred to as the optimized multivariate lag selection process and applied it to a set of raw data previously analyzed through standard approaches.Results. We illustrated recurring psychosomatic circles of cause and effect relationships between emotional and somatic parameters surrounding glycemic control of the child’s diabetes and the affective states of all family members.Conclusion. The optimized multivariate lag selection process allowed for more specific, dynamic, and statistically reliable results (increasingR2tenfold in explaining glycemic variability), which were derived from a larger window of past explanatory variables (lags). Such highly quantitative versus historic more qualitative approaches to case study analysis of psychosomatics surrounding diabetes in adolescents were reflected critically.
Human Very Small Embryonic‐Like Stem Cells Are Present in Normal Peripheral Blood of Young, Middle‐Aged, and Aged Subjects
Authors: Sovalat Hanna , Scrofani Maurice , Eidenschenk Antoinette , Hénon Philippe
Published: November 2015

The purpose of our study was to determine whether the number of human very small embryonic‐like stem cells (huVSELs) would vary depending on the age of humans. HuVSELs frequency was evaluated into the steady‐state (SS) peripheral blood (PB) of healthy volunteers using flow cytometry analysis. Their numbers were compared with volunteers’ age. Blood samples were withdrawn from 28 volunteers (age ranging from 20 to 70 years), who were distributed among three groups of age: “young” (mean age, 27.8 years), “middle” (mean age, 49 years), and “older” (mean age, 64.2 years). Comparing the three groups, we did not observe any statistically significant difference in huVSELs numbers between them. The difference in mRNA expression for PSC markers as SSEA‐4, Oct‐4, Nanog, and Sox2 between the three groups of age was not statistically significant. A similar frequency of huVSELs into the SS‐PB of young, middle‐aged, and aged subjects may indicate that the VSELs pool persists all along the life as a reserve for tissue repair in case of minor injury and that there is a continuous efflux of these cells from the BM into the PB.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Levels and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Káplár Miklós , Sweni Shah , Kulcsár Julianna , Cogoi Barbara , Esze Regina , Somodi Sándor , Papp Mária , Oláh László , Magyar Mária Tünde , Szabó Katalin , Czuriga-Kovács Katalin Réka , Hársfalvi Jolán , Paragh György
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates complement system and has been suggested to play a role in vascular complications in diabetics. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) detects subclinical atherosclerosis. We evaluated the association of MBL and IMT in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients.Methods. Serum MBL levels and cIMT were measured in a total of 103 diabetics and in 98 age-matched healthy controls.Results. There was no significant difference in MBL level in T2DM versus controls. As expected, IMT was significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls (P=0.001). In T2DM, the lowest cIMT was seen in patients with normal MBL level (500–1000) while cIMT continuously increased with both high MBL and absolute MBL deficiency states. This was especially significant in high MBL versus normal MBL T2DM patients (P=0.002). According to multiple regression analysis the main predictors of IMT in T2DM are age (P<0.003), ApoA level (P=0.023), and the MBL (P=0.036).Conclusions. Our results suggest a dual role of MBL as a risk factor for cIMT in T2DM. MBL may also be used as a marker of macrovascular disease, as both low and high levels indicate the susceptibility for atherosclerosis in T2DM.
Expression of Genes Related to Germ Cell Lineage and Pluripotency in Single Cells and Colonies of Human Adult Germ Stem Cells
Authors: Conrad Sabine , Azizi Hossein , Hatami Maryam , Kubista Mikael , Bonin Michael , Hennenlotter Jörg , Sievert Karl-Dietrich , Skutella Thomas
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular status of single human adult germ stem cells (haGSCs) and haGSC colonies, which spontaneously developed from the CD49f MACS and matrix‐ (collagen−/laminin+ binding‐) selected fraction of enriched spermatogonia. Single‐cell transcriptional profiling by Fluidigm BioMark system of a long‐term cultured haGSCs cluster in comparison to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human fibroblasts (hFibs) revealed that haGSCs showed a characteristic germ‐ and pluripotency‐associated gene expression profile with some similarities to hESCs and with a significant distinction from somatic hFibs. Genome‐wide comparisons with microarray analysis confirmed that different haGSC colonies exhibited gene expression heterogeneity with more or less pluripotency. The results of this study confirm that haGSCs are adult stem cells with a specific molecular gene expression profile in vitro, related but not identical to true pluripotent stem cells. Under ES‐cell conditions haGSC colonies could be selected and maintained in a partial pluripotent state at the molecular level, which may be related to their cell plasticity and potential to differentiate into cells of all germ layers.
Improved Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization for Mangroves Classification
Authors: Huang Zhehuang
Published: November 2015

Quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is a population based optimization algorithm inspired by social behavior of bird flocking which combines the ideas of quantum computing. For many optimization problems, traditional QPSO algorithm can produce high-quality solution within a reasonable computation time and relatively stable convergence characteristics. But QPSO algorithm also showed some unsatisfactory issues in practical applications, such as premature convergence and poor ability in global optimization. To solve these problems, an improved quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed and implemented in this paper. There are three main works in this paper. Firstly, an improved QPSO algorithm is introduced which can enhance decision making ability of the model. Secondly, we introduce synergetic neural network model to mangroves classification for the first time which can better handle fuzzy matching of remote sensing image. Finally, the improved QPSO algorithm is used to realize the optimization of network parameter. The experiments on mangroves classification showed that the improved algorithm has more powerful global exploration ability and faster convergence speed.
Molecular Pathways: IDH2 Mutations—Co-opting Cellular Metabolism for Malignant Transformation
Authors: Stein Eytan M.
Published: November 2015

Mutations in mitochondrial IDH2, one of the three isoforms of IDH, were discovered in patients with gliomas in 2009 and subsequently described in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, chondrosarcoma, and intrahepatic chloangiocarcinoma. The effects of mutations in IDH2 on cellular metabolism, the epigenetic state of mutated cells, and cellular differentiation have been elucidated in vitro and in vivo. Mutations in IDH2 lead to an enzymatic gain of function that catalyzes the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to beta-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Supranormal levels of 2-HG lead to hypermethylation of epigenetic targets and a subsequent block in cellular differentiation. AG-221, a small-molecule inhibitor of mutant IDH2, is being explored in a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of AML, other myeloid malignancies, solid tumors, and gliomas. Clin Cancer Res; 22(1); 16–19. ©2015 AACR.
Effects of Congenital Visual Deprivation on the Auditory Perception of Anticipatory Labial Coarticulation
Authors: Ménard Lucie , Cathiard Marie-Agnès , Troille Emilie , Giroux Marilyn
Published: November 2015

Objective: It has been shown previously that congenitally blind francophone adults had higher auditory discrimination scores than sighted adults. It is unclear, however, if, compared to their sighted peers, blind speakers display an increased ability to detect anticipatory acoustic cues. In this paper, this ability is investigated in both speaker groups. Methods: Using the gating paradigm, /izi/ and /izy/ sequences were truncated to include a variable duration of the vowel. The sequences were used as stimuli in an auditory identification test. Seventeen congenitally blind adults (9 females and 8 males) and 17 sighted controls were recruited. Their task was to identify the second vowel of the sequence. Results: Results show that all participants could reliably identify the rounded vowel prior to its acoustic onset, but steeper identification slopes were found for sighted listeners than for blind listeners. Conclusion: The difference in identification slopes likely suggests that sighted speakers display finer abilities to perceptually follow the decreasing values of the frication noise, compared to blind speakers.
The Moreau Strain of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Alternative during Worldwide BCG Shortage?
Authors: Hofbauer Sebastian L. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Chade Daher C. , Sarkis Alvaro S. , Ribeiro-Filho Leopoldo A. , Nahas Willian C. , Klatte Tobias
Published: November 2015

Background: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the standard of care for adjuvant intravesical instillation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after complete transurethral resection. Increasing evidence suggests that there are marked differences in outcomes according to BCG substrains. BCG-Moreau was recently introduced to the European market to cover the issue of BCG shortage, but there are little data regarding the oncologic efficacy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 295 consecutive patients, who received adjuvant intravesical instillation therapy with BCG-Moreau for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC between October 2007 and April 2013 at a single institution. The end points of this study were time to first recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease. Results: Median age was 66 years (interquartile range 59-74, mean 65.9 years). According to the EAU risk group, 76 patients presented with intermediate-risk and 219 patients with high-risk NMIBC. The 5-year recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival rate was 64.8% (95% CI 52.8-74.4) and 81.4% (95% CI 65.2-90.2), respectively. Conclusions: BCG-Moreau is an effective substrain for adjuvant instillation therapies of NMIBC, and outcomes appear to be comparable to series using other substrains. During worldwide shortage of BCG-TICE, Connaught and RIVM, BCG-Moreau may serve as an equally effective alternative.
Mutation Profiling of Lung Cancers with Long-Term Response to Gefitinib Therapy
Authors: Gautschi Oliver , Stadelmann Carola , Aebersold-Keller Franziska , König Katharina , Büttner Reinhard , Heukamp Lukas C. , Betticher Daniel , Baumann Christa , Buser Katharina , Calderoni Antonello , Casty Adrian , DʼAddario Giannicola , Irlé Claudius , Mamot Christoph , Morant Rudolf , Trojan Andreas , Pellicioli Erica , Jehle-Schwertfeger Sonja , Aebi Stefan , Diebold Joachim
Published: November 2015

Background: The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and unknown EGFR mutation status has recently been questioned. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with unknown EGFR mutation status and long-term response (LTR) to gefitinib in the Swiss Iressa expanded access program (EAP). We assessed patient characteristics, and performed Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing on archived tumor tissue. We hypothesized that EGFR mutations are prevalent in patients with LTR. Results: Of 430 patients in the EAP, 18 (4%) fulfilled our definition of LTR, and 16 of them had archived tumor tissue. Patient characteristics were as expected for age, sex, and smoking history. Median duration of therapy was 38 months (range 24-142 months). Sanger sequencing revealed EGFR exon 18-21 mutations in 6 (38%) of the tumors. Next generation sequencing revealed no further EGFR-mutated cases, but reported in 15 (94%) of the tumors mutations in other genes (ALK, BRAF, DDR2, KEAP1, MET, PTEN, STK11) previously associated with NSCLC. Conclusion: Larger studies are needed to define the prognostic values of different driver mutations in patients with NSCLC.