bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term metabolic benefits of exenatide in mice are mediated solely via the known glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor
Authors: Tatarkiewicz Krystyna , Sablan Emmanuel J. , Polizzi Clara J. , Villescaz Christiane , Parkes David G.
Published: January 2014

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors (GLP-1R) are expressed in multiple tissues and activation results in metabolic benefits including enhanced insulin secretion, slowed gastric emptying, suppressed food intake, and improved hepatic steatosis. Limited and inconclusive knowledge exists regarding whether the effects of chronic exposure to a GLP-1R agonist are solely mediated via this receptor. Therefore, we examined 3-mo dosing of exenatide in mice lacking a functional GLP-1R (Glp1r−/−). Exenatide (30 nmol·kg−1·day−1) was infused subcutaneously for 12 wk in Glp1r−/− and wild-type (Glp1r+/+) control mice fed a high-fat diet. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), plasma glucose, insulin, amylase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), body weight, food intake, terminal hepatic lipid content (HLC), and plasma exenatide levels were measured. At the end of the study, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and rate of gastric emptying were assessed. Exenatide produced no significant changes in Glp1r−/− mice at study end. In contrast, exenatide decreased body weight, food intake, and glucose in Glp1r+/+ mice. When compared with vehicle, exenatide reduced insulin, OGTT glucose AUC0–2h, ALT, and HLC in Glp1r+/+ mice. Exenatide had no effect on plasma amylase or lipase levels. Exenatide concentrations were approximately eightfold higher in Glp1r−/− versus Glp1r+/+ mice after 12 wk of infusion, whereas renal function was similar. These data support the concept that exenatide requires a functional GLP-1R to exert chronic metabolic effects in mice, and that novel “GLP-1” receptors may not substantially contribute to these changes. Differential exenatide plasma levels in Glp1r+/+ versus Glp1r−/− mice suggest that GLP-1R may play an important role in plasma clearance of exenatide and potentially other GLP-1-related peptides.
NBCe1A dimer assemble visualized by bimolecular fluorescence complementation
Authors: Chang Min-Hwang , Chen An-Ping , Romero Michael F.
Published: January 2014

Mutations in the electrogenic Na+/HCO3−cotransporter (NBCe1) that cause proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA), glaucoma, and cataracts in patients are recessive. Parents and siblings of these affected individuals seem asymptomatic although their tissues should make some mutant NBCe1 protein. Biochemical studies with AE1 and NBCe1 indicate that both, and probably all, Slc4 members form dimers. However, the physiologic implications of dimerization have not yet been fully explored. Here, human NBCe1A dimerization is demonstrated by biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). An enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) fragment (1–158, EYFPN) or (159–238, EYFPC) was fused to the NH2or COOH terminus of NBCe1A and mix-and-matched expressed in Xenopus oocyte. The EYFP fluorescent signal was observed only when both EYFP fragments are fused to the NH2terminus of NBCe1A (EYFPN-N-NBCe1A w/ EYFPC-N-NBCe1A), and the electrophysiology data demonstrated this EYFP-NBCe1A coexpressed pair have wild-type transport function. These data suggest NBCe1A forms dimers and that NH2termini from the two monomers are in close proximity, likely pair up, to form a functional unit. To explore the physiologic significance of NBCe1 dimerization, we chose two severe NBCe1 mutations (6.6 and 20% wild-type function individually): S427L (naturally occurring) and E91R (for NH2-terminal structure studies). When we coexpressed S427L and E91R, we measured 50% wild-type function, which can only occur if the S427L-E91R heterodimer is the functional unit. We hypothesize that the dominant negative effect of heterozygous NBCe1 carrier should be obvious if the mutated residues are structurally crucial to the dimer formation. The S427L-E91R heterodimer complex allows the monomers to structurally complement each other resulting in a dimer with wild-type like function.
Functional consequences of NKCC2 splice isoforms: insights from aXenopusoocyte model
Authors: Lu Liangjian , Fraser James A.
Published: January 2014

The Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter NKCC2 is exclusively expressed in the renal thick ascending limb (TAL), where it exists as three main splice isoforms, NKCC2B, NKCC2A, and NKCC2F, with the latter two predominating. NKCC2A is expressed in both medullary and cortical TAL, but NKCC2F localizes to the medullary TAL. The biochemical characteristics of the isoforms have been extensively studied by ion uptake studies in Xenopus oocytes, but the functional consequences of alternative splicing remain unclear. We developed a charge-difference model of an NKCC2-transfected oocyte. The model closely recapitulated existing data from ion-uptake experiments. This allowed the reconciliation of different apparent Kmvalues reported by various groups, which have hitherto either been attributed to species differences or remained unexplained. Instead, simulations showed that apparent Na+and Cl−dependencies are influenced by the ambient K+or Rb+bath concentrations, which differed between experimental protocols. At steady state, under bath conditions similar to the outer medulla, NKCC2F mediated greater Na+reabsorption than NKCC2A. Furthermore, Na+reabsorption by the NKCC2F-transfected oocyte was more energy efficient, as quantified by JNKCC/ JPump. Both the increased Na+reabsorption and the increased efficiency were eroded as osmolarity decreased toward levels observed in the cortical TAL. This supports the hypothesis that the NKCC2F is a medullary specialization of NKCC2 and demonstrates the utility of modeling in analyzing the functional implications of ion uptake data at physiologically relevant steady states.
Promotion of cell proliferation by clusterin in the renal tissue repair phase after ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Nguan Christopher Y. C. , Guan Qiunong , Gleave Martin E. , Du Caigan
Published: January 2014

Renal repair begins soon after the kidney suffers ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI); however, its molecular pathways are not fully understood. Clusterin (Clu) is a chaperone protein with cytoprotective functions in renal IRI. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Clu in renal repair after IRI. IRI was induced in the left kidneys of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J (B6) vs. Clu knockout (KO) B6 mice by clamping the renal pedicles for 28–45 min at the body temperature of 32°C. The renal repair was assessed by histology and confirmed by renal function. Gene expression was examined using PCR array. Here, we show that following IRI, renal tubular damage and Clu expression in WT kidneys were induced at day 1, reached the maximum at day 3, and significantly diminished at day 7 along with normal function, whereas the tubular damage in Clu KO kidneys steadily increased from initiation of insult to the end of the experiment, when renal failure occurred. Renal repair in WT kidneys was positively correlated with an increase in Ki67+proliferative tubular cells and survival from IRI. The functions of Clu in renal repair and renal tubular cell proliferation in cultures were associated with upregulation of a panel of genes that could positively regulate cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair, which might promote cell proliferation but not involve cell migration. In conclusion, these data suggest that Clu is required for renal tissue regeneration in the kidney repair phase after IRI, which is associated with promotion of tubular cell proliferation.
Regulation of nephron water and electrolyte transport by adenylyl cyclases
Authors: Rieg Timo , Kohan Donald E.
Published: January 2014

Adenylyl cyclases (AC) catalyze formation of cAMP, a critical component of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. So far, nine distinct membrane-bound AC isoforms (AC1-9) and one soluble AC (sAC) have been identified and, except for AC8, all of them are expressed in the kidney. While the role of ACs in renal cAMP formation is well established, we are just beginning to understand the function of individual AC isoforms, particularly with regard to hormonal regulation of transporter and channel phosphorylation, membrane abundance, and trafficking. This review focuses on the role of different AC isoforms in regulating renal water and electrolyte transport in health as well as potential pathological implications of disordered AC isoform function. In particular, we focus on modulation of transporter and channel abundance, activity, and phosphorylation, with an emphasis on studies employing genetically modified animals. As will be described, it is now evident that specific AC isoforms can exert unique effects in the kidney that may have important implications in our understanding of normal physiology as well as disease pathogenesis.
Cerebellar fastigial nucleus influence on ipsilateral abducens activity during saccades
Authors: Kojima Yoshiko , Robinson Farrel R. , Soetedjo Robijanto
Published: January 2014

To characterize the cerebellar influence on neurons in the abducens (ABD) nucleus, we recorded ABD neurons before and after we inactivated the caudal part of the ipsilateral cerebellar fastigial nucleus (cFN) with muscimol injection. cFN activity influences the horizontal component of saccades. cFN inactivation increased the activity of most ipsilateral ABD neurons (19/22 in 2 monkeys) during ipsiversive (hypermetric) saccades, primarily by increasing burst duration. During contraversive (hypometric) saccades, the off-direction pause of most (10/15) ABD neurons was shorter than normal because of the early resumption of ABD activity. Early ABD firing caused the early contraction of antagonist muscles that reduced eye rotation and made contraversive saccades hypometric. Thus the cerebellum controls ipsilateral ABD activity by truncating on-direction bursts during ipsiversive saccades and extending off-direction pauses during contraversive saccades. We conclude that cFN output keeps saccades accurate by controlling when ABD on-direction bursts and off-direction pauses end.
Footprints of inhibition in the response of cortical delay-tuned neurons of bats
Authors: Hechavarría Julio C. , Kössl Manfred
Published: January 2014

Responses of echo-delay-tuned neurons that encode target distance were investigated in the dorsal auditory cortex of anesthetized short-tailed fruit bats ( Carollia perspicillata). This species echolocates using short downward frequency-modulated (FM) biosonar signals. In response to FM sweeps of increasing level, 60 out of 131 studied neurons (47%) displayed a “paradoxical latency shift,” i.e., longer response latency to loud sounds and shorter latency to faint sounds. In addition, a disproportionately large number of neurons (80%) displayed nonmonotonic responses, i.e., weaker responses to loud sounds and stronger responses to faint sounds. We speculate that the observed paradoxical latency shift and nonmonotonic responses are extracellular footprints of inhibitory processes evoked by loud sounds and that they could represent a specialization for the processing of the emitted loud biosonar pulse. Supporting this idea is the fact that all studied neurons displayed strong response suppression when an artificial loud pulse and a faint echo were presented together at a nonoptimal delay. In 24 neurons, iontophoresis of bicuculline (an antagonist of A-type γ-aminobutyric acid receptors) did not remove inhibitory footprints but did increase the overall spike output, and in some cases it also modified the response bandwidth and shifted the neuron's “best delay.” We suggest that inhibition could play a dual role in shaping delay tuning in different auditory stations. Below the cortex it participates in delay-tuning implementation and leaves a footprint that is measurable in cortical responses, while in the cortex it provides a substrate for an in situ control of neuronal selectivity.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis as a Complication of Recombinant Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Therapy in a Heart Transplant Patient
Authors: Ippoliti Giovanbattista , Paulli Marco , Lucioni Marco , Lauriola Marinella , D'Armini Andrea Maria
Published: January 2014

Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) is a myeloid growth factor that is widely used in haematology to recover neutropenia secondary to myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is an acknowledged side effect of the above therapy. Its pathogenesis involves many mechanisms that collectively induce an increase in neutrophil function and a subsequent release of cytokines. Here, we report a case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis proven by skin biopsy, following the use of rG-CSF in a heart transplant patient with leukopenia secondary to immunosuppressive therapy.
Uniform Convergence and Spectra of Operators in a Class of Fréchet Spaces
Authors: Albanese Angela A. , Bonet José , Ricker Werner J.
Published: January 2014

Well-known Banach space results (e.g., due to J. Koliha and Y. Katznelson/L. Tzafriri), which relate conditions on the spectrum of a bounded operatorTto the operator norm convergence of certain sequences of operators generated byT, are extended to the class of quojection Fréchet spaces. These results are then applied to establish various mean ergodic theorems for continuous operators acting in such Fréchet spaces and which belong to certain operator ideals, for example, compact, weakly compact, and Montel.
An Active Isodicentric X Chromosome in a Case of Refractory Anaemia with Ring Sideroblasts Associated with Marked Thrombocytosis
Authors: Morales Camacho Rosario M. , Sanchez Javier , Marcos Luque Irene , Bernal Ricardo , Falantes Jose F , Pérez-Simón Jose A
Published: January 2014

Refractory anaemia with ring sideroblasts and marked thrombocytosis (RARS-T) is a provisional entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. It displays features characteristic of both myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasia plus ring sideroblasts ≥15% and marked thrombocytosis. Most patients with RARS-T show a normal karyotype. We report a 76-year-old woman diagnosed with RARS-T (76% of ring sideroblasts) withJAK2(V617F) mutation and a load of 30–40%. Classical and molecular cytogenetic (FISH) studies of a bone marrow sample revealed the presence of isodicentric X chromosome [(idic(X)(q13)]. Moreover, HUMARA assay showed the idic(X)(q13) as the active X chromosome. This finding was correlated with the cytochemical finding of ring sideroblasts. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an active isodicentric X in a woman with RARS-T.
Enhanced Neural Cell Adhesion and Neurite Outgrowth on Graphene-Based Biomimetic Substrates
Authors: Hong Suck Won , Lee Jong Ho , Kang Seok Hee , Hwang Eun Young , Hwang Yu-Shik , Lee Mi Hee , Han Dong-Wook , Park Jong-Chul
Published: January 2014

Neural cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth were examined on graphene-based biomimetic substrates. The biocompatibility of carbon nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), that is, single-walled and multiwalled CNTs, against pheochromocytoma-derived PC-12 neural cells was also evaluated by quantifying metabolic activity (with WST-8 assay), intracellular oxidative stress (with ROS assay), and membrane integrity (with LDH assay). Graphene films were grown by using chemical vapor deposition and were then coated onto glass coverslips by using the scooping method. Graphene sheets were patterned on SiO2/Si substrates by using photolithography and were then covered with serum for a neural cell culture. Both types of CNTs induced significant dose-dependent decreases in the viability of PC-12 cells, whereas graphene exerted adverse effects on the neural cells just at over 62.5 ppm. This result implies that graphene and CNTs, even though they were the same carbon-based nanomaterials, show differential influences on neural cells. Furthermore, graphene-coated or graphene-patterned substrates were shown to substantially enhance the adhesion and neurite outgrowth of PC-12 cells. These results suggest that graphene-based substrates as biomimetic cues have good biocompatibility as well as a unique surface property that can enhance the neural cells, which would open up enormous opportunities in neural regeneration and nanomedicine.
A Review on Using Crumb Rubber in Reinforcement of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Mashaan Nuha Salim , Ali Asim Hassan , Karim Mohamed Rehan , Abdelaziz Mahrez
Published: January 2014

An immense problem affecting environmental pollution is the increase of waste tyre vehicles. In an attempt to decrease the magnitude of this issue, crumb rubber modifier (CRM) obtained from waste tyre rubber has gained interest in asphalt reinforcement. The use of crumb rubber in the reinforcement of asphalt is considered as a smart solution for sustainable development by reusing waste materials, and it is believed that crumb rubber modifier (CRM) could be an alternative polymer material in improving hot mix asphalt performance properties. In this paper, a critical review on the use of crumb rubber in reinforcement of asphalt pavement will be presented and discussed. It will also include a review on the effects of CRM on the stiffness, rutting, and fatigue resistance of road pavement construction.
Determination of Platycodin D and Platycodin D3 in Rat Plasma Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Lee Byung Eui , Kim Eun Joo , Choi Yong Seok , Lee Keun-Sung , Kim Hak Rim , Kim Hyung-Gun
Published: January 2014

Platycodon grandiflorumhas long been used as a traditional oriental medicine for respiratory disorder. Platycodin D (PD) is known as the main component isolated from the root of PG. A simple and rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitation of PD in rat plasma. Quantitation was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode. The total chromatographic run time was 4.0 min, and the calibration curves of PD were linear over the concentration range of 50–10,000 ng/mL in rat plasma. The coefficient of variation and relative error at five QC levels were 1.0 to 8.8% and 0.7 to 8.7%, respectively. After a single oral administration of 500 mg/kg and a single intravenous administration of 25 mg/kg of 3% PD extract (a PG extract including 3% of PD), platycodin D and platycodin D3 were detected and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. The oral bioavailability of platycodin D and platycodin D3 was 0.29% and 1.35% in rats at 500 mg/kg of 3% PD extract of PG, respectively. The present method can be applied to pharmacokinetic analysis of platycodins and platycosides of the PG.
Effect of Plasma Processing and Organosilane Modifications of Polyethylene onAeromonas hydrophilaBiofilm Formation
Authors: Kregiel Dorota , Niedzielska Kamila
Published: January 2014

The aim of our research was to study how the modifications of polyethylene—a material commonly used in medicine and water industry—influence bacterial cell attachment and biofilm formation. The native surface was activated and modified using two-step process consisting in the activation of native surface with a H2O vapor plasma followed by its treatment with various organosilanes, namely, [3(tertbutylamine-2hydroxy) propyloxypropyl] diethoxymethylsilane, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctylmethyldimethoxysilane, dimethoxydimethylsilane, and isobutylmethyldimethoxysilane. The effect of polyethylene modification after chemical treatment was analyzed using surface tension measurement. The adhesive properties ofAeromonas hydrophilaLOCK0968 were studied in water with a low concentration of organic compounds, using luminometric and microscopic methods, and the viability of the adhered bacterial cells was evaluated using the colony forming units method. After two-week incubation the chemically modified materials exhibited better antiadhesive and antibacterial characteristics in comparison to the native surface. Among the examined modifying agents, dimethoxydimethylsilane showed the best desired properties.
Dopamine Treatment and Cognitive Functioning in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: The “Cognitive Flexibility” Hypothesis Seems to Work
Authors: Costa Alberto , Peppe Antonella , Mazzù Ilenia , Longarzo Mariachiara , Caltagirone Carlo , Carlesimo Giovanni A.
Published: January 2014

Background. Previous data suggest that (i) dopamine modulates the ability to implement nonroutine schemata and update operations (flexibility processes) and that (ii) dopamine-related improvement may be related to baseline dopamine levels in target pathways (inverted U-shaped hypothesis).Objective. To investigate above hypotheses in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods. Twenty PD patients were administered tasks varying as to flexibility load in two treatment conditions: (i) “off” condition, about 18 hours after dopamine dose and (ii) “on” condition, after dopamine administration. PD patients were separated into two groups: low performers (i.e., performance on Digit Span Backward below the sample mean) and high performers (i.e., performance above the mean). Twenty healthy individuals performed the tasks in two sessions without taking drugs.Results. Passing from the “off” to the “on” state, only low performer PD patients significantly improved their performance on high-flexibility measures (interference condition of the Stroop test;P<0.05); no significant effect was found on low-flexibility tasks.Conclusions. These findings document that high-flexibility processes are sensitive to dopamine neuromodulation in the early phases of PD. This is in line with the hypothesis that striatal dopamine pathways, affected early by PD, are precociously implicated in the expression of cognitive disorders in these individuals.
The Non-Relativistic Limit for the e-MHD Equations
Authors: Wang Hongli , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2014

We investigate the non-relativistic limit for the e-MHD equations in a three-dimension unit periodic torus. With the prepared initial data, our result shows that the small parameter problems have unique solutions existing in the finite time interval where the corresponding limit problems (incompressible Euler equations) have smooth solutions. Moreover, the formal limit is rigorously justified.
Identification of Levothyroxine Antichagasic Activity through Computer-Aided Drug Repurposing
Authors: Bellera Carolina L. , Balcazar Darío E. , Alberca Lucas , Labriola Carlos A. , Talevi Alan , Carrillo Carolina
Published: January 2014

Cruzipain (Cz) is the major cysteine protease of the protozoanTrypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease. A conformation-independent classifier capable of identifying Cz inhibitors was derived from a 163-compound dataset and later applied in a virtual screening campaign on the DrugBank database, which compiles FDA-approved and investigational drugs. 54 approved drugs were selected as candidates, 3 of which were acquired and tested on Cz andT. cruziepimastigotes proliferation. Among them, levothyroxine, traditionally used in hormone replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism, showed dose-dependent inhibition of Cz and antiproliferative activity on the parasite.
Epilepsy Surgery Series: A Study of 502 Consecutive Patients from a Developing Country
Authors: Alsemari Abdulaziz , Al-Otaibi Faisal , Baz Salah , Althubaiti Ibrahim , Aldhalaan Hisham , MacDonald David , Abalkhail Tareq , Fiol Miguel E. , Alyamani Suad , Chedrawi Aziza , Leblanc Frank , Parrent Andrew , Maclean Donald , Girvin John
Published: January 2014

Purpose. To review the postoperative seizure outcomes of patients that underwent surgery for epilepsy at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC). Methods. A descriptive retrospective study for 502 patients operated on for medically intractable epilepsy between 1998 and 2012. The surgical outcome was measured using the ILAE criteria. Results. The epilepsy surgery outcome for temporal lobe epilepsy surgery (ILAE classes 1, 2, and 3) at 12, 36, and 60 months is 79.6%, 74.2%, and 67%, respectively. The favorable 12- and 36-month outcomes for frontal lobe epilepsy surgery are 62% and 52%, respectively. For both parietal and occipital epilepsy lobe surgeries the 12- and 36-month outcomes are 67%. For multilobar epilepsy surgery, the 12- and 36-month outcomes are 65% and 50%, respectively. The 12- and 36-month outcomes for functional hemispherectomy epilepsy surgery are 64.2% and 63%, respectively. According to histopathology diagnosis, mesiotemporal sclerosis (MTS) and benign CNS tumors had the best favorable outcome after surgery at 1 year (77.27% and 84.3%, resp.,) and 3 years (76% and 75%, resp.,). The least favorable seizure-free outcome after 3 years occurred in cases with dual pathology (66.6%). Thirty-four epilepsy patients with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans were surgically treated. The first- and third-year epilepsy surgery outcome of 17 temporal lobe surgeries were (53%) and (47%) seizure-free, respectively. The first- and third-year epilepsy surgery outcomes of 15 extratemporal epilepsy surgeries were (47%) and (33%) seizure-free. Conclusion. The best outcomes are achieved with temporal epilepsy surgery, mesial temporal sclerosis, and benign CNS tumor. The worst outcomes are from multilobar surgery, dual pathology, and normal MRI.
Secure Audio Forensic Marking Alogrithm Using 2D Barcode in DWT-DFRNT Domain
Authors: Li De , Kim JongWeon
Published: January 2014

We created a robust and secure forensic marking algorithm through the process of hiding information in a two-dimensional (2D) barcode and embedding it into the discrete wavelet transformation-discrete fractional random transformation (DWT-DFRNT) domain using the quantization technique. We hid information in the 2D barcode, encoded it with the block code that we developed, and then converted it through scrambling. The security of the algorithm was greatly improved by increasing the calculation complexity through hiding the embedded information. Forensic marks were embedded into the DWT-DFRNT dual domain. The 2D-DWT used for this was applied to the frequency division and the DFRNT was applied to increase the algorithm security by randomly mixing the pieces of information so that they could be embedded in unpredictable locations in a certain frequency space. The bit error generated in the extraction process was corrected by the self-error-correction function of the block code and 2D barcode. The experimental result showed that the information contained in the 2D barcode was accurately extracted from the forensic marks within the error correction range.
Serum Endostatin Concentrations Are Higher in Men with Symptoms of Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Golledge Jonathan , Clancy Paula , Hankey Graeme J. , Yeap Bu B. , Norman Paul E.
Published: January 2014

Objectives. A cleavage fragment of collagen XVIII, endostatin, is released into the circulation and has been demonstrated to have antiangiogenic effects in animal models. We hypothesized that circulating endostatin would be increased in patients with symptoms of lower limb peripheral artery disease.Design. Cross-sectional study.Participants. Community dwelling older men.Measurements. Intermittent claudication was defined using the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire (ECQ). Serum endostatin was measured by a commercial ELISA. The association of serum endostatin with intermittent claudication was examined using logistic regression adjusting for age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and stroke.Results. Serum endostatin was measured in 1114 men who completed the ECQ. 106 men had intermittent claudication, 291 had atypical pain, and 717 had no lower limb pain. Mean (±standard deviation) serum endostatin concentrations (ng/mL) were 145.22 ± 106.93 for men with intermittent claudication, 129.11 ± 79.80 for men with atypical pain, and 116.34 ± 66.57 for men with no lower limb pain;P<0.001. A 70 ng/mL increase in endostatin was associated with a 1.17-fold rise in the adjusted odds of having intermittent claudication (OR 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.37, andP=0.050).Conclusions. Serum endostatin is raised in older men who have symptoms of intermittent claudication. The role of endostatin in the genesis and outcome of peripheral artery disease requires further investigation.
Study on Launch Dynamics of Self-Propelled Artillery Based on Transfer Matrix Method of Multibody System
Authors: Yu Hailong , Rui Xiaoting
Published: January 2014

Due to the importance of increasing the firing precision of self-propelled artillery system corresponding to the projectile impact point, the launch dynamics of self-propelled artillery based on the transfer matrix method for multibody system (MSTMM) is studied in this paper. By using MSTMM to study launch dynamics of self-propelled artillery, there is no need of global dynamical equation of the system, the order of the system matrix is low, the computational speed is high, and it meets the requirements of dynamics of self-propelled artillery multibody system. The dynamical model of multibody system and its topological figure, the overall transfer equation, overall transfer matrix, characteristics equation and generalized coordinates equation, and launch dynamical equation of self-propelled artillery are developed. The vibration characteristics, initial disturbance of projectile, dynamical response, and firing dispersion for self-propelled artillery are simulated. The results of eigenfrequency and the time history of system dynamics got by simulations and experiments have good agreements. The study results can be used to improve the firing precision and design of self-propelled artillery.
A Rendezvous Scheme for Self-Organizing Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Park Gisu , Han Kijun
Published: January 2014

Two or more nodes need to establish a link on an available channel in a cognitive radio (CR) sensor network when they want to transmit data. Rendezvous is the process by which the nodes explore the available channels to establish a link when they want to communicate with each other. The method of finding a common channel is a challenging problem. A dedicated common control channel simplifies the rendezvous process, but it may create a single point of failure. In this paper, we propose a hopping sequence algorithm to provide an effective method to implement a rendezvous without relying on a dedicated control channel. Our scheme achieves a successful rendezvous within a single period in a CR sensor network. Analytical and simulation results show that our proposed scheme outperforms the existing schemes in terms of time to rendezvous, fairness, degree of overlapping, and the effect by primary user appearance.
Growth of CuS Nanostructures by Hydrothermal Route and Its Optical Properties
Authors: Saranya Murugan , Santhosh Chella , Ramachandran Rajendran , Nirmala Grace Andrews
Published: January 2014

CuS nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal route using copper nitrate and sodium thiosulphate as copper and sulfur precursors. Investigations were done to probe the effect of cationic surfactant, namely, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the morphology of the products. A further study has been done to know the effect of reaction time on the morphology of CuS nanostructures. The FE-SEM results showed that the CuS products synthesized in CTAB were hexagonal plates and the samples prepared without CTAB were nanoplate like morphology of sizes about 40–80 nm. Presence of nanoplate-like structure of size about 40–80 nm was observed for the sample without CTAB. The synthesized CuS nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FE-SEM, DRS-UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy. A possible growth mechanism has been elucidated for the growth of CuS nanostructures.
Noninvasive Techniques for Blood Pressure Measurement Are Not a Reliable Alternative to Direct Measurement: A Randomized Crossover Trial in ICU
Authors: Ribezzo Sara , Spina Eleonora , Di Bartolomeo Stefano , Sanson Gianfranco
Published: January 2014

Introduction.Noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring methods are widely used in critically ill patients despite poor evidence of their accuracy. The erroneous interpretations of blood pressure (BP) may lead to clinical errors.Objectives.To test the accuracy and reliability of aneroid (ABP) and oscillometric (OBP) devices compared to the invasive BP (IBP) monitoring in an ICU population.Materials and Methods.Fifty adult patients (200 comparisons) were included in a randomized crossover trial. BP was recorded simultaneously by IBP and either by ABP or by OBP, taking IBP as gold standard.Results.Compared with ABP, IBP systolic values were significantly higher (mean difference ± standard deviation9.74±13.8;P<0.0001). Both diastolic (-5.13±7.1;P<0.0001) and mean (-2.14±7.1;P=0.0033) IBP were instead lower. Compared with OBP, systolic (10.80±14.9;P<0.0001) and mean (5.36±7.1;P<0.0001) IBP were higher, while diastolic IBP (-3.62±6.0;P<0.0001) was lower. Bland-Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement in both NIBP-IBP comparisons.Conclusions.BP measurements with different devices produced significantly different results. Since in critically ill patients the importance of BP readings is often crucial, noninvasive techniques cannot be regarded as reliable alternatives to direct measurements.
Numerical Simulation on Zonal Disintegration in Deep Surrounding Rock Mass
Authors: Chen Xuguang , Wang Yuan , Mei Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2014

Zonal disintegration have been discovered in many underground tunnels with the increasing of embedded depth. The formation mechanism of such phenomenon is difficult to explain under the framework of traditional rock mechanics, and the fractured shape and forming conditions are unclear. The numerical simulation was carried out to research the generating condition and forming process of zonal disintegration. Via comparing the results with the geomechanical model test, the zonal disintegration phenomenon was confirmed and its mechanism is revealed. It is found to be the result of circular fracture which develops within surrounding rock mass under the high geostress. The fractured shape of zonal disintegration was determined, and the radii of the fractured zones were found to fulfill the relationship of geometric progression. The numerical results were in accordance with the model test findings. The mechanism of the zonal disintegration was revealed by theoretical analysis based on fracture mechanics. The fractured zones are reportedly circular and concentric to the cavern. Each fracture zone ruptured at the elastic-plastic boundary of the surrounding rocks and then coalesced into the circular form. The geometric progression ratio was found to be related to the mechanical parameters and the ground stress of the surrounding rocks.
Cross-Sectional Association between the Number of Missing Teeth and Cardiovascular Disease among Adults Aged 50 or Older: BRFSS 2010
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: January 2014

Objective. The relationship between oral health and cardiovascular disease is an emerging area of research. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the association of cardiovascular disease and the number of missing teeth as a risk indicator.Methods. Cross-sectional study design with data on 275,424 respondents aged 50 or older from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey was used. The dependent variable was self-reported cardiovascular disease. The association between the number of missing teeth and cardiovascular disease was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. The regression was adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, age, education, income, dental visits, smoking status, physical activity, and body mass index.Results. In our study sample, 9.9% reported edentulism. Cardiovascular prevalence rates for those with edentulism were 25.4% and for those without any missing teeth were 7.5%. Respondents who reported edentulism teeth were more likely to report cardiovascular disease (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.71, 2.01).Conclusion. There was an independent association between the number of missing teeth and cardiovascular disease even after controlling for a comprehensive set of risk factors. These findings highlight the need to explore the potential role the number of missing teeth have in the risk of cardiovascular disease among older adults.
Chondritesisp. Indicating Late Paleozoic Atmospheric Anoxia in Eastern Peninsular India
Authors: Bhattacharya Biplab , Banerjee Sudipto
Published: January 2014

Rhythmic sandstone-mudstone-coal succession of the Barakar Formation (early Permian) manifests a transition from lower braided-fluvial to upper tide-wave influenced, estuarine setting. Monospecific assemblage of marine trace fossilChondritesisp. in contemporaneous claystone beds in the upper Barakar succession from two Gondwana basins (namely, the Raniganj Basin and the Talchir Basin) in eastern peninsular India signifies predominant marine incursion during end early Permian. MonospecificChondritesichnoassemblage in different sedimentary horizons in geographically wide apart (~400 km) areas demarcates multiple short-spanned phases of anoxia in eastern India. Such anoxia is interpreted as intermittent falls in oxygen level in an overall decreasing atmospheric oxygenation within the late Paleozoic global oxygen-carbon dioxide fluctuations.
Manual Khalifa Therapy Improves Functional and Morphological Outcome of Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ofner Michael , Kastner Andreas , Wallenboeck Engelbert , Pehn Robert , Schneider Frank , Groell Reinhard , Szolar Dieter , Walach Harald , Litscher Gerhard , Sandner-Kiesling Andreas
Published: January 2014

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a high incidence injury usually treated surgically. According to common knowledge, it does not heal spontaneously, although some claim the opposite. Regeneration therapy by Khalifa was developed for injuries of the musculoskeletal system by using specific pressure to the skin. This randomized, controlled, observer‐blinded, multicentre study was performed to validate this assumption. Thirty patients with complete ACL rupture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified, were included. Study examinations (e.g., international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score) were performed at inclusion (t0). Patients were randomized to receive either standardised physiotherapy (ST) or additionally 1 hour of Khalifa therapy at the first session (STK). Twenty‐four hours later, study examinations were performed again (t1). Three months later control MRI and follow‐up examinations were performed (t2). Initial status was comparable between both groups. There was a highly significant difference of mean IKDC score results at t1 and t2. After 3 months, 47% of the STK patients, but no ST patient, demonstrated an end‐to‐end homogeneous ACL in MRI. Clinical and physical examinations were significantly different in t1 and t2. ACL healing can be improved with manual therapy. Physical activity can be performed without pain and nearly normal range of motion after one treatment of specific pressure.
Is “Bed Sharing” Beneficial and Safe during Infancy? A Systematic Review
Authors: Das Rashmi Ranjan , Sankar M. Jeeva , Agarwal Ramesh , Paul Vinod Kumar
Published: January 2014

Background. There is conflicting evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of bed sharing during infancy—while it has been shown to facilitate breastfeeding and provide protection against hypothermia, it has been identified as a risk factor for SIDS.Methods. A systematic search of major databases was conducted. Eligible studies were observational studies that enrolled infants in the first 4 weeks of life and followed them up for a variable period of time thereafter.Results. A total of 21 studies were included. Though the quality of evidence was low, bed sharing was found to be associated with higher breastfeeding rates at 4 weeks of age (75.5% versus 50%, OR 3.09 (95% CI 2.67 to 3.58),P=0.043) and an increased risk of SIDS (23.3% versus 11.2%, OR 2.36 (95% CI 1.97 to 2.83),P=0.025). Majority of the studies were from developed countries, and the effect was almost consistent across the studies.Conclusion. There is low quality evidence that bed sharing is associated with higher breast feeding rates at 4 weeks of age and an increased risk of SIDS. We need more studies that look at bed sharing, breast feeding, and hazardous circumstance that put babies at risk.
Intraoral Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar L. K. Surej , Kurien Nikhil Mathew , Raghavan Varun B. , Menon P. Varun , Khalam Sherin A.
Published: January 2014

Lipomas are rare in oral and maxillofacial regions although they are the most common tumours of mesenchymal origin in human body. The etiology remains unclear. Various different theories explain the pathogenesis of this adipose tissue tumour and also different histological variants of oral lipoma have been given in literature. A case of intraoral lipoma occurring in mental region in a 77-year-old male is reported along with review of the literature. Wide surgical excision was performed and two-year followup showed excellent healing without any recurrence. Lipomas are benign soft tissue neoplasm of mature adipose tissue seen as a common entity in the head and neck region. Intraoral lipomas are a rare entity which may be noticed only during routine dental examinations. Most of them rarely cause pain, resulting in delay to seek treatment. It is mandatory for a clinician to diagnose intraoral lipomas using latest diagnostic methods and conservatively treat them without causing much discomfort.
Prognostic Role of 14F7 Mab Immunoreactivity against N-Glycolyl GM3 Ganglioside in Colon Cancer
Authors: Lahera Tania , Calvo Adanays , Torres Griselda , Rengifo Charles E. , Quintero Santiago , Arango María del Carmen , Danta Debora , Vázquez José M. , Escobar Xiomara , Carr Adriana
Published: January 2014

Purpose. To assess the prognostic role of 14F7 Mab immunoreactivity, against N-Glycolyl GM3 ganglioside, in patients with colon cancer (CC) and to evaluate the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological features.Methods. Paraffin-embedded specimens were retrospectively collected from 50 patients with CC operated between 2004 and 2008. 14F7 Mab staining was determined by immunohistochemistry technique and its relation with survival and clinicopathologic features was evaluated.Results. The reactivity of 14F7 Mab was detected in all cases. Most cases had high level of immunostaining (70%) that showed statistical correlation with TNM stage(P=0.025). In univariate survival analysis, level of 14F7 Mab immunoreactivity(P=0.0078), TNM Stage(P=0.0007)and lymphovascular invasion(0.027)were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Among these variables, level of 14F7 Mab immunoreactivity (HR=0.268; 95%  CI  0.078–0.920; P=0.036)and TNM stage(HR=0.249; 95%  CI   0.066–0.932; P=0.039)were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis.Conclusions. This study is the first approach on the prognostic significance of 14F7 Mab immunoreactivity in patients with colon adenocarcinoma and this assessment might be used in the prognostic estimate of CC, although further studies will be required to validate these findings.
Comparative Analysis of the Methanogen Diversity in Horse and Pony by UsingmcrAGene and Archaeal 16S rRNA Gene Clone Libraries
Authors: Lwin Khin-Ohnmar , Matsui Hiroki
Published: January 2014

Comparative analysis of methanogen compositions in the feces of horse and pony was carried out by constructing theα-subunit of methyl coenzyme-M reductase (mcrA) gene and 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA) clone libraries. ThemcrAclone library analysis indicated that Methanomicrobiales was predominant in both horse and pony. Furthermore, most of the clones of the 16S rRNA gene library showed that Methanomicrobiales was also predominant in horse and pony, but the LIBSHUFF analysis showed that the horse and pony libraries were significantly different (P<0.05). Most of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) showed low similarity to the identified methanogens in both themcrAand the 16S rRNA clone libraries. The results suggest that horse and pony harbor unidentified and novel methanogens in their hindgut. The methanogen population was higher in horse than in pony; however, the anaerobic fungal population was similar in horse and pony. The methanogen diversity was different between two breeds ofEquus caballus.
The Cubit: A History and Measurement Commentary
Authors: Stone Mark H.
Published: January 2014

Historical dimensions for the cubit are provided by scripture and pyramid documentation. Additional dimensions from the Middle East are found in other early documents. Two major dimensions emerge from a history of the cubit. The first is the anthropological or short cubit, and the second is the architectual or long cubit. The wide geographical area and long chronological period suggest that cubit dimensions varied over time and geographic area. Greek and Roman conquests led to standardization. More recent dimensions are provided from a study by Francis Galton based upon his investigations into anthropometry. The subjects for Galton’s study and those of several other investigators lacked adequate sample descriptions for producing a satisfactory cubit/forearm dimension. This finding is not surprising given the demise of the cubit in today’s world. Contemporary dimensions from military and civilian anthropometry for the forearm and hand allow comparison to the ancient unit. Although there appears no pressing need for a forearm-hand/cubit dimension, the half-yard or half-meter unit seems a useful one that could see more application.
Hematology of Wild Caught Dubois’s Tree FrogPolypedates teraiensis, Dubois, 1986 (Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Das Madhusmita , Mahapatra Pravati Kumari
Published: January 2014

Blood was analyzed from eighty (forty males and forty females) adult individuals ofPolypedates teraiensisto establish reference ranges for its hematological and serum biochemical parameters. The peripheral blood cells were differentiated as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and thrombocytes, with similar morphology to other anurans. Morphology of blood cells did not vary according to sex. The hematological investigations included morphology and morphometry of erythrocytes, morphometry of leucocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin content (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), erythrocyte or red blood cell (RBC) count, leukocyte or white blood cell (WBC) count, differential leukocyte count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio. Besides, protein, cholesterol, glucose, urea, uric acid, and creatinine content of blood serum were assayed. Hematological parameters that differed significantly between sexes were RBC count, length and breadth of RBC, neutrophil %, N/L ratio, area occupied by basophils, and diameter of large lymphocyte and eosinophils. The level of glucose, urea, and creatinine in blood serum also significantly differed between sexes.
Fuel Cells: A Real Option for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Propulsion
Authors: González-Espasandín Óscar , Leo Teresa J. , Navarro-Arévalo Emilio
Published: January 2014

The possibility of implementing fuel cell technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion systems is considered. Potential advantages of the Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), their fuels (hydrogen and methanol), and their storage systems are revised from technical and environmental standpoints. Some operating commercial applications are described. Main constraints for these kinds of fuel cells are analyzed in order to elucidate the viability of future developments. Since the low power density is the main problem of fuel cells, hybridization with electric batteries, necessary in most cases, is also explored.