bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
αVβ5 and CD44 Are Oxygen-Regulated Human Embryonic Stem Cell Attachment Factors
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Gupta Saniya , Yang Ying , Forsyth Nicholas R.
Published: December 2013

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have great potential for clinical therapeutic use. However, relatively little is known of the mechanisms which dictate their specificity of adhesion to substrates through adhesion proteins including integrins. Previous observations demonstrated enhanced clonogenicity in reduced oxygen culture systems. Here, we demonstrated via antibody blocking experiments thatαVβ5 andα6 significantly promoted hESC attachment in 2% O2only, whereas blockage of CD44 inhibited cell attachment in 21% O2alone. Immunofluorescence confirmed expression ofαVβ5 and CD44 in both 2% O2and 21% O2cultured hESCs while flow cytometry revealed significantly higherαVβ5 expression in 2% O2versus 21% O2cultured hESCs and higher CD44 expression in 21% O2versus 2% O2cultured hESCs. Adhered hESCs following blockage ofαVβ5 in 2% O2displayed a reduction in nuclear colocalisation of Oct-4 and Nanog with little effect observed in 21% O2. Blockage of CD44 had the converse effect with dramatic reductions in nuclear colocalisation of Oct-4 and Nanog in 21% O2cultured hESC which retained adherence, but not in 2% O2cultured cells. Identification of oxygen-dependent substrate attachment mechanisms in hESCs has the potential to play a role in the development of novel substrates to improve hESC attachment and culture.
An Experimental Study on Pile Spacing Effects under Lateral Loading in Sand
Authors: Khari Mahdy , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Adnan Azlan
Published: December 2013

Grouped and single pile behavior differs owing to the impacts of the pile‐to‐pile interaction. Ultimate lateral resistance and lateral subgrade modulus within a pile group are known as the key parameters in the soil‐pile interaction phenomenon. In this study, a series of experimental investigation was carried out on single and group pile subjected to monotonic lateral loadings. Experimental investigations were conducted on twelve model pile groups of configurations 1 × 2, 1 × 3, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, and 3 × 2 for embedded length‐to‐diameter ratio l/d = 32 into loose and dense sand, spacing from 3 to 6 pile diameter, in parallel and series arrangement. The tests were performed in dry sand from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. To reconstruct the sand samples, the new designed apparatus, Mobile Pluviator, was adopted. The ultimate lateral load is increased 53% in increasing of s/d from 3 to 6 owing to effects of sand relative density. An increasing of the number of piles in‐group decreases the group efficiency owing to the increasing of overlapped stress zones and active wedges. A ratio of s/d more than 6d is large enough to eliminate the pile‐to‐pile interaction and the group effects. It may be more in the loose sand.
Characterization and Neutron Shielding Behavior of Dehydrated Magnesium Borate Minerals Synthesized via Solid-State Method
Authors: Kipcak Azmi Seyhun , Yilmaz Baysoy Derya , Moroydor Derun Emek , Piskin Sabriye
Published: December 2013

Magnesium borates are one of the major groups of boron minerals that have good neutron shielding performance. In this study, dehydrated magnesium borates were synthesized by solid-state method using magnesium oxide (MgO) and boron oxide (B2O3), in order to test their ability of neutron shielding. After synthesizing the dehydrated magnesium borates, characterizations were done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also boron oxide (B2O3) contents and reaction yields (%) were calculated. XRD results showed that seven different types of dehydrated magnesium borates were synthesized. 1000°C reaction temperature, 240 minutes of reaction time, and 3 : 2, 1 : 1 mole ratios of products were selected and tested for neutron transmission. Also reaction yields were calculated between 84 and 88% for the 3 : 2 mole ratio products. The neutron transmission experiments revealed that the 3 : 2 mole ratio of MgO to B2O3neutron transmission results (0.618–0.655) was better than the ratio of 1 : 1 (0.772–0.843).
A Cost-Benefit and Accurate Method for Assessing Microalbuminuria: Single versus Frequent Urine Analysis
Authors: Hemmati Roholla , Gharipour Mojgan , Khosravi Alireza , Jozan Mahnaz
Published: December 2013

Background. The purpose of this study was to answer the question whether a single testing for microalbuminuria results in a reliable conclusion leading costs saving.Methods. This current cross-sectional study included a total of 126 consecutive persons. Microalbuminuria was assessed by collection of two fasting random urine specimens on arrival to the clinic as well as one week later in the morning.Results. In overall, 17 out of 126 participants suffered from microalbuminuria that, among them, 12 subjects were also diagnosed as microalbuminuria once assessing this factor with a sensitivity of 70.6%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, a NPV of 95.6%, and an accuracy of 96.0%. The measured sensitivity, specificity, PVV, NPV, and accuracy in hypertensive patients were 73.3%, 100%, 100%, 94.8%, and 95.5%, respectively. Also, these rates in nonhypertensive groups were 50.0%, 100%, 100%, 97.3%, and 97.4%, respectively. According to the ROC curve analysis, a single measurement of UACR had a high value for discriminating defected from normal renal function state (c=0.989). Urinary albumin concentration in a single measurement had also high discriminative value for diagnosis of damaged kidney (c=0.995).Conclusion. The single testing of both UACR and urine albumin level rather frequent testing leads to high diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as well as high predictive values in total population and also in hypertensive subgroups.
Finite-Time Boundedness Control of Time-Varying Descriptor Systems
Authors: Su Xiaoming , Zhi Yali , Zhang Qingling
Published: December 2013

This paper mainly studies a control problem of finite-time boundedness of time-varying descriptor systems. Firstly, a sufficient and necessary condition of finite-time stability is given, then a sufficient condition of finite-time boundedness for time-varying descriptor systems is given. Secondly, we analyze the finite-time boundedness control problem and design the finite-time state feedback controller; the controller is given based on LMIs for time-varying descriptor systems and time-varying uncertain descriptor systems, respectively. Finally, a numerical example is given to prove the effectiveness of the method.
A Novel Differential Evolution Invasive Weed Optimization Algorithm for Solving Nonlinear Equations Systems
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Luo Qifang , Chen Huan
Published: December 2013

In view of the traditional numerical method to solve the nonlinear equations exist is sensitive to initial value and the higher accuracy of defects. This paper presents an invasive weed optimization (IWO) algorithm which has population diversity with the heuristic global search of differential evolution (DE) algorithm. In the iterative process, the global exploration ability of invasive weed optimization algorithm provides effective search area for differential evolution; at the same time, the heuristic search ability of differential evolution algorithm provides a reliable guide for invasive weed optimization. Based on the test of several typical nonlinear equations and a circle packing problem, the results show that the differential evolution invasive weed optimization (DEIWO) algorithm has a higher accuracy and speed of convergence, which is an efficient and feasible algorithm for solving nonlinear systems of equations.
Plasma miR-126 Is a Potential Biomarker for Early Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Susceptible Individuals
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lv Chunfang , Li Liling , Chen Sihan , Liu Shenglin , Wang Changyi , Su Bing
Published: December 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem in China. Diagnostic markers are urgently needed to identify individuals at risk of developing T2DM and encourage them to adapt to a healthier life style. Circulating miRNAs present important sources of noninvasive biomarkers of various diseases. Recently, a novel plasma microRNA signature was identified in T2DM. Here, we evaluated the T2DM-related miRNA signature in plasma of three study groups: normal (fasting glucose (FG), 4.8–5.2 mmol/L), T2DM-susceptible (FG, 6.1–6.9 mmol/L), and T2DM individuals (FG, ≥7.0 mmol/L) and tested the feasibility of using circulating miRNAs to identify individuals at risk of developing T2DM. Among the 5 miRNAs included in the signature, miR-29b and miR-28-3p are not detectable. miR-15a and miR-223 have comparable expression levels among three groups. Notably, miR-126 is the only miRNA that showed significantly reduced expression in susceptible individuals and T2DM patients compared to normal individuals, suggesting that miR-126 in circulation may serve as a potential biomarker for early identification of susceptible individuals to T2DM.
Contribution of Ion-Exchange and Non-Ion-Exchange Reactions to Sorption of Ammonium Ions by Natural and Activated Aluminosilicate Sorbent
Authors: Belchinskaya Larisa , Novikova Lyudmila , Khokhlov Vladimir , Ly Tkhi Jen
Published: December 2013

The effect of acid and alkaline activation of complex natural aluminosilicate sorbent on its chemical composition, surface properties, and adsorption capacity towards ammonium ions was studied. An increase in specific surface area of the sorbent by 1.3 times after acid treatment and by 1.5 times after alkaline activation was shown. The change of ion-exchange complex of sorbent as a result of activation was observed. Sorption isotherms of ammonium ions on natural and activated samples were obtained and were satisfactorily described by the Langmuir equation. The evaluation and comparison of desorbed cations of alkali and alkaline earth metals were carried out. It was confirmed that ion-exchange processes primarily contributed to sorption of ammonium ions by natural and acid-activated silica-alumina, in contrast to alkali-activated one, for which absorption of nonexchangeable ammonium ions increased adsorption capacity of ammonium ions by 1.5 times.
Trends of Empiric Antibiotic Usage in a Secondary Care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Syed Rehan , Ahmed Shakeel , Lohana Heeramani
Published: December 2013

Objectives. (1) To determine the indications, frequency, and types of antibiotics used in hospitalized paediatric patients at tertiary care hospital and (2) to evaluate whether the prescribed antibiotics were based on the isolation of organism and their sensitivity.Study Design. Descriptive observational hospital based study.Results. A total of 131 patients were included over 6 months of study period, in whom antibiotics were prescribed at the time of admission. The majority were between 1 and 5 years of age. M : F ratio was 1 : 1. Fever was the commonest symptom (in 84% of cases) followed by gastroenteritis. Blood culture was done in 114 cases (87%) and was positive only in 10 (8.8%). The commonest organism isolated from blood wasSalmonellaTyphi. Ceftriaxone was found to be the most frequently prescribed antibiotic as an empirical therapy. 102 (77.86%) patients received Ceftriaxone, followed by ampicillin. The antibiotics were probably used on the basis of clinical condition rather than the result of blood culture, as yield of blood culture was quite low.Conclusion. Our study showed an unjustified use of antibiotics regardless of the admission and discharge diagnosis in acute febrile illnesses. Further on, inappropriate practice of using Ceftriaxone was noted in LRTI and pneumonia. Efforts are needed to educate physicians about the rational use of antibiotics.
Investigation of Chemokine Receptor CCR2V64Il Gene Polymorphism and Migraine without Aura in the Iranian Population
Authors: Zandifar Alireza , Taheriun Maryam , Soleimani Samira , Haghdoost Faraidoon , Tajaddini Mohamadhasan , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives. Migraine is a multifactorial common neurovascular disease with a polygenic inheritance. Inflammation plays an important part in migraine pathophysiology. C‐C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is an important chemokine for monocyte aggregation and transendothelial monocyte migration. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of migraine with CCR2V64Il polymorphism in the Iranian population. Methods. We assessed 103 patients with newly diagnosed migraine and 100 healthy subjects. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood and genotypes of CCR2V64Il gene polymorphism were determined. For measuring the severity of headache, every patient filled out the MIGSEV questionnaire. Results. There were no significant differences in the distribution of both 64Il allele and heterozygote (GA) genotype of CCR2 gene polymorphism (P = 0.396; OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.50–1.67 and P = 0.388; OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.47–1.73, resp.) between case and control groups. There was no significant difference of alleles frequency between three grades of MIGSEV (P = 0.922). Conclusions. In conclusion our results revealed no association between CCR2V64Il polymorphism and susceptibility to migraine and also headache severity in the Iranian population.
Coordination Optimization of the First and Last Trains' Departure Time on Urban Rail Transit Network
Authors: Zhou Wenliang , Deng Lianbo , Xie Meiquan , Yang Xia
Published: December 2013

Coordinating the departure times of different line directions' of first and the last trains contributes to passengers' transferring. In this paper, a coordination optimization model (i.e., M1) referring to the first train's departure time is constructed firstly to minimize passengers' total originating waiting time and transfer waiting time for the first trains. Meanwhile, the other coordination optimization model (i.e., M2) of the last trains' departure time is built to reduce passengers' transfer waiting time for the last trains and inaccessible passenger volume of all origin-destination (OD) and improve passengers' accessible reliability for the last trains. Secondly, two genetic algorithms, in which a fixed-length binary-encoding string is designed according to the time interval between the first train departure time and the earliest service time of each line direction or between the last train departure time and the latest service time of each line direction, are designed to solve M1 and M2, respectively. Finally, the validity and rationality of M1, M2, and their solving genetic algorithms are verified with numerical analysis, in which the effects of the parameters in M1 and M2 on coordination optimization result are analyzed.
Is Vitamin D Insufficiency Associated with Mortality of Critically Ill Patients?
Authors: Aygencel Gulbin , Turkoglu Melda , Tuncel Ayse Fitnat , Candır Burcu Arslan , Bildacı Yelda Deligoz , Pasaoglu Hatice
Published: December 2013

Objective. To evaluate the vitamin D status of our critically ill patients and its relevance to mortality.Patients and Methods. We performed a prospective observational study in the medical intensive care unit of a university hospital between October 2009 and March 2011. Vitamin D levels were measured and insufficiency was defined as <20 ng/mL.Results. Two hundred and one patients were included in the study. The median age was 66 (56–77) and the majority of patients were male (56%). The median serum level of vitamin D was 14,9 ng/mL and 139 (69%) patients were vitamin D insufficient on admission. While we grouped the ICU patients as vitamin D insufficient and sufficient, vitamin D insufficient patients had more severe acute diseases and worse laboratory values on admission. These patients had more morbidities and were exposed to more invasive therapies during stay. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the vitamin D insufficient group compared to the vitamin D sufficient group (43% versus 26%,P=0,027). However, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that vitamin D insufficiency was not an independent risk factor for mortality.Conclusion. Vitamin D insufficiency is common in our critically ill patients (69%), but it is not an independent risk factor for mortality.
Equilibrium and Dynamic Osmotic Behaviour of Aqueous Solutions with Varied Concentration at Constant and Variable Volume
Authors: Minkov Ivan L. , Manev Emil D. , Sazdanova Svetla V. , Kolikov Kiril H.
Published: December 2013

Osmosis is essential for the living organisms. In biological systems the process usually occurs in confined volumes and may express specific features. The osmotic pressure in aqueous solutions was studied here experimentally as a function of solute concentration (0.05–0.5 M) in two different regimes: of constant and variable solution volume. Sucrose, a biologically active substance, was chosen as a reference solute for the complex tests. A custom made osmotic cell was used. A novel operative experimental approach, employing limited variation of the solution volume, was developed and applied for the purpose. The established equilibrium values of the osmotic pressure are in agreement with the theoretical expectations and do not exhibit any evident differences for both regimes. In contrast, the obtained kinetic dependences reveal striking divergence in the rates of the process at constant and varied solution volume for the respective solute concentrations. The rise of pressure is much faster at constant solution volume, while the solvent influx is many times greater in the regime of variable volume. The results obtained suggest a feasible mechanism for the way in which the living cells rapidly achieve osmotic equilibrium upon changes in the environment.
Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia and Peripheral Neuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Gammopathy, and Skin Changes with a Bleeding Diathesis and Rash
Authors: Haider S. , Latif T. , Hochhausler A. , Lucas F. , Abdel Karim N.
Published: December 2013

We report a case of a 29-year-old male who presented with paraesthesia and skin lesions with excessive bleeding after skin biopsy leading to hematology consultation. He was found to have prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and monoclonal gammopathy on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). He experienced excessive bleeding leading to hospitalization after bone marrow biopsy and required blood transfusion. He was diagnosed with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM), based on the presence of IgM-κtype monoclonal (M) protein and infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells identified in bone marrow aspirates. He was noticed to have features of peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS syndrome). This is a very rare case of WM with POEMS syndrome which responded to chemotherapy using bortezomib, steroids, and rituximab.
Stability Analysis of Vehicle Negotiating a Curve in the Plane
Authors: Sun Wencai , Tian Jingjing , Li Shiwu , Yang Zhifa , Ma Zhengdong
Published: December 2013

The steering stability of vehicle was the most important part of vehicle handling and stability. The stability analysis of vehicle negotiating a curve in the plane was studied through simulation. The vehicle dynamics model used in this paper had two degrees of freedom with nonlinear tire characteristics. When two vehicle state variables, namely, velocity and steering angle, were changed, the GA and phase space analysis were used to compute the equilibrium points and analyze the phase space characteristics of vehicle system. Considering the nonlinear tire characteristic, the working region of tire was figured out and compared, while the vehicle was under different operating conditions. From the analysis results, it could be concluded that working in the nonlinear region of tire characteristic was the ultimate reason of vehicle instability. The knowledge derived from simulation results could dramatically enhance the understanding of stability of the actual vehicle negotiating a curve on an even surface. Such knowledge was a prerequisite for robustly designing the chassis, such as steer-by-wire, which would be the topics of future work.
The Role of T Cell Immunoglobulin Mucin Domains 1 and 4 in a Herpes Simplex Virus-Induced Behçet’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Shim Ju A. , Lee Eun-So , Choi Bunsoon , Sohn Seonghyang
Published: December 2013

The T cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) proteins regulate T cell activation and tolerance. TIM-1 plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses and the development of autoimmune diseases. TIM-4 is a natural ligand of TIM-1, and the interaction of TIM-1 and TIM-4 is involved in the regulation of T helper (Th) cell responses and modulation of the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, multisystemic inflammatory disorder with arthritic, intestinal, mucocutaneous, ocular, vascular, and central nervous system involvement. Tim-1 expression was lower in a herpes simplex virus-induced BD mouse model compared to that in asymptomatic BD normal (BDN) mice. Tim-4 expression was higher in BD mice than that in BDN mice. In this study, we investigated the Tim expression in a BD mouse model with BD-like symptoms. Tim-1 and Tim-4 expression was regulated by an expression vector or siRNA injected into the BD mouse model. TheTim-1vector injected into BD mice resulted in changes in BD-like symptoms and decreased the severity score. Treatment with Tim-4 siRNA also improved BD-like symptoms and decreased the severity score accompanied by upregulation of regulatory T cells. We showed that regulating Tim-1 or Tim-4 affected BD-like symptoms in mice.
State Feedback Control for Stochastic Feedforward Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Liu Liang , Gao Ming
Published: December 2013

This paper considers the state feedback stabilization problem for a class of stochastic feedforward nonlinear systems. By using the homogeneous domination approach, a state feedback controller is constructed to render the closed-loop system globally asymptotically stable in probability. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the designed controller.
The Good Life: Assessing the Relative Importance of Physical, Psychological, and Self-Efficacy Statuses on Quality of Well-Being in Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Van Liew Charles , Santoro Maya S. , Chalfant Arielle K. , Gade Soujanya , Casteel Danielle L. , Tomita Mitsuo , Cronan Terry A.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to examine the interrelationships among physical dysfunction, self-efficacy, psychological distress, exercise, and quality of well-being for people with osteoarthritis. It was predicted that exercise would mediate the relationships between physical dysfunction, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and quality of well-being. Methods. Participants were 363 individuals with osteoarthritis who were 60 years of age or older. Data were collected from the baseline assessment period prior to participating in a social support and education intervention. A series of structural equation models was used to test the predicted relationships among the variables. Results. Exercise did not predict quality of well-being and was not related to self-efficacy or psychological distress; it was significantly related to physical dysfunction. When exercise was removed from the model, quality of life was significantly related to self-efficacy, physical dysfunction, and psychological distress. Conclusions. Engagement in exercise was directly related to physical functioning, but none of the other latent variables. Alternatively, treatment focused on self-efficacy and psychological distress might be the most effective way to improve quality of well-being.
The Effects of Salt on Rheological Properties of Asphalt after Long‐Term Aging
Authors: Yu Xin , Wang Ying , Luo Yilin , Yin Long
Published: December 2013

Limited studies in recent years have shown that asphalt pavement subject to seawater in coastal regions or deicing salt in cold regions may be seriously damaged after being soaked in saline water for a long time. However, there is limited research into the influence of salt on rheological properties of asphalt after long‐term aging. In this study, rheological properties of unmodified and polymer‐modified asphalt after long‐term aging were tested after being soaked in different concentrations of salt (0.3%~5%) for different durations (1 day~30 days). Orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method was used for experimental design. The frequency sweep tests were performed on the specimens of aged asphalt after being soaked for complex modulus and phase angle master curves and ultimate fatigue temperature. BBR tests were performed for stiffness. The test results indicate that saline water appears to reduce low temperature properties and fatigue resistance properties and improved high temperature properties of aged asphalt, and it also affects the sensitivity of complex modulus and phase angles at low frequencies.
Immune Response following Liver Transplantation Compared to Kidney Transplantation: Usefulness of Monitoring Peripheral Blood CD4+ Adenosine Triphosphate Activity and Cytochrome P450 3A5 Genotype Assay
Authors: Nobuoka Yu , Mizuno Shugo , Nishikawa Kouhei , Nakatani Kaname , Muraki Yuichi , Yamada Tomomi , Okuda Masahiro , Nobori Tsutomu , Sugimura Yoshiki , Isaji Shuji
Published: December 2013

Seventy living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 39 kidney transplantation (KT) patients were randomly screened by using the peripheral blood CD4+ adenosine triphosphate activity (ATP) assay (IMK assay). The patients were divided into 2 groups in each organ transplantation with low IMK ATP level (<225 ng/mL) or high (>225) (LT-L:n=23, KT-L:n=19, LT-H:n=47, and KT-H:n=20, resp.). The incidence of bacterial and/or viral infection was significantly higher in LT-L group than in LT-H group (74.0 versus 8.5%:P<0.001). Occurrence of total viral infection in KT-L was also significantly higher than that in KT-H (36.8 versus 10%:P=0.046). The sensitivity and specificity of the IMK assay for identifying risk of infection was 0.810 and 0.878 in LDLT patients and 0.727 and 0.607 in KT patients. The percentage of LDLT patients with cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5)*1/*1or*1/*3genotype (expressors) was significantly higher in LT-L group than in LT-H group (53.8 versus 20.7%:P=0.032). In both LDLT and KT patients, the IMK assay can be useful for monitoring immunological aspects of bacterial and/or viral infection. CYP3A5 expressors in LT-L group are related to postoperative infections.
Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Production of Prostaglandin E2and Nitric Oxide during Experimental Murine Paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Sargi S. C. , Dalalio M. M. O. , Moraes A. G. , Visentainer J. E. L. , Morais D. R. , Visentainer J. V.
Published: December 2013

There has recently been increased interest in the potential health effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the immune system. Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most important endemic mycosis in Latin America. Macrophages have a fundamental role and act as first line of organism defense. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of n-3 fatty acids on the production of PGE2and NO by mice infected with Pb18 and fed a diet enriched with LNA for 8 weeks. To study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on macrophage activity during experimental paracoccidioidomycosis, mice were infected with Pb18 and fed a diet supplemented with LNA. PGE2in the serum of animals was analyzed and NO in the supernatants of macrophages cultured and challengedin vitrowith Pb18 was measured. Omega-3 fatty acids seemed to decrease the production of PGE2in vivoin the infected group fed an LNA-supplemented diet during the 4th and 8th weeks of the experiment. At the same time, we observed an increase in synthesis of NO by peritoneal macrophages in this group. Omega-3 fatty acids thus appear to have an immunomodulatory effect in paracoccidioidomycosis.
Identifying Candidate Genes for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity through Gene Expression Profiling in Multiple Tissues or Cells
Authors: Chen Junhui , Meng Yuhuan , Zhou Jinghui , Zhuo Min , Ling Fei , Zhang Yu , Du Hongli , Wang Xiaoning
Published: December 2013

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Recent studies have focused on identifying causal variations or candidate genes for obesity and T2DM via analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) within a single tissue. T2DM and obesity are affected by comprehensive sets of genes in multiple tissues. In the current study, gene expression levels in multiple human tissues from GEO datasets were analyzed, and 21 candidate genes displaying high percentages of differential expression were filtered out. Specifically,DENND1B,LYN,MRPL30,POC1B,PRKCB,RP4-655J12.3,HIBADH, andTMBIM4were identified from the T2DM-control study, andBCAT1,BMP2K,CSRNP2,MYNN,NCKAP5L,SAP30BP,SLC35B4,SP1,BAP1,GRB14,HSP90AB1,ITGA5, andTOMM5were identified from the obesity-control study. The majority of these genes are known to be involved in T2DM and obesity. Therefore, analysis of gene expression in various tissues using GEO datasets may be an effective and feasible method to determine novel or causal genes associated with T2DM and obesity.
A Glimpse of the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Xiao Li , Wang Ming , Yang Shikun , Liu Fuyou , Sun Lin
Published: December 2013

The Wnt family of proteins belongs to a group of secreted lipid-modified glycoproteins with highly conserved cysteine residues. Prior results indicate that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a prominent role in cell differentiation, adhesion, survival, and apoptosis and is involved in organ development, tumorigenesis, and tissue fibrosis, among other functions. Accumulating evidence has suggested that Wnt/β-catenin exhibits a pivotal function in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this review, we focused on discussing the dual role of Wnt/β-catenin in apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) formation of mesangial cells. Moreover, we also elucidated the effect of Wnt/β-catenin in podocyte dysfunction, tubular EMT formation, and renal fibrosis under DN conditions. In addition, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are introduced. This information provides a novel molecular target of Wnt/β-catenin for the protection of kidney damage and in delay of the progression of DN.
Stent Longitudinal Strength Assessed Using Point Compression
Authors: Ormiston John A. , Webber Bruce , Ubod Ben , White Jonathon , Webster Mark W.I.
Published: December 2013

Background—

Stent longitudinal distortion, while infrequent, can lead to adverse clinical events. Our first bench comparison of susceptibility of different stent designs to distortion applied force to the entire circumference of the proximal stent hoop. The test increased understanding of stent design and led to recommendations for design change in some. Our second-generation test more closely mimics clinical scenarios by applying force to a point on the proximal hoop of a malapposed stent.

Methods and Results—

Each 3-mm-diameter stent was secured in a test apparatus so that its proximal 5 mm was malapposed in a 3.5-mm tube. An instron applied force to the proximal hoop of each of 5 examples of each of 6 stent designs using a narrow rod so that force applied and distance compressed could be measured. Hoops on the side of the force were pushed together, became malapposed, and obstructed the lumen. In addition, the proximal stent hoop tilted causing malapposition, the contralateral side of the stent from the applied force causing lumen obstruction.

Conclusions—

This second-generation, more clinically relevant test showed the Biomatrix Flex was the most resistant to deformation and the Element the most easily deformed. The addition of more connectors between the proximal hoops in the Promus Premier design has reduced the potential for distortion when compared with the Element, so that distortion was similar to the Vision, Multi-Link 8, and Integrity designs. The test also provided insight into the way in which stents are likely to distort in clinical practice.
Dose-Related Effects of Statins on Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Outcome After Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Scheitz Jan F. , Seiffge David J. , Tütüncü Serdar , Gensicke Henrik , Audebert Heinrich J. , Bonati Leo H. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Tränka Christopher , Lyrer Philippe A. , Endres Matthias , Engelter Stefan T. , Nolte Christian H.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—

The aim of our study was to assess whether statins have dose-dependent effects on risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and outcome after intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We pooled data from 2 European intravenous thrombolysis registries. Statin doses were stratified in 3 groups according to the attainable lowering of cholesterol levels (low dose: simvastatin 20 mg or equivalent; medium dose: simvastatin 40 mg or equivalent; and high dose: simvastatin 80 mg or equivalent). sICH was defined according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study. Modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 at 3 months was considered a favorable outcome.

Results—

Among 1446 patients analyzed (median age, 75 years; median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 11; 54% men), 317 (22%) used statins before intravenous thrombolysis. Of them, 120 patients had low-dose, 134 medium-dose, and 63 high-dose statin therapy. sICH occurred in 4% of patients (n=53). Frequency of sICH was 2%, 6%, and 13% in patients with low-, medium-, and high-dose statin treatment, respectively (
P
<0.01). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for sICH was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–5.3) and 5.3 (95% CI, 2.3–12.3) for patients with medium- and high-dose statins compared with non–statin users. Statin users more often achieved favorable outcome compared with non–statin users (58% versus 51%;
P
=0.03). An independent association of statin use with favorable outcome was detected (adjusted OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.5). The association was maintained when stratifying for statin dose, although it was not significant in the high-dose group anymore (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.9–3.2).

Conclusions—

We observed an association between increasing dose of statin use and risk of sICH after intravenous thrombolysis. Nevertheless, there was an overall beneficial effect of previous statin use on favorable 3-month outcome.
Effects of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Annexin A2 Combination Therapy on Long-Term Neurological Outcomes of Rat Focal Embolic Stroke
Authors: Wang Xiaoshu , Fan Xiang , Yu Zhanyang , Liao Zhengbu , Zhao Jianhua , Mandeville Emiri , Guo Shuzhen , Lo Eng H. , Wang Xiaoying
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in combination with recombinant annexin A2 (rA2) is known to reduce acute brain damage after focal ischemia. Here, we ask whether tPA-plus-rA2 combination therapy can lead to sustained long-term neurological improvements as well.

Methods—

We compared the effects of intravenous high-dose tPA alone (10 mg/kg) versus a combination of low-dose tPA (5 mg/kg) plus 10 mg/kg rA2 in a model of focal embolic cerebral ischemia in rats. All rats were treated at 3 hours after embolization. Brain tissue and neurological outcomes were assessed at 1 month. Surrogate biomarkers for endogenous neurovascular remodeling in peri-infarct area were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results—

Compared with high-dose tPA alone, low-dose tPA-plus-rA2 significantly decreased infarction and improved neurological function at 1-month poststroke. In peri-infarct areas, tPA-plus-rA2 combination therapy also significantly augmented microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor, and synaptophysin expression.

Conclusions—

Compared with conventional high-dose tPA alone, combination low-dose tPA plus rA2 therapy may provide a safe and effective way to improve long-term neurological outcomes after stroke.
Fitting Science Into Legal Contexts
Authors: Dawid A. Philip , Faigman David L. , Fienberg Stephen E.
Published: December 2013

Law and science share many perspectives, but they also differ in important ways. While much of science is concerned with the effects of causes (EoC), relying upon evidence accumulated from randomized controlled experiments and observational studies, the problem of inferring the causes of effects (CoE) requires its own framing and possibly different data. Philosophers have written about the need to distinguish between the “EoC” and “the CoE” for hundreds of years, but their advice remains murky even today. The statistical literature is only of limited help here as well, focusing largely on the traditional problem of the “EoC.” Through a series of examples, we review the two concepts, how they are related, and how they differ. We provide an alternative framing of the “CoE” that differs substantially from that found in the bulk of the scientific literature, and in legal cases and commentary on them. Although in these few pages we cannot fully resolve this issue, we hope to begin to sketch a blueprint for a solution. In so doing, we consider how causation is framed by courts and thought about by philosophers and scientists. We also endeavor to examine how law and science might better align their approaches to causation so that, in particular, courts can take better advantage of scientific expertise.
Influence of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene on the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene–high-impact polystyrene blends
Authors: Peydro Rasero Miguel Angel , Garcia Francisco Parres , Navarro Vidal Raul , Crespo Amoros Jose Enrique
Published: December 2013

A binary blend of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene–high-impact polystyrene (ABS–HIPS 50% wt) was prepared on a twin-screw extruder at 190–210°C. The different properties were then analyzed using tensile strength and impact tests, melt flow index, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analysis of mechanical properties showed a decrease in elongation at break and impact strength. FTIR analysis indicated heterogeneous distribution of the blend in injected pieces and scanning electron microscopic images show heterogeneous distribution of both ABS and HIPS phase. On the other hand, by varying the percentage of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) from 10 to 30% wt using a twin-screw extruder at 190–210°C, we have prepared ternary blends of ABS-HIPS-SEBS. The addition of SEBS to the binary system ABS–HIPS allowed us to increase the ductile properties (elongation at break and impact strength), as well as reducing the viscosity.
Leadership Challenges in Addressing Changing Demographics in Schools
Authors: Madsen Jean , Mabokela Reitumetse
Published: December 2013

Principals who lead demographically diverse schools play an important role in changing the dynamics that often occur in these contexts. Consequently, principals must have the leadership skills to revolutionize teachers’ belief systems. Their energies are consumed with reshaping teachers’ instructional practices and focusing on improving student expectations. Teachers may oppose modification of their teaching practices due to fears of letting go of familiar ways of teaching. The inability to influence teachers will result in continual problems of low expectations, unfair discipline practices, and poor student performance.This study focused on (a) how principals perceived their leadership in responding to their schools’ changing demographics, and (b) the challenges they experienced in attempting to mediate across school groups. Administrators often questioned their leadership capacity in how to mediate racial differences that occurred in their schools as their student demographics changed. Findings revealed that European American leaders forwarded their responsibilities to the teachers of color, which resulted in ongoing tensions surrounding students of color. African American leaders fell into stereotypical roles, in which they were perceived as being hired to be the disciplinarian and having to prove their expertise on instructional and curriculum issues.
Mediators of the Associations Between Externalizing Behaviors and Internalizing Symptoms in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence
Authors: Yong Minglee , Fleming Charles B. , McCarty Carolyn A. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: December 2013

This study tests the predictive associations between externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms and examines the mediating roles of social competence, parent-child conflicts, and academic achievement. Using youth-, parent-, and teacher-reported longitudinal data on a sample of 523 boys and 460 girls from late childhood to early adolescence, we found evidence for pathways between externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms in both directions. Parent-child conflict, but not social competence and academic achievement, was found to be a significant mediator such that externalizing behaviors predicted parent-child conflicts, which in turn, predicted internalizing symptoms. Internalizing symptoms showed more continuity during early adolescence for girls than boys. For boys, academic achievement was unexpectedly, positively predictive of internalizing symptoms. The results highlight the importance of facilitating positive parental and caregiver involvement during adolescence in alleviating the risk of co-occurring psychopathology.
Bosnian and American Students’ Attitudes Toward Electronic Monitoring
Authors: Muftić Lisa R. , Payne Brian K. , Maljević Almir
Published: December 2013

The use of community corrections continues to grow across the globe as alternatives to incarceration are sought. Little research attention, however, has been directed at correctional alternatives from a global orientation. The purpose of this research study is to compare the way that a sample of criminal justice students from the United States ( n = 118) and Bosnia and Herzegovina ( n = 133) perceive electronic monitoring. Because electronic monitoring is a newer sentencing alternative and it is used differently in Bosnia and Herzegovina than it is in the United States, it is predicted that Bosnian students will view electronic monitoring differently than will students from the United States. This study finds that while students are largely supportive of electronic monitoring sentences, support is affected by offender type and student nationality. For example, Bosnian students are more supportive of electronic monitoring sentences for drug offenders while American students are more supportive of electronic monitoring sentences for juvenile offenders. Differences were also found across student groups when attitudes toward electronic monitoring and the costs and pains associated with electronic monitoring were assessed. Specifically, American students were less likely to view electronic monitoring as meeting the goals of rehabilitation and more likely to view the conditions and restrictions associated with electronic monitoring as being punitive than Bosnian students were. Implications from these findings, as well as limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Reduction of biofilm formation on titanium surface with ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Yamada Masahiro , Ueda Takayuki , Sakurai Kaoru
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Ultraviolet-C irradiation on titanium implants has been recently introduced as photofunctionalization to enhance osseointegration, which possibly also provide anti-microbial function to titanium surface as with photocatalyst. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation to various topographical titanium surfaces on the attachment or biofilm formation of wound pathogens in comparison with that of ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation, with consideration for the physicochemical mechanism.

Materials and methods

The amount of wound pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes on titanium disks with mirror-polished, turned, acid-etched, or shot-blasted surfaces with or without 500 J/cm2 ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation for 8 h incubation in brain heart infusion broth was evaluated by fluorescence microscopic quantification with 5-cyano-2, 3-ditolyl-2 H-tetrazolium chloride staining for viable bacteria. The surface roughness, wettability, and atomic composition of the surface were evaluated before and after ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C irradiation.

Results

Regardless of topographies, the amount of bacterial attachment and accumulation was lower on ultraviolet-C pre-irradiated surfaces than on the non-irradiated surface through 8 h incubation. The reducing effect of bacterial accumulation on the roughened surfaces by ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation was inferior to that by ultraviolet-C. Despite no effect on surface topography, ultraviolet-C irradiation changed wettability to superhydrophilicity and reduced carbon contents on any titanium surface with a greater degree than those by ultraviolet-A irradiation.

Conclusion

Ultraviolet-C irradiation reduced the attachment and biofilm formation of wound pathogens on various topographical titanium surfaces, rivaling or surpassing UVA irradiation in degree. The mechanism might involve superhydrophilicity and carbon elimination on the surface.
Rates and Patterns of Law Enforcement Turnover
Authors: Wareham Jennifer , Smith Brad W. , Lambert Eric G.
Published: December 2013

Law enforcement agencies invest substantial resources to recruit, hire, and train new police officers. Reducing officer turnover can save significant resources, yet little is known about the rates and patterns of turnover in law enforcement. Using data from the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey in 2003 and the Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (CSLLEA) in 2008, this study establishes baseline rates of employee turnover for sworn police officers. In addition to national rates, variations in turnover were compared across states, regions, urbanity, agency size, and agency type. Nationally, the total turnover rate was 10.8% in both 2003 and 2008. There was much consistency in turnover rates between survey years. Turnover rates, however, were higher in smaller agencies, municipal agencies, those in southern regions, and those in rural areas. The turnover rate benchmarks reported here serve to inform future research on law enforcement turnover and retention.
The Contributions of Diseases to Disability Burden Among the Elderly Population in China
Authors: Chen He , Wang Haochen , Crimmins Eileen M. , Chen Gong , Huang Chengli , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: December 2013

Objective: To assess the contributions of diseases to disability burden among older persons in China. Method: Based on the 2006 China Disability Survey ( n = 354,859), we used the attribution method and Sullivan method to obtain disability prevalence and life expectancy with disability (LED) by disease, respectively. Results: At disease group level, ear, eye, circulatory and musculoskeletal diseases, injury, and poisoning were the five leading causes of disability burden in terms of their contributions to disability prevalence and LED. At individual disease level, presbycusis, cataracts, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and unclassified injuries were the five leading conditions, which accounted for 64% of disabilities and caused males and females aged 60 to have 3.04 and 3.76 years of LED, respectively. Discussion: Along with the epidemiologic transition, chronic conditions have become the predominant contributor to disability burden among elderly persons in China. And, presbycusis, cataracts, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and unclassified injuries should be the priorities in ameliorating disability.