bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Evidence for the Involvement of the S-Layer Protein Gene
sap
and the Sporulation Genes
spo0A
,
spo0B
, and
spo0F
in Phage AP50c Infection of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Plaut Roger D. , Beaber John W. , Zemansky Jason , Kaur Ajinder P. , George Matroner , Biswas Biswajit , Henry Matthew , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Mokashi Vishwesh , Hannah Ryan M. , Pope Robert K. , Read Timothy D. , Stibitz Scott , Calendar Richard , Sozhamannan Shanmuga
Published: December 2013

In order to better characterize the
Bacillus anthracis
typing phage AP50c, we designed a genetic screen to identify its bacterial receptor. Insertions of the transposon
mariner
or targeted deletions of the structural gene for the S-layer protein Sap and the sporulation genes
spo0A
,
spo0B
, and
spo0F
in
B. anthracis
Sterne resulted in phage resistance with concomitant defects in phage adsorption and infectivity. Electron microscopy of bacteria incubated with AP50c revealed phage particles associated with the surface of bacilli of the Sterne strain but not with the surfaces of Δ
sap
, Δ
spo0A
, Δ
spo0B
, or Δ
spo0F
mutants. The amount of Sap in the S layer of each of the
spo0
mutant strains was substantially reduced compared to that of the parent strain, and incubation of AP50c with purified recombinant Sap led to a substantial reduction in phage activity. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequences of
B. cereus sensu lato
strains revealed several closely related
B. cereus
and
B. thuringiensis
strains that carry
sap
genes with very high similarities to the
sap
gene of
B. anthracis
. Complementation of the Δ
sap
mutant in
trans
with the wild-type
B. anthracis
sap
or the
sap
gene from either of two different
B. cereus
strains that are sensitive to AP50c infection restored phage sensitivity, and electron microscopy confirmed attachment of phage particles to the surface of each of the complemented strains. Based on these data, we postulate that Sap is involved in AP50c infectivity, most likely acting as the phage receptor, and that the
spo0
genes may regulate synthesis of Sap and/or formation of the S layer.
The chronic kidney disease Water Intake Trial (WIT): results from the pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clark William F , Sontrop Jessica M , Huang Shih-Han , Gallo Kerri , Moist Louise , House Andrew A , Weir Matthew A , Garg Amit X
Published: December 2013

Background and objectives

Increased water intake may benefit kidney function. Prior to initiating a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT), we examined the safety and feasibility of asking adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to increase their water intake.

Design, setting, participants and measurements

Beginning in October 2012, we randomly assigned 29 adults with stage 3 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2and albuminuria) to one of the two groups of water intake: hydration (n=18) or standard (n=11). We asked the hydration group to increase their water intake by 1.0–1.5 L/day (in addition to usual intake, depending on sex and weight) for 6 weeks, while the control group carried on with their usual intake. Participants collected a 24 h urine sample at baseline and at 2 and 6 weeks after randomisation. Our primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in 24 h urine volume from baseline to 6 weeks.

Results

(63%)of participants were men, 81% were Caucasians and the average age was 61 years (SD 14 years). The average baseline eGFR was 40 mL/min/1.73 m2(SD 11 mL/min/1.73 m2); the median albumin to creatinine ratio was 19 mg/mmol (IQR 6–74 mg/mmol). Between baseline and 6-week follow-up, the hydration group's average 24 h urine volume increased by 0.7 L/day (from 2.3 to 3.0 L/day) and the control group's 24 h urine decreased by 0.3 L/day (from 2.0 to 1.7 L/day; between-group difference in change: 0.9 L/day (95% CI 0.4 to 1.5; p=0.002)). We found no significant changes in urine, serum osmolality or electrolyte concentrations, or eGFR. No serious adverse events or changes in quality of life were reported.

Conclusions

A pilot RCT indicates adults with stage 3 CKD can successfully and safely increase water intake by up to 0.7 L/day in addition to usual fluid intake.

Trial registration Registered with Clinical Trials—government identifier

NCT01753466.
Reducing social inequalities in health: the role of simulation modelling in chronic disease epidemiology to evaluate the impact of population health interventions
Authors: Smith Brendan T , Smith Peter M , Harper Sam , Manuel Douglas G , Mustard Cameron A
Published: December 2013

Reducing health inequalities has become a major public health priority internationally. However, how best to achieve this goal is not well understood. Population health intervention research has the potential to address some of this knowledge gap. This review argues that simulation studies can produce unique evidence to build the population health intervention research evidence base on reducing social inequalities in health. To this effect, the advantages of using simulation models over other population health intervention research methods are discussed. Key questions regarding the potential challenges of developing simulation models to investigate population health intervention research on reducing social inequalities in health and the types of population health intervention research questions that can be answered using this methodology are reviewed. We use the example of social inequalities in coronary heart disease to illustrate how simulation models can elucidate the effectiveness of a number of ‘what-if’ counterfactual population health interventions on reducing social inequalities in coronary heart disease. Simulation models are a flexible, cost-effective, evidence-based research method with the capacity to inform public health policy-makers regarding the implementation of population health interventions to reduce social inequalities in health.
Waffle Y technique: pCONus for tandem bifurcation aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Mpotsaris Anastasios , Henkes Hans , Weber Werner
Published: December 2013

Broad based bifurcation aneurysms are challenging. Various endovascular techniques aim at stabilizing the coil package in the aneurysm. Among these, the waffle cone technique provides a viable alternative to Y stenting in selected cases, incorporating a less complex delivery, and the reduced inherent risk of a single stenting procedure compared with the use of two stents in Y configuration. Unlike conventional stents, the distal end of the new pCONus device opens like a blossoming flower inside of the aneurysm to facilitate the waffle cone technique. In a case with tandem unruptured broad based middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, the complex anatomical challenge was resolved by a unique combination of both techniques: two pCONus deployed in Y configuration, offering stable neck coverage for coiling both aneurysms. The angiographic results with complete occlusion of both aneurysms and the uneventful clinical course at 90 days with continued daily administration of dual antiplatelet therapy are encouraging.
Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the cerebellopontine cistern: intraoperative Onyx embolization via direct needle puncture
Authors: Johnson Jeremiah , Morcos Jacques , Elhammady Mohamed , Pao Christine L , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2013

We report a rare case of a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis occupying the cerebellopontine and cerebellomedullary cisterns, and describe an alternative strategy for embolizing hypervascular intracranial tumors. A middle aged patient with a distant history of RCC presented with headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and was found to have an enhancing mass in the left cerebellopontine and cerebellopontine cisterns. The initial surgical resection was aborted due to excessive bleeding. After an unsuccessful attempt at intra-arterial embolization, the patient returned to the operating room and the tumor was devascularized by direct needle puncture Onyx embolization under biplane fluoroscopy. The devascularized tumor was then successfully dissected from the brainstem and adherent lower cranial nerves. In properly selected cases, open surgical direct needle puncture embolization of intracranial vascular tumors under biplane fluoroscopy is a viable alternative devascularization method.
Full-scale physical testing of a buried reinforced concrete pipe under axle load
Authors: Lay G.R. , Brachman R.W.I.
Published: December 2013

The structural response of a 600 mm inner diameter reinforced concrete pipe buried in a dense, well-graded sand and gravel soil and subjected to surface load from a single design truck axle with 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m of soil cover above the pipe crown is quantified using full-scale physical testing. The pipe did not crack at its minimum burial depth of 0.3 m under working CL-625 and CL-800 single-axle highway design loads as the largest tensile strains were only 50%–60% of those at the onset of cracking. Application of the fully factored CL-625 single-axle load at a burial depth of 0.3 m resulted in a tensile crack and a maximum circumferential bending moment of 6 kN·m/m; however, no limit state was reached as the crack width was around one-half the value used to define pipe serviceability and the maximum moment was around 70% of the theoretical ultimate capacity. The decrease in pipe demand from surface load with increasing soil cover is also quantified. At 400 kN of single-axle force, the crown moment decreased to 65% and 35% of the value at 0.3 m burial when the depth of soil cover was increased to 0.6 and 0.9 m, respectively.
New method for dynamic stability analysis of rock slope under blasting vibration based on equivalent acceleration and Sarma method
Authors: Chen Ming , Lu Wenbo , Yan Peng , Zhou Chuangbing
Published: December 2013

Dynamic stability of rock slopes under dynamic blasting disturbance and its analytic method are key problems in slope engineering. Based on wave theory, the relationship between blasting vibration velocity, acceleration, and stress state of slopes is studied. The results indicate that with the same blasting vibration velocity, peak stress of the slopes is identical. An equivalent acceleration calculation method is proposed for the limit equilibrium analysis of rock slope stability under blasting vibration. Considering the dynamic time-varying characteristics of the blasting vibration loading, a time-history method based on the equivalent acceleration and the Sarma method of limit equilibrium analysis is then presented for the dynamic stability analysis of rock slopes. On the basis of this new method, the high rock slopes on the left bank in the Jinping I Hydropower Station are analyzed. Results of the case study derived from the new analytic method indicate that this new method is reasonable.
Fine temporal structure of cardiorespiratory synchronization
Authors: Ahn Sungwoo , Solfest Jessica , Rubchinsky Leonid L.
Published: December 2013

Cardiac and respiratory rhythms are known to exhibit a modest degree of phase synchronization, which is affected by age, diseases, and other factors. We study the fine temporal structure of this synchrony in healthy young, healthy elderly, and elderly subjects with coronary artery disease. We employ novel time-series analysis to explore how phases of oscillations go in and out of the phase-locked state at each cycle of oscillations. For the first time we show that cardiorespiratory system is engaged in weakly synchronized dynamics with a very specific temporal pattern of synchrony: the oscillations go out of synchrony frequently, but return to the synchronous state very quickly (usually within just 1 cycle of oscillations). Properties of synchrony depended on the age and disease status. Healthy subjects exhibited more synchrony at the higher (1:4) frequency-locking ratio between respiratory and cardiac rhythms, whereas subjects with coronary artery disease exhibited relatively more 1:2 synchrony. However, multiple short desynchronization episodes prevailed regardless of the age and disease status. The same average synchrony level could be alternatively achieved with few long desynchronizations, but this was not observed in the data. This implies functional importance of short desynchronization dynamics. These dynamics suggest that a synchronous state is easy to create if needed but is also easy to break. Short desynchronization dynamics may facilitate the mutual coordination of cardiac and respiratory rhythms by creating intermittent synchronous episodes. It may be an efficient background dynamics to promote adaptation of cardiorespiratory coordination to various external and internal factors.
G protein-coupled receptors mediate coronary flow- and agonist-induced responses via lectin-oligosaccharide interactions
Authors: Perez-Aguilar Sandra , Torres-Tirado David , Martell-Gallegos Guadalupe , Velarde-Salcedo Jimena , Barba-de la Rosa Ana Paulina , Knabb Maureen , Rubio Rafael
Published: December 2013

Blood flow acts parallel to the coronary luminal endothelial surface layer (LESL) and modulates multiple parenchymal functions via the release of paracrine agents. Evidence indicates that the LESL may be a flow-sensing organelle and that perhaps through flow-induced lectin (L)·oligosaccharide (O) complex formation (L·O) participates in this process. LESL integrins and selectins are both lectinic and flow sensitive, but the L properties of flow-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the presence of L in the LESL and hypothesized that if flow-sensitive GPCRs are L, flow and O will determine their response to receptor activation. The LESL protein fraction isolated from guinea pig hearts was passed through an affinity chromatography column made of three sugars, mannose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and the lectinic fraction was eluted. Immune dot blot was used to identify L proteins in the LESL fraction. Our results indicate the following. 1) Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE (2D-SDS-PAGE) of the LESL lectinic fraction revealed at least 167 Ls. 2) Among these Ls, we identified three selectins and the GPCRs: angiotensin II, bradykinin (B2-R), adenosine A1and A2, prolactin, endothelin, α1-adrenergic (α1A-R), thromboxane A2, β1-adrenergic, β3-adrenergic, and insulin receptors; the first six GPCRs are known to be flow sensitive. 3) The amplitude of receptor-induced vascular responses by α1A-R and B2-R activation (phenylephrine or bradykinin, respectively) was a function of flow and O (hyaluronidate). Our results support a novel mechanism of GPCR-mediated responses to flow via L·O interaction.
Scalability and in vivo validation of a multiscale numerical model of the left coronary circulation
Authors: Mynard Jonathan P. , Penny Daniel J. , Smolich Joseph J.
Published: December 2013

Multiscale modeling is a promising tool for the study of coronary hemodynamics. A key strength of this approach is that it accounts for microvascular properties and extravascular forces that differ regionally and transmurally, as well as wave propagation effects in the conduit arteries. However, little validation of such models has been reported and no models of the newborn coronary circulation have been described. We therefore validated a multiscale model of the left coronary circulation using high-fidelity data from nine adult sheep and nine newborn lambs and investigated whether wave propagation effects are more prominent in adults, whose body size (and hence wave transit distance) is greater. The model consisted of a one-dimensional (1D) network of the major conduit arteries and a lumped parameter model of microvascular beds. Intramyocardial pressure was considered to arise via contraction-related myocyte thickening and transmission of ventricular cavity pressure into the heart wall. 1D network geometry from published human anatomical data was scaled using myocardial weights, while subject-specific aortic pressure/flow and ventricular pressure formed model inputs. Total vascular resistance was determined iteratively from measured mean circumflex coronary flow (CxQ), but no fitting of phasic aspects of the waveform was performed. Excellent agreement was obtained between simulated and measured CxQ waveforms in most cases. Detailed flow waveform analysis did not clearly reveal a greater prominence of wave propagation effects in adults compared with newborns. This multiscale model is likely to be useful for investigating wave phenomena and phasic aspects of coronary flow in adults and during development.
Circulating micrornas as potential biomarkers of aerobic exercise capacity
Authors: Mooren Frank C. , Viereck Janika , Krüger Karsten , Thum Thomas
Published: December 2013

Purpose microRNAs (miRs) are crucial intracellular mediators of various biological processes, also affecting the cardiovascular system. Recently, it has been shown that miRs circulate extracellularly in the bloodstream and that such circulating miRs change in response to physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate heart/muscle specific and inflammation related miRs in plasma of individuals before, directly after, and 24 h after a marathon run and to analyze their relation to conventional biochemical, cardiovascular, and performance indexes. Male endurance athletes ( n =14) were recruited for the study after performing a battery of cardiac functional tests. Blood samples were collected before, directly after, and 24 h after a public marathon run. miR-1, miR-133, miR-206, miR-499, miR-208b, miR-21, and miR-155 were measured using individual Taqman assays and normalized to Caenorhabditis elegans miR-39 (cel-39) spike-in control. Moreover, soluble cardiac, inflammatory, and muscle damage markers were determined. As a result, skeletal- and heart muscle-specific miRs showed a significant increase after the marathon. The strongest increase was observed for miR-206. Twenty-four hours after the run, only miR-499 and miR-208b were returned to preexercise levels, whereas the others were still enhanced. In contrast, miR-21 and -155 were not affected by exercise. miR-1, -133a, and -206 correlated to aerobic performance parameters such as maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and running speed at individual anaerobic lactate threshold ( VIAS). miR-1 showed a moderate negative correlation with fractional shortening, whereas miR-133a was positively related to the thickness of intraventricular septum. None of the miRs correlated with cardiac injury markers such as troponin T, troponin I, and pro-brain natriuretic peptide. In conclusion, these findings suggest a potential role for muscle- and heart-specific miRs in cardiovascular adaptation processes after endurance exercise. Moreover, the specific correlation of miR-1, -133a, and -206 to performance parameters indicated their potential role as biomarkers of aerobic capacity.
Telomere Length in Elderly Caucasians Weakly Correlates with Blood Cell Counts
Authors: Gutmajster Ewa , Witecka Joanna , Wyskida Magdalena , Koscinska-Marczewska Justyna , Szwed Malgorzata , Owczarz Magdalena , Mossakowska Malgorzata , Milewicz Andrzej , Puzianowska-Kuznicka Monika , Zejda Jan , Wiecek Andrzej , Chudek Jerzy , Sieron Aleksander L.
Published: December 2013

Background. Age‐related decrease in bone marrow erythropoietic capacity is often accompanied by the telomere length shortening in peripheral white blood cells. However, limited and conflicting data hamper the conclusive opinion regarding this relationship. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess an association between telomere length and peripheral blood cell count parameters in the Polish elderly population. Material and Methods. The substudy included 1573 of 4981 subjects aged 65 years or over, participants of the population‐based PolSenior study. High‐molecular‐weight DNA was isolated from blood mononuclear cells. Telomere length (TL) was measured by QRT‐PCR as abundance of telomere template versus a single gene copy encoding acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0. Results. Only white blood count (WBC) was significantly different in TL tertile subgroups in all subjects (P = 0.02) and in men (P = 0.01), but not in women. Merely in men significant but weak positive correlations were found between TL and WBC (r = 0.11, P < 0.05) and RBC (r = 0.08, P < 0.05). The multiple regression analysis models confirmed a weak, independent contribution of TL to both RBC and WBC. Conclusions. In the elderly, telomere shortening limits hematopoiesis capacity to a very limited extent.
Jatropha Oil Derived Sophorolipids: Production and Characterization as Laundry Detergent Additive
Authors: Joshi-Navare Kasturi , Khanvilkar Poonam , Prabhune Asmita
Published: December 2013

Sophorolipids (SLs) are glycolipidic biosurfactants suitable for various biological and physicochemical applications. The nonedible Jatropha oil has been checked as the alternative raw material for SL synthesis usingC. bombicola(ATCC22214). This is useful towards lowering the SL production cost. Through optimization of fermentation parameters and use of resting cell method, the yield 15.25 g/L could be achieved for Jatropha oil derived SL (SLJO) with 1% v/v oil feeding. The synthesized SL displayed good surfactant property. It reduced the surface tension of distilled water from 70.7 mN/m to 33.5 mN/m with the Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) value of 9.5 mg/L. Keeping the prospective use of the SL in mind, the physicochemical properties were checked along with emulsion stability under temperature, pH stress, and in hard water. Also antibacterial action and stain removal capability in comparison with commercial detergent was demonstrated. SLJO enhanced the detergent performance. Based on the results, it can be said that SLs have utility as fabric cleaner with advantageous properties such as skin friendly nature, antibacterial action, and biodegradability. Therefore SLs are potential green molecules to replace synthetic surfactants in detergents so as to reduce harm caused to environment through detergent usage.
Soft Compensation for CNC Crankshaft Grinding Machine Tool
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Fan Jinwei , Miao Wei
Published: December 2013

Wear and deformation CNC grinding machine tool, will be aggravated over time ofwhich will influence the manufacturing precision. To reduce the effect, the soft compensation method by modifying NC instruction was put forward to maintain the manufacturing precision of CNC crankshaft grinding machine tool. The error sources were analyzed, the errors caused by grinding force were calculated, and the precise grinding kinematics model was deduced by the multibody kinematics. Numerical simulation and manufacturing experiment were carried out and the rank tests were taken for the manufactured crankshafts. Experiments show that the manufacturer precision of the crank can be enhanced by 63.69%, 52.06%, 42.27%, and 30.96% by soft compensation of 10 years of service life and 10 μm grinding depth, 4 years of service life and 10 μm grinding depth, 10 years ofservice life and 6 μm grinding depth, and 4 years of service life and 6 μm grinding depth, respectively. Soft compensation can be applied to the machine tool in which the manufacturer precision has declined and the NC instruction with compensation should be updated periodically.
The Role of TL1A and DR3 in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Aiba Yoshihiro , Nakamura Minoru
Published: December 2013

TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), which binds its cognate receptor DR3 and the decoy receptor DcR3, is an identified member of the TNF superfamily. TL1A exerts pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation, activation, and differentiation of immune cells, including helper T cells and regulatory T cells. TL1A and its two receptors expression is increased in both serum and inflamed tissues in autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Polymorphisms of theTNFSF15gene that encodes TL1A are associated with the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, leprosy, and autoimmune diseases, including IBD, AS, and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). In mice, blocking of TL1A-DR3 interaction by either antagonistic antibodies or deletion of the DR3 gene attenuates the severity of multiple autoimmune diseases, whereas sustained TL1A expression on T cells or dendritic cells induces IL-13-dependent small intestinal inflammation. This suggests that modulation of TL1A-DR3 interaction may be a potential therapeutic target in several autoimmune diseases, including IBD, RA, AS, and PBC.
Tone-Independent Orthogonalizing Lattice Equalization for Insufficient Cyclic-Prefix OFDM Transmissions
Authors: Kim Dong Kyoo , Lee Yang Sun
Published: December 2013

Tone-independent orthogonalizing lattice per tone equalizer (TOL-PTEQ) is introduced and its convergence is analyzed. Cyclic-prefix redundancy, one of the major drawbacks of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), can be reduced by TOL-PTEQ. Fast convergence and low computational complexity of TOL-PTEQ are also suitable properties for packet-based wireless communications and detections in which OFDM is widely deployed for their modulation technique.
Low-Rank Affinity Based Local-Driven Multilabel Propagation
Authors: Li Teng , Cheng Bin , Wu Xinyu , Wu Jun
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a novel low-rank affinity based local-driven algorithm to robustly propagate the multilabels from training images to test images. A graph is constructed over the segmented local image regions. The labels for vertices from the training data are derived based on the context among different training images, and the derived vertex labels are propagated to the unlabeled vertices via the graph. The multitask low-rank affinity, which jointly seeks the sparsity-consistent low-rank affinities from multiple feature matrices, is applied to compute the edge weights between graph vertices. The inference process of multitask low-rank affinity is formulated as a constrained nuclear norm andℓ2,1-norm minimization problem. The optimization is conducted efficiently with the augmented Lagrange multiplier method. Based on the learned local patch labels we can predict the multilabels for the test images. Experiments on multilabel image annotation demonstrate the encouraging results from the proposed framework.
Cognitive Performance following Carotid Endarterectomy or Stenting in Asymptomatic Patients with Severe ICA Stenosis
Authors: Picchetto Livio , Spalletta Gianfranco , Casolla Barbara , Cacciari Claudia , Cavallari Michele , Fantozzi Cristiano , Ciuffoli Alessandro , Rasura Maurizia , Imperiale Francesca , Sette Giuliano , Caltagirone Carlo , Taurino Maurizio , Orzi Francesco
Published: December 2013

Background. Endarterectomy (CEA) or stenting (CAS) of a stenotic carotid artery is currently undertaken to reduce stroke risk. In addition removal of the arterial narrowing has been hypothesized to improve cerebral hemodynamics and provide benefits in cognitive functions, by supposedly resolving a “hypoperfusion” condition. Methods. In this study we sought to test whether resolution of a carotid stenosis is followed by measurable changes in cognitive functions in 22 subjects with “asymptomatic” stenosis. Results. A main finding of the study was the statistically significant pre-post difference observed in the performance of phonological verbal fluency and Rey’s 15-word immediate recall. Remarkably, there was a significant interaction between phonological verbal fluency performance and side of the carotid intervention, as the improvement in the verbal performance, a typical “lateralized” skill, was associated with resolution of the left carotid stenosis. Conclusion. The results reflect a substantial equivalence of the overall performance at the before- and after- CEA or CAS tests. In two domains, however, the postintervention performance resulted improved. The findings support the hypothesis that recanalization of a stenotic carotid could improve brain functions by resolving hypothetical “hypoperfusion” states, associated with the narrowing of the vessels.
Path Tracking Control of a Mobile Robot by Using Dual Estimation Algorithm
Authors: Ha Xuan Vinh , Ha Cheolkeun , Choi Hyoung Sik
Published: December 2013

Skid-steered mobile robots have been developed to explore unknown environments, especially in rough terrain situations, where the wheel slips always occur and vary when the robot is traveling with different trajectory shapes. The wheel slippage limits the traction and braking abilities of the robot. In this paper, we propose a new dual estimation algorithm to overcome the previous limitations. The estimated values such as the robot's positions and wheel slips are obtained based on the Kalman filtering technique. As demonstrated by our experimental results, the advantages of the new method are effective to overcome the slip limitations in the path tracking control problem of a four-track wheel skid-steered mobile robot (4-TW SSMR).
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum C014 on Innate Immune Response and Disease Resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Hybrid Catfish
Authors: Butprom Sureerat , Phumkhachorn Parichat , Rattanachaikunsopon Pongsak
Published: December 2013

A bacterial strain isolated from intestines of hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus Male × Clarias macrocephalus Female) exhibited an in vitro inhibitory effect on a fish pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila TISTR 1321. By using the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, it was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum C014. To examine whether L. plantarum C014 had potential for use as an immunostimulant and biocontrol agent in hybrid catfish, the fish diet supplemented with L. plantarum C014 (107 CFU/g diet) was prepared and used for the in vivo investigation of its effect on innate immune response and disease resistance of hybrid catfish. Two innate immune response parameters, phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes and plasma lysozyme activity, were significantly enhanced in the treated fish after 45 days of feeding. Feeding the fish with the L. plantarum C014 supplemented diet for 45 days before challenging them with A. hydrophila at the dose of LD50 could reduce the mortality rate of the fish from 50% (in control group) to 0% (in treated group). Based on its origin and beneficial effect on innate immune response and disease resistance, L. plantarum C014 may be a potential candidate for use as a natural and safe immunostimulant and biocontrol agent in hybrid catfish.
Erythrocyte Shape Abnormalities, Membrane Oxidative Damage, andβ-Actin Alterations: An Unrecognized Triad in Classical Autism
Authors: Ciccoli Lucia , De Felice Claudio , Paccagnini Eugenio , Leoncini Silvia , Pecorelli Alessandra , Signorini Cinzia , Belmonte Giuseppe , Guerranti Roberto , Cortelazzo Alessio , Gentile Mariangela , Zollo Gloria , Durand Thierry , Valacchi Giuseppe , Rossi Marcello , Hayek Joussef
Published: December 2013

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex group of neurodevelopment disorders steadily rising in frequency and treatment refractory, where the search for biological markers is of paramount importance. Although red blood cells (RBCs) membrane lipidomics and rheological variables have been reported to be altered, with some suggestions indicating an increased lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane, to date no information exists on how the oxidative membrane damage may affect cytoskeletal membrane proteins and, ultimately, RBCs shape in autism. Here, we investigated RBC morphology by scanning electron microscopy in patients with classical autism, that is, the predominant ASDs phenotype (age range: 6–26 years), nonautistic neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., “positive controls”), and healthy controls (i.e., “negative controls”). A high percentage of altered RBCs shapes, predominantly elliptocytes, was observed in autistic patients, but not in both control groups. The RBCs altered morphology in autistic subjects was related to increased erythrocyte membrane F2-isoprostanes and 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts. In addition, an oxidative damage of the erythrocyte membraneβ-actin protein was evidenced. Therefore, the combination of erythrocyte shape abnormalities, erythrocyte membrane oxidative damage, andβ-actin alterations constitutes a previously unrecognized triad in classical autism and provides new biological markers in the diagnostic workup of ASDs.
Marked Independent Relationship between Circulating Interleukin-6 Concentrations and Endothelial Activation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dessein Patrick H. , Solomon Ahmed , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Norton Gavin R. , Tsang Linda , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A.
Published: December 2013

We examined the potential impact of conventional compared with nonconventional cardiovascular risk factors including interleukin-6 levels on endothelial activation in RA. Circulating soluble E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations were measured in 217 African patients (112 black and 105 white) with RA. In comprehensive confounder adjusted mixed regression models, 5 conventional and 4 nonconventional cardiovascular risk factors were associated (P=0.05to <0.0001) with endothelial activation. Interleukin-6 was the only risk factor related to each endothelial activation molecule and independently contributed by 18% and significantly more than other risk factors to the variation in overall endothelial activation as estimated by an SD (z) score of endothelial activation molecule concentrations. The independent interleukin-6-overall endothelial activation relationships were reproduced in various subgroups. Interleukin-6 concentrations relate consistently, markedly, and to a larger extent than other cardiovascular risk factors to endothelial activation in RA. Assessment of interleukin-6 concentrations may enhance cardiovascular risk stratification in RA.
Structural and Vibrational Study on Monomer and Dimer Forms and Water Clusters of Acetazolamide
Authors: Ozel Aysen E. , Gunduz Serda Kecel , Celik Sefa , Akyuz Sevim
Published: December 2013

Experimental IR and Raman spectra of solid acetazolamide have been analysed by computing the molecular structures and vibrational spectra of monomer and dimer forms and water clusters of acetazolamide. The possible stable conformers of free acetazolamide molecule in the ground state were obtained by scanning the potential energy surface through the dihedral angles, D1(1S-2C-6S-9N), D2(4N-5C-12N-14C), and D3(5C-12N-14C-16C). The final geometry parameters for the obtained stable conformers were determined by means of geometry optimization, carried out at DFT/B3LYP/6-31G++(d,p) theory level. Afterwards the possible dimer forms of the molecule and acetazolamide-H2O clusters were formed and their energetically preferred conformations were investigated using the same method and the same level of theory. The effect of BSSE on the structure and energy of acetazolamide dimer has been investigated. The assignment of the vibrational modes was performed based on the potential energy distribution of the vibrational modes, calculated by using GAR2PED program. The experimental vibrational wavenumbers of solid acetazolamide are found to be in better agreement with the calculated wavenumbers of dimer form of acetazolamide than those of its monomeric form. NBO analysis has been performed on both monomer and dimer geometries.
Fatty Acid Desaturase Gene Polymorphisms and Metabolic Measures in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Patients Taking Antipsychotics
Authors: Burghardt Kyle J. , Gardner Kristen N. , Johnson Joshua W. , Ellingrod Vicki L.
Published: December 2013

Atypical antipsychotics have become a common therapeutic option in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, these medications come with a high risk of metabolic side effects, particularly dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Therefore, identification of patients who are at increased risk for metabolic side effects is of great importance. The genetics of fatty acid metabolism is one area of research that may help identify such patients. Therefore, in this present study, we aimed to determine the effect of one commonly studied genetic polymorphism from both fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) and FADS2 gene on a surrogate measure of insulin resistance and lipid levels in a metabolically high-risk population of patients largely exposed to atypical antipsychotics. This study used a cross-sectional design, fasting blood draws, and genetic analysis to investigate associations between polymorphisms, haplotypes, and metabolic measures. A total of 320 subjects with schizophrenia (n=226) or bipolar disorder (n=94) were included in this study. The mean age of the population was 42.5 years and 45% were male. A significant association between FADS1 and FADS2 haplotypes was found with insulin resistance while controlling for confounders. Further investigation is required to replicate this finding.
Seismic Microzonation of Breginjski Kot (NW Slovenia) Based on Detailed Engineering Geological Mapping
Authors: Kokošin Jure , Gosar Andrej
Published: December 2013

Breginjski kot is among the most endangered seismic zones in Slovenia with the seismic hazard assessed to intensity IX MSK and the design ground acceleration of 0.250 g, both for 500‐year return period. The most destructive was the 1976 Friuli Mw = 6.4 earthquake which had maximum intensity VIII‐IX. Since the previous microzonation of the area was based solely on the basic geological map and did not include supplementary field research, we have performed a new soil classification of the area. First, a detailed engineering geological mapping in scale 1 : 5.000 was conducted. Mapped units were described in detail and some of them interpreted anew. Stiff sites are composed of hard to medium‐hard rocks which were subjected to erosion mainly evoked by glacial and postglacial age. At that time a prominent topography was formed and different types of sediments were deposited in valleys by mass flows. A distinction between sediments and weathered rocks, their exact position, and thickness are of significant importance for microzonation. On the basis of geological mapping, a soil classification was carried out according to the Medvedev method (intensity increments) and the Eurocode 8 standard (soil factors) and two microzonation maps were prepared. The bulk of the studied area is covered by soft sediments and nine out of ten settlements are situated on them. The microzonation clearly points out the dependence of damage distribution in the case of 1976 Friuli earthquake to local site effects.
Management of Complex Root Canal Curvature of Bilateral Radix Entomolaris: Three-Dimensional Analysis with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Mahendra Muktishree , Verma Anand , Tyagi Sanjeev , Singh Santosh , Malviya Kapil , Chaddha Ramit
Published: December 2013

The meticulous knowledge of anatomic characteristics and their variations is essential for the clinician. Radix entomolaris (RE) is one such anomaly where an extra root is present on the distolingual aspect of the mandibular first molar. 18-year-old patient was referred for the root canal treatment of mandibular right and left first molars. Intraoral periapical radiograph revealed additional periodontal spacing crossing distal root of 36. A CBCT was advised and it confirmed the presence of extra roots both in 36 and 46. CBCT is useful in endodontics as it aids in the identification of essential anatomic structures and determination of radius and angle of root canal curvature which is linked to fracture of the instrument. The classical triangular access cavity was modified to a trapezoidal form to locate the extra canal. All canals were instrumented with controlled memory nickel titanium instruments and obturation was done with single cone technique.
Association of Habitual Physical Activity Measured by an Accelerometer with High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Matsuzawa Ryota , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Kutsuna Toshiki , Ishii Akira , Abe Yoshifumi , Yoneki Kei , Harada Manae , Ishibashi Mio , Takeuchi Yasuo , Yoshida Atsushi , Takahira Naonobu
Published: December 2013

After confirming the relationship between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels and mortality in hemodialysis patients for study 1, we investigated the effect of physical activity on their HDL‐C levels for study 2. In study 1, 266 hemodialysis patients were monitored prospectively for five years, and Cox proportional hazard regression confirmed the contribution of HDL‐C to mortality. In study 2, 116 patients were recruited after excluding those with severe comorbidities or requiring assistance from another person to walk. Baseline characteristics, such as demographic factors, physical constitution, primary kidney disease, comorbid conditions, smoking habits, drug use, and laboratory parameters, were collected from patient hospital records. An accelerometer measured physical activity as the number of steps per day over five consecutive days, and multiple regression evaluated the association between physical activity and HDL‐C levels. Seventy‐seven patients died during the follow‐up period. In study 1, we confirmed that HDL‐C level was a significant predictor of mortality (P = 0.03). After adjusting for patient characteristics in study 2, physical activity was independently associated with HDL‐C levels (adjusted R2 = 0.255; P = 0.005). In conclusion, physical inactivity was strongly associated with decreased HDL‐C levels in hemodialysis patients.
ESR1rs9340799 Is Associated with Endometriosis-Related Infertility andIn VitroFertilization Failure
Authors: Paskulin Diego Davila , Cunha-Filho João Sabino , Paskulin Livia Davila , Souza Carlos Augusto Bastos , Ashton-Prolla Patricia
Published: December 2013

Estrogen receptor alpha has a central role in human fertility by regulating estrogen action in all human reproductive tissues. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression, a cytokine critical for blastocyst implantation, is mediated by estrogen signaling, so we hypothesized thatESR1gene polymorphisms might be candidate risk markers for endometriosis-related infertility andin vitrofertilization (IVF) failure. We included 98 infertile women with endometriosis, 115 infertile women with at least one IVF failure and also 134 fertile women as controls. TaqMan SNP assays were used for genotypingLIF(rs929271),MDM2(rs2279744),MDM4(rs1563828),USP7(rs1529916), andESR1(rs9340799 and rs2234693) polymorphisms. The SNPESR1rs9340799 was associated with endometriosis-related infertility (P<0.001) and also with IVF failure (P=0.018). After controlling for age, infertile women withESR1rs9340799 GG genotype presented 4-fold increased risk of endometriosis (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.84–11.83,P=0.001) and 3-fold increased risk of IVF failure (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.38–8.03,P=0.007). Our results demonstrate an association betweenESR1rs9340799 polymorphism and infertile women with endometriosis and also with women who were submitted to IVF procedures and had no blastocyst implantation.
On Convective Dusty Flow Past a Vertical Stretching Sheet with Internal Heat Absorption
Authors: Nandkeolyar Raj , Sibanda Precious
Published: December 2013

The steady two-dimensional boundary layer flow of a viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting dusty fluid past a vertical permeable stretching sheet under the influence of a transverse magnetic field with the viscous and Joule dissipation is investigated. The fluid particles are assumed to be heat absorbing and the temperature at the surface of the sheet is a result of convective heating. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed to a set of highly nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations using a suitable similarity transformation and the resulting system is then solved numerically. It is found inter alia that the contributions of viscous and Joule dissipation in the flow are to increase the thickness of the thermal boundary layer.
Investigation on Aromaticity Index and Double‐Bond Equivalent of Aromatic Compounds and Ionic Liquids for Fuel Desulphurization
Authors: Abdullah Syamsul B. , Man Z. , Bustam M. A.
Published: December 2013

Aromaticity index (AI) and double‐bond equivalent (DBE) were studied to seek a simpler approach in identifying suitable ionic liquids for the desulphurization process. Manifestation of interaction mechanism by COSMO‐RS and Raman spectroscopy is discussed. The findings demonstrate that AI and DBE calculations can be used to analyze and arrogate potential combination of cation and anion for fuel desulphurization purposes.
An Efficient Adaptive Anticollision Algorithm Based on 4-Ary Pruning Query Tree
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guo Yajun , Tang Xueming , Cui Guohua , Wu Longkai , Mei Ying
Published: December 2013

In radio frequency identification system (RFID), the efficiency in which the reader identifies multiple tags is closely related to the methods to solve the collision of multiple tags. At present, a reasonable solution is the introduction of 4-ary query tree (or n-ary query tree) to reduce the collision time slots and additional query is used to decrease idle timeslots. The advantage of a 4-ary tree anti-collision algorithm is that it is able to reduce collision timeslots, but it also increases the idle timeslots. To reduce these excessive idle timeslots the 4-ary tree anticollision algorithm brings, an anti-collision algorithm based on adaptive 4-ary pruning query tree (A4PQT) is proposed in this paper. On the basis of the information of collision bits, some idle timeslots can be eliminated through pruning the 4-ary tree. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results support that A4PQT algorithm can significantly reduce recognition time and improve throughput of the RFID system.
Personality Disorders in Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder: A Comparative Study versus Other Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Pena-Garijo Josep , Edo Villamón Silvia , Meliá de Alba Amanda , Ruipérez M. Ángeles
Published: December 2013

Objective. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for the relationship between personality disorders (PDs), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other anxiety disorders different from OCD (non‐OCD) symptomatology. Method. The sample consisted of a group of 122 individuals divided into three groups (41 OCD; 40 non‐OCD, and 41 controls) matched by sex, age, and educational level. All the individuals answered the IPDE questionnaire and were evaluated by means of the SCID‐I and SCID‐II interviews. Results. Patients with OCD and non‐OCD present a higher presence of PD. There was an increase in cluster C diagnoses in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between them. Conclusions. Presenting anxiety disorder seems to cause a specific vulnerability for PD. Most of the PDs that were presented belonged to cluster C. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is the most common among OCD. However, it does not occur more frequently among OCD patients than among other anxious patients, which does not confirm the continuum between obsessive personality and OCD. Implications for categorical and dimensional diagnoses are discussed.