bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin and tectonometamorphic history of the Repulse Bay block, Melville Peninsula, Nunavut: exotic terrane or deeper level of the Rae craton?
Authors: LaFlamme Crystal , McFarlane Christopher R.M. , Corrigan David , Wodicka Natasha
Published: November 2014

The Rae craton on Melville Peninsula, Nunavut, comprises several lithotectonic domains, including a structurally and lithologically distinct yet poorly known crustal terrane, the Repulse Bay block (RBb). This study presents new lithological and petrographic observations, combined with U–Pb zircon data, to better understand the Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution of the RBb. The new data demonstrate that the central-eastern RBb consists of the following: (i) upper amphibolite- to granulite-facies, ca. 2.73–2.71 Ga intermediate granitoid gneisses and gabbroic sheets; (ii) ca. 2.69 Ga two-pyroxene charnockite to enderbite intrusions; and (iii) thin slivers of both Archean and Paleoproterozoic supracrustal rocks. Inherited zircon also attests to the presence of a Mesoarchean to Paleoarchean substrate. A semi-pelitic gneiss from one of the Paleoproterozoic supracrustal panels was deposited sometime after ca. 1.89 Ga and shows a similar detrital zircon age profile to a <1.92 Ga semi-pelitic gneiss from the Lyon Inlet boundary zone at the northern extent of the RBb. Zircon in most rocks analyzed record metamorphism related to the Trans-Hudson orogeny between ca. 1.84 and 1.82 Ga. Results from this study are most consistent with the RBb, representing a piece of lower to middle crustal level of the Rae craton, rather than a distinct and separate crustal entity (i.e., an exotic block).
Dispersal and productivity of Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon colonizing newly accessible habitat
Authors: Anderson Joseph H. , Faulds Paul L. , Burton Karl D. , Koehler Michele E. , Atlas William I. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: November 2014

Following construction of a fish ladder at Landsburg Diversion Dam on the Cedar River, Washington, USA, in fall 2003, we used DNA-based parentage to identify second generation Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon as recruits that were produced above the dam or “strays” dispersing into the new habitat that were produced elsewhere. For both species, strays colonized immediately but decreased as a proportion of the total run over time. Chinook salmon strays were more numerous in years when the species was more abundant below the dam and included a much larger proportion of hatchery origin salmon than did coho salmon. Productivity, calculated as the ratio of female recruits sampled at the dam to female spawners, exceeded replacement in all four coho salmon cohorts but only two of five Chinook salmon cohorts, leading to more rapid population expansion of coho salmon. However, estimates of fishing mortality and recruitment into the Cedar River below the dam substantially increased Chinook salmon productivity estimates. Our results demonstrate that Pacific salmon are capable of rapidly recolonizing habitat made accessible by restoration and emphasize the importance of demographic exchange with preexisting populations during the transition from recolonization to self-sustainability.
The reaction of a captive herring school to playbacks of a noise-reduced and a conventional research vessel
Authors: Handegard Nils Olav , Robertis Alex De , Rieucau Guillaume , Boswell Kevin , Macaulay Gavin J.
Published: November 2014

Fish avoidance of vessels can bias fisheries-independent surveys. To understand these biases, recordings of underwater radiated vessel noise from a noise-reduced and a conventional research vessel were played back at the same sound pressure levels (SPL) as experienced in situ to Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in a net pen at two different densities. The noise-reduced vessel recording was also scaled to the same SPL as the conventional vessel to test if characteristics other than SPL affected the reactions. Overall, only weak reactions were observed, but reactions were stronger in the low-density school, in the middle of the pen, and for the scaled silent vessel compared with the conventional vessel. These observations may be attributable to the lack of low frequencies (<50 Hz) in the playbacks, differential motivation for reaction driven by fish density, higher low-frequency noise in the middle of the pen (but lower overall SPL), and characteristics other than SPL. These results call into question the use of SPL as a proxy for fish reaction to vessels as used in standards for construction of research vessels.
Cytogenetic and molecular markers for detectingAegilops uniaristatachromosomes in a wheat background
Authors: Gong Wenping , Li Guangrong , Zhou Jianping , Li Genying , Liu Cheng , Huang Chengyan , Zhao Zhendong , Yang Zujun
Published: November 2014

Aegilops uniaristata has many agronomically useful traits that can be used for wheat breeding. So far, a Triticum turgidum – Ae. uniaristata amphiploid and one set of Chinese Spring (CS) – Ae. uniaristata addition lines have been produced. To guide Ae. uniaristata chromatin transformation from these lines into cultivated wheat through chromosome engineering, reliable cytogenetic and molecular markers specific for Ae. uniaristata chromosomes need to be developed. Standard C-banding shows that C-bands mainly exist in the centromeric regions of Ae. uniaristata but rarely at the distal ends. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using (GAA)8as a probe showed that the hybridization signal of chromosomes 1N–7N are different, thus (GAA)8can be used to identify all Ae. uniaristata chromosomes in wheat background simultaneously. Moreover, a total of 42 molecular markers specific for Ae. uniaristata chromosomes were developed by screening expressed sequence tag – sequence tagged site (EST–STS), expressed sequence tag – simple sequence repeat (EST–SSR), and PCR-based landmark unique gene (PLUG) primers. The markers were subsequently localized using the CS – Ae. uniaristata addition lines and different wheat cultivars as controls. The cytogenetic and molecular markers developed herein will be helpful for screening and identifying wheat – Ae. uniaristata progeny.
Firms' Resource Deployment and Project Leadership in Open Source Software Development
Authors: Schaarschmidt Mario , Von Kortzfleisch Harald
Published: November 2014

When using the open source software (OSS), development model firms face the challenge to balance the tension between the integration of knowledge from external individuals and the desire for control. In our investigation, we draw upon a data set consisting of 109 projects with 912 individual programmers and 110 involved firms and show how those different projects are governed in terms of project leadership. Our four hypotheses show that despite the wish for external knowledge from voluntary programmers firms are relying on own resources or those from other firms to control a project, that projects with low firm participation are mainly led by voluntary committers, and that projects with high firm participation are mainly led by paid leaders. This research extends the dominating literature by providing empirical evidence in that area and helps to deepen our understanding of firm participation in OSS projects as a form of open innovation activity.
Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Hydroxyapatite Microsphere with Co-substituted Essential Trace Elements for pH-responsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Sha , Guo Zhiguang
Published: November 2014

Hierarchical hydroxyapatite microspheres composed of two porous hemispherulites have been synthesized hydrothermally at 80°C. A possible formation mechanism was proposed. The drug loading and release properties were further investigated. [Formula: see text]

3D hierarchical microspheric hydroxyapatite (HAp) composed of two porous hemispherulites was hydrothermally fabricated at low temperature with the aid of urea and NaNO 3, Mg ( NO 3)2, KNO 3, NH 4 Cl and NH 4 F as the homogeneous precipitation reagent and substituted ion sources. In this novel strategy, the element-substitutions serve as regulating agents for the self-assembly of porous HAp microspheres from the dumbbell-like particles to two hemispheres with radius of about 10 μm. Furthermore, the as-prepared hierarchical HAp microspheres exhibit high drug-loading capability and superior sustained release properties, which make it a promising carrier for pH responsive drug delivery system.
The Dynamics of Bank Spreads and Financial Structure
Authors: Gropp Reint , Kok Christoffer , Lichtenberger Jung-Duk
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the effect of within banking sector competition and competition from financial markets on the dynamics of the transmission from monetary policy rates to retail bank interest rates in the euro area. We use a new dataset that permits analysis for disaggregated bank products. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we test whether development of financial markets and financial innovation speed up the pass through. We find that more developed markets for equity and corporate bonds result in a faster pass-through for those retail bank products directly competing with these markets. More developed markets for securitized assets and for interest rate derivatives also speed up the transmission. Further, we find relatively strong effects of competition within the banking sector across two different measures of competition. Overall, the evidence supports the idea that developed financial markets and competitive banking systems increase the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Implications of high-precision Re-Os molybdenite dating of the Navachab orogenic gold deposit, Namibia
Authors: Steven Nick , Creaser Robert , Wulff Katharina , Kisters Alex , Eglington Bruce , Miller Jodie
Published: November 2014

This paper presents and discusses the first Re-Os molybdenite dates from the Navachab orogenic gold deposit, the largest non-Witwatersrand gold resource in southern Africa. At the deposit, a late-kinematic, auriferous, quartz-vein swarm and associated Ca-Mg-Fe-Mn skarn (
sensu lato
) alteration crosscut the Neoproterozoic Damara Sequence, which comprises the upper amphibolite-facies equivalents of continental quartzites, glaciogenic mixtites and pelite – carbonate shelf rocks. Re-Os dating of rare traces of molybdenite in two different types of aplite yielded Cambrian Re-Os ages of 525 ± 2.4 Ma and 523 ± 2.1 Ma (2σ). Molybdenite-bearing, NNE-dipping, extensional auriferous quartz+bismuth+pyrite+pyrrhotite veins with garnet selvage have Re-Os ages of 520 ± 2.1 Ma and 519.4 ± 2.1 Ma (2σ). The 525–520 Ma gold-mineralizing event occurred slightly after the collisional metamorphic peak at 530 Ma, but subsequent gold redistribution and possibly ore mineral melting of the Au-Bi minerals likely occurred at the late-stage thermal peak of the Damaran High-Temperature-Low-Pressure tectonothermal event. This Re-Os dating considerably improves on previous attempts to date the gold-mineralizing event, which comprised U-Pb zircon age determinations on cross-cutting aplite/pegmatite dykes and U-Pb titanite age determinations on a lamprophyre and quartz veins.
11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 shRNA ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and lipolysis in mouse abdominal adipose tissue
Authors: Wang Ying , Yan Chaoying , Liu Limei , Wang Wei , Du Hanze , Fan Winnie , Lutfy Kabirullah , Jiang Meisheng , Friedman Theodore C. , Liu Yanjun
Published: November 2014

Long-term glucocorticoid exposure increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Prereceptor activation of glucocorticoid availability in target tissue by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) coupled with hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH) is an important mediator of the metabolic syndrome. We explored whether the tissue-specific modulation of 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH in adipose tissue mediates glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and lipolysis and analyzed the effects of 11β-HSD1 inhibition on the key lipid metabolism genes and insulin-signaling cascade. We observed that corticosterone (CORT) treatment increased expression of 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH and induced lipase HSL and ATGL with suppression of p-Thr172AMPK in adipose tissue of C57BL/6J mice. In contrast, CORT induced adipose insulin resistance, as reflected by a marked decrease in IR and IRS-1 gene expression with a reduction in p-Thr308Akt/PKB. Furthermore, 11β-HSD1 shRNA attenuated CORT-induced 11β-HSD1 and lipase expression and improved insulin sensitivity with a concomitant stimulation of pThr308Akt/PKB and p-Thr172AMPK within adipose tissue. Addition of CORT to 3T3-L1 adipocytes enhanced 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH and impaired p-Thr308Akt/PKB, leading to lipolysis. Knockdown of 11β-HSD1 by shRNA attenuated CORT-induced lipolysis and reversed CORT-mediated inhibition of pThr172AMPK, which was accompanied by a parallel improvement of insulin signaling response in these cells. These findings suggest that elevated adipose 11β-HSD1 expression may contribute to glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and adipolysis.
Neonatal hyperoxia leads to persistent alterations in NK responses to influenza A virus infection
Authors: Reilly Emma C. , Martin Kyle C. , Jin Guang-bi , Yee Min , O'Reilly Michael A. , Lawrence B. Paige
Published: November 2014

Respiratory distress in preterm or low birth weight infants is often treated with supplemental oxygen. However, this therapy can disrupt normal lung development and architecture and alter responses to respiratory insults. Similarly, exposure of newborn mice to 100% oxygen during saccular lung development leads to permanent alveolar simplification, and upon challenge with influenza A virus, mice exhibit reduced host resistance. Natural killer (NK) cells are key players in antiviral immunity, and emerging evidence suggest they also help to maintain homeostasis in peripheral tissues, including the lung, by promoting epithelial cell regeneration via IL-22. We tested the hypothesis that adult mice exposed to hyperoxia as neonates have modified NK cell responses to infection. We report here that mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia had fewer IL-22+NK cells in their lungs after influenza virus challenge and a parallel increase in IFN-γ+NK cells. Using reciprocal bone marrow chimeric mice, we show that exposure of either hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic cells was sufficient to increase the severity of infection and to diminish the frequency of IL-22+NK cells in the infected lung. Overall, our findings suggest that neonatal hyperoxia leads to long-term changes in the reparative vs. cytotoxic nature of NK cells and that this is due in part to intrinsic changes in hematopoietic cells. These differences may contribute to how oxygen alters the host response to respiratory viral infections.
Novel regulators of endothelial barrier function
Authors: Mehta Dolly , Ravindran Krishnan , Kuebler Wolfgang M.
Published: November 2014

Endothelial barrier function is an essential and tightly regulated process that ensures proper compartmentalization of the vascular and interstitial space, while allowing for the diffusive exchange of small molecules and the controlled trafficking of macromolecules and immune cells. Failure to control endothelial barrier integrity results in excessive leakage of fluid and proteins from the vasculature that can rapidly become fatal in scenarios such as sepsis or the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding on the regulation of endothelial permeability, with a specific focus on the endothelial glycocalyx and endothelial scaffolds, regulatory intracellular signaling cascades, as well as triggers and mediators that either disrupt or enhance endothelial barrier integrity, and provide our perspective as to areas of seeming controversy and knowledge gaps, respectively.
CFTR and lung homeostasis
Authors: Collawn James F. , Matalon Sadis
Published: November 2014

CFTR is a cAMP-activated chloride and bicarbonate channel that is critical for lung homeostasis. Decreases in CFTR expression have dire consequences in cystic fibrosis (CF) and have been suggested to be a component of the lung pathology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Decreases or loss of channel function often lead to mucus stasis, chronic bacterial infections, and the accompanying chronic inflammatory responses that promote progressive lung destruction, and, eventually in CF, lung failure. Here we discuss CFTR's functional role airway surface liquid hydration and pH, in regulation of other channels such as the epithelial sodium channel, and in regulating inflammatory responses in the lung.
Postsynaptic mGluR5 promotes evoked AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission onto neocortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons during development
Authors: Loerwald Kristofer W. , Patel Ankur B. , Huber Kimberly M. , Gibson Jay R.
Published: November 2014

Both short- and long-term roles for the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor number 5 (mGluR5) have been examined for the regulation of cortical glutamatergic synapses. However, how mGluR5 sculpts neocortical networks during development still remains unclear. Using a single cell deletion strategy, we examined how mGluR5 regulates glutamatergic synaptic pathways in neocortical layer 2/3 (L2/3) during development. Electrophysiological measurements were made in acutely prepared slices to obtain a functional understanding of the effects stemming from loss of mGluR5 in vivo. Loss of postsynaptic mGluR5 results in an increase in the frequency of action potential-independent synaptic events but, paradoxically, results in a decrease in evoked transmission in two separate synaptic pathways providing input to the same pyramidal neurons. Synaptic transmission through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, but not N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, is specifically decreased. In the local L2/3 pathway, the decrease in evoked transmission appears to be largely due to a decrease in cell-to-cell connectivity and not in the strength of individual cell-to-cell connections. This decrease in evoked transmission correlates with a decrease in the total dendritic length in a region of the dendritic arbor that likely receives substantial input from these two pathways, thereby suggesting a morphological correlate to functional alterations. These changes are accompanied by an increase in intrinsic membrane excitability. Our data indicate that total mGluR5 function, incorporating both short- and long-term processes, promotes the strengthening of AMPA receptor-mediated transmission in multiple neocortical pathways.
Origins of basal ganglia output signals in singing juvenile birds
Authors: Pidoux Morgane , Bollu Tejapratap , Riccelli Tori , Goldberg Jesse H.
Published: November 2014

Across species, complex circuits inside the basal ganglia (BG) converge on pallidal output neurons that exhibit movement-locked firing patterns. Yet the origins of these firing patterns remain poorly understood. In songbirds during vocal babbling, BG output neurons homologous to those found in the primate internal pallidal segment are uniformly activated in the tens of milliseconds prior to syllable onsets. To test the origins of this remarkably homogenous BG output signal, we recorded from diverse upstream BG cell types during babbling. Prior to syllable onsets, at the same time that internal pallidal segment-like neurons were activated, putative medium spiny neurons, fast spiking and tonically active interneurons also exhibited transient rate increases. In contrast, pallidal neurons homologous to those found in primate external pallidal segment exhibited transient rate decreases. To test origins of these signals, we performed recordings following lesion of corticostriatal inputs from premotor nucleus HVC. HVC lesions largely abolished these syllable-locked signals. Altogether, these findings indicate a striking homogeneity of syllable timing signals in the songbird BG during babbling and are consistent with a role for the indirect and hyperdirect pathways in transforming cortical inputs into BG outputs during an exploratory behavior.
The vision of Hsiao on somatosensation
Authors: Flanders Martha , Soechting John F.
Published: November 2014

The goal of this review is to start to consolidate and distill the substantial body of research that comprises the published work of the late Professor Steven S. Hsiao. The studies of Hsiao began by demonstrating the receptive field properties of somatosensory neurons, progressed to describing cortical feature selectivity, and then eventually elevated the field to hopes of tapping into natural neural codes with artificial somatosensory feedback. With ongoing analogies to contemporaneous studies in visual neuroscience, the research results and writings of Hsiao have provided the fields of haptics and somatosensory neurophysiology with the conceptual tools needed to allow profound progress. Specifically, Hsiao suggested that slowly adapting tactile form perception could be restored with cortical microstimulation, rapidly adapting slip reflexes should be relegated to low-level, hard-wired prosthetic components, and Pacinian-corpuscle spatiotemporal population responses could potentially be decoded/encoded to provide information about interactions of hands and hand-held instruments with external objects. Future studies will be guided by these insightful reports from Hsiao.
Hepatitis B Awareness among Medical Students and Their Vaccination Status at Syrian Private University
Authors: Ibrahim Nazir , Idris Amr
Published: November 2014

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially life-threating infection and a well-recognized occupational hazard for health-care workers including medical students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Syrian Private University (SPU), Faculty of Medicine, to assess the knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B, the status of hepatitis B vaccination, and the reasons for not getting vaccinated among the first- and the fifth-year medical students. Results. The present study demonstrates surprising results and raises issues about the high number of medical students that are not vaccinated or not sure about their vaccination status, which puts them at a higher risk of being infected in the future. Another important issue is the medical students’ overall knowledge about this life-threating infection. The students have not been totally educated about the gravity of the situation which requires the need of further HBV education. It is highly recommended that SPU provides the HBV vaccine to all nonvaccinated students attending the faculty of medicine at no cost to encourage them to take the HBV vaccine and to reform some of its educational curriculum to effectively limit the hazardous effects of this disease and elaborate on the serious health consequences of HBV.
Asymptomatic Late Migration of an Atrial Pacemaker Lead into the Right Lung
Authors: De Schryver Nicolas , Marchandise Sebastien , Colin Geoffrey C. , Ghaye Benoît , le Polain de Waroux Jean-Benoît
Published: November 2014

This report illustrates an unusual case of asymptomatic late cardiac perforation by an atrial pacemaker lead into the right lung. In the present case, the lead was explanted by simple manual traction through the device pocket without any complications.
Plasma Gelsolin Levels Decrease in Diabetic State and Increase upon Treatment with F-Actin Depolymerizing Versions of Gelsolin
Authors: Khatri Neeraj , Sagar Amin , Peddada Nagesh , Choudhary Vikas , Chopra Bhupinder Singh , Garg Veena , Garg Renu , Ashish
Published: November 2014

The study aims to map plasma gelsolin (pGSN) levels in diabetic humans and mice models of type II diabetes and to evaluate the efficacy of gelsolin therapy in improvement of diabetes in mice. We report that pGSN values decrease by a factor of 0.45 to 0.5 in the blood of type II diabetic humans and mice models. Oral glucose tolerance test in mice models showed that subcutaneous administration of recombinant pGSN and its F-actin depolymerizing competent versions brought down blood sugar levels comparable to Sitagliptin, a drug used to manage hyperglycemic condition. Further, daily dose of pGSN or its truncated versions to diabetic mice for a week kept sugar levels close to normal values. Also, diabetic mice treated with Sitagliptin for 7 days, showed increase in their pGSN values with the decrease in blood glucose as compared to their levels at the start of treatment. Gelsolin helped in improving glycemic control in diabetic mice. We propose that gelsolin level monitoring and replacement of F-actin severing capable gelsolin(s) should be considered in diabetic care.
Protective Effect ofBaccharis trimeraExtract on Acute Hepatic Injury in a Model of Inflammation Induced by Acetaminophen
Authors: Pádua Bruno da Cruz , Rossoni Júnior Joamyr Victor , de Brito Magalhães Cíntia Lopes , Chaves Míriam Martins , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , Pedrosa Maria Lucia , Souza Gustavo Henrique Bianco de , Brandão Geraldo Célio , Rodrigues Ivanildes Vasconcelos , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , Costa Daniela Caldeira
Published: November 2014

Background. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic. When administered in high doses, APAP is a clinical problem in the US and Europe, often resulting in severe liver injury and potentially acute liver failure. Studies have demonstrated that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents effectively protect against the acute hepatotoxicity induced by APAP overdose.Methods. The present study attempted to investigate the protective effect ofB. trimeraagainst APAP-induced hepatic damage in rats. The liver-function markers ALT and AST, biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters, and histopathological changes were examined.Results. The pretreatment withB. trimeraattenuated serum activities of ALT and AST that were enhanced by administration of APAP. Furthermore, pretreatment with the extract decreases the activity of the enzyme SOD and increases the activity of catalase and the concentration of total glutathione. Histopathological analysis confirmed the alleviation of liver damage and reduced lesions caused by APAP.Conclusions. The hepatoprotective action ofB. trimeraextract may rely on its effect on reducing the oxidative stress caused by APAP-induced hepatic damage in a rat model.General Significance. These results make the extract ofB. trimeraa potential candidate drug capable of protecting the liver against damage caused by APAP overdose.
A Giant Verrucous Carcinoma of the Penis Presenting with Urinary Sepsis and Angina
Authors: Nomikos Michael , Barmpoutis Paschalis , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Chousianitis Zacharias , Ouzounoglou Prodromos , Efstathiadou Paraskevi , Katsifotis Charilaos
Published: November 2014

Penile verrucous carcinoma also known as Buschke-Löwenstein tumor in the genital region is an uncommon variant of penile carcinoma exhibiting slow, expansive growth. We present a case of a 63-year-old male who presented with a giant purulent penile mass causing urinary sepsis and angina. Regional lymph nodes were clinically negative and staging with CT scans of thorax and abdomen did not show any signs of lymph node or distant metastases. After resuscitation, radical penectomy was performed and a perineal urethrostomy was created. Histological examination revealed a Buschke-Löwenstein tumor of the penis with no invasion of corpus cavernosum and urethra.
Nonlinear Control of an Active Magnetic Bearing System Achieved Using a Fuzzy Control with Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Chen Seng-Chi , Nguyen Van-Sum , Le Dinh-Kha , Nam Nguyen Thi Hoai
Published: November 2014

Studies on active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems are increasing in popularity and practical applications. Magnetic bearings cause less noise, friction, and vibration than the conventional mechanical bearings; however, the control of AMB systems requires further investigation. The magnetic force has a highly nonlinear relation to the control current and the air gap. This paper proposes an intelligent control method for positioning an AMB system that uses a neural fuzzy controller (NFC). The mathematical model of an AMB system comprises identification followed by collection of information from this system. A fuzzy logic controller (FLC), the parameters of which are adjusted using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), is applied to the unbalanced vibration in an AMB system. The AMB system exhibited a satisfactory control performance, with low overshoot, and produced improved transient and steady-state responses under various operating conditions. The NFC has been verified on a prototype AMB system. The proposed controller can be feasibly applied to AMB systems exposed to various external disturbances; demonstrating the effectiveness of the NFC with self-learning and self-improving capacities is proven.
The Relationship between Fear of Childbirth and Women’s Knowledge about Painless Childbirth
Authors: Aksoy Mehmet , Aksoy Ayse Nur , Dostbil Aysenur , Celik Mine Gursac , Ince Ilker
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the association between fear of childbirth (FOC) and women’s knowledge about painless childbirth methods. The study was performed on 900 multiparous women within the last month of pregnancy. Data was obtained through a questionnaire including the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) Turkish form A. FOC was defined as W-DEQ sum score ≥85. Women were questioned about their knowledge about painless childbirth and the most important source of this knowledge. Group 1 consists of participants with knowledge about painless childbirth. Group 2 consists of participants without knowledge about painless childbirth. Five hundred and twenty-four women (58.2%) had knowledge while 376 women (41.7%) had no knowledge about painless childbirth. Mean W-DEQ scores in group 1 (68.46±12.53) were found to be lower than group 2 (71.35±12.28) (P=0.001). FOC was associated with increased maternal request for elective caesarean section (OR 4.22, 95% CI 2.91–6.11). Better informed pregnant women about painless childbirth methods may reduce the number of women with FOC and the rate of preferred elective caesarean section.
Physical Therapy in the Management of Pelvic Floor Muscles Hypertonia in a Woman with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Ribeiro Aline Moreira , Ferreira Cristine Homsi Jorge , Cristine Lemes Mateus-Vasconcelos Elaine , Moroni Rafael Mendes , Brito Luciane Maria Oliveira , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
Published: November 2014

Background. Pelvic floor (PF) hypertonic disorders are a group of conditions that present with muscular hypertonia or spasticity, resulting in a diminished capacity to isolate, contract, and relax the PF. Their presentation includes voiding and sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain, and constipation. Various factors are associated, such as complicated vaginal birth, muscular injury, scar tissue formation, and neuropathies.Study Design. The case of a single patient will be presented, together with the management strategies employed.Case Description. A woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis and a history of muscle spasticity and urinary and fecal complaints since childhood. She presented to this institution seeking treatment for pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, constipation, and micturition problems. A physical therapy protocol was developed, with the trial of several treatment modalities.Outcome. After some failed attempts, perineal and pelvic floor stretching proved to be very efficacious therapies for this patient’s complaint, leading to improved pain during intercourse, constipation, pelvic pain, and urinary stream.Discussion. PF spasticity can lead to severe disability and interfere with daily basic functions, such as micturition and evacuation. Physical therapy plays an essential role in the management of these patients and can lead to significant improvement in quality of life.
A Study on Load Carrying Capacity of Fly Ash Based Polymer Concrete Columns Strengthened Using Double Layer GFRP Wrapping
Authors: Nagan S. , Karthiyaini S.
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the suitability of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets in strengthening of fly ash based polymer members under compression. Experimental results revealed that load carrying capacity of the confined columns increases with GFRP sheets wrapping. Altogether 18 specimens of M30 and G30 grade short columns were fabricated. The G30 specimens were prepared separately in 8 molarity and 12 molarity of sodium hydroxide concentration. Twelve specimens for low calcium fly ash based reinforced polymer concrete and six specimens of ordinary Portland cement reinforced concrete were cast. Three specimens from each molarity fly ash based reinforced polymer concrete and ordinary Portland cement reinforced concrete were wrapped with double layer of GFRP sheets. The load carrying capacity of fly ash based polymer concrete was tested and compared with control specimens. The results show increase in load carrying capacity and ductility index for all strengthened elements. The maximum increase in load carrying capacity was 68.53% and is observed in strengthened G30 specimens.
Transient Fault Detection in Networked Control Systems
Authors: Huang Xiong-Feng , Zhou Chun-Jie , Huang Shuang , Huang Kai-Xin , Li Xuan
Published: November 2014

Transient faults appear unpredictablly and frequently in networked control systems (NCSs), which directly affect the safety of system. However, they can not be accurately identified due to various kinds of causes, so the detection of them needs more systematic and comprehensive system knowledge. Hence, a hierarchical and systematic detection approach based on function, behavior, and structure (FBS) models is proposed in this paper. The FBS models are established according to systematic knowledge of NCSs. And the transient faults are excavated in node level and system level, in which parameter match and model-based detections are employed. Moreover, the key implementation aspects of the proposed approach in NCSs are detailed on parameterization of FBS models, criteria, and feature parameters of faults, fault monitoring, fault detection, and real-time scheduling considering fault detection. At last, a simulation platform of a networked control liquid mixer system is described by Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL), and a transient fault is injected before the sample task in the node for fault detection. The simulation results show that the faults are exposed in the gradual detection hierarchies and the effectiveness of the detection scheme is quite promising.
Qigong and Fibromyalgia: Randomized Controlled Trials and Beyond
Authors: Sawynok Jana , Lynch Mary
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Qigong is currently considered as meditative movement, mindful exercise, or complementary exercise and is being explored for relief of symptoms in fibromyalgia. Aim. This narrative review summarizes randomized controlled trials, as well as additional studies, of qigong published to the end of 2013 and discusses relevant methodological issues. Results. Controlled trials indicate regular qigong practice (daily, 6–8 weeks) produces improvements in core domains for fibromyalgia (pain, sleep, impact, and physical and mental function) that are maintained at 4–6 months compared to wait‐list subjects or baselines. Comparisons with active controls show little difference, but compared to baseline there are significant and comparable effects in both groups. Open‐label studies provide information that supports benefit but remain exploratory. An extension trial and case studies involving extended practice (daily, 6–12 months) indicate marked benefits but are limited by the number of participants. Benefit appears to be related to amount of practice. Conclusions. There is considerable potential for qigong to be a useful complementary practice for the management of fibromyalgia. However, there are unique methodological challenges, and exploration of its clinical potential will need to focus on pragmatic issues and consider a spectrum of trial designs. Mechanistic considerations need to consider both system‐wide and more specific effects.
Prognostic and Biological Significance of MicroRNA-127 Expression in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Li Hanjun , Wang Jingjie , Wang Dan , Yao Anlong , Li Qiurong
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of miR-127 and analyze its prognostic and biological significance in breast cancer (BC). A quantitative reverse transcription PCR assay was performed to detect the expression of miR-127 in 15 pairs of BC and corresponding noncancerous tissues. The expression of miR-127 was detected in another 110 BC tissues and its correlations with clinicopathological factors of patients were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the prognostic significance of miR-127 expression. The effects of miR-127 expression on malignant phenotypes of BC cells and its possible molecular mechanisms were further determined. miR-127 was significantly downregulated in BC tissues, and low miR-127 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage. Patients with low miR-127 showed poorer overall survival than those with high miR-127. Multivariate analyses indicated that status of miR-127 was an independent prognostic factor for patients. Functional analyses showed that upregulation of miR-127 significantly inhibited growth, enhanced apoptosis, and reduced migration and invasion in BC cells by targeting the protooncogene BCL-6. Therefore, miR-127 may be a potential biomarker for predicting the survival of BC patients and might be a molecular target for treatment of human BCs.
Alternans and Spiral Breakup in an Excitable Reaction-Diffusion System: A Simulation Study
Authors: Gani M. Osman , Ogawa Toshiyuki
Published: November 2014

The determination of the mechanisms of spiral breakup in excitable media is still an open problem for researchers. In the context of cardiac electrophysiological activities, spiral breakup exhibits complex spatiotemporal pattern known as ventricular fibrillation. The latter is the major cause of sudden cardiac deaths all over the world. In this paper, we numerically study the instability of periodic planar traveling wave solution in two dimensions. The emergence of stable spiral pattern is observed in the considered model. This pattern occurs when the heart is malfunctioning (i.e., ventricular tachycardia). We show that the spiral wave breakup is a consequence of the transverse instability of the planar traveling wave solutions. The alternans, that is, the oscillation of pulse widths, is observed in our simulation results. Moreover, we calculate the widths of spiral pulses numerically and observe that the stable spiral pattern bifurcates to an oscillatory wave pattern in a one-parameter family of solutions. The spiral breakup occurs far below the bifurcation when the maximum and the minimum excited states become more distinct, and hence the alternans becomes more pronounced.
From Flower to Honey Bouquet: Possible Markers for the Botanical Origin ofRobiniaHoney
Authors: Aronne Giovanna , Giovanetti Manuela , Sacchi Raffaele , De Micco Veronica
Published: November 2014

Flowers are complex structures devoted to pollinator attraction, through visual as well as chemical signals. As bees collect nectar on flowers to produce honey, some aspects of floral chemistry are transferred to honey, making chemical markers an important technique to identify the botanical and geographical origins of honey. We applied a new approach that considers the simultaneous analysis of different floral parts (petals, stamens + pistils, calyxes + nectarines, and nectar) and the corresponding unifloral honey. We collected fresh flowers ofRobinia pseudoacaciaL. (black locust), selected five samples ofRobiniahoney from different geographical origins, applied SPME-GC/MS for volatile analyses, and defined the chemical contribution added by different floral parts to the honey final bouquet. Our results show that honey blends products from nectar as well as other flower parts. Comparing honey and flower profiles, we detected compounds coming directly from flower parts but not present in the nectar, such as hotrienol andβ-pinene. These may turn out to be of special interest when selecting floral markers for the botanical origin of honey.
Antiosteoporotic Effect of Combined Extract ofMorus albaandPolygonum odoratum
Authors: Sungkamanee Sudarat , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Muchimapura Supaporn , Thukham-mee Wipawee
Published: November 2014

Due to the limitation of osteoporosis therapy, the alternative therapies from natural sources have been considered. In this study, we aimed to determine the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract ofMorus albaandPolygonum odoratumleaves. Ovariectomized rats, weighing 200–220 g, were orally given the combined extract at doses of 5, 150, and 300 mg·kg−1BW for 3 months. At the end of study, blood was collected to determine serum osteocalcin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase level. In addition, tibia bone was isolated to determine bone oxidative stress markers, cortical bone thickness, and density of osteoblast. The combined extract decreased oxidative stress and osteoclast density but increased osteoblast density and cortical thickness. The elevation of serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin was also observed. These results suggested the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract via the increased growth formation together with the suppression of bone resorption. However, further studies concerning chronic toxicity and the underlying mechanism are required.
Contemporaneous Production of Amylase and Protease through CCD Response Surface Methodology by Newly Isolated Bacillus megaterium Strain B69
Authors: Saxena Rajshree , Singh Rajni
Published: November 2014

The enormous increase in world population has resulted in generation of million tons of agricultural wastes. Biotechnological process for production of green chemicals, namely, enzymes, provides the best utilization of these otherwise unutilized wastes. The present study elaborates concomitant production of protease and amylase in solid state fermentation (SSF) by a newly isolated Bacillus megaterium B69, using agroindustrial wastes. Two-level statistical model employing Plackett-Burman and response surface methodology was designed for optimization of various physicochemical conditions affecting the production of two enzymes concomitantly. The studies revealed that the new strain concomitantly produced 1242 U/g of protease and 1666.6 U/g of amylase by best utilizing mustard oilseed cake as the substrate at 20% substrate concentration and 45% moisture content after 84 h of incubation. An increase of 2.95- and 2.04-fold from basal media was observed in protease and amylase production, respectively. ANOVA of both the design models showed high accuracy of the polynomial model with significant similarities between the predicted and the observed results. The model stood accurate at the bench level validation, suggesting that the design model could be used for multienzyme production at mass scale.
Fumigant Activity of thePsidium guajavaVar. Pomifera (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil inDrosophila melanogasterby Means of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Pinho Antonio Ivanildo , Wallau Gabriel Luz , Nunes Mauro Eugenio Medina , Leite Nadghia Figueiredo , Tintino Saulo Relison , da Cruz Litiele Cezar , da Cunha Francisco Assis Bezerra , da Costa José Galberto Martins , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , Posser Thais , Franco Jeferson Luis
Published: November 2014

The guava fruit,Psidium guajavavar. pomifera (Myrtaceae family), is a native plant from South America. Its leaves and fruits are widely used in popular medicine in tropical and subtropical countries.Drosophila melanogasterhas been used as one of the main model organisms in genetic studies since the 1900s. The extensive knowledge about this species makes it one of the most suitable organisms to study many aspects of toxic compound effects. Due to the lack of studies on the effects of the bioactive compounds present in theP. guajavavar. pomifera essential oil, we performed a phytochemical characterization by CG-MS and evaluated the toxicity induced by the essential oil in theD. melanogasterinsect model. In order to understand the biochemical mechanisms of toxicity, changes on the Nrf2 signaling as well as hallmarks of oxidative stress response were followed in the exposed flies. Our results showed that exposure of insects to theP. guajavaoil increased mortality and locomotor deficits in parallel with an oxidative stress response signaling. Therefore, it suggested a bioinsecticidal activity forP. guajavavolatile compounds by means of oxidative stress. Further studies are ongoing to identify which oil compounds are responsible for such effect.
Ruminal Acidosis in Feedlot: From Aetiology to Prevention
Authors: Hernández Joaquín , Benedito José Luis , Abuelo Angel , Castillo Cristina
Published: November 2014

Acute ruminal acidosis is a metabolic status defined by decreased blood pH and bicarbonate, caused by overproduction of ruminal D-lactate. It will appear when animals ingest excessive amount of nonstructural carbohydrates with low neutral detergent fiber. Animals will show ruminal hypotony/atony with hydrorumen and a typical parakeratosis-rumenitis liver abscess complex, associated with a plethora of systemic manifestations such as diarrhea and dehydration, liver abscesses, infections of the lung, the heart, and/or the kidney, and laminitis, as well as neurologic symptoms due to both cerebrocortical necrosis and the direct effect of D-lactate on neurons. In feedlots, warning signs include decrease in chewing activity, weight, and dry matter intake and increase in laminitis and diarrhea prevalence. The prognosis is quite variable. Treatment will be based on the control of systemic acidosis and dehydration. Prevention is the most important tool and will require normalization of ruminal pH and microbiota. Appropriate feeding strategies are essential and involve changing the dietary composition to increase neutral detergent fiber content and greater particle size and length. Appropriate grain processing can control the fermentation rate while additives such as prebiotics or probiotics can help to stabilize the ruminal environment. Immunization against producers of D-lactate is being explored.
In Vitro Acaricidal Activity ofAtropa belladonnaand Its Components, Scopolamine and Atropine, againstRhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplus
Authors: Godara R. , Katoch M. , Katoch R. , Yadav Anish , Parveen S. , Vij Bhavna , Khajuria Varun , Singh G. , Singh Nirbhay K.
Published: November 2014

In vitro efficacy of methanolic extract ofAtropa belladonnaand its components scopolamine and atropine was assessed againstRhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplus. Five concentrations of the extract (1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) were used whereas scopolamine and atropine were each tested at 0.1%. In adult immersion test, the extract was lethal to ticks at 20% concentration. The LC50 and LC95 values were determined as 6.875% and 17.306%, respectively. The extract caused a significant reduction (P<0.05) in egg mass production at 10% concentration. In larval packet test, the extract was lethal to larvae in the concentrations of 10% and 20% after 24 h, with LC50 and LC95 values of 1.321% and 4.935%, respectively. Scopolamine and atropine showed 93.3% and 60.0% mortality of adult ticks, respectively, but they caused complete (100%) blocking of hatching as well as 100% larval mortality. Scopolamine and atropine were observed to be more potent than the crude extract at an equivalent concentration in both the bioassays.