bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edwardsiella tarda-Induced Cytotoxicity Depends on Its Type III Secretion System and Flagellin
Authors: Xie Hai-Xia , Lu Jin-Fang , Rolhion Nathalie , Holden David W. , Nie Pin , Zhou Ying , Yu Xiu-Jun
Published: June 2014

Many Gram-negative bacteria utilize a type III secretion system (T3SS) to translocate virulence proteins into host cells to cause diseases. In responding to infection, macrophages detect some of the translocated proteins to activate caspase-1-mediated cell death, called pyroptosis, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines to control the infection.
Edwardsiella tarda
is a Gram-negative enteric pathogen that causes hemorrhagic septicemia in fish and both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. In this study, we report that the T3SS of
E. tarda
facilitates its survival and replication in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, and
E. tarda
infection triggers pyroptosis of infected macrophages from mice and fish and increased secretion of the cytokine interleukin 1β in a T3SS-dependent manner. Deletion of the flagellin gene
fliC
of
E. tarda
results in decreased cytotoxicity for infected macrophages and does not attenuate its virulence in a fish model of infection, whereas upregulated expression of FliC in the
fliC
mutant strain reduces its virulence. We propose that the host controls
E. tarda
infection partially by detecting FliC translocated by the T3SS, whereas the bacteria downregulate the expression of FliC to evade innate immunity.
Genes Required for Assembly of Pili Associated with the Helicobacter pylori cag Type IV Secretion System
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Voss Bradley J. , Hennig Ewa E. , Cover Timothy L.
Published: June 2014

Helicobacter pylori
causes numerous alterations in gastric epithelial cells through processes that are dependent on activity of the
cag
type IV secretion system (T4SS). Filamentous structures termed “pili” have been visualized at the interface between
H. pylori
and gastric epithelial cells, and previous studies suggested that pilus formation is dependent on the presence of the
cag
pathogenicity island (PAI). Thus far, there has been relatively little effort to identify specific genes that are required for pilus formation, and the role of pili in T4SS function is unclear. In this study, we selected 7 genes in the
cag
PAI that are known to be required for T4SS function and investigated whether these genes were required for pilus formation.
cagT
,
cagX
,
cagV
,
cagM
, and
cag3
mutants were defective in both T4SS function and pilus formation; complemented mutants regained T4SS function and the capacity for pilus formation.
cagY
and
cagC
mutants were defective in T4SS function but retained the capacity for pilus formation. These results define a set of
cag
PAI genes that are required for both pilus biogenesis and T4SS function and reveal that these processes can be uncoupled in specific mutant strains.
Colonization of Cecum Is Important for Development of Persistent Infection by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Fahlgren Anna , Avican Kemal , Westermark Linda , Nordfelth Roland , Fällman Maria
Published: June 2014

Yersiniosis is a human disease caused by the bacterium
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
or
Yersinia enterocolitica
. The infection is usually resolved but can lead to postinfectious sequelae, including reactive arthritis and erythema nodosum. The commonly used
Yersinia
mouse infection model mimics acute infection in humans to some extent but leads to systemic infection and eventual death. Here, we analyzed sublethal infection doses of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
in mice in real time using bioluminescent imaging and found that infections using these lower doses result in extended periods of asymptomatic infections in a fraction of mice. In a search for the site for bacterial persistence, we found that the cecum was the primary colonization site and was the site where the organism resided during a 115-day infection period. Persistent infection was accompanied by sustained fecal shedding of cultivable bacteria. Cecal patches were identified as the primary site for cecal colonization during persistence.
Y. pseudotuberculosis
bacteria were present in inflammatory lesions, in localized foci, or as single cells and also in neutrophil exudates in the cecal lumen. The chronically colonized cecum may serve as a reservoir for dissemination of infection to extraintestinal sites, and a chronic inflammatory state may trigger the onset of postinfectious sequelae. This novel mouse model for bacterial persistence in cecum has potential as an investigative tool to unveil a deeper understanding of bacterial adaptation and host immune defense mechanisms during persistent infection.
Vascular ring diagnosis following respiratory arrest
Authors: Robson Evie Alexandra , Scott Alison , Chetcuti Philip , Crabbe David
Published: June 2014

Vascular rings can present with non-specific respiratory and/or oesophageal symptoms. Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. This case report describes an uncommon acute presentation of a vascular ring. We report a thriving 14-month-old child with a long history of recurrent wheeze and ‘noisy breathing’. He presented acutely with food bolus impaction in the oesophagus which led to a respiratory arrest. Oesophagoscopy and bronchoscopy suggested vascular ring anomaly. A contrast-enhanced CT scan demonstrated a right-sided aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum encircling the oesophagus and airway. The ligament was ligated and divided. At follow-up 6 months later, the infant had mild persistent stridor but was otherwise well.
Acute ischaemic colitis associated with oral phenylephrine decongestant use
Authors: Ward Paul W , Shaneyfelt Terrence M , Roan Ronald M
Published: June 2014

In this case, the authors have presented for the first time that ischaemic colitis may be associated with phenylephrine use. Since phenylephrine is the more common active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications, other presentations may follow this case. A MEDLINE search was performed for all case reports or case series of ischaemic colitis secondary to pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine use published between 1966 and 2013. The search resulted in four case reports and one case series describing patients with acute onset ischaemic colitis with exposure to pseudoephedrine immediately prior to onset. However, we found no case reports of ischaemic colitis associated with phenylephrine use. We present this case as an unexpected clinical outcome of phenylephrine, which has not been associated with ischaemic colitis in the literature. Also, this case serves as a reminder of the important clinical lesson to question all patients’ use of OTC and prescribed medications.
Spatial inequalities in life expectancy within postindustrial regions of Europe: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Taulbut Martin , Walsh David , McCartney Gerry , Parcell Sophie , Hartmann Anja , Poirier Gilles , Strniskova Dana , Hanlon Phil
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To compare spatial inequalities in life expectancy (LE) in West Central Scotland (WCS) with nine other postindustrial European regions.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

WCS and nine other postindustrial regions across Europe.

Participants

Data for WCS and nine other comparably deindustrialised European regions were analysed. Male and female LEs at birth were obtained or calculated for the mid-2000s for 160 districts within selected regions. Districts were stratified into two groups: small (populations of between 141 000 and 185 000 people) and large (populations between 224 000 and 352 000). The range and IQR in LE were used to describe within-region disparities.

Results

In small districts, the male LE range was widest in WCS and Merseyside, while the IQR was widest in WCS and Northern Ireland. For women, the LE range was widest in WCS, though the IQR was widest in Northern Ireland and Merseyside. In large districts, the range and IQR in LE was widest in WCS and Wallonia for both sexes.

Conclusions

Subregional spatial inequalities in LE in WCS are wide compared with other postindustrial mainland European regions, especially for men. Future research could explore the contribution of economic, social and political factors in reducing these inequalities.
Prediction of liver disease in patients whose liver function tests have been checked in primary care: model development and validation using population-based observational cohorts
Authors: McLernon David J , Donnan Peter T , Sullivan Frank M , Roderick Paul , Rosenberg William M , Ryder Steve D , Dillon John F
Published: June 2014

Objective

To derive and validate a clinical prediction model to estimate the risk of liver disease diagnosis following liver function tests (LFTs) and to convert the model to a simplified scoring tool for use in primary care.

Design

Population-based observational cohort study of patients in Tayside Scotland identified as having their LFTs performed in primary care and followed for 2 years. Biochemistry data were linked to secondary care, prescriptions and mortality data to ascertain baseline characteristics of the derivation cohort. A separate validation cohort was obtained from 19 general practices across the rest of Scotland to externally validate the final model.

Setting

Primary care, Tayside, Scotland.

Participants

Derivation cohort: LFT results from 310 511 patients. After exclusions (including: patients under 16 years, patients having initial LFTs measured in secondary care, bilirubin >35 μmol/L, liver complications within 6 weeks and history of a liver condition), the derivation cohort contained 95 977 patients with no clinically apparent liver condition. Validation cohort: after exclusions, this cohort contained 11 653 patients.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Diagnosis of a liver condition within 2 years.

Results

From the derivation cohort (n=95 977), 481 (0.5%) were diagnosed with a liver disease. The model showed good discrimination (C-statistic=0.78). Given the low prevalence of liver disease, the negative predictive values were high. Positive predictive values were low but rose to 20–30% for high-risk patients.

Conclusions

This study successfully developed and validated a clinical prediction model and subsequent scoring tool, the Algorithm for Liver Function Investigations (ALFI), which can predict liver disease risk in patients with no clinically obvious liver disease who had their initial LFTs taken in primary care. ALFI can help general practitioners focus referral on a small subset of patients with higher predicted risk while continuing to address modifiable liver disease risk factors in those at lower risk.
Pulmonary pathologic manifestations of anti-glycyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-EJ)-related inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Schneider Frank , Yousem Samuel A , Bi David , Gibson Kevin F , Oddis Chester V , Aggarwal Rohit
Published: June 2014

Aims

Antisynthetase syndromes are a subset of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies characterised by the presence of autoantibodies to aminoacyl transfer-RNA synthetases (ARS) and monotypic clinical features including Raynaud phenomenon, fever, non-erosive inflammatory arthritis and hyperkeratotic skin changes (‘mechanic's hands’). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is particularly common in ARS syndromes, affecting up to 90% of patients.

Methods

Four patients with ARS syndrome who possessed anti-glycyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-EJ) autoantibodies were retrieved from the University of Pittsburgh database. We report their clinical, radiographic and histopathologic findings.

Results

Patients presented with dyspnoea accompanied by Raynaud phenomenon and ‘mechanic's hands’. Lung disease was the first manifestation in all four patients (100%) who were all amyopathic. High-resolution CT of the chest showed patchy opacities and consolidations in two patients (50%) whose surgical lung biopsies revealed organising diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and lower lung zone predominant reticular infiltrates and traction bronchiectasis without honeycomb change in two patients (50%) whose surgical lung biopsies revealed usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and few scattered lymphoid aggregates were present, but we found no pathognomonic histopathologic features of anti-EJ ARS syndrome. Serologic testing revealed no other autoantibodies. All patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

Identifying ARS-associated autoantibodies in ILD patients with or without myopathy is desirable because patients may respond well to immunosuppressive therapy, and their prognosis is better than that of patients with idiopathic forms of DAD or UIP.
Family employment and child socioemotional behaviour: longitudinal findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Hope Steven , Pearce Anna , Whitehead Margaret , Law Catherine
Published: June 2014

Background

Levels of paid employment in two parent and lone parent families have increased in the UK but evidence of its impact on child socioemotional behaviour is limited and inconsistent.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal analysis using the first four sweeps of the Millennium Cohort Study (9 months, 3 years, 5 years and 7 years) to investigate the influence of family employment trajectories in the early years on socioemotional behaviour at 7 years, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates. In addition, mothers’ employment was investigated separately.

Results

Children from families where no parent was employed for one or more sweeps were at a greater risk of socioemotional problem behaviour compared with those where a parent was continuously employed, even after adjustment for covariates. Children of mothers who were non-employed for one or more sweeps were at greater risk of problem behaviour compared with mothers who were employed at all sweeps. Adjustment for covariates fully attenuated the excess risk for children whose mothers had moved into employment by the time they were 7 years. In contrast, the elevated risk associated with continuous non-employment and a single transition out of employment was attenuated after adjustment for early covariates, fathers’ employment, household income and mothers’ psychological distress at 7 years, but remained significant.

Conclusions

Family and mothers’ employment were associated with a lower risk of problem behaviour for children in middle childhood, in part explained by sociodemographic characteristics of families and the apparent psychological and socioeconomic benefits of employment. Results for mothers’ transitions in or out of the labour market suggest that child problem behaviour is influenced by current status, over and above diverse earlier experiences of employment and non-employment.
Preliminary in vivo evaluation of a novel intrasaccular cerebral aneurysm occlusion device
Authors: Moftakhar Roham , Xu Fangmin , Aagaard-Kienitz Beverly , Consigny Daniel W , Grinde Julie R , Hart Kevin , Flanagan Claire E , Crone Wendy C , Masters Kristyn S
Published: June 2014

Objective

Current endovascular technology does not offer a perfect solution for all cerebral aneurysms. Our group has built two versions of a novel aneurysm intrasaccular occlusion device (AIOD) to address the drawbacks associated with current occlusion devices. The objective of the present study was to perform pilot proof of concept in vivo testing of this new AIOD in swine and canines.

Methods

Two configurations of the AIOD, termed ‘coil-in-shell’ and ‘gel-in-shell’, were implanted in surgically created sidewall aneurysms (n=4) in swine for acute occlusion studies, as well as sidewall (n=8) and bifurcation aneurysms (n=3) in canines to assess long term occlusion efficacy. Occlusion at all time points (immediate, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks) was evaluated by angiography. Neointimal healing at 12 weeks post-implantation in canines was examined histologically.

Results

Angiographic analysis showed that both the coil-in-shell and gel-in-shell devices achieved complete aneurysm occlusion immediately following device delivery in sidewall aneurysms in swine. In longer term canine studies, initial occlusion ranged from 71.3% to 100%, which was stable with no recurrence in any of the sidewall aneurysms at 6 or 12 weeks. Histological analysis at 12 weeks showed mature fibromuscular tissue at the neck of all aneurysms and no significant inflammatory response.

Conclusions

The AIOD tested in this study showed promise in terms of acute and chronic occlusion of aneurysms. Our findings suggest that these devices have the potential to promote robust tissue healing at the aneurysm neck, which may minimize aneurysm recurrence. Although proof of principle has been shown, further work is needed to deliver this device through an endovascular route.
Water purification in Borexino
Authors: Giammarchi Marco
Published: June 2014

Water Purification is often an important methodological tool in low radioactivity experiments. A variety of techniques have been exploited in the frame of the Borexino experiment to the goal of using water as a high purity shielding and as a reagent for cleaning and purification processes. This paper describes the water purification strategies and the purification results obtained in Borexino.
Analysis of propagation dynamics in complex dynamical network based on disturbance propagation model
Authors: Hong Sheng , Yang Hongqi , Li Guoqi , Huang Ning , Ma Xiaomin , Trivedi K. S.
Published: June 2014

The paper regards the complex dynamical network (CDN) as a static network with temporal characteristics so as to consider its dynamic behavior. The influence factor and dynamics laws in CDN are explored by using the methods of simulation and statistical physics. It is found that both the dynamic behavior of the nodes and the number of initial disturbed nodes can accelerate the failure propagation and enlarge the influence scope. There is a phase transformation point of the repair ratio with the increase of repair time τ for the homogeneous network (the value of τ for all the nodes is the same). Beyond the threshold, the entire network will collapse; otherwise, the network can be back to normal after a period of time. There is an inflection point of the repair rate with the simulation step and the recovery rate in heterogeneous network is much slower than that in homogeneous network. The results can provide technical support for the fault management and network optimization in CDN which will promote the development of corresponding theory in CDN.
Relaxation of a model energy for the cubic to tetragonal phase transformation in two dimensions
Authors: Conti Sergio , Dolzmann Georg
Published: June 2014

We consider a two-dimensional problem in nonlinear elasticity which corresponds to the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation. Our model is frame invariant and the energy density is given by the squared distance from two potential wells. We obtain the quasiconvex envelope of the energy density and therefore the relaxation of the variational problem. Our result includes the constraint of positive determinant.
Hardware Implementation of Kalman Least Mean Square-Based Adaptive Algorithm for Denoising Ambient Noises in Shallow Water Region
Authors: Murugan S. Sakthivel , Natarajan V. , Prethivika S.
Published: June 2014

Signals transmitted over long distances through underwater acoustic channels are prone to corruption due to wind interference, ambient noises and various other sources of disturbance. Adaptive filters can be used to extenuate the effect of ambient noise in acoustic signals. A competent technique to denoise acoustic signals using adaptive filters has been proposed. Adaptive filtering techniques such as least mean square (LMS), normalized least mean square (NLMS) and Kalman least mean square (KLMS) have been analyzed based on their performance, with the help of characteristics like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean square error (MSE) for various wind speeds. An exhaustive set of data, collected using a custom made fixture containing two hydrophones, from shallow water regions in Bay of Bengal, have been used to verify the efficacy of this method. Based on the results obtained by simulation and Lab window simulator, hardware has been designed to denoise the useful signal. The defective source signal is passed through a Kalman filter based denoising hardware system. This system performs necessary operations to denoise the defective source signal and the final turnout is made free from ambient noise. The denoised signal is then stored in an external device for future use.
Dark energy from geometrothermodynamics
Authors: Bravetti Alessandro , Luongo Orlando
Published: June 2014

We investigate a general class of equations of state reproducing the dark energy effects in terms of geometric considerations on thermodynamic interaction. We infer cosmological solutions by combining thermodynamics with contact manifold and Riemannian geometry, showing that the standard ΛCDM model can be treated as a limiting case of a more general approach, providing early time departures as the universe expands. Thus, we interpret the microscopic nature of dark energy through the mathematical formalism of geometrothermodynamics (GTD). In particular, we investigate the thermodynamic nature of a class of cosmological models which reproduce how the universe is currently speeding up. To do so, we aim to describe thermodynamic equilibrium states of the universe through a particular equilibrium space, where the Riemannian metric g becomes a thermodynamical ruler between different states. The particular assumption we made is to consider the metric structure to be invariant under precise Legendre transformations. It turns out that any thermodynamic interaction is determined once the scalar curvature of the equilibrium manifold is known. The consequence of our recipe leads to a class of dark energy equations of state which relates standard pressure to the volume occupied by the fluid itself. In our picture, dark energy is thus determined from constant thermodynamic interaction on the manifold of GTD.
Evolution of Region Connection Calculus to VRCC-3D+
Authors: Sabharwal Chaman L. , Leopold Jennifer L.
Published: June 2014

Qualitative spatial reasoning (QSR) is useful for deriving logical inferences when quantitative spatial information is not available. QSR theories have applications in areas such as geographic information systems, spatial databases, robotics, and cognitive sciences. The existing QSR theories have been applied primarily to 2D. The ability to perform QSR over a collection of 3D objects is desirable in many problem domains. Here we present the evolution (VRCC-3D+) of RCC-based QSR from 2D to both 3D (including occlusion support) and 4D (a temporal component). It is time consuming to construct large composition tables manually. We give a divide-and-conquer algorithm to construct a comprehensive composition table from smaller constituent tables (which can be easily handcrafted). In addition to the logical consistency entailment checking that is required for such a system, clearly there is a need for a spatio-temporal component to account for spatial movements and path consistency (i.e. to consider only smooth transitions in spatial movements over time). Visually, these smooth movement phenomena are represented as a conceptual neighborhood graph. We believe that the methods presented herein to detect consistency, refine uncertainty, and enhance reasoning about 3D objects will provide useful guidelines for other studies in automated spatial reasoning.
FREE ASYMMETRIC TRANSVERSE VIBRATION OF CIRCULAR MONOLAYER GRAPHENE
Authors: CHANG WIN-JIN , LEE HAW-LONG
Published: June 2014

The free vibration equations of circular monolayer graphene are analytically derived based on nonlocal elasticity theory. The natural frequency and mode shape for the axisymmetric and asymmetric circular monolayer graphenes are analyzed using the equations. The results show that the natural frequency of the asymmetric graphene is larger than that of the axisymmetric one. The natural frequency decreases with increasing nonlocal parameter for the axisymmetric and asymmetric graphenes. In addition, the diametrical nodal lines and nodal circles for the flexural vibration of the circular monolayer graphene are investigated. To avoid vibration failure of the sensors, they can be placed at the diametrical nodal lines and nodal circles.
On the existence of traveling wave solutions and upper and lower bounds for some Fisher–Kolmogorov type equations
Authors: Belmonte-Beitia Juan
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we use a dynamical systems approach to prove the existence of traveling waves solutions for the Fisher–Kolmogorov density-dependent equation. Moreover, we prove the existence of upper and lower bounds for these traveling wave solutions found previously. Finally, we present a particular example which has several applications in the mathematical biology field.
Aqueous two-phase systems enable multiplexing of homogeneous immunoassays
Authors: Simon Arlyne B. , Frampton John P. , Huang Nien-Tsu , Kurabayashi Katsuo , Paczesny Sophie , Takayama Shuichi
Published: June 2014

Quantitative measurement of protein biomarkers is critical for biomarker validation and early disease detection. Current multiplex immunoassays are time consuming costly and can suffer from low accuracy. For example, multiplex ELISAs require multiple, tedious, washing and blocking steps. Moreover, they suffer from nonspecific antibody cross-reactions, leading to high background and falsepositive signals. Here, we show that co-localizing antibody-bead pairs in an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) enables multiplexing of sensitive, no-wash, homogeneous assays, while preventing nonspecific antibody cross-reactions. Our cross-reaction-free, multiplex assay can simultaneously detect picomolar concentrations of four protein biomarkers ((C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), CXCL9, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6) in cell supernatants using a single assay well. The potential clinical utility of the assay is demonstrated by detecting diagnostic biomarkers (CXCL10 and CXCL9) in plasma from 88 patients at the onset of the clinical symptoms of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Polyanhydride nanovaccine platform enhances antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses
Authors: Huntimer Lucas M. , Ross Kathleen A. , Darling Ross J. , Winterwood Nicole E. , Boggiatto Paola , Narasimhan Balaji , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Wannemuehler Michael J.
Published: June 2014

Polyanhydride nanoparticle-based vaccines (or nanovaccines) stabilize protein antigens, provide sustained antigen release leading to prolonged antigen presence, enhance activation of antigen presenting cells, and elicit protective immunity against respiratory infections upon challenge. However, induction of cell-mediated immunity when mice are immunized with polyanhydride nanovaccines has not been evaluated. Using a transgenic ovalbumin-specific T cell adoptive transfer model, we report the induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells expressing an effector memory phenotype by seven days after immunization with nanovaccine formulations. Furthermore, mice immunized with polyanhydride nanovaccines demonstrated enhanced recall responses after antigen re-exposure 35 days post-immunization indicating the activation and recruitment of antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells to the site of antigen deposition.
Wave guiding in fractured layered media
Authors: Shao S. , Petrovitch C. L. , Pyrak-Nolte L. J.
Published: June 2014

Many carbonate rocks are composed of layers and contain fracture sets that cause the hydraulic, mechanical and seismic properties to be anisotropic. Co-located fractures and layers in carbonate rock lead to competing wave-scattering mechanisms: both layers and parallel fractures generate compressional-wave (P-wave) guided modes. The guided modes generated by the fractures may obscure the presence of the layers. In this study, we examine compressional-wave guided modes for two cases: wave guiding by fractures in a layered medium with sub-wavelength layer thickness; and wave guiding in media with competing scattering mechanisms, namely layering (where the thickness is greater than a wavelength) and parallel sets of fractures. In both cases, the fracture spacing is greater than a wavelength. When the layer thickness is smaller than a wavelength, P-wave guiding is controlled by the spacing of the fractures, fracture specific stiffness, the frequency of the signal and the orientation of the layering relative to the fracture set. The orientation of the layering determines the directionally dependent P-wave velocity in the anisotropic matrix. When the layer thickness is greater than a wavelength and an explosive point source of a signal is located in the layer containing a fracture, the fracture either enhanced or suppressed compressional-mode wave guiding caused by the layering in the matrix.
A Regularization Approach to Learning Task Relationships in Multitask Learning
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yeung Dit-Yan
Published: June 2014

Multitask learning is a learning paradigm that seeks to improve the generalization performance of a learning task with the help of some other related tasks. In this article, we propose a regularization approach to learning the relationships between tasks in multitask learning. This approach can be viewed as a novel generalization of the regularized formulation for single-task learning. Besides modeling positive task correlation, our approach—multitask relationship learning (MTRL)—can also describe negative task correlation and identify outlier tasks based on the same underlying principle. By utilizing a matrix-variate normal distribution as a prior on the model parameters of all tasks, our MTRL method has a jointly convex objective function. For efficiency, we use an alternating method to learn the optimal model parameters for each task as well as the relationships between tasks. We study MTRL in the symmetric multitask learning setting and then generalize it to the asymmetric setting as well. We also discuss some variants of the regularization approach to demonstrate the use of other matrix-variate priors for learning task relationships. Moreover, to gain more insight into our model, we also study the relationships between MTRL and some existing multitask learning methods. Experiments conducted on a toy problem as well as several benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of MTRL as well as its high interpretability revealed by the task covariance matrix.
On the Sample Complexity of Random Fourier Features for Online Learning
Authors: Lin Ming , Weng Shifeng , Zhang Changshui
Published: June 2014

We study the sample complexity of random Fourier features for online kernel learning—that is, the number of random Fourier features required to achieve good generalization performance. We show that when the loss function is strongly convex and smooth, online kernel learning with random Fourier features can achieve an
O
(log
T
/
T
) bound for the excess risk with only
O
(1/λ
2
) random Fourier features, where
T
is the number of training examples and λ is the modulus of strong convexity. This is a significant improvement compared to the existing result for batch kernel learning that requires
O
(
T
) random Fourier features to achieve a generalization bound
O
(1/√T). Our empirical study verifies that online kernel learning with a limited number of random Fourier features can achieve similar generalization performance as online learning using full kernel matrix. We also present an enhanced online learning algorithm with random Fourier features that improves the classification performance by multiple passes of training examples and a partial average.
A Risk-Scoring Model for the Prediction of Endometrial Cancer among Symptomatic Postmenopausal Women with Endometrial Thickness > 4 mm
Authors: Giannella Luca , Mfuta Kabala , Setti Tiziano , Cerami Lillo Bruno , Bergamini Ezio , Boselli Fausto
Published: June 2014

Objective. To develop and test a risk-scoring model for the prediction of endometrial cancer among symptomatic postmenopausal women at risk of intrauterine malignancy.Methods. We prospectively studied 624 postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding and endometrial thickness > 4 mm undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy. Patient characteristics and endometrial assessment of women with or without endometrial cancer were compared. Then, a risk-scoring model, including the best predictors of endometrial cancer, was tested. Univariate, multivariate, and ROC curve analysis were performed. Finally, a split-sampling internal validation was also performed.Results. The best predictors of endometrial cancer were recurrent vaginal bleeding (odds ratio(OR)=2.96), the presence of hypertension(OR=2.01)endometrial thickness > 8 mm(OR=1.31), and age > 65 years(OR=1.11). These variables were used to create a risk-scoring model (RHEA risk-model) for the prediction of intrauterine malignancy, with an area under the curve of 0.878 (95% CI 0.842 to 0.908;P<0.0001). At the best cut-off value (score ≥ 4), sensitivity and specificity were 87.5% and 80.1%, respectively.Conclusion. Among symptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness > 4 mm, a risk-scoring model including patient characteristics and endometrial thickness showed a moderate diagnostic accuracy in discriminating women with or without endometrial cancer. Based on this model, a decision algorithm was developed for the management of such a population.
An Overview of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Status in Oral Cancer
Authors: Teixeira José Henrique , Silva Patrícia Manuela , Reis Rita Margarida , Moura Inês Moranguinho , Marques Sandra , Fonseca Joana , Monteiro Luís Silva , Bousbaa Hassan
Published: June 2014

Abnormal chromosome number, or aneuploidy, is a common feature of human solid tumors, including oral cancer. Deregulated spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is thought as one of the mechanisms that drive aneuploidy. In normal cells, SAC prevents anaphase onset until all chromosomes are correctly aligned at the metaphase plate thereby ensuring genomic stability. Significantly, the activity of this checkpoint is compromised in many cancers. While mutations are rather rare, many tumors show altered expression levels of SAC components. Genomic alterations such as aneuploidy indicate a high risk of oral cancer and cancer-related mortality, and the molecular basis of these alterations is largely unknown. Yet, our knowledge on the status of SAC components in oral cancer remains sparse. In this review, we address the state of our knowledge regarding the SAC defects and the underlying molecular mechanisms in oral cancer, and discuss their therapeutic relevance, focusing our analysis on the core components of SAC and its target Cdc20.
Cartilage Dysfunction in ALS Patients as Side Effect of Motion Loss: 3D Mechano-Electrochemical Computational Model
Authors: Manzano Sara , Gaffney Eamonn A. , Doblaré Manuel , Hamdy Doweidar Mohamed
Published: June 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating motor neuron disease characterized by progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculation. This fact results in a continuous degeneration and dysfunction of articular soft tissues. Specifically, cartilage is an avascular and nonneural connective tissue that allows smooth motion in diarthrodial joints. Due to the avascular nature of cartilage tissue, cells nutrition and by-product exchange are intermittently occurring during joint motions. Reduced mobility results in a change of proteoglycan density, osmotic pressure, and permeability of the tissue. This work aims to demonstrate the abnormal cartilage deformation in progressive immobilized articular cartilage for ALS patients. For this aim a novel 3D mechano-electrochemical model based on the triphasic theory for charged hydrated soft tissues is developed. ALS patient parameters such as tissue porosity, osmotic coefficient, and fixed anions were incorporated. Considering different mobility reduction of each phase of the disease, results predicted the degree of tissue degeneration and the reduction of its capacity for deformation. The present model can be a useful tool to predict the evolution of joints in ALS patients and the necessity of including specific cartilage protectors, drugs, or maintenance physical activities as part of the symptomatic treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Ophthalmic Treatment and Vision Care of a Patient with Rare Ring Chromosome 15: A Case Report
Authors: Puchalska-Niedbał Lidia , Zajączek Stanisław , Petriczko Elżbieta , Kulik Urszula
Published: June 2014

The Aim. Ring chromosome 15 is a very rare genetic abnormality with a wide spectrum of clinical findings. Up to date, about 50 cases have been documented, whereas no reports on ophthalmological treatment of such patients have been published. The aim of this study is not only to describe a new patient, but also, for the first time, to present the results of nonoperative management of divergent strabismus.Material and Methods. We present an amblyopic patient with 46,XX, r(15) karyotype: treated conservatively for exotropia of 60 prism diopters. The management consisted of refractive and prismatic correction, eye occlusion, and orthoptic exercises between the age of 15 months and 8 years.Results. The deviation angle of exotropia was decreased to 10 prism diopters, the visual acuity improved to 1.0 in both eyes (Snellen chart) and the fixation pattern was normal. The prisms enabled permanent symmetrical stimulation of the retina, which lead to a development of normal single binocular vision (Maddox test, filter test, and synoptophore tests).Conclusions. Parental karyotype was normal; the analysis of a three-generation pedigree has shown no genetic abnormalities or pregnancy losses so the child’s karyotype anomaly was classified asde novo that isa single occurrence of this type of chromosomal disorder in this family. Strabismus in ring chromosome 15 patients is a difficult condition to manage, although success may be achieved.
The Best Choice of Treatment for Acute Colonic Diverticulitis with Purulent Peritonitis Is Uncertain
Authors: Hupfeld Line , Burcharth Jakob , Pommergaard Hans-Christian , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: June 2014

Severe stages of acute, colonic diverticulitis can progress into intestinal perforations with peritonitis. In such cases, urgent treatment is needed, and Hartmann’s procedure is the standard treatment for cases with fecal peritonitis. Peritoneal lavage may be an alternative to resection for acute diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis, but ongoing randomized trials are awaited to clarify this.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Sepsis
Authors: Lai Dengming , Qin Chaojin , Shu Qiang
Published: June 2014

Sepsis is a systemic, deleterious host response to widespread infection. Patients with sepsis will have documented or suspected infection which can progress to a state of septic shock or acute organ dysfunction. Since sepsis is responsible for nearly 3 million cases per year in China and severe sepsis is a common, expensive fatal condition in America, developing new therapies becomes a significant and worthwhile challenge. Clinical research has shown that sepsis-associated immunosuppression plays a central role in patient mortality, and targeted immune-enhancing therapy may be an effective treatment approach in these patients. As part of the inflammatory response during sepsis, there are elevations in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that possess immunosuppressive activities via suppressing T-cell proliferation and activation. The role of MDSCs in sepsis remains uncertain. Some believe activated MDSCs are beneficial to the sepsis host by increasing innate immune responses and antimicrobial activities, while others think expansion of MDSCs leads to adaptive immune suppression and secondary infection. Herein, we discuss the complex role of MDSCs in immune regulation during sepsis, as well as the potential to target these cells for therapeutic benefit.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Preclinical Evaluation of New Thiazolidin-4-ones Substituted with p-Chlorophenoxy Acetic Acid and Clofibric Acid against Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Disorder
Authors: Gowdra Vasantharaju S. , Mudgal Jayesh , Bansal Punit , Nayak Pawan G. , Manohara Reddy Seethappa A. , Shenoy Gautham G. , Valiathan Manna , Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna R. , Nampurath Gopalan K.
Published: June 2014

We synthesized twenty thiazolidin-4-one derivatives, which were then characterized by standard chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. From thein vitroglucose uptake assay, two compounds behaved as insulin sensitizers, where they enhanced glucose uptake in isolated rat diaphragm. In high-carbohydrate diet-induced insulin resistant mice, these two thiazolidin-4-ones attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and glucose intolerance. They raised the plasma leptin but did not reverse the diabetes-induced hypoadiponectinemia. Additionally, compound3areduced adiposity. The test compounds were also able to reverse the disturbed liver antioxidant milieu. To conclude, these two novel thiazolidin-4-ones modulated multiple mechanisms involved in metabolic disorders, reversing insulin resistance and thus preventing the development of type-2 diabetes.
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Current Scenario and Future Prospects
Authors: Jadeja Ravirajsinh , Devkar Ranjitsinh V. , Nammi Srinivas
Published: June 2014

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a multifactorial disease and has close correlations with other metabolic disorders. This makes its treatment difficult using a single pharmacological drug. Use of plant extract/decoction or polyherbal formulation to treat various liver diseases is very well mentioned in various traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Japanese or traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo medicine). Medicinal herbs are known for their multifaceted implications and thus can form an effective treatment schedule against NASH. Till date, several plant extracts, polyherbal formulations, and phytochemicals have been evaluated for their possible therapeutic potential in preventing onset and progression of NASH in experimental models, but clinical studies using the same are sparse. Herbal extracts with antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of NASH. This review article is a meticulous compilation of our current knowledge on the role of natural products in alleviating NASH and possible lacunae in research that needs to be addressed.
Hybrid Biogeography-Based Optimization for Integer Programming
Authors: Wang Zhi-Cheng , Wu Xiao-Bei
Published: June 2014

Biogeography-based optimization (BBO) is a relatively new bioinspired heuristic for global optimization based on the mathematical models of biogeography. By investigating the applicability and performance of BBO for integer programming, we find that the original BBO algorithm does not perform well on a set of benchmark integer programming problems. Thus we modify the mutation operator and/or the neighborhood structure of the algorithm, resulting in three new BBO-based methods, named BlendBBO, BBO_DE, and LBBO_LDE, respectively. Computational experiments show that these methods are competitive approaches to solve integer programming problems, and the LBBO_LDE shows the best performance on the benchmark problems.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Facial Nerve Function and HSV‐1 DNA Quantity in HSV‐1 Induced Facial Nerve Palsy Mice
Authors: Tang Hongzhi , Feng Shuwei , Chen Jiao , Yang Jie , Yang Mingxiao , Zhong Zhendong , Li Ying , Liang Fanrong
Published: June 2014

Acupuncture is a common and effective therapeutic method to treat facial nerve palsy (FNP). However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on symptoms and content of HSV‐1 DNA in FNP mice. Mice were randomized into four groups, an electroacupuncture treatment group, saline group, model animal group, and blank control group. Electroacupuncture was applied at Jiache (ST6) and Hegu (LI4) in electroacupuncture group once daily for 14 days, while electroacupuncture was not applied in model animal group. In electroacupuncture group, mice recovered more rapidly and HSV‐1 DNA content also decreased more rapidly, compared with model animal group. We conclude that electroacupuncture is effective to alleviate symptoms and promote the reduction of HSV‐1 in FNP.
Food Antimicrobials Nanocarriers
Authors: Blanco-Padilla Adriana , Soto Karen M. , Hernández Iturriaga Montserrat , Mendoza Sandra
Published: June 2014

Natural food antimicrobials are bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of microorganisms involved in food spoilage or food-borne illness. However, stability issues result in degradation and loss of antimicrobial activity. Nanoencapsulation allows protection of antimicrobial food agents from unfavorable environmental conditions and incompatibilities. Encapsulation of food antimicrobials control delivery increasing the concentration of the antimicrobials in specific areas and the improvement of passive cellular absorption mechanisms resulted in higher antimicrobial activity. This paper reviews the present state of the art of the nanostructures used as food antimicrobial carriers including nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, and nanofibers.
Irony and Proverb Comprehension in Schizophrenia: Do Female Patients “Dislike” Ironic Remarks?
Authors: Rapp Alexander M. , Langohr Karin , Mutschler Dorothee E. , Wild Barbara
Published: June 2014

Difficulties in understanding irony and sarcasm are part of the social cognition deficits in patients with schizophrenia. A number of studies have reported higher error rates during comprehension in patients with schizophrenia. However, the relationships of these impairments to schizotypal personality traits and other language deficits, such as the comprehension of proverbs, are unclear. We investigated irony and proverb comprehension in an all-female sample of 20 schizophrenia patients and 27 matched controls. Subjects indicated if a statement was intended to be ironic, literal, or meaningless and furthermore rated the meanness and funniness of the stimuli and certainty of their decision. Patients made significantly more errors than controls did. Globally, there were no overall differences in the ratings. However, patients rated the subgroup of stimuli with answers given incorrectly as having significantly less meanness and in case of an error indicated a significantly higher certainty than controls. Across all of the study participants, performances in irony (r=-0.51) and proverb (r=0.56) comprehension were significantly correlated with schizotypal personality traits, suggesting a continuum of nonliteral language understanding. Because irony is so frequent in everyday conversations, this makes irony an especially promising candidate for social cognition training in schizophrenia.