bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Fire Rescue Capability from Post-Earthquake Fires in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Shang ShaoHua , Su ChungHwei , Huang ChiJan , Kao ShihFeng , Wu YuShiang , Lin ChingYuan
Published: December 2014

This paper assesses the Taipei's fire rescue capability against post-earthquake fires (PEFs) from a hypothetical earthquake. Taiwan's Shanchiao Fault was used as the trigger fault for establishing earthquake modeling assumptions. Monte Carlo simulation was used with hypocenter coordinates, the Richter magnitude scale, and earthquake focal depths as the uncertainty analysis variables for performing stochastic simulations of 100 sets of seismic event parameters. These parameters were entered into the Simple Earthquake Seismic System (SESS) and the Taiwan Earthquake Loss Estimation System (TELES) to conduct uncertainty analysis regarding PEFs. PEFs were simulated and the disaster readiness of all firefighting squads (strongholds) in Taipei was investigated to analyze the uncertainty in PEF rescues. The SESS analysis results indicate that the original risk probability was 25.26%, increasing to 45.88% with the activation of a regional mutual aid system. The original risk calculated by the TELES was 52.97%, which increased to 96.22% of the overall disaster response capacity requirements after the regional mutual aid system was launched. Although the SESS results remained below the 60% risk threshold following the launch of the regional mutual aid system, the rescue capacity was substantially increased. The TELES analysis results indicate that the regional mutual aid system can substantially increase local disaster rescue capacity, nearly satisfying all disaster resource scheduling requirements. The location, scale, and pattern of earthquakes and the resulting casualties are always uncertain. However, the results of this study verify that the 2 independently developed earthquake damage estimation systems can provide an effective reference for post-earthquake rescue scheduling assessments.
Epinephrine-stimulated glycogen breakdown activates glycogen synthase and increases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in epitrochlearis muscles
Authors: Kolnes Anders J. , Birk Jesper B. , Eilertsen Einar , Stuenæs Jorid T. , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P. , Jensen Jørgen
Published: December 2014

Epinephrine increases glycogen synthase (GS) phosphorylation and decreases GS activity but also stimulates glycogen breakdown, and low glycogen content normally activates GS. To test the hypothesis that glycogen content directly regulates GS phosphorylation, glycogen breakdown was stimulated in condition with decreased GS activation. Saline or epinephrine (0.02 mg/100 g rat) was injected subcutaneously in Wistar rats (∼130 g) with low (24-h-fasted), normal (normal diet), and high glycogen content (fasted-refed), and epitrochlearis muscles were removed after 3 h and incubated ex vivo, eliminating epinephrine action. Epinephrine injection reduced glycogen content in epitrochlearis muscles with high (120.7 ± 17.8 vs. 204.6 ± 14.5 mmol/kg, P < 0.01) and normal glycogen (89.5 ± 7.6 vs. 152 ± 8.1 mmol/kg, P < 0.01), but not significantly in muscles with low glycogen (90.0 ± 5.0 vs. 102.8 ± 7.8 mmol/kg, P = 0.17). In saline-injected rats, GS phosphorylation at sites 2+2a, 3a+3b, and 1b was higher and GS activity lower in muscles with high compared with low glycogen. GS sites 2+2a and 3a+3b phosphorylation decreased and GS activity increased in muscles where epinephrine decreased glycogen content; these parameters were unchanged in epitrochlearis from fasted rats where epinephrine injection did not decrease glycogen content. Incubation with insulin decreased GS site 3a+3b phosphorylation independently of glycogen content. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was increased in muscles where epinephrine injection decreased glycogen content. In conclusion, epinephrine stimulates glycogenolysis in epitrochlearis muscles with normal and high, but not low, glycogen content. Epinephrine-stimulated glycogenolysis decreased GS phosphorylation and increased GS activity. These data for the first time document direct regulation of GS phosphorylation by glycogen content.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 Increases the Trophic Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Chondrocytes Isolated from Late Stage Osteoarthritic Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Yan , Li Mingchao , Li Jiaping , Wu Jian
Published: December 2014

Coculture of mesenchymal stem cells with chondrocytes increases production of cartilaginous matrix. Chondrocytes isolated from late stage osteoarthritic patients usually lost their phenotype of producing cartilaginous matrix. Fibroblast growth factor 18 is believed to redifferentiate OA chondrocyte into functionally active chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the supportive effects of MSCs on OA chondrocytes and test if FGF18 could enhance the responsiveness of OA chondrocytes to the support of MSCs in a coculture system. Both pellet and transwell co-cultures were used. GAG quantification, hydroxyproline assay, and qPCR were performed. An ectopic models of cartilage formation was also applied. Our data indicated that, in pellets coculture of MSCs and OA chondrocytes, matrix production was increased in the presence of FGF18, comparing to the monoculture of chondrocytes. Results from transwell coculture study showed that expression of matrix producing genes in OA chondrocytes increased when cocultured with MSCs with FGF18 in culture medium, while hypertrophic genes were not changed by coculture. Finally, coimplantation of MSCs with OA chondrocytes produces more matrix than chondrocytes only. In conclusion, FGF18 can restore the responsiveness of OA chondrocytes to the trophic effects of MSCs. Coimplantation of MSCs and OA chondrocytes treated with FGF18 may be a good alternative cell source for regenerating cartilage tissue that is degraded during OA pathological changes.
Recovery of Olfactory Function Induces Neuroplasticity Effects in Patients with Smell Loss
Authors: Kollndorfer Kathrin , Kowalczyk Ksenia , Hoche Elisabeth , Mueller Christian A. , Pollak Michael , Trattnig Siegfried , Schöpf Veronika
Published: December 2014

The plasticity of brain function, especially reorganization after stroke or sensory loss, has been investigated extensively. Based upon its special characteristics, the olfactory system allows the investigation of functional networks in patients with smell loss, as it holds the unique ability to be activated by the sensorimotor act of sniffing, without the presentation of an odor. In the present study, subjects with chronic peripheral smell loss and healthy controls were investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare functional networks in one of the major olfactory areas before and after an olfactory training program. Data analysis revealed that olfactory training induced alterations in functional connectivity networks. Thus, olfactory training is capable of inducing neural reorganization processes. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence for the underlying neural mechanisms of olfactory training.
Characterization of Native and Modified Starches by Potentiometric Titration
Authors: Soto Diana , Urdaneta Jose , Pernia Kelly
Published: December 2014

The use of potentiometric titration for the analysis and characterization of native and modified starches is highlighted. The polyelectrolytic behavior of oxidized starches (thermal and thermal-chemical oxidation), a graft copolymer of itaconic acid (IA) onto starch, and starch esters (mono- and diester itaconate) was compared with the behavior of native starch, the homopolymer, and the acid employed as a graft monomer and substituent. Starch esters showed higher percentages of acidity, followed by graft copolymer of itaconic acid and finally oxidized starches. Analytical techniques and synthesis of modified starches were also described.
ARTgrid: A Two-Level Learning Architecture Based on Adaptive Resonance Theory
Authors: Švaco Marko , Jerbić Bojan , Šuligoj Filip
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a novel neural network architecture based on adaptive resonance theory (ART) called ARTgrid that can perform both online and offline clustering of 2D object structures. The main novelty of the proposed architecture is a two-level categorization and search mechanism that can enhance computation speed while maintaining high performance in cases of higher vigilance values. ARTgrid is developed for specific robotic applications for work in unstructured environments with diverse work objects. For that reason simulations are conducted on random generated data which represents actual manipulation objects, that is, their respective 2D structures. ARTgrid verification is done through comparison in clustering speed with the fuzzy ART algorithm and Adaptive Fuzzy Shadow (AFS) network. Simulation results show that by applying higher vigilance values (ρ>0.85) clustering performance of ARTgrid is considerably better, while lower vigilance values produce comparable results with the original fuzzy ART algorithm.
Power Weighted Versions of Bennett, Alpert, and Goldstein’sS
Authors: Warrens Matthijs J.
Published: December 2014

A weighted version of Bennett, Alpert, and Goldstein’sS, denoted bySr, is studied. It is shown that the special cases ofSrare often ordered in the same way. It is also shown that many special cases ofSrtend to produce values close to unity, especially when the number of categories of the rating scale is large. It is argued that the application ofSras an agreement coefficient is not without difficulties.
Weak Compactness of Almost Limited Operators
Authors: Elbour Aziz , Machrafi Nabil , Moussa Mohammed
Published: December 2014

This paper is devoted to the relationship between almost limited operators and weakly compact operators. We show that ifFis aσ-Dedekind complete Banach lattice, then every almost limited operatorT:E→Fis weakly compact if and only ifEis reflexive or the norm ofFis order continuous. Also, we show that ifEis aσ-Dedekind complete Banach lattice, then the square of every positive almost limited operatorT:E→Eis weakly compact if and only if the norm ofEis order continuous.
Influence of Spatially Varying Flow on the Dynamic Response of a Waterjet inside an SES
Authors: Motley Michael R. , Savander Brant R. , Young Yin L.
Published: December 2014

Surface Effect Ships (SES) are a promising fuel-efficient ship technology that typically carry most of their weight on an air cushion. To accommodate its shallow draft and slender side hulls and to absorb the high thrust and power required for high-speed applications, waterjets are typically used as the primary propulsion system. A waterjet typically has a flush mounted inlet and operates under complex three-dimensional flow conditions that result in highly nonuniform flows. The objectives of this work are to quantify the flow nonuniformity and the influence of unsteady cavitation on the response of an SES-waterjet system and to investigate the effect of flow nonuniformity and cavitation on the dynamic hydroelastic response of the rotor and stator blades. The results showed that as the flow advances through the pump, the ingested boundary layer from the bottom of the side hulls becomes increasingly nonuniform, particularly between the rotor and stator. The flow nonuniformity was shown to result in hydrodynamic load fluctuations and high side forces on the rotor and stator blades. The unbalanced blade loads lead to the generation of net upward forces on the pump casing and shaft. Flow nonuniformity also leads to unsteady cavitation and unsteady blade stresses and deformations.
Combined Effect of Surface Roughness and Slip Velocity on Jenkins Model Based Magnetic Squeeze Film in Curved Rough Circular Plates
Authors: Patel Jimit R. , Deheri Gunamani
Published: December 2014

This paper aims to discuss the effect of slip velocity and surface roughness on the performance of Jenkins model based magnetic squeeze film in curved rough circular plates. The upper plate’s curvature parameter is governed by an exponential expression while a hyperbolic form describes the curvature of lower plates. The stochastic model of Christensen and Tonder has been adopted to study the effect of transverse surface roughness of the bearing surfaces. Beavers and Joseph’s slip model has been employed here. The associated Reynolds type equation is solved to obtain the pressure distribution culminating in the calculation of load carrying capacity. The computed results show that the Jenkins model modifies the performance of the bearing system as compared to Neuringer-Rosensweig model, but this model provides little support to the negatively skewed roughness for overcoming the adverse effect of standard deviation and slip velocity even if curvature parameters are suitably chosen. This study establishes that for any type of improvement in the performance characteristics the slip parameter is required to be reduced even if variance (−ve) occurs and suitable magnetic strength is in force.
Transient Downregulation of Nanog and Oct4 Induced by DETA/NO Exposure in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Leads to Mesodermal/Endodermal Lineage Differentiation
Authors: Mora-Castilla Sergio , Tejedo Juan R. , Tapia-Limonchi Rafael , Díaz Irene , Hitos Ana B. , Cahuana Gladys M. , Hmadcha Abdelkrim , Martín Franz , Soria Bernat , Bedoya Francisco J.
Published: December 2014

The function of pluripotency genes in differentiation is a matter of investigation. We report here that Nanog and Oct4 are reexpressed in two mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines following exposure to the differentiating agent DETA/NO. Both cell lines express a battery of both endoderm and mesoderm markers following induction of differentiation with DETA/NO-based protocols. Confocal analysis of cells undergoing directed differentiation shows that the majority of cells expressing Nanog express also endoderm genes such as Gata4 and FoxA2 (75.4% and 96.2%, resp.). Simultaneously, mRNA of mesodermal markers Flk1 and Mef2c are also regulated by the treatment. Acetylated histone H3 occupancy at the promoter of Nanog is involved in the process of reexpression. Furthermore, Nanog binding to the promoter of Brachyury leads to repression of this gene, thus disrupting mesendoderm transition.
Macular Findings Obtained by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Erol Muhammet Kazim , Ozdemir Ozdemir , Turgut Coban Deniz , Bilgin Ahmet Burak , Dogan Berna , Sogutlu Sari Esin , Toslak Devrim
Published: December 2014

Purpose.To examine the macular findings obtained with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Materials and Methods.The macular SD OCT images of 190 premature infants were analyzed. Data regarding central foveal thickness (CFT), cystoid macular edema (CME), and cyst grading were compared. The relationships of CFT with gestational age and birth weight were investigated.Results.The results were obtained from 358 eyes of 179 infants (81 females and 98 males) of a mean gestational age of30.9±2.7weeks and a mean birth weight of1609±477 g. ROP was diagnosed in 126 eyes and CME in 139 eyes. A significantly greater percentage of eyes with ROP were found to have CME (54%) compared to eyes without ROP (31%;P=0.001). The incidence of CME was 46.3% for stage 1 ROP, 57.1% for stage 2, and 87.5% for stage 3. There was a weakly inverse correlation between CFT, gestational age, and birth weight (P=0.025,r=-0.227;P=0.002,r=-0.182, resp., Spearman correlation test).Conclusions.High-quality SD OCT images can be obtained from premature infants using the iVue system. Severity and frequency of CME in premature infants increase as stage of ROP increases.
Global Exponential Stability of Weighted Pseudo-Almost Periodic Solutions of Neutral Type High-Order Hopfield Neural Networks with Distributed Delays
Authors: Zhao Lili , Li Yongkun
Published: December 2014

Some sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence, uniqueness, and global exponential stability of weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions to a class of neutral type high-order Hopfield neural networks with distributed delays by employing fixed point theorem and differential inequality techniques. The results of this paper are new and they complement previously known results. Moreover, an example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method and results.
Scheduling in Sensor Grid Middleware for Telemedicine Using ABC Algorithm
Authors: Vigneswari T. , Mohamed M. A. Maluk
Published: December 2014

Advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology have enabled design of low power wireless sensor nodes capable of sensing different vital signs in our body. These nodes can communicate with each other to aggregate data and transmit vital parameters to a base station (BS). The data collected in the base station can be used to monitor health in real time. The patient wearing sensors may be mobile leading to aggregation of data from different BS for processing. Processing real time data is compute-intensive and telemedicine facilities may not have appropriate hardware to process the real time data effectively. To overcome this, sensor grid has been proposed in literature wherein sensor data is integrated to the grid for processing. This work proposes a scheduling algorithm to efficiently process telemedicine data in the grid. The proposed algorithm uses the popular swarm intelligence algorithm for scheduling to overcome the NP complete problem of grid scheduling. Results compared with other heuristic scheduling algorithms show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Extended f-Vector Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Khushbu  , Khan Zubair
Published: December 2014

We introduce and study extended f-vector equilibrium problem. By using KKM-Fan Theorem as basic tool, we prove existence theorem in the setting of Hausdorff topological vector space and reflexive Banach space. Some examples are also given.
Dielectric Behaviour of Zn/Al-NO3LDHs Filled with Polyvinyl Chloride Composite at Low Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Salih Ethar Y. , Abbas Zulkifly , Al Ali Samer Hasan Hussein , Hussein Mohd Zobir
Published: December 2014

Recently, researchers have shown great interest in improving the thermal, mechanical, dielectric, and microwave properties of pure polymers through the use of polymer-based composites. The essential properties of polymer-based composites can be modified by varying the amount of Zn/Al-NO3layered double hydroxide (LDH) added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Therefore, by determining the optimal ratio of LDH in the PVC matrix, the dielectric properties of PVC-LDH composites can be improved. An LDH was prepared using the coprecipitation method, while PVC-LDH composites were prepared using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent. The composites were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and room temperature dielectric measurements were investigated using an RF Impedance/Material Analyzer (Agilent 4291). The results confirmed that the prepared composites were pure. Additionally, the presence of LDH in the PVC matrix was verified. The dielectric measurements showed that an increase in the LDH concentration leads to an increase in the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss factor. When used as dielectric filler in the PVC matrix, the LDH improved the dielectric properties of the fabricated composites. The results indicate that these composites show great potential for use as microwave absorbers at low microwave frequencies.
Blindness Registers as Epidemiological Tools for Public Health Planning: A Case Study in Belize
Authors: Baxter Sally L. , Wormald Richard P. , Musa Joan M. , Patel Daksha
Published: December 2014

For public eye health programs, blindness registers can be an important tool for informing service planning. This study examines how the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) used its blindness register data to drive several public health interventions. Cross-sectional analysis was performed for all active registrants (n=1194) to determine the distribution of causes of registration according to age, sex, and geographical district. Cataract was the leading cause of registration (39.6%), followed by glaucoma (20.8%), diabetic retinopathy (10.2%), and childhood blindness (9.4%). The distribution of the causes of registration was fairly similar between men and women and across the various districts. However, in Stann Creek, whose population is largely of African descent, glaucoma exceeded cataract. For most causes, the majority of registrants were registered at age 50 or older. Follow-up was conducted four years later. Several interventions had been initiated, most notably bolstering cataract surgical services and creating screening programs for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The register itself was also improved to maximize its utility for future use. While standardized surveys may be the most appropriate method of estimating population-based measures such as prevalence or incidence, the blindness register is still a valuable source of data for public health planning.
ZEB1 Expression in Endometrial Biopsy Predicts Lymph Node Metastases in Patient with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Feng Gang , Wang Xiangming , Cao Xiaozhi , Shen Lijuan , Zhu Jiansheng
Published: December 2014

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in endometrial biopsy and its correlation with preoperative characteristics, including lymph node metastases in patient with endometrial cancer.Methods. Using quantitative RT-PCR, ZEB1 expressions in endometrial biopsy from 452 patients were measured. The relationship between ZEB1 expression and preoperative characteristics was analyzed.Results. ZEB1 expressions were significantly associated with subtype, grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastases. Lymph node metastases could be identified with a sensitivity of 57.8% at specificity of 74.1% by ZEB1 expression in endometrial biopsy. Based on combination of preoperative characteristics and ZEB1 expression, lymph node metastases could be identified with a sensitivity of 62.1% at specificity of 96.2% prior to hysterectomy.Conclusion. ZEB1 expression in endometrial biopsy could help physicians to better predict the lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer prior to hysterectomy.
Applications of Data Mining Methods in the Integrative Medical Studies of Coronary Heart Disease: Progress and Prospect
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Yixin , Guo Fang , Xu Hao
Published: December 2014

A large amount of studies show that real‐world study has strong external validity than the traditional randomized controlled trials and can evaluate the effect of interventions in a real clinical setting, which open up a new path for researches of integrative medicine in coronary heart disease. However, clinical data of integrative medicine in coronary heart disease are large in amount and complex in data types, making exploring the appropriate methodology a hot topic. Data mining techniques are to analyze and dig out useful information and knowledge from the mass data to guide people’s practices. The present review provides insights for the main features of data mining and their applications of integrative medical studies in coronary heart disease, aiming to analyze the progress and prospect in this field.
Dolicocephalization in Cephalic Indices of Adult Yorubas of Nigeria
Authors: Oladipo G. S. , Anugweje K. C. , Bob-Manuel I. F.
Published: December 2014

Cephalic index is an important parameter useful in establishing racial and sexual dimorphism. This study was carried out to determine the cephalic indices of adult Yorubas of age 18 to 40 years. One thousand and twenty (1020) Yoruba adults consisting of 493 males and 527 females were recruited randomly for the study. These were all residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. The mean cephalic index of Yorubas without reference to gender was 74.39 ± 5.41. Dominant and rare types of head shapes are dolicocephalic (68.33%) and hyperbrachycephalic (5.00%), respectively. The mean cephalic indices were 75.02 ± 4.76 (mesocephalic) in males and 73.75 ± 5.13 (dolicocephalic) in females. We conclude that Yoruba males are mesocephalic while Yoruba females are dolicocephalic. Besides, this study also reveals dolicocephalization tending towards mesocephalization amongst Yorubas. These findings will be very useful in forensic science, physical and medical anthropology, and clinical practice, most especially craniofacial surgery as it presents a characteristic feature of the head configuration for this Nigerian race.
Symptomatic Floor-of-Mouth Swelling with Neck Extension in a 14-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Dayton Kristin , Ryan Matthew F.
Published: December 2014

A plunging ranula is a soft-tissue mass stemming from a mucous extravasation cyst of the sublingual gland which can herniate through the mylohyoid muscle. We describe a case in which a 14-year-old girl presented with a rapidly expanding mass on the floor of her mouth affecting her ability to swallow and speak and causing tracheal compression. The patient was initially managed conservatively with antibiotics and steroids; however, the mass continued to expand necessitating emergent bedside incision and drainage and subsequent surgical intervention. The pathophysiology and management options for ranulas are also discussed herein.
Comparative Evaluation of Voids Present in Conventional and Capsulated Glass Ionomer Cements Using Two Different Conditioners: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Kaushik Mamta , Sharma Roshni , Reddy Pallavi , Pathak Pallavi , Udameshi Pooja , Vallakuruchi Jayabal Narmatha
Published: December 2014

Thisin vitrostudy evaluated the presence of voids in powder-liquid and capsulated glass ionomer cement. 40 cavities were prepared on root surfaces of maxillary incisors and divided into four groups. Cavities were conditioned with glass ionomer cement liquid (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) in Groups 1 and 3 and with dentin conditioner (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) in Groups 2 and 4. Conventional powder-liquid glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji II, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used as a restorative material in Groups 1 and 2. Capsulated glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji II, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in Groups 3 and 4. Samples were sectioned and viewed under stereomicroscope to check for the presence of voids within the cement and at the cement-tooth junction. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Group 4 showed statistically significant results (P<0.05) when compared to Groups 1 and 2 for voids within the cement. However, for voids at the margins, the results were statistically insignificant.
Geomechanical Properties of Unconventional Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Eshkalak Mohammad O. , Mohaghegh Shahab D. , Esmaili Soodabeh
Published: December 2014

Production from unconventional reservoirs has gained an increased attention among operators in North America during past years and is believed to secure the energy demand for next decades. Economic production from unconventional reservoirs is mainly attributed to realizing the complexities and key fundamentals of reservoir formation properties. Geomechanical well logs (including well logs such as total minimum horizontal stress, Poisson’s ratio, and Young, shear, and bulk modulus) are secured source to obtain these substantial shale rock properties. However, running these geomechanical well logs for the entire asset is not a common practice that is associated with the cost of obtaining these well logs. In this study, synthetic geomechanical well logs for a Marcellus shale asset located in southern Pennsylvania are generated using data-driven modeling. Full-field geomechanical distributions (map and volumes) of this asset for five geomechanical properties are also created using general geostatistical methods coupled with data-driven modeling. The results showed that synthetic geomechanical well logs and real field logs fall into each other when the input dataset has not seen the real field well logs. Geomechanical distributions of the Marcellus shale improved significantly when full-field data is incorporated in the geostatistical calculations.
Assay Reproducibility and Interindividual Variation for 15 Serum Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolites Measured by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fuhrman Barbara J. , Xu Xia , Falk Roni T. , Dallal Cher M. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Keefer Larry K. , Graubard Barry I. , Brinton Louise A. , Ziegler Regina G. , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: December 2014

Background: Interindividual differences in estrogen metabolism may partially account for differences in risks of estrogen-responsive cancers. We conducted a proof-of-performance study to assess the reproducibility of a LC/MS-MS method for measurement of 15 serum estrogens and metabolites (all 15 termed EM) in total (conjugated+unconjugated) and unconjugated forms and describe interindividual variation.

Methods: Interindividual variation in serum EM profiles was evaluated for 20 premenopausal women, 15 postmenopausal women, and 10 men. Replicate aliquots from 10 premenopausal women, 5 postmenopausal women, and 5 men were assayed eight times over 4 weeks. Components of variance were used to calculate coefficients of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results: In postmenopausal women and men, median EM concentrations were similar and substantially lower than that in premenopausal women. Within each sex/menopausal group, the sum of all EM varied 5- to 7-fold across extreme deciles. Some EM had greater variation; total estrone varied approximately 12-fold in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Unconjugated estradiol varied 17-fold in postmenopausal women but only 5-fold in premenopausal women and men. CVs reflecting variation across replicate measures for individuals were <5% for most EM, but higher in some individuals with a low EM concentration. Overall laboratory CVs for all but one EM were <2% and ICCs were >99% for all EM in each group.

Conclusions: The serum EM assay has excellent laboratory reproducibility. In premenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and men, interindividual variation in EM measures is substantially greater than laboratory variation.

Impact: The serum EM assay is suitable for epidemiologic application.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2649–57. ©2014 AACR.
Suitability of Circulating miRNAs as Potential Prognostic Markers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ristau Jonas , Staffa Jürgen , Schrotz-King Petra , Gigic Biljana , Makar Karen W. , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Herrmann , Ulrich Alexis , Schneider Martin , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Habermann Nina
Published: December 2014

miRNAs are crucial in cellular processes and have been shown to be abnormally expressed in cancer tissue and the circulation. Circulating miRNAs may serve as a novel class of minimally invasive biomarkers for prognosis. Within a first methodologic study, we evaluated the miRNA profile kinetics in the plasma of patients with colorectal cancer after surgical tumor removal to identify potential suitability as prognostic biomarkers. This pilot study is based on the ColoCare Study, a cohort study of newly diagnosed patients with stage I–IV colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer pre- and postsurgical blood (2–7 days after surgery) and 6 months follow-up blood from 35 patients were examined and candidate miRNAs were investigated in the plasma. miRNA levels were measured by two-step qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using log-transformed normalized CT values using SAS 9.3. Comparing pre- and postsurgical miRNA levels revealed a statistically significant decrease of nine circulating miRNAs after surgery (miR92a, miR18a, miR320a, miR106a, miR16-2, miR20a, miR223, miR17, and miR143). Analyses of plasma levels over all three time points demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from presurgery to postsurgery and re-increase from postsurgery to the six months follow-up time point of four circulating miRNAs (miR92a, miR320a, miR106a, and miR18a). We were able to show for the first time that in plasma miRNA profiles change within days after colorectal cancer surgery. Our results underscore the role of the investigated miRNAs in colorectal cancer and their potential utility as prognostic biomarkers.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2632–7. ©2014 AACR.
Usefulness of Saliva Samples for Biomarker Studies in Radiation Research
Authors: Pernot Eileen , Cardis Elisabeth , Badie Christophe
Published: December 2014

Salivary biomarkers have important potential to facilitate breakthroughs in epidemiologic studies, management of emergency situations, and detection and surveillance of diseases by medical staff. During the last decade, an increasing number of studies on salivary biomarkers have been published as a consequence of the impressive development of new high-throughput technologies. Here, we present a review of salivary biomarkers potentially useful in ionizing radiation (IR) research, particularly in molecular epidemiologic studies. Although several salivary biomarkers of cancer and other IR-associated diseases have been identified, few salivary biomarkers of exposure and no biomarker of susceptibility or effects specific to IR have been reported so far. Further studies are therefore needed to fully assess the potential of saliva as a source of biomarkers in the radiation research field. Although the use of saliva samples is not without drawbacks, it could represent an ideal noninvasive alternative to blood, particularly in children and in the context of large molecular epidemiology studies on the effects of low doses of IR, where, given the expected limited magnitude of effects, an extensive number of samples is required to reach statistical significance.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2673–80. ©2014 AACR.
Chemoprevention Activity of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in the MMTV-PyMT Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Rossdeutscher Lionel , Li Jiarong , Luco Aimée-Lee , Fadhil Ibtihal , Ochietti Benoit , Camirand Anne , Huang Dao Chao , Reinhardt Timothy A. , Muller William , Kremer Richard
Published: December 2014

Development of oncologic conditions is often accompanied by inadequate vitamin D status. The chemoprevention ability of this molecule is of high interest for breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Because current effective vitamin D analogues, including the naturally occurring active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D), frequently cause hypercalcemia at pharmacologic doses, the development of safer molecules for clinical chemopreventive use is essential. This study examines whether exogenously supplied prohormone 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) can delay tumor progression in vivo without hypercalcemic effects. A low vitamin D diet (25 IU/kg) in the non-immunodeficient MMTV-PyMT mouse model of metastatic breast cancer revealed a significant acceleration of mammary neoplasia compared with normal diet (1,000 IU/kg). Systemic perfusion of MMTV-PyMT mice with 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH)2D delayed tumor appearance and significantly decreased lung metastasis, and both metabolites reduced Ki-67, cyclin D1, and ErbB2 levels in tumors. Perfusion with 25(OH)D caused a 50% raise in tumor 1,25(OH)2D levels, indicating good tumor penetration and effective activation. Importantly, in contrast with 1,25(OH)2D, perfusion with 25(OH)D did not cause hypercalcemia. In vitro treatment of cultured MMTV-PyMT mammary tumor cells with 25(OH)D inhibited proliferation, confirming local activation of the prohormone in this system. This study provides an in vivo demonstration in a non-immunodeficient model of spontaneous breast cancer that exogenous 25(OH)D delays neoplasia, tumor growth, and metastasis, and that its chemoprevention efficacy is not accompanied by hypercalcemia. Cancer Prev Res; 8(2); 120–8. ©2014 AACR.
The Influence of Crying on the Ductus Arteriosus Shunt and Left Ventricular Output at Birth
Authors: van Vonderen Jeroen J. , Roest Arno A.W. , Walther Frans J. , Blom Nico A. , van Lith Jan M.M. , Hooper Stuart B. , te Pas Arjan B.
Published: December 2014

Background: During neonatal transition, ductus arteriosus (DA) flow changes from right-to-left to left-to-right and contributes considerably to the increase in pulmonary blood flow. Large transpulmonary pressures generated by crying at birth can influence the DA shunt. Objective: This study aimed to assess differences in DA shunt during quiet breathing and crying directly after birth. Methods: In healthy term infants born by caesarean section, echocardiography was performed at 2, 5 and 10 min after birth. The velocity time integral of DA flow, DA flow ratio (right-to-left/left-to-right flow) and left ventricular output were assessed using echocardiography. Shunting was compared within each patient during crying and quiet breathing, and between time points. Results: A total of 23 infants were studied. The velocity time integral of left-to-right shunting was significantly larger during the inspiratory phase of crying than during quiet breathing [12.8 (9.2-17.4) vs. 5.9 (3.9-7.7) cm at 2 min, p < 0.0001; 14.3 (11.5-22.3) vs. 6.7 (4.1-11.1) cm at 5 min, p < 0.0001, and 18.6 (14.8-22.5) vs. 6.7 (4.4-10.7) cm at 10 min, p < 0.0001, after birth]. The increase in left-to-right shunting during crying was independent from the cardiac cycle as the QRS start of shunt interval time was 138 (82) ms during crying and 156 (35) ms during quiet breathing (n.s.). The DA flow ratio was lower in infants who cried at 0-1 time points versus those who cried at 2-3 time points (n.s.) out of the 3 time points measured. Left ventricular output was higher in infants who cried at 2-3 time points versus 0-1 time points (n.s.). Conclusion: Crying at birth significantly influences the DA shunt during transition. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
A Cross-Sectional Growth Reference and Chart of Stretched Penile Length for Japanese Boys Aged 0-7 Years
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Matsuo Nobutake , Inokuchi Mikako , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim: Reference values for penile length have not been established for Japanese boys. We aimed to develop percentiles and means (and standard deviations) of stretched penile length (SPL) in Japanese boys. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 1,628 Japanese boys aged <9 years from 2007 through 2014. The LMS method was used to develop a growth reference and chart for SPL in boys aged 0-7 years. Interobserver variation in SPLs was assessed in 32 boys (aged 0-11 years, median 3 years) using the Bland-Altman plot. The correlation between SPL and stature, weight or body mass index (BMI) was analyzed by the Pearson test. Results: SPL increases continuously during the prepubertal period, and most rapidly in the first 4 months of life. No significant fixed or proportional bias was found for interobserver variation (p = 0.5; r = 0.33, p = 0.06). There was no significant correlation between SPL z-score and stature z-score (r = 0.14, p < 0.001), weight z-score (r = 0.09, p < 0.001) or BMI z-score (r = 0.01, p = 0.71). Conclusion: These data serve as an updated growth reference for SPL in Japanese boys aged 0-7 years.
Genetic Evidence for
PLASMINOGEN
as a Shared Genetic Risk Factor of Coronary Artery Disease and Periodontitis
Authors: Schaefer Arne S. , Bochenek Gregor , Jochens Arne , Ellinghaus David , Dommisch Henrik , Güzeldemir-Akçakanat Esra , Graetz Christian , Harks Inga , Jockel-Schneider Yvonne , Weinspach Knut , Meyle Joerg , Eickholz Peter , Linden Gerry J. , Cine Naci , Nohutcu Rahime , Weiss Ervin , Houri-Haddad Yael , Iraqi Fuad , Folwaczny Mathias , Noack Barbara , Strauch Konstantin , Gieger Christian , Waldenberger Melanie , Peters Annette , Wijmenga Cisca , Yilmaz Engin , Lieb Wolfgang , Rosenstiel Philip , Doerfer Christof , Bruckmann Corinna , Erdmann Jeannette , König Inke , Jepsen Søren , Loos Bruno G. , Schreiber Stefan
Published: December 2014

Background—

Genetic studies demonstrated the presence of risk alleles in the genes
ANRIL
and
CAMTA1/VAMP3
that are shared between coronary artery disease (CAD) and periodontitis. We aimed to identify further shared genetic risk factors to better understand conjoint disease mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

In-depth genotyping of 46 published CAD risk loci of genome-wide significance in the worldwide largest case–control sample of the severe early-onset phenotype aggressive periodontitis (AgP) with the Illumina Immunochip (600 German AgP cases, 1448 controls) and the Affymetrix 500K array set (283 German AgP cases and 972 controls) highlighted
ANRIL
as the major risk gene and revealed further associations with AgP for the gene
PLASMINOGEN
(
PLG
; rs4252120:
P
=5.9×10
−5
; odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–1.4 [adjusted for smoking and sex]; 818 cases; 5309 controls). Subsequent combined analyses of several genome-wide data sets of CAD and AgP suggested
TGFBRAP1
to be associated with AgP (rs2679895:
P
=0.0016; odds ratio, 1.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.5]; 703 cases; 2.143 controls) and CAD (
P
=0.0003; odds ratio, 0.84 [95% confidence interval, 0.8–0.9]; n=4117 cases; 5824 controls). The study further provides evidence that in addition to
PLG
, the currently known shared susceptibility loci of CAD and periodontitis,
ANRIL
and
CAMTA1/VAMP3
, are subjected to transforming growth factor-β regulation.

Conclusions—

PLG
is the third replicated shared genetic risk factor of atherosclerosis and periodontitis. All known shared risk genes of CAD and periodontitis are members of transforming growth factor-β signaling.
MicroRNA-150 Protects the Heart From Injury by Inhibiting Monocyte Accumulation in a Mouse Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liu Zheng , Ye Ping , Wang Sihua , Wu Jie , Sun Yuan , Zhang Anchen , Ren Linyun , Cheng Chao , Huang Xiaofan , Wang Ke , Deng Peng , Wu Chuangyan , Yue Zhang , Xia Jiahong
Published: December 2014

Background—

MicroRNAs (miRs) and inflammatory monocytes participate in many cardiac pathophysiological processes including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recently, we observed that miR-150 is downregulated in injured mouse plasma after AMI as well as in human infarcted monocytes. However, the precise functional role of miR-150 in response to AMI remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

In a mouse model of AMI and in human subjects with AMI, we found that miR-150 expression was reduced in monocytes. In vitro studies showed that ectopic expression of miR-150 markedly reduced monocyte migration and proinflammatory cytokine production, whereas blockade of miR-150 had opposing effects. In vivo studies showed that overexpression of miR-150 in mice resulted in improved cardiac function, reduced myocardial infarction size, inhibition of apoptosis, and reduced inflammatory Ly-6C
high
monocyte invasion levels after AMI. Wild-type mice transplanted with miR-150 null (−/−) bone marrow cells could reverse this protective effect. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-150 inhibited the expression of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), thereby promoting monocyte migration.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that miR-150 acts as a critical regulator of monocyte cell migration and production of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to cardioprotective effects against AMI-induced injury. Thus, miR-150 may be a suitable target for therapeutic intervention in the setting of ischemic heart disease.
Phenotype and Physiological Significance of the Endocardial Smooth Muscle Cells in Human Failing Hearts
Authors: Okada Hideshi , Takemura Genzou , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Tsujimoto Akiko , Goto Kazuko , Kawamura Itta , Watanabe Takatomo , Morishita Kentaro , Miyazaki Nagisa , Tanaka Toshiki , Ushikoshi Hiroaki , Kawasaki Masanori , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Suzui Natsuko , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Mikami Atsushi , Ogura Shinji , Minatoguchi Shinya
Published: December 2014

Background—

Extravascular smooth muscle cells are often observed in the endocardium of human failing hearts. Here, we characterized the phenotype of those cells and investigated their physiological significance.

Methods and Results—

We examined left ventricular biopsy specimens obtained from 44 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 6 nonfailing hearts. In Masson trichrome–stained histological preparations, bundles of smooth muscle cells were seen localized in the endocardium in 23 of the 44 specimens (none of the 6 controls). These cells were immunopositive for α-smooth muscle actin, type 2 smooth muscle myosin, desmin, and calponin, but were negative for embryonic smooth muscle myosin, vimentin, fibronectin, and periostin. This profile is indicative of a late differentiation (contractile) smooth muscle phenotype. Electron microscopy confirmed that phenotype, revealing the cells to contain abundant myofilaments with dense bodies but little rough endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. In the endocardial smooth muscle–positive group, the left ventricular end-systolic volume index (73±34 versus 105±50 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.021), left ventricular peak wall stress (164±47 versus 196±43 dynes 10
3
/cm
2
;
P
=0.023), and left ventricular end-systolic meridional wall stress (97±38 versus 121±37 dynes 10
3
/cm
2
;
P
=0.036) were all significantly smaller, and the ejection fraction was larger (41±8.8 versus 33±9.3%;
P
=0.005) than in the endocardial smooth muscle–negative group. However, no histological parameters differed between the 2 groups.

Conclusions—

Endocardial smooth muscle cell bundles in hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit a mature contractile phenotype and may play a compensatory role mitigating heart failure by reducing left ventricular wall stress and systolic dysfunction.
Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis Across 3-Stent Generations
Authors: Magalhaes Marco A. , Minha Sa’ar , Chen Fang , Torguson Rebecca , Omar Al Fazir , Loh Joshua P. , Escarcega Ricardo O. , Lipinski Michael J. , Baker Nevin C. , Kitabata Hironori , Ota Hideaki , Suddath William O. , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: December 2014

Background—

Clinical presentation of bare metal stent in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients undergoing target lesion revascularization is well characterized and negatively affects on outcomes, whereas the presentation and outcomes of first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) remains under-reported.

Methods and Results—

The study included 909 patients (1077 ISR lesions) distributed as follows: bare metal stent (n=388), first-generation DES (n=425), and second-generation DES (n=96), categorized into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or non-ACS presentation mode at the time of first target lesion revascularization. ACS was further classified as myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina. For bare metal stent, first-generation DES and second-generation DES, ACS was the clinical presentation in 67.8%, 71.0%, and 66.7% of patients, respectively (
P
=0.470), whereas MI occurred in 10.6%, 10.1%, and 5.2% of patients, respectively (
P
=0.273). The correlates for MI as ISR presentation were current smokers (odds ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78–5.13;
P
<0.001), and chronic renal failure (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.60–4.70;
P
<0.001), with a protective trend for the second-generation DES ISR (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12–1.03;
P
=0.060). ACS presentations had an independent effect on major adverse cardiac events (death, MI, and re-target lesion revascularization) at 6 months (MI versus non-ACS: adjusted hazard ratio, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.84–8.94;
P
<0.001; unstable angina versus non-ACS: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.01–3.87;
P
=0.046).

Conclusions—

ISR clinical presentation is similar irrespective of stent type. MI as ISR presentation seems to be associated with patient and not device-related factors. ACS as ISR presentation has an independent effect on major adverse cardiac events, suggesting that ISR remains a hazard and should be minimized.