bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density-dependent effects as key drivers of intraspecific size structure of six abundant fish species in lakes across Europe
Authors: Arranz Ignasi , Mehner Thomas , Benejam Lluís , Argillier Christine , Holmgren Kerstin , Jeppesen Erik , Lauridsen Torben L. , Volta Pietro , Winfield Ian J. , Brucet Sandra
Published: July 2015

We studied fish size structure by using mean size, size diversity, and the slope of linear size spectra of six common European fish species along large-scale environmental gradients. We further analyzed the response of these three size metrics to environmental variables and to density-dependent effects, i.e., relative estimates of abundance (catch per unit effort, CPUE). We found differences in the strength of main predictors of size structure between the six species, but the direction of the response was relatively similar and consistent for most of the size metrics. Mean body size was negatively related to temperature for perch (Perca fluviatilis), roach (Rutilus rutilus), and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus). Lake productivity (expressed as total phosphorus concentration) and lake depth were also predictors of size structure for four of six species. Moreover, we found a strong density dependence of size structure for all species, resulting in lower mean body size and size diversity and steeper size spectra slopes when density dependence increases. This suggests that density dependence is a key driver of fish size structure.
Genetic variability in reaction norms in fishes
Authors: Oomen Rebekah A. , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

The ability of populations to adapt to environmental change and the spatial scale at which this adaptation occurs are fundamentally important issues in evolutionary biology, and ones that may benefit greatly from the study of genetic variability in reaction norms, which represent the plasticity of phenotypic traits across an environmental gradient. Therefore variable reaction norms can reflect genetic differences in the ability of individuals, families, populations, and species to respond to natural and anthropogenic environmental change. Fishes are ideal organisms in which to study plasticity because of their remarkable intraspecific morphological, physiological, behavioural, and life history variation. Here, we review studies demonstrating genetic variability in reaction norms in fishes. Genetic variability in plasticity among full- and half-sib families suggests potential for some populations to develop an adaptive norm of reaction (recalling that plasticity need not be adaptive). Reaction norm variability among populations suggests that adaptive genetic divergence can occur rapidly when selection pressures are strong and that the spatial scale of adaptation is much smaller than previously believed for some species with high dispersal capabilities. These studies demonstrate the potential of using reaction norms to study the evolution of novel phenotypes and the influence of temporal environmental variability and gene flow on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, which can then be used to predict how populations will respond to directional environmental change. To promote future research into genetic variability in reaction norms, we propose questions that would benefit from such an approach and discuss some important considerations for designing experiments to investigate questions related to genetic variation in plasticity and phenotypic evolution.
Traffic stability of a car-following model considering driver’s desired velocity
Authors: Zhang Geng , Sun Di-Hua , Liu Wei-Ning , Liu Hui
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a new car-following model is proposed by considering driver’s desired velocity according to Transportation Cyber Physical Systems. The effect of driver’s desired velocity on traffic flow has been investigated through linear stability theory and nonlinear reductive perturbation method. The linear stability condition shows that driver’s desired velocity effect can enlarge the stable region of traffic flow. From nonlinear analysis, the Burgers equation and mKdV equation are derived to describe the evolution properties of traffic density waves in the stable and unstable regions respectively. Numerical simulation is carried out to verify the analytical results, which reveals that traffic congestion can be suppressed efficiently by taking driver’s desired velocity effect into account.
Analysis of electronic structure and optical properties of N-doped SiO2 based on DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Sui-Shuan , Zhao Zong-Yan , Yang Pei-Zhi
Published: July 2015

The crystal structure, electronic structure and optical properties of N-doped [Formula: see text] with different N impurity concentrations were calculated by density function theory within GGA[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]U method. The crystal distortion, impurity formation energy, band gap, band width and optical parameter of N-doped [Formula: see text] are closely related with N impurity concentration. Based on the calculated results, there are three new impurity energy levels emerging in the band gap of N-doped [Formula: see text], which determine the electronic structure and optical properties. The variations of optical properties induced by N doping are predominately determined by the unsaturated impurity states, which are more obvious at higher N impurity concentration. In addition, all the doping effects of N in both [Formula: see text]-quartz [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-quartz [Formula: see text] are very similar. According to these findings, one could understand the relationship between nitrogen concentration and optical parameter of [Formula: see text] materials, and design new optoelectrionic Si–O–N compounds.
Light exotic nuclei with extreme neutron excess and 2 ≤ Z ≤ 8
Authors: Tarasov V. N. , Gridnev K. A. , Schramm S. , Kuprikov V. I. , Gridnev D. K. , Tarasov D. V. , Godbey K. S. , Viñas X. , Greiner Walter
Published: July 2015

Using HF + BCS method we study light nuclei with nuclear charge in the range 2 ≤ Z ≤ 8 and lying near the neutron drip line. The HF method uses effective Skyrme forces and allows for axial deformations. We find that the neutron drip line forms stability peninsulas at 18 He and 40 C . These isotopes are found to be stable against one neutron emission and possess the highest known neutron to proton ratio in stable nuclei.
Climate Monitoring and Formation Mechanism of Smog Pollution in China
Authors: ZHOU Bing , CUI Tong , LI Duo
Published: July 2015

Based on environment monitoring data from China Meteorological Administration and Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, data of atmosphere probing and re-analysis data of NCAR/NCEP, and researches on sources of smog pollution and on smog composition analysis, the paper demonstrates characteristics of China's smog climate and climate change as well as the progress made in climate monitoring in China, explores the constituents of smog aerosol and its pollution sources, analyzes the air quality difference between metropolises and their adjacent small-sized cities and towns, and dissects the formation mechanism behind the recent three major smog pollution incidents from the perspective of air pollution dynamics. The findings of this study include: days with smog in eastern China are on rapid rise especially in 2013; smog pollution in metropolises are significantly much severer than that in adjacent small-sized cities and towns; and the rising smog pollution in China are mainly from motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emission, coal consumption among other factors. Based on the findings above, the study proposes combined principles and measures to eliminate smog pollution by integrating mitigation, joint prevention, and control. Causes of local variations of smog aerosol concentration fall into two categories: internal factors (pollution sources) and external ones (meteorological conditions). Among all external factors, horizontal convey of particulates is a major factor, and persistent smog pollution incidents are closely related to the vertical structure of static and stable atmosphere, wet deposition, and zones with low average wind speed.
Lmo7 is dispensable for skeletal muscle and cardiac function
Authors: Lao Dieu Hung , Esparza Mary C. , Bremner Shannon N. , Banerjee Indroneal , Zhang Jianlin , Veevers Jennifer , Bradford William H. , Gu Yusu , Dalton Nancy D. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Peterson Kirk L. , Lieber Richard L. , Chen Ju
Published: July 2015

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a degenerative disease primarily affecting skeletal muscles in early childhood as well as cardiac muscle at later stages. EDMD is caused by a number of mutations in genes encoding proteins associated with the nuclear envelope (e.g., Emerin, Lamin A/C, and Nesprin). Recently, a novel protein, Lim-domain only 7 ( lmo7) has been reported to play a role in the molecular pathogenesis of EDMD. Prior in vitro and in vivo studies suggested the intriguing possibility that Lmo7 plays a role in skeletal or cardiac muscle pathophysiology. To further understand the in vivo role of Lmo7 in striated muscles, we generated a novel Lmo7-null ( lmo7−/−) mouse line. Using this mouse line, we examined skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology, as well as the role of Lmo7 in a model of muscular dystrophy and regeneration using the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model. Our results demonstrated that lmo7−/− mice had no abnormalities in skeletal muscle morphology, physiological function, or regeneration. Cardiac function was also unaffected. Moreover, we found that ablation of lmo7 in mdx mice had no effect on the observed myopathy and muscular regeneration exhibited by mdx mice. Molecular analyses also showed no changes in dystrophin complex factors, MAPK pathway components, and Emerin levels in lmo7 knockout mice. Taken together, we conclude that Lmo7 is dispensable for skeletal muscle and cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
Animal Models of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. The difficulty of animal modeling of pancreatic cancer for preclinical evaluation of therapeutics
Authors: Logsdon Craig D. , Arumugam Thiruvengadam , Ramachandran Vijaya
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is relatively rare but extremely lethal. Standard cytotoxic therapeutics provide little benefit. To date, newer targeted therapeutics have also not been highly successful. Often novel therapeutics that have appeared to perform well in preclinical models have failed in the clinic. Many factors contribute to these failures, but the one most often attributed is the shortcomings of the preclinical models. A plethora of animal models now exist for PDAC, including cell line xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, a wide variety of genetic mouse models, and syngeneic xenografts. These models have generated a tremendous amount of information useful for the understanding of PDAC. Yet none seems to well predict clinical outcomes of new treatments. This review will discuss how genetic instability and cellular heterogeneity make this disease so difficult to model accurately. We will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of many of the popular models. Ultimately we will argue that there is no perfect model and that the best approach to understanding clinical performance is the use of multiple preclinical models with an understanding of their salient features.
Catecholaminergic neurons projecting to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus are essential for cardiorespiratory adjustments to hypoxia
Authors: King T. Luise , Ruyle Brian C. , Kline David D. , Heesch Cheryl M. , Hasser Eileen M.
Published: July 2015

Brainstem catecholamine neurons modulate sensory information and participate in control of cardiorespiratory function. These neurons have multiple projections, including to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which contributes to cardiorespiratory and neuroendocrine responses to hypoxia. We have shown that PVN-projecting catecholaminergic neurons are activated by hypoxia, but the function of these neurons is not known. To test the hypothesis that PVN-projecting catecholamine neurons participate in responses to respiratory challenges, we injected IgG saporin (control; n = 6) or anti-dopamine β-hydroxylase saporin (DSAP; n = 6) into the PVN to retrogradely lesion catecholamine neurons projecting to the PVN. After 2 wk, respiratory measurements (plethysmography) were made in awake rats during normoxia, increasing intensities of hypoxia (12, 10, and 8% O2) and hypercapnia (5% CO2-95% O2). DSAP decreased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive terminals in PVN and cells counted in ventrolateral medulla (VLM; −37%) and nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS; −36%). DSAP produced a small but significant decrease in respiratory rate at baseline (during normoxia) and at all intensities of hypoxia. Tidal volume and minute ventilation (VE) index also were impaired at higher hypoxic intensities (10-8% O2; e.g., VE at 8% O2: IgG = 181 ± 22, DSAP = 91 ± 4 arbitrary units). Depressed ventilation in DSAP rats was associated with significantly lower arterial O2 saturation at all hypoxic intensities. PVN DSAP also reduced ventilatory responses to 5% CO2 (VE: IgG = 176 ± 21 and DSAP = 84 ± 5 arbitrary units). Data indicate that catecholamine neurons projecting to the PVN are important for peripheral and central chemoreflex respiratory responses and for maintenance of arterial oxygen levels during hypoxic stimuli.
Leukemia inhibitory factor attenuates renal fibrosis through Stat3-miR-29c
Authors: Yu Ying , Wang Yumei , Niu Yangyang , Fu Lanjun , Chin Y. Eugene , Yu Chen
Published: July 2015

Leukemia inhibitory factory (LIF), as a member of the IL-6 family, has been reported to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis and myocardial cell death. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of LIF on renal fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. Our results showed, first, that LIF inhibited collagen type 1 and collagen type 3 expression induced by ANG II in NRK-49F (rat kidney fibroblast) cells and in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. Second, LIF induced Stat3 Tyr705phosphorylation and inhibited Stat3 Tyr705and Ser727phosphorylation induced by ANG II in NRK-49F cells. Third, LIF exerted an antirenal fibrosis effect mainly through activation of Stat3 Tyr705phosphorylation in NRK-49F cells. These effects of LIF were not observed in Stat3−/−cells. Finally, LIF-Stat3 upregulated microRNA-29c expression, and the latter downregulated collagen type 1 and collagen type 3 expression in NRK-49F cells and in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. In conclusion, LIF played a role in antirenal fibrosis by competitively activating Stat3 Tyr705phosphorylation, which upregulated microRNA-29c to suppress collagen expression.
COX-2 inhibition impairs mechanical stimulation of early tendon healing in rats by reducing the response to microdamage
Authors: Hammerman Malin , Blomgran Parmis , Ramstedt Sandra , Aspenberg Per
Published: July 2015

Early tendon healing can be stimulated by mechanical loading and inhibited by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Therefore, we investigated if impairment of tendon healing by a COX-2 inhibitor (parecoxib) is related to loading. Because loading might infer microdamage, which also stimulates healing, we also investigated if this effect is inhibited by parecoxib. The Achilles tendon was transected in 114 rats. Three degrees of loading were used: full loading, partial unloading, and unloading (no unloading, Botox injections in the plantar flexor muscles, or Botox in combination with tail suspension). For each loading condition, the rats received either parecoxib or saline. In a second experiment, rats were unloaded with Botox, and the tendon was subjected to microdamage by needling combined with either saline or parecoxib. Mechanical testing day 7 showed that there was a significant interaction between loading and parecoxib for peak force at failure ( P < 0.01). However, logarithmic values showed no significant interaction, meaning that we could not exclude that the inhibitory effect of parecoxib was proportionate to the degree of loading. Microbleeding was common in the healing tissue, suggesting that loading caused microdamage. Needling increased peak force at failure ( P < 0.01), and this effect of microdamage was almost abolished by parecoxib ( P < 0.01). Taken together, this suggests that COX-2 inhibition impairs the positive effects of mechanical loading during tendon healing, mainly by reducing the response to microdamage.
Twitch-related and rhythmic activation of the developing cerebellar cortex
Authors: Sokoloff Greta , Plumeau Alan M. , Mukherjee Didhiti , Blumberg Mark S.
Published: July 2015

The cerebellum is a critical sensorimotor structure that exhibits protracted postnatal development in mammals. Many aspects of cerebellar circuit development are activity dependent, but little is known about the nature and sources of the activity. Based on previous findings in 6-day-old rats, we proposed that myoclonic twitches, the spontaneous movements that occur exclusively during active sleep (AS), provide generalized as well as topographically precise activity to the developing cerebellum. Taking advantage of known stages of cerebellar cortical development, we examined the relationship between Purkinje cell activity (including complex and simple spikes), nuchal and hindlimb EMG activity, and behavioral state in unanesthetized 4-, 8-, and 12-day-old rats. AS-dependent increases in complex and simple spike activity peaked at 8 days of age, with 60% of units exhibiting significantly more activity during AS than wakefulness. Also, at all three ages, approximately one-third of complex and simple spikes significantly increased their activity within 100 ms of twitches in one of the two muscles from which we recorded. Finally, we observed rhythmicity of complex and simple spikes that was especially prominent at 8 days of age and was greatly diminished by 12 days of age, likely due to developmental changes in climbing fiber and mossy fiber innervation patterns. All together, these results indicate that the neurophysiological activity of the developing cerebellum can be used to make inferences about changes in its microcircuitry. They also support the hypothesis that sleep-related twitches are a prominent source of discrete climbing and mossy fiber activity that could contribute to the activity-dependent development of this critical sensorimotor structure.
Diabetic hyperglycemia reduces Ca2+ permeability of extrasynaptic AMPA receptors in AII amacrine cells
Authors: Castilho Áurea , Madsen Eirik , Ambrósio António F. , Veruki Margaret L. , Hartveit Espen
Published: July 2015

There is increasing evidence that diabetic retinopathy is a primary neuropathological disorder that precedes the microvascular pathology associated with later stages of the disease. Recently, we found evidence for altered functional properties of synaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in A17, but not AII, amacrine cells in the mammalian retina, and the observed changes were consistent with an upregulation of the GluA2 subunit, a key determinant of functional properties of AMPA receptors, including Ca2+ permeability and current-voltage ( I-V) rectification properties. Here, we have investigated functional changes of extrasynaptic AMPA receptors in AII amacrine cells evoked by diabetes. With patch-clamp recording of nucleated patches from retinal slices, we measured Ca2+ permeability and I– V rectification in rats with ∼3 wk of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and age-matched, noninjected controls. Under bi-ionic conditions (extracellular Ca2+ concentration = 30 mM, intracellular Cs+ concentration = 171 mM), the reversal potential ( Erev) of AMPA-evoked currents indicated a significant reduction of Ca2+ permeability in diabetic animals [ Erev = −17.7 mV, relative permeability of Ca2+ compared with Cs+ ( PCa/ PCs) = 1.39] compared with normal animals ( Erev = −7.7 mV, PCa/ PCs = 2.35). Insulin treatment prevented the reduction of Ca2+ permeability. I– V rectification was examined by calculating a rectification index (RI) as the ratio of the AMPA-evoked conductance at +40 and −60 mV. The degree of inward rectification in patches from diabetic animals (RI = 0.48) was significantly reduced compared with that in normal animals (RI = 0.30). These results suggest that diabetes evokes a change in the functional properties of extrasynaptic AMPA receptors of AII amacrine cells. These changes could be representative for extrasynaptic AMPA receptors elsewhere in AII amacrine cells and suggest that synaptic and extrasynaptic AMPA receptors are differentially regulated.
Effect of mechanical tactile noise on amplitude of visual evoked potentials: multisensory stochastic resonance
Authors: Méndez-Balbuena Ignacio , Huidobro Nayeli , Silva Mayte , Flores Amira , Trenado Carlos , Quintanar Luis , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Kristeva Rumyana , Manjarrez Elias
Published: July 2015

The present investigation documents the electrophysiological occurrence of multisensory stochastic resonance in the human visual pathway elicited by tactile noise. We define multisensory stochastic resonance of brain evoked potentials as the phenomenon in which an intermediate level of input noise of one sensory modality enhances the brain evoked response of another sensory modality. Here we examined this phenomenon in visual evoked potentials (VEPs) modulated by the addition of tactile noise. Specifically, we examined whether a particular level of mechanical Gaussian noise applied to the index finger can improve the amplitude of the VEP. We compared the amplitude of the positive P100 VEP component between zero noise (ZN), optimal noise (ON), and high mechanical noise (HN). The data disclosed an inverted U-like graph for all the subjects, thus demonstrating the occurrence of a multisensory stochastic resonance in the P100 VEP.
Consequences of acute and long-term removal of neuromodulatory input on the episodic gastric rhythm of the crabCancer borealis
Authors: Hamood Albert W. , Marder Eve
Published: July 2015

For decades, the episodic gastric rhythm of the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) has served as an important model system for understanding the generation of rhythmic motor behaviors. Here we quantitatively describe many features of the gastric rhythm of the crab Cancer borealis under several conditions. First, we analyzed spontaneous gastric rhythms produced by freshly dissected preparations of the STNS, including the cycle frequency and phase relationships among gastric units. We find that phase is relatively conserved across frequency, similar to the pyloric rhythm. We also describe relationships between these two rhythms, including a significant gastric/pyloric frequency correlation. We then performed continuous, days-long extracellular recordings of gastric activity from preparations of the STNS in which neuromodulatory inputs to the stomatogastric ganglion were left intact and also from preparations in which these modulatory inputs were cut (decentralization). This allowed us to provide quantitative descriptions of variability and phase conservation within preparations across time. For intact preparations, gastric activity was more variable than pyloric activity but remained relatively stable across 4–6 days, and many significant correlations were found between phase and frequency within animals. Decentralized preparations displayed fewer episodes of gastric activity, with altered phase relationships, lower frequencies, and reduced coordination both among gastric units and between the gastric and pyloric rhythms. Together, these results provide insight into the role of neuromodulation in episodic pattern generation and the extent of animal-to-animal variability in features of spontaneously occurring gastric rhythms.
Ultrasound in Rheumatologic Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report of Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Laria A. , Lurati A. , Scarpellini M.
Published: July 2015

According to the American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society consensus classification, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) include several clinic-radiologic-pathologic entities: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitis-associated ILD, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia. Ultrasound Lung Comets (ULCs) are an echographic chest-sonography hallmark of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. We describe the ultrasound (US) findings in the follow-up of a NSIP’s case in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Evaluation of the Effects of Charged Amino Acids on Uncontrolled Seizures
Authors: Ebrahimi Hossein Ali , Ebrahimi Saeed
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. The prevalence of epilepsy throughout the world is 0.5 to 1%, and the same rate is 7.8 per 1000 in Kerman. Almost 20 to 30% of epileptic patients do not respond properly to common medications. The present study investigated patients who did not respond to common and, even in some cases, adjuvant therapies, with two seizures or more per week, regardless of the type of the inflicted epilepsy.Methodology. The participants of the present double-blind study were randomly selected into three 10-member groups of uncontrolled epileptic patients (arginine, glutamic acid, and lysine). The patients used amino acid powder dissolved in water (three times the daily need) every day for two weeks before breakfast. The number of seizures was recorded one week prior to commencing amino acid use, as well as the first and the second weeks subsequent to use.Results. A total of 32 patients were studied in three groups. The decline rates of seizures were 53%, 41%, and 13%, and thePvalue was 0.013, 0.027, and 0.720, respectively.Conclusion. Administration of the charged amino acids, arginine, and glutamic acid can decrease the seizures of patients suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy.
Biologic Augmentation of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in the Elbow of a Professional Baseball Pitcher
Authors: Hoffman James K. , Protzman Nicole M. , Malhotra Amit D.
Published: July 2015

Tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow are common injuries in overhead athletes. Although surgical reconstruction of the UCL has improved outcomes, not all athletes return to their previous level of competition and when this goal is achieved, the time required averages one to two years. Therefore, additional techniques are needed to further improve return to play and the rate of return to play in overhead athletes. A construct comprising a dermal allograft, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to successfully improve healing in the rotator cuff. Given the promising provisional findings, we postulated that this construct could also improve healing if applied to the UCL. Therefore, the purpose of the present report was to examine the feasibility of utilizing a dermal allograft, PRP, and MSC construct to augment UCL reconstruction in a professional baseball pitcher. No complications were encountered. Although limited to minimal follow-up, the patient has demonstrated excellent progress and has returned to activity.
Update on Biomarkers for the Detection of Endometriosis
Authors: Fassbender Amelie , Burney Richard O. , F. O Dorien , D’Hooghe Thomas , Giudice Linda
Published: July 2015

Endometriosis is histologically characterized by the displacement of endometrial tissue to extrauterine locations including the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, and bowel. An important cause of infertility and pelvic pain, the individual and global socioeconomic burden of endometriosis is significant. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of the condition. However, the invasive nature of surgery, coupled with the lack of a laboratory biomarker for the disease, results in a mean latency of 7–11 years from onset of symptoms to definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, the delay in diagnosis may have significant consequences in terms of disease progression. The discovery of a sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarker for the nonsurgical detection of endometriosis promises earlier diagnosis and prevention of deleterious sequelae and represents a clear research priority. In this review, we describe and discuss the current status of biomarkers of endometriosis in plasma, urine, and endometrium.
Cell Therapy Augments Functional Recovery Subsequent to Spinal Cord Injury under Experimental Conditions
Authors: Sabapathy Vikram , Tharion George , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2015

The spinal cord injury leads to enervation of normal tissue homeostasis ultimately leading to paralysis. Until now there is no proper cure for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Recently, cell therapy in animal spinal cord injury models has shown some progress of recovery. At present, clinical trials are under progress to evaluate the efficacy of cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Different types of cells such as pluripotent stem cells derived neural cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, neural stem cells, glial cells are being tested in various spinal cord injury models. In this review we highlight both the advances and lacuna in the field of spinal cord injury by discussing epidemiology, pathophysiology, molecular mechanism, and various cell therapy strategies employed in preclinical and clinical injury models and finally we discuss the limitations and ethical issues involved in cell therapy approach for treating spinal cord injury.
Immobilization ofYarrowia lipolyticaLipase on Macroporous Resin Using Different Methods: Characterization of the Biocatalysts in Hydrolysis Reaction
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Chen Yiling , Sheng Jun , Sun Mi
Published: July 2015

To improve the reusability and organic solvent tolerance of microbial lipase and expand the application of lipase (hydrolysis, esterification, and transesterification), we immobilized marine microbial lipase using different methods and determined the properties of immobilized lipases. Considering the activity and cost of immobilized lipase, the concentration of lipase was fixed at 2 mg/mL. The optimal temperature of immobilized lipases was 40°C and 5°C higher than free lipase. The activities of immobilized lipases were much higher than free lipase at alkaline pH (more than 50% at pH 12). The free lipase lost most activity (35.3%) and immobilized lipases retained more than 46.4% of their initial activity after 3 h heat treatment at 70°C. At alkaline pH, immobilized lipases were more stable than free lipase (more than 60% residue activity at pH 11 for 3 h). Immobilized lipases retained 80% of their activity after 5 cycles and increased enzyme activity (more than 108.7%) after 3 h treatment in tert-butanol. Immobilization of lipase which improved reusability of lipase and provided a chance to expand the application of marine microbial lipase in organic system expanded the application range of lipase to catalyze hydrolysis and esterification in harsh condition.
Comparison of Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS for Road Pavement Maintenance Prioritization: Methodological Exposition and Case Study
Authors: Ouma Yashon O. , Opudo J. , Nyambenya S.
Published: July 2015

For road pavement maintenance and repairs prioritization, a multiattribute approach that compares fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Ideal Situation (TOPSIS) is evaluated. The pavement distress data was collected through empirical condition surveys and rating by pavement experts. In comparison to the crisp AHP, the fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS pairwise comparison techniques are considered to be more suitable for the subjective analysis of the pavement conditions for automated maintenance prioritization. From the case study results, four pavement maintenance objectives were determined as road safety, pavement surface preservation, road operational status and standards, and road aesthetics, with corresponding depreciating significance weights ofW=0.37,0.31,0.22,0.10T. The top three maintenance functions were identified as Thin Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlays, resurfacing and slurry seals, which were a result of pavement cracking, potholes, raveling, and patching, while the bottom three were cape seal, micro surfacing, and fog seal. The two methods gave nearly the same prioritization ranking. In general, the fuzzy AHP approach tended to overestimate the maintenance prioritization ranking as compared to the fuzzy TOPSIS.
Meat Intake and Insulin Resistance in Women without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tucker Larry A. , LeCheminant James D. , Bailey Bruce W.
Published: July 2015

Purpose. To examine the relationship between meat intake and insulin resistance (IR) in 292 nondiabetic women.Methods. IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Diet was assessed via 7-day weighed food records. Servings of very lean meat (VLM) and regular meat (meat) were indexed using the ADA Exchange Lists Program. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and body fat was measured using the Bod Pod.Results. Meat intake was directly related to HOMA (F= 7.4;P= 0.007). Women with moderate or high meat intakes had significantly higher HOMA levels than their counterparts. Adjusting for body fat weakened the relationship (F= 1.0;P= 0.3201). Odds ratio results showed that the low meat quartile had 67% lower odds of being IR (75th percentile) compared to their counterparts (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.16–0.71). These findings changed little after adjusting for all covariates simultaneously (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14–0.83). Conversely, VLM intake was not related to HOMA, with or without the covariates.Conclusion. Moderate and high meat intakes are associated with increased insulin resistance in nondiabetic women. However, differences in body fat contribute significantly to the relationship. VLM is not predictive of IR. Prudence in the amount and type of meat consumed may be helpful in decreasing the likelihood of IR.
Immune Evasion Strategies ofTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Flávia Nardy Ana , Freire-de-Lima Célio Geraldo , Morrot Alexandre
Published: July 2015

Microbes have evolved a diverse range of strategies to subvert the host immune system. The protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, provides a good example of such adaptations. This parasite targets a broad spectrum of host tissues including both peripheral and central lymphoid tissues. Rapid colonization of the host gives rise to a systemic acute response which the parasite must overcome. The parasite in fact undermines both innate and adaptive immunity. It interferes with the antigen presenting function of dendritic cells via an action on host sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin receptors. These receptors also induce suppression of CD4+T cells responses, and we presented evidence that the sialylation of parasite-derived mucins is required for the inhibitory effects on CD4 T cells. In this review we highlight the major mechanisms used byTrypanosoma cruzito overcome host immunity and discuss the role of parasite colonization of the central thymic lymphoid tissue in chronic disease.
Pericarditis Epistenocardica or Dressler Syndrome? An Autopsy Case
Authors: Feola Alessandro , De Stefano Noè , Della Pietra Bruno
Published: July 2015

Postinfarction pericarditis can be classified as “early,” referred to as pericarditis epistenocardica, or “delayed,” referred to as Dressler syndrome. The incidence of postinfarction pericarditis has decreased to <5% since the introduction of reperfusion therapies and limitation of infarct size. We report on a 57-year-old man who suffered sudden cardiac death as a result of acute myocardial infarction. Autopsy revealed an area of previous infarction and fibrinous pericarditis related to the previous infarction, leading to a diagnosis of Dressler syndrome.
Effect of the Surfactant on the Growth and Oxidation of Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Ruíz-Baltazar Alvaro , Esparza Rodrigo , Rosas Gerardo , Pérez Ramiro
Published: July 2015

Fe nanoparticles and branched nanostructures of iron oxide were synthesized by chemical reduction in aqueous phase. The mechanism of formation of iron oxides as a function of the amount of surfactant employed during the synthesis process was studied. Specifically Fe, Fe2O3, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were obtained. The oxidation of Fe to Fe3O4 and finally to Fe2O3 was carried out by oxidative etching process, decreasing the amount of stabilizer agent. The structures obtained were characterized by high resolution (HRTEM) and scanning/transmission (STEM) electron microcopies, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and optical spectroscopy (UV‐Vis and IR).
Tissue Remodelling following Resection of Porcine Liver
Authors: Nygård Ingvild Engdal , Mortensen Kim Erlend , Hedegaard Jakob , Conley Lene Nagstrup , Bendixen Christian , Sveinbjørnsson Baldur , Revhaug Arthur
Published: July 2015

Aim.To study genes regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) and investigate the tissue remodelling following liver resection in porcine.Methods.Four pigs with 60% partial hepatectomy- (PHx-) induced liver regeneration were studied over six weeks. Four pigs underwent sham surgery and another four pigs were used as controls of the normal liver growth. Liver biopsies were taken upon laparotomy, after three and six weeks. Gene expression profiles were obtained using porcine-specific oligonucleotide microarrays. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and a proliferative index was assessed.Results.More differentially expressed genes were associated with the regulation of ECM in the resection group compared to the sham and control groups. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and collagen 1, alpha 2 (COL1A2) were both upregulated in the early phase of liver regeneration, validated by immunopositive cells during the remodelling phase of liver regeneration. A broadened connective tissue was demonstrated by Masson’s Trichrome staining, and an immunohistochemical staining against pan-Cytokeratin (pan-CK) demonstrated a distinct pattern of migrating cells, followed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive nuclei.Conclusions.The present study demonstrates both a distinct pattern of PCNA positive nuclei and a deposition of ECM proteins in the remodelling phase of liver regeneration.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient with Profound Hyponatremia and Acute Neurological Symptoms: An Effective Treatment with Fludrocortisone
Authors: Jaal Jana , Jõgi Tõnu , Altraja Alan
Published: July 2015

Hyponatremia is a frequent electrolyte abnormality in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Being usually asymptomatic, hyponatremia may cause symptoms like nausea, fatigue, disorientation, headache, muscle cramps, or even seizures, particularly if severe and rapid decrease of serum sodium levels occurs. Here we report a case of SCLC patient with severe hyponatremia and acute neurological symptoms that developed 2 days after the first course of second-line chemotherapy, most probably due to the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also known as arginine vasopressin) during lysis of the tumour cells. Initial treatment consisted of continuous administration of hypertonic saline that resulted in improvement of patient’s neurological status. However, to obtain a persistent increase in serum sodium level, pharmacological intervention with oral fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily was needed. We can therefore conclude that mineralocorticoids may be used to correct hyponatremia in SCLC patients when appropriate.
Anti-Erythropoietin Antibody Associated Pure Red Cell Aplasia Resolved after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hung Annie K. , Guy Jennifer , Behler Caroline M. , Lee Eugene E.
Published: July 2015

Patients undergoing antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C often develop anemia secondary to ribavirin and interferon. Recombinant erythropoietin has been used to improve anemia associated with antiviral therapy and to minimize dose reductions, which are associated with decreased rates of sustained virologic response. A rare potential side effect of recombinant erythropoietin is anti-erythropoietin antibody associated pure red cell aplasia. In chronic kidney disease patients with this entity, there have been good outcomes associated with renal transplant and subsequent immunosuppression. In this case, a chronic liver disease patient developed anti-erythropoietin associated pure red cell aplasia and recovered after liver transplantation and immunosuppression. It is unclear whether it is the transplanted organ, the subsequent immunosuppression, or the combination that contributed to the response. In conclusion, anti-erythropoietin associated pure red cell aplasia is a serious complication of erythropoietin therapy, but this entity should not be considered a contraindication for solid organ transplantation.
Mortality Decline in Kenya: A Reexamination of Recent Under-Five Mortality Estimate
Authors: Odwe George , Khasakhala Anne , Agwanda Titus , Imbwaga Andrew , Lyaga Zena
Published: July 2015

This study examined the extent of birth displacement and its effect on the under-five mortality estimates in Kenya. Using data from 2003 and 2008/09 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys, we evaluate the variability of birth displacement by region and place of residence based on the survival status of the child. We compute birth ratios for children born in the 5th calendar year preceding each survey and note the possible effect on under-five mortality estimates. Results show that under-five mortality estimates in 2008/09 survey are smaller than that of a similar period in 2003 survey by 17 percent. Overall, birth ratios for the 5th calendar year were below 100 percent suggesting presence of birth displacement. However, there was no variance in the displacement between surviving and dead children, hence modest impact on the under-five mortality rate. Evidence suggests that the remarkable decline in the under-five mortality rate recorded in 2008/09 is a function of both overestimation of mortality rate in 2003 survey and underestimation in 2008/09 survey. We recommend that data from more than one source be used to interpret under-five mortality decline and further research should be conducted linking the observed mortality decline to the delivery of known effective interventions.
Efficacy of Surgery Combined with Autologous Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplantation for Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhu Jianxin , Xiao Yilei , Li Zhongmin , Han Fabin , Xiao Taiwu , Zhang Zhiti , Geng Fengyang
Published: July 2015

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) may differentiate into nerve cells under a certain condition; however, the clinical application for treating nervous system disease remains unclear. The aim is to assess the safety profile, feasibility, and effectiveness of surgery combined with autologous BMSCs transplantation for treating ICH. 206 ICH patients who had received surgical procedure were divided into transplantation (n=110) or control group (n=96). For transplantation group, BMSCs were injected into the perihemorrhage area in the base ganglia through an intracranial drainage tube 5.5 (3.01–6.89) days after surgery, followed by a second injection into the subarachnoid space through lumbar puncture 4 weeks later. Neurologic impairment and daily activities were assessed with National Institute Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel index, and Rankin scale before transplantation and 6 months and 12 months after transplantation. Our results revealed that, compared with control group, NIHSS score and Rankin scale were both significantly decreased but Barthel index was increased in transplantation group after 6 months. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed between 12 months and 6 months. No transplantation-related adverse effects were investigated during follow-up assessments. Our findings suggest that surgery combined with autologous BMSCs transplantation is safe for treatment of ICH, providing short-term therapeutic benefits.
Motives of Masters for the Teaching Profession: Development of the MMTP Questionnaire
Authors: Meeus Wil , Baeten Marlies , Coertjens Liesje
Published: July 2015

Increasing teacher shortages provide incentives for conducting research into the motives of future teachers aspiring to work in education. The present study builds on previous research into motivation for entering the teaching profession. Given the shortage of studies carried out with direct empirical foundations, multiphase factor analyses, and large respondent groups, the present research focuses on developing the questionnaire Motives of Masters for the Teaching Profession (MMTP) while meeting these methodological criteria. Master’s studentsN=1200described their motivations for entering the teaching profession. Confirmatory factor analysisN=707was carried out in order to confirm the factor structure produced by the exploratory factor analysisN=145. On the basis of content and statistical arguments, a 7-factor solution was obtained and a 35-item questionnaire was produced. Future cross-contextual research on the MMTP should attempt to improve the generalizability of the questionnaire.
Network Coded Multicast over Multibeam Satellite Systems
Authors: Alegre-Godoy R. , Vazquez-Castro M. A.
Published: July 2015

We propose a multicast scheme for multibeam satellite systems exploiting both the multiuser and spatial diversity inherent in this type of systems while taking into account realistic physical distributions of User Terminals (UTs) over the coverage. Our proposed scheme makes use of the well-known Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) feature in Digital Video Broadcasting over Satellite, 2nd Generation (DVB-S2) and Extension (DVB-S2X) standards but also incorporates a set of innovative features. First, multilink reception, that is, receivers that can syntonize different frequencies and/or polarizations, together with Network Coding (NC) is used to enable decoding of signals from adjacent beams (spatial diversity). Second, efficient and fair allocation of resources is achieved through Proportionally Fair Multicast (PFM) scheduling. Our results, obtained over realistic nonuniform UTs distributions, show average system multicast throughput gains up to 88% with regard to state-of-the-art multicast schemes. Furthermore, a complete cross-layer architecture is proposed, fully compliant with the standard providing Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees.
On Quasimetrizability of Quasicone Metric Spaces
Authors: Aphane M. , Moshokoa S. P.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this work is to extend interesting results on the metrizability of cone metric spaces as it appears in the literature. In this paper we appeal to quasiuniformities and uniformities to prove that a quasicone metric space is qausimetrizable, and from our results we will deduce that every cone metric space is metrizable; our approach is more on bitopological and topological properties and differs from the one used by the papers mentioned above but affirms some of their results.