bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Cephalic Arch Stenosis With and Without Stent Placement after Percutaneous Balloon Angioplasty in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Dukkipati Ramanath , Lee Luani , Atray Naveen , Kajani Raahil , Nassar George , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar
Published: October 2014

Cephalic arch stenosis is a common complication in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with brachial artery‐cephalic vein fistulas and frequently leads to loss of the functioning brachial artery‐cephalic vein fistula. There is paucity of conclusive data to guide appropriate management. We examined the risk of recurrence of cephalic arch stenosis after angioplasty compared to angioplasty after stent placement determined by angiography of the involved upper extremity over time in a contemporary cohort of MHD patients treated in two interventional nephrology practices from March 2008 through May 2011. We retrospectively identified 45 MHD patients with evidence of cephalic arch stenosis (age 60 ± 30 years, 45% men) on elective angiograms. The median number of days until another angioplasty was required decreased, starting with a median of 91.5 days after the first, 70.5 days after the second, 85 days after the third, and 56 days after the fourth. Angioplasty is associated with a faster rate of recurrence of cephalic arch stenosis. The placement of intravascular stent seems to prolong the patency compared to angioplasty alone. Clinical trials with a larger sample size will better elucidate the value and timing of angioplasty versus stent placement in cephalic arch stenosis.
A Meta‐analysis of Stent Placement vs. Angioplasty for Dialysis Vascular Access Stenosis
Authors: Fu Ning , Joachim Emily , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Shin Jung‐Im , Astor Brad C. , Chan Micah R.
Published: October 2014

Dysfunction of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG) contribute significantly to morbidity and hospitalization in the dialysis population. Despite advances in endovascular techniques, the incidence of vascular access stenosis remains problematic. Currently, the role of endovascular stent placement in the treatment of vascular access stenosis is poorly defined. This meta‐analysis compares the primary patency rates of stenotic vascular access treated with stent placement vs. angioplasty. We searched Medline for English language publications from 1980 through December 2013, along with national conference proceedings and reference lists of all included publications. Inclusion criteria were a measure of primary patency, secondary patency, or access dysfunction. Studies were excluded if they were not in English or if they included pediatric patients. Ten studies with a total of 860 subjects met the inclusion criteria, including six experimental studies and four observational studies. There was significantly higher overall primary patency in those receiving stent placement than in those treated with angioplasty (pooled relative risk [RR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.96). The estimate did not differ by study design. The effect of treatment differed significantly (p = 0.001) by the type of stents used, however. In studies including nitinol stents (six studies, 678 patients), 6‐month patency was significantly better for stent placement than angioplasty (pooled RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54–0.84), whereas there was no significant differences between stent placement and angioplasty in those studies using bare metal stents exclusively (four studies, 182 patients; pooled RR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.91–1.32). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 70.6%; p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that stent placement may confer an advantage over balloon angioplasty in primary patency of dialysis access stenoses.
Potential for using the World Reference Base for Soil Resources to identify less favoured areas
Authors: Erdogan H. E. , Tóth T.
Published: October 2014

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a resolution seeking to test a proposed set of eight soil and climate criteria that objectively assesses and delimits agricultural areas suffering from natural handicaps. In areas designated as ‘Less Favoured Areas’ (LFA) agricultural production is hampered by natural handicaps, for example difficult climatic conditions, steep slopes in mountain areas or poor soil productivity. To delineate LFAs, a set of factsheets were provided by the EC Joint Research Center for mapping the proposed common soil, climate and terrain criteria. The present study was performed to determine the suitability of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, 2006 (WRB) soil classification system in terms of estimating LFA thresholds. It was concluded that the WRB soil categories are directly applicable for delineating areas affected by the LFA criteria for soil constraints Organic Soil and Vertic Properties. The WRB categories correctly defined areas constrained by Salinity and Sodicity, but since they are stricter, than the LFA criteria, further analysis is needed to delineate the larger areas corresponding to LFA criteria. The climate and terrain criteria of LFA are only broadly indicated by WRB categories.
Effect of crop residue incorporation on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions in European agricultural soils
Authors: Lehtinen T. , Schlatter N. , Baumgarten A. , Bechini L. , Krüger J. , Grignani C. , Zavattaro L. , Costamagna C. , Spiegel H.
Published: October 2014

Soil organic matter (SOM) improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, and the sequestration of carbon inSOMmay mitigate climate change. Soil organic carbon (SOC) often decreases in intensive cropping systems. Incorporation of crop residues (CR) may be a sustainable management practice to maintain theSOClevels and to increase soil fertility. This study quantifies the effects ofCRincorporation onSOCand greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2and N2O) in Europe using data from long‐term experiments. Response ratios (RRs) forSOCandGHGemissions were calculated betweenCRincorporation and removal. The influence of environmental zones (ENZs), clay content and experiment duration on theRRs was investigated. We also studied howRRs ofSOCand crop yields were correlated. A total of 475RRs were derived from 39 publications. TheSOCincreased by 7% followingCRincorporation. In contrast, in a subsample of cases,CO2emissions were six times and N2O emissions 12 times higher followingCRincorporation. TheENZhad no significant influence onRRs. ForSOCconcentration, soils with a clay content >35% showed 8% higherRRs compared with soils with clay contents between 18 and 35%. As the experiment progressed,RRforSOCconcentration increased. For N2O emissions,RRwas significantly greater in experiments with a duration <5 yr compared with 11–20 yr. No significant correlations were found betweenRRforSOCconcentration and yields, but differences between sites and study durations were detected. We suggest that a long duration of crop residue incorporation is a win‐win scenario under a continental climate. We conclude thatCRincorporation is important for maintainingSOC, but its influence onGHGemissions should be taken into account as well.
Onchocerciasis control in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): challenges in a post‐war environment
Authors: Makenga Bof J.‐C. , Maketa V. , Bakajika D. K. , Ntumba F. , Mpunga D. , Murdoch M. E. , Hopkins A. , Noma M. M. , Zouré H. , Tekle A. H. , Katabarwa M. N. , Lutumba P.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate onchocerciasis control activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the first 12 years of community‐directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI).

Methods

Data from the National Programme for Onchocerciasis (NPO) provided by the National Onchocerciasis Task Force (NOTF) through the annual reports of the 21 CDTI projects for the years 2001–2012 were reviewed retrospectively. A hypothetical–inputs‐process‐outputs‐outcomes table was constructed.

Results

Community‐directed treatment with ivermectin expanded from 1968 communities in 2001 to 39 100 communities by 2012 while the number of community‐directed distributors (CDD) and health workers (HW) multiplied. By 2012, there were ratios of 1 CDD per 262 persons and 1 HW per 2318 persons at risk. More than 80% of the funding came from the fiduciary funds of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control. The cost of treatment per person treated fell from US$ 1.1 in 2001 to US$ 0.1 in 2012. The therapeutic coverage increased from 2.7% (2001) to 74.2% (2012); the geographical coverage, from 4.7% (2001) to 93.9% (2012). Geographical coverage fell in 2005 due to deaths in loiasis co‐endemic areas, and the therapeutic coverage fell in 2008 due to insecurity.

Conclusions

Challenges to CDTI in DRC have been serious adverse reactions to ivermectin in loiasis co‐endemic areas and political conflict. Targets for personnel or therapeutic and geographical coverages were not met. Longer term funding and renewed efforts are required to achieve control and elimination of onchocerciasis in DRC.
Anti‐tumour activity of oncolytic Western Reserve vaccinia viruses in canine tumour cell lines, xenografts, and fresh tumour biopsies
Authors: Autio K. , Knuuttila A. , Kipar A. , Ahonen M. , Parviainen S. , Diaconu I. , Kanerva A. , Hakonen T. , Vähä‐Koskela M. , Hemminki A.
Published: October 2014

Cancer is one of the most common reasons for death in dogs. One promising approach is oncolytic virotherapy. We assessed the oncolytic effect of genetically modified vaccinia viruses in canine cancer cells, in freshly excised tumour biopsies, and in mice harbouring canine tumour xenografts. Tumour transduction efficacy was assessed using virus expressing luciferase or fluorescent marker genes and oncolysis was quantified by a colorimetric cell viability assay. Oncolytic efficacy in vivo was evaluated in a nude mouse xenograft model. Vaccinia virus was shown to infect most tested canine cancer cell lines and primary surgical tumour tissues. Virus infection significantly reduced tumour growth in the xenograft model. Oncolytic vaccinia virus has antitumour effects against canine cancer cells and experimental tumours and is able to replicate in freshly excised patient tumour tissue. Our results suggest that oncolytic vaccinia virus may offer an effective treatment option for otherwise incurable canine tumours.
Post‐transplant malignant neoplasia associated with cyclosporine‐based immunotherapy: prevalence, risk factors and survival in feline renal transplant recipients
Authors: Wormser C. , Mariano A. , Holmes E. S. , Aronson L. R. , Volk S. W.
Published: October 2014

The study objective was to compare the prevalence of malignant neoplasia in feline renal transplant recipients (n = 111) with a control population of cats that did not receive transplantation (n = 142); and to determine whether the development of post‐transplant malignant neoplasia (PTMN) affects long‐term survival. Twenty‐five (22.5%) renal transplant recipients were diagnosed with PTMN, and of those 14 (56%) were diagnosed with lymphoma. The overall survival time in cats that developed PTMN following renal transplantation (median 646 days, IQR 433–1620 days) was not significantly different from the survival time in cats that did not develop PTMN (median 728 days, IQR 201–1942 days), although median survival after diagnosis of PTMN was only 13 days. Six control cats (4.2%) were diagnosed with malignant neoplasia. Compared to the control population, transplant cats had a 6.6 times higher odds of developing malignant neoplasia and a 6.7 times higher odds of developing lymphoma.
Thermal structure of an exoplanet atmosphere from phase-resolved emission spectroscopy
Authors: Stevenson Kevin B. , Désert Jean-Michel , Line Michael R. , Bean Jacob L. , Fortney Jonathan J. , Showman Adam P. , Kataria Tiffany , Kreidberg Laura , McCullough Peter R. , Henry Gregory W. , Charbonneau David , Burrows Adam , Seager Sara , Madhusudhan Nikku , Williamson Michael H. , Homeier Derek
Published: October 2014

Exoplanets that orbit close to their host stars are much more highly irradiated than their solar system counterparts. Understanding the thermal structures and appearances of these planets requires investigating how their atmospheres respond to such extreme stellar forcing. We present spectroscopic thermal emission measurements as a function of orbital phase (“phase-curve observations”) for the highly irradiated exoplanet WASP-43b spanning three full planet rotations using the Hubble Space Telescope. With these data, we construct a map of the planet’s atmospheric thermal structure, from which we find large day-night temperature variations at all measured altitudes and a monotonically decreasing temperature with pressure at all longitudes. We also derive a Bond albedo of

0.18

−
0.12

+
0.07

and an altitude dependence in the hot-spot offset relative to the substellar point.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Variant Strain of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus, China/XJYL/2013
Authors: Bao Jingyue , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Yongqiang , Liu Chunju , Li Lin , Wang Zhiliang
Published: October 2014

Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of a novel variant strain of peste des petits ruminants virus, termed China/XJYL/2013. The genome is 15,954 nucleotides long with a 6-nucleotide insertion in the 5′ untranslated region of the F gene. This strain is phylogenetically classified as a lineage IV virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain BF-4, a
Lysinibacillus
-Like Bacillus Isolated during an Anthrax Outbreak in Bavaria
Authors: Antwerpen Markus , Georgi Enrico , Zimmermann Pia , Hoermansdorfer Stefan , Meyer Hermann , Grass Gregor
Published: October 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Lysinibacillus
sp. strain BF-4. Strain BF-4 has a notably small genome for a free-living bacillus, with a size of 2.63 Mbp. In agreement with phenotypic observations, the genome lacks genes essential for endospore formation.
Complete Genome Sequence of European Genotype Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain LNEU12 in Northern China
Authors: Li Bing , Gao Shenyang , Zhou Tiezhong , Liu Xiaogang , Lu He , Feng Fangzhou
Published: October 2014

We report the complete genome sequence of a European genotype porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolated from swine in northern China in 2012. Genome alignment revealed that the virus (LNEU12) strain shares 90.1% nucleotide identity with the European prototype Lelystad virus. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of LNEU12.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain MSt1 with Broad Antimicrobial Activity, Isolated from Malaysian Tropical Peat Swamp Soil
Authors: Aw Yoong Kit , Ong Kuan Shion , Yule Catherine M. , Gan Han Ming , Lee Sui Mae
Published: October 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Paenibacillus
sp. strain MSt1, which has broad-range antimicrobial activity, isolated from tropical peat swamp soil. Genes involved in antimicrobial biosynthesis are found to be present in this genome.
Draft Genome Sequences of Vancomycin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Related to Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate S. aureus
Authors: Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Matyi Stephanie A. , Sundararajan Anitha , Lindquist Ingrid E. , Devitt Nicolas P. , Schilkey Faye D. , Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Hoyt Peter R. , Mudge Joann , Gustafson John E.
Published: October 2014

We report the draft genome sequences of three vancomycin-susceptible methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strains.
S. aureus
strain MV8 is a sequence type 8 (ST-8) staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element type IV (SCC
mec
IV) derivative, while the other two strains (
S. aureus
MM25 and MM61) are ST-5 SCC
mec
II strains. MM61 is also closely related to the heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
strain MM66.
Novel host genetic variations associated with spontaneous clearance of a single-source outbreak of HCV1b infections
Authors: You Hong , Liu Sandu , Xie Yong , Cong Rui , Sun Yameng , Ren Jingjing , Wei Kangfei , Jin Xin , Shi Yujian , Zhang Haiying , Li Jie , Wei Lai , Zhuang Hui , Cheng Mingliang , Jia Jidong
Published: October 2014

Background and aims

A total of 105 patients were identified as accidentally infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV1b) through blood transfusion from a single blood donor. This group provides a unique patient population to study host factors involved in the spontaneous clearance of HCV and disease progression.

Methods

Clinical markers, HCV RNA and eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) were detected. Exome capture and sequencing were analysed for association with HCV clearance.

Results

Among the 85 patients with the positive HCV antibody, 27 cases (31.8%) were HCV RNA negative over a period of 9–12 years. Of the 58 patients with positive HCV RNA, 22.4% developed chronic hepatitis, and 5.2% developed cirrhosis. Age was found to be associated with HCV1b clearance. IL-28 rs10853728 CC showed the trend. By exon sequencing, 39 SNPs were found to be significantly different in spontaneous clearance patients (p<0.001). Two SNPs in the tenascin receptor (TNR), five in the transmembrane protease serine 11A (TMPRSS11A), and one in the serine peptidase inhibitor kunitz type 2 (SPINT2) showed the closest associations (p<10−5).

Conclusions

Host genetic analyses on the unique, single source HCV1b-infected patient population has suggested that age and mutations in TNR, TMPRSS11A and SPINT2 genes may be factors associated with HCV clearance.
NILVAD protocol: a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled trial of nilvadipine in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lawlor Brian , Kennelly Sean , O'Dwyer Sarah , Cregg Fiona , Walsh Cathal , Coen Robert , Kenny Rose Anne , Howard Robert , Murphy Caroline , Adams Jessica , Daly Leslie , Segurado Ricardo , Gaynor Siobhan , Crawford Fiona , Mullan Michael , Lucca Ugo , Banzi Rita , Pasquier Florence , Breuilh Laetitia , Riepe Matthias , Kalman Janos , Wallin Anders , Borjesson Anne , Molloy William , Tsolaki Magda , Olde Rikkert Marcel
Published: October 2014

Introduction

This study is a European multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of nilvadipine as a disease course modifying treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a phase III study that will run for a period of 82 weeks with a treatment period of 78 weeks.

Methods and analysis

Adult patients, males and females over 50 years with mild-to-moderate AD as defined by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria, will be included in the study. It aims to recruit a total of 500 patients with AD; 250 in the nilvadipine group and 250 in the placebo group. Participants will be randomised to receive nilvadipine, an 8 mg overencapsulated, sustained release capsule, or a matching overencapsulated placebo (sugar pill) for a period of 78 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy outcome measure in this study is the change in cognitive function as assessed by the Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog 12) from baseline to the end of treatment duration (78 weeks). There are two key secondary outcome measures, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-sb) and the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD). If a statistically significant effect is seen in the primary outcome, CDR-sb will be considered to be a coprimary end point and only the DAD will contribute to the secondary outcome analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study and all subsequent amendments have received ethical approval within each participating country according to national regulations. Each participant will provide written consent to participate in the study. All participants will remain anonymised throughout and the results of the study will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

EUDRACT Reference Number: 2012-002764-27.
Marketing your equine practice for growth and success
Authors: Mackintosh Darren
Published: October 2014

Equine practices can face unique marketing challenges and, without firm management of customer service and finances, even the best campaigns can fall flat. Darren Mackintosh discusses how to keep a practice's message simple, clear and consistent, to effectively engage clients.
Accommodating blind and partially sighted clients
Authors: England Gary , Gebbels Tim , Whelan Chantelle , Freeman Sarah
Published: October 2014

Veterinary surgeons provide an important service to blind and partially sighted guide dog owners. By adopting basic disability awareness and visual impairment training, practices can ensure that the assistance needs of those clients are met, facilitating access to veterinary care.
North American ginseng protects against muscle damage and reduces neutrophil infiltration after an acute bout of downhill running in rats
Authors: Estaki Mehrbod , Noble Earl G.
Published: October 2014

Eccentric muscle contractions such as those experienced during downhill running are associated with inflammation, delayed-onset of muscle soreness, myofiber damage, and various functional deficits. North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties and thus may offset some of this exercise-induced damage. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that intervention with North American ginseng would reduce eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Male Wistar rats were fed (300 mg/(kg·day)–1) of either an alcohol (AL) or aqueous (AQ) extract of North American ginseng for 14 days before a single bout of downhill running and were compared with matching nonexercised (C) groups. Plasma creatine kinase levels were significantly reduced in both ginseng treated groups compared with the C group that received a water placebo (p < 0.002). Further, the AQ but not AL group also showed attenuated morphological signs of damage (hemotoxylin and eosin) as well as reduced levels of infiltrating neutrophils (HIS48) in the soleus muscle (p < 0.001). In summary, supplementation with an AQ but not AL extract of North American ginseng was able to reduce eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation.
Simplified design model for rigid pipe joints based on the two-pipe approximation
Authors: Wang Yu , Moore Ian D.
Published: October 2014

Solutions for expected shear force and rotation across joints connecting rigid pipes are formulated for use in the structural design of rigid pipe joints and possible inclusion in current pipe standards. The loading system is divided into live loading and earth loading, and these cases are treated separately. Exact algebraic solutions are derived using the beam-on-elastic-spring approximation for two rigid pipes connected by a moment-release joint, which is considered conservative. Additional discussions are also presented about the conservative nature of the “two-beam”-on-elastic-spring approximation compared to finite element solutions for beam-on-elastic-springs problems involving more pipe segments. A parametric study is then presented examining the key controlling factors. Vehicle load calculations assume live load spreading with depth approximated by a trapezoidal loading prism. Earth load calculations are derived for a change in the stiffness of soil support from one section of the pipeline to the next. Comparisons with experimental measurements indicate that the design equations reflect observed changes in joint response as burial depth or pipe diameter increases. Experimental variability is considerable however, and the design calculations are generally conservative.
Effects of harvesting and drought on CO2and H2O fluxes in an aspen-dominated western boreal plain forest: early chronosequence recovery
Authors: Petrone R.M. , Chasmer L. , Hopkinson C. , Silins U. , Landhäusser S.M. , Kljun N. , Devito K.J.
Published: October 2014

This study examines the hydrological recovery of two regenerating boreal trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) dominated stands and the sensitivity of that regeneration to drought within the first 5 years of establishment. The results indicate that evapotranspiration fluxes and water-use efficiency rebounded quickly as a result of new vegetation foliage growth and wet conditions found within the first 2 years following the harvest. However, a period of dry years had a significant influence on rates of postharvest growth, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water fluxes at these sites. The northern study area (NSA) and southern study area (SSA) were harvested in the winters of 2007 and 2008, respectively. The first and second years of regeneration at the SSA and NSA, respectively, were marked by an early spring thaw and higher-than-normal precipitation, while air temperatures remained slightly above the 30-year normal. During this period, mean measured height of vegetation tripled at both sites, and cumulative evapotranspiration was approximately 60% of that prior to harvest by the end of the second year of growth. By the third year (2009), the NSA became a sink for atmospheric CO2during the snow free season (days of the year 128–238) despite low precipitation during the latter half of the summer. Volumetric soil moisture content in 2009 was the highest (on average) of the 5 years examined due to heavy snowfall and a late start to the growing season (where air temperatures consistently exceeded 0 °C), resulting in sustained productivity. However, cumulative annual precipitation also declined to 79% and 57% in 2009 and 2010, respectively, of the 30-year normal for that region, leading to significant (lagged) declines in forest productivity at the NSA in 2010 and 2011. This resulted in the site becoming a source of CO2to the atmosphere during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons (annual balance was not measured). Throughout the drought period (2009, 2010, and 2011), mean stand height increased by only 15%, 11%, and 14%, respectively, compared with the mean stand height in 2008. Water-use efficiency also declined in 2010 and 2011, whereas differences in light-use efficiency did not vary significantly because foliage was maintained (i.e., leaves did not abscise as a result of drought). The results of this study indicate that regenerating aspen stands are sensitive to drought and respond relatively quickly to changes in the soil moisture regime. This is important because regional drying as a result of predicted climatic changes combined with increased industrial activity may result in significant decline in productivity within these stands over broad regions.
A Sliding-Window Method to Discover Recent Frequent Query Patterns from XML Query Streams
Authors: Chang Tsui-Ping
Published: October 2014

Providing efficient mining algorithm to discover recent frequent XML user query patterns is crucial, as many applications use XML to represent data in their disciplines over the Internet. These recent frequent XML user query patterns can be used to design an index mechanism or cached and thus enhance XML query performance. Several XML query pattern stream mining algorithms have been proposed to record user queries in the system and thus discover the recent frequent XML query patterns over a stream. By using these recent frequent XML query patterns, the query performance of XML data stream is improved. In this paper, user queries are modeled as a stream of XML queries and the recent frequent XML query patterns are thus mined over the stream. Data-stream mining differs from traditional data mining since its input of mining is data streams, while the latter focuses on mining static databases. To facilitate the one-pass mining process, novel schemes (i.e. XstreamCode and XstreamList) are devised in the mining algorithm (i.e. X2StreamMiner) in this paper. X2StreamMiner not only reduces the memory space, but also improves the mining performance. The simulation results also show that X2StreamMiner algorithm is both efficient and scalable. There are two major contributions in this paper. First, the novel schemes are proposed to encode and store the information of user queries in an XML query stream. Second, based on the two schemes, an efficient XML query stream mining algorithm, X2StreamMiner, is proposed to discover the recent frequent XML query patterns.
Delta moves and Kauffman polynomials of virtual knots
Authors: Jeong Myeong-Ju
Published: October 2014

In 1990, Okada showed that the second coefficients of the Conway polynomials of two knots differ by 1 if the two knots are related by a single Δ-move. We extend the Okada's result for virtual knots by using a Vassiliev invariant v2 of virtual knots of degree 2 which is induced from the Kauffman polynomial of a virtual knot. We show that v2(K1) - v2(K2) = ±48, if K2 is a virtual knot obtained from a virtual knot K1 by applying a Δ-move. From this we have a lower bound [Formula: see text] for the number of Δ-moves if two virtual knots K1 and K2 are related by a sequence of Δ-moves.
Vibrational population transfer of the HF molecule: One-photon and two-photon transitions
Authors: Wang Binbin , Pang Yuhui , Han Yong-Chang , Cong Shu-Lin
Published: October 2014

The population transfer process between the vibrational levels of the HF molecule is investigated by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The two vibrational levels of υ = 0 and 2 are set to be the initial and target states (an overtone transition). The transition processes under the one- and two-photon resonance conditions are considered, respectively. The influences of the laser intensity, frequency and pulse duration on population transfer are explored. It is found that the one-photon transition process is adiabatic, while the two-photon transition process is diabatic. Other vibrational levels, such as υ = 1 and 3, may participate into the two-photon transition process. Compared to the one-photon transition, a much longer pulse duration is required for the two-photon transition to achieve a high population-transfer efficiency, and the two-photon transition is more sensitive to the laser intensity. Almost a complete population transfer can be achieved for the two-photon resonance case, when the intensity is over 0.0091 a.u. with the appropriate duration (1180 fs) and frequency (0.017674 a.u.).
Study of dispersion of boron nitride nanotubes by triton X-100 surfactant using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Fatemi S. Mahmood , Foroutan Masumeh
Published: October 2014

In this study, the dispersion of aggregated boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in aqueous triton X-100 surfactant solution is studied using molecular dynamic simulation. The results indicate that how in the presence of the surfactant, a space between two BNNTs is created, which leads to the dispersion of the BNNTs. The radial distribution functions (RDFs) of the atoms of BNNTs and hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments of the surfactant respect to atoms of water molecules show that in the presence of the surfactant, a layer of water molecules is located in the neighborhood of the BNNTs and then hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments of the surfactant reside at more distances of the BNNTs. In the absence of the surfactant, the hydrogen bond between nitrogen atom of the BNNT and hydrogen atom of water molecules is established and the distance between water molecules and the BNNTs is decreased with increase of the surfactant concentration. The obtained results for the surfactant radius of gyration and the interfacial angle between two BNNTs reveal more information about the arrangement of the surfactants around the BNNTs in the presence and in the absence of water molecules.
Aza boron-pyridyl-isoindoline isomers: synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Liu Hui , Wu Yanping , Li Zhifang , Lu Hua
Published: October 2014

By changing benzo-fused position on pyridyl unit, three aza boron-pyridyl-isoindoline isomers, a new type of BODIPY analog, are synthesized through a facile two step reaction. These isomers show broad envelopes of intense vibrational bands in the absorption and emission spectra with moderate fluorescence quantum yields. In comparison to those of classical BODIPYs, significant fluorescence intensity are observed for these isomers in film and powder. An analysis of the structure-property relationships has been carried out based on X-ray crystallography, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation.
Preparation of Functionalized Magnetic Silica Nanospheres for the Cellulase Immobilization
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Qiu Jianhui , Zang Limin , Sakai Eiichi , Feng Huixia
Published: October 2014

Cellulase was immobilized on functionalized magnetic silica nanospheres using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The morphologies, structures and magnetic properties of this immobilized cellulase were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. The properties of immobilized cellulase were investigated, including the amount of immobilized cellulase and its relative activity, stability and reusability. The results indicated that immobilized cellulase exhibited better resistance to high temperature and pH inactivation in comparison to free cellulase. Moreover, immobilized cellulase with and without cross-linking agent were investigated and the former had greater amount of immobilized cellulase and better operational stability. The amount of immobilized cellulase with the cross-linking agent was 92 mg/g support. Furthermore, the activity of the immobilized cellulase was still 85.5% of the initial activity after 10 continuous uses, demonstrating the potential of this immobilized cellulase for large-scale biofuel production.
Low-cost, flexible graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite paper as binder-free high-performance supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Wang Li , Lv Siliu , Zhang Jianming , Zhang Chuanjian , Dong Shanmu , Kong Qingshan , Pang Shuping
Published: October 2014

Nanopolyaniline coated graphene (GNP) was synthesized and flexible composite paper based on as-prepared GNP composite was fabricated by rolling process. Uniform PANI nanocoating prevents the graphene sheets from re-stacking during paper fabrication under high pressure. The composite paper was directly used as the supercapacitor without adding any binder and a specific capacitance of 255 F g-1 was achieved with high rate retention.
Permanental processes from products of complex and quaternionic induced Ginibre ensembles
Authors: Akemann Gernot , Ipsen Jesper R. , Strahov Eugene
Published: October 2014

We consider products of independent random matrices taken from the induced Ginibre ensemble with complex or quaternion elements. The joint densities for the complex eigenvalues of the product matrix can be written down exactly for a product of any fixed number of matrices and any finite matrix size. We show that the squared absolute values of the eigenvalues form a permanental process, generalizing the results of Kostlan and Rider for single matrices to products of complex and quaternionic matrices. Based on these findings, we can first write down exact results and asymptotic expansions for the so-called hole probabilities, that a disk centered at the origin is void of eigenvalues. Second, we compute the asymptotic expansion for the opposite problem, that a large fraction of complex eigenvalues occupies a disk of fixed radius centered at the origin; this is known as the overcrowding problem. While the expressions for finite matrix size depend on the parameters of the induced ensembles, the asymptotic results agree to leading order with previous results for products of square Ginibre matrices.
P2Y2 purinergic receptor activation is essential for efficient hepatocyte proliferation in response to partial hepatectomy
Authors: Tackett Bryan C. , Sun Hongdan , Mei Yu , Maynard Janielle P. , Cheruvu Sayuri , Mani Arunmani , Hernandez-Garcia Andres , Vigneswaran Nadarajah , Karpen Saul J. , Thevananther Sundararajah
Published: October 2014

Extracellular nucleotides via activation of P2 purinergic receptors influence hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in response to 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Adult hepatocytes express multiple P2Y (G protein-coupled) and P2X (ligand-gated ion channels) purinergic receptor subtypes. However, the identity of key receptor subtype(s) important for efficient hepatocyte proliferation in regenerating livers remains unknown. To evaluate the impact of P2Y2 purinergic receptor-mediated signaling on hepatocyte proliferation in regenerating livers, wild-type (WT) and P2Y2 purinergic receptor knockout (P2Y2−/−) mice were subjected to 70% PH. Liver tissues were analyzed for activation of early events critical for hepatocyte priming and subsequent cell cycle progression. Our findings suggest that early activation of p42/44 ERK MAPK (5 min), early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA-binding activity (30 min), and subsequent hepatocyte proliferation (24–72 h) in response to 70% PH were impaired in P2Y2−/− mice. Interestingly, early induction of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and cytokine-mediated signaling (NF-κB, STAT-3) were intact in P2Y2−/− remnant livers, uncovering the importance of cytokine-independent and nucleotide-dependent early priming events critical for subsequent hepatocyte proliferation in regenerating livers. Hepatocytes isolated from the WT and P2Y2−/− mice were treated with ATP or ATPγS for 5–120 min and 12–24 h. Extracellular ATP alone, via activation of P2Y2 purinergic receptors, was sufficient to induce ERK phosphorylation, Egr-1 protein expression, and key cyclins and cell cycle progression of hepatocytes in vitro. Collectively, these findings highlight the functional significance of P2Y2 purinergic receptor activation for efficient hepatocyte priming and proliferation in response to PH.
PDGF-BB and bFGF ameliorate radiation-induced intestinal progenitor/stem cell apoptosis via Akt/p53 signaling in mice
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Liu Huiling , Jiang Jie , Tan Siwei , Yang Yidong , Zhan Yashi , Wu Bin
Published: October 2014

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome currently has no effective prophylactic or therapeutic treatment. Previous studies and our data have demonstrated the important role of p53 in acute radiation-induced GI syndrome in mice. Many cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), have been found to protect against radiation-induced intestinal injury, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. Here, we report blockage of p53 through a protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in intestinal progenitor/stem cells or crypt cells as a novel molecular mechanism of growth factor-mediated intestinal radioprotection. Treatment with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) or bFGF activated Akt phosphorylation in the intestinal crypt, lessened intestinal crypt p53 expression, decreased radiation-induced apoptosis in mouse intestinal progenitor/stem cell marker leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5)-positive cells by an average of 50%, and increased the survival rate of mice with abdominal radiation by 3 days in average. Conversely, the Akt inhibitor perifosine obstructed growth factor-simulated Akt phosphorylation while promoting radiation-induced p53 expression in intestinal crypts. Importantly, reduced Akt phosphorylation and elevated p53 expression due to the Akt inhibitor perifosine impaired intestinal progenitor/stem cells radioprotection provided by PDGF-BB and bFGF. Consistently, PDGF-BB and bFGF both upregulated Akt activation, suppressed radiation-induced p53 expression, and abrogated radiation-induced apoptosis in IEC-6 cells, although p53 overexpression in IEC-6 cells partially counteracted the radioprotection of PDGF-BB and bFGF. Our data suggest that intestinal crypt radioprotection by PDGF-BB and bFGF is dependent on regulation of Akt/p53 signaling.
Nitrergic neuromuscular transmission in the mouse internal anal sphincter is accomplished by multiple pathways and postjunctional effector cells
Authors: Cobine C. A. , Sotherton A. G. , Peri L. E. , Sanders K. M. , Ward S. M. , Keef K. D.
Published: October 2014

The effector cells and second messengers participating in nitrergic neuromuscular transmission (NMT) were investigated in the mouse internal anal sphincter (IAS). Protein expression of guanylate cyclase (GCα, GCβ) and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) were examined in cryostat sections with dual-labeling immunohistochemical techniques in PDGFRα+ cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Gene expression levels were determined with quantitative PCR of dispersed cells from Pdgfrα egfp/+, Kit copGFP/+, and smMHC Cre-egfp mice sorted with FACS. The relative gene and protein expression levels of GCα and GCβ were PDGFRα+ cells > ICC ≫ SMC. In contrast, cGKI gene expression sequence was SMC = ICC > PDGFRα+ cells whereas cGKI protein expression sequence was neurons > SMC ≫ ICC = PDGFRα+ cells. The functional role of cGKI was investigated in cGKI −/− mice. Relaxation with 8-bromo (8-Br)-cGMP was greatly reduced in cGKI −/− mice whereas responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were partially reduced and forskolin responses were unchanged. A nitrergic relaxation occurred with nerve stimulation (NS, 5 Hz, 60 s) in cGKI +/+ and cGKI −/− mice although there was a small reduction in the cGKI −/− mouse. Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) abolished responses during the first 20–30 s of NS in both animals. The GC inhibitor ODQ greatly reduced or abolished SNP and nitrergic NS responses in both animals. These data confirm an essential role for GC in NO-induced relaxation in the IAS. However, the expression of GC and cGKI by all three cell types suggests that each may participate in coordinating muscular responses to NO. The persistence of nitrergic NMT in the cGKI −/− mouse suggests the presence of a significant GC-dependent, cGKI-independent pathway.
Dietary nitrate accelerates postexercise muscle metabolic recovery and O2delivery in hypoxia
Authors: Vanhatalo Anni , Jones Andrew M. , Blackwell James R. , Winyard Paul G. , Fulford Jonathan
Published: October 2014

We tested the hypothesis that the time constants (τ) of postexercise T2* MRI signal intensity (an index of O2delivery) and muscle [PCr] (an index of metabolic perturbation, measured by31P-MRS) in hypoxia would be accelerated after dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation. In a double-blind crossover design, eight moderately trained subjects underwent 5 days of NO3−(beetroot juice, BR; 8.2 mmol/day NO3−) and placebo (PL; 0.003 mmol/day NO3−) supplementation in four conditions: normoxic PL (N-PL), hypoxic PL (H-PL; 13% O2), normoxic NO3−(N-BR), and hypoxic NO3−(H-BR). The single-leg knee-extension protocol consisted of 10 min of steady-state exercise and 24 s of high-intensity exercise. The [PCr] recovery τ was greater in H-PL (30 ± 4 s) than H-BR (22 ± 4 s), N-PL (24 ± 4 s) and N-BR (22 ± 4 s) ( P < 0.05) and the maximal rate of mitochondrial ATP resynthesis (Qmax) was lower in the H-PL (1.12 ± 0.16 mM/s) compared with H-BR (1.35 ± 0.26 mM/s), N-PL (1.47 ± 0.28 mM/s), and N-BR (1.40 ± 0.21 mM/s) ( P < 0.05). The τ of postexercise T2* signal intensity was greater in H-PL (47 ± 14 s) than H-BR (32 ± 10 s), N-PL (38 ± 9 s), and N-BR (27 ± 6 s) ( P < 0.05). The postexercise [PCr] and T2* recovery τ were correlated in hypoxia ( r = 0.60; P < 0.05), but not in normoxia ( r = 0.28; P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the NO3−-NO2−-NO pathway is a significant modulator of muscle energetics and O2delivery during hypoxic exercise and subsequent recovery.
Novel Targets in Head and Neck Cancer: Should We Be Optimistic?
Authors: Krigsfeld Gabriel S. , Chung Christine H.
Published: October 2014

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas have distinct mutation and copy-number profiles depending on human papillomavirus status. Although several challenges remain in biomarker implementation and clinical trial feasibility, incorporating available genomic data will expedite the development of novel therapeutics and predictive biomarker-driven clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 495–7. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Seiwert et al., p. 632
Osteoprotegerin Deficiency Limits Angiotensin II–Induced Aortic Dilatation and Rupture in the Apolipoprotein E–Knockout Mouse
Authors: Moran Corey S. , Jose Roby J. , Biros Erik , Golledge Jonathan
Published: October 2014

Objective—

Mounting evidence links osteoprotegerin with cardiovascular disease. Elevated serum and aortic tissue osteoprotegerin are associated with the presence and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm in humans; however, a role for osteoprotegerin in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis remains to be shown. We examined the functional significance of osteoprotegerin in aortic aneurysm using an
Opg
-deficient mouse model and in vitro investigations.

Approach and Results—

Homozygous deletion of
Opg
in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice (
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
) inhibited angiotensin II-induced aortic dilatation. Survival free from aortic rupture was increased from 67% in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
+/+
controls to 94% in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
mice (
P
=0.040). Serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and aortic expression for cathepsin S (CTSS), matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 after 7 days (early-phase) of angiotensin II infusion were significantly reduced in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
mice compared with
ApoE
−/−
Opg
+/+
controls. In addition, aortic expression of markers for an inflammatory phenotype in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in response to early-phase of angiotensin II infusion was significantly lower in
Opg
-deficient mice. In vitro, human abdominal aortic aneurysm vascular smooth muscle cells produced more CTSS and exhibited increased CTSS-derived elastolytic activity than healthy aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas recombinant human osteoprotegerin stimulated CTSS-dependent elastase activity in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions—

These findings support a role for osteoprotegerin in aortic aneurysm through upregulation of CTSS, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 within the aorta, promoting an inflammatory phenotype in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in response to angiotensin II.
Disparities in Accessibility of Certified Primary Stroke Centers
Authors: Mullen Michael T. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Bowman Ariel , Wolff Catherine S. , Albright Karen C. , Roy Jason , Balcer Laura J. , Branas Charles C. , Carr Brendan G.
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

We examine whether the proportion of the US population with ≤60 minute access to Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) varies based on geographic and demographic factors.

Methods—

Population level access to PSCs within 60 minutes was estimated using validated models of prehospital time accounting for critical prehospital time intervals and existing road networks. We examined the association between geographic factors, demographic factors, and access to care. Multivariable models quantified the association between demographics and PSC access for the entire United States and then stratified by urbanicity.

Results—

Of the 309 million people in the United States, 65.8% had ≤60 minute PSC access by ground ambulance (87% major cities, 59% minor cities, 9% suburbs, and 1% rural). PSC access was lower in stroke belt states (44% versus 69%). Non-whites were more likely to have access than whites (77% versus 62%), and Hispanics were more likely to have access than non-Hispanics (78% versus 64%). Demographics were not meaningfully associated with access in major cities or suburbs. In smaller cities, there was less access in areas with lower income, less education, more uninsured, more Medicare and Medicaid eligibles, lower healthcare utilization, and healthcare resources.

Conclusions—

There are significant geographic disparities in access to PSCs. Access is limited in nonurban areas. Despite the higher burden of cerebrovascular disease in stroke belt states, access to care is lower in these areas. Selecting demographic and healthcare factors is strongly associated with access to care in smaller cities, but not in other areas, including major cities.