bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging tumor hypoxia: Blood-borne delivery of imaging agents is fundamentally different in hypoxia subtypes
Authors: Vaupel Peter , Mayer Arnulf
Published: October 2013

Hypoxic tissue subvolumes are a hallmark feature of solid malignant tumors, relevant for cancer therapy and patient outcome because they increase both the intrinsic aggressiveness of tumor cells and their resistance to several commonly used anticancer strategies. Pathogenetic mechanisms leading to hypoxia are diverse, may coexist within the same tumor and are commonly grouped according to the duration of their effects. Chronic hypoxia is mainly caused by diffusion limitations resulting from enlarged intercapillary distances and adverse diffusion geometries and — to a lesser extent — by hypoxemia, compromised perfusion or long-lasting microregional flow stops. Conversely, acute hypoxia preferentially results from transient disruptions in perfusion. While each of these features of the tumor microenvironment can contribute to a critical reduction of oxygen availability, the delivery of imaging agents (as well as nutrients and anticancer agents) may be compromised or remain unaffected. Thus, a critical appraisal of the effects of the various mechanisms leading to hypoxia with regard to the blood-borne delivery of imaging agents is necessary to judge their ability to correctly represent the hypoxic phenotype of solid malignancies.
Functional control of ZnO nanoparticles by F, C-codoping
Authors: Cao Jialei , Lu Juan , Zhou Xiufeng , Wang Zuoshan , Li Xiaobin
Published: October 2013

F , C -codoped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by the precipitation method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra (XPS) measurements confirmed the existence of F – Zn , C – F , – CF 2– and O – C – O bonds in the lattices of ZnO nanoparticles. The band gap of ZnO was narrowed due to F and C dopants, which should be beneficial for the improvement of the photocatalytic activity. However, our experiments demonstrated that F , C -codoping restrained the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. To detect the possible microstructural defects, the analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was performed. It was suggested that the positive-charged [Formula: see text] defects were formed by the substitution of F ions for O lattice sites. [Formula: see text] defects are deep donors and act as recombination centers for photo-generated electrons and holes, which could result in the decrease of the photocatalytic activity. Although the photocatalytic activity of F , C -codoped ZnO is depressed, the antibacterial activity still keeps a comparable level in comparison with that of pure ZnO . Therefore, this material has a potential application in textiles.
Detection of trojans using a combined ring oscillator network and off-chip transient power analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuehui , Ferraiuolo Andrew , Tehranipoor Mohammad
Published: October 2013

Verifying the trustworthiness of Integrated Circuits (ICs) is of utmost importance, as hardware Trojans may destroy ICs bound for critical applications. A novel methodology combining on-chip structure with external current measurements is proposed to verify whether or not an IC is Trojan free. This method considers Trojans' impact on neighboring cells and on the entire IC's power consumption, and effectively localizes the measurement of dynamic power. To achieve this, we develop a new on-chip ring oscillator network structure distributed across the entire chip and place each ring oscillator's components in different rows of a standard-cell design. By developing novel statistical data analysis, the effect of process variations on the ICs' transient power will be separated from the effect of Trojans. Simulation results using 90nm technology and experimental results on Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGAs demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed method.
Exploring the vulnerability of CMPs to soft errors with 3D stacked nonvolatile memory
Authors: Sun Guangyu , Kursun Eren , Rivers Jude A. , Xie Yuan
Published: October 2013

Improving the vulnerability to soft errors is one of the important design goals for future architecture design of Chip-MultiProcessors (CMPs). In this study, we explore the soft error characteristics of CMPs with 3D stacked NonVolatile Memory (NVM), in particular, the Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory (STT-RAM), whose cells are immune to radiation-induced soft errors and do not have endurance problems. We use 3D stacking as an enabler for modular integration of STT-RAM memories with minimum disruption in the baseline processor design flow, while providing further interconnection and capacity advantages. We take an in-depth look at alternative replacement schemes to explore the soft error resilience benefits and design trade-offs of 3D stacked STT-RAM and capture the multivariable optimization challenges microprocessor architectures face. We propose a vulnerability metric, with respect to the instruction and data in the core pipeline and through the cache hierarchy, to present a comprehensive system evaluation with respect to reliability, performance, and power consumption for our CMP architectures. Our experimental results show that, for the average workload, replacing memories with an STT-RAM alternative significantly mitigates soft errors on-chip, improves the performance by 14.15%, and reduces power consumption by 13.44%.
Role of the locus coeruleus in enhanced orexin A-induced spontaneous physical activity in obesity-resistant rats
Authors: Teske Jennifer A. , Perez-Leighton Claudio E. , Billington Charles J. , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: October 2013

Orexin/hypocretin terminals innervate noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons that project to the prefrontral cortex, which may influence spontaneous physical activity (SPA) and energy balance. Obesity-resistant (OR) rats have higher orexin receptors (OXR) mRNA in the LC and other brain regions, as well as lower adiposity compared with obese rats. These findings led us to hypothesize that orexin activity in the LC is relevant for the OR phenotype. We compared OR rats to Sprague-Dawley rats. We predicted that: 1) brain OXR expression pattern is sufficient to differentiate OR from non-bred Sprague-Dawley rats; 2) nonresting energy expenditure (NREE) and orexin A (OXA)-stimulated SPA after injection in LC would be greater in OR rats; and 3) the effect of OXA on SPA would be greater than its effect on feeding. OXR mRNA from 11 brain sites and the SPA and feeding responses to OXA in the LC were determined. Body composition, basal SPA, and EE were determined. Principal component analysis of the OXR expression pattern differentiates OR and Sprague-Dawley rats and suggests the OXR mRNA in the LC is important in defining the OR phenotype. Compared with Sprague-Dawley rats, OR rats had greater SPA and NREE and lower resting EE and adiposity. SPA responsivity to OXA in the LC was greater in OR rats compared with Sprague-Dawley rats. OXA in the LC did not stimulate feeding in OR or Sprague-Dawley rats. These data suggest that the LC is a prominent site modulating OXA-stimulated SPA, which promotes lower adiposity and higher nonresting EE.
Fetal iron deficiency alters the proteome of adult rat hippocampal synaptosomes
Authors: Tran Phu V. , Dakoji Srikanth , Reise Kathryn H. , Storey Kathleen K. , Georgieff Michael K.
Published: October 2013

Fetal and neonatal iron deficiency results in cognitive impairments in adulthood despite prompt postnatal iron replenishment. To systematically determine whether abnormal expression and localization of proteins that regulate adult synaptic efficacy are involved, we used a quantitative proteomic approach (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation, iTRAQ) and pathway analysis to identify dysregulated proteins in hippocampal synapses of fetal iron deficiency model. Rat pups were made iron deficient (ID) from gestational day 2 through postnatal day (P) 7 by providing pregnant and nursing dams an ID diet (4 ppm Fe) after which they were rescued with an iron-sufficient diet (200 ppm Fe). This paradigm resulted in a 40% loss of brain iron at P15 with complete recovery by P56. Synaptosomes were prepared from hippocampi of the formerly iron-deficient (FID) and always iron-sufficient controls rats at P65 using a sucrose gradient method. Six replicates per group that underwent iTRAQ labeling and LC-MS/MS analysis for protein identification and comparison elucidated 331 differentially expressed proteins. Western analysis was used to confirm findings for selected proteins in the glutamate receptor signaling pathway, which regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity, a cellular process critical for learning and memory. Bioinformatics were performed using knowledge-based Interactive Pathway Analysis. FID synaptosomes show altered expression of synaptic proteins-mediated cellular signalings, supporting persistent impacts of fetal iron deficiency on synaptic efficacy, which likely cause the cognitive dysfunction and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Importantly, the findings uncover previously unsuspected pathways, including neuronal nitric oxide synthase signaling, identifying additional mechanisms that may contribute to the long-term biobehavioral deficits.
Beetroot juice supplementation speeds O2uptake kinetics and improves exercise tolerance during severe-intensity exercise initiated from an elevated metabolic rate
Authors: Breese Brynmor C. , McNarry Melitta A. , Marwood Simon , Blackwell Jamie R. , Bailey Stephen J. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: October 2013

Recent research has suggested that dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation might alter the physiological responses to exercise via specific effects on type II muscle. Severe-intensity exercise initiated from an elevated metabolic rate would be expected to enhance the proportional activation of higher-order (type II) muscle fibers. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to test the hypothesis that, compared with placebo (PL), NO3−-rich beetroot juice (BR) supplementation would speed the phase II V̇o2kinetics (τp) and enhance exercise tolerance during severe-intensity exercise initiated from a baseline of moderate-intensity exercise. Nine healthy, physically active subjects were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to receive BR (140 ml/day, containing ∼8 mmol of NO3−) and PL (140 ml/day, containing ∼0.003 mmol of NO3−) for 6 days. On days 4, 5, and 6 of the supplementation periods, subjects completed a double-step exercise protocol that included transitions from unloaded to moderate-intensity exercise (U→M) followed immediately by moderate to severe-intensity exercise (M→S). Compared with PL, BR elevated resting plasma nitrite concentration (PL: 65 ± 32 vs. BR: 348 ± 170 nM, P < 0.01) and reduced the V̇o2τpin M→S (PL: 46 ± 13 vs. BR: 36 ± 10 s, P < 0.05) but not U→M (PL: 25 ± 4 vs. BR: 27 ± 6 s, P > 0.05). During M→S exercise, the faster V̇o2kinetics coincided with faster near-infrared spectroscopy-derived muscle [deoxyhemoglobin] kinetics (τ; PL: 20 ± 9 vs. BR: 10 ± 3 s, P < 0.05) and a 22% greater time-to-task failure (PL: 521 ± 158 vs. BR: 635 ± 258 s, P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with NO3−-rich BR juice speeds V̇o2kinetics and enhances exercise tolerance during severe-intensity exercise when initiated from an elevated metabolic rate.
Molecular evidence for a role for K+-Cl− cotransporters in the kidney
Authors: Melo Zesergio , Cruz-Rangel Silvia , Bautista Rocio , Vázquez Norma , Castañeda-Bueno María , Mount David B. , Pasantes-Morales Herminia , Mercado Adriana , Gamba Gerardo
Published: October 2013

K+-Cl− cotransporter (KCC) isoforms 3 (KCC3) and 4 (KCC4) are expressed at the basolateral membrane of proximal convoluted tubule cells, and KCC4 is present in the basolateral membrane of the thick ascending loop of Henle's limb and α-intercalated cells of the collecting duct. Little is known, however, about the physiological roles of these transporters in the kidney. We evaluated KCC3 and KCC4 mRNA and protein expression levels and intrarenal distribution in male Wistar rats or C57 mice under five experimental conditions: hyperglycemia after a single dose of streptozotocin, a low-salt diet, metabolic acidosis induced by ammonium chloride in drinking water, and low- or high-K+ diets. Both KCC3 mRNA and protein expression were increased during hyperglycemia in the renal cortex and at the basolateral membrane of proximal tubule cells but not with a low-salt diet or acidosis. In contrast, KCC4 protein expression was increased by a low-sodium diet in the whole kidney and by metabolic acidosis in the renal outer medulla, specifically at the basolateral membrane of α-intercalated cells. The increased protein expression of KCC4 by a low-salt diet was also observed in WNK4 knockout mice, suggesting that upregulation of KCC4 in these circumstances is not WNK4 dependent. No change in KCC3 or KCC4 protein expression was observed under low- or high-K+ diets. Our data are consistent with a role for KCC3 in the proximal tubule glucose reabsorption mechanism and for KCC4 in salt reabsorption of the thick ascending loop of Henle's loop and acid secretion of the collecting duct.
Nicotinic receptors regulate the dynamic range of dopamine release in vivo
Authors: Koranda Jessica L. , Cone Jackson J. , McGehee Daniel S. , Roitman Mitchell F. , Beeler Jeff A. , Zhuang Xiaoxi
Published: October 2013

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed presynaptically on dopamine axon terminals, and their activation by endogenous acetylcholine from striatal cholinergic interneurons enhances dopamine release both independently of and in concert with dopamine neuron activity. Acute nAChR inactivation is believed to enhance the contrast between low- and high-frequency dopamine cell activity. Although these studies reveal a key role for acute activation and inactivation of nAChRs in striatal microcircuitry, it remains unknown if chronic inactivation/desensitization of nAChRs can alter dopamine release dynamics. Using in vivo cyclic voltammetry in anaesthetized mice, we examined whether chronic inactivation of nAChRs modulates dopamine release across a parametric range of stimulation, varying both frequency and pulse number. Deletion of β2*nAChRs and chronic nicotine exposure greatly diminished dopamine release across the entire range of stimulation parameters. In addition, we observed a facilitation of dopamine release at low frequency and pulse number in wild-type mice that is absent in the β2* knockout and chronic nicotine mice. These data suggest that deletion or chronic desensitization of nAChRs reduces the dynamic range of dopamine release in response to dopamine cell activity, decreasing rather than increasing contrast between high and low dopamine activity.
The dynamics of invariant object recognition in the human visual system
Authors: Isik Leyla , Meyers Ethan M. , Leibo Joel Z. , Poggio Tomaso
Published: October 2013

The human visual system can rapidly recognize objects despite transformations that alter their appearance. The precise timing of when the brain computes neural representations that are invariant to particular transformations, however, has not been mapped in humans. Here we employ magnetoencephalography decoding analysis to measure the dynamics of size- and position-invariant visual information development in the ventral visual stream. With this method we can read out the identity of objects beginning as early as 60 ms. Size- and position-invariant visual information appear around 125 ms and 150 ms, respectively, and both develop in stages, with invariance to smaller transformations arising before invariance to larger transformations. Additionally, the magnetoencephalography sensor activity localizes to neural sources that are in the most posterior occipital regions at the early decoding times and then move temporally as invariant information develops. These results provide previously unknown latencies for key stages of human-invariant object recognition, as well as new and compelling evidence for a feed-forward hierarchical model of invariant object recognition where invariance increases at each successive visual area along the ventral stream.
Bayesian decoding using unsorted spikes in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Kloosterman Fabian , Layton Stuart P. , Chen Zhe , Wilson Matthew A.
Published: October 2013

A fundamental task in neuroscience is to understand how neural ensembles represent information. Population decoding is a useful tool to extract information from neuronal populations based on the ensemble spiking activity. We propose a novel Bayesian decoding paradigm to decode unsorted spikes in the rat hippocampus. Our approach uses a direct mapping between spike waveform features and covariates of interest and avoids accumulation of spike sorting errors. Our decoding paradigm is nonparametric, encoding model-free for representing stimuli, and extracts information from all available spikes and their waveform features. We apply the proposed Bayesian decoding algorithm to a position reconstruction task for freely behaving rats based on tetrode recordings of rat hippocampal neuronal activity. Our detailed decoding analyses demonstrate that our approach is efficient and better utilizes the available information in the nonsortable hash than the standard sorting-based decoding algorithm. Our approach can be adapted to an online encoding/decoding framework for applications that require real-time decoding, such as brain-machine interfaces.
Interjoint dynamic interaction during constrained human quiet standing examined by induced acceleration analysis
Authors: Sasagawa Shun , Shinya Masahiro , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: October 2013

Recent studies have demonstrated that human quiet standing is a multijoint movement, whereby the central nervous system (CNS) is required to deal with dynamic interactions among the joints to achieve optimal motor performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the CNS deals with such interjoint interaction during quiet standing by examining the relationship between the kinetics (torque) and kinematics (angular acceleration) within the multi-degree of freedom system. We modeled quiet standing as a double-link inverted pendulum involving both ankle and hip joints and conducted an “induced acceleration analysis.” We found that the net ankle and hip torques induced angular accelerations of comparable magnitudes to the ankle (3.8 ± 1.4°/s2 and 3.3 ± 1.2°/s2) and hip (9.1 ± 3.2°/s2 and 10.5 ± 3.5°/s2) joints, respectively. Angular accelerations induced by the net ankle and hip torques were modulated in a temporally antiphase pattern to one another in each of the two joints. These quantitative and temporal relationships allowed the angular accelerations induced by the two net torques to countercompensate one another, thereby substantially (∼70%) reducing the resultant angular accelerations of the individual joints. These results suggest that, by taking advantage of the interjoint interaction, the CNS prevents the net torques from producing large amplitudes of the resultant angular accelerations when combined with the kinematic effects of all other torques in the chain.
Physical Demand Profiles of Hatha Yoga Postures Performed by Older Adults
Authors: Salem George J. , Yu Sean S.-Y. , Wang Man-Ying , Samarawickrame Sachithra , Hashish Rami , Azen Stanley P. , Greendale Gail A.
Published: October 2013

Understanding the physical demands placed upon the musculoskeletal system by individual postures may allow experienced instructors and therapists to develop safe and effective yoga programs which reduce undesirable side effects. Thus, we used biomechanical methods to quantify the lower extremity joint angles, joint moments of force, and muscle activities of 21 Hatha yoga postures, commonly used in senior yoga programs. Twenty older adults, 70.7 years ± 3.8 years, participated in a 32-wk yoga class (2 d/wk) where they learned introductory and intermediate postures (asanas). They then performed the asanas in a motion analysis laboratory. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data was collected over three seconds while the participants held the poses statically. Profiles illustrating the postures and including the biomechanical data were then generated for each asana. Our findings demonstrated that Hatha yoga postures engendered a range of appreciable joint angles, JMOFs, and muscle activities about the ankle, knee, and hip, and that demands associated with some postures and posture modifications were not always intuitive. They also demonstrated that all of the postures elicited appreciable rectus abdominis activity, which was up to 70% of that induced during walking.
Positive ALDH1A3 and Negative GPX3 Expressions Are Biomarkers for Poor Prognosis of Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Yang Zhu-lin , Yang Leping , Zou Qiong , Yuan Yuan , Li Jinghe , Liang Lufeng , Zeng Guixiang , Chen Senlin
Published: October 2013

Background. Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are highly aggressive cancers with high mortality. However, biological markers for the progression and prognosis of GBC are currently unavailable in the clinic.Objective. To identify biomarkers for predicting GBC metastasis and prognosis.Methods. We examined ALDH1A3 and GPX3 expressions in 46 squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASC) and 80 adenocarcinomas (AC) by using immunohistochemistry.Results. Positive ALDH1A3 and negative GPX3 expressions were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and invasion of SC/ASCs and ACs. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that either positive ALDH1A3(P<0.001)or negative GPX3(P<0.001)expression significantly correlated with decreased overall survival in both SC/ASC and AC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that positive ALDH1A3 expression or negative GPX3 expression was an independent poor-prognostic predictor in both SC/ASC and AC patients.Conclusions. Our study suggested that positive ALDH1A3 and negative GPX3 expressions are closely associated with clinical pathological behaviors and poor prognosis of gallbladder cancer.
Behcet’s Disease: Systemic and Ocular Manifestations
Authors: Paovic Jelena , Paovic Predrag , Sredovic Vojislav
Published: October 2013

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate if patients with Behcet’s disease who have ocular involvement have a more severe form of this disease as compared to patients with Behcet’s disease alone.Methods. A total of 99 patients were included in the study. 76 patients were used as part of the examined group, and 23 patients formed a control group.Results. The following are the results of examined and control groups, respectively: recurrent oral aphthous ulcers 89.5%, 95.7%; genital ulcers 61.8%, 97.0%; articular involvement 72.4%, 65.2%; vasculitis 81.6%, 60.9%; positive pathergy test 25.0%, 47.8%. Higher frequency of genital ulcerations was noted in control group (P=0.001). More than two major criteria were met in 100% of the cases. HLA B51 was present in 78.9% of the cases in the examined group and 43.5% of the cases in control group; thus there is significant difference between them (P=0.001). Visual acuity >0.5 occurred in 76% (examined group). Most frequent ocular manifestations in the examined group were retinal periphlebitis 81.6%, periphlebitis and periarteritis 65%, and serofibrinous uveitis 63.2%. Macular edema as a complication was present in 63.2%. The majority of patients (55.3%) were treated with combined therapy consisting of cyclosporine A and systemic corticosteroids. In 38.2% of patients, laser photocoagulation was used on retinal periphery.
Utility of Activated Nitriles in the Synthesis of Novel Heterocyclic Compounds with Antitumor Activity
Authors: Salman Asmaa S.
Published: October 2013

Reaction of cyanoacetic acid hydrazide (1) with 4-methoxyacetophenone and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (2a,b) afforded the corresponding 2-cyanoacetohydrazide derivatives (3a,b) respectively. The latter compounds were utilized as a key intermediate for the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral data. The antitumor evaluation of some newly synthesized compounds was screened in vitro against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).
A Guide RNA Sequence Design Platform for the CRISPR/Cas9 System for Model Organism Genomes
Authors: Ma Ming , Ye Adam Y. , Zheng Weiguo , Kong Lei
Published: October 2013

Cas9/CRISPR has been reported to efficiently induce targeted gene disruption and homologous recombination in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Thus, we developed a Guide RNA Sequence Design Platform for the Cas9/CRISPR silencing system for model organisms. The platform is easy to use for gRNA design with input query sequences. It finds potential targets by PAM and ranks them according to factors including uniqueness, SNP, RNA secondary structure, and AT content. The platform allows users to upload and share their experimental results. In addition, most guide RNA sequences from published papers have been put into our database.
Symbol Error Probability of DF Relay Selection over Arbitrary Nakagami-mFading Channels
Authors: Alexandropoulos George C. , Sofotasios Paschalis C. , Ho-Van Khuong , Freear Steven
Published: October 2013

We present a new analytical expression for the moment generating function (MGF) of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio of dual-hop decode-and-forward (DF) relaying systems with relay selection when operating over Nakagami-mfading channels. The derived MGF expression, which is valid for arbitrary values of the fading parameters of both hops, is subsequently utilized to evaluate the average symbol error probability (ASEP) ofM-ary phase shift keying modulation for the considered DF relaying scheme under various asymmetric fading conditions. It is shown that the MGF-based ASEP performance evaluation results are in excellent agreement with equivalent ones obtained by means of computer simulations, thus validating the correctness of the presented MGF expression.
Nanobiosensors: Concepts and Variations
Authors: Malik Parth , Katyal Varun , Malik Vibhuti , Asatkar Archana , Inwati Gajendra , Mukherjee Tapan K.
Published: October 2013

Biosensing has been one of the hottest topic attracting scientific minds since long back. It is so as biological entities are very complex and are directly associated with the existence of a healthy environment. The design of biosensors also has witnessed significant changes in the recent past. Biosensors for applications as diverse as food quality estimation, environmental monitoring, and diagnosis of clinical and metabolic complications have come to the fore. Nanotechnology has bestowed some highly exciting ingredients for the improvement of sensing phenomenon. The use of diverse nanomaterials ranging from nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanorods, and nanowires has enabled faster detection and its reproducibility in a much better way. The unique properties of nanomaterials such as high electrical conductivity, better shock bearing ability, and the sensitive responses such as piezoelectric and versatile color based detection mechanisms are only the results of congregation of nanomaterial properties. This paper highlights the different types of biosensors based on different types of nanomaterials and their developmental and implicational aspects.
The Impact on Emergency Department Utilization and Patient Flows after Integrating with a General Practitioner Cooperative: An Observational Study
Authors: Thijssen W. A. M. H. , Wijnen-van Houts M. , Koetsenruijter J. , Giesen P. , Wensing M.
Published: October 2013

Introduction. A new model, an emergency care access point (ECAP) for after-hours emergency care, is emerging in The Netherlands. This study assessed the effect on emergency department (ED) utilization and patient flows.Methods. Routinely recorded clinical ED patient data, covering a six-year period, was collected. Segmented regression analysis was used to analyze after-hours changes over time.Results. 59.182 patients attended the ED before the start of the ECAP and 51.513 patients after, a decrease of 13%. Self-referred ED patients decreased 99.5% (OR 0.003; 95% CI 0.002–0.004). Referred patients increased by 213.4% and ED hospital admissions increased by 20.2%. A planned outpatient follow-up increased by 5.8% (OR 1.968 95% CI 1.870–2.071). The latter changed from fewer contacts to more contacts (OR 1.015 95% CI 1.013–1.017). Consultations at the regional genereral practitioner cooperative (GPC) increased by 26.0% (183.782 versus 232.246).Conclusion. ECAP implementation resulted in a decrease in ED utilization, a near absence of self-referring patients, and a higher probability of hospital admission and clinical follow-up. This suggests either an increase of ED patients with a higher acuity or a lower threshold of admitting referred patients compared to self-referred patients. Overall, increased collaboration with after-hours primary care and emergency care seemed to optimize ED utilization.
Cellular Debris in the Anterior Vitreous in Silent Eyes of Behçet Patients as a Clue of Asymptomatic Ocular Involvement
Authors: Cingu Abdullah Kursat , Türkcü Fatih Mehmet , Yeniad Bariş , Tugal-Tutkun llknur
Published: October 2013

Purpose. To investigate if there is a prognostic implication of the presence of cellular debris in the anterior vitreous in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) without any ocular symptoms.Methods. One hundred and twenty eyes of 60 patients with BD were included in the study. The eyes were divided into two groups according to the presence of cellular debris in the anterior vitreous. The first group included 54 eyes which were cellular debris (+) (group A), and the second group included 66 eyes which were cellular debris (−) (group B). Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed to all patients following routine ocular examination. Patients were called for the six monthly control visits to investigate possible new ocular involvement during followup. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival curves.Results. Seven eyes (13%) in group A and four eyes (6.1%) in group B showed optic disc hyperfluorescence on FA (). None of the eyes with disc hyperflourescence on initial examination developed uveitis attacks in their followup. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis there was a significant difference between the groups (group A 20.6% and group B 4.2%) by means of ocular involvement during their followup (log-rank = 6.85, ).Conclusions. Presence of cellular debris in the anterior vitreous may have prognostic implications in patients with BD screened for ocular involvement.
Modeling, Simulation, and Kinetic Studies of Solvent‐Free Biosynthesis of Benzyl Acetate
Authors: Garlapati Vijay Kumar , Kumari Annapurna , Mahapatra Paramita , Banerjee Rintu
Published: October 2013

Solvent‐free biosynthesis of benzyl acetate through immobilized lipase‐mediated transesterification has been modeled and optimized through statistical integrated artificial intelligence approach. A nonlinear response surface model has been successfully developed based on central composite design with transesterification variables, namely, molarity of alcohol, reaction time, temperature, and immobilized lipase amount as input variables and molar conversion (%) as an output variable. Statistical integrated genetic algorithm optimization approach results in an optimized molar conversion of 96.32% with the predicted transesterification variables of 0.47 M alcohol molarity in a reaction time of 13.1 h, at 37.5°C using 13.31 U of immobilized lipase. Immobilized lipase withstands more than 98% relative activity up to 6 recycles and maintains 50% relative activity until 12 recycles. The kinetic constants of benzyl acetate, namely, Km and Vmax were found to be 310 mM and 0.10 mmol h−1 g−1, respectively.
Epidemic Random Network Simulations in a Distributed Computing Environment
Authors: Villanueva-Oller J. , Acedo L. , Moraño J. A. , Sánchez-Sánchez A.
Published: October 2013

We discuss a computational system following the paradigm of distributed computing, which will allow us to simulate the epidemic propagation in random networks with large number of nodes up to one million. This paradigm consists of a server that delivers tasks to be carried out by client computers. When the task is finished, the client sends the obtained results to the server to be stored until all tasks are finished and then ready to be analysed. Finally, we show that this technique allows us to disclose the emergence of seasonal patterns in the respiratory syncytial virus transmission dynamics which do not appear neither in smaller systems nor in continuous systems.
Secrecy Balancing over Two-User MISO Interference Channels with Rician Fading
Authors: Ni Jiqing , Fei Zesong , Xing Chengwen , Zhao Di , Wang Niwei , Kuang Jingming
Published: October 2013

This paper considers a 2-user multiple-input single-output (MISO) interference channel with confidential messages (IFC-CM), in which the Rician channel model is assumed. The coordinated beamforming vectors at the two transmitters have the similar parameterizations as those for perfect CSI, which could be optimized jointly and achieved by agreeing on the real parameters between the two users. Our main contribution is that a quadratic relationship between the two real-valued parameters can be derived for the Rician channel to reach the ergodic secrecy rate balancing point. Simulation results present the secrecy performance over the 2-user MISO IFC-CM scenario.
The Modern Primitives: Applying New Technological Approaches to Explore the Biology of the Earliest Red Blood Cells
Authors: Fraser Stuart T.
Published: October 2013

One of the most critical stages in mammalian embryogenesis is the independent production of the embryo's own circulating, functional red blood cells. Correspondingly, erythrocytes are the first cell type to become functionally mature during embryogenesis. Failure to achieve this invariably leads toin uterolethality. The recent application of technologies such as transcriptome analysis, flow cytometry, mutant embryo analysis, and transgenic fluorescent gene expression reporter systems has shed new light on the distinct erythroid lineages that arise early in development. Here, I will describe the similarities and differences between the distinct erythroid populations that must form for the embryo to survive. While much of the focus of this review will be the poorly understood primitive erythroid lineage, a discussion of other erythroid and hematopoietic lineages, as well as the cell types making up the different niches that give rise to these lineages, is essential for presenting an appropriate developmental context of these cells.
Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Therapy for Autism: An Open Label Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Sharma Alok , Gokulchandran Nandini , Sane Hemangi , Nagrajan Anjana , Paranjape Amruta , Kulkarni Pooja , Shetty Akshata , Mishra Priti , Kali Mrudula , Biju Hema , Badhe Prerna
Published: October 2013

Cellular therapy is an emerging therapeutic modality with a great potential for the treatment of autism. Recent findings show that the major underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of autism are hypoperfusion and immune alterations in the brain. So conceptually, cellular therapy which facilitates counteractive processes of improving perfusion by angiogenesis and balancing inflammation by immune regulation would exhibit beneficial clinical effects in patients with autism. This is an open label proof of concept study of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) intrathecal transplantation in 32 patients with autism followed by multidisciplinary therapies. All patients were followed up for 26 months (mean 12.7). Outcome measures used were ISAA, CGI, and FIM/Wee-FIM scales. Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scan recorded objective changes. Out of 32 patients, a total of 29 (91%) patients improved on total ISAA scores and 20 patients (62%) showed decreased severity on CGI-I. The difference between pre- and postscores was statistically significant (P<0.001) on Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. On CGI-II 96% of patients showed global improvement. The efficacy was measured on CGI-III efficacy index. Few adverse events including seizures in three patients were controlled with medications. The encouraging results of this leading clinical study provide future directions for application of cellular therapy in autism.
Biomimetic Sulfide Oxidation by the Means of Immobilized Fe(III)‐5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphin under Mild Experimental Conditions
Authors: Zucca Paolo , Cocco Gianmarco , Pintus Manuela , Rescigno Antonio , Sanjust Enrico
Published: October 2013

This paper describes the oxidation of inorganic sulfide to sulfate, minimizing the formation of elemental sulfur. The described catalytic reaction uses dilute hydrogen peroxide at nearly neutral pH values in the presence of a bioinspired, heterogenized, and commercial ferriporphin. A substantial increase of the percentage of sulfide converted to sulfate is obtained in comparison with the yields obtained when working with hydrogen peroxide alone. The biomimetic catalyst also proved to be a much more efficient catalyst than horseradish peroxidase. Accordingly, it could be suitable for large‐scale applications. Further studies are in progress to drive sulfate yields up to nearly quantitative.
A Superlinearly Convergent Method for the Generalized Complementarity Problem over a Polyhedral Cone
Authors: Ma Fengming , Sheng Gang , Yin Ying
Published: October 2013

Making use of a smoothing NCP-function, we formulate the generalized complementarity problem (GCP) over a polyhedral cone as an equivalent system of equations. Then we present a Newton-type method for the equivalent system to obtain a solution of the GCP. Our method solves only one linear system of equations and performs only one line search at each iteration. Under mild assumptions, we show that our method is both globally and superlinearly convergent. Compared to the previous literatures, our method has stronger convergence results under weaker conditions.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Hypoglycemia
Authors: Bairdain Sigrid , Cleary Mark , Lien Chueh , Vernon Ashley H. , Linden Bradley C. , Lautz David B.
Published: October 2013

Obesity is commonplace, and surgical treatment usually includes Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGBs). RYGBs have the most documented side effects including vitamin deficiencies, rebound weight gain, and symptomatic hypoglycemia; fewer series exist describing hypoglycemia following other bariatric operations. We reviewed all patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) at our institution between 2008 and 2012. Three patients were identified to have symptomatic hypoglycemia following LAGB. Mean time from surgery was 33 months (range 14–45 months), and mean weight loss was 32.7 kg (range 15.9–43.1 kg). None of the patients had preexisting diabetes. Therefore, symptomatic hypoglycemia should be investigated irrespective of bariatric operation.
Interrater Reproducibility of Knee Movement Analyses during the Stance Phase: Use of Anatomical Landmark Calibration with a Rigid Marker Set
Authors: Fukaya Takashi , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Wadano Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2013

Objective.Measurements of knee joint movement in gait analysis may result in large errors caused by misplacement of reflective markers by the testers. To properly understand the measurement results, it is important to guarantee the reliability of the measurement method used for the purpose. The aim of this study was to confirm the interrater reproducibility of a measurement method with a rigid marker set (RMS).Methods.The study subjects were four healthy adults, and the testers were three physical therapists. The interrater reproducibility of the measurements was verified by using the coefficient of multiple correlations (CMCs) and the standard error of measurement (SEM).Results.The average CMCs values of 4 subjects in knee joint movement at the stance phase were greater than 0.8, and the average SEM values of 4 subjects in knee joint movement at the stance phase were also relatively good (maximum error: 2.42°).Conclusion.Based on these results, the measurement method with estimation of anatomical landmarks using the RMS can prevent misplacement during attachment of the reflective markers, as long as the testers have sufficient experience in attaching reflective markers.
Influence of Oxygen on Zinc Oxide Films Fabricated by Ion-Beam Sputter Deposition
Authors: Hsu Jin-Cherng , Chiang Yueh-Sheng
Published: October 2013

In this study, zinc oxide films were deposited by an ion-beam sputter deposition in various oxygen partial pressures at room temperature. The films changed the structures from amorphous to polycrystalline with increasing the oxygen partial pressure (). The optimal was found at
Torr because the film prepared at the oxygen partial pressure had the lowest resistivity and the highest transparence in the visible light region. The lowest resistivity results from a great number of oxygen vacancy sites formed on the polycrystalline surface as exposed to the atmosphere. Moreover, the film has the highest XRD peak intensity, smallest FWHM diffraction peak, smallest -spacing, and smallest biaxial stress.
Bis(ammonium) Zoledronate Dihydrate
Authors: Sikorska Małgorzata , Chojnacki Jarosław
Published: October 2013

Neutralization of 2-(1-imidazole)-1-hydroxyl-1,1′-ethylidenediphosphonic acid (zoledronic acid) by an excess of ammonia yielded bis(ammonium) zoledronate dihydrate, {, 2(H4N+), 2(H2O)}. The product is readily soluble in water and forms monocrystals for which the X-ray structural analysis was carried out. The zoledronic anion is of double negative charge due to deprotonation of three P–OH groups and protonation of the nitrogen in the imidazole ring. The structure is stabilized by extensive network of N–H⋯O and O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds expanding through the crystal in plane (002). The imidazole ring is involved in - stacking interactions with its symmetry equivalents related by inversion centers at (1 0 0) and (1 1/2 0), with distances between centroids (Cg–Cg) of 3.819 (2) and 3.881 (2) Å, respectively.
Structural and Optical Properties of Aluminum Nitride Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Choudhary R. K. , Mishra P. , Biswas A. , Bidaye A. C.
Published: October 2013

Aluminum nitride thin films were deposited on Si (100) substrate by pulsed DC (asymmetric bipolar) reactive magnetron sputtering under variable nitrogen flow in a gas mixture of argon and nitrogen. The deposited film was characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), spectroscopic ellipsometry, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). GIXRD results have shown (100) reflection of wurtzite AlN, whereas AFM micrographs have revealed very fine grained microstructure with average roughness in the range 6–8 nm. Spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements have indicated the band gap and refractive index of the film in the range 5.0–5.48 eV and 1.58–1.84, respectively. SIMS measurement has indicated the presence of oxygen in the film.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Livin Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Hua , Gao Ying-tang , Zhang Qin , Jing Li , Liu Tong , Shi Wen-xia , Zhai Dao-kuan , Jing Xiang , Du Zhi
Published: October 2013

In this study, the two-step PV method of immunohistochemistry was used to determine livin protein expression in HCC tissues, pericarcinoma tissues, hepatitis/hepatic cirrhosis tissues, and normal hepatic tissues, and livin protein expression was detected in the blood plasma of patients with HCC before and after surgery, subjects with hepatic cirrhosis and hepatitis, and healthy blood donors using ELISA. Livin protein expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than that in normal hepatic tissues and hepatitis/hepatic cirrhosis tissues, with no significant difference between HCC tissues and pericarcinoma tissues. The HCC patients with positive livin protein expression had a significantly higher survival rate than those with negative livin protein expression. Livin protein expression was significantly higher in the blood plasma of patients with HCC before and after surgery and in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and hepatitis than that in healthy blood donors, whereas livin protein expression in the blood plasma of patients with HCC was not significantly different from that of patients with hepatic cirrhosis and hepatitis. Livin protein expression in HCC tissues did not correlate with that in the blood plasma of the same HCC patients. Livin protein expression may be a potential, effective indicator for assessing prognosis in patients with HCC.
The Microbiology of Olive Mill Wastes
Authors: Ntougias Spyridon , Bourtzis Kostas , Tsiamis George
Published: October 2013

Olive mill wastes (OMWs) are high-strength organic effluents, which upon disposal can degrade soil and water quality, negatively affecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The main purpose of this review paper is to provide an up-to-date knowledge concerning the microbial communities identified over the past 20 years in olive mill wastes using both culture-dependent and independent approaches. A database survey of 16S rRNA gene sequences (585 records in total) obtained from olive mill waste environments revealed the dominance of members ofAlphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes,andActinobacteria. Independent studies confirmed that OMW microbial communities’ structure is cultivar dependant. On the other hand, the detection of fecal bacteria and other potential human pathogens in OMWs is of major concern and deserves further examination. Despite the fact that the degradation and detoxification of the olive mill wastes have been mostly investigated through the application of known bacterial and fungal species originated from other environmental sources, the biotechnological potential of indigenous microbiota should be further exploited in respect to olive mill waste bioremediation and inactivation of plant and human pathogens. The implementation of omic and metagenomic approaches will further elucidate disposal issues of olive mill wastes.
Block Empirical Likelihood for Longitudinal Single-Index Varying-Coefficient Model
Authors: Song Yunquan , Jian Ling , Lin Lu
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we consider a single-index varying-coefficient model with application to longitudinal data. In order to accommodate the within-group correlation, we apply the block empirical likelihood procedure to longitudinal single-index varying-coefficient model, and prove a nonparametric version of Wilks’ theorem which can be used to construct the block empirical likelihood confidence region with asymptotically correct coverage probability for the parametric component. In comparison with normal approximations, the proposed method does not require a consistent estimator for the asymptotic covariance matrix, making it easier to conduct inference for the model's parametric component. Simulations demonstrate how the proposed method works.
Synthesis of MIL‐100(Fe) at Low Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Shi Jing , Hei Shengtao , Liu Huanhuan , Fu Yanghe , Zhang Fumin , Zhong Yijun , Zhu Weidong
Published: October 2013

MIL‐100(Fe), a mesoporous metal‐organic framework (MOF), has a large BET specific surface area and pore volume with the presence of a significant amount of accessible Lewis acid metal sites upon dehydration. The structural characteristics of MIL‐100(Fe) make it a good candidate for potential applications in gas storage, separation, and heterogeneous catalysis. Mainly, this MOF is obtained by the hydrothermal synthesis in a Teflon‐lined autoclave at high temperature (>150°C) under static conditions. However, this method has several disadvantages such as high temperature, high (autogenous) pressure, long time, and comparable low MOF yield. Therefore, development of a facile method for synthesis of MIL‐100(Fe) is vitally important for fundamental understanding and practical application. Herein, MIL‐100(Fe) is synthesized by a facile low‐temperature (<100°C) synthesis route at atmospheric pressure by reaction of metallic iron and trimesic acid in water. Due to our synthesis is conducted with agitation, higher MOF yield (>90%) still could be achieved, suggesting that this simple and energy saving method has the potential to be used practically.