bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actigraph Evaluation of Acupuncture for Treating Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Pan Weidong , Wang Mingzhe , Li Mao , Wang Qiudong , Kwak Shin , Jiang Wenfei , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: February 2015

We evaluated the effects of acupuncture in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) by actigraph recordings. Among the 38 patients with RLS enrolled, 31 (M=12,F=19; mean age,47.2±9.7years old) completed the study. Patients were treated with either standard acupuncturen=15or randomized acupuncturen=16in a single-blind manner for 6 weeks. Changes in nocturnal activity (NA) and early sleep activity (ESA) between week 0 (baseline), week 2, week 4, and week 6 were assessed using leg actigraph recordings, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLSRS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Standard but not randomized acupuncture reduced the abnormal leg activity of NA and ESA significantly in week 2, week 4, and week 6 based on the changes in the clinical scores for IRLSRS and ESS in week 4 and week 6 compared with the baseline. No side effects were observed. The results indicate that standard acupuncture might improve the abnormal leg activity in RLS patients and thus is a potentially suitable integrative treatment for long-term use.
A Simple and Facile Solvothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical PbS Microstars with Multidendritic Arms and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Li Yong-Fang , Zhang Ming , Yang Qi-Jing , Zhang Feng-Xian , Zheng Mei-Qi , Wang Ai-Jun
Published: February 2015

A simple and facile approach was developed in the solvothermal synthesis of hierarchical PbS microstars with multidendritic arms, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The morphologies of PbS products were strongly determined by the reaction time and temperature, the ratios of the precursors, and the mixed solvent with various components, and thereby their possible formation mechanism was discussed in some detail. The as-prepared PbS crystals displayed a sharp and strong photoluminescent peak at 437 nm at room temperature. It has potential and practical applications in photoluminescence, photovoltaics, IR photodetectors, electroluminescence, and solar absorbers.
Electroacupuncture Stimulates Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix by Inhibiting Apoptosis in a Rabbit Model of Disc Degeneration
Authors: Huang Guo-fu , Zou Jing , Shi Jing , Zhang Dong-you , Peng Hong-fen , Zhang Qi , Gao Yu , Wang Bo-yi , Zhang Tang-fa
Published: February 2015

The present study was designed to determine whether EA stimulates remodeling of extracellular matrix by inhibiting apoptosis in degenerated disc. 40 rabbits were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Animal model was established by a loading device. Magnetic resonance imaging and Pfirrmann’s classification were obtained to evaluate both the model and the EA treatment on disc degeneration. The ultrastructure of discs was observed by TEM. Apoptosis involvement was determined with TUNEL staining and western blot for the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. The results indicated that EA intervention decreased the MRI grades. TEM analysis showed an apparent remodeling and rearrangement of disc ECM after EA intervention for 28 days. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the EA group was significantly lower than that in the compression group. The protein expression demonstrated an antiapoptosis effect mediated by EA. Increased expression of Bcl-2 proteins and reduced Bax protein expression were detected after 28 days treatment. It was concluded that antiapoptosis pathway probably participates in the mechanism of EA stimulating the remodeling of ECM in disc degeneration.
Occupational Performance and Affective Symptoms for Patients with Depression Disorder
Authors: Daremo Åsa , Kjellberg Anette , Haglund Lena
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to describe recovering over time in occupational performance and in affective symptoms for patients with depression disorder by using different assessments and methods for collecting data. A longitudinal design with data collections on repeated occasions was used. The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview and Rating Scale and Occupational Self-Assessment were used for measuring occupational performance, and for affective symptoms, a Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale Self-Assessment was used. Fourteen patients with depression disorder were included in the study. The result indicates that affective symptoms improve earlier than occupational performance. Furthermore, self-assessment seems to reflect more improvement to the patient than interview-based assessment. Different kinds of assessment and different kinds of data collection methods seem to facilitate the understanding of the patients recovering. In addition habituation was the most important item for the patients to manage. One implication for practice is that patients may need an extended period of treatment supporting occupational performance.
A Rare and Unexpected Side-Effect of Cannabis Use: Abdominal Pain due to Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Akkucuk Mehmet Husamettin , Erbayrak Mustafa
Published: February 2015

Acute pancreatitis is a frequently encountered disorder in patients presenting to emergency units. Biliary system disorders, alcohol consumption, infections, and drugs are among the causes of acute pancreatitis. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine the etiology of this disorder, particularly if the patient does not wish to disclose his consumption of cannabis, the use of which is illegal.
Physiological Properties of Supragranular Cortical Inhibitory Interneurons Expressing Retrograde Persistent Firing
Authors: Imbrosci Barbara , Neitz Angela , Mittmann Thomas
Published: February 2015

Neurons are polarized functional units. The somatodendritic compartment receives and integrates synaptic inputs while the axon relays relevant synaptic information in form of action potentials (APs) across long distance. Despite this well accepted notion, recent research has shown that, under certain circumstances, the axon can also generate APs independent of synaptic inputs at axonal sites distal from the soma. These ectopic APs travel both toward synaptic terminals and antidromically toward the soma. This unusual form of neuronal communication seems to preferentially occur in cortical inhibitory interneurons following a period of intense neuronal activity and might have profound implications for neuronal information processing. Here we show that trains of ectopically generated APs can be induced in a large portion of neocortical layer 2/3 GABAergic interneurons following a somatic depolarization inducing hundreds of APs. Sparsely occurring ectopic spikes were also observed in a large portion of layer 1 interneurons even in absence of prior somatic depolarization. Remarkably, we found that interneurons which produce ectopic APs display specific membrane and morphological properties significantly different from the remaining GABAergic cells and may therefore represent a functionally unique interneuronal subpopulation.
Gibbs Thermodynamics of the Renninger-Wilemski Problem
Authors: Kurasov Victor
Published: February 2015

The Renninger-Wilemski problem in nucleation is analyzed. The Gibbs dividing surfaces method with external parameters is used to enrich the initial model. It is shown that both the traditional (Doyle) model and the Renninger-Wilemski model are not complete ones and, namely, the Gibbs dividing surface approach can solve this problem. It is shown that the application of the Gibbs approach also requires some model constructions. The simplified Gibbs model is proposed. It is shown that the simplified Gibbs model gives for the height of activation barrier the same numerical results as the Renninger-Wilemski model.
Development of the Noncontact Temperature Sensor Using the Infrared Optical Fiber Coated with Antifog Solution
Authors: Kim Rinah , Park Chan Hee , Lee Arim , Moon Joo Hyun
Published: February 2015

This study developed a noncontact fiber-optic temperature sensor that can be installed in a spent nuclear fuel pool. This fiber-optic temperature sensor was fabricated using an infrared optical fiber to transmit the infrared light emitted from water at a certain temperature. To minimize the decrease in the detection efficiency of the fiber-optic temperature sensor due to vapor generation, its surface was coated by spraying an antifog solution and drying several times. The measurement data of the fiber-optic temperature sensor was almost linear in the range of 30~70°C. This sensor could be used as an auxiliary temperature monitoring system in a spent nuclear fuel pool.
Methodological Issues on Planning and Running the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth
Authors: Lajos Giuliane J. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Passini Renato , Dias Tabata Z. , Nomura Marcelo L. , Rehder Patrícia M. , Haddad Samira M. , Sousa Maria H. , Cecatti Jose G. , Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth Study Group
Published: February 2015

Objectives. Assuming that the occurrence of preterm births and their maternal and neonatal associated conditions in Brazil are not completely known, a multicenter study was proposed. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods used, its processes, achievements, and challenges. Study Design. A multicenter cross‐sectional study on preterm births in Brazilian facilities plus a nested case‐control study to assess their associated factors. A description of all steps of planning and implementing such a nationwide study, including strategies for dealing with problems arising during the process, is presented. Results. 20 referral hospitals in different regions of Brazil participated in the study. A detailed questionnaire for data collection, an electronic platform for data transcription and monitoring, research materials, and specific monitoring tools were developed; then data management and analyses were performed. Finally, we got information on 4,150 preterm births and 1,146 term births. Conclusions. This study represented the first step of a planned comprehensive assessment of preterm birth in Brazil, with detailed information that will lead to several analyses and further studies, bringing the knowledge to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment practices in maternal and perinatal health with the final purpose of reducing the burden of this condition in the country.
Efficient Synthesis of Single‐Chain Polymer Nanoparticles via Amide Formation
Authors: Sanchez-Sanchez Ana , Pomposo José A.
Published: February 2015

Single‐chain technology (SCT) allows the transformation of individual polymer chains to folded/collapsed unimolecular soft nanoparticles. In this work we contribute to the enlargement of the SCT toolbox by demonstrating the efficient synthesis of single‐chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) via intrachain amide formation. In particular, we exploit cross‐linking between active methylene groups and isocyanate moieties as powerful “click” chemistry driving force for SCNP construction. By employing poly(methyl methacrylate)‐ (PMMA‐) based copolymers bearing β‐ketoester units distributed randomly along the copolymer chains and bifunctional isocyanate cross‐linkers, SCNPs were successfully synthesized at r.t. under appropriate reaction conditions. Characterization of the resulting SCNPs was carried out by means of a combination of techniques including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and elemental analysis (EA).
Evaluation of Deformable Image Registration Methods for Dose Monitoring in Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Authors: Rigaud Bastien , Simon Antoine , Castelli Joël , Gobeli Maxime , Ospina Arango Juan-David , Cazoulat Guillaume , Henry Olivier , Haigron Pascal , De Crevoisier Renaud
Published: February 2015

In the context of head and neck cancer (HNC) adaptive radiation therapy (ART), the two purposes of the study were to compare the performance of multiple deformable image registration (DIR) methods and to quantify their impact for dose accumulation, in healthy structures. Fifteen HNC patients had a planning computed tomography (CT0) and weekly CTs during the 7 weeks of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Ten DIR approaches using different registration methods (demons or B-spline free form deformation (FFD)), preprocessing, and similarity metrics were tested. Two observers identified 14 landmarks (LM) on each CT-scan to compute LM registration error. The cumulated doses estimated by each method were compared. The two most effective DIR methods were the demons and the FFD, with both the mutual information (MI) metric and the filtered CTs. The corresponding LM registration accuracy (precision) was 2.44 mm (1.30 mm) and 2.54 mm (1.33 mm), respectively. The corresponding LM estimated cumulated dose accuracy (dose precision) was 0.85 Gy (0.93 Gy) and 0.88 Gy (0.95 Gy), respectively. The mean uncertainty (difference between maximal and minimal dose considering all the 10 methods) to estimate the cumulated mean dose to the parotid gland (PG) was 4.03 Gy (SD = 2.27 Gy, range: 1.06–8.91 Gy).
Study on the Calculation Models of Bus Delay at Bays Using Queueing Theory and Markov Chain
Authors: Sun Feng , Sun Li , Sun Shao-wei , Wang Dian-hai
Published: February 2015

Traffic congestion at bus bays has decreased the service efficiency of public transit seriously in China, so it is crucial to systematically study its theory and methods. However, the existing studies lack theoretical model on computing efficiency. Therefore, the calculation models of bus delay at bays are studied. Firstly, the process that buses are delayed at bays is analyzed, and it was found that the delay can be divided into entering delay and exiting delay. Secondly, the queueing models of bus bays are formed, and the equilibrium distribution functions are proposed by applying the embedded Markov chain to the traditional model of queuing theory in the steady state; then the calculation models of entering delay are derived at bays. Thirdly, the exiting delay is studied by using the queueing theory and the gap acceptance theory. Finally, the proposed models are validated using field-measured data, and then the influencing factors are discussed. With these models the delay is easily assessed knowing the characteristics of the dwell time distribution and traffic volume at the curb lane in different locations and different periods. It can provide basis for the efficiency evaluation of bus bays.
Verification of a Real Time Weather Forecasting System in Southern Italy
Authors: Tiriolo Luca , Torcasio Rosa Claudia , Montesanti Stefania , Federico Stefano
Published: February 2015

This paper shows the performance of an operational forecasting system, based on the regional atmospheric modeling system (RAMS), at 3 km horizontal resolution over southern Italy. The model is initialized from the 12 UTC operational analysis/forecasting cycle of the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The forecast is issued for the following three days. The performance is evaluated for a whole year for the surface parameters: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and precipitation. The verification has been performed against SYNOP stations over southern Italy. A dense non-GTS network over Calabria is used for precipitation. Results show that RMSE is about 2-3 K for temperature, 12–16% for relative humidity, 2.0–2.8 m/s for wind speed, and 55–75° for wind direction, the performance varying with the season and with the forecasting time. The error increases between the first and third forecast days. The verification of the rainfall forecast shows that the model underestimates the area of the precipitation. The model output statistics (MOS) is applied to all parameters but precipitation. Results show that the MOS reduces the RMSE by 0–30%, depending on the forecasting time, on the season and on the meteorological parameter.
Antibodies to Infliximab and Adalimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Remission: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Eng Grith P. , Bendtzen Klaus , Bliddal Henning , Stoltenberg Michael , Szkudlarek Marcin , Fana Viktoria , Lindegaard Hanne M. , Omerovic Emina , Højgaard Pil , Jensen Elmo K. , Bouchelouche Pierre N.
Published: February 2015

Objective. To investigate if antibodies towards biological TNF-α inhibitors (anti-TNFi Abs) are present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical remission and to relate any anti-TNFi Abs to circulating level of TNF-α inhibitor (TNFi). Methods. Patients with RA, treated with infliximab or adalimumab, and in clinical remission (DAS28(CRP) < 2.6) were included from 6 out-patient clinics. In blood samples, presence of anti-TNFi Abs was determined by radioimmunoassay, and concentration of bioactive TNFi was measured by a cell-based reporter gene assay. Results. Anti-TNFi Abs were present in 8/44 patients (18%) treated with infliximab and 1/49 patients (2%) treated with adalimumab (p=0.012). In the former group, anti-TNFi Abs corresponded with low levels of TNFi (p=0.048). Anti-TNFi Ab-positive patients had shorter disease duration at initiation of TNFi therapy (p=0.023) but were similar for the rest of the compared parameters. Conclusions. In RA patients in clinical remission, anti-TNFi Abs occur frequently in patients treated with infliximab, while they occur rarely in patients treated with adalimumab. Presence of anti-infliximab Abs is accompanied by low or undetectable levels of infliximab. These data suggest that continued infliximab treatment may be redundant in a proportion of RA patients treated with infliximab and in clinical remission.
A Comparative Evaluation of a Novel Vaccine in APP/PS1 Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Carrera Iván , Etcheverría Ignacio , Fernández-Novoa Lucía , Lombardi Valter Ruggero Maria , Lakshmana Madepalli Krishnappa , Cacabelos Ramón , Vigo Carmen
Published: February 2015

Immunization against amyloid-beta-peptide (Aβ) has been widely investigated as a potential immunotherapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With the aim of developing an active immunogenic vaccine without need of coadjuvant modification for human trials and therefore avoiding such side effects, we designed the Aβ1–42vaccine (EB101), delivered in a liposomal matrix, that based on our previous studies significantly prevents and reverses the AD neuropathology, clearing Aβplaques while markedly reducing neuronal degeneration, behavioral deficits, and minimizing neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Here, the efficacy of our immunogenic vaccine EB101 was compared with the original immunization vaccine cocktail Aβ42+ CFA/IFA (Freund’s adjuvant), in order to characterize the effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in the immunotherapeutic response. Quantitative analysis of amyloid burden showed a notable decrease in the neuroinflammation reaction against Aβplaques when S1P was compared with other treatments, suggesting that S1P plays a key role as a neuroprotective agent. Moreover, EB101 immunized mice presented a protective immunogenic reaction resulting in the increase of Aβ-specific antibody response and decrease of reactive glia in the affected brain areas, leading to a Th2 immunological reaction.
A Comparative Study of Diesel Oil and Soybean Oil as Oil-Based Drilling Mud
Authors: Agwu Okorie E. , Okon Anietie N. , Udoh Francis D.
Published: February 2015

Oil-based mud (OBM) was formulated with soybean oil extracted from soybean using the Soxhlet extraction method. The formulated soybean mud properties were compared with diesel oil mud properties. The compared properties were rheological properties, yield point and gel strength, and mud density and filtration loss properties, fluid loss and filter cake. The results obtained show that the soybean oil mud exhibited Bingham plastic rheological model with applicable (low) yield point and gel strength when compared with the diesel oil mud. The mud density measurement showed that soybean OBM was slightly higher than diesel OBM with mud density values of 8.10 lb/gal and 7.98 lb/gal, respectively, at barite content of 10 g. Additionally, the filtration loss test results showed that soybean mud fluid loss volumes, water and oil, were 13 mL and 10 mL, respectively, compared to diesel oil mud volume of 15 mL and 12 mL. Furthermore, the filtration loss test indicated that the soybean oil mud with filter cake thickness of 2 mm had a cake characteristic of thin and soft while the diesel oil mud resulted in filter cake thickness of 2.5 mm with cake characteristic of firm and rubbery. In comparison with previous published works in the literature, the soybean oil mud exhibits superior rheological and filtration property over other vegetable oil-based muds. Therefore, the formulated soybean oil mud exhibited good drilling mud properties that would compare favourably with those of diesel oil muds. Its filter cake characteristic of thin and soft is desirable and significant to avert stuck pipe during drilling operations, meaning that an oil-based drilling mud could be formulated from soybean oil.
An Energy Distance Aware Clustering Protocol with Dual Cluster Heads Using Niching Particle Swarm Optimization for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ma Dexin , Xu Pengmin
Published: February 2015

Energy efficient utilization is an important criteria and factor that affects the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this literature, we propose an energy distance aware clustering protocol with Dual Cluster Heads using Niching Particle Swarm Optimization (DCH-NPSO). The protocol selects two cluster heads in each cluster, the Master Cluster Head (MCH) and the Slave Cluster Head (SCH), and the selection needs to consider the network state information carefully and deliberately. Simulation results show that the protocol we proposed can balance the energy dissipation and extend the network lifetime effectively.
Kennel Disinfectants forMicrosporum canisandTrichophytonsp.
Authors: Moriello Karen A.
Published: February 2015

The antifungal efficacy of commonly used kennel disinfectants for large surfaces was tested using naturally infective material from untreated animals (M. canisandTrichophytonsp.) soaked and macerated but unfiltered leaving visible fluorescing hairs and/or scales in the test inoculum to create a robust challenge. Disinfectants included sodium hypochlorite (1 : 32 and 1 : 100), enilconazole (1 : 100), accelerated hydrogen peroxide (1 : 16), potassium peroxymonosulfate (1% and 2%), and calcium hypochlorite “dry bleach.” Disinfectants were tested at a 1 : 10, 1 : 5, and 1 : 1 dilution of test inoculum to disinfectant with a 10 min contact time. Good efficacy was defined as a disinfectant resulting in no growth. Control plates grew >300 colonies of each pathogen per plate. Enilconazole, sodium hypochlorite (all dilutions), accelerated hydrogen peroxide, and 2% potassium peroxymonosulfate (but not 1%) inhibited all growth of both pathogens at 1 : 10, 1 : 5, and 1 : 1 dilutions. Calcium hypochlorite showed no antifungal efficacy (>300 colonies per plate). Enilconazole (1 : 100), sodium hypochlorite (1 : 32 or 1 : 100), accelerated hydrogen peroxide (1 : 16), and 2% potassium peroxymonosulfate are recommended for decontamination of kennels exposed to dermatophyte pathogens.
Bisphenol A Induces Apoptosis in Liver Cells through Induction of ROS
Authors: Kourouma Ansoumane , Quan Chao , Duan Peng , Qi Suqin , Yu Tingting , Wang Yinan , Yang Kedi
Published: February 2015

Oxidative stress mechanisms are involved in hepatotoxicity. The liver is reported to be affected by bisphenol A (BPA) in animals studies and has been also reported to possess hepatic toxicity. This study aimed to examine association between liver health status and the effects of BPA on the antioxidant defense systems and liver biomarkers. BPA (0, 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg) body weight was mixed in corn oil and intraperitoneally administered every forty-eight hours for 30 days in dose-dependent manner. There was no significant difference between the body weight and weight of rat liver in BPA-treated groups and control groups. The study results show that the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increased after exposure to BPA. However, the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were significantly (P<0.001,P<0.05, andP<0.001, resp.) decreased at 50 mg/kg dosage. Liver markers activities such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were significantly increased, whileγ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) activity was decreased. BPA exposure increased activity of liver biomarkers indicating liver hyperactivity. Analysis of the liver section provided essential evidence of liver apoptosis. Moreover, BPA may lead to induced toxic response of liver oxidative system.
Enhancing WLAN Performance with Rate Adaptation Considering Hidden Node Effect
Authors: Ahn Chang-Woo , Chung Sang-Hwa
Published: February 2015

In IEEE 802.11 WLANs, many rate adaptation studies have proposed rate adaptation schemes to differentiate channel-related loss and collision loss in order to enhance WLAN performance. Most of these studies focus on rate adaptation schemes on the client side when many clients transmit uplink traffic to an access point (AP). However, considering the high proportion of downlink traffic in WLANs, rate adaptation on the AP side has a greater impact on WLAN performance and is more influenced by the downlink traffic on neighboring APs. In addition, considering that many APs are deployed in the real world, some APs use the same channel and are hidden from each other. In this paper, we first analyze the impact of hidden nodes on the rate adaptation scheme. We then propose a new rate adaptation scheme, called Hidden node Effect aware Rate Adaptation (HERA). HERA optimizes the RTS exchange by utilizing RTS transmission success/failure and makes rate decrease decisions based on frame error rate (FER) in order to enhance WLAN performance. We evaluate the performance of HERA through extensive simulation, comparing it with other well-known rate adaptation schemes. Simulation results show that HERA outperforms other rate adaptation schemes by up to 161% in terms of downlink throughput in hidden node environments.
Robust Vehicle Detection under Various Environments to Realize Road Traffic Flow Surveillance Using an Infrared Thermal Camera
Authors: Iwasaki Yoichiro , Misumi Masato , Nakamiya Toshiyuki
Published: February 2015

To realize road traffic flow surveillance under various environments which contain poor visibility conditions, we have already proposed two vehicle detection methods using thermal images taken with an infrared thermal camera. The first method uses pattern recognition for the windshields and their surroundings to detect vehicles. However, the first method decreases the vehicle detection accuracy in winter season. To maintain high vehicle detection accuracy in all seasons, we developed the second method. The second method uses tires’ thermal energy reflection areas on a road as the detection targets. The second method did not achieve high detection accuracy for vehicles on left‐hand and right‐hand lanes except for two center‐lanes. Therefore, we have developed a new method based on the second method to increase the vehicle detection accuracy. This paper proposes the new method and shows that the detection accuracy for vehicles on all lanes is 92.1%. Therefore, by combining the first method and the new method, high vehicle detection accuracies are maintained under various environments, and road traffic flow surveillance can be realized.
CLK2 Is an Oncogenic Kinase and Splicing Regulator in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yoshida Taku , Kim Jee Hyun , Carver Kristopher , Su Ying , Weremowicz Stanislawa , Mulvey Laura , Yamamoto Shoji , Brennan Cameron , Mei Shenglin , Long Henry , Yao Jun , Polyak Kornelia
Published: February 2015

Genetically activated kinases have been attractive therapeutic targets in cancer due to the relative ease of developing tumor-specific treatment strategies for them. To discover novel putative oncogenic kinases, we identified 26 genes commonly amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and subjected them to a lentiviral shRNA cell viability screen in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Here, we report that CLK2, a kinase that phosphorylates SR proteins involved in splicing, acts as an oncogene in breast cancer. Deregulated alternative splicing patterns are commonly observed in human cancers but the underlying mechanisms and functional relevance are still largely unknown. CLK2 is amplified and overexpressed in a significant fraction of breast tumors. Downregulation of CLK2 inhibits breast cancer growth in cell culture and in xenograft models and it enhances cell migration and invasion. Loss of CLK2 in luminal breast cancer cells leads to the upregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes and a switch to mesenchymal splice variants of several genes, including ENAH (MENA). These results imply that therapeutic targeting of CLK2 may be used to modulate EMT splicing patterns and to inhibit breast tumor growth. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1516–26. ©2015 AACR.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Lobular Breast Carcinoma and Its Variants
Authors: Mucha Dufloth Rozany , Xavier-Júnior José Cândido Caldeira , Moraes Neto Francisco Alves , Janoti dos Santos Karina , Schmitt Fernando
Published: February 2015

Objective: To identify associations between cytological criteria in fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens and histological subtypes of lobular breast carcinoma (classical and other types). Study Design: FNA cytology and mastectomy specimens from 72 cases of invasive lobular breast carcinoma were consecutively retrieved from the files of the Amaral de Carvalho Hospital, Jaú-São Paulo, Brazil. All cases were reviewed regarding five cytological criteria: cellularity, cellular cohesion, presence of inflammation, nucleoli and nuclear atypia. The χ2 test or Fisher's exact tests with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. Results: The classical type showed lower initial cytological diagnosis of malignancy compared to the other variants (p = 0.017; odds ratio (OR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.89-0.80). Moderate/intense cellular cohesion (p = 0.011; OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.73) and mild atypia (p = 0.000; OR 16.15, 95% CI 3.20-81.48) were significantly associated with the classical type of lobular breast carcinoma, while the absence of inflammation (p = 0.082; OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.12-1.15) was marginally associated with the classical type. Conclusions: In cytology, the characterization of lobular carcinoma as malignant is difficult, especially the classical type. The association between cell cohesion and the classical type of lobular breast carcinoma may be one of the factors that complicate this diagnosis.
Maximum Bite Force following Unilateral Fixed Prosthetic Treatment: A Within-Subject Comparison to the Dentate Side
Authors: Al-Zarea Bader K.
Published: February 2015

Objectives: We evaluated the maximum occlusal bite force (MBF) among individuals with fixed partial dentures compared to the opposite dentate side and determined the relationship between MBF and gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Subjects and Methods: A total of 85 subjects (43 males and 42 females, age range 28-66 years) with fixed partial dentures on one side and dentate on the other side participated in the study. The MBF was measured at the first molar area on both sides using a digital hydraulic bite force gauge. The highest MBF value was recorded from three measurements of bite force at each side (with 45-second intervals between measurements). Results: The mean MBF was 596.2 ± 76.3 N at the dentate side and 580.9 ± 74.3 N at the fixed partial denture side. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The MBF values were greater in males as well as in taller and heavier participants. Nevertheless, the BMI had no relationship with MBF values (p >0.05). Conclusions: Within the same subjects, the measured MBF values at the dentate side were higher than those at the fixed partial denture side. Females, lighter, and shorter participants had lower MBF values. Meanwhile, the BMI had no significant relationship to MBF values.
Forms of Circulating Luteinizing Hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor for the Prediction of Early and Late Preeclampsia in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Crovetto Francesca , Figueras Francesc , Crispi Fatima , Triunfo Stefania , Pugia Michael , Lasalvia Luis , Chambers Anne E. , Mills Walter E. , Banerjee Subhasis , Mercadé Imma , Casals Elena , Mira Aurea , Rodriguez-Revenga Bodi Laia , Gratacós Eduard
Published: February 2015

Objective: To explore the value of circulating luteinizing human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) forms for the prediction of preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Case-control study, based on a cohort of 5,759 pregnancies, including 20 early PE, 20 late PE, and 300 controls. We recorded/measured maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery (UtA) Doppler, placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFtl-1), and LHCGR forms (hCG-LHCGR and soluble LHCGR), and their independent predictive values were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: For early PE, the model included black ethnicity, chronic hypertension, previous PE, MAP, UtA Doppler, PlGF, sFlt-1, and LHCGR forms, achieving detection rates (DR) of 83% at 10% of false-positive rates (FPR) [AUC: 0.961 (95% CI: 0.921-1)]. For late PE, the model included body mass index, previous PE, UtA Doppler, PlGF, sFlt-1, and LHCGR forms, with DR of 75% at 10% of FPR [AUC: 0.923 (95% CI: 0.871-0.976)]. In both early and late PE, LHCGR forms improved DR by 6-15%. Conclusions: LHCGR forms improved the prediction for early and late PE. These results should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Extracorporeal Virus Elimination for the Treatment of Severe Ebola Virus Disease - First Experience with Lectin Affinity Plasmapheresis
Authors: Büttner Stefan , Koch Benjamin , Dolnik Olga , Eickmann Markus , Freiwald Tilo , Rudolf Sarah , Engel Jürgen , Becker Stephan , Ronco Claudio , Geiger Helmut
Published: February 2015

Therapeutic options for Ebola virus disease (EVD) are currently limited to (1) best supportive care, and (2) evolving virus-specific therapies, resulting from decades of analyzing one of the world's deadliest diseases. Supportive care ranges from oral or intravenous rehydration therapy and anti-emetics in developing countries to much more extensive life-support interventions in resource-rich countries. Current EVD-specific therapies attempt to either interfere with the earliest steps of viral replication or to elicit a strong immune response against the virus. An entirely new approach is the extracorporeal elimination of viruses and viral glycoproteins by lectin affinity plasmapheresis. Herein, we report for the first time the successful and safe use of lectin affinity plasmapheresis in a patient with severe Ebola virus disease.
Loss of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein-1 Leads to Deterioration of Cardiac Function in Mice and Plays a Role in Human Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sklepkiewicz Piotr , Shiomi Takayuki , Kaur Rajbir , Sun Jie , Kwon Susan , Mercer Becky , Bodine Peter , Schermuly Ralph Theo , George Isaac , Schulze P. Christian , D’Armiento Jeanine M.
Published: February 2015

Background—

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a central role during cardiac development and has been implicated in cardiac remodeling and aging. However, the role of Wnt modulators in this process is unknown. In this study, we examined the role of the Wnt signaling inhibitor secreted frizzled-related protein-1 (sFRP-1) in aged wild-type and sFRP-1–deficient mice.

Methods and Results—

sFRP-1 gene deletion mice were grossly normal with no difference in mortality but developed abnormal cardiac structure and dysfunction with progressive age. Ventricular dilation and hypertrophy in addition to deterioration of cardiac function and massive cardiac fibrosis, all features present in dilated cardiomyopathy, were observed in the aged sFRP-1 knockout mice. Loss of sFRP-1 led to increased expression of Wnt ligands (Wnt1, 3, 7b, and 16) and Wnt target genes (Wisp1 and Lef1) in aged hearts, which correlated with increased protein levels of β-catenin. Cardiac fibroblasts lacking endogenous sFRP-1 showed increased α-smooth muscle actin expression, higher cell proliferation rates, and increased collagen production consistent with the cardiac phenotype exhibited in aged sFRP-1 knockout mice. The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by the demonstration of decreased sFRP-1 gene expression and increased Wisp-1 levels in the left ventricles of patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions—

This study identifies a novel role of sFRP-1 in age-related cardiac deterioration and fibrosis. Further exploration of this pathway will identify downstream molecules important in these processes and also suggest the potential use of Wnt signaling agents as therapeutic targets for age-related cardiovascular disorders in humans.
Influence of Patient Goals of Care on Performance Measures in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Wang Julie , Donovan Linda , Lee Douglas S. , Armstrong Paul W. , Tu Jack V.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Pay for performance programs compare metrics that are risk-adjusted, but goals of care are not considered in current models. We conducted this study to explore the associations between do not resuscitate (DNR) designations, quality of care, and outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Retrospective cohort study with chart review for inpatient quality metrics, 30 day mortality, and readmissions or death within 30 days of discharge in 96 Ontario hospitals participating in the Enhanced Feedback For Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) study in 2004/05. Of 8339 patients (mean age 77 years) with new heart failure, 1220 (15%) had DNR documented at admission (admission DNR, varying from 0% to 36% between hospitals) and 892 (11%) were switched from full resuscitation to DNR during their index hospitalization (later DNR). Death at 30 days was more common in patients with admission DNR (27%) or later DNR (35%) than full resuscitation (3%)—admission DNR was a stronger predictor (adjusted OR 8.6, 95% confidence interval 6.8–10.7) than any of the variables currently included in heart failure 30 day mortality risk models. Hospital-level rankings differed considerably if DNR patients were excluded: 22 of the 39 EFFECT hospitals in the top and bottom quintiles for 30 day mortality rates (the usual thresholds for rewards/penalties in current performance-based reimbursement schemes) would not have been in those same quintiles if admission DNR patients were excluded.

Conclusions—

Alternate goals of care are frequent and important confounders in heart failure comparative studies. Philosophy of care discussions should be considered for inclusion as a potential quality of care indicator.
Dietary Cysteine and Other Amino Acids and Stroke Incidence in Women
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Håkansson Niclas , Wolk Alicja
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose—

Cysteine could potentially lower the risk of stroke through antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. Our aim was to evaluate the hypothesis that cysteine intake is inversely associated with stroke incidence.

Methods—

We used data from the Swedish Mammography Cohort, a population-based prospective cohort of 34 250 women who were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer and had completed a food-frequency questionnaire about diet and other risk factors for stroke in the autumn of 1997. Stroke cases were identified by linkage of the study population with the Swedish Inpatient Register and the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for potential confounders, were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results—

We ascertained 1751 incident cases of stroke during 10.4 years of follow-up. Dietary cysteine intake (mean, 635 mg/d) was inversely associated with stroke risk. The multivariable RR of total stroke comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of cysteine intake was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.97;
P
for trend=0.04). The corresponding RR was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–1.03;
P
for trend=0.12) for cerebral infarction and 0.54 (95% confidence interval, 0.29–1.03;
P
for trend=0.08) for intracerebral hemorrhage. Dietary intake of other amino acids showed no independent (after adjustment for cysteine intake) association with stroke risk.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that dietary cysteine intake may be inversely associated with risk of stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01127698.
Why do wild bonobos not use tools like chimpanzees do?
Authors: Furuichi T. , Sanz C. , Koops K. , Sakamaki T. , Ryu H. , Tokuyama N. , Morgan D.
Published: February 2015

One of the most conspicuous behavioural differences among great apes is the paucity of tool use among wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) in comparison to chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) who are one of the most prolific and skilled tool users in the animal kingdom. This is in spite of the fact that bonobo tool use repertories are as large and diverse as chimpanzees’ in captive settings. In this study, we compared tool using behaviours and potential drivers of these behaviours in the Wamba bonobo population located in central Democratic Republic of Congo with the Goualougo chimpanzee population of northern Republic of Congo. The tool use repertoire of wild bonobos was comprised of only 13 behaviours, compared to 42 for chimpanzees. However, the number of tool behaviours observed in each study site was similar between bonobos and chimpanzees, and many types of tool use for social, self-grooming/stimulation, and comfort/protection functions were commonly used by both species. A marked difference is that 25 of 42 tool behaviours exhibited by chimpanzees are performed for feeding, in contrast to a single report of bonobos using a leaf sponge to drink water. We examined whether the differences in tool use repertoires can be explained by the necessity, opportunity, relative profitability, or invention hypotheses. We found that habitat composition and fluctuation of fruit production at these two sites were similar, particularly when compared with variation observed between sites within each species. Thus it was unlikely that the necessity hypothesis explains the lack of tool use for feeding in bonobos. Though further study at Wamba is needed, we did not identify any obvious differences in prey availability that would indicate differences in tool using opportunities between the sites. This study could not test the relative profitability hypothesis, and further research is needed on whether tool use is the most efficient means of calorie or protein intake for wild apes. Bonobos at Wamba formed much larger and stable parties than chimpanzees at Goualougo, which was contrary to the prediction by the invention hypothesis. Another explanation is that differences in tool use behaviour between bonobos and chimpanzees might not be explained by the current ecological or social conditions, but rather by circumstances during the Pleistocene Epoch. The observed species differences might also reflect divergent behavioural predispositions, rather than actual differences in cognitive abilities.
Non-reciprocal but peaceful fruit sharing in wild bonobos in Wamba
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya
Published: February 2015

Food sharing is considered to be a driving force in the evolution of cooperation in human societies. Previously postulated hypotheses for the mechanism and evolution of food sharing, e.g., reciprocity and sharing-under-pressure, were primarily proposed on the basis of meat sharing in chimpanzees. However, food sharing in bonobos has some remarkably different characteristics. Here I report details pertaining to fruit sharing in wild bonobos in Wamba based on 150 events of junglesop fruit sharing between independent individuals. The bonobos, primarily adult females, shared fruit that could be obtained individually without any cooperation or specialized skills. There was no evidence for reciprocal exchange, and their peaceful sharing seems to contradict the sharing-under-pressure explanation. Subordinate females begged for abundant fruit from dominants; this might indicate that they tested the dominants’ tolerance based on social bonds rather than simply begging for the food itself, suggesting existence of courtesy food sharing in bonobos.
Of Sound Mind? Dementia and Aspects of Assessing Legal Capacity
Authors: Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen Anna , Juva Kati
Published: February 2015

As dementia progresses, it weakens a person’s legal capacity. Both legal and medical aspects are closely intertwined in the assessment of legal capacity. It is a legal problem whose solution requires medical expertise and a medical point of view. It is essential for lawyers to have basic knowledge about the effects of dementing illnesses in order to properly understand medical evidence presented in a case. For a physician it is necessary to have knowledge about different kinds of legal capacities and the complexity of legal assessment.
Notes on the Prooemium in Musicam Plutarchi ad Titum Pyrrhynum by Carlo Valgulio (Brescia 1507)
Authors: Meriani Angelo
Published: February 2015

The Prooemium in Musicam Plutarchi ad Titum Pyrrhinum, written by Carlo Valgulio at the end of the 15th century and published in Brescia in 1507 as an introduction to his Latin translation of the Plutarchean De musica, was one of the first descriptions and re-evaluations of ancient Greek music in the Modern Age. It was an extremely important text for music theorists such as Franchino Gaffurio, Vincenzo Galilei and Gioseffo Zarlino. This text is based upon a wide range of Greek sources, almost all of which derive from Porphyry’s Commentary on Ptolemy’s Harmonics. On the basis of manuscripts that were at his disposal, Valgulio produced the first Latin translations of all of these materials, commented on them and related them to his general argument, often adding personal observations. This study examines several passages of this text dealing with psycho-musicological topics, with the conative function of music and the relationship between music and dance.
Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). XIII. Systematics of Miconia subcompressa, a Hispaniolan endemic comprised of three eco-geographic subspecies
Authors: Judd Walter Stephen , Majure Lucas Charles , Ionta Gretchen Mary , Neubig Kurt Maximillian
Published: February 2015

The pattern of morphological variation in Miconia subcompressa, a species endemic to the mountains of southern Hispaniola, is assessed by a consideration of numerous herbarium specimens (many collected by the authors) and a phenetic (Principal Components) analysis of 14 vegetative characters, and morphological entities are compared with a phylogenetic hypothesis based on nrDNA-sequence variation (ITS, ETS) including several accessions of this species (from across its geographic and elevational range) as well as related species of Miconia sect. Chaenopleura, especially those of the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti. Our morphological data, incorporating recently collected herbarium material, indicate that the populations of M. subcompressa from the Monteada Nueva region (= Loma Trocha de Pey) are diagnosable morphologically from those of the Massif de la Selle and Massif de la Hotte, and these plants are described here as Miconia subcompressa subsp. beverlyana. Additionally, this study supports the recognition of the populations from moist pine forest/cloud forest habitats of the Massif de la Hotte, occurring mainly from 1450–2300 m, as M. subcompressa subsp. plumieri (= M. plumerii, sic). Finally, Miconia subcompressa may be paraphyletic, as preliminary molecular evidence suggests that M. xenotricha may have arisen within its phylogenetic structure.