bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal Provocation Test is Useful for Discriminating Allergic, Nonallergic, and Local Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Jang Tae Young , Kim Young Hyo
Published: July 2015

Background

No standard study protocol or diagnostic criteria based on nasal provocation test (NPT) and acoustic rhinometry (AR) results are available for allergic rhinitis.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of NPT plus AR for the differential diagnosis of local allergic rhinitis (LAR), allergic, and nonallergic rhinitis.

Methods

The medical records and skin-prick test (SPT) and NPT results of 262 patients with symptoms of chronic rhinitis were reviewed. Patients were allocated to one of three groups, that is, group A [n = 110, negative SPT result for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP)], group B (n = 53, weakly positive result), or group C (n = 99, strongly positive result).

Results

Twelve patients had a negative SPT result and provoked response in NPT [29% decrease of minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) after DP challenge] were diagnosed to have LAR. After DP challenge, group C showed significant aggravation of nasal symptoms and a greater decrease in acoustic parameters than groups A and B (p < 0.01). In patients with a more than or equal to 2 visual analog scale (VAS) increase in nasal obstruction (NO) after DP challenge, the criterion “a change of total nasal symptom score (TNSS) of more than or equal to 6.5” had 90.6% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, whereas the diagnostic criterion “a total nasal volume (TNV) change at 30 minutes after DP challenge of more than or equal to 27.6%” had 73.4% sensitivity and 58.1% specificity.

Conclusion

NPT with AR could be a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of allergic, nonallergic, and local allergic rhinitis.
Validation of a Clinical Test of Thoracolumbar Dissociation in Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Elgueta-Cancino Edith , Schabrun Siobhan , Danneels Lieven , van den Hoorn Wolbert , Hodges Paul
Published: July 2015

Study Design

Clinical test validation.

Objectives

Preliminary study of concurrent and discriminant validity of a clinical test of thoracolumbar dissociation.

Background

Control deficits of back muscles and trunk movement are common in chronic/recurrent low back pain (LBP). A reliable clinical test to rate an individual's ability to dissociate lumbopelvic movement from the thoracolumbar region has been described. This test rates the performance quality of 5 key aspects against criterion standards.

Methods

Concurrent validity was examined by comparison of clinical test scores (overall score and each individual criterion) against spine kinematics. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparison of scores between pain-free controls and participants with LBP. A receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the optimal cutoff or score to differentiate between good and poor performers.

Results

Concurrent validity was supported by the significant correlation between the total score and motion of the T5 vertebra relative to the S1 vertebra (P<.05). Scores for some (4 correlations of 14 measures) but not all individual criteria were correlated with the kinematic features that each criterion was expected to reflect. Discriminant validity was supported by higher test scores for pain-free controls than for participants with LBP after 2 minutes of training (P = .045). Scores of less than 5.5 were more prevalent in the LBP group (pretraining LBP versus control, 72% versus 35%; P = .008; posttraining LBP versus control, 48% versus 16%; P = .018).

Conclusion

This preliminary study of concurrent and discriminant validity of the test provides a foundation to further investigate its utility to characterize thoracolumbar movement patterns in individuals with LBP. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(9):703–712. Epub 9 Jul 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5590
Neural stem cell isolation and culture from C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Koirala S , Shah S , Khanal L
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION A widely used in vitro culture, the neurosphere assay (NSA) has provided a means to retrospectively identify neural progenitor cells as well as to determine both their selfrenewal capacity. Objective of study was to isolate and compare growth of the embryonic neuronal stem cell and adult neuronal stem cells in presence of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Fibroblastic Growth Factor (FGF2).MATERIALS AND METHODS Embryonic neuronal stem cell were collected from cortical plate of dorsal telencephalon of fifteen C57BL/6 transgenic mice using stereoscopic microscope on 11th gestational day (GD). Adult mammalian neuronal stem cells taken from subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were cultured. The growth for the neurosphere was then observed in interval of 24 and 72 hours.RESULT The adult stem cell culture showed few intact cells with high amount of debris and 9% heterogeneous sphere after 24 hours while only 20 % was observed at the end of 72 hours. Higher proliferation rate was observed in embryonic neurospheres than the adult stem cell culture.CONCLUSION Presence of EGF and basic FGF2 is essential for culture of neurospheres.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 1-3
Clinical study of anemia in women attending the College of Medical Sciences Bharatpur
Authors: Pradhan M
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical profile of Anemia in Women attending the College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan.MATERIALS & METHODS The Study was conducted among 100 women patients attended to the College of Medical Sciences- Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan. Their blood samples were tested and related socio-demographic information was collected. The associated Clinical signs and symptoms with hemoglobin level and the occurrence of anemia were assessed.RESULT The peak incidence of Anemia was in the age group of 20-24 yrs (59.7%), and severity of anemia was correlated with sings and symptoms. Majority of them had Microcytic Hypochromic anemia (43.1%) with serum iron level below normal level and increased TIBC (total iron binding capacity) were observed.CONCLUSION The high prevalence of Nutritional anemia suggests the dietary advice to be emphasized strongly.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 23-28
A case report of Traumatic Asphyxia
Authors: Sah B , Yadav BN , Jha S
Published: July 2015

Traumatic asphyxia is a condition presenting with cervicofacial cyanosis and edema, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and petechial hemorrhages of the face, neck, and upper chest that occurs due to a compressive force to the thoracoabdominal region.In this case report a 52 years old lady who was brought to the mortuary because of death due to traumatic asphyxia as a result of being stampeded by her own cows upon her chest was discussed. Congestion on both the conjunctiva, cyanosis on chin and adjacent upper left side of neck found with a well demarcated area observed between the cyanosed area over face and the normal area of neck. Hematoma was present in the chin and the adjacent neck region.Apart from quickly eliminating organ pathologies and initiation of supportive therapy in a case of traumatic asphyxia, possibility of formation of hematoma in neck after few hours of getting injured should also be considered, as this type of hematoma may contribute to the cause of death.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 51-55
Linear Polyethers as Additives for AOT-Based Microemulsions: Prediction of Percolation Temperature Changes Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Moldes Óscar Adrían , Cid Antonio , Montoya I. A. , Mejuto Juan Carlos
Published: July 2015

Predictive models based on artificial neural networks have been developed for the percolation threshold of AOT based microemulsions with addition of either glymes or polyethylene glycols. Models have been built according to the multilayer perceptron architecture, with five input variables (concentration, molecular mass, log P, number of C and O of the additive). Best model for glymes has a topology of five input neurons, five neurons in a single hidden layer and one output neuron. Polyethylene glycol model's architecture consists in five input neurons, three hidden layers with eight neurons in both first two and five in the last, and a neuron in the last output layer. All of them have a good predictive power according to several quality parameters.
Synthesis and Colloidal-Chemical Properties of Surfactants Based on Alkyl Amines and Propylene Oxide
Authors: Asadov Ziyafaddin H. , Rahimov Ravan A. , Mammadova Khuraman A. , Ahmadova Gulnara A. , Ahmadbayova Saida F.
Published: July 2015

Octyl amine, nonyl amine, dodecyl amine, hexadecyl amine and octadecyl amine are propoxylated with propylene oxide at mole ratios 1 : 1 and 1 : 2. The structure of the synthesized compounds has been identified by IR-and NMR-spectroscopy methods. Colloidal-chemical indices of these compounds have also been determined and their surface-active parameters have been measured, including the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the effectiveness of surface tension reduction (πCMC), the surface excess concentration (Γmax), area per molecule at the interface (Amin), the changes of Gibbs free energies of adsorption (ΔGad) and micellization (ΔGmic). Petroleum-collecting and petroleum-dispersing capacities of the synthesized compounds on the surface of water of varying mineralization degree have been studied.
Study of Tea Saponin Toothpaste
Authors: Ren Huijing , Xiao Qing , Zhou Zhen , Li Xin , Wang Chaojing
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on the ethanol assisted ultrasonic extraction of tea saponin from tea seed cake, an agriculture waste product, and on the application of tea saponin in toothpaste after purification of the extract. From the experiment, the tea saponin toothpaste fulfills the requirement of GB8372-2008 with regard to remove tea and coffee stains.
Inwertsetzung der CO2-Senkenleistung des Waldes: Hindernisse und Möglichkeiten
Authors: Schmid Silvio
Published: July 2015

Valuation of forest carbon sink service: obstacles and opportunities

Forests with increasing standing volumes help to mitigate the impacts of climate change as they act as a carbon sink. Forest enterprises in Switzerland can generate value from the carbon sink service by selling corresponding CO2 certificates on the voluntary market. Up to now, few forest enterprises have taken advantage of this option. Possible reasons for this are presented in this article. The legal and political rules that may influence decisions by forest enterprises are examined with the help of the institutional resource regimes model. The findings are complemented and evaluated using expert interviews in forest enterprises and with political decision-makers. Many factors influence the valorisation of the carbon sink function of the forest. It is hindered, on the one hand, by the fact that use of the sink function competes with other functions of the forests, for instance the production of timber, and, on the other, by widespread scepticism and ignorance as well as high transaction costs. However, it is promoted by low standing volumes, good planning systems and by the existence of nature conservation reserves. To increase valorisation of the carbon sink function of the forest, it is recommended to 1) clarify the trade-offs and synergies between the functions, 2) develop rules (standards) for the voluntary carbon market in Switzerland and 3) make more information available to forest enterprises, so that they can better weigh up the risks and benefits of marketing the carbon sink value of the forest.
Incidence of four canals in root-canal-treated mandibular first molars in Bangladeshi population
Authors: Khan Atiquzzaman , Ahmed Rubaba , Chowdhury Shirin Sultana , Qauder SM Abdul
Published: July 2015

The aim of this in-vivo study was to assess the incidence of four root canals in clinical cases of root-treated mandibular first molars in Bangladeshi population. A clinical study of 135 root canal treated permanent mandibular first molars was conducted. The teeth were examined clinically and radiographically. The results showed that 52.59% of the examined teeth had three root canals (two mesial and one distal), 45.92% had four root canals (two mesial and two distal) and 0.0148% had five root canals (three mesial and two distal). All the teeth had two roots and no three rooted mandibular first molar found. So it can be concluded that the occurrence of three root canals in mandibular first molar is higher but four root canals is also high in Bangladeshi population.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2014; 4 (2): 04-08
Support for Nepal earthquakes survivors by East West Medical and Update Dental College & Hospital
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2015

Abstract not availableUpdate Dent. Coll. j: 2014; 4 (2): 27
Public Processions and Social Context: Challenges in the Search for Community Impact
Authors: Hamilton-Smith Niall , Malloch Margaret , Ashe Stephen
Published: July 2015

Research into the community impact of public processions was commissioned by the Scottish Government in 2013 at the instigation of the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism. This study formed part of a wider project to gather evidence on the nature, extent and impact of sectarianism in, and on, Scottish life. The process of conducting research on the impact of public processions demonstrated the range of conceptual and methodological challenges facing researchers in gathering and analysing evidence in this complex area. These challenges are of broad relevance because many of them confront researchers, policy makers and practitioners alike. More specifically, this article examines some of the challenges that arose in the attempt to identify ‘community’ and subsequently to assess ‘impact’ through an exploration of the contested meanings and significance attributed to certain types of public processions.
The Gluten-Free Diet in the 3rd Millennium: Rules, Risks and Opportunities
Authors: Welstead Lori
Published: July 2015

The gluten-free diet has long been considered the standard treatment for celiac disease. However, a significant number of patients continue to experience persistent symptoms despite following a gluten-free diet. Inadvertent gluten ingestion, fermentable carbohydrates, cross-contamination, and social or financial burdens present obstacles to maintaining a gluten-free diet. Proper diet education and follow-up by an expert Registered Dietitian (RD) is essential to ensure adequate nutrition on the gluten-free diet. Patients may experience unintended weight gain or elevated cholesterol levels after initiating the gluten-free diet due to adequate absorption and healing of the intestines. This review deals with the evolving gluten-free diet, optimal recommendations while considering the overall health of patients, and multi-factorial aspects of the permanent lifestyle change.
Sex and Age Differences in Mortality in Southern China, 2004–2010
Authors: Yu Leibin , Lin Xinqin , Liu Haiyan , Shi Jian , Nong Quanxing , Tang Hongyang , Mao Zongfu
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to describe the mortality patterns in the southern provinces of China, and to provide epidemiologic data on sex and age differences of death outcomes. Reliable mortality and population data from January 2004 to December 2010 were obtained from 12 Disease Surveillance Point (DSP) sites in four provinces of China. Death data from all causes and respiratory disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and influenza, circulatory disease, and ischemic heart disease, were stratified by year, month of death occurrence and sex, seven age groups, and summarized by descriptive statistics. The mean annual mortality rates of the selected 12 DSP sites in the southernmost provinces of China were 543.9 (range: 423.9–593.6) deaths per 100,000 population. The death rates show that noted sex differences were higher in the male population for all-cause, COPD and circulatory diseases. Pneumonia and influenza death rates present a different sex- and age-related distribution, with higher rates in male aged 65–74 years; whereas the death rates were opposite in elderly aged ≥75 years, and relatively higher in young children. This study had practical implications for recommending target groups for public health interventions.
Measuring the Environmental Burden of Disease in South Korea: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yoon Seok-Jun , Kim Hyeong-Su , Ha Jongsik , Kim Eun-Jung
Published: July 2015

Background: This study attempted to measure the environmental burden of disease by examining mortality and disability rates in South Korea, permitting international comparisons. Methods: Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) was used to analyze data from public records. Years of life lost (YLL) and years lost to disability (YLD) were measured in terms of incidence rate and number of deaths. Attributable risks were based on those for WHO Western Pacific Regions. For air pollution, attributable risk was calculated using local PM10 levels and relative risk. Results: The total Korean environmental burden of disease was 17.98 per 1000 persons and the most serious risk factor was air pollution, at 6.89per1000 persons. Occupation was the second highest contributing factor, at 3.29 per 1000 persons, followed by indoor air pollution at 2.91 per 1000 persons. The DALY of air-pollution (indoor and outdoor) was 9.80 per 1000 persons, accounting for more than half of the total environmental burden of disease. The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asthma were 4.07, 3.16, and 1.96 per 1000 persons, respectively. Conclusions: Respiratory illnesses comprised most of the disease burden, the majority of which was linked to air pollution. The present results are important as they could be used to make evidence-based decisions regarding the management of diseases and environmental-risk factors.
Doctor-Shopping Behavior among Patients with Eye Floaters
Authors: Tseng Gow-Lieng , Chen Cheng-Yu
Published: July 2015

Patients suffering from eye floaters often resort to consulting more than one ophthalmologist. The purpose of this study, using the Health Belief Model (HBM), was to identify the factors that influence doctor-shopping behavior among patients with eye floaters. In this cross-sectional survey, 175 outpatients who presented floaters symptoms were enrolled. Data from 143 patients (77 first time visitors and 66 doctor-shoppers) who completed the questionnaire were analyzed. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. We found that women and non-myopia patients were significantly related with frequent attendance and doctor switching. Though the HBM has performed well in a number of health behaviors studies, but most of the conceptual constructors of HBM did not show significant differences between the first time visitors and true doctor-shoppers in this study. Motivation was the only significant category affecting doctor-shopping behavior of patients with eye floaters.
A Comparative Study on the Biosorption of Cd2+ onto Paecilomyces lilacinus XLA and Mucoromycote sp. XLC
Authors: Xia Lu , Xu Xingjian , Zhu Wei , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Wenli
Published: July 2015

The filamentous fungi XLA and XLC isolated from Cd-contaminated soil were identified morphologically and phylogenetically as Paecilomyces lilacinus and Mucoromycote sp., respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cr3+ and Cr6+ in minimum mineral (MM) medium agar plates were 29,786, 2945, 9425, 5080, 1785 and 204 mg·L−1 for XLA and 11,240, 884, 9100, 2540, 3060 and 51 mg·L−1 for XLC, respectively. Favorable biosorption conditions for adsorption of Cd2+ by the tested fungi were investigated. Efficient performances of the biosorbents were described using Langmuir isotherm model, and the predicted maximum biosorption capacities for Cd2+ were 77.61 mg·g−1 of XLA and 79.67 mg·g−1of XLC. Experiments on desorption potential of biosorbents validated their efficacy at a large scale. Results showed that XLA obtained a desorption rate of 84.7% by 2% EDTA and XLC gained a desorption rate of 78.9% by 0.1 M HCl. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested that groups of C–N, COO– for XLA and C–N, CH2 and phosphate for XLC were the dominant binding sites for Cd2+ biosorption. Our results indicated that the fungus XLA, rather than XLC, could potentially be used as an inexpensive, eco-friendly and effective bioremediation agent for the removal of Cd2+ from wastewater.
Does Short-Term Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Influence Brain Hippocampus Gene Expression of Zinc Transporter-3?
Authors: Sopian Nur , Ajat Mokrish , Shafie Nurul' , Noor Mohd , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Rajion Mohamed , Meng Goh , Ahmad Hafandi
Published: July 2015

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have been recognized to improve brain cognitive function. Deficiency leads to dysfunctional zinc metabolism associated with learning and memory impairment. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of short-term dietary omega-3 fatty acids on hippocampus gene expression at the molecular level in relation to spatial recognition memory in mice. A total of 24 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed a standard pellet as a control group (CTL, n = 6), standard pellet added with 10% (w/w) fish oil (FO, n = 6), 10% (w/w) soybean oil (SO, n = 6) and 10% (w/w) butter (BT, n = 6). After 3 weeks on the treatment diets, spatial-recognition memory was tested on a Y-maze. The hippocampus gene expression was determined using a real-time PCR. The results showed that 3 weeks of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improved cognitive performance along with the up-regulation of α-synuclein, calmodulin and transthyretin genes expression. In addition, dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency increased the level of ZnT3 gene and subsequently reduced cognitive performance in mice. These results indicate that the increased the ZnT3 levels caused by the deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids produced an abnormal zinc metabolism that in turn impaired the brain cognitive performance in mice.
Newborn Screening for Glutaric Aciduria Type I: Benefits and limitations
Authors: Heringer Jana , Boy Nikolas , Burgard Peter , Okun Jürgen , Kölker Stefan
Published: July 2015

More than 15 years ago glutaric aciduria type I has been included in newborn screening programmes and pilot studies evaluating the potential benefit of early diagnosis and start of metabolic treatment for patients with this disease have been initiated. At that time many important questions on epidemiology, diagnostic quality, natural history, treatment, and cost effectiveness were not sufficiently answered. In particular, it was rather unknown whether early treatment improves the outcome. After implementation of glutaric aciduria type I in an increasing number of countries, and with careful evaluation of disease course and impact of early treatment, there is now solid evidence that affected individuals do have substantial benefit and that newborn screening for this disease is a cost-effective diagnostic intervention. Despite this success, there are still limitations concerning diagnostic sensitivity for patients with a low excreting phenotype and knowledge on long-term disease outcome. In conclusion, it has become evident that tandem mass spectrometry-based newborn screening for glutaric aciduria type I is a powerful and cost-effective tool to prevent the manifestation of prognostically-relevant movement disorders in the majority of early diagnosed patients.
Imaging of Mitral Valve Prolapse: What Can We Learn from Imaging about the Mechanism of the Disease?
Authors: Durst Ronen , Gilon Dan
Published: July 2015

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common mitral valve disorder affecting 2%–3% of the general population. Two histological forms for the disease exist: Myxomatous degeneration and fibroelastic disease. Pathological evidence suggests the disease is not confined solely to the valve tissue, and accumulation of proteoglycans and fibrotic tissue can be seen in the adjacent myocardium of MVP patients. MVP is diagnosed by demonstrating valve tissue passing the annular line into the left atrium during systole. In this review we will discuss the advantages and limitations of various imaging modalities in their MVP diagnosis ability as well as the potential for demonstrating extra associated valvular pathologies.
Novel Solution for Low-Lying Land Areas Safe from Natural Hazards—Toward Reconstruction of Lost Coastal Areas in Northeast Japan
Authors: Nakajima Toshio , Umeyama Motohiko
Published: July 2015

The imminent fear of water-related hazards such as flooding hangs over low-lying areas, in particular now because climate changes have led to increased hazards, like storm surges, that could result in serious harm. This paper aims to provide a novel solution—namely “the floating platform”—that can transform dangerous low-lying areas into those safeguarded against potential hazards. Additionally, by utilizing this solution as a secure base for society to build atop this new artificial reservoir, we offer a better future role for such areas. Meanwhile, we propose adoption of our concept soon at two low-lying areas in northeast Japan hard-hit by the huge 11 March 2011 tsunami: Sendai’s Arahama coastal district and the still-devastated residential harbor area of Kesennuma, both cities in need of a fresh perspective.
Preparation and Properties of (YCa)(TiMn)O3−d Ceramics Interconnect of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Liou Yi-Cheng , Tsai Wen-Chou , Yen Hao-Hsuan , Chang Yung-Chia
Published: July 2015

(YCa)(TiMn)O3–d ceramics prepared using a reaction-sintering process were investigated. Without any calcination involved, the mixture of raw materials was pressed and sintered directly. Y2Ti2O7 instead of YTiO3 formed when a mixture of Y2O3 and TiO2 with Y/Ti ratio 1/1 were sintered in air. Y2Ti2O7, YTiO2.085 and some unknown phases were detected in Y0.6Ca0.4Ti0.6Mn0.4O3–d. Monophasic Y0.6Ca0.4Ti0.4Mn0.6O3–d ceramics were obtained after 1400–1500 °C sintering. Dense Y0.6Ca0.4Ti0.4Mn0.6O3–d with a density 4.69 g/cm3 was observed after 1500 °C/4 h sintering. Log σ for Y0.6Ca0.4Ti0.6Mn0.4O3–d increased from –3.73 Scm–1 at 350 °C to –2.14 Scm–1 at 700 °C. Log σ for Y0.6Ca0.4Ti0.4Mn0.6O3–d increased from –2.1 Scm–1 at 350 °C to –1.36 Scm–1 at 700 °C. Increasing Mn content decreased activation energy Ea and increased electrical conductivity. Reaction-sintering process is proved to be a simple and effective method to obtain (YCa)(TiMn)O3–d ceramics for interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells.
Wet-Induced Fabrication of Heterogeneous Hump-on-String Fibers
Authors: Song Cheng , Du Ruofan , Zheng Yongmei
Published: July 2015

Inspired by the high adhesiveness of the electrospun fiber, we propose a method to fabricate multi-scale heterogeneous hump-on-string fiber via the adsorption of nanoparticles, the NPCTi which is the hydrolysate of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) and the nanoparticles containing Al (NPCAl) which is produced by the hydrolysis of Trimethylaluminium (TMA, Al(CH3)3). The water collection efficiency of the fibers can be easily controlled via changing not only the size of the beads but also the ratio of the Ti and Al. In addition, we introduce a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to show the pressure distribution of on the surface of the fibers, which gives another explanation regarding the high water collection efficiency.
Positional Distribution of Fatty Acids in Triacylglycerols and Phospholipids from Fillets of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) Fed Vegetable and Fish Oil Blends
Authors: Ruiz-Lopez Noemi , Stubhaug Ingunn , Ipharraguerre Ignacio , Rimbach Gerald , Menoyo David
Published: July 2015

The nutritional and functional characteristics of dietary fat are related to the fatty acid (FA) composition and its positional distribution in the triacylglycerol (TAG) fraction. Atlantic salmon is an important source of healthy long chain omega 3 FA (particularly, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docoxahexaenoic (DHA) acids). However, the impact of lipid sources in salmon feeds on the regiospecificity of FA in the fish TAG remains to be explored. The present study determines the effect of feeding salmon with blends of palm, rapeseed, and fish oil, providing two different EPA + DHA concentrations (high: H-ED 10.3% and low: L-ED 4.6%) on the fillet lipid class composition and the positional distribution of FA in TAG and phospholipids. The regiospecific analysis of fillet TAG showed that around 50% of the EPA and around 80% of DHA was located in the sn-2 position. The positional distribution of FA in phosphatidylcholine (PC), showed that around 80% of the EPA and around 90% of DHA were located in the sn-2. Fish fed the vegetable-rich diets showed higher EPA in the sn-2 position in PC (77% vs. 83% in the H-ED and L-ED diets, respectively) but similar DHA concentrations. It is concluded that feeding salmon with different EPA + DHA concentrations does not affect their positional distribution in the fillet TAG.
Unusual Novel SnoRNA-Like RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Agrisani Alberto , Tafer Hakim , Stadler Peter , Furia Maria
Published: July 2015

A computational screen for novel small nucleolar RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster uncovered 15 novel snoRNAs and snoRNA-like long non-coding RNAs. In contrast to earlier surverys, the novel sequences are mostly poorly conserved and originate from unusual genomic locations. The majority derive from precurors antisense to well-known protein-coding genes, and four of the candidates are produced from exon-coding regions. Only a minority of the new sequences appears to have canonical target sites in ribosomal or small nuclear RNAs. Taken together, these evolutionary young, poorly conserved, and genomically atypical sequences point at a class of snoRNA-like transcripts with predominantly regulatory functions in the fruit fly genome.
What Is the Most Effective Way of Increasing the Bioavailability of Dietary Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids—Daily vs. Weekly Administration of Fish Oil?
Authors: Ghasemifard Samaneh , Sinclair Andrew , Kaur Gunveen , Lewandowski Paul , Turchini Giovanni
Published: July 2015

The recommendations on the intake of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) vary from eating oily fish (“once to twice per week”) to consuming specified daily amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (“250–500 mg per day”). It is not known if there is a difference in the uptake/bioavailability between regular daily consumption of supplementsvs. consuming fish once or twice per week. In this study, the bioavailability of a daily dose of n-3 LC-PUFA (Constant treatment), representing supplements, vs. a large weekly dose of n-3 LC-PUFA (Spike treatment), representing consuming once or twice per week, was assessed. Six-week old healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a Constant treatment, a Spike treatment or Control treatment (no n-3 LC-PUFA), for six weeks. The whole body, tissues and faeces were analysed for fatty acid content. The results showed that the major metabolic fate of the n-3 LC-PUFA (EPA+docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) + DHA) was towards catabolism (β-oxidation) accounting for over 70% of total dietary intake, whereas deposition accounted less than 25% of total dietary intake. It was found that significantly more n-3 LC-PUFA were β-oxidised when originating from the Constant treatment (84% of dose), compared with the Spike treatment (75% of dose). Conversely, it was found that significantly more n-3 LC-PUFA were deposited when originating from the Spike treatment (23% of dose), than from the Constant treatment (15% of dose). These unexpected findings show that a large dose of n-3 LC-PUFA once per week is more effective in increasing whole body n-3 LC-PUFA content in rats compared with a smaller dose delivered daily.
Special Issue on “Modeling and Analysis of Signal Transduction Networks” in the Journal Processes
Authors: Hahn Juergen
Published: July 2015

Biological pathways, such as signaling networks, are a key component of the biological systems of each living cell. [...]
Mapping of Daily Mean Air Temperature in Agricultural Regions Using Daytime and Nighttime Land Surface Temperatures Derived from TERRA and AQUA MODIS Data
Authors: Huang Ran , Zhang Chao , Huang Jianxi , Zhu Dehai , Wang Limin , Liu Jia
Published: July 2015

Air temperature is one of the most important factors in crop growth monitoring and simulation. In the present study, we estimated and mapped daily mean air temperature using daytime and nighttime land surface temperatures (LSTs) derived from TERRA and AQUA MODIS data. Linear regression models were calibrated using LSTs from 2003 to 2011 and validated using LST data from 2012 to 2013, combined with meteorological station data. The results show that these models can provide a robust estimation of measured daily mean air temperature and that models that only accounted for meteorological data from rural regions performed best. Daily mean air temperature maps were generated from each of four MODIS LST products and merged using different strategies that combined the four MODIS products in different orders when data from one product was unavailable for a pixel. The annual average spatial coverage increased from 20.28% to 55.46% in 2012 and 28.31% to 44.92% in 2013.The root-mean-square and mean absolute errors (RMSE and MAE) for the optimal image merging strategy were 2.41 and 1.84, respectively. Compared with the least-effective strategy, the RMSE and MAE decreased by 17.2% and 17.8%, respectively. The interpolation algorithm uses the available pixels from images with consecutive dates in a sliding-window mode. The most appropriate window size was selected based on the absolute spatial bias in the study area. With an optimal window size of 33 × 33 pixels, this approach increased data coverage by up to 76.99% in 2012 and 89.67% in 2013.
Fabrication and Characterization of a CMOS-MEMS Humidity Sensor
Authors: Dennis John-Ojur , Ahmed Abdelaziz-Yousif , Khir Mohd-Haris
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Microelectromechanical System (CMOS-MEMS) device with embedded microheater operated at relatively elevated temperatures (40 °C to 80 °C) for the purpose of relative humidity measurement. The sensing principle is based on the change in amplitude of the device due to adsorption or desorption of humidity on the active material layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles deposited on the moving plate, which results in changes in the mass of the device. The sensor has been designed and fabricated through a standard 0.35 µm CMOS process technology and post-CMOS micromachining technique has been successfully implemented to release the MEMS structures. The sensor is operated in the dynamic mode using electrothermal actuation and the output signal measured using a piezoresistive (PZR) sensor connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The output voltage of the humidity sensor increases from 0.585 mV to 30.580 mV as the humidity increases from 35% RH to 95% RH. The output voltage is found to be linear from 0.585 mV to 3.250 mV as the humidity increased from 35% RH to 60% RH, with sensitivity of 0.107 mV/% RH; and again linear from 3.250 mV to 30.580 mV as the humidity level increases from 60% RH to 95% RH, with higher sensitivity of 0.781 mV/% RH. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the humidity sensor increases linearly from 0.102 mV/% RH to 0.501 mV/% RH with increase in the temperature from 40 °C to 80 °C and a maximum hysteresis of 0.87% RH is found at a relative humidity of 80%. The sensitivity is also frequency dependent, increasing from 0.500 mV/% RH at 2 Hz to reach a maximum value of 1.634 mV/% RH at a frequency of 12 Hz, then decreasing to 1.110 mV/% RH at a frequency of 20 Hz. Finally, the CMOS-MEMS humidity sensor showed comparable response, recovery, and repeatability of measurements in three cycles as compared to a standard sensor that directly measures humidity in % RH.
Node Deployment Algorithm Based on Connected Tree for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Jiang Peng , Wang Xingmin , Jiang Lurong
Published: July 2015

Designing an efficient deployment method to guarantee optimal monitoring quality is one of the key topics in underwater sensor networks. At present, a realistic approach of deployment involves adjusting the depths of nodes in water. One of the typical algorithms used in such process is the self-deployment depth adjustment algorithm (SDDA). This algorithm mainly focuses on maximizing network coverage by constantly adjusting node depths to reduce coverage overlaps between two neighboring nodes, and thus, achieves good performance. However, the connectivity performance of SDDA is irresolute. In this paper, we propose a depth adjustment algorithm based on connected tree (CTDA). In CTDA, the sink node is used as the first root node to start building a connected tree. Finally, the network can be organized as a forest to maintain network connectivity. Coverage overlaps between the parent node and the child node are then reduced within each sub-tree to optimize coverage. The hierarchical strategy is used to adjust the distance between the parent node and the child node to reduce node movement. Furthermore, the silent mode is adopted to reduce communication cost. Simulations show that compared with SDDA, CTDA can achieve high connectivity with various communication ranges and different numbers of nodes. Moreover, it can realize coverage as high as that of SDDA with various sensing ranges and numbers of nodes but with less energy consumption. Simulations under sparse environments show that the connectivity and energy consumption performances of CTDA are considerably better than those of SDDA. Meanwhile, the connectivity and coverage performances of CTDA are close to those depth adjustment algorithms base on connected dominating set (CDA), which is an algorithm similar to CTDA. However, the energy consumption of CTDA is less than that of CDA, particularly in sparse underwater environments.
Performance Evaluation and Requirements Assessment for Gravity Gradient Referenced Navigation
Authors: Lee Jisun , Kwon Jay , Yu Myeongjong
Published: July 2015

In this study, simulation tests for gravity gradient referenced navigation (GGRN) are conducted to verify the effects of various factors such as database (DB) and sensor errors, flight altitude, DB resolution, initial errors, and measurement update rates on the navigation performance. Based on the simulation results, requirements for GGRN are established for position determination with certain target accuracies. It is found that DB and sensor errors and flight altitude have strong effects on the navigation performance. In particular, a DB and sensor with accuracies of 0.1 E and 0.01 E, respectively, are required to determine the position more accurately than or at a level similar to the navigation performance of terrain referenced navigation (TRN). In most cases, the horizontal position error of GGRN is less than 100 m. However, the navigation performance of GGRN is similar to or worse than that of a pure inertial navigation system when the DB and sensor errors are 3 E or 5 E each and the flight altitude is 3000 m. Considering that the accuracy of currently available gradiometers is about 3 E or 5 E, GGRN does not show much advantage over TRN at present. However, GGRN is expected to exhibit much better performance in the near future when accurate DBs and gravity gradiometer are available.
Ultrasonic Lateral Displacement Sensor for Health Monitoring in Seismically Isolated Buildings
Authors: Matsuya Iwao , Matsumoto Fumiya , Ihara Ikuo
Published: July 2015

An ultrasonic lateral displacement sensor utilizing air-coupled ultrasound transducers is proposed. The normally-distributed far field of an ultrasound transducer in a lateral direction is taken advantage of for measuring lateral displacement. The measurement system is composed of several air-coupled ultrasound transducers as a receiver and several transmitters. The transmitters are immobilized at a fixed point, whereas the receiver set-up is separately arranged on the opposite side. In order to improve measurement accuracy, a correction method that utilizes polynomial approximation is introduced. The difference between the corrected lateral displacement and the reference displacement is estimated to be 0.2 mm at maximum for the two transmitters system. A good responsiveness is demonstrated by conducting a dynamic response experiment. When five transmitters are arranged, their measurement range is easily extended up to ±60 mm with an accuracy of 0.7 mm. In both cases, the fluctuations to the measurement ranges show less than 1%. These results indicate that the developed sensor system is useful for measuring relative lateral displacement of a seismically isolated building in the field of structural health monitoring.
Different Roles of N-Terminal and C-Terminal Domains in Calmodulin for Activation of Bacillus anthracis Edema Factor
Authors: Lübker Carolin , Dove Stefan , Tang Wei-Jen , Urbauer Ramona , Moskovitz Jackob , Urbauer Jeffrey , Seifert Roland
Published: July 2015

Bacillus anthracis adenylyl cyclase toxin edema factor (EF) is one component of the anthrax toxin and is essential for establishing anthrax disease. EF activation by the eukaryotic Ca2+-sensor calmodulin (CaM) leads to massive cAMP production resulting in edema. cAMP also inhibits the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, thus reducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) used for host defense in activated neutrophils and thereby facilitating bacterial growth. Methionine (Met) residues in CaM, important for interactions between CaM and its binding partners, can be oxidized by ROS. We investigated the impact of site-specific oxidation of Met in CaM on EF activation using thirteen CaM-mutants (CaM-mut) with Met to leucine (Leu) substitutions. EF activation shows high resistance to oxidative modifications in CaM. An intact structure in the C-terminal region of oxidized CaM is sufficient for major EF activation despite altered secondary structure in the N-terminal region associated with Met oxidation. The secondary structures of CaM-mut were determined and described in previous studies from our group. Thus, excess cAMP production and the associated impairment of host defence may be afforded even under oxidative conditions in activated neutrophils.
Thoracic non-osseous lesions in cancer patients detected in low-dose CT images acquired as part of skeletal SPECT/CT examinations
Authors: Lell M. , May M. S. , Saake M. , Kuwert T. , Uder M. , Linke R. , Wuest W.
Published: July 2015

Aim: Hybrid single-photon emission tomographic (SPECT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems are increasingly used in oncologic imaging. With SPECT/CT not only the thoracic spine but also the surrounding soft tissue needs to be evaluated for pathological findings. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of non-osseous findings detectable on low-dose CT datasets from patients studied by thoracic 99mTc-dicarboxypropane diphosphonate (DPD)-SPECT/CT. Patients, methods: 119 consecutive oncologic patients (81 breast cancer, 38 with other cancer) who underwent DPDSPECT CT of the thoracic region were included in this study. Non-osseous findings on CT were classified as either probably benign or suspicious. Suspicious findings were correlated with retrievable previous imaging and if performed with follow up imaging (MRI, CT with contrast medium, Ultrasound) or biopsy results. Results: In 80/119 (67%) patients no imaging was performed before SPECT/CT. Only 7/119 subjects (6%) had no other lesions than bone lesions. In 101/119 (85%) patients lesions found on SPECT/CT images were rated as benign and in 65/119 (55%) patients as suspicious. In 8/119 (7%) patients with previously unknown suspicious lesions on SPECT/ CT images suspicious findings were confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion: 7% of patients referred to SPECT/CT of the thoracic spine for staging of malignant disease had previously unknown suspicious non-osseous lesions detectable on the low-dose CT images which were confirmed by biopsy. This could be especially relevant for cancer entities like breast and prostate, in which no thorax-CT is routinely intended for staging.
18F-FDG PET/CT is a prognostic biomarker in patients affected by bone metastases from breast cancer in comparison with 18F-NaF PET/CT
Authors: Piccardo A. , Puntoni M. , Morbelli S. , Bongioanni F. , Paparo F. , Altrinetti V. , Gonella R. , Gennari A. , Iacozzi M. , Sambuceti G. , DeCensi A. , Massollo M.
Published: July 2015

Aim: To compare 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-NaF PET/CT with respect to disease prognostication and outcome in patients affected by bone metastases from breast cancer (BC). Patients, methods: We retrospectively investigated 32 women with BC and documented bone metastases. Semi-quantitative parameters were applied to 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-Na PET/CT in order to evaluate disease extent and tumour metabolism. We used time-to-event analyses (Kaplan Meier and COX proportional hazard methods) to estimate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in order to assess the independent prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-Na PET/CT. Results: The sensitivity of 18F-NaF PET/CT (100%) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of 18F-FDG PET/CT (72% and 72%). None of the 18F-FDG PET/CT-negative patients showed disease progression at the end of follow-up. After adjustment for age, Ki-67 levels, presence of visceral metastases, hormone therapy, duration of bone disease and response to first-line therapy, only 18F-FDG SUV mean [HR 15.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-214.5] and 18F-FDG whole-body bone metabolic burden (WB-B-MB) (HR 16.9; 95%CI 1.87-152.2) were independently and significantly associated with OS. None of the 18F-NaF PET/CT parameters were associated with OS. None of the conventional clinical prognostic parameters remained significantly associated with OS after the inclusion of PET/ CT parameters in the model. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT is independently associated with OS in BC patients with bone metastases and its prognostic impact seems to be higher than conventional clinical and biological prognostic factors. Although 18F-NaF PET/CT has a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET/ CT, it is not independently associated with OS.
shRNA Depletion of cIAP1 Sensitizes Human Ovarian Cancer Cells to Anticancer Agent-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Jin Hong , Dong You-Yuan , Zhang Hong , Cui Ying , Xie Kai , Lou Ge
Published: July 2015

Emerging evidence suggests a potential role of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) in the development of human ovarian cancer. However, its function in the progression of ovarian cancer has not been clearly determined. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of cIAP1
gene depletion on the chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells. We developed a novel short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid specifically targeting cIAP1. Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of the shRNA-transfected cells were evaluated using MTT, Transwell chamber, and flow cytometric assays,
respectively. The concentration of MMP-9 in the supernatant was detected by ELISA. Targeted depletion of cIAP1 by shRNA significantly reduced expression levels of cIAP1 mRNA and protein, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion capability in SKOV3 cells. At the same time, cIAP1
downregulation decreased the secretion of MMP-9. shRNA depletion of cIAP1 enhanced chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to Taxol and carboplatin-induced apoptosis. cIAP1 is associated with tumor progression in human ovarian cancer. Therefore, cIAP1 might be a potential target for therapeutic
anticancer drugs.
In Search of Y/N S-Aux: A Study of Answers to Yes-No Questions in English
Authors: Olsen Judy E. Winn-Bell
Published: July 2015

Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1980), pp. 400-422
Inscrutability Revisited
Authors: Young Linda Wai Ling
Published: July 2015

Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1980), pp. 219-226