bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised study of the effects of supplemental exercise sessions after a 7‐week chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rehabilitation program
Authors: Linneberg Allan , Rasmussen Mathilde , Buch Tove Fedder , Wester Anette , Malm Laila , Fannikke Gitte , Vest Susanne
Published: June 2011

Background:  Several studies have suggested that the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rehabilitation programs tend to attenuate with time. We aimed to investigate the effects of supplemental exercise sessions following an initial 7‐week COPD rehabilitation program with regard to exercise capacity and disease‐specific quality of life (QoL).

Methods:  We performed a 7‐week COPD rehabilitation program in 140 COPD patients. Patients (n = 118) who completed the initial program were randomised for additional six supervised supplemental exercise sessions or three follow‐up examinations without exercise. Both groups were followed for 12 months. Primary end‐points were QoL as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score and exercise capacity as measured by the endurance shuttle walking time (ESWT).

Results:  A marked increase in ESWT (from 193 to 921 s) and a moderate decrease in total SGRQ score (2.5 points) was obtained during the initial 7 weeks rehabilitation program. The ESWT declined moderately and was 645 s at week 52 in both the intervention and control group. Unexpectedly, QoL increased slightly in the control group, while it decreased slightly in the intervention group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the observed changes in QoL or ESWT at any time point.

Conclusions:  In conclusion, a program of six supplemental exercise sessions following the initial 7‐week COPD rehabilitation program did not have any effect on ESWT or QoL during a 1‐year follow‐up.

Please cite this paper as: Linneberg A, Rasmussen M, Buch TF, Wester A, Malm L, Fannikke G and Vest S. A randomised study of the effects of supplemental exercise sessions after a 7‐week chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rehabilitation program. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 112–119.
A nationwide surveillance scheme for equine grass sickness in Great Britain: Results for the period 2000–2009
Authors: WYLIE C. E. , PROUDMAN C. J. , McGORUM B. C. , NEWTON J. R.
Published: June 2011

Reasons for performing study: Equine grass sickness (EGS) remains a frequently fatal disease of equids in Great Britain (GB). The first nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS was developed to obtain information on the occurrence of EGS and to help facilitate future proposed intervention studies, such as vaccine trials.

Objectives: To collect both retrospective and prospective data on cases of EGS occurring in GB since 2000 and to assess potential risk factors for categories of EGS and survival after chronic EGS.

Methods: Prospective data were collected using a nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS that was developed and initiated in 2007. Data were collected by means of postal and online questionnaires documenting both retrospective premises‐level and prospective case‐level information. Data on outcomes of EGS category and survival after chronic grass sickness (CGS) were analysed using univariable logistic regression.

Results: Descriptive data for 1410 EGS cases occurring in GB in the decade between the beginning of 2000 and the end of 2009 are presented. Univariable logistic regression analyses identified that CGS cases in Scotland were significantly more likely to survive than those occurring elsewhere in GB. There was no relationship between case details and the category of EGS or the outcome among CGS cases.

Conclusions: EGS affected equids throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Although an overall average of 141 cases were reported to the nationwide surveillance scheme annually, this number of cases was not consistent between years. Around 50% of CGS cases survived, although regional differences in survival rates existed, probably due to variation in expertise of care and/or disease severity.

Potential relevance: This study provides information on the spatiotemporal occurrence of EGS in GB during the last decade. Data from the nationwide surveillance scheme can be used in developing protocols for future intervention studies such as Clostridium botulinum vaccine trials.
Latent class models for testing monotonicity and invariant item ordering for polytomous items
Authors: Ligtvoet Rudy , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: June 2011

Two assumptions that are relevant to many applications using item response theory are the assumptions of monotonicity (M) and invariant item ordering (IIO). A latent class model is proposed for ordinal items with inequality constraints on the class‐specific item means. This model is used as a tool for testing for violations of M and IIO. A Gibbs sampling scheme is used for estimating the model parameters. It is shown that the deviance information criterion can be used as an overall test of M and IIO, while posterior predictive checks can be used to test these assumptions at the item level. A real data application illustrates a model‐fitting strategy for detecting items that violate M and IIO.
Joint Probability Formulation for Multiobjective Optimization Under Uncertainty
Authors: Rangavajhala Sirisha , Mahadevan Sankaran
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a new approach to solve multiobjective optimization problems under uncertainty. Unlike the existing state-of-the-art, where means/variances of the objectives are used to ensure optimality, we employ a distributional formulation. The proposed formulations are based on joint probability, i.e., probability that all objectives are simultaneously bound by certain design thresholds under uncertainty. For minimization problems, these thresholds can be viewed as the desired upper bounds on the individual objectives. The tradeoffs are illustrated using the so-called decision surface, which is the surface of maximized joint probabilities for a set of design thresholds. Two optimization formulations to generate the decision surface are proposed, which provide the designer with the distinguishing capability that is not available in the existing literature, namely, decision making under uncertainty, while ensuring joint objective performance: (1) Maximum probability design: Given a set of thresholds (preferences within each objective), find a design that maximizes the joint probability while using a probabilistic aggregation as against an ambiguous weight-based method. (2) Optimum threshold design: Given a designer-specified joint probability, find a set of thresholds that satisfy the joint probability specification while allowing for a specification of preferences among the objectives.
Design of an Experimental Setup for Testing Multiphysical Effects on High Speed Mini Rotors
Authors: Dikmen Emre , van der Hoogt Peter J. M. , de Boer André , Aarts Ronald G. K. M. , Jonker Ben
Published: June 2011

Recently, there have been numerous research projects on the development of minirotating machines. These machines mostly operate at speeds above the first critical speed and have special levitation systems. Besides, the multiphysical effects become significant in small scale. Therefore, advanced modeling approaches should be developed and innovative experimental rigs with the foregoing requirements should be constructed in order to test the developed techniques. In the current study, the design of an experimental setup for testing the multiphysical effects has been outlined. First, the previously developed multiphysical models (Dikmen, E., van der Hoogt, P., de Boer, A., and Aarts, R., 2010, “Influence of Multiphysical Effects on the Dynamics of High Speed Minirotors—Part I: Theory,” J. Vibr. Acoust., 132, p. 031010; Dikmen, E., van der Hoogt, P., de Boer, A., and Aarts, R., 2010, “Influence of Multiphysical Effects on the Dynamics of High Speed Minirotors—Part II: Results,” J. Vibr. Acoust., 132, p. 031011) for the analysis of small scale rotors are described briefly for background information. Second, an analysis of the effect of the rotor parameters (diameter, length, rotation speed, etc.) on the dynamics of the rotor under multiphysical effects is presented. Afterward the design process which includes the design decisions based on these results, the availability, simplicity, and applicability of each component is presented in detail. Finally, the experimental results have been presented and the efficiency of the design has been evaluated. In summary, the design requirements for an experimental setup for testing multiphysical effects on minirotors have been analyzed. The design procedure and evaluation of the design have been presented.
Preparing Future Math Teachers
Authors: Schmidt William H. , Houang Richard , Cogan Leland S.
Published: June 2011

Poor precollege math abilities, and too little emphasis on college-level math, can reduce the number of highly capable math teachers.
Nicotine Decreases Food Intake Through Activation of POMC Neurons
Authors: Mineur Yann S. , Abizaid Alfonso , Rao Yan , Salas Ramiro , DiLeone Ralph J. , Gündisch Daniela , Diano Sabrina , De Biasi Mariella , Horvath Tamas L. , Gao Xiao-Bing , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: June 2011

Nicotine decreases weight gain by targeting a brain pathway involved in the regulation of energy balance and food intake.
Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Dehydrogenation of Substituted Cyclohexanones to Phenols
Authors: Izawa Yusuke , Pun Doris , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: June 2011

Phenol derivatives are prepared from nonaromatic ring compounds that can bear a wide variety of substitutents.
A Roadmap to Nature's Benefits
Natural Capital
Theory and Practice of Mapping Ecosystem Services

Peter Kareiva, Heather Tallis, Taylor H. Ricketts, Gretchen C. Daily, and Stephen Polasky, Eds.

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011. 391 pp. $134.95, £75. ISBN 9780199588992. Paper, $69.95, £39.95. ISBN 9780199589005.
Authors: Leslie Heather M.
Published: June 2011

The contributors highlight tools for implementing the concept of ecosystem services in biodiversity conservation, development, and sustainability efforts.
New mTOR Targets Grb Attention
Authors: Yea Sung Su , Fruman David A.
Published: June 2011

The cellular phosphorylation targets of an important growth promoting enzyme are identified and may provide clinically relevant insights.
A Bengali Recipe for Disaster
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2011

Under a thick blanket of mud in the Bengal Basin, the crust is twisting and crumpling. A major earthquake is inevitable. Can the region's teeming, shoddily built cities avert calamity?
Detection of Murine Norovirus-1 by Using TAT Peptide-Delivered Molecular Beacons
Authors: Ganguli Payal S. , Chen Wilfred , Yates Marylynn V.
Published: June 2011

A TAT peptide-delivered molecular beacon was developed and utilized to enumerate murine norovirus 1, a human norovirus (NoV) surrogate, in RAW 264.7 cells. This allowed the detection of a single infective virus within 6 h, a 12-fold improvement in time required for viral detection and quantification compared to that required by the conventional plaque assay.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Cardiolipin Synthases 1 and 2 and Their Contribution to Accumulation of Cardiolipin in Stationary Phase and within Phagocytes
Authors: Koprivnjak T. , Zhang D. , Ernst C. M. , Peschel A. , Nauseef W. M. , Weiss J. P.
Published: June 2011

In many bacteria, including
Staphylococcus aureus
, progression from the logarithmic to the stationary phase is accompanied by conversion of most of bacterial membrane phosphatidylglycerol (PG) to cardiolipin (CL). Phagocytosis of
S. aureus
by human neutrophils also induces the conversion of most bacterial PG to CL. The genome of all sequenced strains of
S. aureus
contains two open reading frames (ORFs) predicting proteins encoded with ∼30% identity to the principal CL synthase (
cls
) of
Escherichia coli
. To test whether these ORFs (
cls1
and
cls2
) encode cardiolipin synthases and contribute to CL accumulation in
S. aureus
, we expressed these proteins in a
cls
strain of
E. coli
and created isogenic single and double mutants in
S. aureus
. The expression of either Cls1 or Cls2 in CL-deficient
E. coli
resulted in CL accumulation in the stationary phase.
S. aureus
with deletion of both
cls1
and
cls2
showed no detectable CL accumulation in the stationary phase or after phagocytosis by neutrophils. CL accumulation in the stationary phase was due almost solely to Cls2, whereas both Cls1 and Cls2 contributed to CL accumulation following phagocytosis by neutrophils. Differences in the relative contributions of Cls1 and Cls2 to CL accumulation under different triggering conditions suggest differences in the role and regulation of these two enzymes.
Self-rated health status and cardiorespiratory fitness as predictors of mortality in men
Authors: Gander Jennifer , Lee Duck-chul , Sui Xuemei , Hébert James R , Hooker Steven P , Blair Steven N
Published: June 2011

Self-rated health (SRH) and cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness) are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. The purpose of this report is to examine the single and joint effects of these exposures on mortality risk. The study included 18 488 men who completed a health survey, clinical examination and a maximal exercise treadmill test during 1987–2003. Cox regression analysis was used to quantify the associations of SRH and fitness with all-cause mortality. There were 262 deaths during 17 years of follow-up. There was a significant inverse trend (ptrend<0.05) for mortality across SRH categories after adjustment for age, examination year, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, abnormal ECG, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Adjustment for fitness attenuated the association (p value =0.09). The authors also observed an inverse association between fitness and mortality after controlling for the same covariates and SRH (ptrend= 0.006). The combined analysis of SRH and fitness showed that fit men with good or excellent SRH had a 58% lower risk of mortality than their counterparts. SRH and fitness were both associated with all-cause mortality in men. Fit men with good or excellent SRH live longer than unfit men with poor or fair SRH.
Emergence of suspected type D botulism in ruminants in England and Wales (2001 to 2009), associated with exposure to broiler litter
Authors: Payne J. H. , Hogg R. A. , Otter A. , Roest H. I. J. , Livesey C. T.
Published: June 2011

Scanning surveillance by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency revealed the emergence of suspected botulism in ruminants in 2003, presented as flaccid paralysis. From 2003 to 2009, 168 cattle and 19 sheep incidents were recorded, with mortality between 5 and 80 per cent. All sheep incidents and 95 per cent of cattle incidents had proximity to broiler litter. From July 2006, the gut contents collected from 74 affected cattle and 10 affected sheep were tested for Clostridium botulinum toxins using mice bioassays and for organisms by culture. Type D toxin was identified in 32 per cent of cattle and 18 per cent of sheep samples. C botulinum type D organisms were identified in 40 per cent of cattle and 30 per cent of sheep samples, but broth from one sample reacted with C and D antisera. Type C botulism has previously been reported more commonly than type D in the UK and has been associated with the use of poultry litter as fertiliser, bedding or feed. The almost exclusive association with C botulinum type D toxins or organisms in the gut contents in this survey suggests a change in the source or epidemiology of botulism in the UK. The source of C botulinum type D was uncertain. Broilers may carry C botulinum type D in their gut flora subclinically. The emergence of a new type D strain, or changes in broiler husbandry and nutrition, medication and other enteric infections may have affected colonisation with C botulinum. Further investigation of poultry and farm environments for sources of type D awaits the development of tests for C botulinum toxins that do not require the use of mice.
FRESNEL OPERATOR, SQUEEZED STATE AND WIGNER FUNCTION FOR CALDIROLA–KANAI HAMILTONIAN
Authors: WANG SHUAI , YUAN HONG-CHUN , FAN HONG-YI
Published: June 2011

Based on the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators, we introduce the Fresnel operator for converting a kind of time-dependent Hamiltonian into the standard harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian. The Fresnel operator with the parameters A, B, C, D corresponds to classical optical Fresnel transformation, these parameters are the solution to a set of coupled partial differential equations set up in the above-mentioned converting process. In this way, the Caldirola–Kanai Hamiltonian has been easily converted into the standard harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian. And then the exact wave function solution of the Schrödinger equation governed by the Caldirola–Kanai Hamiltonian is obtained, which represents a squeezed number state. The corresponding Wigner function is derived by virtue of the Weyl ordered form of the Wigner operator and the order-invariance of Weyl ordered operators under similar transformations.
SOLUTION OF THE GENERALIZED KINETIC EQUATION FOR INTERACTING TWO-LEVEL ATOM AND CAVITY FIELD SYSTEM
Authors: RASULOVA M. Yu. , TISHABAEV I. A.
Published: June 2011

The paper is devoted to the investigation of dynamics of system, consisting of interacting two-level atoms and cavity field. Such a system also covers the Jaynes–Cummings model. This paper consists of an introduction, Secs. 2 and 3 and conclusion. In the introduction, a short history of the problem is presented and the problem is formulated. In Sec. 2, the generalized kinetic equation for the system is derived. In Sec. 3, the generalized kinetic equation is solved. In conclusion, the result is formulated.
EFFECT OF LINEAR AND NONLINEAR FILTERS ON MULTIFRACTAL DETRENDED CROSS-CORRELATION ANALYSIS
Authors: SONG JIE , SHANG PENGJIAN
Published: June 2011

When probing the dynamical properties of complex systems, such as physical and physiological systems, the output signal may be not the expected one. It is often a linear or nonlinear filter (or a transformation) of the right one represented the properties we want to investigate. Besides, for a multiple-component system, it is necessary to consider the relations between different influence factors. Here, we investigate what effect kinds of linear and nonlinear filters have on the cross-correlation properties of monofractal series and binomial multifractal series relatively. We use the multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MFDCCA) that has been known well for its accurate quantization of cross-correlations between two time series. We study the effect of five filters: (i) linear (yi = axi + b); (ii) polynomial [Formula: see text]; (iii) logarithmic (yi = log (xi + δ)); (iv) exponential (yi = exp (axi + b)); and (v) power-law (yi = (xi + a)b). We find that for both monofractal and multifractal signals, linear filters have no effect on the cross-correlation properties while the influence of polynomial, logarithmic and power-law filters mainly depends on (a) the strength of cross-correlations in the original series; (b) the parameter b of the polynomial filter; (c) the offset δ in the logarithmic filter; and (d) both the parameter a and b of the power-law filter. In addition, the parameter a and b of the exponential filter change the cross-correlation properties of monofractal signal, yet they have little influence on that of multifractal signal.
Regulation of alveolar epithelial cell survival by the ACE-2/angiotensin 1–7/Mas axis
Authors: Uhal Bruce D. , Li Xiaopeng , Xue Anita , Gao Xu , Abdul-Hafez Amal
Published: June 2011

Earlier work from this laboratory demonstrated that apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) requires autocrine generation of angiotensin (ANG) II. More recent studies showed that angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), which degrades ANGII to form ANG1–7, is protective but severely downregulated in human and experimental lung fibrosis. Here it was theorized that ACE-2 and its product ANG1–7 might therefore regulate AEC apoptosis. To evaluate this hypothesis, the AEC cell line MLE-12 and primary cultures of rat AECs were exposed to the profibrotic apoptosis inducers ANGII or bleomycin (Bleo). Markers of apoptosis (caspase-9 or -3 activation and nuclear fragmentation), steady-state ANGII and ANG1–7, and JNK phosphorylation were measured thereafter. In the absence of Bleo, inhibition of ACE-2 by small interfering RNA or by a competitive inhibitor (DX600 peptide) caused a reciprocal increase in autocrine ANGII and corresponding decrease in ANG1–7 in cell culture media (both P < 0.05) and, moreover, induced AEC apoptosis. At baseline (without inhibitor), ANG1–7 in culture media was 10-fold higher than ANGII ( P < 0.01). Addition of purified ANGII or bleomycin-induced caspase activation, nuclear fragmentation, and JNK phosphorylation in cultured AECs. However, preincubation with ANG1–7 (0.1 μM) prevented JNK phosphorylation and apoptosis. Moreover, pretreatment with A779, a specific blocker of the ANG1–7 receptor mas, prevented ANG1–7 blockade of JNK phosphorylation, caspase activation, and nuclear fragmentation. These data demonstrate that ACE-2 regulates AEC survival by balancing the proapoptotic ANGII and its antiapoptotic degradation product ANG1–7. They also suggest that ANG1–7 inhibits AEC apoptosis through the ANG1–7 receptor mas.
Inhibition of estradiol synthesis attenuates renal injury in male streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Manigrasso Michaele B. , Sawyer R. Taylor , Marbury David C. , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Maric Christine
Published: June 2011

We previously showed that the male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat exhibits decreased circulating testosterone and increased estradiol levels. While supplementation with dihydrotestosterone is partially renoprotective, the aim of the present study was to examine whether inhibition of estradiol synthesis, by blocking the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol using an aromatase inhibitor, can also prevent diabetes-associated renal injury. The study was performed on male Sprague-Dawley nondiabetic, STZ-induced diabetic, and STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with 0.15 mg/kg of anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor (Da) for 12 wk. Treatment with anastrozole reduced diabetes-associated increases in plasma estradiol by 39% and increased plasma testosterone levels by 187%. Anastrozole treatment also attenuated urine albumin excretion by 42%, glomerulosclerosis by 30%, tubulointerstitial fibrosis by 32%, along with a decrease in the density of renal cortical CD68-positive cells by 50%, and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β by 20%, collagen type IV by 29%, tumor necrosis factor-α by 28%, and interleukin-6 by 25%. Anastrozole also increased podocin protein expression by 18%. We conclude that blocking estradiol synthesis in male STZ-induced diabetic rats is renoprotective.
Chromosome-substituted rat strains provide insights into the genetics of placentation
Authors: Konno Toshihiro , Rempel Lea A. , Rumi M. A. Karim , Graham Amanda R. , Asanoma Kazuo , Renaud Stephen J. , Soares Michael J.
Published: June 2011

The rat possesses a hemochorial form of placentation. Pronounced intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion and vascular remodeling characterize this type of placentation. Strain-specific patterns of placentation are evident in the rat. Some rat strains exhibit deep intrauterine trophoblast invasion and an expanded junctional zone [Holtzman Sprague-Dawley (HSD), Dahl salt sensitive (DSS)], whereas placentation sites of other rat strains are characterized by shallow invasion and a restricted junctional zone [Brown Norway (BN)]. In this report, we identified a quantitative trait that was used to distinguish strain-specific features of rat placentation. Junctional zone prolactin family 5, subfamily a, member 1 ( Prl5a1) transcript levels were significantly greater in BN rats than in HSD or DSS rats. Prl5a1 transcript levels were used as a quantitative trait to screen placentation sites from chromosome-substituted rat strains (BN chromosomes introgressed into the DSS inbred strain; DSS-BN panel). Litter size, placental weights, and fetal weights were not significantly different among the chromosome-substituted strains. Regulation of the junctional zone Prl5a1 transcript-level quantitative trait was multifactoral. Chromosome-substituted strains possessing BN chromosomes 14 or 17 introgressed into the DSS inbred rat strain displayed Prl5a1 transcript levels that were significantly different from the DSS pattern and more closely resembled the BN pattern. The in situ placental distribution of Prl5a1 mRNA and the structure of the junctional zone of DSS-BN17 rats mimicked that observed for the BN rat. Prl5a1 gene expression was also assessed in BN vs. HSD trophoblast stem cells and following reciprocal BN and HSD embryo transfer. Strain differences intrinsic to trophoblast and maternal environment were identified. In summary, we have identified chromosomes 14 and 17 as possessing regulatory information controlling a quantitative trait associated with rat placentation.
Air Pressure-Assisted Centrifugal Dewatering of Concentrated Fine Sulfide Particles
Authors: Asmatulu R.
Published: June 2011

An air pressure-assisted centrifugal dewatering method was developed and used for the dewatering of concentrated finesulfide particles, such as sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. This filtration method was mainly designed to increase the filtration rate during the drainage cycle and, hence, produce drier filter cakes, which in turn could reduce the cost and emission problems/concerns of thermal dryers in the preparation plants. Several dewatering parameters, including applied pressure, centrifugal force (G-force), spin time, cake thickness, and surface hydrophobization, were tested to optimize the processing conditions. Test results showed that, at higher air pressure and centrifugal force, the cake moisture reduction was more than 70%, depending on the testing conditions. As a result, it can be-concluded that the novel filtration method effectively works on the dewatering of fine particles (–150 μm).
An Analog Template-Based Classifier Using MOS Translinear Loops
Authors: Farshidi Ebrahim
Published: June 2011

An analog template matching pattern classifier circuit based on a new synthesis of Euclidean distance calculation is presented. It is composed of simple two-quadrant squarer/divider blocks. The circuit employs MOSFETs that operate in strong inverted saturation region performing electronically simulated translinear loop. The converter features very low supply voltage (0.9 V), immune from body effect, two-quadrant input current, large dynamic range, and low circuit complexity. The circuit was successfully applied to the recognition of some simple patterns. Simulation results by HSPICE show high performance in the separation of circuit and confirm the validity of the proposed technique.
A Light-and-Fast SLAM Algorithm for Robots in Indoor Environments Using Line Segment Map
Authors: Kuo Bor-Woei , Chang Hsun-Hao , Chen Yung-Chang , Huang Shi-Yu
Published: June 2011

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is an important technique for robotic system navigation. Due to the high complexity of the algorithm, SLAM usually needs long computational time or large amount of memory to achieve accurate results. In this paper, we present a lightweight Rao-Blackwellized particle filter- (RBPF-) based SLAM algorithm for indoor environments, which uses line segments extracted from the laser range finder as the fundamental map structure so as to reduce the memory usage. Since most major structures of indoor environments are usually orthogonal to each other, we can also efficiently increase the accuracy and reduce the complexity of our algorithm by exploiting this orthogonal property of line segments, that is, we treat line segments that are parallel or perpendicular to each other in a special way when calculating the importance weight of each particle. Experimental results shows that our work is capable of drawing maps in complex indoor environments, needing only very low amount of memory and much less computational time as compared to other grid map-based RBPF SLAM algorithms.
Women Are More Susceptible to Caries but Individuals Born with Clefts Are Not
Authors: Jindal Aditi , McMeans Michelle , Narayanan Somnya , Rose Erin K. , Jain Shilpa , Marazita Mary L. , Menezes Renato , Letra Ariadne , Carvalho Flavia M. , Brandon Carla A. , Resick Judith M. , Mereb Juan C. , Poletta Fernando A. , Lopez-Camelo Jorge S. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Orioli Iêda M. , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: June 2011

The identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing caries is of great interest. Isolated forms of cleft lip and palate are among the most common craniofacial congenital anomalies in humans. Historically, several reports suggest that individuals born with clefts have a higher risk for caries. Caries continues to be the most common infectious noncontagious disease worldwide and a great burden to any health system. The identification of individuals of higher susceptibility to caries is of great interest. In this paper, we assessed caries experience of 1,593 individuals from three distinct populations. The study included individuals born with clefts, their unaffected relatives, and unrelated unaffected controls that were recruited from areas with similar cultural pressures and limited access to dental care. DMFT/dmft scores were obtained, and caries experience rates were compared among the three groups in each geographic area. Individuals born with clefts did not present higher caries experience in comparison to their unaffected relatives or unrelated unaffected controls. Women tend to present higher caries rates in comparison to men. Our work provides strong evidence that individuals born with clefts are not at higher risk to caries; however, women tend to have more severe caries experience.
Thrombocytosis: Diagnostic Evaluation, Thrombotic Risk Stratification, and Risk-Based Management Strategies
Authors: Bleeker Jonathan S. , Hogan William J.
Published: June 2011

Thrombocytosis is a commonly encountered clinical scenario, with a large proportion of cases discovered incidentally. The differential diagnosis for thrombocytosis is broad and the diagnostic process can be challenging. Thrombocytosis can be spurious, attributed to a reactive process or due to clonal disorder. This distinction is important as it carries implications for evaluation, prognosis, and treatment. Clonal thrombocytosis associated with the myeloproliferative neoplasms, especially essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera, carries a unique prognostic profile, with a markedly increased risk of thrombosis. This risk is the driving factor behind treatment strategies in these disorders. Clinical trials utilizing targeted therapies in thrombocytosis are ongoing with new therapeutic targets waiting to be explored. This paper will outline the mechanisms underlying thrombocytosis, the diagnostic evaluation of thrombocytosis, complications of thrombocytosis with a special focus on thrombotic risk as well as treatment options for clonal processes leading to thrombocytosis, including essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera.
Biomedical Teleacupuncture between China and Austria Using Heart Rate Variability, Part 1: Poststroke Patients
Authors: Wang Lu , Valentini Jan , Sugimoto Kazuo , Cheng Weiping , Cheng Guangyu , Geng Haoming , Gaischek Ingrid , Kuang Haixue , Litscher Gerhard
Published: June 2011

Background. Acupuncture has been reported to affect the human autonomic system. Within this pilot study, teleacupuncture between China and Austria is used for the first time for quantifying the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) in poststroke rehabilitation. Methods. In 29 Chinese post‐stroke patients (15 f, 14 m; mean age ± SD 64.7 ± 11.3 years; range 40–80 years) electrocardiographic signals before, during, and after acupuncture at the acupoint Tongli (HT 5) were recorded in Harbin and analyzed in Graz using teleacupuncture via internet. HRV data were analyzed in the time and frequency domain, and a protocol from Austria was sent to the team in China immediately after the treatment and recording session. Results. Acupuncture does not change heart rate in the post‐stroke patients; however, total HRV increased significantly (P < .05) during and 5–10 minutes after acupuncture. In addition, balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (low frequency/high frequency HRV ratio) changes markedly during treatment. Conclusions. Based on innovative HRV analysis, it could be demonstrated that teleacupuncture between China/Harbin and Austria/Graz over a distance of about 8,500 km is no longer a future vision; it has become reality.
Deghosting, Demultiple, and Deblurring in Controlled-Source Seismic Interferometry
Authors: van der Neut Joost , Tatanova Maria , Thorbecke Jan , Slob Evert , Wapenaar Kees
Published: June 2011

With controlled-source seismic interferometry we aim to redatum sources to downhole receiver locations without requiring a velocity model. Interferometry is generally based on a source integral over cross-correlation (CC) pairs of full, perturbed (time-gated), or decomposed wavefields. We provide an overview of ghosts, multiples, and spatial blurring effects that can occur for different types of interferometry. We show that replacing cross-correlation by multidimensional deconvolution (MDD) can deghost, demultiple, and deblur retrieved data. We derive and analyze MDD for perturbed and decomposed wavefields. An interferometric point spread function (PSF) is introduced that can be obtained directly from downhole data. Ghosts, multiples, and blurring effects that may populate the retrieved gathers can be locally diagnosed with the PSF. MDD of perturbed fields can remove ghosts and deblur retrieved data, but it leaves particular multiples in place. To remove all overburden-related effects, MDD of decomposed fields should be applied.
Effects of the Topical Application of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Oncidium flexuosum Sims. (Orchidaceae) and Microcurrent on the Healing of Wounds Surgically Induced in Wistar Rats
Authors: de Gaspi Fernanda Oliveira de G. , Foglio Mary Ann , de Carvalho João Ernesto , Santos Gláucia Maria T. , Testa Milene , Passarini José Roberto , de Moraes Cristiano Pedroso , Esquisatto Marcelo A. Marreto , Mendonça Josué S. , Mendonça Fernanda A. Sampaio
Published: June 2011

This study evaluated the wound healing activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Oncidium flexuosum Sims. (Orchidaceae), an important native plant of Brazil, combined or not with microcurrent stimulation. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of nine animals: control (C), topical application of the extract (OF), treated with a microcurrent (10 μA/2 min) (MC), and topical application of the extract plus microcurrent (OF + MC). Tissue samples were obtained 2, 6, and 10 days after injury and submitted to structural and morphometric analysis. The simultaneous application of OF + MC was found to be highly effective in terms of the parameters analyzed (P < .05), with positive effects on the area of newly formed tissue, number of fibroblasts, number of newly formed blood vessels, and epithelial thickness. Morphometric data confirmed the structural findings. The O. flexuosum leaf extract contains active compounds that speed the healing process, especially when applied simultaneously with microcurrent stimulation.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Extracts ofPlectranthus barbatusLeaves in Mice
Authors: Borges Fernandes Luciana Cristina , Campos Câmara Carlos , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: June 2011

Plectranthus barbatusis a medicinal plant used to treat a wide range of disorders including seizure. However, the anticonvulsant activity of this plant has not been studied in depth. We therefore sought to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of a hydroalcoholic extract ofP. barbatusleaves on seizures induced by strychnine sulphate (2.0 mg/kg) and pilocarpine (600 mg/kg) in mice. The extract was administered orally at 1, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg. We report that theP. barbatusextract had marked anticonvulsant activity against strychnine-induced convulsions, but was quite ineffective against pilocarpine-induced convulsions. Further experiments will be required to identify the active molecules(s) and their mechanism(s) of action.
Vorinostat-Induced Apoptosis in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Is Mediated by Acetylation of Proapoptotic BH3-Only Gene Promoters
Authors: Xargay-Torrent Sílvia , López-Guerra Mónica , Saborit-Villarroya Ifigènia , Rosich Laia , Campo Elias , Roué Gaël , Colomer Dolors
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell neoplasm with generally poor prognosis, for which current therapies have shown limited efficacy. Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that has been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Our purpose was to describe the molecular mechanism whereby vorinostat induces apoptosis in MCL with particular emphasis on the role of proapoptotic BH3-only proteins.

Experimental Design: The sensitivity to vorinostat was analyzed in eight MCL cell lines and primary cells from 10 MCL patients. Determination of vorinostat mechanism of action was done by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, HDAC activity assay kit, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and siRNA-mediated transfection.

Results: Vorinostat inhibited total histone deacetylase activity leading to selective toxicity toward tumor cells. Vorinostat-mediated cell death implied the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis, as attested by BAX and BAK conformational changes, mitochondrial depolarization, reactive oxygen species generation, and subsequent caspase-dependent cell death. This phenomenon was linked to H4 hyperacetylation on promoter regions and consequent transcriptional activation of the proapoptotic BH3-only genes BIM, BMF, and NOXA. Selective knockdown of the three corresponding proteins rescued cells from vorinostat-induced apoptosis. Moreover, vorinostat enhanced the activity of the BH3-mimetic ABT-263 in MCL cells, leading to synergistic apoptosis induction.

Conclusion: These results indicated that transcriptional upregulation of BH3-only proteins plays an important role in the antitumoral activity of vorinostat in MCL, and that HDACi alone or in combination with BH3-mimetizing agents may represent a promising therapeutic approach for MCL patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(12); 3956–68. ©2011 AACR.
Evoked Stapedius Reflex and Compound Action Potential Thresholds versus Most Comfortable Loudness Level: Assessment of Their Relation for Charge-Based Fitting Strategies in Implant Users
Authors: Walkowiak Adam , Lorens Artur , Polak Marek , Kostek Bozena , Skarzynski Henryk , Szkielkowska Agata , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk
Published: June 2011

Aim: The main goal of the present study was to assess the feasibility of using evoked stapedius reflex (eSR) and evoked compound action potential (eCAP) thresholds to create speech processor programs for children using Med-El Maestro software. The secondary goals were (1) to compare the eSR and eCAP thresholds recorded using charge units in experienced adults fitted with Med-El Pulsar CI100 cochlear implants with most comfortable loudness levels (MCLs) obtained for the apical, medial and basal electrodes, and (2) to compare eSR and eCAP thresholds for the apical, medial and basal electrodes between adults and children. Methods: Fourteen children and 16 adults participated in the study. eSR and eCAP thresholds were measured in both groups using the auditory nerve response telemetry algorithm, with MCL being behaviourally measured only in the adult group. Results: In the adult population, the correlation between eSR threshold and MCL was better for apical, medial and basal electrodes than that between eCAP threshold and MCL. There was no significant difference in the means obtained for eCAP and eSR thresholds in children and adults for any of the electrodes tested. This finding suggests that in children, the correlations between eCAP thresholds and MCL values, and those between eSR thresholds and MCL values are not lower than those generally found in adults. Conclusions: Although the eSR threshold is a better predictor of MCL values, both eSR and eCAP thresholds can be useful tools for assisting with map creation for children.
Calcium, Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Guessous Idris , Bochud Murielle , Bonny Olivier , Burnier Michel
Published: June 2011

The relationship between calcium and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been explored for a long time. Studies exploring the effect of calcium intake or calcium supplementation on cardiovascular risk suggest that systolic blood pressure increases under low calcium intake and decreases with calcium supplementation. A lower calcium intake has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, the impact of calcium supplementation on stroke risk remains unclear. Calcium supplementation may increase the risk of myocardial infarction. The relationship between vitamin D and CVD has been explored more recently. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and the risk of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke have been reported in several observational studies. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure is still unclear and no effect of vitamin D supplementation on coronary heart disease or stroke has been clearly demonstrated. There is a lack of randomized clinical trials primarily addressing the effect of these parameters on CVD. Therefore, the real impact of calcium and vitamin D on cardiovascular outcomes remains to be documented by appropriate experimental data.
Relationship between Uric Acid and Subtle Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Afsar Baris , Elsurer Rengin , Covic Adrian , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: June 2011

Background: Elevated serum uric acid has been associated with cognitive dysfunction and vascular cognitive impairment in the elderly. Serum uric acid is also commonly elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its relationship with cognitive function in these patients has not been addressed. Methods: Subjects with CKD (defined as eGFR <60/ml/min/1.73 m2) were evaluated for cognitive dysfunction using the validated Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE). Individuals with dementia, depression or other psychiatric disorders were excluded, as were subjects on uric acid-lowering therapy or with serious illnesses such as severe anemia or active or ongoing cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Results: 247 subjects were enrolled. SMMSE scores showed stepwise deterioration with increasing quartile of serum uric acid (26.4; 26.1; 25.5; 25.3, score range 20–30, p = 0.019). Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that there was no linear trend and only groups 1 and 4 were different with respect to SMMSE scores (p = 0.025). Stepwise multivariate linear regression revealed that age, educational status, presence of cerebrovascular disease, and serum uric acid were independently related to SMMSE scores. Conclusion: Serum uric acid levels are independently and inversely associated with mild cognitive dysfunction in subjects with CKD.
Cell–Matrix Interactions in the Pathobiology of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Chen Jan-Hung , Simmons Craig A.
Published: June 2011

The hallmarks of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) are the significant changes that occur in the organization, composition, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), ultimately resulting in stiffened stenotic leaflets that obstruct flow and compromise cardiac function. Increasing evidence suggests that ECM maladaptations are not simply a result of valve cell dysfunction; they also contribute to CAVD progression by altering cellular and molecular signaling. In this review, we summarize the ECM changes that occur in CAVD. We also discuss examples of how the ECM influences cellular processes by signaling through adhesion receptors (matricellular signaling), by regulating the presentation and availability of growth factors and cytokines to cells (matricrine signaling), and by transducing externally applied forces and resisting cell-generated tractional forces (mechanical signaling) to regulate a wide range of pathological processes, including differentiation, fibrosis, calcification, and angiogenesis. Finally, we suggest areas for future research that should lead to new insights into bidirectional cell–ECM interactions in the aortic valve, their contributions to homeostasis and pathobiology, and possible targets to slow or prevent the progression of CAVD.
Fetuin-A Regulation of Calcified Matrix Metabolism
Authors: Jahnen-Dechent Willi , Heiss Alexander , Schäfer Cora , Ketteler Markus
Published: June 2011

The final step of biomineralization is a chemical precipitation reaction that occurs spontaneously in supersaturated or metastable salt solutions. Genetic programs direct precursor cells into a mineralization-competent state in physiological bone formation (osteogenesis) and in pathological mineralization (ectopic mineralization or calcification). Therefore, all tissues not meant to mineralize must be actively protected against chance precipitation of mineral. Fetuin-A is a liver-derived blood protein that acts as a potent inhibitor of ectopic mineralization. Monomeric fetuin-A protein binds small clusters of calcium and phosphate. This interaction results in the formation of prenucleation cluster-laden fetuin-A monomers, calciprotein monomers, and considerably larger aggregates of protein and mineral calciprotein particles. Both monomeric and aggregate forms of fetuin-A mineral accrue acidic plasma protein including albumin, thus stabilizing supersaturated and metastable mineral ion solutions as colloids. Hence, fetuin-A is a mineral carrier protein and a systemic inhibitor of pathological mineralization complementing local inhibitors that act in a cell-restricted or tissue-restricted fashion. Fetuin-A deficiency is associated with soft tissue calcification in mice and humans.