bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrequent DNA methylation ofmiR-9-1andmiR-9-3in multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Lu Qian , Wong Kwan Yeung , Li Zhen Yu , Chim Chor Sang
Published: April 2015

Aims

ThemiR-9family microRNAs (miRNAs) are tumour suppressor miRNAs implicated in carcinogenesis. We postulated thatmiR-9-1,miR-9-2andmiR-9-3may be inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Methylation ofmiR-9-1,miR-9-2andmiR-9-3was studied by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) in six normal controls, including three each of healthy peripheral blood (PB) or bone marrow buffy coat, 10 MM cell lines, 62 primary MM marrow samples at diagnosis and 22 at relapse/progression.

Results

MSP, verified by quantitative pyrosequencing, showed that the promoters ofmiR-9-3andmiR-9-1were unmethylated in normal controls but methylated in 4 (40%) and 5 (50%) of 10 MM cell lines, respectively. However, the promoter ofmiR-9-2was methylated in three normal PB buffy coat controls and in CD138-sorted healthy marrow plasma cells, indicating possibly tissue specific rather than tumour-specific methylation ofmiR-9-2, which was thus not studied further. In WL-2 cells, which were completely methylated formiR-9-3, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment causedmiR-9-3promoter demethylation andpri-miR-9-3re-expression. In primary samples, methylation ofmiR-9-3was detected in 1 of 62 patients at diagnosis and 1 of 22 patients at relapse/progression. However,miR-9-1methylation was absent in both primary samples at diagnosis and at relapse/progression.

Conclusions

Hypermethylation ofmiR-9-3andmiR-9-1is tumour-specific in MM, leading to reversible miRNA silencing. Frequent methylation ofmiR-9-3andmiR-9-1in cell lines, but not in primary samples, may be acquired duringin vitroculture, and indicates an unimportant role ofmiR-9methylation in myelomagenesis.
Intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women: a prospective survey
Authors: Hall Alexandra M , Kutler Beth A
Published: April 2015

Background

Intrauterine contraception is a first-line option for young women, yet relatively few prospective studies have been performed in nulliparous women using currently available devices, and many providers are still reluctant to provide this option.

Methods

Between January 2012 and June 2014, 109 nulliparous women, aged 18–30 years, who had an intrauterine device (IUD) placed at a student health clinic [88 levonorgestrel-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) users and 21 Cu T 380A (IUD) users] were surveyed at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months after insertion.

Results

Overall satisfaction was high; at follow-up survey 83% of 100 women (mean use 13.4 months) were ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their IUD, and there were no differences in satisfaction between the two IUD types. Some 75% of participants stated that the insertion procedure went ‘very well’, despite 78% rating insertion pain as moderate to severe, and 46% experiencing vasovagal symptoms. The 12-month continuation rate was 89%, with discontinuations for expulsion (3%), side effects (6%), lack of anticipated benefit (1%) and pregnancy (1%). Users of the Cu T 380A were more likely to have heavy menses (74% vs 2%;p<0.0001) or moderate to severe cramping (68% vs 20%;p=0.0002) compared with LNG-IUS users. There were no uterine perforations or diagnoses of pelvic inflammatory disease. The rate of failed insertions during the study period was 6.2%.

Conclusions

Despite significant symptoms with insertion, intrauterine contraception is safe, effective and ultimately well tolerated in nulliparous women and should be provided to this population in both university and community health settings.
How do marine closures affect the analysis of catch and effort data?
Authors: Ono Kotaro , Punt André E. , Hilborn Ray
Published: April 2015

Fishery managers increasingly use marine closures as a tool to conserve ecosystems, biodiversity, and fish abundance. Despite the suggested benefits of closed areas, the limited or no data collection within them leads to difficulties assessing the population status. We investigated how spatial closures impacted the reliability of indices of abundance obtained from standardization methods applied to catch per unit effort data. The presence of closed areas generally introduced a bias in the derived index of abundance, and the magnitude of bias increased as the portion of the population in closed areas increased. In general, restricting the data to the areas that have been continuously fished over time performed best when spatial closures protected a small to medium portion of the population. However, as the portion of the population that was protected increased, the time series bias associated with this approach increased, and the use of an imputation approach was needed for adequate performance. Similarly, the collection of ancillary data in the closed area reduced bias in the estimate of final year depletion when area closures protected a large portion of the population.
An adaptive routing scheme in scale-free networks
Authors: Ben Haddou Nora , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid , Benyoussef Abdelilah
Published: April 2015

We suggest an optimal form of traffic awareness already introduced as a routing protocol which combines structural and local dynamic properties of the network to determine the followed path between source and destination of the packet. Instead of using the shortest path, we incorporate the "efficient path" in the protocol and we propose a new parameter α that controls the contribution of the queue in the routing process. Compared to the original model, the capacity of the network can be improved more than twice when using the optimal conditions of our model. Moreover, the adjustment of the proposed parameter allows the minimization of the travel time.
Persistence of superconductivity in thin shells beyond Hc1
Authors: Contreras Andres , Lamy Xavier
Published: April 2015

In Ginzburg–Landau theory, a strong magnetic field is responsible for the breakdown of superconductivity. This work is concerned with the identification of the region where superconductivity persists, in a thin shell superconductor modeled by a compact surface [Formula: see text], as the intensity [Formula: see text] of the external magnetic field is raised above [Formula: see text]. Using a mean field reduction approach devised by Sandier and Serfaty as the Ginzburg–Landau parameter [Formula: see text] goes to infinity, we are led to studying a two-sided obstacle problem. We show that superconductivity survives in a neighborhood of size [Formula: see text] of the zero locus of the normal component [Formula: see text] of the field. We also describe intermediate regimes, focusing first on a symmetric model problem. In the general case, we prove that a striking phenomenon we call freezing of the boundary takes place: one component of the superconductivity region is insensitive to small changes in the field.
Abelian subalgebras on Lie algebras
Authors: Ceballos Manuel , Núñez Juan , Tenorio Ángel F.
Published: April 2015

Abelian subalgebras play an important role in the study of Lie algebras and their properties and structures. In this paper, the historical evolution of this concept is shown, analyzing the current status for the research on this topic. So, the main results obtained from previous years are indicated and commented here. Additionally, a list of some related open problems is also given.
DECREASED LEFT VENTRICULAR CONTRACTILITY AND VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL MATCHING INDEX CORRELATION WITH N-TERMINAL PRO B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE IN HEART FAILURE
Authors: ZHONG LIANG , WANG YI-JIA , HUANG FEI-QIONG , GHISTA DHANJOO , TAN RU-SAN
Published: April 2015

This study is aimed to assess (1) Left ventricle (LV) contractile function and ventricular-arterial matching from echocardiography; (2) whether ventricular-arterial matching (VAM) is associated with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and stroke output in patients with heart failure. Normal subjects (n = 81) and heart failure patients (n = 80) underwent echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Only heart failure patients underwent blood test for NT-proBNP. The LV contractility was calculated as dσ ⁎ /dtmax= 3 × (dV/dt)max/2Vm= 3 × Vpeak× (π × D2/4)/(2Vm), and the arterial elastance was calculated as Ea= SBP × 0.9/ SV , wherein Vpeakand D are peak velocity and diameter of LV outflow tract, Vmis myocardial volume, SBP is the systolic blood pressure and SV is stroke volume measured from LVOT. The VAM index was expressed as the ratio of LV contractility to arterial elastance (dσ ⁎ /dtmax/Ea). We found that HF patients had (i) decreased dσ ⁎ /dtmax(1.46 ± 0.73 versus 4.06 ± 1.06 s-1), (ii) increased Ea(2.90 ± 0.87 versus 1.81 ± 0.38 mmHg/mL), and (iii) attenuated ventricular-arterial matching index (0.66 ± 0.57 versus 2.38 ± 0.91 mL/mmHg⋅s) (all p < 0.001) compared with normal subjects. The VAM index was correlated inversely with NT-proBNP (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), but positively with the stroke volume (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). The VAM index of < 1.51 was able to clearly differentiate the failing heart from normal hearts (AUC = 0.959, Sensitivity = 0.911, Specificity = 0.905). Heart failure patients demonstrated impaired ventricular contractility, enhanced arterial stiffening, and attenuated ventricular-arterial matching index. The attenuated ventricular-arterial matching index value was associated with elevated NT-proBNP levels and lower cardiac output.
TROCHLEAR GROOVE ALIGNMENT MEASUREMENT METHOD FOR SURGICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: CHO K. J. , MÜLLER J. H. , ERASMUS P. J.
Published: April 2015

In patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), rotational alignment is paramount for optimal patellofemoral function. Surgeons require a simple and effective measurement reference, through which the intact trochlear groove orientation can be quantified, to ensure good PFA alignment. We measured axial and coronal trochlear groove alignment in three-dimensional (3D) segmented computed tomography (CT) femurs relative to different references: The posterior condylar plane; the distal condylar plane, and the anatomical axis. The trochlear inclination angle (TIA) shows a better linear correlation with the axial groove angle when measured from the line perpendicular to the axial groove line as opposed to measurement from the posterior condylar plane. Similarly, a better linear correlation was achieved between the anatomical and the mechanical angles when measured from the coronal groove line as opposed to a line perpendicular to the distal condylar plane. Since axial and coronal groove alignment is quantifiable with respect to anatomical landmarks preoperatively, it may allow using the groove lines as a guideline for selection of the most appropriate patellofemoral prosthesis design. This may lead to the application of a PFA that better fits the patients' trochlear anatomy.
Pasting properties by near-infrared reflectance analysis of whole grain paddy rice samples
Authors: Siriphollakul Pornarree , Kanlayanarat Sirichai , Rittiron Ronnarit , Wanitchang Jaitip , Suwonsichon Thongchai , Boonyaritthongchai Panida , Nakano Kazuhiro
Published: April 2015

A rapid predictive method based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of paddy rice was developed to measure the pasting properties of rice. The paddy rice samples were scanned by a near-infrared reflectance spectrometer in the wavelength region of 1400–2400 nm and preprocessed by mathematical pretreatments prior to pasting properties analysis using a rapid visco-analyzer (RVA). The results indicated that the developed models of setback (SB), peak viscosity (PV), breakdown (BD) and consistency (CS) provided good prediction results with relatively high correlation coefficients (0.81–0.96). In addition, the validity of the calibration models was statistically tested. Standard error of prediction (SEP) and bias were small enough without any significance at 95% confidence interval. Nonetheless, this study proved that the use of NIRS for predicting pasting properties was feasible in paddy rice and could be applied in commercial trade and research.
Significance of detrital zircons in Siluro-Devonian rocks from Iberia
Authors: Gutiérrez-Alonso G. , Fernández-Suárez J. , Pastor-Galán D. , Johnston S. T. , Linnemann U. , Hofmann M. , Shaw J. , Colmenero J. R. , Hernández P.
Published: April 2015

Seven samples of Siluro-Devonian sedimentary rocks from the Cantabrian and Central Iberian zones of the Iberian Variscan belt have been investigated for provenance and contain four main age populations in variable relative proportion: Ediacaran–Cryogenian (
c
. 0.55–0.8 Ga), Tonian–Stenian (0.85–1.2 Ga), Palaeoproterozoic (
c
. 1.8–2.2 Ga) and Archaean (
c
. 2.5–3.3 Ga). Five samples contain very minor Palaeozoic (Cambrian) zircons and six samples contain minor but significant zircons of Middle and Early Mesoproterozoic (Ectasian–Calymmian, 1.6–1.8) age. These data highlight the transition from an arc environment to a stable platform following the opening of the Rheic Ocean. Variations in detrital zircon populations in Middle–Late Devonian times reflect the onset of Variscan convergence between Laurussia and Gondwana. The presence of a high proportion of zircons of Tonian–Stenian age in Devonian sedimentary rocks may be interpreted as (1) the existence of a large Tonian–Stenian arc terrane exposed in the NE African realm (in or around the Arabian–Nubian Shield), (2) the participation, from the Ordovician time, of a more easterly alongshore provenance of Tonian–Stenian zircons, and (3) an increase in the relative proportion of Tonian–Stenian zircons with respect to the Ediacaran–Cryogenian population owing to the drift of the Avalonian–Cadomian ribbon continent, or the progressive burial of Ediacaran–Cryogenian rocks coeval with the denudation of older source rocks from the craton interior.

Supplementary material:

Tables with the analytical data and the geochronological results are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18812
.
N-glycosylation is essential for ileal ASBT function and protection against proteases
Authors: Muthusamy Saminathan , Malhotra Pooja , Hosameddin Mobashir , Dudeja Amish K. , Borthakur Sujata , Saksena Seema , Gill Ravinder K. , Dudeja Pradeep K. , Alrefai Waddah A.
Published: April 2015

The bile acid transporter ASBT is a glycoprotein responsible for active absorption of bile acids. Inhibiting ASBT function and bile acid absorption is an attractive approach to lower plasma cholesterol and improve glucose imbalance in diabetic patients. Deglycosylation of ASBT was shown to decrease its function. However, the exact roles of N-glycosylation of ASBT, and how it affects its function, is not known. Current studies investigated the roles of N-glycosylation in ASBT protein stability and protection against proteases utilizing HEK-293 cells stably transfected with ASBT-V5 fusion protein. ASBT-V5 protein was detected as two bands with molecular mass of ∼41 and ∼35 kDa. Inhibition of glycosylation by tunicamycin significantly decreased ASBT activity and shifted ASBT bands to ∼30 kDa, representing a deglycosylated protein. Treatment of total cellular lysates with PNGase F or Endo H glycosidases showed that the upper 41-kDa band represents a fully mature N-acetylglucosamine-rich glycoprotein and the lower 35-kDa band represents a mannose-rich core glycoprotein. Studies with the glycosylation deficient ASBT mutant (N10Q) showed that the N-glycosylation is not essential for ASBT targeting to plasma membrane. However, mature glycosylation significantly increased the half-life and protected ASBT protein from digestion with trypsin. Incubating the cells with high glucose (25 mM) for 48 h increased mature glycosylated ASBT along with an increase in its function. These results unravel novel roles for N-glycosylation of ASBT and suggest that high levels of glucose alter the composition of the glycan and may contribute to the increase in ASBT function in diabetes mellitus.
The effect of spinal cord injury on the neurochemical properties of vagal sensory neurons
Authors: Herrity April N. , Petruska Jeffrey C. , Stirling David P. , Rau Kristofer K. , Hubscher Charles H.
Published: April 2015

The vagus nerve is composed primarily of nonmyelinated sensory neurons whose cell bodies are located in the nodose ganglion (NG). The vagus has widespread projections that supply most visceral organs, including the bladder. Because of its nonspinal route, the vagus nerve itself is not directly damaged from spinal cord injury (SCI). Because most viscera, including bladder, are dually innervated by spinal and vagal sensory neurons, an impact of SCI on the sensory component of vagal circuitry may contribute to post-SCI visceral pathologies. To determine whether SCI, in male Wistar rats, might impact neurochemical characteristics of NG neurons, immunohistochemical assessments were performed for P2X3 receptor expression, isolectin B4 (IB4) binding, and substance P expression, three known injury-responsive markers in sensory neuronal subpopulations. In addition to examining the overall population of NG neurons, those innervating the urinary bladder also were assessed separately. All three of the molecular markers were represented in the NG from noninjured animals, with the majority of the neurons binding IB4. In the chronically injured rats, there was a significant increase in the number of NG neurons expressing P2X3 and a significant decrease in the number binding IB4 compared with noninjured animals, a finding that held true also for the bladder-innervating population. Overall, these results indicate that vagal afferents, including those innervating the bladder, display neurochemical plasticity post-SCI that may have implications for visceral homeostatic mechanisms and nociceptive signaling.
Adaptation and adaptation transfer characteristics of five different saccade types in the monkey
Authors: Kojima Yoshiko , Fuchs Albert F. , Soetedjo Robijanto
Published: April 2015

Shifts in the direction of gaze are accomplished by different kinds of saccades, which are elicited under different circumstances. Saccade types include targeting saccades to simple jumping targets, delayed saccades to visible targets after a waiting period, memory-guided (MG) saccades to remembered target locations, scanning saccades to stationary target arrays, and express saccades after very short latencies. Studies of human cases and neurophysiological experiments in monkeys suggest that separate pathways, which converge on a common locus that provides the motor command, generate these different types of saccade. When behavioral manipulations in humans cause targeting saccades to have persistent dysmetrias as might occur naturally from growth, aging, and injury, they gradually adapt to reduce the dysmetria. Although results differ slightly between laboratories, this adaptation generalizes or transfers to all the other saccade types mentioned above. Also, when one of the other types of saccade undergoes adaptation, it often transfers to another saccade type. Similar adaptation and transfer experiments, which allow inferences to be drawn about the site(s) of adaptation for different saccade types, have yet to be done in monkeys. Here we show that simian targeting and MG saccades adapt more than express, scanning, and delayed saccades. Adaptation of targeting saccades transfers to all the other saccade types. However, the adaptation of MG saccades transfers only to delayed saccades. These data suggest that adaptation of simian targeting saccades occurs on the pathway common to all saccade types. In contrast, only the delayed saccade command passes through the adaptation site of the MG saccade.
The Protective Effect of Lipoic Acid on Selected Cardiovascular Diseases Caused by Age-Related Oxidative Stress
Authors: Skibska Beata , Goraca Anna
Published: April 2015

Oxidative stress is considered to be the primary cause of many cardiovascular diseases, including endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and heart failure. Oxidative stress increases during the aging process, resulting in either increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or decreased antioxidant defense. The increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease is directly related to age. Aging is also associated with oxidative stress, which in turn leads to accelerated cellular senescence and organ dysfunction. Antioxidants may help lower the incidence of some pathologies of cardiovascular diseases and have antiaging properties. Lipoic acid (LA) is a natural antioxidant which is believed to have a beneficial effect on oxidative stress parameters in relation to diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Clock Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks: Analysis and Design of Error Precision Based on Lossy Networked Control Perspective
Authors: Ting Wang , Di Guo , Chun-yang Cai , Xiao-ming Tang , Heng Wang
Published: April 2015

Motivated by the importance of the clock synchronization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), due to the packet loss, the synchronization error variance is a random variable and may exceed the designed boundary of the synchronization variance. Based on the clock synchronization state space model, this paper establishes the model of synchronization error variance analysis and design issues. In the analysis issue, assuming sensor nodes exchange clock information in the network with packet loss, we find a minimum clock information packet arrival rate in order to guarantee the synchronization precision at synchronization node. In the design issue, assuming sensor node freely schedules whether to send the clock information, we look for an optimal clock information exchange rate between synchronization node and reference node which offers the optimal tradeoff between energy consumption and synchronization precision at synchronization node. Finally, simulations further verify the validity of clock synchronization analysis and design from the perspective of synchronization error variance.
Improved Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems Subjected to Input Nonlinearity via Fuzzy Neural Networks
Authors: Nguyen Tat-Bao-Thien , Liao Teh-Lu , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: April 2015

The paper presents an improved adaptive sliding mode control method based on fuzzy neural networks for a class of nonlinear systems subjected to input nonlinearity with unknown model dynamics. The control scheme consists of the modified adaptive and the compensation controllers. The modified adaptive controller online approximates the unknown model dynamics and input nonlinearity and then constructs the sliding mode control law, while the compensation controller takes into account the approximation errors and keeps the system robust. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem, the proposed method can guarantee the asymptotic convergence to zero of the tracking error and provide the robust stability for the closed-loop system. In addition, due to the modification in controller design, the singularity problem that usually appears in indirect adaptive control techniques based on fuzzy/neural approximations is completely eliminated. Finally, the simulation results performed on an inverted pendulum system demonstrate the advanced functions and feasibility of the proposed adaptive control approach.
Prehospital Volume Therapy as an Independent Risk Factor after Trauma
Authors: Hussmann Bjoern , Heuer Matthias , Lefering Rolf , Touma Alexander , Schoeneberg Carsten , Keitel Judith , Lendemans Sven
Published: April 2015

Background. Prehospital volume therapy remains widely used after trauma, while evidence regarding its disadvantages is growing. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the volume administered in a prehospital setting as an independent risk factor for mortality.Material and Methods. Patients who met the following criteria were analyzed retrospectively: Injury Severity Score = 16, primary admission (between 2002 and 2010), and age = 16 years. The following data had to be available: volume administered (including packed red cells), blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, therapeutic measures, and laboratory results. Following a univariate analysis, independent risk factors for mortality after trauma were investigated using a multivariate regression analysis.Results. A collective of 7,641 patients met the inclusion criteria, showing that increasing volumes administered in a prehospital setting were an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio: 1.34). This tendency was even more pronounced in patients without severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (odds ratio: 2.71), while the opposite tendency was observed in patients with TBI.Conclusions. Prehospital volume therapy in patients without severe TBI represents an independent risk factor for mortality. In such cases, respiratory and circulatory conditions should be stabilized during permissive hypotension, and patient transfer should not be delayed.
Long-Term Neuropsychological Sequelae in HIV-Seronegative Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis Patients with and without Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: A Cine MRI Study
Authors: Chen Meng-Hsiang , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Wang Hung-Chen , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Tsai Nai-Wen , Li Shau-Hsuan , Hsu Nai-Wen , Lin Wei-Ming , Kung Chia-Te , Lin Wei-Che
Published: April 2015

Background.Hydrocephalus in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is most commonly managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This study applied cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate initial disease severity on long-term cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics and associated neuropsychological sequelae in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis patients with and without ventriculoperitoneal shunts.Methods.Eighteen human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative cryptococcal meningoencephalitis patients (10 with shunts versus 8 without shunts) were compared with 32 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent complete neurologic examination and neuropsychological testing. Cine MRI was conducted to evaluate CSF flow parameters. Initial CSF laboratory analysis and imaging findings were correlated with present CSF flow parameters and neuropsychological scores.Results.Patients without shunts had higher average flow than controls, suggesting chronic hydrocephalus. Initial Evans ratios and CSF glucose levels were associated with CSF peak velocity and flow. Worsening CSF flow parameters correlated with decreased neuropsychological performance.Conclusions.CSF flow parameter differences between the cryptococcal meningoencephalitis patients both with and without ventriculoperitoneal shunts could be detected by cine MRI and correlated with acute stage disease severity and chronic stage neuropsychological results. Cine MRI is useful for assessing the chronic hydrocephalus that may lead to neuropsychological deficits in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis patients.
Indoor Mobile Localization Based on Wi-Fi Fingerprint's Important Access Point
Authors: Jiang Pei , Zhang Yunzhou , Fu Wenyan , Liu Huiyu , Su Xiaolin
Published: April 2015

With the development of the wireless communication technology and intelligent mobile phone, the positioning services based on Wi-Fi and mobile phone are increasingly demanded. In this paper, a Wi-Fi fingerprint localization method is proposed on the basis of important access points (IAP). For the Wi-Fi fingerprint, Wi-Fi access point with the highest received signal strength (RSS) is denoted as the important access point. At the localization stage, the fingerprints are chosen with the same IAP as the estimated fingerprint from the database. Then, the distance and the AP repetition of the fingerprints are used to calculate the similarity degree. The location of the fingerprint which matches the estimated fingerprint well can be regarded as the estimated location. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve high accuracy in indoor environment.
Medication and Dietary Supplement Interactions among a Low-Income, Hospitalized Patient Population Who Take Cardiac Medications
Authors: Gardiner Paula , Filippelli Amanda C. , Sadikova Ekaterina , White Laura F. , Jack Brian W.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To identify characteristics associated with the use of potentially harmful combinations of dietary supplements (DS) and cardiac prescription medications in an urban, underserved, inpatient population.Methods. Cardiac prescription medication users were identified to assess the prevalence and risk factors of potentially harmful dietary supplement-prescription medication interactions (PHDS-PMI). We examined sociodemographic and clinical characteristics for crude (χ2ort-tests) and adjusted multivariable logistic regression associations with the outcome.Results. Among 558 patients, there were 121 who also used a DS. Of the 110 participants having a PHDS-PMI, 25% were asked about their DS use at admission, 75% had documentation of DS in their chart, and 21% reported the intention to continue DS use after discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model noted that for every additional medication or DS taken the odds of having a PHDS-PMI increase and that those with a high school education are significantly less likely to have a PHDS-PMI than those with a college education.Conclusion. Inpatients at an urban safety net hospital taking a combination of cardiac prescription medications and DS are at a high risk of harmful supplement-drug interactions. Providers must ask about DS use and should consider the potential for interactions when having patient discussions about cardiac medications and DS.
Lipoamino Acid Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Concentration and Time Dependently Enhanced Growth of Human Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line (Hep‐G2)
Authors: Gholami Ahmad , Rasoul-amini Sara , Ebrahiminezhad Alireza , Seradj Seyed Hassan , Ghasemi Younes
Published: April 2015

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have been widely used in medicine for magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and drug delivery applications. The effect of SPION on animal cells has been a controversial issue on which there are many contradictions. This study focused on preparation of SPION with novel biocompatible coatings, their characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation. An amino acid (glycine) and two novel lipo‐amino acids (2 amino‐hexanoic acid and 2 amino‐hexadecanoic acid) coated magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by various physicochemical means such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The cytotoxicity profile of the synthesized nanoparticles on Hep‐G2 cells as measured by MTT assay showed the nanoparticles are nontoxic and the cell growth is promoted by SPION. Moreover, lipoamino acid coating SPION appear more beneficial than the other ones. By increasing concentration of SPION, growth enhancing impact will attenuate and toxicity will appear. Although the aggregation of SPION can affect the results, the gradual delivery of ferric/ferrous ions into cells is the main cause of this growth promotion effect. Conclusively, this study shows that lipoamino acid coating SPION can be used for various biomedical purposes.
A Method for Generating New Datasets Based on Copy Number for Cancer Analysis
Authors: Kim Shinuk , Kon Mark , Kang Hyunsik
Published: April 2015

New data sources for the analysis of cancer data are rapidly supplementing the large number of gene-expression markers used for current methods of analysis. Significant among these new sources are copy number variation (CNV) datasets, which typically enumerate several hundred thousand CNVs distributed throughout the genome. Several useful algorithms allow systems-level analyses of such datasets. However, these rich data sources have not yet been analyzed as deeply as gene-expression data. To address this issue, the extensive toolsets used for analyzing expression data in cancerous and noncancerous tissue (e.g., gene set enrichment analysis and phenotype prediction) could be redirected to extract a great deal of predictive information from CNV data, in particular those derived from cancers. Here we present a software package capable of preprocessing standard Agilent copy number datasets into a form to which essentially all expression analysis tools can be applied. We illustrate the use of this toolset in predicting the survival time of patients with ovarian cancer or glioblastoma multiforme and also provide an analysis of gene- and pathway-level deletions in these two types of cancer.
TACI Expression and Signaling in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Mamara Antigoni , Germenis Anastasios E. , Kompoti Maria , Palassopoulou Maria , Mandala Eudokia , Banti Anastasia , Giannakoulas Nikolaos , Speletas Matthaios
Published: April 2015

TACI is a membrane receptor of BAFF and APRIL, contributing to the differentiation and survival of normal B cells. Although malignant B cells are also subjected on TACI signaling, there is a remarkable intradisease and interindividual variability of TACI expression in B-cell malignancies. The aim of our study was to explore the possible role of TACI signaling in the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including its phenotypic and clinical characteristics and prognosis. Ninety-four patients and 19 healthy controls were studied. CLL patients exhibited variable TACI expression, with the majority of cases displaying low to undetectable TACI, along with low to undetectable BAFF and increased APRIL serum levels compared to healthy controls. CLL cells with high TACI expression displayed a better survival capacity in vitro, when cultured with BAFF and/or APRIL. Moreover, TACI expression was positively correlated with the presence of monoclonal gammopathy and inversely with CD11c expression. Therefore, our study provides further evidence for the contribution of BAFF/APRIL signaling to CLL biology, suggesting also that TACI detection might be useful in the selection of patients for novel targeting therapeutic approaches.
Generalized Taylor Series Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations with Modified Riemann-Liouville Derivative
Authors: Öğrekçi Süleyman
Published: April 2015

We propose an efficient analytic method for solving nonlinear differential equations of fractional order. The fractional derivative is defined in the sense of modified Riemann-Liouville derivative. A new technique for calculating the generalized Taylor series coefficients (also known as “generalized differential transforms,” GDTs) of nonlinear functions and a new approach of the generalized Taylor series method (GTSM) are presented. This new method offers a simple algorithm for computing GDTs of nonlinear functions and avoids massive computational work that usually arises in the standard method. Several illustrative examples are demonstrated to show effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dental Students’ Knowledge of Oral Health for Persons with Special Needs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Salama Fouad , Al-Balkhi Bader , Abdelmegid Faika
Published: April 2015

Objectives. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental students with respect to oral health care of the person with special health care needs (SHCN) and evaluate effectiveness of an education program on improving their knowledge. Method. An evaluation consisting of a questionnaire was answered before and immediately after a 30‐minute educational presentation in the form of a DVD that includes a PowerPoint and a video of oral health care for individuals with SHCN. The questionnaire was based on the materials and information presented in the DVD and included 26 questions (true/false/I do not know). Results. The mean (±SD) score on the pretest was 10.85 (±5.20), which increased to 16.85 (±5.47) on the posttest. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Forty percent of the students surveyed reported that they were very satisfied with the educational part of the presentation, while 50% were somewhat satisfied. Thirty percent of students expressed that the educational intervention used is very effective. Conclusions. Viewing the educational intervention was effective in informing the sophomore students and providing them with instructive basic information on person with SHCN. Dental colleges should increase students’ knowledge, training, and exposure to individuals with SHCN.
Underwater Acoustic Measurements to Estimate Wind and Rainfall in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pensieri Sara , Bozzano Roberto , Nystuen Jeffrey A. , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Anagnostou Marios N. , Bechini Renzo
Published: April 2015

Oceanic ambient noise measurements can be analyzed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information about wind and rainfall phenomena over the ocean filling the existing gap of reliable meteorological observations at sea. The Ligurian Sea Acoustic Experiment was designed to collect long-term synergistic observations from a passive acoustic recorder and surface sensors (i.e., buoy mounted rain gauge and anemometer and weather radar) to support error analysis of rainfall rate and wind speed quantification techniques developed in past studies. The study period included combination of high and low wind and rainfall episodes and two storm events that caused two floods in the vicinity of La Spezia and in the city of Genoa in 2011. The availability of high resolution in situ meteorological data allows improving data processing technique to detect and especially to provide effective estimates of wind and rainfall at sea. Results show a very good correspondence between estimates provided by passive acoustic recorder algorithm and in situ observations for both rainfall and wind phenomena and demonstrate the potential of using measurements provided by passive acoustic instruments in open sea for early warning of approaching coastal storms, which for the Mediterranean coastal areas constitutes one of the main causes of recurrent floods.
Ferulic Acid Attenuates TGF-β1-Induced Renal Cellular Fibrosis in NRK-52E Cells by Inhibiting Smad/ILK/Snail Pathway
Authors: Wei Ming-gang , Sun Wei , He Wei-ming , Ni Li , Yang Yan-yu
Published: April 2015

Renal fibrosis is a common cause of renal dysfunction with chronic kidney disease. Central to this process is epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of proximal tubular epithelial cells driven by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Ferulic acid (FA) on EMT of renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E) induced by TGF-β1 and to elucidate its underlying mechanism against EMT related to TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The NRK-52E cells were treated for 48 h with TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) in different concentrations of FA (0 to 200 µM). Fibronectin, a mesenchymal marker, was assessed by western blotting. Western blotting was also used to examine the EMT markers (E-cadherin, andα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)), signal transducer (p-Smad2/3), and EMT initiator (Snail). ILK was also assayed by western blotting. The results showed that TGF-β1 induced spindle-like morphological transition in NRK-52E cells. Smad2/3 signaling pathway activation, increased fibronectin,α-SMA, ILK, and Snail expression, and decreased E-cadherin expression in TGF-β1-treated NRK-52E cells. FA efficiently blocked P-Smad2/3 activation and attenuated all these EMT changes induced by TGF-β1. These findings suggest that FA may serve as a potential fibrosis antagonist for renal proximal tubule cells by inhibiting EMT process.
An Observatory Plot System for Grain Production in the Neotropical Savannas
Authors: Parsa Soroush , Gómez Naranjo Jaime , Alba Quijano Diego Alejandro , Aguilar Ariza Andrés , Gómez Mora Juan David , Guevara Edward Darío , Bernal Riobo Jaime Humberto
Published: April 2015

The neotropical savanna is the second largest biome in South America, with significant potential for agricultural development. In Colombia, this biome is experiencing rapid land-use change leading to the conversion of seminatural landscapes into to intensive agricultural systems. Our Dataset Paper documents the emerging intensive grain production systems. Between 2011 and 2013, we established 336 observatory plots within farmer’s maize, rice, and soybean fields along a 200 Km transect from Puerto Lopez (Meta) to Viento (Vichada). From each of these plots, we submit 184 descriptors or variables capturing their location, rotation history, management, and environment. Our specific objective in collecting the data was to identify key factors explaining yield variation, with emphasis on interactions between management and environmental factors potentially informing the development of site-specific management protocols. Beyond this objective, the dataset submitted here is intended to support additional inquiries contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in the neotropical savannas.
Protective Role of Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 against Acute Oxidative Stress-Induced Pancreaticβ-Cell Damage
Authors: Fu Jingqi , Zheng Hongzhi , Wang Huihui , Yang Bei , Zhao Rui , Lu Chunwei , Liu Zhiyuan , Hou Yongyong , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Qiang , Qu Weidong , Pi Jingbo
Published: April 2015

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction that occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master regulator in the cellular adaptive response to oxidative stress. The present study found that MIN6β-cells with stable knockdown ofNrf2(Nrf2-KD) and islets isolated fromNrf2-knockout mice expressed substantially reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes in response to a variety of stressors. In scramble MIN6 cells or wild-type islets, acute exposure to oxidative stressors, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, resulted in cell damage as determined by decrease in cell viability, reduced ATP content, morphology changes of islets, and/or alterations of apoptotic biomarkers in a concentration- and/or time-dependent manner. In contrast, silencing ofNrf2sensitized MIN6 cells or islets to the damage. In addition, pretreatment of MIN6β-cells with NRF2 activators, including CDDO-Im, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), andtert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), protected the cells from high levels of H2O2-induced cell damage. Given that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in regulating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and persistent activation of NRF2 blunts glucose-triggered ROS signaling and GSIS, the present study highlights the distinct roles that NRF2 may play in pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction that occurs in different stages of diabetes.
Will There Be Future Deceleration? A Study of Particle Creation Mechanism in Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Pan Supriya , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: April 2015

The paper deals with nonequilibrium thermodynamics based on adiabatic particle creation mechanism with the motivation of considering it as an alternative choice to explain the recent observed accelerating phase of the universe. Using Friedmann’s equations, it is shown that the deceleration parameter (q) can be obtained from the knowledge of the particle production rate (Γ). Motivated by thermodynamical point of view, cosmological solutions are evaluated for the particle creation rates in three cosmic phases, namely, inflation, matter dominated era, and present late time acceleration. The deceleration parameter (q) is expressed as a function of the redshift parameter (z), and its variation is presented graphically. Also, statefinder analysis has been presented graphically in three different phases of the universe. Finally, two noninteracting fluids with different particle creation rates are considered as cosmic substratum, and deceleration parameter (q) is evaluated. Whether more than one transition ofqis possible or not is examined by graphical representations.
A Novel Multidisciplinary Intervention for Long-Term Weight Loss and Glycaemic Control in Obese Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Lih Anna , Pereira Lorraine , Bishay Ramy H. , Zang Johnson , Omari Abdullah , Atlantis Evan , Kormas Nic
Published: April 2015

Introduction. Obesity and diabetes are difficult to treat in public clinics. We sought to determine the effectiveness of the Metabolic Rehabilitation Program (MRP) in achieving long-term weight loss and improving glycaemic control versus “best practice” diabetes clinic (DC) in obese patients using a retrospective cohort study.Methods. Patients with diabetes and BMI > 30 kg/m2who attended the MRP, which consisted of supervised exercise and intense allied health integration, or the DC were selected. Primary outcomes were improvements in weight and glycaemia with secondary outcomes of improvements in blood pressure and lipid profile at 12 and 30 months.Results. Baseline characteristics of both cohorts (40 MRP and 40 DC patients) were similar at baseline other than age (63 in MRP versus 68 years in DC,P=0.002). At 12 months, MRP patients lost 7.65 ± 1.74 kg versus 1.76 ± 2.60 kg in the DC group (P<0.0001) and 9.70 ± 2.13 kg versus 0.98 ± 2.65 kg at 30 months (P<0.0001). Similarly, MRP patients had significant absolute reductions in %HbA1c at 30 months versus the DC group (−0.86 ± 0.31% versus 0.12% ± 0.33%,P<0.038), with nonsignificant improvements in lipids and blood pressure in MRP patients.Conclusion. Further research is needed to establish the MRP as an effective strategy for achieving sustained weight loss and improving glycaemic control in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Hillier Susan , Worley Anthea
Published: April 2015

The Feldenkrais Method (FM) has broad application in populations interested in improving awareness, health, and ease of function. This review aimed to update the evidence for the benefits of FM, and for which populations. A best practice systematic review protocol was devised. Included studies were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias approach and trial findings analysed individually and collectively where possible. Twenty RCTs were included (an additional 14 to an earlier systematic review). The population, outcome, and findings were highly heterogeneous. However, meta-analyses were able to be performed with 7 studies, finding in favour of the FM for improving balance in ageing populations (e.g., timed up and go test MD −1.14 sec, 95% CI −1.78, −0.49; and functional reach test MD 6.08 cm, 95% CI 3.41, 8.74). Single studies reported significant positive effects for reduced perceived effort and increased comfort, body image perception, and dexterity. Risk of bias was high, thus tempering some results. Considered as a body of evidence, effects seem to be generic, supporting the proposal that FM works on a learning paradigm rather than disease-based mechanisms. Further research is required; however, in the meantime, clinicians and professionals may promote the use of FM in populations interested in efficient physical performance and self-efficacy.
Applications of Generalized Cascade Scattering Matrix on the Microwave Circuits and Antenna Arrays
Authors: Cao Shun-Feng , Jiao Yong-Chang , Zhang Zheng
Published: April 2015

The ideal lossless symmetrical reciprocal network (ILSRN) is constructed and introduced to resolve the complex interconnections of two arbitrary microwave networks. By inserting the ILSRNs, the complex interconnections can be converted into the standard one-by-one case without changing the characteristics of the previous microwave networks. Based on the algorithm of the generalized cascade scattering matrix, a useful derivation on the excitation coefficients of antenna arrays is firstly proposed with consideration of the coupling effects. And then, the proposed techniques are applied on the microwave circuits and antenna arrays. Firstly, an improved magic-T is optimized, fabricated, and measured. Compared with the existing results, the prototype has a wider bandwidth, lower insertion loss, better return loss, isolation, and imbalances. Secondly, two typical linear waveguide slotted arrays are designed. Both the radiation patterns and scattering parameters at the input ports agree well with the desired goals. Finally, the feeding network of a two-element microstrip antenna array is optimized to decrease the mismatch at the input port, and a good impedance matching is successfully achieved.