bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel robotic knee device with stance control and its kinematic weight optimization for rehabilitation
Authors: Pyo Sanghun , Yoon Junwon , Oh Min-Kyun 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYIt is important to develop a robotic orthosis or exoskeleton that can provide back-drivable and good assistive performances with lightweight structures for overground gait rehabilitation of stroke patients. In this paper, we describe a robotic knee device with a five-bar linkage to allow low-impedance voluntary knee motion within a specified rotation range during the swing phase, and to assist knee extension during the stance phase. The device can provide free motion through the five-bar linkage with 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) actuation via the patient's shank using a linear actuator, and can assist knee extension at any controlled knee angle while bearing weight via a geared five-bar linkage with 1 DOF actuation of the linear actuator. The kinematic transition between the two modes can be implemented by contact with a circular structure and a linear link, and the resultant range of motion can be determined by the linear actuator. The kinematic weight of the device was optimized using the simple genetic algorithm to reduce the mass. The optimization cost function was based on the sum of the total link lengths and the actuator power. The optimization results reduced the total link length and motor power by 47% and 43%, respectively, compared to the initial design. We expect that the device will facilitate rehabilitation of stroke patients by allowing safe and free overground walking while providing support for stumbling.
Duration of collision-free motion of unmanned vehicles in a confined area
Authors: Zhang Qian , Leng Gerard , Govindaraju Vengatesan 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYThis paper provides a mathematical approach to study the duration of collision-free motion of multiple unmanned autonomous vehicles (UXVs) operating in confined areas. A simple geometric model of the UXVs is first proposed, and the dynamics of the model is shown. The expected time of first collision is then formulated using the concept of mean free path from molecular dynamics. Monte-Carlo simulation is performed to verify the theory developed. The expected time of first collision is a function of the number of UXVs, the UXV speed and the sensor field of view (FOV) for a given operational area and vehicle size. Furthermore, the critical number of UXVs, above which collision can be deemed to occur instantly, is obtained.
Caregivers provide more labeling responses to infants' pointing than to infants' object-directed vocalizations
Authors: WU ZHEN , GROS-LOUIS JULIE 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTExisting studies have observed a robust relationship between infants' pointing gestures and language outcomes. By contrast, infants' overall vocal production is not related to language outcomes. One possible explanation for the association between pointing and language is that pointing gestures, as compared to vocalizations, may elicit more verbal responses from social partners that are facilitative for language learning. To test this, we observed forty-seven infants aged 1;0 during free play with their mothers and fathers separately to compare parents' verbal responses to infants' pointing gestures and object-directed vocalizations. Results showed that, compared to object-directed vocalizations, infants' pointing elicited more verbal responses from parents, particularly object labels. Moreover, mothers were more likely than fathers to provide labels. These results may help explain why pointing is associated with indices of language acquisition, but the production of vocalizations is not.
Experimentation under Hierarchy in Local Conditions: Cases of Political Reform in Guangdong and Sichuan, China
Authors: Tsai Wen-Hsuan , Dean Nicola 
Published: June 2014

AbstractReforms carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have long followed a traditional model of “experimentation under hierarchy.” This article will attempt to develop this model further by building a framework to illustrate the influence of both the political dynamics of hierarchical central–local relations and local economic circumstances in the introduction of large-scale political reforms. The initiation and expansion of “experimental points” are only permitted in those select few provinces with both favourable political and economic local conditions, allowing the CCP to minimize risk and make informed decisions regarding possibilities for nationwide reform. This article proposes that the hierarchical interaction of central and local political elites, and in particular provincial secretaries, can explain the extent of reforms, whereas the type of reform is linked to distinct provincial economic conditions and the provincial secretary's interpretation of provincial priorities. Put succinctly, the CCP's model of political reform can be specifically characterized as “experimentation under hierarchy in local conditions.” This article presents a detailed discussion of both the political and economic considerations inherent in this concept, and provides examples of reform programmes in Guangdong and Sichuan to illustrate the model in practice.
A case–control study on red meat consumption and risk of stroke among a group of Iranian adults
Authors: Saneei Parvane , Saadatnia Mohammad , Shakeri Forough , Beykverdi Masumeh , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to examine the association between red meat consumption and stroke in a group of Iranian adults.DesignA hospital-based case–control study.SettingThe study included stroke patients and hospital-based controls. Usual dietary intakes of participants were assessed by means of a validated 168-item semi-quantitative FFQ. Total red meat consumption was calculated by summing up the consumption of red, processed and visceral meats.SubjectsOne hundred and ninety-five cases were stroke patients hospitalized in the neurology ward and 195 controls were recruited from patients hospitalized in other wards with no history of cerebrovascular diseases or neurological disorders.ResultsParticipants with stroke were older, more likely to be male and less likely to be obese. Individuals in the highest tertile of red meat intake were 119 % more likely to have stroke (OR=2·19; 95 % CI 1·33, 3·60) compared with those in the lowest tertile. After controlling for age, sex and total energy intake, the association between red meat consumption and stroke was strengthened (OR=2·72; 95 % CI 1·53, 4·83). This association remained significant even after further controlling for physical activity and smoking as well as dietary intakes. Additional adjustments for BMI, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia did not influence the association significantly (OR=2·51; 95 % CI 1·19, 5·09).ConclusionsConsumption of red meat was associated with greater odds of having stroke in a group of Iranian adults.
Notch pathway inhibition controls myeloma bone disease in the murine MOPC315.BM model
Authors: Schwarzer R , Nickel N , Godau J , Willie B M , Duda G N , Schwarzer R , Cirovic B , Leutz A , Manz R , Bogen B , Dörken B , Jundt F 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDespite evidence that deregulated Notch signalling is a master regulator of multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis, its contribution to myeloma bone disease remains to be resolved. Notch promotes survival of human MM cells and triggers human osteoclast activity in vitro. Here, we show that inhibition of Notch through the γ-secretase inhibitor XII (GSI XII) induces apoptosis of murine MOPC315.BM myeloma cells with high Notch activity. GSI XII impairs murine osteoclast differentiation of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro. In the murine MOPC315.BM myeloma model GSI XII has potent anti-MM activity and reduces osteolytic lesions as evidenced by diminished myeloma-specific monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)-A serum levels and quantitative assessment of bone structure changes via high-resolution microcomputed tomography scans. Thus, we suggest that Notch inhibition through GSI XII controls myeloma bone disease mainly by targeting Notch in MM cells and possibly in osteoclasts in their microenvironment. We conclude that Notch inhibition is a valid therapeutic strategy in MM.
A barcode of organellar genome polymorphisms identifies the geographic origin of Plasmodium falciparum strains
Authors: Preston Mark D. , Campino Susana , Assefa Samuel A. , Echeverry Diego F. , Ocholla Harold , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Stewart Lindsay B. , Conway David J. , Borrmann Steffen , Michon Pascal , Zongo Issaka , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco , Djimde Abdoulaye A. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Nosten Francois , Pain Arnab , Bousema Teun , Drakeley Chris J. , Fairhurst Rick M. , Sutherland Colin J. , Roper Cally , Clark Taane G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMalaria is a major public health problem that is actively being addressed in a global eradication campaign. Increased population mobility through international air travel has elevated the risk of re-introducing parasites to elimination areas and dispersing drug-resistant parasites to new regions. A simple genetic marker that quickly and accurately identifies the geographic origin of infections would be a valuable public health tool for locating the source of imported outbreaks. Here we analyse the mitochondrion and apicoplast genomes of 711 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 14 countries, and find evidence that they are non-recombining and co-inherited. The high degree of linkage produces a panel of relatively few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that is geographically informative. We design a 23-SNP barcode that is highly predictive (~92%) and easily adapted to aid case management in the field and survey parasite migration worldwide.
Performance Enhancement of Capacitive-Coupling Dual-gate Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor in Ultra-Thin-Body
Authors: Jang Hyun-June , Cho Won-Ju 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRecently, thin-film transistor based-ISFETs with the dual-gate (DG) structures have been proposed, in order to beat the Nernst response of the standard ISFET, utilizing diverse organic or inorganic materials. The immutable Nernst response can be dramatically transformed to an ultra-sensing margin, with the capacitive-coupling arisen from the DG structure. In order to advance this platform, we here embedded the ultra-thin body (UTB) into the DG ISFET. The UTB of 4.3 nm serves to not only increase its sensitivity, but also to strongly suppress the leakage components, leading to a better stability of the DG ISFET. In addition, we first provide a comprehensive analysis of the body thickness effects especially how the thick body can render the degradation in the device performance, such as sensitivity and stability. The UTB DG ISFET will allow the ISFET-based biosensor platform to continue enhancement into the next decade.
A method to identify and validate mitochondrial modulators using mammalian cells and the worm C. elegans
Authors: Andreux Pénélope A. , Mouchiroud Laurent , Wang Xu , Jovaisaite Virginija , Mottis Adrienne , Bichet Sabrina , Moullan Norman , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Auwerx Johan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles regulated by a complex network of proteins that are vital for many cellular functions. Because mitochondrial modulators can impact many aspects of cellular homeostasis, their identification and validation has proven challenging. It requires the measurement of multiple parameters in parallel to understand the exact nature of the changes induced by such compounds. We developed a platform of assays scoring for mitochondrial function in two complementary models systems, mammalian cells and C. elegans. We first optimized cell culture conditions and established the mitochondrial signature of 1,200 FDA-approved drugs in liver cells. Using cell-based and C. elegans assays, we further defined the metabolic effects of two pharmacological classes that emerged from our hit list, i.e. imidazoles and statins. We found that these two drug classes affect respiration through different and cholesterol-independent mechanisms in both models. Our screening strategy enabled us to unequivocally identify compounds that have toxic or beneficial effects on mitochondrial activity. Furthermore, the cross-species approach provided novel mechanistic insight and allowed early validation of hits that act on mitochondrial function.
Méthodologie en recherche clinique : intérêt du site
beOrtho
Authors: Ruiz Martial , Thibult François 
Published: June 2014

Les règles régissant la démarche méthodologique de l’« evidence-based » ont fortement
influencé la recherche clinique en orthodontie. Toutefois, la mise en œuvre d’études
cliniques nécessite de la rigueur, des connaissances méthodologiques et statistiques
importantes ainsi qu’un environnement fiable pour compiler et conserver les données issues
de la recherche. Pour répondre au hiatus entre notre volonté de conduire des recherches
cliniques et la rigueur méthodologique nous permettant d’espérer en exploiter les
résultats, nous avons développé le projet « beOrtho.com » (basé sur les évidences
orthodontiques). Le site beOrtho a été conçu pour répondre aux problèmes de recrutement
d’échantillon, de compilation et de conservation des données, ainsi que pour fournir une
aide à la conception méthodologique des études cliniques. Il permet la création et le
suivi d’études cliniques ainsi que la constitution de bases de données. Nous avons d’autre
part élaboré une grille d’évaluation des études cliniques qui permet également la
constitution de revues systématiques. En illustration de notre propos, nous avons testé un
protocole de recherche afin d’évaluer l’intérêt de la propulsion mandibulaire dans le
traitement de la classe II.
Bio-functional pickles that reduce blood pressure of rats
Authors: Oda Kohei , Imanishi Takanori , Yamane Yoshito , Ueno Yoshie , Mori Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Addition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides to the pickles was studied in order to develop a new type of pickles that reduce blood pressure. Based on the outcome of these studies, a new type of fermentation bed composed of rice bran and white miso has been successfully developed. The advantage of such pickles is that they not only contain both GABA and ACE-inhibitory peptides, but also that their taste and flavor are excellent, with colors close to the original ones. The new type of pickles could temporarily reduce blood pressure in two types of rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats and NaCl-sensitive model rats. Thus, the newly developed pickles appear to be beneficial for pickle business.
Regulation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) expression by lysine-specific demethylase 1 and 2 (LSD1 and LSD2)
Authors: Mino Koshiki , Nishimura Satoshi , Ninomiya Shogo , Tujii Hiroshi , Matsumori Yasumasa , Tsuchida Mie , Hosoi Miho , Koseki Koichi , Wada Shuichi , Hasegawa Makoto , Sasaki Ryuzo , Murakami-Yamaguchi Yukie , Narita Hiroshi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Miyata Naoki , Mizukami Tamio 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) is a major inhibitor of extracellular matrix degradation. Decreases in TFPI-2 contribute to malignant tumor cell production, and TFPI-2 is a presumed tumor suppressor. TFPI-2 gene transcription is regulated by two epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation of the promoter and K4 methylation of histone 3 (H3). Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and LSD2 demethylate H3K4me2/1. LSD1 has been implicated in TFPI-2 regulation through both epigenetic mechanisms, but the involvement of LSD2 remains unknown. We prepared a monoclonal anti-LSD2 antibody that clearly distinguishes LSD2 from LSD1. Knockdown of LSD1 or LSD2 by siRNAs increased TFPI-2 protein and mRNA. Simultaneous knockdown of both LSD1 and LSD2 showed additive effects. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that CpG sites in the TFPI-2 promoter region were unmethylated. These results indicate that LSD2 also contributes to TFPI-2 regulation through histone modification, and that further studies of the involvement of LSD2 in tumor malignancy are warranted.
Green tea aroma fraction reduces β-amyloid peptide-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans transfected with human β-amyloid minigene
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Watanabe Tatsuro , Fujita Takashi , Hasegawa Toshio , Saito Michio , Suganuma Masami 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Green tea is a popular world-wide beverage with health benefits that include preventive effects on cancer as well as cardiovascular, liver and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). This study will examine the preventive effects on AD of a unique aroma of Japanese green tea. First, a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) CL4176 expressing human β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) was used as a model of AD. A hexane extract of processed green tea was further fractionated into volatile and non-volatile fractions, named roasty aroma and green tea aroma fractions depending on their aroma, by microscale distillation. Both hexane extract and green tea aroma fraction were found to inhibit Aβ-induced paralysis, while only green tea aroma fraction extended lifespan in CL4176. We also found that green tea aroma fraction has antioxidant activity. This paper indicates that the green tea aroma fraction is an additional component for prevention of AD.
Adaptation of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus toward oxidative stress triggered by high expression of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase
Authors: Sato Yuya , Arai Hiroyuki , Igarashi Yasuo , Ishii Masaharu 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Ferriperoxin is a novel peroxidase essential for aerobiosis of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus. Although the ferriperoxin-deficient mutant (Δfpx) was unable to grow aerobically, a suppressor mutant capable of aerobic growth was obtained after long aerobic cultivation. The alkyl hydroperoxide reductase gene was significantly upregulated in the suppressor mutant, indicating that the enzyme counteracts oxidative stress in the absence of ferriperoxin.
Fimbriae and lipopolysaccharides are necessary for co-aggregation between Lactobacilli and Escherichia coli
Authors: Mizuno Kouhei , Furukawa Soichi , Usui Yumi , Ishiba Madoka , Ogihara Hirokazu , Morinaga Yasushi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Cells of Lactobacilli co-aggregated with Escherichia coli K-12 cells to form co-aggregates under mixed-culture conditions at 37 °C for 24 h. Co-aggregation was inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate but not by protease. E. coli deletion mutants of fimbriae formation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) formation did not co-aggregate with Lactobacilli. These results showed that fimbriae and LPS are necessary for co-aggregation between Lactobacilli and E. coli.
Identification of molecular target of diallyl trisulfide in leukemic cells
Authors: Suda Shun , Watanabe Kazunari , Tanaka Yuki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Tanaka Rie , Ogihara Jun , Ariga Toyohiko , Hosono-Fukao Tomomi , Hosono Takashi , Seki Taiichiro 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
To identify the molecular target of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in human leukemic cell line U937, we examined modification of thiol group(s) of cellular proteins by the redox 2D PAGE. A unique protein spot appeared by DATS treatment was identified to be heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). Hsp27 is suggested to be one of the molecular target of DATS in U937.
What to Do about the “Cult of Statistical Significance”? A Renewable Fuel Application using the Neyman‐Pearson Protocol
Authors: Wojan Timothy R. , Brown Jason P. , Lambert Dayton M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis research adapts the Neyman‐Pearson testing protocol commonly used in biomedical research for ex post evaluation of the employment impacts of new ethanol bio‐refineries in the U.S. Great Plains and the Midwest. By calculating the power of the test, the suggested protocol may provide policy‐relevant information, even in the event of nonsignificant findings. The main obstacle to applying this protocol has been the need to posit an explicit alternative distribution, which runs counter to the empiricist tradition of mainstream econometrics. We resolve this problem by applying a data generating process with known parameters anchored to sample data to compute power.
High occurrence of viruses in the mucus layer of scleractinian corals
Authors: Nguyen‐Kim Hanh , Bouvier Thierry , Bouvier Corinne , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam , Rochelle‐Newall Emma , Baudoux Anne‐Claire , Desnues Christelle , Reynaud Stéphanie , Ferrier‐Pages Christine , Bettarel Yvan 
Published: June 2014

SummaryViruses attract increasing interest from environmental microbiologists seeking to understand their function and role in coral health. However, little is known about their main ecological traits within the coral holobiont. In this study, a quantitative and qualitative characterization of viral and bacterial communities was conducted on the mucus of seven different coral species of the Van Phong Bay (Vietnam). On average, the concentrations of viruses and bacteria were, respectively, 17‐ and twofold higher in the mucus than in the surrounding water. The examination of bacterial community composition also showed remarkable differences between mucus and water samples. The percentage of active respiring cells was nearly threefold higher in mucus (m = 24.8%) than in water (m = 8.6%). Interestingly, a positive and highly significant correlation was observed between the proportion of active cells and viral abundance in the mucus, suggesting that the metabolism of the bacterial associates is probably a strong determinant of the distribution of viruses within the coral holobiont. Overall, coral mucus, given its unique physicochemical characteristics and sticking properties, can be regarded as a highly selective biotope for abundant, diversified and specialized symbiotic microbial and viral organisms.
Analysis of the factors influencing lung cancer hospitalization expenses using data mining
Authors: Yu Tianzhi , He Zhen , Zhou Qinghua , Ma Jun , Wei Lihui 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundHospitalization expenses for the therapy of lung cancer are not only a direct economic burden on patients, but also the focus of medical insurance departments. Therefore, the method for classifying and analyzing lung cancer hospitalization expenses so as to predict reasonable medical cost has become an issue of common interest for both hospitals and insurance institutions.MethodsA C5.0 algorithm is adopted to analyze factors influencing hospitalization expenses of 731 lung cancer patients. A C5.0 algorithm is a data mining method used to classify calculation.ResultsIncreasing the number of input variables leads to variation in the importance of different variables, but length of stay (LOS), major therapy, and medicine cost are the three variables of greater importance. They are important factors that affect the hospitalization cost of lung cancer patients. In all three calculations, the classification accuracy rate of training and testing partition sets reached 84% and above. The classification accuracy rate reached over 95% after addition of the cost variables.ConclusionThe classification rules are proven to be in accordance with actual clinical practice. The model established by the research can also be applied to other diseases in the screening and analysis of disease hospitalization costs according to selected feature variables.