bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Model-Based Initial Guess for Estimating Parameters in Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Dattner Itai 
Published: July 2015

Summary
The inverse problem of parameter estimation from noisy observations is a major challenge in statistical inference for dynamical systems. Parameter estimation is usually carried out by optimizing some criterion function over the parameter space. Unless the optimization process starts with a good initial guess, the estimation may take an unreasonable amount of time, and may converge to local solutions, if at all. In this article, we introduce a novel technique for generating good initial guesses that can be used by any estimation method. We focus on the fairly general and often applied class of systems linear in the parameters. The new methodology bypasses numerical integration and can handle partially observed systems. We illustrate the performance of the method using simulations and apply it to real data.
Baicalein ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Pang‐hu , Xu Chang‐geng , Zhou Xiang‐jun , Hu Wei , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti‐fibrotic effects of baicalein and its influence on myofibroblasts in vivo and in vitro.Materials and MethodsAn in vivo unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) mouse model and an in vitro transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) activated normal rat kidney (NRK)‐49F cell model were established. Baicalein treatment was then investigated in these models to assess its anti‐fibrotic effects and potential mechanisms of action.ResultsBaicalein attenuated renal fibrosis by ameliorating kidney injury, reducing deposition of fibronectin and collagen type 1, and inducing apoptosis in myofibroblasts in the UUO mouse model. Baicalein also induced apoptosis of TGF‐β1‐activated myofibroblasts in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, baicalein triggered a cascade of mitochondrion‐associated apoptosis by upregulating cleaved‐caspase‐3, Bcl2‐associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved‐caspase‐9 while downregulating the protein expression of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2). Additionally, down‐regulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt) was found in the baicalein‐induced pro‐apoptotic components.ConclusionsThe present findings show that baicalein can ameliorate tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis through the mitochondrion‐associated intrinsic pathway, which may be mediated by the inhibition of the phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase/Akt (PI3k/Akt) pathway.
Novel nanosystem to enhance the antitumor activity of lapatinib in breast cancer treatment: Therapeutic efficacy evaluation
Authors: Huo Zhi‐Jun , Wang Shi‐Jiang , Wang Zhi‐Qi , Zuo Wen‐Shu , Liu Ping , Pang Bo , Liu Kai 
Published: July 2015

The present study was performed to investigate the therapeutic performance of polymer‐lipid hybrid nanoparticles towards the delivery of lapatinib (LPT) in breast cancers. We have successfully developed the lapatinib‐loaded polymer‐lipid hybrid nanosystem and showed its therapeutic potential in in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer. The nanoformulations consisted of a polymeric core (poly[lactide‐co‐glycolide]‐D‐a‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate [PLGA–TPGS]), which was then enveloped by a PEGylated lipid layer (DSPE‐PEG) (PLPT) to maintain the structural integrity. The PLPT formulation controlled the drug release in pH 7.4 conditions and accelerated the release at pH 5.5 conditions. The PLPT showed a remarkable cellular internalization and efficiently killed the MCF‐7 cancer cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, LPT‐loaded nanoparticles effectively induced apoptosis of cancer cells than compared to free LPT. Pharmacokinetic data suggested that nanoparticles could significantly enhance the blood circulation time of LPT by reducing the uptake by a reticuloendothelial system (RES). The prolonged blood circulation of PLPT could allow the preferential accumulation of drug in the tumor tissues. Importantly, PLPT significantly reduced the tumor burden of cancerous mice and effectively controlled the tumor cell proliferation. TUNEL assay further showed a greater apoptosis of tumor tissues in the PLPT treated mice group. Our results suggest that the use of a hybrid system may allow a decrease in the dosage regimen without the loss of therapeutic effect. Overall, lapatinib‐loaded hybrid nanoparticles hold great potential for achieving an optimal therapeutic effect in breast cancer treatment. The present anticancer drug delivery system could be potentially applied for the treatment of other cancers.
p53 activated by AND gate genetic circuit under radiation and hypoxia for targeted cancer gene therapy
Authors: Ding Miao , Li Rong , He Rong , Wang Xingyong , Yi Qijian , Wang Weidong 
Published: July 2015

Radio‐activated gene therapy has been developed as a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer; however, expression of therapeutic gene in peritumoral tissues will result in unacceptable toxicity to normal cells. To restrict gene expression in targeted tumor mass, we used hypoxia and radiation tolerance features of tumor cells to develop a synthetic AND gate genetic circuit through connecting radiation sensitivity promoter cArG6, heat shock response elements SNF1, HSF1 and HSE4 with retroviral vector plxsn. Their construction and dynamic activity process were identified through downstream enhanced green fluorescent protein and wtp53 expression in non‐small cell lung cancer A549 cells and in a nude mice model. The result showed that AND gate genetic circuit could be activated by lower required radiation dose (6 Gy) and after activated, AND gate could induce significant apoptosis effects and growth inhibition of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The radiation‐ and hypoxia‐activated AND gate genetic circuit, which could lead to more powerful target tumoricidal activity represented a promising strategy for both targeted and effective gene therapy of human lung adenocarcinoma and low dose activation character of the AND gate genetic circuit implied that this model could be further exploited to decrease side‐effects of clinical radiation therapy.
ERGIC3, which is regulated by miR‐203a, is a potential biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lin Qing‐Hai , Zhang Kui‐Dong , Duan He‐Xian , Liu Min‐Xia , Wei Wan‐Li , Cao Yi 
Published: July 2015

In a previous study, we found that ERGIC3 was a novel lung cancer‐related gene by screening libraries of differentially expressed genes. In this study, we developed a new murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ERGIC3. This avid antibody (6‐C4) is well suited for immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and solid‐phase immunoassays. Furthermore, we systematically investigated expressions of ERGIC3 in a broad variety of normal human tissues and various types of tumors by immunohistochemistry. In normal human tissues, 6‐C4 reacted only in some epithelial cells, such as hepatocytes, gastrointestinal epithelium, ducts and acini of the pancreas, proximal and distal tubules of the kidney, and mammary epithelial cells; however, most normal human tissues were not stained. Moreover, almost all carcinomas that originated from the epithelial cells were positive for 6‐C4, whereas all sarcomas were negative. Notably, 6‐C4 strongly stained non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells but did not react with normal lung tissues. Hence, ERGIC3 mAb could be used in histopathological diagnosis and cytopathological testing to detect early‐stage NSCLC. We also studied the mechanisms of ERGIC3 regulation in vitro and in vivo by means of bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, miRNA expression profiling and miRNA transfection. Results showed that miR‐203a downregulation induced ERGIC3 overexpression in NSCLC cells.
Neighborhood and family social capital and parent‐reported oral health of children in Iowa
Authors: Reynolds Julie C. , Damiano Peter C. , Glanville Jennifer L. , Oleson Jacob , McQuistan Michelle R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesA growing body of evidence supports the impact of social factors on oral health disparities in children in the United States. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between two types of social capital—family and neighborhood—and the parent‐reported oral health of Iowa's children.MethodsWe analyzed results from a 2010 cross‐sectional statewide health survey. The outcome was parent‐reported child oral health status, and the five primary independent variables were neighborhood social capital and four separate indicators of family social capital. Data were analyzed using a mixed‐effects linear regression with a random effect for zip code.ResultsSignificant positive associations were found between child oral health status and neighborhood social capital (P = 0.005) and one indicator of family social capital, family frequency of eating meals together (P = 0.02), after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsThis study adds to the growing body of literature around the social determinants of oral health. Our findings indicate that the oral health of children may be influenced by broad social factors such as neighborhood and family social capital.
Prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Maturu V. N. , Agarwal R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been varyingly reported. The aim of this systematic review was to estimate the overall prevalence of AS/ABPA in CF.MethodsWe searched the PubMed and EmBase databases for studies reporting the prevalence of AS/ABPA in CF. We calculated the proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the prevalence of AS and ABPA in the individual studies and then pooled the results using a random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test while publication bias was assessed using both graphical and statistical methods.ResultsOur search yielded 64 eligible studies. The pooled prevalence of AS was 39.1% (95% CI: 33.3–45.1) and was higher with skin test compared to specific IgE (43.8% vs. 32.8%, P = 0.002); however, the prevalence did not vary with the type of skin test used (intradermal or percutaneous). The prevalence of ABPA was 8.9% (95% CI: 7.4–10.7) and was higher in adults as compared to children (10.1% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.0001). There was a wide variation in the criteria used for diagnosing ABPA. Almost 50% (12/23) of the publications after 2004 used criteria other than the CF foundation criteria for diagnosing ABPA. There was significant statistical heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of AS and ABPA in patients with CF. Despite six decades of research, there is still a need to adopt uniform methodology and criteria for the diagnosis of AS/ABPA.
Neuron–oligodendrocyte interaction in neuroinflammation
Authors: Itoh Takayuki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAxons are the most vulnerable component of the nervous system because of their specialized structure. However, less attention has been focused on axons compared with the neuronal cell body in the study of various neurological diseases involving the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, although the principal targets of autoimmunity are myelin and oligodendrocytes, progressive axonopathy becomes apparent during the chronic phase of the disease, which correlates with the progression of clinical disability. This fact prompted us to reexamine the mutual relationship between axons and oligodendrocytes. In the past decade, our knowledge of this relationship has been rapidly expanded, and we now realize that the oligodendrocyte is not just a partner for saltatory conduction. The present review summarizes our current basic knowledge of the mutual relationship between axons and oligodendrocytes with relevance to MS research.
Comparing Two Diagnostic Procedures in Planning Dental Implants to Support a Mandibular Free‐Ending Removable Partial Denture
Authors: Jensen Charlotte , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Meijer Henny J.A. , Schepers Rutger , Cune Marco S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe use of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the preoperative implant planning is increasing. A clear guideline is needed in which cases of CBCT is essential.PurposeIn this study, two imaging modalities (panoramic radiograph and CBCT) are compared in preoperative implant planning in the severely resorbed mandible and the influence on the observers assessments.Materials and MethodsThirty‐four consecutive patients with bilateral edentulous regions in the mandible were included. The feasibility of implant placement in the premolar and molar region was judged by three observers on basis of casts either with a panoramic radiograph or a CBCT.Cohen's kappa, sensitivity and specificity rates, odds of agreement and disagreement as well as the odds ratios (ORs, ratio between odds of agreement and disagreement) were calculated per observer and overall for all observers assuming the majorities agreement as the prevailing opinion.ResultsOverall outcome for premolar region revealed true‐positive and true‐negative rates of 90% and 0%, respectively, with Cohen's kappa (κ) = −0.04. The ORs for the three observers varied between 2.6 and 158.8, with an overall OR = 76.For the molar region, overall true‐positive and true‐negative rates were 65% and 22% respectively, with Cohen's κ = 0.68, representing a reasonable amount of agreement. Sensitivity and specificity as well as the ORs for individual observers were fairly consistent with an overall OR = 43.ConclusionImplant placement in the resorbed posterior mandible can be well assessed with a cast in combination with a panoramic radiograph in the vast majority of the cases. Misclassification amounts to approximately 10% to 13%. In all cases of misclassification, a critical bone height, or an unclear course of the mandibular nerve or a knife edge ridge was present. In these cases, the use of a CBCT is justified.
Biologically Plausible, Human‐Scale Knowledge Representation
Authors: Crawford Eric , Gingerich Matthew , Eliasmith Chris 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSeveral approaches to implementing symbol‐like representations in neurally plausible models have been proposed. These approaches include binding through synchrony (Shastri & Ajjanagadde, ), “mesh” binding (van der Velde & de Kamps, ), and conjunctive binding (Smolensky, ). Recent theoretical work has suggested that most of these methods will not scale well, that is, that they cannot encode structured representations using any of the tens of thousands of terms in the adult lexicon without making implausible resource assumptions. Here, we empirically demonstrate that the biologically plausible structured representations employed in the Semantic Pointer Architecture (SPA) approach to modeling cognition (Eliasmith, ) do scale appropriately. Specifically, we construct a spiking neural network of about 2.5 million neurons that employs semantic pointers to successfully encode and decode the main lexical relations in WordNet, which has over 100,000 terms. In addition, we show that the same representations can be employed to construct recursively structured sentences consisting of arbitrary WordNet concepts, while preserving the original lexical structure. We argue that these results suggest that semantic pointers are uniquely well‐suited to providing a biologically plausible account of the structured representations that underwrite human cognition.
Injecting buprenorphine‐naloxone film: Findings from an explorative qualitative study
Authors: White Nancy , Flaherty Ian , Higgs Peter , Larance Briony , Nielsen Suzanne , Degenhardt Louisa , Ali Robert , Lintzeris Nicholas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsExperiences of buprenorphine‐naloxone (BNX) sublingual film injection are not well documented or understood. We examined how people who inject BNX film seek and share information about this practice, document the methods used to prepare BNX film for injection, and report participants' experiences of this practice.Design and MethodsInterviews were (n = 16) conducted with people who indicated that they had injected BNX film since its introduction onto the Australian market. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed. NVivo10 program (QSR International) was used to analyse the data using qualitative description methodology.ResultsParticipants largely reported similar BNX film preparation techniques, although the texture of BNX film during preparation to inject was reported to be unusual (gluggy), and there were many varied accounts associated with the amount of water used. Physical harms reported as associated with injecting BNX film were described (including local and systemic issues); participants reported injecting the film to enhance its immediate effects, yet generally reported that sublingual administration provided longer‐lasting effects.Discussion and ConclusionsUnderstanding knowledge acquisition about injecting new formulations of opioid substitution therapy is crucial in developing more effective harm‐reduction strategies. Dissemination by peer networks to those who are currently or planning to inject BNX film regarding the ‘gelatine like’ texture when mixing, using only cold water and double filtering is important to ensure safer injecting practices. Findings from this study highlight the importance of peer networks for the dissemination of harm‐reduction information. Introduction of new formulations internationally requires more qualitative studies to inform safer practices. [White N, Flaherty I, Higgs P, Larance B, Nielsen S, Degenhardt L, Ali R, Lintzeris N. Injecting buprenorphine‐naloxone film: Findings from an explorative qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:623–629]
Effects of self‐monitoring of glucose on distress and self‐efficacy in people with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malanda U. L. , Bot S. D. M. , Kostense P. J. , Snoek F. J. , Dekker J. M. , Nijpels G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo investigate the effects of self‐monitoring of glucose in blood or urine, on diabetes‐specific distress and self‐efficacy, compared with usual care in people with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐one participants with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus [diabetes duration ≥ 1 year, age 45–75 years, HbA1c ≥ 53.0 mmol/mol (7.0%), self‐monitoring frequency < 3 times in the previous year] were randomly assigned to blood self‐monitoring (n = 60), urine self‐monitoring (n = 59) or usual care (n = 62). Primary outcomes were between‐group differences in diabetes‐specific distress [Problem Areas in Diabetes scale (PAID)] and self‐efficacy [Confidence in Diabetes Self‐Care questionnaire (CIDS–2)] after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c, treatment satisfaction and depressive symptoms.ResultsThere were no statistically significant between‐group differences in changes in PAID and CIDS‐2 after 12 months. Mean difference in PAID between blood monitoring and control was −2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) −7.1 to 2.7], between urine monitoring and control was −0.9 (95% CI −4.4 to 2.5) and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was −2.0 (95% CI −4.1 to 0.1). Mean difference in CIDS‐2 between blood monitoring and control was 0.6 [95% CI (−2.0 to 2.1), between urine monitoring and control was 2.8 (95% CI −2.3 to 7.9)] and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was −3.3 (95% CI −7.9 to 1.3). No statistically significant between‐group differences in change in any of the secondary outcome measures were found.ConclusionsThis study did not find statistical or clinical evidence for a long‐term effect of self‐monitoring of glucose in blood or urine on diabetes‐specific distress and self‐efficacy in people with moderately controlled non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN84568563)
Divergence and evolution of reproductive barriers among three allopatric populations of Rhagoletis cingulata across eastern North America and Mexico
Authors: Tadeo Eduardo , Feder Jeffery L. , Egan Scott P. , Schuler Hannes , Aluja Martin , Rull Juan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGeography is often a key factor facilitating population divergence and speciation. In this regard, the geographic distributions of flies in the genus Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in temperate North America have been affected by cycles of Pleistocene glaciation and interglacial periods. Fluctuations in climatic conditions may have had their most dramatic effects on geographically isolating Rhagoletis flies in the central highland region of Mexico. During past periods of allopatry, a degree of post‐zygotic reproductive isolation appears to have evolved between hawthorn‐infesting populations of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) in the central Eje Volcanico Trans Mexicano (EVTM) and those from the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains (SMO) of Mexico, as well as hawthorn flies from the eastern USA. Here, we investigate the generality of this finding in the genus Rhagoletis by testing for reproductive isolation among populations of Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) collected from infested domesticated sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in the USA and black cherry [Prunus serotina Ehrh. (both Rosaceae)] from the SMO and EVTM. We report evidence for marked post‐mating reproductive isolation among certain R. cingulata populations. The high levels of reproductive isolation were observed between R. cingulata flies from populations in the USA and SMO differed from the pattern seen for R. pomonella, primarily involving the EVTM. In addition, egg hatch was significantly reduced for crosses between SMO males and EVTM females, but not greatly in the opposite direction. We discuss potential causes for the different patterns of post‐mating reproductive isolation among Rhagoletis flies.
Subjective and objective quality of life at first presentation with psychosis
Authors: Renwick Laoise , Drennan Jonathan , Sheridan Ann , Owens Liz , Lyne John , O'Donoghue Brian , Kinsella Anthony , Turner Niall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Clarke Mary 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimQuality of life (QOL) in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) is impaired when compared to non‐clinical controls and several clinical factors including symptoms and untreated psychosis have been linked with poorer QOL. Measurement methods are varied, however, resulting in inconsistent findings and there is a need to simultaneously combine subjective and objective measures of QOL.MethodsWe examined both subjective (n = 128) and objective QOL (n = 178) in a catchment area cohort of individuals with FEP (n = 222) to determine correspondence between patient satisfaction and clinician‐rated functional domains. We also examined the contribution of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics to both subjective and objective QOL.ResultsThere were complex relationships between subjective and objective QOL domains in that patient's assessments of health status (psychological well‐being, symptoms/outlook, physical health) were not correlated with clinicians but there were strong correlations between social functioning domains (occupation, social relations, financial status and activities of daily living) assessed by patients and clinicians. Longer duration of untreated psychosis, being treated as an inpatient, higher positive symptoms and poorer social functioning in client‐rated QOL domains predicted poorer objective QOL.ConclusionWe found that both subjective and objective assessments of QOL displayed a degree of clinical utility demonstrated by relationships between clinical factors and both QOL perspectives. Moreover, the lack of association between patient characteristics and QOL shows some potential malleability of QOL outcomes through intervention as there were several clinical factors linked with both subjective and objective QOL.