bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficient framework for estimation of muscle fiber orientation using ultrasonography
Authors: Ling Shan , Chen Bin , Zhou Yongjin , Yang Wan-Zhang , Zhao Yu-Qian , Wang Lei , Zheng Yong-Ping 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Muscle fiber orientation (MFO) is an important parameter related to musculoskeletal functions. The traditional manual method for MFO estimation in sonograms was labor-intensive. The automatic methods proposed in recent years also involved voting procedures which were computationally expensive.

Methods
In this paper, we proposed a new framework to efficiently estimate MFO in sonograms. We firstly employed Multi-scale Vessel Enhancement Filtering (MVEF) to enhance fascicles in the sonograms and then the enhanced images were binarized. Finally, line-shaped patterns in the binary map were detected one by one, according to their shape properties. Specifically speaking, for the long-and-thinner regions, the orientation of the targeted muscle fibre was directly computed, without voting procedures, as the orientation of the ellipse that had the same normalized second central moments as the region. For other cases, the Hough voting procedure might be employed for orientation estimation. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using four various group of sonograms, which are a dataset used in previous reports, 33 sonograms of gastrocnemius from 11 young healthy subjects, one sonogram sequence including 200 frames from a subject and 256 frames from an aged subject with cerebral infarction respectively.

Results
It was demonstrated in the experiments that measurements of the proposed method agreed well with those of the manual method and achieved much more efficiency than the previous Re-voting Hough Transform (RVHT) algorithm.

Conclusions
Results of the experiments suggested that, without compromising the accuracy, in the proposed framework the previous orientation estimation algorithm was accelerated by reduction of its dependence on voting procedures.
Magnetic resonance of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles in the gigahertz range
Authors: Shi Zhenhua , Zhang Jing , Gao Daqiang , Zhu Zhonghua , Yang Zhaolong , Zhang Zhipeng , Xue Desheng 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
We report an adjustable magnetic resonance frequency from 1.45 to 2.54 GHz for NiFe2O4 nanoparticles which were prepared by a sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results indicate that the samples are polycrystalline nanoparticles, and the size of the particles increases obviously with the thermal treatment temperature. The consequence of the surface composition suggests that the oxygen defects are present in the nanoparticle surface, and this surface magnetic state can show a strong surface anisotropy. With decreasing size of the particle, the surface magnetic effect is predominant, resulting in an increase of resonance frequency for NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. This finding provides a new route for NiFe2O4 materials that can be used in the gigahertz range.
Ability of HIV-1 Nef to downregulate CD4 and HLA class I differs among viral subtypes
Authors: Mann Jaclyn K , Byakwaga Helen , Kuang Xiaomei T , Le Anh Q , Brumme Chanson J , Mwimanzi Philip , Omarjee Saleha , Martin Eric , Lee Guinevere Q , Baraki Bemuluyigza , Danroth Ryan , McCloskey Rosemary , Muzoora Conrad , Bangsberg David R , Hunt Peter W , Goulder Philip JR , Walker Bruce D , Harrigan P Richard , Martin Jeff N , Ndung’u Thumbi , Brockman Mark A , Brumme Zabrina L 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The highly genetically diverse HIV-1 group M subtypes may differ in their biological properties. Nef is an important mediator of viral pathogenicity; however, to date, a comprehensive inter-subtype comparison of Nef in vitro function has not been undertaken. Here, we investigate two of Nef’s most well-characterized activities, CD4 and HLA class I downregulation, for clones obtained from 360 chronic patients infected with HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C or D.

Results
Single HIV-1 plasma RNA Nef clones were obtained from N=360 antiretroviral-naïve, chronically infected patients from Africa and North America: 96 (subtype A), 93 (B), 85 (C), and 86 (D). Nef clones were expressed by transfection in an immortalized CD4+ T-cell line. CD4 and HLA class I surface levels were assessed by flow cytometry. Nef expression was verified by Western blot. Subset analyses and multivariable linear regression were used to adjust for differences in age, sex and clinical parameters between cohorts. Consensus HIV-1 subtype B and C Nef sequences were synthesized and functionally assessed. Exploratory sequence analyses were performed to identify potential genotypic correlates of Nef function. Subtype B Nef clones displayed marginally greater CD4 downregulation activity (p = 0.03) and markedly greater HLA class I downregulation activity (p < 0.0001) than clones from other subtypes. Subtype C Nefs displayed the lowest in vitro functionality. Inter-subtype differences in HLA class I downregulation remained statistically significant after controlling for differences in age, sex, and clinical parameters (p < 0.0001). The synthesized consensus subtype B Nef showed higher activities compared to consensus C Nef, which was most pronounced in cells expressing lower protein levels. Nef clones exhibited substantial inter-subtype diversity: cohort consensus residues differed at 25% of codons, while a similar proportion of codons exhibited substantial inter-subtype differences in major variant frequency. These amino acids, along with others identified in intra-subtype analyses, represent candidates for mediating inter-subtype differences in Nef function.

Conclusions
Results support a functional hierarchy of subtype B > A/D > C for Nef-mediated CD4 and HLA class I downregulation. The mechanisms underlying these differences and their relevance to HIV-1 pathogenicity merit further investigation.
Deficiency for the ER-stress transducer OASIS causes severe recessive osteogenesis imperfecta in humans
Authors: Symoens Sofie , Malfait Fransiska , D’hondt Sanne , Callewaert Bert , Dheedene Annelies , Steyaert Wouter , Bächinger Hans Peter , De Paepe Anne , Kayserili Hulya , Coucke Paul J 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous brittle bone disorder. Whereas dominant OI is mostly due to heterozygous mutations in either COL1A1 or COL1A2, encoding type I procollagen, recessive OI is caused by biallelic mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in type I procollagen processing or chaperoning. Hitherto, some OI cases remain molecularly unexplained. We detected a homozygous genomic deletion of CREB3L1 in a family with severe OI. CREB3L1 encodes OASIS, an endoplasmic reticulum-stress transducer that regulates type I procollagen expression during murine bone formation. This is the first report linking CREB3L1 to human recessive OI, thereby expanding the OI gene spectrum.
TEACCH-based group social skills training for children with high-functioning autism: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ichikawa Kayoko , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Ando Masahiko , Anme Tokie , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Yamaguchi Hinako , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Although social skills training programs for people with high-functioning autism (HFA) are widely practiced, the standardization of curricula, the examination of clinical effectiveness, and the evaluation of the feasibility of future trials have yet to be done in Asian countries. To compensate for this problem, a Japanese pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)-based group social skills training for children with HFA and their mothers was conducted.

Methods
Eleven children with HFA, aged 5–6 years, and their mothers were randomly assigned to the TEACCH program (n=5) or a waiting-list control group (n=6). The program involved comprehensive group intervention and featured weekly 2-hour sessions, totaling 20 sessions over six months. The adaptive behaviors and social reciprocity of the children, parenting stress, and parent–child interactions were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), and Interaction Rating Scale (IRS).

Results
Through this pilot trial, the intervention and evaluation of the program has been shaped. There were no dropouts from the program and the mothers’ satisfaction was high. The outcome measurements improved more in the program group than in the control group, with moderate effect sizes (SDQ, 0.71; PSI, 0.58; BDI-II, 0.40; and IRS, 0.69). This pilot trial also implied that this program is more beneficial for high IQ children and mothers with low stress than for those who are not.

Conclusion
We have standardized the TEACCH program, confirmed the feasibility of a future trial, and successfully estimated the positive effect size. These findings will contribute to a larger trial in the future and to forthcoming systematic reviews with meta-analyses.

Trial registration

UMIN000004560
Micellar liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of Levofloxacin and Ambroxol in combined tablets: Application to biological fluids
Authors: Belal Fathalla F , Sharaf El-Din Mohie K , El-Enany Nahed M , Saad Samar 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Levofloxacin hemihydrate (LEV) and ambroxol HCl (AMB) are available for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. A survey of the literature reveals that two reversed phase HPLC methods were e reported for the simultaneous determination of LEV and AMB in pharmaceutical preparations. However the reported methods suffers from the low sensitivity, no application of the method in the combined tablets and no application to biological fluids. Also the toxic effects of the used solvents which are harmful to human beings. For this reason, our target was to develop a simple sensitive, less hazardous micellar HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of LEV and AMB in their combined dosage forms and plasma.

Results
The method showed good linearity over the ranges of 1–44 μg/mL and 1–20 μg/mL with limits of detection 0.26 and 0.07 μg/mL and limits of quantification 0.80 and 0.20 μg/mL for LEV and AMB, respectively. The method was further extended to the determination of LEV in spiked human plasma with mean percentage recoveries of 100.10% ± 1.14 as well as determination of LEV in real human plasma without prior extraction. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed according to ICH Guidelines.

Conclusion
The suggested method was successfully applied for the simultaneous analysis of the studied drugs in their co-formulated tablets and human plasma. The mean percentage recoveries in combined tablets were 100.20 ± 1.64 and 100.72 ± 1.11 for LEV and AMB, respectively and 100.10 ± 1.14 for LEV in spiked human plasma. Statistical comparison of the results with those of the comparison method revealed good agreement and proved that there were no significant difference in the accuracy and precision between the two methods respectively.
Improvement of plant growth and seed yield in Jatropha curcas by a novel nitrogen-fixing root associated Enterobacter species
Authors: Madhaiyan Munusamy , Peng Ni , Te Ngoh Si , Hsin I Cheng , Lin Cai , Lin Fu , Reddy Chalapathy , Yan Hong , Ji Lianghui 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background

Jatropha curcas L. is an oil seed producing non-leguminous tropical shrub that has good potential to be a fuel plant that can be cultivated on marginal land. Due to the low nutrient content of the targeted plantation area, the requirement for fertilizer is expected to be higher than other plants. This factor severely affects the commercial viability of J. curcas.

Results
We explored the feasibility to use endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria that are native to J. curcas to improve plant growth, biomass and seed productivity. We demonstrated that a novel N-fixing endophyte, Enterobacter sp. R4-368, was able to colonize in root and stem tissues and significantly promoted early plant growth and seed productivity of J. curcas in sterilized and non-sterilized soil. Inoculation of young seedling led to an approximately 57.2% increase in seedling vigour over a six week period. At 90 days after planting, inoculated plants showed an average increase of 25.3%, 77.7%, 27.5%, 45.8% in plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content and stem volume, respectively. Notably, inoculation of the strain led to a 49.0% increase in the average seed number per plant and 20% increase in the average single seed weight when plants were maintained for 1.5 years in non-sterilized soil in pots in the open air. Enterobacter sp. R4-368 cells were able to colonize root tissues and moved systemically to stem tissues. However, no bacteria were found in leaves. Promotion of plant growth and leaf nitrogen content by the strain was partially lost in nifH, nifD, nifK knockout mutants, suggesting the presence of other growth promoting factors that are associated with this bacterium strain.

Conclusion
Our results showed that Enterobacter sp. R4-368 significantly promoted growth and seed yield of J. curcas. The application of the strains is likely to significantly improve the commercial viability of J. curcas due to the reduced fertilizer cost and improved oil yield.
Experimental liver fibrosis research: update on animal models, legal issues and translational aspects
Authors: Liedtke Christian , Luedde Tom , Sauerbruch Tilman , Scholten David , Streetz Konrad , Tacke Frank , Tolba René , Trautwein Christian , Trebicka Jonel , Weiskirchen Ralf 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLiver fibrosisis defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition and is based on complex interactions between matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and an abundance of liver-resident and infiltrating cells. Investigation of these processes requiresin vitroandin vivoexperimental work in animals. However, the use of animals in translational research will be increasingly challenged, at least in countries of the European Union, because of the adoption of new animal welfare rules in 2013. These rules will create an urgent need for optimized standard operating procedures regarding animal experimentation and improved international communication in the liver fibrosis community. This review gives an update on current animal models, techniques and underlying pathomechanisms with the aim of fostering a critical discussion of the limitations and potential of up-to-date animal experimentation. We discuss potential complications in experimental liver fibrosis and provide examples of how the findings of studies in which these models are used can be translated to human disease and therapy. In this review, we want to motivate the international community to design more standardized animal models which might help to address the legally requested replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in fibrosis research.
Habitat use by giant pandas Ailuropoda melanoleuca in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China
Authors: Kang Dong-Wei , Yang Hong-Wei , Li Jun-Qing , Chen You-Ping , Zhao Lian-Jun 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
To better understand the ecological requirements of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca in the wild, field surveys were carried out at both the microhabitat scale and foraging site scale in Wanglang National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China.

Results
The results indicated that (1) at the microhabitat scale, giant pandas usually occupied habitats with a high fallen-log density, lower shrub density, and bamboo coverage of 50% to 75%; (2) at the foraging site scale, pandas usually used sites with higher bamboo densities and taller and larger-diameter bamboo; and (3) giant pandas may abandon plots when the proportion of young bamboo decreases below average in the environment.

Conclusions
The availability of young bamboo is an important driving force in habitat selection by giant pandas, which could provide important reference for the conservation of giant pandas and their habitats.
Investigation of the renewed diseases on murals at Mogao Grottoes
Authors: Li Jiamin , Zhang Hui , Fan Zaixuan , He Xiang , He Shimin , Sun Mingyuan , Ma Yimin , Fang Shiqiang , Zhang Huabing , Zhang Bingjian 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In the past few decades, a series of research, restoration and protection have been performed on the ancient murals in Mogao Grottoes. These treatments played significant roles in the conservation of the elegant art in Dunhuang. But whether the protection and reinforcement are still active and which materials are more appropriate remain unknown. These issues are crucial for the conservation of murals. On-site investigation on the murals in Mogao Grottoes has been carried out. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the renewed diseases of the murals which have been repaired before. It will also provide useful information about the function of conservation materials and their degradation mechanism.
Automatic evaluation technique for certain types of open questions in semantic learning systems
Authors: Elsayed Eman , Eldahshan Kamal , Tawfeek Shaimaa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a methodology to enhance the evaluation tools in semantic learning systems. Our proposal’s aim is to evaluate two types of open questions in hybrid exams. The proposed technique in the first type MOQ (Multi Operations Question) uses the matrix concept for fuzzy score. But POQ (Proof Open Question) is more complicated so we use direct connect to learning objects which saved as ontology based. Also take into consideration the dependence among learning objects so we merge the universal ontology with weight matrix.The proposed methodology has been applied to the case study of the mathematical multi operations question and the proof question on a logic course in a hybrid exam.
Effect of copper sulfate on the survival and growth performance of Caspian Sea kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum
Authors: Gharedaashi Esmail , Nekoubin Hamed , Imanpoor Mohammad Reza , Taghizadeh Vahid 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The aim of present study was to determine the LC50/96 h value of copper sulfate and determine the growth performance of Caspian Sea kutum) Rutilus frisii kutum (fingerlings during 60-days sub-lethal copper (Cu). After acclimation period to two weeks, for determine the LC50/96 h value, total of 27 aquarium with a capacity of 60 L each stocked with 10 fishes an aquarium. Tunney four aquarium and 8 concentrations of (Cu) composed the 24 treatments while 3 other aquaria were used as control. For each treatment, three replications were conducted. And experiment to determine the growth performance fish were transferred into fiberglass aquaria of 200 L water capacity for growth trials. The treated fish were kept in the aquarium containing sub-lethal concentrations of Cu (0.11 and 0.23 mg L-1) and affected to grow for 60 days, while control fish were placed in metal free water. The results indicated that median lethal concentrations (LC50) of copper to Caspian Sea kutum for 96 h exposure was 2.310 ppm. The chronic sub-lethal water-borne Cu exposure to the fish exerted that fish had significantly decreased final body weight in comparison to control group. The copper sulfate also had significant negative effects on specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in comparison to those fed the control group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and condition factor (CF) were significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). Also survival rate in experimental treatments in comparison with control group, was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The treated fish exhibited significantly lower body weight and length gains than that of control. The increments of fish weights, fork and total lengths, condition factor, feed intake and condition factor of treated and control fish varied significantly during study period. Hence, concluded that copper sulfate is toxic for Caspian sea kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum).
Randomized Multicenter Phase II Trial Comparing Two Schedules of Etirinotecan Pegol (NKTR-102) in Women With Recurrent Platinum-Resistant/Refractory Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Vergote Ignace B. , Garcia Agustin , Micha John , Pippitt Charles , Bendell Johanna , Spitz Daniel , Reed Nicholas , Dark Graham , Fracasso Paula M. , Ibrahim Emad N. , Armenio Vincent A. , Duska Linda , Poole Chris , Gennigens Christine , Dirix Luc Y. , Leung Abraham C.F. , Zhao Carol , Soufi-Mahjoubi Raoudha , Rustin Gordon 
Published: October 2013

Purpose Etirinotecan pegol (NKTR-102) is a unique, long-acting topoisomerase-I inhibitor with prolonged systemic exposure to SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin), the active metabolite of irinotecan. This randomized phase II trial investigated two dosing schedules of etirinotecan pegol in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian carcinoma. Patients and Methods A total of 71 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive etirinotecan pegol 145 mg/m2 every 14 or 21 days until progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST (version 1.0). Secondary end points included response by Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup criteria, duration of ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results The overall confirmed ORR was 20% (95% CI, 10% to 30%): 20% for once every 14 days, and 19% for once every 21 days. Median response duration was 4.1 months for once every 14 days and 4.0 months for once every 21 days. Median PFS for every 14 and every 21 days was 4.1 and 5.3 months, respectively, and median OS was 10.0 and 11.7 months, respectively. Etirinotecan pegol was well tolerated, with the most common grade 3 to 4 AEs being dehydration (24%) and diarrhea (23%). Diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, and neutropenia were less frequent with the schedule of once every 21 days than with that of once every 14 days. Conclusion Both schedules of etirinotecan pegol showed activity in patients with heavily pretreated ovarian cancer, with encouraging ORR and PFS rates. The schedule of once every 21 days was better tolerated and had slightly longer PFS and OS rates. The treatment schedule of etirinotecan pegol 145 mg/m2 once every 21 days was selected for the expanded phase II study and is preferred for future phase III studies. These findings provide support to directly compare etirinotecan pegol versus one of the approved drugs (eg, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.