bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetanus toxin preserves skeletal muscle contractile force and size during limb immobilization
Authors: Matthews Christopher C. , Lovering Richard M. , Bowen Thomas G. , Fishman Paul S. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We examined the possibility that tetanus toxin can prevent muscle atrophy associated with limb immobility in rats. Methods: While the knee and ankle joints were immobilized unilaterally, the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle on the immobilized side was injected with 1 μl saline or with 1 ng tetanus toxin. After 2 weeks, TA wet weights, contractile forces, and myofiber sizes from the immobilized sides were compared with those from body weight–matched normal animals. Results: Saline group wet weights decreased and produced less absolute twitch and tetanic force and normalized tetanic force compared with the toxin or normal groups. Cross‐sectional areas of saline group type I, IIa, and IId myofibers, and the masses of saline group IIa, IId, IIb, and toxin group IIb myofibers, were smaller compared with the normal group. Conclusions: Tetanus toxin prevented common signs of muscle atrophy and may become a useful adjunct to current rehabilitation strategies. Muscle Nerve 50: 759–766, 2014
Non‐uniform surface electromyographic responses to change in joint angle within rectus femoris muscle
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Kouzaki Motoki , Moritani Toshio 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Our recent studies have demonstrated region‐specific neural activation within the rectus femoris (RF) muscle. However, these studies involved a fixed joint angle or posture. In this study we investigated the effect of hip and knee joint angles on neural activation within RF using multichannel surface electromyography (SEMG). Methods: Eleven healthy men performed isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during knee extension and hip flexion at different hip or joint angles. During the contractions, SEMG of the RF was recorded using 46 electrode pairs covering most of the superficial area of the muscle. Results: During knee extension MVC, an increase in the hip joint angle was associated with a significant increase in SEMG amplitude in the proximal region and a decrease in the distal region (P < 0.05). Higher SEMG amplitude during hip flexion MVC compared with knee extension MVC was observed in proximal regions with the flexed knee and hip joint angles. This task‐dependent spatial distribution of SEMG amplitude was seen at the extended hip, but not at the extended knee. Conclusions: SEMG amplitudes within the RF muscle are not modified uniformly with changes in joint position. Muscle Nerve 50: 794–802, 2014
Automatic consistency integrations for the stress update of J2 elastoplastic rate constitutive equations with combined hardening
Authors: Yin Zheng‐Nan , Xiao Heng 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYA novel method is introduced to study numerical integrations of J2 elastoplastic rate constitutive equations with general combined hardening. The basic idea is to transform the usual time rate constitutive equations into those with reference to the equivalent plastic strain. By virtue of tensorial matrix operations, we show that these transformed equations may be converted to a linear differential system governing the shifted stress and the plastic multiplier. From this system, we derive explicit integrations for the shifted stress and then for the back stress and the Cauchy stress. We demonstrate that these results are accurate up to within a third order term of the equivalent plastic strain increment. In particular, for pure kinematic hardening, we show that the integrations obtained can achieve automatic enforcement of both the plastic consistency condition and the loading condition, thus bypassing the numerical treatment of the latter two. Furthermore, we explain that, with the new algorithm for the stress update, the continuum tangent moduli may be used to ensure a quadratic rate of convergency in Newton's iteration scheme for the balance equation. Numerical examples suggest that the new algorithm may be more accurate and efficient than the widely used return algorithm. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive interaction between prebiotics and thiazolidinedione treatment on adiposity in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Alligier Maud , Dewulf Evelyne M. , Salazar Nuria , Mairal Aline , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Cani Patrice D. , Langin Dominique , Delzenne Nathalie M. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate whether inulin‐type fructan (ITF) prebiotics could counteract the thiazolidinedione (TZD, PPARγ activator) induced‐fat mass gain, without affecting its beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis, in high‐fat (HF) diet fed mice.MethodsMale C57bl6/J mice were fed a HF diet alone or supplemented with ITF prebiotics (0.2 g/day × mouse) or TZD (30 mg pioglitazone (PIO)/kg body weight × day) or both during 4 weeks. An insulin tolerance test was performed after 3 weeks of treatment.ResultsAs expected, PIO improved glucose homeostasis and increased adiponectinaemia. Furthermore, it induced an over‐expression of several PPARγ target genes in white adipose tissues. ITF prebiotics modulated the PIO‐induced PPARγ activation in a tissue‐dependent manner. The co‐treatment with ITF prebiotics and PIO maintained the beneficial impact of TZD on glucose homeostasis and adiponectinaemia. Moreover, the combination of both treatments reduced fat mass accumulation, circulating lipids and hepatic triglyceride content, suggesting an overall improvement of metabolism. Finally, the co‐treatment favored induction of white‐to‐brown fat conversion in subcutaneous adipose tissue, thereby leading to the development of brite adipocytes that could increase the oxidative capacity of the tissue.ConclusionsITF prebiotics decrease adiposity and improve the metabolic response in HF fed mice treated with TZD.
A Simple Semi‐preparative Reversed‐phase HPLC/PDA Method for Separation and Quantification of Glycyrrhizin in Nine Samples of Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Collected from Different Geographical Origins
Authors: Basar Norazah , Talukdar Anupam D. , Nahar Lutfun , Stafford Angela , Kushiev Habibjon , Kan Asuman , Sarker Satyajit D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionGlycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as ‘liquorice’, is one of the most popular ingredients in several traditional herbal medicinal preparations, and glycyrrhizin is the major glycoside present in this plant. The content of glycyrrhizin may vary among G. glabra samples collected from various geographical origins, which may affect the therapeutic efficacy. Thus, quantification of glycyrrhizin in G. glabra samples is important.ObjectiveTo develop and validate a simple semi‐preparative reversed‐phase HPLC with photodiode array (PDA) method for separation and quantification of glycyrrhizin in nine samples of G. glabra root collected from various geographical origins.MethodsDried and ground root of G. glabra was Soxhlet‐extracted sequentially with n‐hexane and methanol (MeOH). The separation and quantification of glycyrrhizin was achieved on a C18 reversed‐phase semi‐preparative column using a gradient mobile phase, 30–100% solvent B in solvent A in 30 min (solvent A: 0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water and solvent B: 0.1% v/v of TFA in MeOH), at a flow rate of 3.00 mL/min and UV detection at 254 nm.ResultsA simple semi‐preparative reversed‐phase HPLC/PDA method allowing clear separation and quantification of glycyrrhizin content in nine samples has been validated in terms of linearity, selectivity, limits of detection, precision, accuracy and detection. Concentration levels of glycyrrhizin were between 0.177 and 0.688% w/w of dry materials.ConclusionThis method is precise, less time consuming and more cost effective, and can be used for the quality control of any G. glabra sample with regard to its glycyrrhizin contents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review on patient‐reported outcomes in cancer survivors of randomised clinical trials: direction for future research
Authors: Li Qiuping , Lin Yi , Liu Xiwen , Xu Yongyong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveWith increasing expectations of a 5‐year survival rate among cancer patients, there is growing interest in patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures, particularly measures of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer practice. The purpose of this review was to explore the existing interventions for patients coping with cancer in terms of intervention type, PRO measurements and outcomes; and to identify directions for future research.MethodsSystematic review of randomised clinical trials. A systematic search of four databases was conducted to identify articles published in English or Chinese from January 2000 to July 2013. Studies were located using an electronic search, a manual search and an author search.ResultsA total of 34 articles corresponding to 33 original studies were identified and included in this review. These interventions were classified under four broad categories according to their approaches: psycho‐education (15), case management (13), exercise (4) and feedback of PRO (1). The PRO measures covered different types of PRO measures, including HRQOL, functional status, symptom status, overall well‐being and satisfaction with care. Positive outcomes of more than 70% (24) out of these interventions were reported.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the significant outcomes of cancer patient interventions that applied PRO measures to evaluate their outcomes. A theory‐driven and careful design of the programme should be considered in the whole process of developing, delivering and assessing the programmes. Collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers and policy makers is crucial to ensure the development of effective and accessible interventions targeting improving cancer survivors' HRQOL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modes of infection and oncogenesis by the Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Murata Takayuki , Sato Yoshitaka , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYThe EBV is a human γ‐herpesvirus associated with various neoplasms. It is responsible for causing cancers of B, T, and NK cells as well as cells of epithelial origin. Such diversity in target cells and the complicated steps of oncogenesis are perplexing when we speculate about the mechanisms of action of EBV‐positive cancers. Here, we first note three common features that contribute to the development and maintenance of EBV‐positive cancers: effects of EBV oncogenes, immunosuppression and evasion/exploitation of the immune system, and genetic and epigenetic predisposition/alteration of the host genome. Then, we demonstrate the mechanisms of oncogenesis and the means by which each EBV‐positive cancer develops, with particular focus on the mode of EBV infection. The EBV has two alternative life cycles: lytic and latent. The latter is categorized into four programs (latency types 0–III) in which latent viral genes are expressed differentially depending on the tissue of origin and state of cells. The production of viral latent genes tends to decrease with an increase in time, and, in an approximate manner, the expression levels of viral genes are inversely correlated with the degree of abnormalities in the host genome. Occasional execution of the viral lytic cycle also contributes to oncogenesis. Understanding this life cycle of the EBV and its relevance in oncogenesis may provide valuable clues to the development of effective therapies for the associated cancers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H ∞  observer design for uncertain nonlinear discrete‐time systems with time‐delay: LMI optimization approach
Authors: Sayyaddelshad Saleh , Gustafsson Thomas 
Published: March 2014

SummaryWe present a robust H ∞  observer for a class of nonlinear discrete‐time systems. The class under study includes an unknown time‐varying delay limited by upper and lower bounds, as well as time‐varying parametric uncertainties. We design a nonlinear H ∞  observer, by using the upper and lower bounds of the delay, that guarantees asymptotic stability of the estimation error dynamics and is also robust against time‐varying parametric uncertainties. The described problem is converted to a standard optimization problem, which can be solved in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then, we expand the problem to a multi‐objective optimization problem in which the maximum admissible Lipschitz constant and the minimum disturbance attenuation level are the problem objectives. Finally, the proposed observer is illustrated with two examples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Skin-Derived Precursor Cells Are Poorly Immunogenic and Modulate the Allogeneic Immune Response
Authors: De Kock Joery , Meuleman Philip , Raicevic Gordana , Rodrigues Robim M. , Branson Steven , Meganathan Kesavan , De Boe Veerle , Sachinidis Agapios , Leroux-Roels Geert , Vanhaecke Tamara , Lagneaux Laurence , Rogiers Vera , Najar Mehdi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Human skin-derived precursors (hSKPs) are multipotent somatic stem cells that persist within the dermis throughout adulthood and harbor potential clinical applicability. In this study, we investigated their immunogenicity and immunosuppressive features, both in vitro and in vivo. As such, this study provides a solid basis for developing their future clinical applications. We found that hSKPs express HLA-ABC molecules, but not HLA-DR, rendering them poorly immunogenic. Using a coculture set-up, we could further demonstrate that hSKPs inhibit the proliferation of allogeneic activated T cells and alter their cytokine secretion profile, in a dose-dependent manner. Cotransplantation of hSKP and human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) into severe combined immune-deficient mice also showed a significant impairment of the graft-versus-host response 1 week post-transplantation and a drastic increase in survival time of 60%. From a mechanistic point of view, we found that hSKPs require cell contact as well as secretion of soluble inhibitory factors in order to modulate the immune response. The expression/secretion levels of these factors further increases upon inflammation or in the presence of activated T cells. As such, we believe that these features could be beneficial in a later allogeneic clinical setting, because rejection of engrafted allogeneic hSKP might be delayed or even avoided due to their own promotion of a tolerogenic microenvironment. Stem Cells 2014;32:2215–2228
Successful Application of Ex Vivo Expanded Human Autologous Oral Mucosal Epithelium for the Treatment of Total Bilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Kolli Sai , Ahmad Sajjad , Mudhar Hardeep Singh , Meeny Adam , Lako Majlinda , Figueiredo Francisco C. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Ocular surface reconstruction with ex vivo expanded limbal stem cells (LSCs) is a widely used clinical treatment for patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This is not applicable to patients with bilateral LSCD where there are no remaining LSCs. Cultivated oral mucosa epithelium (OME) has been used as an alternative source of autologous epithelial stem cells for ocular reconstruction in few clinical trials. However, successful generation of stratified OME epithelium has only been achieved in the presence of animal feeder cells and/or animal-derived products in the culture media, likely to contribute to increased risk of pathogen transmission and graft rejection. In this study, we report generation of multilayered OME epithelium that shares many of the characteristics of corneal epithelium using a fully compliant good manufacturing practice, feeder- and animal product-free method. Proof of concept was achieved by transplantation of autologous ex vivo expanded OME in two patients with histologically confirmed bilateral total LSCD that resulted in successful reversal of LSCD in the treated eye up to 24 months. Stem Cells 2014;32:2135–2146
Hhex and Cer1 Mediate the Sox17 Pathway for Cardiac Mesoderm Formation in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Kaneda Ruri , Leja Thomas W. , Subkhankulova Tatiana , Tolmachov Oleg , Minchiotti Gabriella , Schwartz Robert J. , Barahona Mauricio , Schneider Michael D. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Cardiac muscle differentiation in vivo is guided by sequential growth factor signals, including endoderm-derived diffusible factors, impinging on cardiogenic genes in the developing mesoderm. Previously, by RNA interference in AB2.2 mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we identified the endodermal transcription factor Sox17 as essential for Mesp1 induction in primitive mesoderm and subsequent cardiac muscle differentiation. However, downstream effectors of Sox17 remained to be proven functionally. In this study, we used genome-wide profiling of Sox17-dependent genes in AB2.2 cells, RNA interference, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter genes to dissect this pathway. Sox17 was required not only for Hhex (a second endodermal transcription factor) but also for Cer1, a growth factor inhibitor from endoderm that, like Hhex, controls mesoderm patterning in Xenopus toward a cardiac fate. Suppressing Hhex or Cer1 blocked cardiac myogenesis, although at a later stage than induction of Mesp1/2. Hhex was required but not sufficient for Cer1 expression. Over-expression of Sox17 induced endogenous Cer1 and sequence-specific transcription of a Cer1 reporter gene. Forced expression of Cer1 was sufficient to rescue cardiac differentiation in Hhex-deficient cells. Thus, Hhex and Cer1 are indispensable components of the Sox17 pathway for cardiopoiesis in mESCs, acting at a stage downstream from Mesp1/2. Stem Cells 2014;32:1515–1526
Admittance matrices of power converters for distributed generators
Authors: Lian Kuo Lung , Huang Tai Di 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTo integrate distributed generators (DGs) with the power grid, interfacing power converters such as voltage source converters (VSCs) are required. However, due to the switching natures, these converters generate harmonics, which may have detrimental effects on the system. To find out how these harmonics may interact with the grid, it is essential to find the admittance matrices of the converters. In this paper, the state‐of‐the‐art methods of modeling converters are thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, a new proposed method is also introduced, which can significantly increase the simulation efficiency. Finally, two numerical examples are presented. The results obtained by the proposed method are in great agreement with those of the state‐of‐the‐art methods and brute‐force time‐domain simulation such as PSCAD/EMTDC, demonstrating the validity of the proposed method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An improved fast decoupled power flow model considering static power–frequency characteristic of power systems with large‐scale wind power
Authors: Duan Yao , Zhang Buhan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLarge‐scale wind power (LSWP) integration may cause significant impact on power system frequency, so it is necessary to take frequency regulation issues into account in power system steady‐state operation analysis. An improved fast decoupled power flow model considering static power–frequency characteristic of power systems with LSWP is proposed in this paper. In this scheme, the active power of generators and loads are presented with their static power–frequency characteristics. The slack bus degenerates to the nodal voltage phase angle reference bus of the system, and all the generators with frequency regulation capability participate in unbalanced power regulation. The power flow calculation results can reveal the impact to the system frequency of operation mode change and load variation, and present the output adjustment of the generators. The proposed model can be solved conveniently by the block solving technology based on the fast decoupled power flow algorithm. The scheme presented in this paper has been tested on the IEEE standard 30‐bus test system by simulating basic operation and primary and secondary frequency regulation of the generators, which demonstrated the validity by the method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rule pool updating through Sarsa‐learning to improve adaptability in changing environments
Authors: Wang Lutao , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGenetic network programming (GNP) is a new evolutionary algorithm using the directed graph as its chromosome. A GNP‐based rule accumulation (GNP‐RA) method was proposed previously for multiagent control. However, in changing environments where new situations appear frequently, the old rules in the rule pool become incompetent for guiding the agent's actions, and therefore updating them becomes necessary. This paper proposes a more robust rule‐based model which can adapt to the environment changes. In order to realize this, Sarsa‐learning is used as a tool to update the rules to cope with the unexperienced situations in new environments. Furthermore, Sarsa‐learning helps to generate better rules by selecting really important judgments and actions during training. In addition, the ε‐greedy policy of Sarsa enables GNP‐RA to explore the solutions space sufficiently, generating more rules. Simulations on the tile world problem show that the proposed method outperforms the previous ones, namely GP and reinforcement learning. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Gapp‐Born E. , Sananes N. , Weingertner A. S. , Guerra F. , Kohler M. , Fritz G. , Viville B. , Gaudineau A. , Langer B. , Sauleau E. , Nisand I. , Favre R. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of the Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) cardiovascular score and the modified myocardial performance index (MPI), in determining the risk of recipient fetal loss in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsThis cohort study was based on data collected prospectively from 105 pregnancies complicated by TTTS (Quintero stages I–IV) and treated with laser photocoagulation between May 2008 and February 2013. Fetuses underwent detailed anatomical and Doppler ultrasonography with cardiac assessment as part of routine care. CHOP score and right MPI were calculated and cut‐offs selected using receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis. These were compared according to loss of recipient fetus, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage was determined and we investigated differences in MPI before and after laser coagulation in a cohort of 90 recipient fetuses.ResultsRates of recipient fetal loss were significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (39.5% vs 12.9%, P = 0.002) and when MPI z‐score was > 1.645 (34.5% vs 10.6%, P = 0.004). After adjustment for Quintero stage, the risk of recipient fetal loss remained significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.035–9.21). There was a positive correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage. MPI was significantly lower after compared with before laser coagulation.ConclusionCHOP score and MPI are predictors of recipient fetal loss in TTTS and may be used to supplement Quintero's classification. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.