bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network models for prediction of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in general Chinese population
Authors: Liu Juanmei , Tang Zi-Hui , Zeng Fangfang , Li Zhongtao , Zhou Linuo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study aimed to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction model for cardiovascular autonomic (CA) dysfunction in the general population.

Methods
We analyzed a previous dataset based on a population sample consisted of 2,092 individuals aged 30–80 years. The prediction models were derived from an exploratory set using ANN analysis. Performances of these prediction models were evaluated in the validation set.

Results
Univariate analysis indicated that 14 risk factors showed statistically significant association with CA dysfunction (P < 0.05). The mean area under the receiver-operating curve was 0.762 (95% CI 0.732–0.793) for prediction model developed using ANN analysis. The mean sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were similar in the prediction models was 0.751, 0.665, 0.330 and 0.924, respectively. All HL statistics were less than 15.0.

Conclusion
ANN is an effective tool for developing prediction models with high value for predicting CA dysfunction among the general population.
PTEN loss mediated Akt activation promotes prostate tumor growth and metastasis via CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling
Authors: Conley-LaComb M Katie , Saliganan Allen , Kandagatla Pridvi , Chen Yong Q , Cher Michael L , Chinni Sreenivasa R 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Introduction
The chemokine CXCL12, also known as SDF-1, and its receptor, CXCR4, are overexpressed in prostate cancers and in animal models of prostate-specific PTEN deletion, but their regulation is poorly understood. Loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is frequently observed in cancer, resulting in the deregulation of cell survival, growth, and proliferation. We hypothesize that loss of PTEN and subsequent activation of Akt, frequent occurrences in prostate cancer, regulate the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in tumor growth and bone metastasis.

Methods
Murine prostate epithelial cells from PTEN+/+, PTEN
+/−
, and PTEN−/− (prostate specific knockdown) mice as well as human prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B, PC3, and DU145 were used in gene expression and invasion studies with Akt inhibition. Additionally, HA-tagged Akt1 was overexpressed in DU145, and tumor growth in subcutaneous and intra-tibia bone metastasis models were analyzed.

Results
Loss of PTEN resulted in increased expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 and Akt inhibition reversed expression and cellular invasion. These results suggest that loss of PTEN may play a key role in the regulation of this chemokine activity in prostate cancer. Overexpression of Akt1 in DU145 resulted in increased CXCR4 expression, as well as increased proliferation and cell cycle progression. Subcutaneous injection of these cells also resulted in increased tumor growth as compared to neo controls. Akt1 overexpression reversed the osteosclerotic phenotype associated with DU145 cells to an osteolytic phenotype and enhanced intra-osseous tumor growth.

Conclusions
These results suggest the basis for activation of CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 in prostate cancer driven by the loss of PTEN and subsequent activation of Akt. Akt1-associated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling promotes tumor growth, suggesting that Akt inhibitors may potentially be employed as anticancer agents to target expansion of PC bone metastases.
A hot hole-programmed and low-temperature-formed SONOS flash memory
Authors: Chang Yuan-Ming , Yang Wen-Luh , Liu Sheng-Hsien , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Wu Jia-Yo , Wu Chi-Chang 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this study, a high-performance TixZrySizO flash memory is demonstrated using a sol–gel spin-coating method and formed under a low annealing temperature. The high-efficiency charge storage layer is formed by depositing a well-mixed solution of titanium tetrachloride, silicon tetrachloride, and zirconium tetrachloride, followed by 60 s of annealing at 600°C. The flash memory exhibits a noteworthy hot hole trapping characteristic and excellent electrical properties regarding memory window, program/erase speeds, and charge retention. At only 6-V operation, the program/erase speeds can be as fast as 120:5.2 μs with a 2-V shift, and the memory window can be up to 8 V. The retention times are extrapolated to 106s with only 5% (at 85°C) and 10% (at 125°C) charge loss. The barrier height of the TixZrySizO film is demonstrated to be 1.15 eV for hole trapping, through the extraction of the Poole-Frenkel current. The excellent performance of the memory is attributed to high trapping sites of the low-temperature-annealed, high-κsol–gel film.
Angiotensin II Produces Nociceptive Behavior through Spinal AT1 Receptor-Mediated p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Mice
Authors: Nemoto Wataru , Nakagawasai Osamu , Yaoita Fukie , Kanno Syu-Ichi , Yomogida Shin , Ishikawa Masaaki , Tadano Takeshi , Tan-No Koichi 
Published: July 2013

Background It has been demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) participates in either the inhibition or the facilitation of nociceptive transmission depending on the brain area. Neuronal Ang II is locally synthesized not only in the brain, but also in the spinal cord. Though the spinal cord is an important area for the modulation of nociception, the role of spinal Ang II in nociceptive transmission remains unclear. Therefore, in order to elucidate the role of Ang II in nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord, we examined the effect of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of Ang II into mice. Results I.t. administration of Ang II produced a behavioral response in mice mainly consisting of biting and/or licking of the hindpaw and the tail along with slight hindlimb scratching directed toward the flank. The behavior induced by Ang II (3 pmol) was dose-dependently inhibited by intraperitoneal injection of morphine (0.1–0.3 mg/kg), suggesting that the behavioral response is related to nociception. The nociceptive behavior was also inhibited dose-dependently by i.t. co-administration of losartan (0.3–3 nmol), an Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, and SB 2035 80 (0.1–1 nmol), a p38 MAPK inhibitor. However, the Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist PD123319, the upstream inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation U0126, and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 had no effect on Ang II-induced nociceptive behavior. Western blot analysis showed that the i.t. injection of Ang II induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the lumbar dorsal spinal cord, which was inhibited by losartan, without affecting ERK1/2 and JNK. Furthermore, we found that AT1 receptor expression was relatively high in the lumbar superficial dorsal horn. Conclusions Our data show that i.t. administration of Ang II induces nociceptive behavior accompanied by the activation of p38 MAPK signaling mediated through AT1 receptors. This observation indicates that Ang II may act as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator in the spinal transmission of nociceptive information.
Skin prick test to foods in childhood atopic eczema: pros and cons
Authors: Caffarelli Carlo , Dondi Arianna , Povesi Dascola Carlotta , Ricci Giampaolo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSkin prick tests are the first investigation in allergy diagnostics and their use is described in all the guidelines on atopic eczema. However, the clinical usefulness of skin prick tests is the subject of great debate. On the one hand, skin prick tests allow the identification both of individuals at risk for food allergy and of the allergen inducing the eczematous flare. On the other hand, when performed by a non-specific specialist, positive skin prick tests to foods may wrongly lead to prolonged elimination diets, which may induce nutritional deficiencies and perhaps loss of tolerance to the avoided foods. Furthermore, skin prick tests increase health costs. A consensus on this topic has not yet been reached. Considering the diversity of clinical stages in which it occurs, atopic eczema presentation should be the starting point to determine whether or not skin prick tests should be carried out.
Antibacterial activities of the methanol extracts of seven Cameroonian dietary plants against bacteria expressing MDR phenotypes
Authors: Seukep Jackson A , Fankam Aimé G , Djeussi Doriane E , Voukeng Igor K , Tankeo Simplice B , Noumdem Jaurès AK , Kuete Antoine HLN , Kuete Victor 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The morbidity and mortality caused by bacterial infections significantly increased with resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This is partially due to the activation of efflux pumps in Gram-negative bacteria. The present work designed to assess the in vitro antibacterial activities of seven Cameroonian dietary plants (Sesamum indicum, Sesamum radiatum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Corchous olitorius, Cyperus esculentus, Adansonia digitata, Aframomum kayserianum), against multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria over expressing active efflux pumps. The standard phytochemical methods were used to detect the main classes of secondary metabolites in the extracts. The antibacterial activities of the studied extracts in the absence or presence of an efflux pump inhibitor (PAβN) were evaluated using liquid microbroth dilution method. The results obtained indicated that apart from the extract of C. esculentus, all other samples contained alkaloids, phenols and polyphenols meanwhile other classes of chemicals were selectively present. The studied extracts displayed antibacterial activities with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values ranged from 64 to 1024 μg/mL on the majority of the 27 tested microbial strains. The extract of S. indicum was active against 77.77% of the tested microorganisms whilst the lowest MIC value (64 μg/mL) was recorded with that of A. kayserianum against E. aerogenes EA294. The results of the present work provide baseline information on the possible used of the tested Cameroonian dietary plants in the treatment of bacterial infections including multi-drug resistant phenotypes.
Experimental characterization of the human non-sequence-specific nucleic acid interactome
Authors: Dürnberger Gerhard , Bürckstümmer Tilmann , Huber Kilian , Giambruno Roberto , Doerks Tobias , Karayel Evren , Burkard Thomas R , Kaupe Ines , Müller André C , Schönegger Andreas , Ecker Gerhard F , Lohninger Hans , Bork Peer , Bennett Keiryn L , Superti-Furga Giulio , Colinge Jacques 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Background
The interactions between proteins and nucleic acids have a fundamental function in many biological processes, including gene transcription, RNA homeostasis, protein translation and pathogen sensing for innate immunity. While our knowledge of the ensemble of proteins that bind individual mRNAs in mammalian cells has been greatly augmented by recent surveys, no systematic study on the non-sequence-specific engagement of native human proteins with various types of nucleic acids has been reported.

Results
We designed an experimental approach to achieve broad coverage of the non-sequence-specific RNA and DNA binding space, including methylated cytosine, and tested for interaction potential with the human proteome. We used 25 rationally designed nucleic acid probes in an affinity purification mass spectrometry and bioinformatics workflow to identify proteins from whole cell extracts of three different human cell lines. The proteins were profiled for their binding preferences to the different general types of nucleic acids. The study identified 746 high-confidence direct binders, 139 of which were novel and 237 devoid of previous experimental evidence. We could assign specific affinities for sub-types of nucleic acid probes to 219 distinct proteins and individual domains. The evolutionarily conserved protein YB-1, previously associated with cancer and drug resistance, was shown to bind methylated cytosine preferentially, potentially conferring upon YB-1 an epigenetics-related function.

Conclusions
The dataset described here represents a rich resource of experimentally determined nucleic acid-binding proteins, and our methodology has great potential for further exploration of the interface between the protein and nucleic acid realms.
The role and potential therapeutic application of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in TNBS-induced colitis
Authors: Guan Qingdong , Moreno Sem , Qing Gefei , Weiss Carolyn R , Lu Lina , Bernstein Charles N , Warrington Richard J , Ma Yanbing , Peng Zhikang 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTMDSCs, a heterogeneous population of cells that expand during many pathogenic conditions, have remarkable abilities to suppress T cell responses. Their role in murine colitis, induced by TNBS and therapeutic application, remains unclear. Murine colitis was induced through intrarectally administrating TNBS, twice. MDSCs in spleen and colonic LPMCs were identified using flow cytometric analysis. In adoptive transfer, MDSCs were isolated from spleen after TNBS challenges by using microbeads or generated in vitro by coculturing bone marrow cells with HSCs and then transferred into naïve mice. Two hours later, mice were then challenged with TNBS, once/week for 2 weeks. The mice were killed four days after the second TNBS delivery, and intestinal inflammation and cytokine levels and MDSC percentages were evaluated. The percentages of CD11b+Gr-1+MDSCs and subsets (CD11b+Ly6C+ and CD11b+Ly6G+MDSCs) were increased in spleen and/or colonic LPMCs in colitis mice and also correlated with the severity of intestinal inflammation. MDSCs isolated from colitis mice suppressed the proliferation of splenocytes in vitro. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs, isolated from colitis mice or generated in vitro, decreased intestinal inflammation, levels of IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF, and percentages of spleen MDSCs when compared with controls. MDSCs that have inhibitory function in vitro and in vivo are increased and correlated with intestinal inflammation, suggesting that they may be used as a biomarker of disease activity and a cell-based biotherapy in IBD.
TLR3 impairment in human newborns
Authors: Slavica Lucija , Nordström Inger , Karlsson Merja Nurkkala , Valadi Hadi , Kacerovsky Marian , Jacobsson Bo , Eriksson Kristina 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTNewborns are highly susceptible to viral infections. We hypothesized that this susceptibility could be due to a dysregulated expression of innate virus-sensing receptors, i.e., TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 and the cytosolic receptors retinoic acid-inducible gene I, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5, protein kinase R, and IFN-γ-inducible protein 16. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) expressed mRNA for all these receptors except for TLR3. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), TLR3 mRNA was preferentially expressed in cytotoxic cells, particularly CD56dim NK cells. Cord NK cells in contrast showed low TLR3 mRNA expression and lacked TLR3 protein expression. Cord NK cells did not produce IFN-γ in response to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], whereas strong IFN-γ production was observed in poly(I:C)-stimulated adult NK cells. Cord NK cells had poor cytotoxic function that was only marginally enhanced by exposure to the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C). Opposite to NK cells from adults, their cytotoxicity was not improved by herpes simplex virus (HSV) exposure and they were unable to kill HSV-infected cells. There were no differences in the TLR3 mRNA levels among men, women, and pregnant women, implying that TLR3 is not under sex hormone control. However, decidual NK cells expressed low levels of TLR3 mRNA, which was attributed to their CD56bright phenotype. Our data show that cord blood NK cells have deficient TLR3 expression associated with an inability to respond to poly(I:C) and HSV activation and to kill HSV-infected cells. This might explain why newborns are particularly sensitive to neonatal HSV infections.
Development of Wave Turbine Emulator in a Laboratory Environment
Authors: Vinatha U. , Vittal K P. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Wave turbine emulator (WTE) is an important equipment for developing wave energy conversion system. The emulator reflects the actual behavior of the wave turbine by reproducing the characteristics of real wave turbine without reliance on natural wave resources and actual wave turbine. It offers a controllable test environment that allows the evaluation and improvement of control schemes for electric generators. The emulator can be used for research applications to drive an electrical generator in a similar way as a practical wave turbine. This article presents the development of a WTE in a laboratory environment and studies on the behavior of electrical generator coupled to the emulator. The structure of a WTE consists of a PC where the characteristics of the turbine are implemented, ac drive to emulate the turbine rotor, feedback mechanism from the drive and power electronic equipment to control the drive. The feedback signal is acquired by the PC through an A/D converter, and the signal for driving the power electronic device comes from the PC through a D/A converter.
Habitat preferences and movement of adult yellowfishes in the Vaal River, South Africa
Authors: O'Brien Gordon C. , Jacobs Francois , Cronje Linda , Wepener Victor , Smit Nicholas J. 
Published: July 2013

The yellowfishes of the Vaal River (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis and L. aeneus) are charismatic, socially and economically important fishes, but very little is known about their interspecies habitat preferences and movement. This study is the first behavioural study of yellowfish in the Vaal River using radio transmitters to characterise habitat preferences and movement patterns. A total of 22 adult L. kimberleyensis and 13 adult L. aeneus individuals were tracked for between 1 month and 1 year from 23 September 2006 to 16 May 2010. Radio telemetry revealed that yellowfish established routine daily behavioural patterns through which the habitat preferences and movement of the species could be established. Home ranges of the yellowfish ranged from 1 km to more than 12 km in the Vaal River depending on the species and habitat availability. Habitat preferences varied between species and included deep slow-flowing habitats with associated cover features particularly in winter for L. kimberleyensis and shallow fast-flowing habitats particularly for L. aeneus in spring, summer and autumn. Changes in flows, habitat availability and atmospheric pressure affected the movement of yellowfish. The biology and ecology of the yellowfish in the Vaal River is noticeably more complicated and dynamic than previously documented. We recommend that the behavioural ecology of these and other yellowfish populations in the Vaal River should continue to be characterised, and the use of the movement of yellowfish be developed as an indicator of ecosystem change.
Role of Titanium in Thin Wall Vermicular Graphite Iron Castings Production
Authors: Górny M. , Kawalec M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper the effects of titanium addition in an amount up to 0.13 wt.% have been investigated to determine their effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Thin Wall Vermicular Graphite Iron Castings (TWVGI). The study was performed for thinwalled iron castings with 3-5 mm wall thickness and for the reference casting with 13 mm. Microstructural changes were evaluated by analyzing quantitative data sets obtained by image analyzer and also using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Metallographic examinations show that in thin-walled castings there is a significant impact of titanium addition to vermicular graphite formation. Thinwalled castings with vermicular graphite have a homogeneous structure, free of chills, and good mechanical properties. It may predispose them as a potential use as substitutes for aluminum alloy castings in diverse applications.
Using Selected Chemical and Physical Factors to Cross-link a BioCo Polymer Binder - Mineral Matrix System / Zastosowanie wybranych czynników chemicznych i fizycznych w procesie sieciowania układu spoiwo polimerowe BioCo – osnowa mineralna
Authors: Grabowska B. , Bobrowski A. , Olejnik E. , Kaczmarska K. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This publication describes research on the course of the process of cross-linking new BioCo polymer binders - in the form of water-based polymer compositions of poly(acrylic acid) or poly(sodium acrylate)/modified polysaccharide - using selected physical and chemical factors. It has been shown that the type of cross-linking factor used influences the strength parameters of the moulding sand. The crosslinking factors selected during basic research make it possible to obtain sand strengths similar to those of samples of sands bonded with commercial binders. Microwave radiation turned out to be the most effective cross-linking factor in a binder-matrix system. It was proven that adsorption in the microwave radiation field leads to the formation of polymer lattices with hydrogen bonds which play a major role in maintaining the formed cross-linked structures in the binder-matrix system. As a result, the process improves the strength parameters of the sand, whereas the hardening process in a microwave field significantly shortens the setting time.
Bending Strength and Fracture Investigations of Cu Based Composite Materials Strengthened with δ-Alumina Fibres
Authors: Kaczmar J.W. , Granat K. , Naplocha K. , Kurzawa A. , Grodzka E. , Samociuk B. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Bending strength, thermal and electric conductivity and microstructure examinations of Cu based composite materials reinforced with Saffil alumina fibres are presented. Materials were produced by squeeze casting method applying the designed device and specially elaborated production parameters. Applying infiltration pressure of 90MPa and suitable temperature parameters provided manufacturing of copper based composite materials strengthened with Saffil alumina fibres characterized by the low rest porosity and good fibre-matrix interface. Three point bending tests at temperatures of 25, 100 and 300ºC were performed on specimens reinforced with 10, 15 and 20% of Saffil fibres. Introduced reinforcement effected on the relatively high bending strengths at elevated temperatures. In relation to unreinforced Cu casting strength of composite material Cu - 15vol.% Saffil fibres increase by about 25%, whereas at the highest applied test temperature of 300oC the improvement was almost 100%. Fibres by strengthening of the copper matrix and by transferring loads from the matrix reduce its plastic deformation and hinder the micro-crack developed during bending tests. Decreasing of thermal and electrical conductivity of Cu after incorporating fibres in the matrix are relatively small and these properties can be acceptable for electric and thermal applications.
Content Variation of Iron and Copper in Wine Obtained from Wine Vineyards Recas
Authors: Ketney Otto , Lengyel Ecaterina , Tita Ovidiu , Țifrea Anca 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Wine grapes are brought to the center in baskets, plastic containers, wooden bene, or more modern like metal bene. From picking and transport can be transmitted to grapes, the iron or copper from all equipment on metal and after will be transmitted also to wines produced. It must therefore control of how was made the insulation of protective metal bene to avoid contact the metal with grapes. The aim of this work involves evaluating the content of iron and copper in wines and vineyards of Recas. The results indicated that the values determined by methods Photocolorimeters were within normal limits and revealed that the level of iron and copper in samples analyzed were not influenced by the process or storage conditions.