bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functioning of Declarative Memory: Intersection between Neuropsychology and Mathematics
Authors: Doronzo Federica , Calabrese Gianvito 
Published: March 2022

The understanding of memory has been a constant challenge for scientific research for centuries. The mnemonic processes, which determine the identity of the human being, have been investigated through multiple points of view, such as the psychological, neurophysiological and physical ones. The result is complex and multifaceted visions that should be integrated to provide a unitary and complete interpretation. A survey of the most recent scientific literature is carried out on the functioning of declarative memory, to analyse the relationship between real information coming from the outside world, the encoded event and the recovered memory. The aim of the essay is to investigate the neural correlates, which regulate the cognitive system in question, through a dual neuropsychological-mathematical interpretation. Neuropsychology sheds light on the anatomical, physiological and psychic mechanisms of memory while Mathematics associates the corresponding mathematical configurations to neural networks. The reunification process between the two disciplines is achieved through neuromorphic computational simulation that emulates mind uploading. The assembly of artificial neurons has the potential to clarify in detail the memory processes, the functioning of neural correlates and to carry out the mapping of the biological brain. We hope that the results obtained will provide new knowledge on mnestic mechanisms to contribute to the evolution of disciplines such as General Psychology, Forensic Neuroscience, Cognitive Rehabilitation and Awake Surgery.
Identification of potential biomarkers of vascular calcification using bioinformatics analysis and validation in vivo
Authors: Chen Chuanzhen , Wu Yinteng , Lu Hai-lin , Liu Kai , Qin Xiao 
Published: March 2022

Background
Vascular calcification (VC) is the most widespread pathological change in diseases of the vascular system. However, we know poorly about the molecular mechanisms and effective therapeutic approaches of VC.

Methods
The VC dataset, GSE146638, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using the edgeR package to screen Differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were used to find pathways affecting VC. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed on the DEGs. Meanwhile, using the String database and Cytoscape software to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and identify hub genes with the highest module scores. Correlation analysis was performed for hub genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, expression level analysis, GSEA, and subcellular localization were performed for each hub gene. Expression of hub genes in normal and calcified vascular tissues was verified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiments. The hub gene-related miRNA-mRNA and TF-mRNA networks were constructed and functionally enriched for analysis. Finally, the DGIdb database was utilized to search for alternative drugs targeting VC hub genes.

Results
By comparing the genes with normal vessels, there were 64 DEGs in mildly calcified vessels and 650 DEGs in severely calcified vessels. Spp1, Sost, Col1a1, Fn1, and Ibsp were central in the progression of the entire VC by the MCODE plug-in. These hub genes are primarily enriched in ossification, extracellular matrix, and ECM-receptor interactions. Expression level results showed that Spp1, Sost, Ibsp, and Fn1 were significantly highly expressed in VC, and Col1a1 was incredibly low. RT-qPCR and IHC validation results were consistent with bioinformatic analysis. We found multiple pathways of hub genes acting in VC and identified 16 targeting drugs.

Conclusions
This study perfected the molecular regulatory mechanism of VC. Our results indicated that Spp1, Sost, Col1a1, Fn1, and Ibsp could be potential novel biomarkers for VC and promising therapeutic targets.
A comparison of intervention with losartan or captopril in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Spinar J. , Vitovec J. , Spinarova L. , Pluhacek L. , Fischerova B. , Toman J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAim of study:Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prolong life, lower the progression of heart failure, and decrease the need for hospitalizations in patients after myocardial infarctions. It is still unclear whether these effects could also be achieved by blocking the angiotensin II (ATII) type 1 receptor.Methods and results:We randomized 201 patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with either direct angioplasty, thrombolysis, or heparin alone to the ACE inhibitor captopril or the ATII antagonist losartan. The primary endpoints were safety, tolerability, and left ventricular parameters. The patients were followed for at least 15 days. The incidence of severe adverse events was similar in both groups, although cough presented less often in the losartan group. Captopril failed to prevent an increase in end‐diastolic volume and did not influence left ventricular end‐systolic volume. This effect led to an increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001) without a change in wall‐motion index. Losartan did not affect end‐diastolic volume but decreased end‐systolic volume (P<0.001), resulting in a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001) and a decrease in wall‐motion index (P<0.001).Conclusion:This study suggests that losartan is safe and well tolerated in patients after myocardial infarction. ATII antagonists seem to have a more pronounced effect on left ventricular remodeling than ACE inhibitors.
Simple Substrate Feeding Rate Control Mechanism for Optimizing the Steady State Productivity of a Class of Continuous Fermentation Processes
Authors: Nguang Sing Kiong , Chen Xiao Dong 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis paper considers the problem of optimizing the productivity of a class of continuous fermentation processes which is described by an unstructured fermentation process model. By applying the first principle known by biotechnologists, for a prefixed dilution rate, we develop a simple substrate feeding rate control mechanism for optimizing the steady state productivity without knowing some of the process' parameters. Furthermore, we also show that this simple control law is robust against measurement noise and the variation of process' parameters.
Cloning and Expression of Vitreoscilla Hemoglobin Gene in Burkholderia sp. Strain DNT for Enhancement of 2,4‐Dinitrotoluene Degradation
Authors: Patel Sangeeta M. , Stark Benjamin C. , Hwang Kwang‐Woo , Dikshit Kanak L. , Webster Dale A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe gene (vgb) encoding the hemoglobin (VHb) of Vitreoscilla sp. was cloned into a broad host range vector and stably transformed into Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas) sp. strain DNT, which is able to degrade and metabolize 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT). Vgb was stably maintained and expressed in functional form in this recombinant strain (YV1). When growth of YV1, in both tryptic soy broth and minimal salts broth containing DNT and yeast extract, was compared with that of the untransformed strain, YV1 grew significantly better on a cell mass basis (A600) and reached slightly higher maximum viable cell numbers. YV1 also had roughly twice the respiration as strain DNT on a cell mass basis, and in DNT‐containing medium, YV1 degraded DNT faster than the untransformed strain. YV1 cells pregrown in medium containing DNT plus succinate showed the fastest degradation: 100% of the initial 200 ppm DNT was removed from the medium within 3 days.
Evaluation of potential regulatory elements identified as DNase I hypersensitive sites in the CFTR gene
Authors: Phylactides Marios , Rowntree Rebecca , Nuthall Hugh , Ussery David , Wheeler Ann , Harris Ann 
Published: July 2002

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene shows a complex pattern of expression, with temporal and spatial regulation that is not accounted for by elements in the promoter. One approach to identifying the regulatory elements for CFTR is the mapping of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) within the locus. We previously identified at least 12 clusters of DHS across the CFTR gene and here further evaluate DHS in introns 2, 3, 10, 16, 17a, 18, 20 and 21 to assess their functional importance in regulation of CFTR gene expression. Transient transfections of enhan‐	cer/reporter constructs containing the DHS regions showed that those in introns 20 and 21 augmented the activity of the CFTR promoter. Structural analysis of the DNA sequence at the DHS suggested that only the one intron 21 might be caused by inherent DNA structures. Cell specificity of the DHS suggested a role for the DHS in introns 2 and 18 in CFTR expression in some pancreatic duct cells. Finally, regulatory elements at the DHS in introns 10 and 18 may contribute to upregulation of CFTR gene transcription by forskolin and mitomycin C, respectively. These data support a model of regulation of expression of the CFTR gene in which multiple elements contribute to tightly co‐ordinated expression in vivo.
Bacterial translocation in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Woodcock N P , Sudheer V , El-Barghouti N , Perry E P , MacFie J 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Bacterial translocation occurs in humans and is associated with an increased incidence of septic morbidity. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of bacterial translocation in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and to identify any association with postoperative septic complications.

Methods
This was a prospective observational study in which patients undergoing aneurysm repair were assessed for evidence of bacterial translocation by culture of a mesenteric lymph node (MLN), small bowel serosal exudate and thrombus within the aneurysm. All postoperative septic complications were recorded.

Results
A total of 51 patients was studied (40 men, 11 women; median age 72 years). Enteric bacteria were isolated from the MLNs of five patients (prevalence of bacterial translocation 10 per cent), one of whom also yielded growth from the serosal exudate. Septic morbidity occurred in four of five patients in whom bacterial translocation was identified, compared with nine of 46 in those without translocation (P = 0·013, Fisher's exact test, mid P). One patient in whom Escherichia coli was grown from the MLN developed an aortoenteric fistula, with a coliform species isolated from the graft.

Conclusion
This study suggests that bacterial translocation occurs in patients undergoing AAA repair. It is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative septic morbidity and provides a possible mechanism for infection of prosthetic aortic grafts.
Weight loss with sibutramine improves glycaemic control and other metabolic parameters in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fujioka K. , Seaton T. B. , Rowe E. , Jelinek C. A. , Raskin P. , Lebovitz H. E. , Weinstein S. P. , Group The Sibutramine/Diabetes Clinical Study 
Published: July 2002

Summary Aim: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of sibutramine hydrochloride in obese patients whose type 2 diabetes was poorly controlled on diet alone or with an oral antidiabetic agent Methods: This study was a 24‐week, double‐blind, multicentre trial following a 5‐week placebo run‐in period. One hundred and seventy‐five obese (body mass index (b.m.i.) ≥27 kg/m2) patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized either to sibutramine (n = 89; mean age 53.5 years; mean weight 99.3 kg) or placebo (n = 86; mean age 55 years; mean weight 98.2 kg) at 16 participating centres. To achieve moderate calorie restriction (deficit ≥ 250–500 kcal/day), individual dietary counselling was accompanied by either placebo or sibutramine (initial dosage of 5 mg/day titrated up by 5 mg biweekly through week 6, and maintained at 20 mg through week 24). The main outcome measures included changes in weight, b.m.i., waist and hip circumference, glycaemic control, lipid profile, and quality of life, and evaluation of reported adverse events. Results: Sixty‐seven per cent of sibutramine patients and 71% of placebo patients completed the study. At week 24 when comparing those who completed the course, sibutramine compared with placebo patients showed significantly greater (p < 0.001) absolute (−4.3 vs. −0.4 kg) and percentage (−4.5% vs. −0.5%) weight loss. Weight loss ≥5% or 10% was achieved by 33% and 8% of sibutramine patients, respectively, but no placebo patients (p < 0.03 or better). Improvement in glycaemic control was correlated with weight loss (p < 0.001). In 5% and 10% weight‐loss responders, mean treatment differences were −0.53% and −1.65% (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, for HbA1c, and −1.4 mmol/l (p ≤0.05) and −3.8 (p ≤0.05) mmol/l for fasting plasma glucose. Sibutramine patients also showed improvements in fasting insulin, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and quality‐of‐life assessments. Overall, sibutramine was well tolerated compared with the placebo. Sibutramine treatment was associated with small mean increases in blood pressure (BP) and pulse, although an increase in BP was not seen in sibutramine‐treated patients who lost ≥ 5% of their weight. Conclusions: Sibutramine produced statistically and clinically significant weight loss when used in combination with recommendations for moderate caloric restriction. This weight loss was associated with improvements in metabolic control and quality of life, and sibutramine was generally well tolerated in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Tinea capitis in Europe: new perspective on an old problem
Authors: Hay RJ , Robles W , Midgley G , Moore MK 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTA survey of tinea capitis conducted under the auspices of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology showed that laboratories contributing to a voluntary scheme for reporting have recently been seeing a different pattern of scalp ringworm. The survey was conducted among 92 medical mycology laboratories across 19 European countries by postal questionnaire comparing the years 1987 with 1997. The survey shows an overall increase in the numbers of cases caused by anthropophilic infections, which, in 1997, were the dominant causes of scalp infection; the greatest increase was seen in laboratories covering urban populations and in African Caribbean children living in Europe. While the commonest infection remains Microsporum canis, the largest overall increase has been in Trichophyton tonsurans, which in 1997 was the second commonest cause of infection overall and the commonest in urban populations. The pattern of change is not uniform in Europe and while some cities have reported large increases in T. tonsurans others, e.g. in France, have seen more cases of infection due to T. soudanense and M. audouinii. While these figures do not necessarily reflect changes in the underlying prevalence of infection, the trends are important to recognize as the control measures for anthropophilic tinea capitis differ from those used in zoophilic infections. In particular there is a need for an increased level of surveillance and more advice on control given to primary care physicians, dermatologists and school health authorities.
Alterations in fibrillin as well as collagens I and III and elastin occur in vulval lichen sclerosus
Authors: Farrell AM , Dean D , Millard PR , Charnock FM , Wojnarowska F 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical features of lichen sclerosus, which include atrophy, scarring, fragility and tendency to form ecchymoses with only slight trauma, suggest that there is an alteration in the extracellular matrix fibres that are responsible for the tensile strength of the dermis. However, the precise nature of these changes is poorly understood.MethodsBiopsies from 16 patients with untreated, histologically confirmed, vulval lichen sclerosus were examined immunohistochemically using polyclonal antibodies to collagens I and III and a monoclonal antibody to elastin. Twelve of the lichen sclerosus specimens were also stained with a monoclonal antibody to fibrillin. Normal vulva tissue and patients’ uninvolved thigh were used as controls.ResultsIn the lichen sclerosus specimens, collagens I and III stained with a more homogeneous pattern than in the control tissues. Reduced numbers of elastin fibres were seen in the zone of sclerosus in 15 of the 16 lichen sclerosus specimens. In the control tissue fibrillin fibres were seen as a fine network of fibres in the upper dermis arranged at right angles to and inserting into the basement membrane and forming a fine network throughout the dermis. In the lichen sclerosus specimens, although fibrillin microfibrils were still seen inserting at right angles into the basement membrane, below this the fibrillin staining was reduced in the upper dermis in 11 of the 12 lichen sclerosus specimens. The zone of reduced fibrillin staining was greatest in those specimens where the band of inflammation was deep in the dermis.ConclusionsThe distribution of collagens I and III, elastin and fibrillin are altered in lichen sclerosus and this is likely to contribute to the fragility, scarring and atrophy seen clinically in lichen sclerosus.
Exercise Rehabilitation Improves Functional Outcomes and Peripheral Circulation in Patients with Intermittent Claudication: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gardner Andrew W. , Katzel Leslie I. , Sorkin John D. , Bradham Douglas D. , Hochberg Marc C. , Flinn William R. , Goldberg Andrew P. 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a 6‐month exercise program on ambulatory function, free‐living daily physical activity, peripheral circulation, and health‐related quality of life (QOL) in disabled older patients with intermittent claudication.DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial.SETTING: University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐one of 61 patients with Fontaine stage II peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) were randomized to exercise rehabilitation and 30 to usual‐care control. Three patients from the exercise group and six patients from the control group dropped out, leaving 28 and 24 patients, respectively, completing the study in each group.INTERVENTION: Six months of exercise rehabilitation.MEASUREMENTS: Treadmill distance walked to onset of claudication and to maximal claudication, ambulatory function, peripheral circulation, perceived QOL, and daily physical activity.RESULTS: Compliance with the exercise program was 73% of the possible sessions. Exercise rehabilitation increased treadmill distance walked to onset of claudication by 134% (P < .001) and to maximal claudication by 77% (P < .001), walking economy by 12% (P = .003), 6‐minute walk distance by 12% (P < .001), and maximal calf blood flow by 30% (P < .001). Changes in distance walked to maximal pain correlated with changes in walking economy (r = −.50, P = .013) and changes in maximal calf blood flow (r = .38, P = .047). Exercise rehabilitation increased accelerometer‐derived daily physical activity by 38% (P < .001); this change correlated with the change in distance walked to maximal pain (r = .45, P = .020). These improvements were significantly better than the changes in the control group (P < .05).CONCLUSION: Improvements in claudication following exercise rehabilitation in older PAOD patients are dependent on improvements in peripheral circulation and walking economy. Improvement in treadmill claudication distances in these patients translated into increased accelerometer‐derived physical activity in the community, which enabled the patients to become more functionally independent. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:755–762, 2001.
Microscopic theory of liquid crystal rheology
Authors: Sarman Sten 
Published: July 2002

We propose a new expression for the irreversible entropy production of a nematic liquid crystal subject to a velocity gradient. This is done by adding a contribution due to the streaming angular velocity, ω, which is distinct from the contribution from the angular velocity of the director, Ω. This removes the inconsistency between the isotropic fluid entropy production and the liquid crystal entropy production. The new entropy production means that the traditional viscosity coefficients must be replaced by a new set of coefficients. This can be done in a few different ways depending on how one defines the thermodynamic forces and fluxes. We derive equilibrium fluctuation relations for the viscosities by applying linear response theory. One finds that it is very important to select the proper equilibrium ensemble in order to obtain simple expressions, i.e., linear combinations of time correlation function integrals (TCFI’s), for the viscosities. It turns out that the thermodynamic forces must be given external parameters whereas the fluxes must be fluctuating phase functions. This means that one sometimes must use equilibrium ensembles where Ω and ω are constrained to be zero. Most TCFI’s are the same in those ensembles as in ordinary equilibrium ensembles such as the canonical or isokinetic ensemble. There are relations between those TCFI’s that are different. It is particularly convenient to constrain Ω to be zero because this makes a director based coordinate system an inertial frame.
It also prevents the director reorientation from affecting the tails of the time correlation functions. In order to test some of the fluctuation relations numerically, we have evaluated them for a nematic liquid crystal phase of an oblate version of the Gay–Berne fluid. We have compared the ordinary isokinetic ensemble to an ensemble where Ω has been constrained to be zero by performing equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations. The results were either the same or satisfied relations between the TCFI’s in the two ensembles. We cross check these results by applying the SLLOD nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) algorithm (so named because of its close relationship to the Dolls tensor algorithm) for planar Couette flow. The NEMD estimates and the EMD fluctuation results are consistent. Constraining Ω to be zero also makes it possible to fix the director at different angles relative to the stream lines. In particular, one can calculate the entropy production as a function of the alignment angle. It seems to be minimal very close to the preferred alignment angle.
Receiving shadows: governance and liminality in the night‐time economy1
Authors: Hobbs Dick , Lister Stuart , Hadfield Philip , Winlow Simon , Hall Steve 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses upon the emergence of the night‐time economy both materially and culturally as a powerful manifestation of post‐industrial society. This emergence features two key processes: firstly a shift in economic development from the industrial to the post‐industrial; secondly a significant orientation of urban governance involving a move away from the traditional managerial functions of local service provision, towards an entrepreneurial stance primarily focused on the facilitation of economic growth. Central to this new economic era is the identification and promotion of liminality. The State's apparent inability to control these new leisure zones constitutes the creation of an urban frontier that is governed by commercial imperatives.