Experimental study on mixed traffic flow of bicycles and pedestrians

The mixed flow of bicycles and pedestrians is frequently observed on bicycle-pedestrian-shared roads. Unfortunately, studies on dynamics of this kind of mixed flow are very limited. This paper reports an experimental study of this kind of mixed traffic flow with equal numbers of pedestrians and cyclists asked to walk/ride in a ring-shaped track. In the uni-/bi-directional flow scenarios, pedestrians and bicycles moved in the same/opposite direction. Under both scenarios, bicycles and pedestrians formed their own lanes. Pedestrians walked in the inner lane and cyclists rode in the outer lane. Widths of both the pedestrian lane and the bicycle lane were more uniform in bidirectional flow. The pedestrian flow rate is larger in the unidirectional flow scenario than in the bidirectional flow scenario. In contrast, at low densities, the bicycle flow rate is essentially the same under the two scenarios. When the density is large, the bicycle flow rate becomes larger in the unidirectional flow scenario. Comparing the two modes, pedestrian flow rate is smaller/larger than bicycle flow rate at small/large densities under both scenarios

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Neural Stem Cells therapy for experimental ischemia stroke in preclinical studies

To evaluate the preclinical studies using NSCs transplantation therapy for experimental ischemic stroke, and determine the effect size of NSCs therapy and the correlations between different clinical measures. We firstly searched literatures to identify studies of NSCs therapy in animal cerebral ischemia models, and then calculated the quality score of studies, assessed the effect size of NSCs therapy relative to behavioral and histologic endpoints by meta-analysis. A total of 37 studies and 54 independent treated interventions were used for systematic review and meta-analysis. The median quality score was 5 of 10. 36 studies (53 intervention arms) reported functional outcome, 22 studies (34 intervention arms) reported structural outcome. After adjusted by subgroup and sensitivity analysis, the mean effect sizes were improved by 1.35 for mNSS, 1.84 for rotarod test, 0.61 for cylinder test, and 0.84 for infarct volume. Furthermore, effect size had a certain interaction with clinical variables, for example early NSCs therapy etc. In this preclinical studies, we demonstrated that transplanted NSCs significantly improved outcomes (both functional and structural outcome) in ischemic stroke. It is suggested that future preclinical animal model studies of stroke should improve study quality validity and reduce potentially confounded publication bias

Peningkatan Kemampuan Penalaran Dan Pemahaman Konsep Matematika Melalui Pembelajaran Learning Cycle (Siklus Belajar) ‘5E’ Pada Siswa Kelas VII SMP Negeri 1 Mojolaban Tahun Ajaran 2015/2016

The background of this study is to due to the weak of reasonand comprehension ability of math concepts by the students of class VII C SMP Negeri 1 Mojolaban. The purpose of this study is to describe the increasing of the ability of reason and comprehension of mathematical concepts with the subject of class VII C SMP Negeri 1 Mojolaban 2015/2016 academic years through 5E Learning Cycle of models. The research include the classroom action research. The technique of collecting data consist of observation, testing, filed notes, and documentatipn. The result shows that the increasing in mathematical reasoning abilities can be seen from the indicators: 1. The ability to propose aninitial statement before the action of 8 student (25%) after the action increasing become 26 student (81.25%). 2. The ability to arrange of evidence the truth of the solution before the action of 10 student (31.25%) after the action increasing become 24 student (75%). 3. The ability to draw conclusions or make generalizations before the action of 5 student (15.625%) after the action increasing become 24 student (75%). While improving the ability of comprehension of mathematical concept can be seen from the indicators: 1. The ability to repeat a concept before the action of 12 student (37.5%) after the action increasing become 27 student (84.375%). 2. The ability to classify the objects based on the characteristic of spesific (according to the concept) before the procedure of 9 student (28.125%) after the action increasing become 23 students (71.875%). 3. The ability to apply the concepts or algorithms of problem solving before the action of 10 students (31.25%) after the action increasing become 26 students (81.25%). Based on conclusion above that through the 5E Learning Cycle model can improve reasoning skills and comprehension of math students concept. Keyword: reasoning, comprehension concept, Learning Cycle 5

Ensemble encoding of nociceptive stimulus intensity in the rat medial and lateral pain systems

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The ability to encode noxious stimulus intensity is essential for the neural processing of pain perception. It is well accepted that the intensity information is transmitted within both sensory and affective pathways. However, it remains unclear what the encoding patterns are in the thalamocortical brain regions, and whether the dual pain systems share similar responsibility in intensity coding.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Multichannel single-unit recordings were used to investigate the activity of individual neurons and neuronal ensembles in the rat brain following the application of noxious laser stimuli of increasing intensity to the hindpaw. Four brain regions were monitored, including two within the lateral sensory pain pathway, namely, the ventral posterior lateral thalamic nuclei and the primary somatosensory cortex, and two in the medial pathway, namely, the medial dorsal thalamic nuclei and the anterior cingulate cortex. Neuron number, firing rate, and ensemble spike count codings were examined in this study. Our results showed that the noxious laser stimulation evoked double-peak responses in all recorded brain regions. Significant correlations were found between the laser intensity and the number of responsive neurons, the firing rates, as well as the mass spike counts (MSCs). MSC coding was generally more efficient than the other two methods. Moreover, the coding capacities of neurons in the two pathways were comparable.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrated the collective contribution of medial and lateral pathway neurons to the noxious intensity coding. Additionally, we provide evidence that ensemble spike count may be the most reliable method for coding pain intensity in the brain.</p

PanGEA: Identification of allele specific gene expression using the 454 technology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Next generation sequencing technologies hold great potential for many biological questions. While mainly used for genomic sequencing, they are also very promising for gene expression profiling. Sequencing of cDNA does not only provide an estimate of the absolute expression level, it can also be used for the identification of allele specific gene expression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We developed PanGEA, a tool which enables a fast and user-friendly analysis of allele specific gene expression using the 454 technology. PanGEA allows mapping of 454-ESTs to genes or whole genomes, displaying gene expression profiles, identification of SNPs and the quantification of allele specific gene expression. The intuitive GUI of PanGEA facilitates a flexible and interactive analysis of the data. PanGEA additionally implements a modification of the Smith-Waterman algorithm which deals with incorrect estimates of homopolymer length as occuring in the 454 technology</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>To our knowledge, PanGEA is the first tool which facilitates the identification of allele specific gene expression. PanGEA is distributed under the Mozilla Public License and available at: <url>http://www.kofler.or.at/bioinformatics/PanGEA</url></p

Human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cell transplantation: case series of 30 subjects with Hereditary Ataxia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The differential diagnosis for hereditary ataxia encompasses a variety of diseases characterized by both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance. There are no curative treatments available for these neurodegenerative conditions. This open label treatment study used human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells (CBMC) combined with rehabilitation training as potential disease modulators.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>30 patients suffering from hereditary ataxia were treated with CBMCs administered systemically by intravenous infusion and intrathecally by either cervical or lumbar puncture. Primary endpoint measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), serum markers of immunoglobulin and T-cell subsets, measured at baseline and pre-determined times post-treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A reduction of pathological symptoms and signs was shown following treatment. The BBS scores, IgG, IgA, total T cells and CD3+CD4 T cells all improved significantly compared to pre-treatment values (<it>P </it>< 0.01~0.001). There were no adverse events.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The combination of CBMC infusion and rehabilitation training may be a safe and effective treatment for ataxia, which dramatically improves patients' functional symptoms. These data support expanded double blind, placebo-controlled studies for these treatment modalities.</p

Calcium-dependent Nedd4-2 upregulation mediates degradation of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5: implications for heart failure

Aim Reductions in voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) function/expression provide a slowed-conduction substrate for cardiac arrhythmias. Nedd4-2, which is activated by calcium, post-translationally modulates Nav1.5. We aim to investigate whether elevated intracellular calcium ([Ca$^{2+}$]$_{i}$) reduces Nav1.5 through Nedd4-2 and its role in heart failure (HF). Methods Using a combination of biochemical, electrophysiological, cellular and in vivo methods, we tested the effect and mechanism of calcium on Nedd4-2 and in turn Nav1.5. Results Increased [Ca$^{2+}$]$_{i}$, following 24-h ionomycin treatment, decreased sodium current (I$_{Na}$) density and Nav1.5 protein without altering its mRNA in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and HEK 293 cells stably expressing Nav1.5. The calcium chelator BAPTA-AM restored the reduced Nav1.5 and I$_{Na}$ in NRCMs pre-treated by ionomycin. Nav1.5 was decreased by Nedd4-2 transfection and further decreased by 6-h ionomycin treatment. These effects were not observed in cells transfected with the catalytically inactive mutant, Nedd4-2 C801S, or with Y1977A-Nav1.5 mutant containing the impaired Nedd4-2 binding motif. Furthermore, elevated [Ca$^{2+}$]$_{i}$ increased Nedd4-2, the interaction between Nedd4-2 and Nav1.5, and Nav1.5 ubiquitination. Nav1.5 protein is decreased, whereas Nedd4-2 is increased in volume-overload HF rat hearts, with increased co-localization of Nav1.5 with ubiquitin or Nedd4-2 as indicated by immunofluorescence staining. BAPTA-AM rescued the reduced Nav1.5 protein, I$_{Na}$ and increased Nedd4-2 in hypertrophied NRCMs induced by isoproterenol or angiotensin II. Conclusion Calcium-mediated increases in Nedd4-2 downregulate Nav1.5 by ubiquitination. Nav1.5 is downregulated and co-localizes with Nedd4-2 and ubiquitin in failing rat heart. These data suggest a role of Nedd4-2 in Nav1.5 downregulation in HF.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30801216), Royal Society/National Science Foundation of China International Joint Project Grant (JP100994/No. 81211130599) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 2015GJHZ23)

Eucalcemic Parathyroid Hormone Elevation After Parathyroidectomy for Primary Sporadic Hyperparathyroidism: Risk Factors, Trend, and Outcome

BACKGROUND: Patients with eucalcemic parathyroid hormone elevation (ePTH) after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) may be at risk of recurrence. We aimed to examine risk factors, trend of PTH level, and outcome of patients with ePTH 6 months after parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 161 primary HPT were analyzed. The 6-month postoperative calcium and PTH levels were obtained. ePTH was defined as an elevated PTH level in the presence of normocalcemia. At 6 months, 98 had eucalcemic normal PTH and 63 (39.1%) had ePTH. Perioperative variables, PTH trend, and outcome were compared between 2 groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent preoperative and operative/postoperative risk factors for ePTH. RESULTS: Among preoperative factors, advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.042, P = .027) and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25OHD(3)) (OR = 1.043, P = .009) were independently associated with ePTH, whereas among operative/postoperative factors, high 10-min intraoperative PTH level (OR = 1.015, P = .040) and high postoperative 3-month PTH (OR = 1.048, P < .001) were independently associated with ePTH. After a mean follow-up of 38.7 months, recurrence rate was similar between the 2 groups (P = 1.00). In the first 2 postoperative years, 75 (46.6%) had ePTH on at least 1 occasion and 8 (5.0%) had persistently ePTH on every occasion. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, low 25OHD(3), high 10-min intraoperative PTH, and high postoperative 3-month PTH were independently associated with ePTH at 6-month. Although 39.1% of patients had ePTH at 6 months, more than 50% had at least 1 ePTH within the first 2 years of follow-up. Recurrence appeared similar between those with or without ePTH at 6 months.published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

The epidemiology and survival of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in South East England, 1970–2004

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare cancer and few studies describe its epidemiology. Our objectives were to compare the incidence and survival of EPSCC in South East England with small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC), to determine the most common anatomical presenting sites for EPSCC and to compare survival in EPSCC by disease stage and site of diagnosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used data from the Thames Cancer Registry database for South East England between 1970 and 2004 to determine the incidence, most common anatomical sites, and survival by site, and stage of EPSCC. 1618 patients registered with EPSCC were identified. We calculated the age-standardised incidence rate for EPSCC using the European standard population and compared this to that for SCLC. We calculated survival using the Kaplan-Meier method for EPSCC and SCLC, and reported 3-year survival for different EPSCC anatomical sites and disease stages.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of EPSCC was much lower than for SCLC, similar in males and females, and stable throughout the study period, with incidence rates of 0.45 per 100,000 in males and 0.37 in females during 2000–2004. In general, patients with EPSCC had a better 3-year survival (19%) than SCLC (5%). The most common anatomical sites for EPSCC were oesophagus (18%), other gastrointestinal (15%), genitourinary (20%), head and neck (11%), and breast (10%). Breast EPSCC had the best 3-year survival (60%) and gastrointestinal EPSCC the worst (7%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study suggests that EPSCC has a stable incidence and confirms that it presents widely, but most commonly in the oesophagus and breast. Site and extent of disease influence survival, with breast EPSCC having the best prognosis. Further studies using standardised diagnosis, prospective case registers for uncommon diseases and European cancer registries are needed to understand this disease.</p