bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genital divergence in sympatric sister snails
Authors: Hollander J. , Smadja C. M. , Butlin R. K. , Reid D. G.
Published: November 2012

A pattern of greater divergence in mating traits between sister‐species pairs with overlapping ranges than between allopatric species pairs is expected if reinforcement commonly contributes to speciation. Few large‐scale comparative analyses have addressed this prediction, especially for genital form. Here, we show that penial morphology follows the predicted pattern in 40 robustly identified sister‐species pairs in the marine gastropod subfamily Littorininae. Further work is needed to exclude other processes that may contribute to genital divergence between sympatric species, but the clear pattern we observe strongly suggests a role for genital form in reproductive isolation in this large clade.
Examining Appearance‐Based Rejection Sensitivity During Early Adolescence
Authors: Bowker Julie C. , Thomas Katelyn K. , Spencer Sarah V. , Park Lora E.
Published: November 2012

The present study of 150 adolescents (M age = 13.05 years) examined the associations between appearance‐based rejection sensitivity (Appearance‐RS) and psychological adjustment during early adolescence, and evaluated three types of other‐gender peer experiences (other‐gender friendship, peer acceptance, and romantic relationships) as moderators. Appearance‐RS was found to be uniquely related to two types of social anxiety, but not to self‐esteem. Other‐gender friendship emerged as a protective factor, whereas high other‐gender peer acceptance emerged as a risk factor (especially for boys), after controlling for same‐gender mutual best friendship involvement and peer acceptance. Results highlight the importance of distinguishing between different types of other‐gender peer experiences during early adolescence and suggest that Appearance‐RS during adolescence warrants further investigation.
Algal taxonomy: a road to nowhere?
Authors: De Clerck Olivier , Guiry Michael D. , Leliaert Frederik , Samyn Yves , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: November 2012

The widespread view of taxonomy as an essentially retrogressive and outmoded science unable to cope with the current biodiversity crisis stimulated us to analyze the current status of cataloguing global algal diversity. Contrary to this largely pessimistic belief, species description rates of algae through time and trends in the number of active taxonomists, as revealed by the web resource AlgaeBase, show a much more positive picture. More species than ever before are being described by a large community of algal taxonomists. The lack of any decline in the rate at which new species and genera are described, however, is indicative of the large proportion of undiscovered diversity and bears heavily on any prediction of global algal species diversity and the time needed to catalogue it. The saturation of accumulation curves of higher taxa (family, order, and classes) on the other hand suggest that at these taxonomic levels most diversity has been discovered. This reasonably positive picture does not imply that algal taxonomy does not face serious challenges in the near future. The observed levels of cryptic diversity in algae, combined with the shift in methods used to characterize them, have resulted in a rampant uncertainty about the status of many older species. As a consequence, there is a tendency in phycology to move gradually away from traditional names to a more informal system whereby clade‐, specimen‐ or strain‐based identifiers are used to communicate biological information. Whether these informal names for species‐level clades represent a temporary situation stimulated by the lag between species discovery and formal description, or an incipient alternative or parallel taxonomy, will be largely determined by how well we manage to integrate historical collections into modern taxonomic research. Additionally, there is a pressing need for a consensus about the organizational framework to manage the information about algal species names. An eventual strategy should preferably come out of an international working group that includes the various databases as well as the various phycological societies. In this strategy, phycologists should link up to major international initiatives that are currently being developed, such as the compulsory registration of taxonomic and nomenclatural acts and the introduction of Life Science Identifiers.
Morphology and Phylogenetic Position of the Freshwater Green Microalgae Chlorochytrium (Chlorophyceae) and Scotinosphaera (Scotinosphaerales, ord. nov., Ulvophyceae)
Authors: Škaloud Pavel , Kalina Tomáš , Nemjová Katarína , De Clerck Olivier , Leliaert Frederik
Published: November 2012

The green algal family Chlorochytriaceae comprises relatively large coccoid algae with secondarily thickened cell walls. Despite its morphological distinctness, the family remained molecularly uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the morphology and phylogenetic position of 16 strains determined as members of two Chlorochytriaceae genera, Chlorochytrium and Scotinosphaera. The phylogenetic reconstructions were based on the analyses of two data sets, including a broad, concatenated alignment of small subunit rDNA and rbcL sequences, and a 10‐gene alignment of 32 selected taxa. All analyses revealed the distant relation of the two genera, segregated in two different classes: Chlorophyceae and Ulvophyceae. Chlorochytrium strains were inferred in two distinct clades of the Stephanosphaerinia clade within the Chlorophyceae. Whereas clade A morphologically fits the description of Chlorochytrium, the strains of clade B coincide with the circumscription of the genus Neospongiococcum. The Scotinosphaera strains formed a distinct and highly divergent clade within the Ulvophyceae, warranting the recognition of a new order, Scotinosphaerales. Morphologically, the order is characterized by large cells bearing local cell wall thickenings, pyrenoid matrix dissected by numerous anastomosing cytoplasmatic channels, sporogenesis comprising the accumulation of secondary carotenoids in the cell periphery and almost simultaneous cytokinesis. The close relationship of the Scotinosphaerales with other early diverging ulvophycean orders enforces the notion that nonmotile unicellular freshwater organisms have played an important role in the early diversification of the Ulvophyceae.
Literary Form and Philosophical Thought in Nineteenth‐Century Britain
Authors: Hext Kate
Published: November 2012

This introduction to the special issue on Philosophy and Literature in Nineteenth‐Century Britain intends to define the fundamental historical and theoretical contexts of the volume. There are three main parts to this contextualization. First, and most substantially, I explore the interests and evolution of philosophical ideas in nineteenth‐century Britain. Whilst giving an overview of the trends and movements in the period, I argue that literature was essential in the dissemination, interrogation and even the constitution of philosophical ideas. Secondly, I sketch the increasing anxieties surrounding ‘philosophy’ in the nineteenth century, and suggest that nineteenth‐century novelists, poets and literary critics participated significantly in rethinking the nature of abstract, systematized philosophical discourse. Thirdly, in framing this discussion, I address why philosophy and literature have been marginalized in nineteenth‐century studies, arguing that the relationship between literature and philosophy is fundamental to our understanding of the period. Looking ahead, I suggest how scholars in nineteenth‐century studies might enter into an interdisciplinary dialogue with philosophical studies of philosophy and literature.
Phosphatidylserine exposure on the surface of Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes modulates in vivo infection and dendritic cell function
Authors: Wanderley J. L. M. , Thorpe P. E. , Barcinski M. A. , Soong L.
Published: November 2012

Leishmania amazonensis parasites can cause diverse forms of leishmaniasis in humans and persistent lesions in most inbred strains of mice. In both cases, the infection is characterized by a marked immunosuppression of the host. We previously showed that amastigote forms of the parasite make use of surface‐exposed phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules to infect host cells and promote alternative macrophage activation, leading to uncontrolled intracellular proliferation of the parasites. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of infected mice with a PS‐targeting monoclonal antibody ameliorated parasite loads and lesion development, which correlated with increased proliferative responses by lymphocytes. In addition, we observed an enhanced dendritic cell (DC) activation and antigen presentation in vitro. Our data imply that the recognition of PS exposed on the surface of amastigotes plays a role in down‐modulating DC functions, in a matter similar to that of apoptotic cell clearance. This study provides new information regarding the mechanism of immune suppression in Leishmania infection.
Interface Cracks in Kirchhoff Anisotropic Thin Plates of Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the problem of stretching and bending deformations of a Kirchhoff anisotropic thin plate composed of two dissimilar materials bonded along a straight interface containing a crack. Our analysis makes use of the Stroh octet formalism developed recently by Cheng and Reddy (Cheng and Reddy, 2002, “Octet Formalism for Kirchhoff Anisotropic Plates,” Proc. R. Soc. Lond., A458, pp. 1499–1517; Cheng and Reddy, 2003, “Green’s Functions for Infinite and Semi-Infinite Anisotropic Thin Plates,” ASME J. Appl. Mech., 70, pp. 260–267; Cheng and Reddy, 2004, “Laminated Anisotropic Thin Plate With an Elliptic Inhomogeneity,” Mech. Mater., 36, pp. 647–657; Cheng and Reddy, 2005, “Structure and Properties of the Fundamental Elastic Plate Matrix,” J. Appl. Math. Mech., 85, pp. 721–739) for Kirchhoff anisotropic plates. It is found that the interfacial crack-tip field consists of a pair of two-dimensional oscillatory singularities, which are explicitly determined. Two complex intensity factors are proposed to evaluate the two oscillatory singularities.
Complete Genome Sequence of Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Cosmopolitan Genotype Strain in Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhao Hui , Deng Yong-Qiang , Hong Wen-Xin , Yu Xue-Dong , Jiang Tao , Yu Man , Hu Feng-Yu , Zhu Shun-Ya , Li Xiao-Feng , Song Ke-Yu , Qin E-De , Zhang Fu-Chun , Qin Cheng-Feng
Published: November 2012

Here we report the complete genome sequence of a dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) strain, GZ40, isolated in Guangdong, China, in 2010. A phylogenetic analysis classified GZ40 into the Cosmopolitan genotype, while previous Chinese DENV-2 isolates belong to the Asian I genotype. The reemergence of the Cosmopolitan genotype of DENV-2 in China deserves further investigation.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Recombinant Nephropathogenic Infectious Bronchitis Virus Strain in China
Authors: Xue Yu , Xie Qingmei , Yan Zhuanqiang , Ji Jun , Chen Feng , Qin Jianping , Sun Baoli , Ma Jingyun , Bi Yingzuo
Published: November 2012

Recently, nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) outbreaks have occurred in commercial broiler flocks and have been associated with a high incidence and morbidity in China. The CK/CH/Zhejiang/06/10 strain (IBV-YX10) was isolated from a 12-day-old broiler chicken in a flock of chickens with swollen speckled kidneys and distended ureters filled with uric acid in China in 2010. Here we reported the complete genomic sequence of the IBV-YX10 which was a natural recombinant nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus strain. These findings will contribute additional insights into the molecular characteristics of evolving IBV genomes and the need for effective control of IBV in China.
Complete Genome Sequencing of a Velogenic Viscerotropic Avian Paramyxovirus 1 Isolated from Pheasants (Pucrasia macrolopha) in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Goraya Mohsan Ullah , Abbas Muhammad , Yaqub Tahir , Shabbir Muhammad Abu Bakr , Ahmad Arfan , Anees Muhammad , Munir Muhammad
Published: November 2012

We report the complete genome sequence of avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1) isolated from an acute and highly contagious outbreak in pheasants (
Pucrasia macrolopha
) in Lahore, Pakistan. Biological and serological characterization showed a velogenic strain of APMV-1, which was further confirmed by the sequence analysis of the cleavage site in the fusion protein. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that this isolate belonged to genotype VII, specifically to subgenotype VIIa, and clustered closely with isolates characterized from Indonesia. Notably, the isolate showed significant differences from previously characterized APMV-1 from Pakistani commercial and rural chicken.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Virulent Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain
Authors: Zhou Yan-jun , Wu Yu-lu , Zhu Jian-ping , Tong Wu , Yu Hai , Jiang Yi-feng , Tong Guang-zhi
Published: November 2012

In recent years, acute outbreaks of epizootic diarrhea have occurred on many swine farms in China. Although the putative causative virus of the disease was not isolated, the genomic sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was consistently detected from feces of diseased pigs by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Here we report a complete genome sequence of PEDV which is apparently different from those of early PEDV circulated in Chinese swine herds.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Duck Astrovirus Discovered in Eastern China
Authors: Chen Linlin , Xu Qian , Zhang Ruihua , Li Jingxin , Xie Zhijing , Wang Yu , Zhu Yanli , Jiang Shijin
Published: November 2012

We report here the complete genome sequence of a duck astrovirus (DAstV) isolated from a dead duckling in eastern China. Sequence analyses indicated that the genome of the astrovirus possessed a typical astrovirus organization. Comparison of the partial polymerase gene sequences of DAstV-1 and DAstV-2 showed that the astrovirus shared 94.4% and 64.2% nucleotide identity, respectively. The whole nucleotide sequence of the astrovirus had the highest homology with the sequence of DAstV-1 strain C-NGB (98.7%). Therefore, the strain we describe here is a DAstV-1 isolate.
Complete Genome Sequence of IME15, the First T7-Like Bacteriophage Lytic to Pan-Antibiotic-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Huang Yong , Fan Huahao , Pei Guangqian , Fan Hang , Zhang Zhiyi , An Xiaoping , Mi Zhiqiang , Shi Taoxing , Tong Yigang
Published: November 2012

T7-like bacteriophages are a class of virulent bacteriophages which have a clearer genetic background and smaller genomes than other phages. In addition, it grows faster and is easier to culture than other phages. At present, the numbers of available T7-like bacteriophage genomes and
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
genomes are small, and IME15 is the first T7-like virulent
Stenotrophomonas
phage whose sequence has been reported. It shows effective lysis of
S. maltophilia
. Here we announce its complete genome, and major findings from its annotation are described.
Genome Sequence of a New Streptomyces coelicolor Generalized Transducing Bacteriophage, ϕCAM
Authors: Monson Rita , Salmond George P. C.
Published: November 2012

Streptomyces coelicolor
is a model system for the study of
Streptomyces
, a genus of bacteria responsible for the production of many clinically important antibiotics. Here we report the genome sequence of ϕCAM, a new
S. coelicolor
generalized transducing bacteriophage, isolated from a soil sample originating from Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. Many open reading frames within ϕCAM shared high levels of similarity to a prophage from
Salinispora tropica
and a putative prophage in
Streptomyces
sp. strain C.
Complete Genome Sequence of an H10N5 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Pigs in Central China
Authors: Wang Nan , Zou Wei , Yang Ying , Guo Xuebo , Hua Yafeng , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Zongzheng , Jin Meilin
Published: November 2012

An avian H10N5 influenza virus, A/swine/Hubei/10/2008/H10N5, was isolated from pigs in the Hubei Province of central China. Homology and phylogenetic analyses of all eight gene segments demonstrated that the strain was wholly of avian origin and closely homologous to the Eurasian lineage avian influenza virus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of interspecies transmission of an avian H10N5 influenza virus to domestic pigs under natural conditions.
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of an H6N1 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Guangxi Pockmark Ducks
Authors: Xie Zhixun , Xie Liji , Zhou Chenyu , Liu Jiabo , Pang Yaoshan , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Fan Qing
Published: November 2012

We report here the complete genomic sequence of a novel H6N1 avian influenza virus strain, A/Duck/Guangxi/GXd-5/2010(H6N1), isolated from pockmark ducks in Guangxi Province, Southern China. All of the 8 gene segments of A/Duck/Guangxi/GXd-5/2010(H6N1) are attributed to the Eurasian lineage; the amino acid motif of the cleavage site between HA1 and HA2 was P-Q-I-E-T-R-G. These are typical characteristics of the low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus. This study will help to understand the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of avian influenza virus in ducks.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Moderately Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variant Strain
Authors: Du Yijun , Lu Yu , Qi Jing , Wu Jiaqiang , Wang Guisheng , Wang Jinbao
Published: November 2012

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has become one of the most economically important diseases to the global pork industry. The etiological agent is the PRRS virus (PRRSV). In the spring of 2006, a highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) appeared in China and caused heavy economic losses. Here we report the complete genomic sequence of a novel PRRSV variant with 174 amino acid deletions in the nonstructural protein 2 (
nsp2
) gene.
ANTICIPATING SYNCHRONIZATION OF INTEGER ORDER AND FRACTIONAL ORDER HYPER-CHAOTIC CHEN SYSTEM
Authors: DONG PENGZHEN , SHANG GANG , LIU JIE
Published: November 2012

Such a problem, how to resolve the problem of long-term unpredictability of chaotic systems, has puzzled researchers in nonlinear research fields for a long time during the last decades. Recently, Voss et al. had proposed a new scheme to research the anticipating synchronization of integral-order nonlinear systems for arbitrary initial values and anticipation time. Can this anticipating synchronization be achieved with hyper-chaotic systems? In this paper, we discussed the application of anticipating synchronization in hyper-chaotic systems. Setting integer order and commensurate fractional order hyper-chaotic Chen systems as our research objects, we carry out the research on anticipating synchronization of above two systems based on analyzing the stability of the error system with the Krasovskill–Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation experiments show anticipating synchronization can be achieved in both integer order and fractional order hyper-chaotic Chen system for arbitrary initial value and arbitrary anticipation time.
PARRONDO GAMES WITH SPATIAL DEPENDENCE II
Authors: ETHIER S. N. , LEE JIYEON
Published: November 2012

Let game B be Toral's cooperative Parrondo game with (one-dimensional) spatial dependence, parameterized by N ≥ 3 and p0, p1, p2, p3 ∈ [0, 1], and let game A be the special case p0 = p1 = p2 = p3 = 1/2. In previous work we investigated μB and μ(1/2, 1/2), the mean profits per turn to the ensemble of N players always playing game B and always playing the randomly mixed game (1/2)(A + B). These means were computable for 3 ≤ N ≤ 19, at least, and appeared to converge as N → ∞, suggesting that the Parrondo region (i.e., the region in which μB ≤ 0 and μ(1/2, 1/2) > 0) has nonzero volume in the limit. The convergence was established under certain conditions, and the limits were expressed in terms of a parameterized spin system on the one-dimensional integer lattice. In this paper we replace the random mixture with the nonrandom periodic pattern Ar Bs, where r and s are positive integers. We show that μ[r, s], the mean profit per turn to the ensemble of N players repeatedly playing the pattern Ar Bs, is computable for 3 ≤ N ≤ 18 and r + s ≤ 4, at least, and appears to converge as N → ∞, albeit more slowly than in the random-mixture case. Again this suggests that the Parrondo region (μB ≤ 0 and μ[r, s] > 0) has nonzero volume in the limit. Moreover, we can prove this convergence under certain conditions and identify the limits.
Endodontic Treatment of Type II Dens Invaginatus in a Maxillary Lateral Incisor: A Case Report
Authors: Helvacioglu-Yigit Dilek , Aydemir Seda
Published: November 2012

Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly that results in an enamel-lined cavity intruding into the crown or root before the mineralization phase. It typically affects permanent maxillary lateral incisors, central incisors, and premolars. This paper describes the root canal treatment of Oehlers’ type II dens invaginatus in maxillary left lateral incisors. A 16-year-old boy presented to the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Kocaeli, to receive his dental treatments. During the caries removal, the pulp was exposed then anendodontic treatment was initiated. Two canals, one of which represented the invagination, were instrumented, irrigated, and then obturated with a lateral condensation technique.
A Coupled Method of Laplace Transform and Legendre Wavelets for Lane‐Emden‐Type Differential Equations
Authors: Yin Fukang , Song Junqiang , Lu Fengshun , Leng Hongze
Published: November 2012

A coupled method of Laplace transform and Legendre wavelets is presented to obtain exact solutions of Lane‐Emden‐type equations. By employing properties of Laplace transform, a new operator is first introduced and then its Legendre wavelets operational matrix is derived to convert the Lane‐Emden equations into a system of algebraic equations. Block pulse functions are used to calculate the Legendre wavelets coefficient matrices of the nonlinear terms. The results show that the proposed method is very effective and easy to implement.
Towards Self-Adaptive KPN Applications on NoC-Based MPSoCs
Authors: Derin Onur , Kuncheerath Ramankutty Prasanth , Meloni Paolo , Cannella Emanuele
Published: November 2012

Self-adaptivity is the ability of a system to adapt itself dynamically to internal and external changes. Such a capability helps systems to meet the performance and quality goals, while judiciously using available resources. In this paper, we propose a framework to implement application level self-adaptation capabilities in KPN applications running on NoC-based MPSoCs. The monitor-controller-adapter mechanism is used at the application level. The monitor measures various parameters to check whether the system meets the assigned goals. The controller takes decisions to steer the system towards the goal, which are applied by the adapters. The proposed framework requires minimal modifications to the application code and offers ease of integration. It incorporates a generic adaptation controller based on fuzzy logic. We present the MJPEG encoder as a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Our results show that even if the parameters of the fuzzy controller are not tuned optimally, the adaptation convergence is achieved within reasonable time and error limits. Moreover, the incurred steady-state overhead due to the framework is 4% for average frame-rate, 3.5% for average bit-rate, and 0.5% for additional control data introduced in the network.
Jejunojejunal Intussusception Induced by a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Zakaria Ali H. , Daradkeh Salam
Published: November 2012

Background. Adult intussusception is a rare entity representing less than 1% of all intestinal obstructions. Diagnosis of the condition is difficult requiring a high index of suspicion and the utilization of imaging studies, especially CT scans. Diagnostic laparoscopy and/or exploratory laparotomy can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. In over 90% of cases, an underlying lead point is identified. In the patient described here, it was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a relatively rare mesenchymal tumor comprising only 0.2–1.0% of the gastrointestinal tract neoplasms and believed to originate from neoplastic transformation of the interstitial cells of Cajal. GISTs may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly arise in the stomach and small intestine. Literature review revealed only few cases reporting GISTs as a leading point of adult's intussusception.Case Presentation. In this report, we are presenting a rare case of jejunojejunal intussusception in a 78-year-old female patient with a GIST located in the terminal jejunum being the leading point, demonstrating the importance of imaging studies, especially CT scan, laparoscopy, and exploratory laparotomy as diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Overall Life Satisfaction in People with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Barnes Amy L. , Murphy Meghan E. , Fowler Christopher A. , Rempfer Melisa V.
Published: November 2012

Quality of life (QoL) in people with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) is an important outcome goal, yet there is no consistent definition of the construct. We examined three aspects of QoL in persons with SMI: overall life satisfaction, physical health-related QoL (HRQoL), and mental HRQoL. This study had two primary aims: first, to examine whether there are differences in physical and mental HRQoL in persons with SMI, and, second, to investigate the cognitive, clinical, and functional correlates of the three QoL indicators. Participants were 48 persons with SMI who completed assessments of QoL, cognition, functional capacity, psychiatric symptomatology, and medical comorbidity. Results indicate that participants experience similar levels of physical and mental HRQoL, and these two constructs are not related to one another. Physical HRQoL is associated with less medical comorbidity, while mental HRQoL is associated with negative and depressive symptoms. Overall life satisfaction was associated with fewer psychiatric symptoms and less medical comorbidity. This study adds to the important literature defining distinct domains of QoL and supports the necessity of addressing both physical and mental health factors as they relate to recovery and well-being among persons with SMI.
Effect of Molecular Weight and Molar Ratio of Dextran on Self‐Assembly of Dextran Stearate Polymeric Micelles as Nanocarriers for Etoposide
Authors: Varshosaz Jaleh , Hassanzadeh Farshid , Sadeghi Hojjat , Firozian Farzin , Mirian Mina
Published: November 2012

Amphiphilic polymer surfactants are composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers and are widely used in targeted drug delivery. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the effect of molecular weight and molar ratio of dextran on physicochemical properties of dextran stearate polymeric micelles. Dextran stearate was synthesized by acylation of dextran with stearoyl chloride. Etoposide loaded polymeric micelles were prepared by dialysis method. The resulting micelles were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC), drug loading capacity, and release efficiency. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of micelles were studied in CT‐26 colorectal carcinoma cell line. Molecular weight and molar ratio of dextran‐stearate were impressive on zeta potential, CMC, drug loading capacity, and release efficiency. Unlike polymer molecular weight, molar ratio of stearate had a significant effect on cytotoxicity and particle size of etoposide loaded micelles. Although molecular weight of dextran had no significant effect on cytotoxicity of micelles on CT‐26 cells, it had drastic attributes for stability of polymeric micelles. Consequently, both variables of molecular weight of dextran and molar ratio of stearate should be taken into account to have a stable and effective micelle of dextran‐stearate.
Dome-Type: A Distinctive Variant of Colonic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Puppa Giacomo , Molaro Mariella
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Ten cases of dome-type adenocarcinoma of the colon have been reported so far. Most of them were presented as early lesions, with endoscopic and microscopic distinguishing features.Methods and Results. A raised plaque was removed from the right colon during colonoscopy in a 56-year-old man. Histopathological examination showed a cancerized adenoma invading the submucosa with several typical features of dome-type adenocarcinoma, in particular the associated prominent lymphoid tissue. Immunohistochemistry showed retention of the mismatch repair proteins MLH-1, MSH-2, MLH-6, and PMS-2.Conclusion. We report an additional case of dome-type adenocarcinoma of the colon as an early, low-risk, and microsatellite stable tumor, indicating that this particular histotype may deserve specific consideration for both classification and management.
Transition Metal Ions as Efficient Catalysts for Facile Ortho-Formylation of Phenols under Vilsmeier–Haack Conditions
Authors: Aneesa F. , Rajanna K. C. , Arun Kumar Y. , Arifuddin M.
Published: November 2012

Aromatic compounds (phenols), when treated with Vilsmeier Haack (V-H) reagent in the presence of transition metal ions such as Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) under reflux conditions, afforded corresponding ortho-formyl derivatives in good yields. Under normal conditions the metal-ion-free V-H reactions are too sluggish and resulted in poor yields. This protocol provides highly regioselective formylation under a mild and efficient condition with simple workup.
Ipsilateral Uveitis and Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Thouvenot Eric , Mura Frédéric , De Verdal Marie , Carlander Bertrand , Charif Mahmoud , Schneider Christelle , Navarre Sophie , Camu William
Published: November 2012

Background. Uveitis is 20 times more frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients than in the general population.Methods. A retrospective study of local multiple sclerosis(n=700)and uveitis cohorts(n=450)described the ophthalmological and neurological characteristics of patients with multiple sclerosis and uveitis.Results. Uveitis and multiple sclerosis were associated in seven patients. The time intervals between diagnoses of MS and uveitis ranged from 6 months to 15 years. Analysis of the patients’ characteristics revealed that multiple sclerosis was associated with an older age of onset than usually expected, that is, 39 years. Uveitis was bilateral in three cases and mainly posterior (5/10). Five patients presented with acute optic neuritis (two in one eye and three in both eyes). All eyes presenting with acute optic neuritis were also affected by uveitis(P=0.02), though not simultaneously.Conclusion. The ipsilateral association between optic neuritis and uveitis in this series of patients with multiple sclerosis may suggest a reciprocal potentiation between optic neuritis and uveitis in multiple sclerosis.
Long Head of the Biceps Pathology Combined with Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Ditsios Konstantinos , Agathangelidis Filon , Boutsiadis Achilleas , Karataglis Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Pericles
Published: November 2012

The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is an anatomic structure commonly involved in painful shoulder conditions as a result of trauma, degeneration, or overuse. Recent studies have pointed out the close correlation between LHBT lesions and rotator cuff (RCT) tears. Clinicians need to take into account the importance of the LHBT in the presence of other shoulder pathologies. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of recent publications on anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and current treatment strategies.
An Explicit Method for the Split Feasibility Problem with Self‐Adaptive Step Sizes
Authors: Yu Youli
Published: November 2012

An explicit iterative method with self‐adaptive step‐sizes for solving the split feasibility problem is presented. Strong convergence theorem is provided.
DCE-MRI and DWI Integration for Breast Lesions Assessment and Heterogeneity Quantification
Authors: Méndez C. Andrés , Pizzorni Ferrarese Francesca , Summers Paul , Petralia Giuseppe , Menegaz Gloria
Published: November 2012

In order to better predict and follow treatment responses in cancer patients, there is growing interest in noninvasively characterizing tumor heterogeneity based on MR images possessing different contrast and quantitative information. This requires mechanisms for integrating such data and reducing the data dimensionality to levels amenable to interpretation by human readers. Here we propose a two-step pipeline for integrating diffusion and perfusion MRI that we demonstrate in the quantification of breast lesion heterogeneity. First, the images acquired with the two modalities are aligned using an intermodal registration. Dissimilarity-based clustering is then performed exploiting the information coming from both modalities. To this end an ad hoc distance metric is developed and tested for tuning the weighting for the two modalities. The distributions of the diffusion parameter values in subregions identified by the algorithm are extracted and compared through nonparametric testing for posterior evaluation of the tissue heterogeneity. Results show that the joint exploitation of the information brought by DCE and DWI leads to consistent results accounting for both perfusion and microstructural information yielding a greater refinement of the segmentation than the separate processing of the two modalities, consistent with that drawn manually by a radiologist with access to the same data.
The Impact of Obesity on Back and Core Muscular Endurance in Firefighters
Authors: Mayer John M. , Nuzzo James L. , Chen Ren , Quillen William S. , Verna Joe L. , Miro Rebecca , Dagenais Simon
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between obesity and measures of back and core muscular endurance in firefighters.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in career firefighters without low back pain. Obesity measures included body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage assessed with air displacement plethysmography. Muscular endurance was assessed with the Modified Biering Sorensen (back) and Plank (core) tests. Relationships were explored usingt-tests and regression analyses.Results. Of the 83 participants enrolled, 24 (29%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Back and core muscular endurance was 27% lower for obese participants. Significant negative correlations were observed for BMI and body fat percentage with back and core endurance (r= −0.42 to −0.52). Stepwise regression models including one obesity measure (BMI, body fat percentage, and fat mass/fat-free mass), along with age and self-reported physical exercise, accounted for 17–19% of the variance in back muscular endurance and 29–37% of the variance in core muscular endurance.Conclusions. Obesity is associated with reduced back and core muscular endurance in firefighters, which may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Obesity should be considered along with back and core muscular endurance when designing exercise programs for back pain prevention in firefighters.
Moment Stability of the Critical Case of PWM Feedback Systems with Stochastic Perturbations
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Ye Lixia
Published: November 2012

This paper further studies the moment stability of pulse‐width‐modulated (PWM) feedback system which is subjected to multiplicative and additive random disturbance modeled by the derivative of Wiener process. Different from the existing investigation, we focus on its critical case. The linear plant considered herein is assumed to be critically stable; that is, the plant has one and only one pole at the origin, and the rest of the poles are left half of complex plane. We establish several globally asymptotically stability criteria for such PWM feedback systems and then propose an algorithm to calculate the stability bound effectively. Furthermore, we present two numerical examples to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Cystatin C-Based Evaluation of Kidney Function of HIV-Infected Children in Benin City, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Abiodun Moses Temidayo , Iduoriyekemwen Nosakhare J. , Abiodun Phillip O.
Published: November 2012

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now a confirmed risk factor for kidney disease with an increased burden in persons of African descent.Method. We measured the serum cystatin C levels of 205 ART-naive, HIV-infected children by an ELISA technique and compared them with the levels of apparently healthy children.Result. The mean ± SD serum cystatin C level of children with HIV infection was 1.01 ± 0.44 mg/L, significantly higher than the mean value in the control group, that is, 0.72 ± 0.20 mg/L (P=0.000). The mean ± SD cystatin C-based estimated GFR of children with HIV infection was 102.7 ± 31.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, significantly lower than 126.9 ± 28.5 mL/min/1.73 m2in the control group, (P=0.014). A significantly higher proportion of HIV-infected children compared to controls had eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2(21.5% versus 5.4%;P=0.00). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the HIV-infected children was 10.7%. The cystatin C-based eGFR of the HIV-infected children ≥5 years old correlated positively with their CD4 count (r=0.23;  P=0.022).Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of CKD among HIV-infected children, requiring regular monitoring of their kidney function using a cystatin C-based method.
Primary Pleomorphic Undifferentiated Sarcoma—a Rare Renal Localization: A Case Report
Authors: Mellas Soufiane , Bouchikhi Ahmed Amine , Tazi Mohamed-Fadl , Khallouk Abdelhak , Elammari Jallal-Eddin , El Fassi Mohamed-Jamal , Mellas Naoufal , Farih Moulay Hassan
Published: November 2012

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is known as a soft tissue sarcoma. Very few cases of this tumor originating from the renal parenchyma or renal capsule have been reported. We report a case of a 70-year-old patient admitted for enormous ureterohydronephrosis and pyelonephritis due to a pelvic ureter lithiasis. After draining by ureteral double J catheter, a nephroureterectomy was performed for nonfunctional kidney confirmed by scintigraphy. The histopathological study shows a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma. The patient was sent to oncologists. Chemotherapy was proposed but the family decided to stop the treatment. The patient passed away 10 months later. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the very low occurrence of this renal tumor, which is extremely rare. Currently there is no consensus about its management. Our case extends the literature concerning this tumor.
CD91-Dependent Modulation of Immune Responses by Heat Shock Proteins: A Role in Autoimmunity
Authors: Binder Robert J. , Zhou Yu Jerry , Messmer Michelle N. , Pawaria Sudesh
Published: November 2012

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been known for decades for their ability to protect cells under stressful conditions. In the 1980s a new role was ascribed for several HSPs given their ability to elicit specific immune responses in the setting of cancer and infectious disease. These immune responses have primarily been harnessed for the immunotherapy of cancer in the clinical setting. However, because of the ability of HSPs to prime diverse immune responses, they have also been used for modulation of immune responses during autoimmunity. The apparent dichotomy of immune responses elicited by HSPs is discussed here on a molecular and cellular level. The potential clinical application of HSP-mediated immune responses for therapy of autoimmune diseases is reviewed.
Topical Apigenin Alleviates Cutaneous Inflammation in Murine Models
Authors: Man Mao-Qiang , Hupe Melanie , Sun Richard , Man George , Mauro Theodora M. , Elias Peter M.
Published: November 2012

Herbal medicines have been used in preventing and treating skin disorders for centuries. It has been demonstrated that systemic administration of chrysanthemum extract exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether topical applications of apigenin, a constituent of chrysanthemum extract, influence cutaneous inflammation is still unclear. In the present study, we first tested whether topical applications of apigenin alleviate cutaneous inflammation in murine models of acute dermatitis. The murine models of acute allergic contact dermatitis and acute irritant contact dermatitis were established by topical application of oxazolone and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA), respectively. Inflammation was assessed in both dermatitis models by measuring ear thickness. Additionally, the effect of apigenin on stratum corneum function in a murine subacute allergic contact dermatitis model was assessed with an MPA5 physiology monitor. Our results demonstrate that topical applications of apigenin exhibit therapeutic effects in both acute irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis models. Moreover, in comparison with the vehicle treatment, topical apigenin treatment significantly reduced transepidermal water loss, lowered skin surface pH, and increased stratum corneum hydration in a subacute murine allergic contact dermatitis model. Together, these results suggest that topical application of apigenin could provide an alternative regimen for the treatment of dermatitis.
Duplication of the External Auditory Canal: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Goudakos John K. , Blioskas Sarantis , Psillas George , Vital Victor , Markou Konstantinos
Published: November 2012

The objective of the present paper is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, surgical treatment, and outcome of 2 patients with first branchial cleft anomaly. The first case was an 8-year-old girl presented with an elastic lesion located in the left infra-auricular area, in close relation with the lobule, duplicating the external auditory canal. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion, appearing as a rather well-circumscribed mass within the left parotid gland and duplicating the ear canal. A superficial parotidectomy was subsequently performed, with total excision of the cyst. The second patient was a 15-year-old girl presented with a congenital fistula of the right lateral neck. At superficial parotidectomy, a total excision of the fistula was performed. During the operation the tract was recorded to lay between the branches of the facial nerve, extending with a blind ending canal parallel to the external acoustic meatus. Conclusively, first branchial cleft anomalies are rare malformations with cervical, parotid, or auricular clinical manifestations. Diagnosis of first branchial cleft lesions is achieved mainly through careful physical examination. Complete surgical excision with wide exposure of the lesion is essential in order to achieve permanent cure and avoid recurrence.
Intelligibility of Non-Natively Produced Dutch Words: Interaction between Segmental and Suprasegmental Errors
Authors: Caspers Johanneke , Horłoza Katarzyna
Published: November 2012

In the field of second language research many adhere to the idea that prosodic errors are more detrimental to the intelligibility of non-native speakers than segmental errors. The current study reports on a series of experiments testing the influence of stress errors and segmental errors, and a combination of these, on native processing of words produced by intermediate speakers of Dutch as a second language with either Mandarin Chinese or French as mother tongue. The results suggest that both stress and segmental errors influence processing, but suprasegmental errors do not outweigh segmental errors. It seems that a more ‘foreign’ generic pronunciation leads to a greater impact of (supra)segmental errors, suggesting that segmental and prosodic deviations should not be viewed as independent factors in processing non-native speech.
embB306 Mutations as Molecular Indicators to Predict Ethambutol Susceptibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sirgel Frederick A. , Warren Robin M. , Streicher Elizabeth M. , Victor Thomas C. , van Helden Paul D. , Böttger Erik C.
Published: November 2012

Background: Discordant results in conventional susceptibility testing of ethambutol against Mycobacterium tuberculosis may lead to underreporting of drug resistance. Methods: A 240-bp region of the embB gene in 111 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis was sequenced and examined for mutations linked to ethambutol resistance. The phenotypic susceptibility levels of the isolates were quantified by the BACTEC™ MGIT 960™ TB System and correlated with the genotypic test results. These data were analyzed to find information that could be used to clarify discordant ethambutol susceptibility test results. Results: Mutations M306I (n = 56), M306V (n = 18) and M306L (n = 3) in M. tuberculosis showed decreased susceptibility to ethambutol. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in 73% (56/77) of embB306 mutants were at or just above the critical concentration (MICs, 5.0 to ≤12.5 µg/ml) of ethambutol reflecting borderline (or intermediate) resistance. Eight ethambutol-resistant isolates lacked embB mutations, probably due to mutational alterations elsewhere in the genome. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that clinical isolates containing embB306 mutations with MICs overlapping the critical concentration are associated with discordant ethambutol susceptibility test results. The clinical significance of borderline resistance in combination treatment of tuberculosis remains to be determined before alternative ethambutol breakpoints are considered.
Transport and Function of Chloride in Vascular Smooth Muscles
Authors: Matchkov Vladimir V. , Secher Dam Vibeke , Bødtkjer Donna M. Briggs , Aalkjær Christian
Published: November 2012

This review summarizes the current knowledge of Cl– transport in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMCs accumulate Cl– intracellularly using two secondary-active transport mechanisms. The Cl– equilibrium potential is more positive than the resting membrane potential enabling Cl– to be a depolarizing ion upon activation of a Cl– conductance. Cl– currents are involved in different vascular responses suggesting a number of different Cl– channels. All known Cl– channel families, with the exception of the GABA-/glycine-receptor family, have been identified in VSMCs. At least one member of the voltage-activated ClC family – ClC-3 – has been suggested to be involved in myogenic constriction, in cell proliferation and to have an anti-apoptotic action. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is also demonstrated in VSMCs. The molecular identity of the major anion conductance in VSMCs – a Ca2+-activated Cl– current – is uncertain. Several candidates have been suggested with bestrophin and TMEM16 protein families the current favorites. Specific pharmacological tools are lacking for Cl– channels but recent molecular biology developments have made selective gene manipulations possible. A continuing quest within the vascular research field is to explicitly demonstrate the coupling between a putative channel protein and an endogenous Cl– current and the importance of these for specific functions.