bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and Humoral Mechanisms Involved in the Control of Tuberculosis
Authors: Zuñiga Joaquin , Torres-García Diana , Santos-Mendoza Teresa , Rodriguez-Reyna Tatiana S. , Granados Julio , Yunis Edmond J.
Published: May 2012

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection is a major international public health problem. One-third of the world's population is thought to have latent tuberculosis, a condition where individuals are infected by the intracellular bacteria without active disease but are at risk for reactivation, if their immune system fails. Here, we discuss the role of nonspecific inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines and chemokines induced by interaction of innate receptors expressed in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). We also review current information regarding the importance of several cytokines including IL-17/IL-23 in the development of protective cellular and antibody-mediated protective responses against Mtb and their influence in containment of the infection. Finally, in this paper, emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of failure of Mtb control, including the immune dysregulation induced by the treatment with biological drugs in different autoimmune diseases. Further functional studies, focused on the mechanisms involved in the early host-Mtb interactions and the interplay between host innate and acquired immunity against Mtb, may be helpful to improve the understanding of protective responses in the lung and in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic tools in TB.
Ambulatory Function and Perception of Confidence in Persons with Stroke with a Custom-Made Hinged versus a Standard Ankle Foot Orthosis
Authors: Slijper Angélique , Danielsson Anna , Willén Carin
Published: May 2012

Objective. The aim was to compare walking with an individually designed dynamic hinged ankle foot orthosis (DAFO) and a standard carbon composite ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO).Methods. Twelve participants, mean age 56 years (range 26–72), with hemiparesis due to stroke were included in the study. During the six-minute walk test (6MW), walking velocity, the Physiological Cost Index (PCI), and the degree of experienced exertion were measured with a DAFO and C-AFO, respectively, followed by a Stairs Test velocity and perceived confidence was rated.Results. The mean differences in favor for the DAFO were in 6MW 24.3 m (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.90, 43.76), PCI −0.09 beats/m (95% CI −0.27, 0.95), velocity 0.04 m/s (95% CI −0.01, 0.097), and in the Stairs Test −11.8 s (95% CI −19.05, −4.48). All participants except one perceived the degree of experienced exertion lower and felt more confident when walking with the DAFO.Conclusions. Wearing a DAFO resulted in longer walking distance and faster stair climbing compared to walking with a C-AFO. Eleven of twelve participants felt more confident with the DAFO, which may be more important than speed and distance and the most important reason for prescribing an AFO.
Vehicle Sliding Mode Control with Adaptive Upper Bounds: Static versus Dynamic Allocation to Saturated Tire Forces
Authors: Tavasoli Ali , Naraghi Mahyar
Published: May 2012

Nonlinear vehicle control allocation is achieved through distributing the task of vehicle control among individual tire forces, which are constrained to nonlinear saturation conditions. A high‐level sliding mode control with adaptive upper bounds is considered to assess the body yaw moment and lateral force for the vehicle motion. The proposed controller only requires the online adaptation of control gains without acquiring the knowledge of upper bounds on system uncertainties. Static and dynamic control allocation approaches have been formulated to distribute high‐level control objectives among the system inputs. For static control allocation, the interior‐point method is applied to solve the formulated nonlinear optimization problem. Based on the dynamic control allocation method, a dynamic update law is derived to allocate vehicle control to tire forces. The allocated tire forces are fed into a low‐level control module, where the applied torque and active steering angle at each wheel are determined through a slip‐ratio controller and an inverse tire model. Computer simulations are used to prove the significant effects of the proposed control allocation methods on improving the stability and handling performance. The advantages and limitations of each method have been discussed, and conclusions have been derived.
Minimum Symbol Error Probability MIMO Design under the Per‐Antenna Power Constraint
Authors: Lu Enoch , Lu I.-Tai
Published: May 2012

Approximate minimum symbol error probability transceiver design of single user MIMO systems under the practical per‐antenna power constraint is considered. The upper bound of a lower bound on the minimum distance between the symbol hypotheses is established. Necessary conditions and structures of the transmit covariance matrix for reaching the upper bound are discussed. Three numerical approaches (rank zero, rank one, and permutation) for obtaining the optimum precoder are proposed. When the upper bound is reached, the resulting design is optimum. When the upper bound is not reached, a numerical fix is used. The approach is very simple and can be of practical use.
Addition to the Distributional Record ofAgeniella(Neotumagenia)amazonicaFernández, 1998 (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) and Establishment of a Neotype
Authors: Waichert Cecilia , Pitts James P.
Published: May 2012

Ageniellais a diverse and poorly studied genus in Ageniellini (Pompilidae: Pepsinae). It is composed of nine subgenera with four being endemic to the Neotropical region. Herein, the second record in the literature for the subgenusNeotumageniais documented, the distribution range is extended, and a neotype is established. This is the first record of this subgenus in Brazil.
On Dummy Variables of Structure‐Preserving Transformations
Authors: Ndogmo J. C.
Published: May 2012

A method is given for obtaining equivalence subgroups of a family of differential equations from the equivalence group of simpler equations of a similar form, but in which the arbitrary functions specifying the family element depend on fewer variables. Examples of applications to classical equations are presented, some of which show how the method can actually be used for a much easier determination of the equivalence group itself.
Tripled Fixed Point Results in Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: May 2012

We establish a tripled fixed point result for a mixed monotone mapping satisfying nonlinear contractions in ordered generalized metric spaces. Also, some examples are given to support our result.
Modeling of Lightning Strokes Using Two-Peaked Channel-Base Currents
Authors: Javor V.
Published: May 2012

Lightning electromagnetic field is obtained by using “engineering” models of lightning return strokes and new channel-base current functions and the results are presented in this paper. Experimentally measured channel-base currents are approximated not only with functions having two-peaked waveshapes but also with the one-peaked function so as usually used in the literature. These functions are simple to be applied in any “engineering” or electromagnetic model as well. For the three “engineering” models: transmission line model (without the peak current decay), transmission line model with linear decay, and transmission line model with exponential decay with height, the comparison of electric and magnetic field components at different distances from the lightning channel-base is presented in the case of a perfectly conducting ground. Different heights of lightning channels are also considered. These results enable analysis of advantages/shortages of the used return stroke models according to the electromagnetic field features to be achieved, as obtained by measurements.
Pancreatic Function, Type 2 Diabetes, and Metabolism in Aging
Authors: Gong Zhenwei , Muzumdar Radhika H.
Published: May 2012

Aging is a risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Of the reported 25.8 million Americans estimated to have diabetes, 26.9% are over the age of 65. In certain ethnic groups, the proportion is even higher; almost 1 in 3 older Hispanics and African Americans and 3 out of 4 Pima Indian elders have diabetes. As per the NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination) survey, the percentage of physician-diagnosed diabetes increased from 3.9% in middle-aged adults (40–49 years) to 13.2% in elderly adults (≥75 years). The higher incidence of diabetes is especially alarming considering that diabetes in itself increases the risk for multiple other age-related diseases such as cancer, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this review, we summarize the current evidence on how aging affects pancreaticβcell function,βcell mass, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. We also review the effects of aging on the relationship between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to impaired glucose homeostasis and T2D in the elderly will lead to development of novel treatments that will prevent or delay diabetes, substantially improve quality of life and ultimately increase overall life span.
Insulin Receptor Expression and Activity in the Brains of Nondiabetic Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Cases
Authors: Ho Lap , Yemul Shrishailam , Knable Lindsay , Katsel Pavel , Zhao Rudy , Haroutunian Vahram , Pasinetti Giulio Maria
Published: May 2012

We investigated the contents of the insulin receptor-beta subunit (IRβ) and [Tyr1162/1163]-phosphorylated IRβas surrogate indices of total IR content and IR activation in postmortem hippocampal formation brain specimens from nondiabetic sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases. We found no significant changes in the brain contents of total IRβor [Tyr1162/1163]-phosphorylated IRβ, suggesting normal IR content and activation in the brains of nondiabetic sporadic AD cases. Moreover, total IRβand [Tyr1162/1163]-phosphorylated IRβlevels in the hippocampal formation are not correlated with the severity of amyloid or tau-neuropathology. Exploring the regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) α/β, key IR-signaling components, we observed significantly lower levels of total GSK3 α/βin brain specimens from nondiabetic AD cases, suggesting that impaired IR signaling mechanisms might contribute to the onset and/or progression of AD dementia. Outcomes from our study support the development of insulin-sensitizing therapeutic strategies to stimulate downstream IR signaling in nondiabetic AD cases.
A Study of the Location of the Entrance of a Fishway in a Regulated River with CFD and ADCP
Authors: Andersson Anders G. , Lindberg Dan-Erik , Lindmark Elianne M. , Leonardsson Kjell , Andreasson Patrik , Lundqvist Hans , Lundström T. Staffan
Published: May 2012

Simulation-driven design with computational fluid dynamics has been used to evaluate the flow downstream of a hydropower plant with regards to upstream migrating fish. Field measurements with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler were performed, and the measurements were used to validate the simulations. The measurements indicate a more unstable flow than the simulations, and the tailrace jet from the turbines is stronger in the simulations. A fishway entrance was included in the simulations, and the subsequent attraction water was evaluated for two positions and two angles of the entrance at different turbine discharges. Results show that both positions are viable and that a position where the flow from the fishway does not have to compete with the flow from the power plant will generate superior attraction water. Simulations were also performed for further downstream where the flow from the turbines meets the old river bed which is the current fish passage for upstream migrating fish. A modification of the old river bed was made in the model as one scenario to generate better attraction water. This considerably increases the attraction water although it cannot compete with the flow from the tailrace tunnel.
Effect of Temperature on the Corrosion Inhibition of Trans-4-Hydroxy-4′-Stilbazole on Mild Steel in HCl Solution
Authors: Nahlé Ayssar , Abu-Abdoun Ideisan I. , Abdel-Rahman Ibrahim
Published: May 2012

The inhibition and the effect of temperature and concentration of trans-4-hydroxy-4′-stilbazole on the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution was investigated by weight loss experiments at temperatures ranging from 303 to 343 K. The studied inhibitor concentrations were between  M and  M. The percentage inhibition increased with the increase of the concentration of the inhibitor. The percentage inhibition reached about 94% at the concentration of  M and 303 K. On the other hand, the percentage inhibition decreased with the increase of temperature. Using the Temkin adsorption isotherm, the thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of this inhibitor on the metal surface were calculated. Trans-4-hydroxy-4′-stilbazole was found to be a potential corrosion inhibitor since it contained not only nitrogen and oxygen, but also phenyl and pyridine rings that are joined together with a double bond (–C=C–) in conjugation with these rings.
Functional Mechanisms and Roles of Adaptor Proteins in Abl-Regulated Cytoskeletal Actin Dynamics
Authors: Sato Mizuho , Maruoka Masahiro , Takeya Tatsuo
Published: May 2012

Abl is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and plays an essential role in the modeling and remodeling of F-actin by transducing extracellular signals. Abl and its paralog, Arg, are unique among the tyrosine kinase family in that they contain an unusual extended C-terminal half consisting of multiple functional domains. This structural characteristic may underlie the role of Abl as a mediator of upstream signals to downstream signaling machineries involved in actin dynamics. Indeed, a group of SH3-containing accessory proteins, or adaptor proteins, have been identified that bind to a proline-rich domain of the C-terminal portion of Abl and modulate its kinase activity, substrate recognition, and intracellular localization. Moreover, the existence of signaling cascade and biological outcomes unique to each adaptor protein has been demonstrated. In this paper, we summarize functional roles and mechanisms of adaptor proteins in Abl-regulated actin dynamics, mainly focusing on a family of adaptor proteins, Abi. The mechanism of Abl's activation and downstream signaling mediated by Abi is described in comparison with those by another adaptor protein, Crk.
Mechanism of Oxidative Stress in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Gandhi Sonia , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: May 2012

Biological tissues require oxygen to meet their energetic demands. However, the consumption of oxygen also results in the generation of free radicals that may have damaging effects on cells. The brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of reactive oxygen species due to its high demand for oxygen, and its abundance of highly peroxidisable substrates. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance in the redox state of the cell, either by overproduction of reactive oxygen species, or by dysfunction of the antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress has been detected in a range of neurodegenerative disease, and emerging evidence from in vitro and in vivo disease models suggests that oxidative stress may play a role in disease pathogenesis. However, the promise of antioxidants as novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases has not been borne out in clinical studies. In this review, we critically assess the hypothesis that oxidative stress is a crucial player in common neurodegenerative disease and discuss the source of free radicals in such diseases. Furthermore, we examine the issues surrounding the failure to translate this hypothesis into an effective clinical treatment.
Weighted Composition Operators from Hardy Spaces into Logarithmic Bloch Spaces
Authors: Colonna Flavia , Li Songxiao
Published: May 2012

The logarithmic Bloch spaceBlog⁡is the Banach space of analytic functions on the open unit disk𝔻whose elementsfsatisfy the condition∥f∥=sup⁡z∈𝔻(1-|z|2)log⁡  (2/(1-|z|2))|f'(z)|<∞. In this work we characterize the bounded and the compact weighted composition operators from the Hardy spaceHp(with1≤p≤∞) into the logarithmic Bloch space. We also provide boundedness and compactness criteria for the weighted composition operator mappingHpinto the little logarithmic Bloch space defined as the subspace ofBlog⁡consisting of the functionsfsuch thatlim⁡|z|→1(1-|z|2)log⁡  (2/(1-|z|2))|f'(z)|=0.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia Using Pluronic‐Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Tomitaka Asahi , Yamada Tsutomu , Takemura Yasushi
Published: May 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles are promising materials for hyperthermia treatment. The temperature rise under ac magnetic field, cytotoxicity, and in vitro hyperthermia effect of Fe3O4
nanoparticles coated with Pluronic f‐127 were evaluated in this paper. The Pluronic‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited no cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells. The optimal magnetic field of Pluronic‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles was 16 kA/m (200 Oe) at the field strength of 210 kHz. Appropriate temperature rise significantly reduced the viability of HeLa cells and induced apoptosis.
Interplay between HIV-1 and Host Genetic Variation: A Snapshot into Its Impact on AIDS and Therapy Response
Authors: Sampathkumar Raghavan , Shadabi Elnaz , Luo Ma
Published: May 2012

As of February 2012, 50 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) have been reported for HIV-1 while one CRF for HIV-2. Also according to HIV sequence compendium 2011, the HIV sequence database is replete with 414,398 sequences. The fact that there are CRFs, which are an amalgamation of sequences derived from six or more subtypes (CRF27_cpx (cpx refers to complex) is a mosaic with sequences from 6 different subtypes besides an unclassified fragment), serves as a testimony to the continual divergent evolution of the virus with its approximate 1% per year rate of evolution, and this phenomenaper seposes tremendous challenge for vaccine development against HIV/AIDS, a devastating disease that has killed 1.8 million patients in 2010. Here, we explore the interaction between HIV-1 and host genetic variation in the context of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy response.
Improvement of Soybean Oil Solvent Extraction through Enzymatic Pretreatment
Authors: Grasso F. V. , Montoya P. A. , Camusso C. C. , Maroto B. G.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to evaluate multienzyme hydrolysis as a pretreatment option to improve soybean oil solvent extraction and its eventual adaptation to conventional processes. Enzymatic action causes the degradation of the cell structures that contain oil. Improvements in terms of extraction, yield, and extraction rate are expected to be achieved. Soybean flakes and collets were used as materials and hexane was used as a solvent. Temperature, pH, and incubation time were optimized and diffusion coefficients were estimated for each solid. Extractions were carried out in a column, oil content was determined according to time, and a mathematical model was developed to describe the system. The optimum conditions obtained were pH 5.4,38°C, and 9.7 h, and pH 5.8,44°C, and 5.8𲀉h of treatment for flakes and collets, respectively. Hydrolyzed solids exhibited a higher yield. Diffusion coefficients were estimated between 10-11and 10-10. The highest diffusion coefficient was obtained for hydrolyzed collets. 0.73 g oil/mL and 0.7 g oil/mL were obtained at 240 s in a column for collets and flakes, respectively. Hydrolyzed solids exhibited a higher yield. The enzymatic incubation accelerates the extraction rate and allows for higher yield. The proposed model proved to be appropriate.
Tau Phosphorylation by GSK3 in Different Conditions
Authors: Avila Jesús , León-Espinosa Gonzalo , García Esther , García-Escudero Vega , Hernández Félix , DeFelipe Javier
Published: May 2012

Almost a 20% of the residues of tau protein are phosphorylatable amino acids: serine, threonine, and tyrosine. In this paper we comment on the consequences for tau of being a phosphoprotein. We will focus on serine/threonine phosphorylation. It will be discussed that, depending on the modified residue in tau molecule, phosphorylation could be protective, in processes like hibernation, or toxic like in development of those diseases known as tauopathies, which are characterized by an hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau.
Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer: Definition, Needs, and Future
Authors: Colin Pierre , Mordon Serge , Nevoux Pierre , Marqa Mohammed Feras , Ouzzane Adil , Puech Philippe , Bozzini Gregory , Leroux Bertrand , Villers Arnauld , Betrouni Nacim
Published: May 2012

Current challenges and innovations in prostate cancer management concern the development of focal therapies that allow the treatment of only the cancer areas sparing the rest of the gland to minimize the potential morbidity. Among these techniques, focal laser ablation (FLA) appears as a potential candidate to reach the goal of focusing energy delivery on the identified targets. The aim of this study is to perform an up-to-date review of this new therapeutic modality. Relevant literature was identified using MEDLINE database with no language restrictions (entries: focal therapy, laser interstitial thermotherapy, prostate cancer, FLA) and by cross-referencing from previously identified studies. Precision, real-time monitoring, MRI compatibility, and low cost of integrated system are principal advantages of FLA. Feasibility and safety of this technique have been reported in phase I assays. FLA might eventually prove to be amiddle groundbetween active surveillance and radical treatment. In conclusion, FLA may have found a role in the management of prostate cancer. However, further trials are required to demonstrate the oncologic effectiveness in the long term.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Catheter Bolus Analgesia after Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Bjerregaard Nils , Nikolajsen Lone , Bendtsen Thomas Fichtner , Rasmussen Bodil Steen
Published: May 2012

Purpose. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been shown to reduce pain and opioid requirements after abdominal surgery. The aim of the present case series was to demonstrate the use of TAP catheter injections of bupivacaine after major abdominal surgery.Methods. Fifteen patients scheduled for open colonic resection surgery were included. After induction of anesthesia, bilateral TAP catheters were placed, and all patients received a bolus dose of 20 mL bupivacaine 2.5 mg/mL with epinephrine 5 μg/mL through each catheter. Additional bolus doses were injected bilaterally 12, 24, and 36 hrs after the first injections. Supplemental pain treatment consisted of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and gabapentin. Intravenous morphine was used as rescue analgesic. Postoperative pain was rated on a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) at regular predefined intervals after surgery, and consumption of intravenous morphine was recorded.Results. The TAP catheters were placed without any technical difficulties. NRS scores were ≤3 at rest and ≤5 during cough at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 36 hrs after surgery. Cumulative consumption of intravenous morphine was 28 (23–48) mg (median, IQR) within the first 48 postoperative hours.Conclusion. TAP catheter bolus injections can be used to prolong analgesia after major abdominal surgery.
Being Normal Weight but Feeling Overweight in Adolescence May Affect Weight Development into Young Adulthood—An 11-Year Followup: The HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Cuypers Koenraad , Kvaløy Kirsti , Bratberg Grete , Midthjell Kristian , Holmen Jostein , Holmen Turid Lingaas
Published: May 2012

Objectives. To explore if self-perceived overweight in normal weight adolescents influence their weight development into young adulthood and if so, whether physical activity moderates this association.Methods. A longitudinal study of 1196 normal weight adolescents (13–19 yrs) who were followed up as young adults (24–30 yrs) in the HUNT study. Lifestyle and health issues were assessed employing questionnaires, and standardized anthropometric measurements were taken. Chi square calculations and regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between self-perceived overweight and change in BMI or waist circumference (WC) adjusted for age, age squared, sex, and other relevant cofactors.Results. Adolescents, defined as being normal weight, but who perceived themselves as overweight had a larger weight gain into young adulthood than adolescents who perceived themselves as normal weight (difference in BMI: 0.66 units [CI95%: 0.1, 1.2] and in WC: 3.46 cm [CI95%: 1.8, 5.1]). Level of physical activity was not found to moderate this association.Conclusions. This study reveals that self-perceived overweight during adolescence may affect development of weight from adolescence into young adulthood. This highlights the importance of also focusing on body image in public health interventions against obesity, favouring a “healthy” body weight taking into account natural differences in body shapes.
Complications of Common Gynecologic Surgeries among HIV-Infected Women in the United States
Authors: Penman-Aguilar Ana , Whiteman Maura K. , Cox Shanna , Posner Samuel F. , Meikle Susan F. , Kourtis Athena P. , Jamieson Denise J.
Published: May 2012

Objective.To compare frequencies of complications among HIV-infected and-uninfected women undergoing common gynecological surgical procedures in inpatient settings.Methods.We used 1994–2007 data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, a nationally representative sample of inpatient hospitalizations. Our analysis included discharge records of women aged ≥15 undergoing hysterectomy, oophorectomy, salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy, bilateral tubal sterilization, or dilation and curettage. Associations between HIV infection status and surgical complications were evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for key covariates.Results.For each surgery, HIV infection was associated with experiencing ≥1 complication. Adjusted ORs ranged from 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7, 2.2) for hysterectomy with oophorectomy to 3.1 (95% CI: 2.4, 4.0) for bilateral tubal sterilization with no comorbidity present. HIV infection was positively associated with extended length of stay and infectious complications of all of the surgeries examined. For some surgeries, it was positively associated with transfusion and anemia due to acute blood loss. Among HIV-infected women, the odds of infectious and other complications did not decrease between 1994–2000 and 2001–2007.Conclusion.HIV infection was associated with elevated frequencies of complications of gynecologic surgeries in the US, even in the era of HAART.
Shear Wave Elastography May Add a New Dimension to Ultrasound Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules: Case Series with Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Slapa Rafal Z. , Piwowonski Antoni , Jakubowski Wieslaw S. , Bierca Jacek , Szopinski Kazimierz T. , Slowinska-Srzednicka Jadwiga , Migda Bartosz , Mlosek R. Krzysztof
Published: May 2012

Although elastography can enhance the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, its diagnostic performance is not ideal at present. Further improvements in the technique and creation of robust diagnostic criteria are necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness of strain elastography and a new generation of elasticity imaging called supersonic shear wave elastography (SSWE) in differential evaluation of thyroid nodules. Six thyroid nodules in 4 patients were studied. SSWE yielded 1 true-positive and 5 true-negative results. Strain elastography yielded 5 false-positive results and 1 false-negative result. A novel finding appreciated with SSWE, were punctate foci of increased stiffness corresponding to microcalcifications in 4 nodules, some not visible on B-mode ultrasound, as opposed to soft, colloid-inspissated areas visible on B-mode ultrasound in 2 nodules. This preliminary paper indicates that SSWE may outperform strain elastography in differentiation of thyroid nodules with regard to their stiffness. SSWE showed the possibility of differentiation of high echogenic foci into microcalcifications and inspissated colloid, adding a new dimension to thyroid elastography. Further multicenter large-scale studies of thyroid nodules evaluating different elastographic methods are warranted.
Noninvasive Wireless Sensor PFMT Device for Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Authors: Chen Jui-Fa , Horng Huann-Cheng , Lin Wei-Chuan , Tsai Kun-Hsiao
Published: May 2012

Urinary incontinence is a common problem among adults. Studies have shown up to 70% improvement in stress incontinence symptoms following appropriately performed pelvic floor exercise. This improvement is evident across all age groups. In this study, we cooperated with a doctor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. We developed a noninvasive device with the purpose of helping patients commence and perform pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). This device consists of a PFMT device, an Arduino control board, a force sensor, a Bluetooth device, and an SD card. The objectives of this study are to train patients to inhibit detrusor contraction voluntarily and to contract periurethral muscles selectively. The system records and analyzes sensor data and provides voice prompts during PFMT exercise for patients at hospitals or their homes. Meanwhile, it tracks patients' PFMT exercise at home, and doctors can contact patients for additional visitation(s) if necessary.
High Performance Biological Pairwise Sequence Alignment: FPGA versus GPU versus Cell BE versus GPP
Authors: Benkrid Khaled , Akoglu Ali , Ling Cheng , Song Yang , Liu Ying , Tian Xiang
Published: May 2012

This paper explores the pros and cons of reconfigurable computing in the form of FPGAs for high performance efficient computing. In particular, the paper presents the results of a comparative study between three different acceleration technologies, namely, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Graphics Processor Units (GPUs), and IBM’s Cell Broadband Engine (Cell BE), in the design and implementation of the widely-used Smith-Waterman pairwise sequence alignment algorithm, with general purpose processors as a base reference implementation. Comparison criteria include speed, energy consumption, and purchase and development costs. The study shows that FPGAs largely outperform all other implementation platforms on performance per watt criterion and perform better than all other platforms on performance per dollar criterion, although by a much smaller margin. Cell BE and GPU come second and third, respectively, on both performance per watt and performance per dollar criteria. In general, in order to outperform other technologies on performance per dollar criterion (using currently available hardware and development tools), FPGAs need to achieve at least two orders of magnitude speed-up compared to general-purpose processors and one order of magnitude speed-up compared to domain-specific technologies such as GPUs.
The Effects of Cation Ratios on Root Lamella Suberization in Rice (Oryza sativaL.) with Contrasting Salt Tolerance
Authors: Momayezi M. R. , Zaharah A. R. , Hanafi M. M.
Published: May 2012

Rice is an important produced cereal in the world. We evaluated the effect of salt compositions including NaCl and Na2SO4on suberin lamellae as a major barrier to radial ion and water movements in two rice genotypes representing contrasting salt tolerance levels under salinity stress. Two rice genotypes, Fajr as salt tolerant and Khazar as salt sensitive, were transplanted in sand culture under glasshouse condition. Rice seedlings were treated with five salt compositions including NaCl, Na2SO4, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 2 : 1 molar ratios for 40 days. It was proven that suberin lamellae in endodermis of root cell wall were thickened with Na2SO4treatment. The results demonstrated that the number of passage cells was higher in Fajr genotype than that in Khazar genotype under saline condition. Calcium concentration in root tissue decreased as theSO42-concentration in root media increased. It can be concluded that Fajr genotype is able to keep some passage cells open to maintain Ca2+uptake. The Ca2+/Na+ratio in shoot tissue can be also a reliable index for the early recognition of salt stress in these rice genotypes.
A Meshless Finite‐Point Approximation for Solving the RLW Equation
Authors: Pérez Pozo L. , Meneses R. , Spa C. , Durán O.
Published: May 2012

An alternative meshless finite‐point method (FPM) technique for the numerical solution of the Regularized long wave (RLW) equation is presented. In this context, we derive the discretized system by combining finite difference (FD) techniques for the time derivative and FPM for the spatial derivatives. The accuracy of this alternative approach is tested with L2, L∞ error norms and the conservation properties of mass, energy, and momentum under the RLW equation.
Relationship between Human Aging Muscle and Oxidative System Pathway
Authors: Doria Enrico , Buonocore Daniela , Focarelli Angela , Marzatico Fulvio
Published: May 2012

Ageing is a complex process that in muscle is usually associated with a decrease in mass, strength, and velocity of contraction. One of the most striking effects of ageing on muscle is known as sarcopenia. This inevitable biological process is characterized by a general decline in the physiological and biochemical functions of the major systems. At the cellular level, aging is caused by a progressive decline in mitochondrial function that results in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the addition of a single electron to the oxygen molecule. The aging process is characterized by an imbalance between an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species in the organism and the antioxidant defences as a whole. The goal of this review is to examine the results of existing studies on oxidative stress in aging human skeletal muscles, taking into account different physiological factors (sex, fibre composition, muscle type, and function).
Some New Traveling Wave Solutions of the Nonlinear Reaction Diffusion Equation by Using the Improved (G′/G)‐Expansion Method
Authors: Naher Hasibun , Abdullah Farah Aini
Published: May 2012

We construct new exact traveling wave solutions involving free parameters of the nonlinear reaction diffusion equation by using the improved (G′/G)‐expansion method. The second‐order linear ordinary differential equation with constant coefficients is used in this method. The obtained solutions are presented by the hyperbolic and the trigonometric functions. The solutions become in special functional form when the parameters take particular values. It is important to reveal that our solutions are in good agreement with the existing results.
Extension of Chronological Lifespan by Hexokinase Mutation inKluyveromyces lactisInvolves Increased Level of the Mitochondrial Chaperonin Hsp60
Authors: Rizzetto Lisa , Zanni Elena , Uccelletti Daniela , Ferrero Ileana , Goffrini Paola
Published: May 2012

Oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, and telomere shortening represent all molecular processes proposed as causal factors in aging. Lifespan can be increased by metabolism through an influence on such processes. Glucose reduction extends chronological lifespan (CLS) ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaethrough metabolic adaptation to respiration. To answer the question if the reduced CLS could be ascribed to glucoseper seor to glucose repression of respiratory enzymes, we used theKluyveromyces lactisyeast, where glucose repression does not affect the respiratory function. We identified the unique hexokinase, encoded byRAG5gene, as an important player in influencing yeast lifespan by modulating mitochondrial functionality and the level of the mitochondrial chaperonin Hsp60. In this context, this hexokinase might have a regulatory role in the influence of CLS, shedding new light on the complex regulation played by hexokinases.
Is Multiple Sclerosis an Autoimmune Disease?
Authors: Wootla Bharath , Eriguchi Makoto , Rodriguez Moses
Published: May 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with varied clinical presentations and heterogeneous histopathological features. The underlying immunological abnormalities in MS lead to various neurological and autoimmune manifestations. There is strong evidence that MS is, at least in part, an immune-mediated disease. There is less evidence that MS is a classical autoimmune disease, even though many authors state this in the description of the disease. We show the evidence that both supports and refutes the autoimmune hypothesis. In addition, we present an alternate hypothesis based on virus infection to explain the pathogenesis of MS.
Concurrent Use of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco among US Males and Females
Authors: Mushtaq Nasir , Williams Mary B. , Beebe Laura A.
Published: May 2012

Background. The current study describes concurrent use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (CiST) among males and females and evaluates factors associated with CiST use.Methods. Cross-sectional data were drawn from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Weighted stratified analyses were performed to find associations between CiST use and sociodemographic factors by gender. CiST users were compared to three different tobacco use groups: nonusers, exclusive smokers, and exclusive ST users.Results. Younger age and heavy alcohol consumption were consistently associated with increased odds of CiST use among both males and females, and regardless of comparison group. Among males, education was inversely related to CiST use, and these findings were consistent in all three comparisons. Among women, those unable to work or out of work were more likely to be CiST users, which was consistent across comparisons. American Indian females had higher odds of CiST use than White females when nontobacco users or smokers were the comparison group.Conclusion. This study identified sociodemographic characteristics associated with CiST use, and differences in these associations among women and men. Additionally, this study highlights the need to carefully consider what comparison groups should be used to examine factors associated with CiST use.
Evaluation of Three Adolescent Sexual Health Programs in Ha Noi and Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Van , Nguyen Hoang , Tho Le Huu , Minh Truong Tan , Lerdboon Porntip , Riel Rosemary , Green Mackenzie S. , Kaljee Linda M.
Published: May 2012

With an increase in sexual activity among young adults in Vietnam and associated risks, there is a need for evidence-based sexual health interventions. This evaluation of three sexual health programs based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was conducted in 12 communes in Ha Noi, Nha Trang City, and Ninh Hoa District. Inclusion criteria included unmarried youth 15–20 years residing in selected communes. Communes were randomly allocated to an intervention, and participants were randomly selected within each commune. The intervention programs included Vietnamese Focus on Kids (VFOK), the gender-based program Exploring the World of Adolescents (EWA), and EWA plus parental and health provider education (EWA+). Programs were delivered over a ten-week period in the communities by locally trained facilitators. The gender-based EWA program with parental involvement (EWA+) compared to VFOK showed significantly greater increase in knowledge. EWA+ in comparison to VFOK also showed significant decrease at immediate postintervention for intention to have sex. Sustained changes are observed in all three interventions for self-efficacy condom use, self-efficacy abstinence, response efficacy for condoms, extrinsic rewards, and perceived vulnerability for HIV. These findings suggest that theory-based community programs contribute to sustained changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual risk among Vietnamese adolescents.
ZNF217 Is a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer That Drives Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion
Authors: Vendrell Julie A. , Thollet Aurélie , Nguyen Nhan T. , Ghayad Sandra E. , Vinot Stéphanie , Bièche Ivan , Grisard Evelyne , Josserand Véronique , Coll Jean-Luc , Roux Pierre , Corbo Laura , Treilleux Isabelle , Rimokh Ruth , Cohen Pascale A.
Published: May 2012

The Krüppel-like zinc finger protein ZNF217 is a candidate oncogene in breast cancer. In this study, we showed that high levels of expression of ZNF217 mRNA are associated with poor prognosis and the development of metastases in breast cancer. Overexpression of ZNF217 in breast cancer cells stimulated migration and invasion in vitro and promoted the development of spontaneous lung or node metastases in mice in vivo. ZNF217 also promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human mammary epithelial cells, and the TGF-β–activated Smad signaling pathway was identified as a major driver of ZNF217-induced EMT. In addition, a TGF-β autocrine loop sustained activation of the TGF-β pathway in ZNF217-overexpressing mammary epithelial cells, most likely because of ZNF217-mediated direct upregulation of TGFB2 or TGFB3. Inhibition of the TGF-β pathway led to the reversal of ZNF217-mediated EMT. Together, our findings indicate that ZNF217 mRNA expression may represent a novel prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. Therapeutic targeting of ZNF217 of the TGF-β signaling pathway may benefit the subset of patients whose tumors express high levels of ZNF217. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3593–606. ©2012 AACR.
The RASSF3 Candidate Tumor Suppressor Induces Apoptosis and G1–S Cell-Cycle Arrest via p53
Authors: Kudo Takumi , Ikeda Mitsunobu , Nishikawa Misa , Yang Zeyu , Ohno Kikuo , Nakagawa Kentaro , Hata Yutaka
Published: May 2012

RASSF3 is the smallest member of the RASSF family of proteins that function as tumor suppressors. Unlike other members of this important family, the mechanisms through which RASSF3 suppresses tumor formation remain unknown. Here, we show that RASSF3 expression induces p53-dependent apoptosis and its depletion attenuates DNA damage–induced apoptosis. We found that RASSF3-induced apoptosis depended upon p53 expression. Exogenous expression of RASSF3 induced G1–S arrest, which was also p53 dependent. In contrast, loss of RASSF3 promoted cell-cycle progression, abrogated UVB- and VP-16–induced G1–S arrest, decreased p53 protein and target gene expression, and prevented DNA repair. RASSF3 was shown to directly interact with and facilitate the ubiquitination of MDM2, the E3 ligase that targets p53 for degradation, thereby increasing p53 stabilization. Together, our findings show the tumor suppressor activity of RASSF3, which occurs through p53 stabilization and regulation of apoptosis and the cell cycle. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2901–11. ©2012 AACR.
Design of a Phase III Clinical Trial with Prospective Biomarker Validation: SWOG S0819
Authors: Redman Mary W. , Crowley John J. , Herbst Roy S. , Hirsch Fred R. , Gandara David R.
Published: May 2012

The role of cetuximab in the treatment of advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently unclear. The molecular target of cetuximab, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as measured by FISH, has shown potential as a predictive biomarker for cetuximab efficacy in NSCLC. SWOG S0819 is a phase III trial evaluating both the value of cetuximab in this setting and EGFR FISH as a predictive biomarker. This work describes the decision process for determining the design and interim monitoring plan for S0819. Six possible designs were evaluated in terms of their properties and the hypotheses that can be addressed within the design constraints. A subgroup-focused, multiple-hypothesis design was selected for S0819 that incorporates coprimary endpoints to assess cetuximab in both the overall study population and among EGFR FISH-positive (FISH+) patients, with the sample size determined based on evaluation in the EGFR FISH+ group. The chosen interim monitoring plan specifies interim evaluations of both efficacy and futility in the EGFR FISH+ group alone. The futility-monitoring plan to determine early stopping in the EGFR FISH-nonpositive group is based on evaluation within the positive group, the entire study population, and the nonpositive group. SWOG S0819 uses a design that addresses both the biomarker-driven and general-efficacy objectives of this study. Clin Cancer Res; 18(15); 4004–12. ©2012 AACR.
FOXA1 Is Essential for Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor–Dependent Regulation of Cyclin G2
Authors: Ahmed Shaimaa , Al-Saigh Sarra , Matthews Jason
Published: May 2012

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the effects of the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Recently, AHR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer by virtue of its ability to modulate estrogen receptor-α (ERα) signalling and/or its ability to block cell proliferation. Our previous studies identified cyclin G2 (CCNG2), an inhibitor of cell-cycle progression, as an AHR target gene; however, the mechanism of this regulation is unknown. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in T-47D human breast cancer cells revealed a TCDD-dependent recruitment of AHR, nuclear co-activator 3 (NCoA3) and the transcription factor forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), a key regulator of breast cancer cell signaling, to CCNG2 resulting in increases in CCNG2 mRNA and protein levels. Mutation of the AHR response element (AHRE) and forkhead-binding sites abolished TCDD-induced CCNG2-regulated reporter gene activity. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of FOXA1 prevented the TCDD-dependent recruitment of AHR and NCoA3 to CCNG2 and reduced CCNG2 mRNA levels. Interestingly, knockdown of FOXA1 also caused a marked decrease in ERα, but not AHR protein levels. However, RNA interference–mediated knockdown of ERα, a negative regulator of CCNG2, had no effect on TCDD-dependent AHR or NCoA3 recruitment to or expression of CCNG2. These findings show that FOXA1, but not ERα, is essential for AHR-dependent regulation of CCNG2, assigning a role for FOXA1 in AHR action. Mol Cancer Res; 10(5); 636–48. ©2012 AACR.
Mapping Data Predictors of a Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Origin of Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia With V
3
Transition and Septal Earliest Activation
Authors: Herczku Csaba , Berruezo Antonio , Andreu David , Fernández-Armenta Juan , Mont Lluis , Borràs Roger , Arbelo Elena , Tolosana Jose M. , Trucco Emilce , Ríos José , Brugada Josep
Published: May 2012

Background—

The proximity of the outflow tracts (OTs) frequently results in an overlap in surface electrocardiographic features of ventricular arrhythmias originating from this anatomic region, particularly when the transition occurs in lead V
3
. In addition, no reliable criteria to discriminate between a right ventricular OT (RVOT) and a left ventricular OT (LVOT) site of origin (SOO) are derived from intracardiac mapping.

Methods and Results—

A series of 15 patients underwent ablation because of OT ventricular arrhythmias having a V
3
transition, and a septal earliest activation on the RVOT was included in the study. Electrocardiographic and mapping data were collected to analyze accuracy in predicting the RVOT versus the LVOT SOO of the ventricular arrhythmia. A 10-ms isochronal map area in the RVOT was smaller in the RVOT SOO group (1.2 [0.4–2.1] versus 3.4 [2.4–3.9] cm
2
, respectively;
P
=0.004) and had a shorter perpendicular diameter (13 [7–17] versus 28 [20–29] mm;
P
=0.001) and a higher longitudinal/perpendicular axis ratio (1.04 [0.95–1.11] versus 0.49 [0.44–0.57];
P
=0.001). A 10-ms isochronal map area >2.3 cm
2
predicted an LVOT origin with 85.7% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity, whereas a longitudinal/perpendicular axis ratio <0.8 predicted an LVOT origin with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Electrocardiography-derived parameters showed lower values of sensitivity and specificity. The distal coronary sinus activation mapping did not permit distinction between RVOT and LVOT SOO.

Conclusions—

The 10-ms isochronal map area and the longitudinal/perpendicular axis ratio accurately predict the RVOT versus the LVOT SOO in patients with OT ventricular arrhythmias, a V
3
transition, and a septal earliest activation.