bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CD20 gene and their relationship with clinical efficacy of R-CHOP in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Ding Huirong , Jin Xuan , Ding Ning , Fu Zhiying , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: June 2013

Background

R-CHOP has significantly improved survival rates of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by ~20% as compared to CHOP. CD20 antigen, highly expressed on more than 80% of B-cell lymphomas, is the target for rituximab. The goal of our study was to examine polymorphism in the CD20 gene in Chinese DLBCL population and whether CD20 gene polymorphism is associated with clinical response to R-CHOP.

Method

CD20 gene polymorphism was detected in the entire coding regions including 6 exons by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing assay in 164 patients with DLBCL. Among them, 129 patients treated with R-CHOP as frontline therapy (R ≥ 4 cycles) were assessable for the efficacy.

Results

Polymorphisms at three single nucleotides (SNP) were identified in the entire coding regions of the CD20 gene in the 164 patients. One of them, CD20 Exon2 [216] was found to be highly correlated with response to R-CHOP. Patients with homozygous C genotype showed a trend toward higher overall response rate than others with CT plus TT genotype (90.6% vs. 79.5%; P =0.166). A trend toward higher complete remission (CR) rate was observed in patients with homozygous C genotype (67.4%) compared with CT plus TT genotype (47.1%) (P = 0.091).

Conclusion

These results suggest that there are 3 SNPs in CDS of the CD20 gene in Chinese DLBCL population. The CC genotype at Exon2 [216] appears to be associated with favourable response to R-CHOP.
High rates of parasite recrudescence following intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy in Benin
Authors: Moussiliou Azizath , De Tove Yolande Sissinto-Savi , Doritchamou Justin , Luty Adrian JF , Massougbodji Achille , Alifrangis Michael , Deloron Philippe , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue
Published: June 2013

Background

Despite widespread parasite resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) its use for intermittent preventative treatment during pregnancy remains the policy in Benin and throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

In a prospective study, 982 pregnant women were recruited in Benin and followed until delivery. The prevalence of point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes associated with Plasmodium falciparum resistance to SP during consecutive antenatal visits was determined. Parasites clearance among women infected at SP intake was assessed by microscopy and PCR. Association between the persistence of parasites and malaria consequences, were investigated. Recurrent parasites were genotyped to identify recrudescences from re-infections.

Results

The prevalence of pfdhfr/pfdhps quadruple mutants (triple pfdhfr + single pfdhps) was consistently above 80% while quintuple and sextuple mutants remained low. Importantly the higly mutated parasites apparently never included the two key mutations, pfdhfr 164 L or pfdhps 540E. Based on PCR results, SP failed to clear existing parasitaemia in half (48%) of the women who were infected at IPTp schedule. The frequency of recrudescence reached 76% after the second dose. Women with persistent parasitaemia had an increased prevalence of anaemia (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

The data presented here, highlight the inability of SP to ensure optimal antiplasmodial protection in late pregnancy, and invite urgent consideration of an alternative drug or strategy.
Novel microRNA-based assay demonstrates 92% agreement with diagnosis based on clinicopathologic and management data in a cohort of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Pentheroudakis George , Pavlidis Nicholas , Fountzilas George , Krikelis Dimitrios , Goussia Anna , Stoyianni Aikaterini , Sanden Mats , St Cyr Brianna , Yerushalmi Noga , Benjamin Hila , Meiri Eti , Chajut Ayelet , Rosenwald Shai , Aharonov Ranit , Spector Yael
Published: June 2013

Background

Cancer of unknown or uncertain primary is a major diagnostic and clinical challenge, since identifying the tissue-of-origin of metastases is crucial for selecting optimal treatment. MicroRNAs are a family of non-coding, regulatory RNA molecules that are tissue-specific, with a great potential to be excellent biomarkers.

Methods

In this study we tested the performance of a microRNA-based assay in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 84 CUP patients.

Results

The microRNA based assay agreed with the clinical diagnosis at presentation in 70% of patients; it agreed with the clinical diagnosis obtained after patient management, taking into account response and outcome data, in 89% of patients; it agreed with the final clinical diagnosis reached with supplemental immunohistochemical stains in 92% of patients, indicating a 22% improvement in agreement from diagnosis at presentation to the final clinical diagnosis. In 18 patients the assay disagreed with the presentation diagnosis and was in agreement with the final clinical diagnosis, which may have resulted in the administration of more effective chemotherapy. In three out of four discordant cases in which supplemental IHC was performed, the IHC results validated the assay’s molecular diagnosis.

Conclusions

This novel microRNA-based assay shows high accuracy in identifying the final clinical diagnosis in a real life CUP patient cohort and could be a useful tool to facilitate administration of optimal therapy.
Down-regulation of the cancer/testis antigen 45 (CT45) is associated with altered tumor cell morphology, adhesion and migration
Authors: Koop Anja , Sellami Nadia , Adam-Klages Sabine , Lettau Marcus , Kabelitz Dieter , Janssen Ottmar , Heidebrecht Hans-Jürgen
Published: June 2013

Background

Due to their restricted expression in male germ cells and certain tumors, cancer/testis (CT) antigens are regarded as promising targets for tumor therapy. CT45 is a recently identified nuclear CT antigen that was associated with a severe disease score in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and poor prognosis in multiple myeloma. As for many CT antigens, the biological function of CT45 in developing germ cells and in tumor cells is largely unknown.

Methods

CT45 expression was down-regulated in CT45-positive Hodgkin’s lymphoma (L428), fibrosarcoma (HT1080) and myeloma (U266B1) cells using RNA interference. An efficient CT45 knock-down was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and/or Western blotting. These cellular systems allowed us to analyze the impact of CT45 down-regulation on proliferation, cell cycle progression, morphology, adhesion, migration and invasive capacity of tumor cells.

Results

Reduced levels of CT45 did not coincide with changes in cell cycle progression or proliferation. However, we observed alterations in cell adherence, morphology and migration/invasion after CT45 down-regulation. Significant changes in the distribution of cytoskeleton-associated proteins were detected by confocal imaging. Changes in cell adherence were recorded in real-time using the xCelligence system with control and siRNA-treated cells. Altered migratory and invasive capacity of CT45 siRNA-treated cells were visualized in 3D migration and invasion assays. Moreover, we found that CT45 down-regulation altered the level of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein syncrip (hnRNP-Q1) which is known to be involved in the control of focal adhesion formation and cell motility.

Conclusions

Providing first evidence of a cell biological function of CT45, we suggest that this cancer/testis antigen is involved in the modulation of cell morphology, cell adherence and cell motility. Enhanced motility and/or invasiveness of CT45-positive cells could contribute to the more severe disease progression that is correlated to CT45-positivity in several malignancies.
CDC20 overexpression predicts a poor prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Wen-jing , Hu Kai-shun , Wang De-shen , Zeng Zhao-lei , Zhang Dong-sheng , Chen Dong-liang , Bai Long , Xu Rui-hua
Published: June 2013

Background

The cell division cycle 20 homolog (CDC20) is an essential cofactor of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C). CDC20 overexpression has been detected in many types of human cancers; however, its clinical role in colorectal cancer remains unknown.

Methods

Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to compare CDC20 expression in adjacent non-cancerous, cancerous and liver metastatic tissues as well as in colon cancer cell lines and normal colon epithelial cell lines. Additionally, the correlation of CDC20 expression with patient clinical parameters and its diagnostic value were statistically analyzed.

Results

CDC20 was overexpressed in colon cancer cell lines/primary cancer tissues compared with normal colon epithelial cell lines/adjacent noncancerous tissue samples. Interestingly, CDC20 expression was further increased in metastatic liver tissues. CDC20 protein expression was significantly correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.008), N classification (P = 0.020), M classification (P = 0.013) and pathologic differentiation (P = 0.008). Patients with higher CDC20 expression had a shorter overall survival than those with lower CDC20 expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that CDC20 expression was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CDC20 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker of human colorectal cancer.
Modified α-ψ-contractive mappings with applications
Authors: Salimi Peyman , Latif Abdul , Hussain Nawab
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work is to modify the notions ofα-admissible andα-ψ-contractive mappings and establish new fixed point theorems for such mappings in complete metric spaces. Presented theorems provide main results of Karapinar and Samet (Abstr. Appl. Anal. 2012:793486, 2012) and Sametet al.(Nonlinear Anal. 75:2154-2165, 2012) as direct corollaries. Moreover, some examples and applications to integral equations are given here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.

MSC:46N40, 47H10, 54H25, 46T99.
The effect of electrical stimulation on corticospinal excitability is dependent on application duration: a same subject pre-post test design
Authors: Andrews Rebecca K , Schabrun Siobhan M , Ridding Michael C , Galea Mary P , Hodges Paul W , Chipchase Lucinda S
Published: June 2013

Background

In humans, corticospinal excitability is known to increase following motor electrical stimulation (ES) designed to mimic a voluntary contraction. However, whether the effect is equivalent with different application durations and whether similar effects are apparent for short and long applications is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the duration of peripheral motor ES influenced its effect on corticospinal excitability.

Methods

The excitability of the corticomotor pathway to abductor pollicis brevis (APB) was measured in fourteen health subjects using transcranial magnetic stimulation before, immediately after and 10 minutes after three different durations (20-, 40-, 60-min) of motor ES (30Hz, ramped). This intervention was designed to mimic a voluntary contraction in APB. To control for effects of motor ES on the peripheral elements (muscle fibre, membrane, neuromuscular junction), maximum compound muscle actions potentials (M-waves) were also recorded at each time point. Results were analysed using a repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Peripheral excitability was reduced following all three motor ES interventions. Conversely, corticospinal excitability was increased immediately following 20- and 40-min applications of motor ES and this increase was maintained at least 20-min following the intervention. A 60-min application of motor ES did not alter corticospinal excitability.

Conclusions

A 20-min application of motor ES that is designed to mimic voluntary muscle contraction is as effective as that applied for 40-min when the aim of the intervention is to increase corticospinal excitability. Longer motor ES durations of 60-min do not influence corticospinal excitability, possibly as a result of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms.
Subunit and Frequency-Dependent Inhibition of Acid Sensing Ion Channels by Local Anesthetic Tetracaine
Authors: Leng Tiandong , Lin Jun , Cottrell James E , Xiong Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2013

Background

Extracellular acidosis is a prominent feature of multiple pathological conditions, correlating with pain sensation. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), a family of proton-gated cation channels, are distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Activation of ASICs, particularly ASIC3 and ASIC1a channels, by acidic pH and the resultant depolarization of nociceptive primary sensory neurons, participates in nociception. Agents that inhibit the activation of ASICs are thus expected to be analgesic. Here, we studied the effect of local anesthetic tetracaine on ASIC currents.

Results

Tetracaine inhibited the peak ASIC3 current in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 9.96 ± 1.88 mM. The degree of inhibition by tetracaine was dependent on the extracellular pH but independent of the membrane potential. Furthermore, 3 mM tetracaine also inhibited 29.83% of the sustained ASIC3 current. In addition to ASIC3, tetracaine inhibited the ASIC1a and ASIC1β currents. The inhibition of the ASIC1a current was influenced by the frequency of channel activation. In contrast to ASIC3, ASIC1a, and ASIC1β currents, ASIC2a current was not inhibited by tetracaine. In cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, 1–3 mM tetracaine inhibited both the transient and sustained ASIC currents. At pH4.5, 3 mM tetracaine reduced the peak ASIC current to 60.06 ± 4.51%, and the sustained current to 48.24 ± 7.02% of the control values in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In contrast to ASICs, voltage-gated sodium channels were inhibited by acid, with 55.15% inhibition at pH6.0 and complete inhibition at pH5.0.

Conclusions

These findings disclose a potential new mechanism underlying the analgesic effects of local anesthetics, particularly in acidic conditions where their primary target (i.e. voltage-gated Na+ channel) has been suppressed by protons.
Prognostic potential of ERCC1 protein expression and clinicopathologic factors in stage III/N2 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yan Dong , Wei Ping , An Guangyu , Chen Wenming
Published: June 2013

Background

Pathological stage III/N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is heterogeneous, and the optimal prognostic marker for survival remains unclear in Chinese patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of the clinicopathologic features and excision repair cross-complementing group-1 (ERCC1) in resected p-stage III/N2 NSCLC patients that received cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Clinical data concerning 115 patients with histopathologically confirmed stage III/N2 NSCLC who underwent a complete resection were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy. The protein expression levels for ERCC1 were immunohistochemically examined in 115 patients. The relationship between the ERCC1 protein expression level and the clinical outcomes of the patients was then observed.

Results

The 5-year survival rate and median survival time of patients with pathological stage III/N2 NSCLC after surgery and postoperative chemotherapy was 27.0% and 28.0 months, respectively. Survival of patients with ERCC1 negative tumors was significantly longer than those with ERCC1 positive tumors (p = 0.004). However, it was not entirely clear whether adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin-based agents was beneficial for ERCC1-negative patients with p-stage III/N2. A multivariate analysis of survival in patients with stage III/N2 NSCLC showed that surgical procedure (pneumonectomy vs. lobectomy; p = 0.001), number of involved lymph nodes (≤5 vs. >5; p = 0.001) and ERCC1 protein expression (negative vs. positive; p = 0.012) were significant prognostic factors. In addition, the prognosis of patients with skip mediastinal lymph node metastasis showed a tendency for improved survival, but this was no significant (p = 0.432).

Conclusions

Findings from this retrospective study suggested that the number of involved lymph nodes and the type of pulmonary resection are significant and independent prognosis factors in patients with p-stage III/N2 NSCLC. In addition, it was found that ERCC1 protein expression might play an important role in the prognosis of p-stage III/N2 NSCLC patients treated with cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy.
The occurrence of mycotoxins in wheat from western Romania and histopathological impact as effect of feed intake
Authors: Alexa Ersilia , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Poiana Mariana-Atena , Radulov Isidora , Cimpean Anca-Maria , Bordean Despina-Maria , Tulcan Camelia , Pop Georgeta
Published: June 2013

Background

The goal of this study has been to evaluate the extent of mycotoxins contamination and their co-occurrence in wheat grain intended for animal feed. A total of 52 wheat samples were collected from the harvest of two consecutive years (2010, 2011) from two counties (Timis and Arad) located in Western Romania and the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZON) and fumonisins (FUMO) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to evaluate the toxicological impact of mycotoxins, naturally contaminated wheat samples were administered in rats feed for one month.

Results

The mycotoxin with the highest incidence in wheat samples was DON due to agro-climatic conditions typical for the west part of Romania. DON was found in 73.08% of samples harvested in 2010 and the highest level of contamination was 3390 ppb. The incidence of DON in sample from 2011 was lower than those of 2010, with a frequency of occurrence of 19.23%. The occurrence of ZON was in the range 69.23–76.92%, with an average value of 187.74 ppb. The OTA content in wheat was below the maximum tolerable limit established by EU Commission regulation for feed legislation (250 ppb). For FUMO the lowest percentage of positive samples was registered (15.38% in wheat sample harvested in 2010 and 11.54% positive samples in 2011). With respect to the co-occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins, the results proved that ZON was found as a co-contaminant together with DON, especially when climatic conditions for development of fungus are favorable (high air humidity). The differences recorded between investigated localities and their classifications according to the mycotoxin kind and year of harvest were carried out by principal components analysis (PCA). The histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation performed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining technique as well as by assessing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) revealed significant modification of kidney, liver and spleen cells in the case of DON and FUMO. In terms of toxicity induced by OTA and ZON it was highlighted mixed normal and necrotic areas in liver, while histological assessment revealed normal VEGF expression in kidneys.

Conclusions

Although none of the analyzed samples exceeding the stipulated maximum limits for cereals used as feed, a high incidence of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species have been recorded (DON and ZON) in wheat samples harvested in Western Romania. Also, histopathological evaluation revealed significant tissue lesions in liver and kidney of rats after one month of feeding with natural contaminated wheat.
Repair of astrocytes, blood vessels, and myelin in the injured brain: possible roles of blood monocytes
Authors: Jeong Hey-Kyeong , Ji Kyung-min , Kim Jun , Jou Ilo , Joe Eun-Hye
Published: June 2013

Inflammation in injured tissue has both repair functions and cytotoxic consequences. However, the issue of whether brain inflammation has a repair function has received little attention. Previously, we demonstrated monocyte infiltration and death of neurons and resident microglia in LPS-injected brains (Glia. 2007. 55:1577;Glia. 2008. 56:1039). Here, we found that astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, myelin, and endothelial cells disappeared in the damage core within 1–3 d and then re-appeared at 7–14 d, providing evidence of repair of the brain microenvironment. Since round Iba-1+/CD45+monocytes infiltrated before the repair, we examined whether these cells were involved in the repair process. Analysis of mRNA expression profiles showed significant upregulation of repair/resolution-related genes, whereas proinflammatory-related genes were barely detectable at 3 d, a time when monocytes filled injury sites. Moreover, Iba-1+/CD45+cells highly expressed phagocytic activity markers (e.g., the mannose receptors, CD68 and LAMP2), but not proinflammatory mediators (e.g., iNOS and IL1β). In addition, the distribution of round Iba-1+/CD45+cells was spatially and temporally correlated with astrocyte recovery. We further found that monocytes in culture attracted astrocytes by releasing soluble factor(s). Together, these results suggest that brain inflammation mediated by monocytes functions to repair the microenvironment of the injured brain.
Double-labelling immunohistochemistry for MGMT and a “cocktail” of non-tumourous elements is a reliable, quick and easy technique for inferring methylation status in glioblastomas and other primary brain tumours
Authors: Burke Elinor , Grobler Mariana , Elderfield Kay , Bond Frances , Crocker Matthew , Taylor Rohan , Bridges Leslie R
Published: June 2013

Background

Our aim was to develop a new protocol for MGMT immunohistochemistry with good agreement between observers and good correlation with molecular genetic tests of tumour methylation. We examined 40 primary brain tumours (30 glioblastomas and 10 oligodendroglial tumours) with our new technique, namely double-labelling immunohistochemistry for MGMT and a "cocktail" of non-tumour antigens (CD34, CD45 and CD68). We compared the results with single-labelling immunohistochemistry for MGMT and methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA, a recognised molecular genetic technique which we applied as the gold-standard for the methylation status).

Results

Double-labelling immunohistochemistry for MGMT produced a visual separation of tumourous and non-tumourous elements on the same histological slide, making it quick and easy to determine whether tumour cell nuclei were MGMT-positive or MGMT-negative (and thereby infer the methylation status of the tumour). We found good agreement between observers (kappa 0.76) and within observer (kappa 0.84). Furthermore, double-labelling showed good specificity (80%), sensitivity (73.33%), positive predictive value (PPV, 83.33%) and negative predictive value (NPV, 68.75%) compared to MS-MLPA. Double-labelling was quicker and easier to assess than single-labelling and it outperformed quantitative computerised image analysis of MGMT single-labelling in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV.

Conclusions

Double-labelling immunohistochemistry for MGMT and a cocktail of non-tumourous elements provides a "one look" method for determining whether tumour cell nuclei are MGMT-positive or MGMT-negative. This can be used to infer the methylation status of the tumour. There is good observer agreement and good specificity, sensitivity, PPV and NPV compared to a molecular gold-standard.
11C-LY2428703, a positron emission tomographic radioligand for the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1, is unsuitable for imaging in monkey and human brains
Authors: Zanotti-Fregonara Paolo , Barth Vanessa N , Zoghbi Sami S , Liow Jeih-San , Nisenbaum Eric , Siuda Edward , Gladding Robert L , Rallis-Frutos Denise , Morse Cheryl , Tauscher Johannes , Pike Victor W , Innis Robert B
Published: June 2013

Background

A recent study from our laboratory demonstrated that 11C-LY2428703, a new positron emission tomographic radioligand for metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), has promising in vitro properties and excellent in vivo performance for imaging rat brain. The present study evaluated 11C-LY2428703 for imaging mGluR1 in monkey and human brains.

Methods

Rhesus monkeys were imaged at baseline and after administration of an mGluR1 blocking agent to calculate nonspecific binding, as well as after the administration of permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) blockers to assess whether 11C-LY2428703 is a substrate for efflux transporters at the blood–brain barrier. Human imaging was performed at baseline in three healthy volunteers, and arterial input function was measured.

Results

Overall brain uptake was low in monkeys, though slightly higher in the cerebellum, where mGluR1s are concentrated. However, the uptake was not clearly displaceable in the scans after mGluR1 blockade. Brain penetration of the ligand did not increase after P-gp and BCRP blockade. Brain uptake was similarly low in all human subjects (mean V
T with a two-tissue compartment model, 0.093 ± 0.012 mL/cm3) and for all regions, including the cerebellum.

Conclusions

Despite promising in vitro and in vivo results in rodents, 11C-LY2428703 was unsuitable for imaging mGluR1s in monkey or human brain because of low brain uptake, which was likely caused by high binding to plasma proteins.
Relationship between male moths of Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) caught in sex pheromone traps and cumulative degree-days in vineyards in southern Uruguay
Authors: Vidart María Valeria , Mujica María Valentina , Calvo María Victoria , Duarte Felicia , Bentancourt Carlos María , Franco Jorge , Scatoni Iris Beatriz
Published: June 2013

Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) has been known in Uruguay for 30 years and only in vineyards, despite being polyphagous. In recent years, this pest has caused sporadic but serious damage on some grapevine cultivars. Understanding the insect’s phenology and developing a monitoring program are essential aspects of integrated pest management. We monitored males using sexual pheromone traps on four cultivars of vine, Pinot noir, Tannat, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, in two vine-growing establishments in the Department of Canelones and compiled data on the accumulated effective temperatures for the southern area of Uruguay. We determined that this species undergoes three generations per year and overwinters without diapause as larvae on dried grapes remaining after harvest. Using the proportion of cumulative male moths caught from December to May from 2003–2007 on the four cultivars and the sum of effective temperatures above two previously-published lower-threshold temperatures for development, 12.26°C and 13°C, statistically significant logistic models were estimated. Predictions based on the resulting models suggested that they would be acceptable tools to improve the efficiency of integrated management of this pest in Uruguay.
Beyond Resemblance
Authors: Greenberg Gabriel
Published: June 2013

What is it for a picture to depict a scene? The most orthodox philosophical theory of pictorial representation holds that depiction is grounded in resemblance. A picture represents a scene in virtue of being similar to that scene in certain ways. This essay presents evidence against this claim: curvilinear perspective is one common style of depiction in which successful pictorial representation depends as much on a picture’s systematic differences with the scene depicted as on the similarities; it cannot be analyzed in terms of similarity alone. The same problem arises for many other kinds of depiction. The essay concludes that depiction in general is not grounded in resemblance but geometrical transformation.
Asymptotics of Visibility in the Hyperbolic Plane
Authors: Tykesson Johan , Calka Pierre
Published: June 2013

At each point of a Poisson point process of intensity λ in the hyperbolic plane, center a ball of bounded random radius. Consider the probability Pr that, from a fixed point, there is some direction in which one can reach distance r without hitting any ball. It is known (see Benjamini, Jonasson, Schramm and Tykesson (2009)) that if λ is strictly smaller than a critical intensity λgv thenPr does not go to 0 as r → ∞. The main result in this note shows that in the case λ=λgv, the probability of reaching a distance larger than r decays essentially polynomially, while if λ>λgv, the decay is exponential. We also extend these results to various related models and we finally obtain asymptotic results in several situations.
A Markov Additive Risk Process with a Dividend Barrier
Authors: Frostig Esther
Published: June 2013

We study a risk process with dividend barrier b where the claims arrive according to a Markovian additive process (MAP). For spectrally negative MAPs, we present linear equations for the expected discounted dividends and the expected discounted penalty function. We apply results for the first exit times of spectrally negative Lévy processes and change-of-measure techniques. Explicit expressions are given when there are positive and negative claims, with phase-type distribution.
Limit Theorems for Aggregated Linear Processes
Authors: Jirak M.
Published: June 2013

In this paper we develop an asymptotic theory of aggregated linear processes, and determine in particular the limit distribution of a large class of linear and nonlinear functionals of such processes. Given a sample {Y1(N),…,Yn(N)} of the normalizedN-fold aggregated process, we describe the limiting behavior of statisticsTN,n=TN,n(Y1(N),…,Yn(N)) in both of the casesn/N(n)→ 0 andN(n)/n→ 0, assuming either a ‘limiting long- or short-memory’ condition on the underlying linear process.
Cross-Commodity Spot Price Modeling with Stochastic Volatility and Leverage For Energy Markets
Authors: Benth F. E. , Vos L.
Published: June 2013

Spot prices in energy markets exhibit special features, such as price spikes, mean reversion, stochastic volatility, inverse leverage effect, and dependencies between the commodities. In this paper a multivariate stochastic volatility model is introduced which captures these features. The second-order structure and stationarity of the model are analyzed in detail. A simulation method for Monte Carlo generation of price paths is introduced and a numerical example is presented.
Pricing of Forwards and Options in a Multivariate Non-Gaussian Stochastic Volatility Model for Energy Markets
Authors: Benth F. E. , Vos L.
Published: June 2013

In Benth and Vos (2013) we introduced a multivariate spot price model with stochastic volatility for energy markets which captures characteristic features, such as price spikes, mean reversion, stochastic volatility, and inverse leverage effect as well as dependencies between commodities. In this paper we derive the forward price dynamics based on our multivariate spot price model, providing a very flexible structure for the forward curves, including contango, backwardation, and hump shape. Moreover, a Fourier transform-based method to price options on the forward is described.
Laser Desorption Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy of Octopamine by Its Hydrochloride Salt
Authors: Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Sone Hirokazu , Fujii Masaaki
Published: June 2013

Octopamine is a phenol analog of noradrenaline and acts as a neurotransmitter in invertebrates such as octopus. It is available as a hydrochloride salt to avoid air oxidation. We applied laser desorption supersonic jet technique to octopamine hydrochloride without any chemical preparations and found that molecular ion of octopamine, not salt, is observed. Resonance-enhanced 2-photon ionization and ultraviolet–ultraviolet hole-burning spectra of octopamine were measured, and four conformers were identified. This number of conformations is rationalized by conformations of ethanolamine chain and orientations of phenolic OH.
An Efficient and Highly Selective Carbonylative Bisthiolation of Internal Alkynes with Organic Disulfides Catalyzed by [Co2(CO)8]
Authors: Higuchi Yoshihiro , Higashimae Shinya , Tamai Taichi , Nomoto Akihiro , Sonoda Motohiro , Ogawa Akiya
Published: June 2013

Although many transition-metal catalysts are ineffective for the addition and carbonylative addition of organic disulfides to internal alkynes, dicobalt octacarbonyl ([Co2(CO)8]) was found to exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the carbonylative bisthiolation of internal alkynes. In the presence of carbon monoxide, a wide variety of organic disulfides successfully underwent addition to internal alkynes to afford the corresponding β-sulfanyl-α,β-unsaturated thioesters in good yields.
Construction of Indole Skeletons by Sequential Actions of Sunlight and Rhodium on α-Aminoacetophenones
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Necas David , Shimamoto Yasuhiro , Murakami Masahiro
Published: June 2013

Indole skeletons were constructed from 2-(N-aryl-N-methylamino)acetophenones by the sequential actions of sunlight and a rhodium catalyst. This method presents an example of the direct use of sunlight in organic synthesis.
Legal comparison: cognitive possibilities and varieties
Authors: Дамирли Мехман Алышах оглы , Damirli Mehman
Published: June 2013

The author claims that comparative method is not the only but the most important method in Comparative Law. Different approaches to comparison are considered.
Legal entity theories in historical Retrospective and modern science
Authors: Серова Ольга , Serova Olga
Published: June 2013

The article attempts to explain the multiplicity of theoretical concepts that explain the nature of the legal entity. In recent years, the Russian science intensified the search for phenomenon, defining the nature of legal entity as a legal category. Just like a century ago, they try to discover the one true definition of the phenomenon. The author offers her own view on the nature of the «fictitious» entities, and justifies impossibility of «creation» of universal theory that explains the nature of the legal entity as a legal phenomenon.
Tendencies of Development of Legal Regulation Emission and Turnover Bonds in the Legislation of Poland
Authors: Богустов Андрей , Bogustov Andrei
Published: June 2013

The subject of research is the notion and the features of a bond as a subject of the Polish civil law. The aim of research is the exposure of the current trends of legal regulation of bond issue and handling on example of the legislation of Poland. The methodological basis of the research contains the comparative law approach. In the

course of investigation the author has come to the conclusion that the legislation of Poland governing the issue and handling of bonds reflects a number of current trends of the development of civil law as following: the differentiation of legal regulation of the securities market, the unacceptance of the universal concept definition of the term «security», the dematerialization of the securities, the approximation of the legal status of a share and a bond, the enhancement of the measures of the corporation’s shareholders and debt holders protection, the approximation and mutual loanword of the common and continental law countries legislation, the extention of the frame of reference of legal civil rights represented with securities.
On Historical Primacy in the Labour Law: All-Russian and Moscow directions
Authors: Кривой Виктор , Krivoy Victor
Published: June 2013

The article presents a number of conceptual conclusions, including critical, according to the historiographical research of the Russian labour law and its science, in the sense of primacy of the famous scientists. In particular, denied (with justification) the published opinions that the L.S. Tal was the sole founder of the All-Russian, Petersburg and Moscow schools of labour law.
Legal policy of the european union directed at legitimation and constitutionalism of its legal system
Authors: Марченко Михаил , Marchenko Mikhail
Published: June 2013

The author points out to the difficulties of legitimation and constitutionalization of the European Union because of its non-federalist, non-state status.
Legal Standards — principles of law in the pilot judgment of the European Court concerning penitentiary security
Authors: Гладкова Е. , Gladkova E. , Павлушина Алла , Pavlushina Alla , Шлиньков А. , Shlinkov A.
Published: June 2013

In article questions on ensuring physical wellbeing of persons in custody in the Russian penal system are taken up. Resolutions of the European Court on affairs «Ananyev and others against Russia», «Arutyunyan against Russia», «Sakhvadze against Russia» and «Vladimir Vasilyev against Russia», concerning conditions of the maintenance of prisoners are considered. The article contains the analysis of practice of the European Court concerning Russia, reveals a system problem in a law and order of the concrete country, at the bottom of mass human rights violations, lists actions of the Russian authorities for a solution of the problem of an overcrowping and bad conditions of the contents in a pre-trial detention center, and also European Court countermeasures on court unloading from the same complaints.
IDS iSYS automated intact procollagen-1-N-terminus pro-peptide assay: method evaluation and reference intervals in adults and children
Authors: Morovat Alireza , Catchpole Anthony , Meurisse Angélique , Carlisi Agnès , Bekaert Anne-Catherine , Rousselle Olivier , Paddon Maria , James Timothy , Cavalier Étienne
Published: June 2013

Background: We carried out a technical evaluation of the Immunodiagnostic Systems (IDS) automated intact procollagen-I N-terminus propeptide (PINP) assay on the iSYS platform, and established reference intervals for PINP in both adults and children.

Methods: Assay imprecision, recovery and interference were studied. Serum and plasma values were compared, and PINP stability was assessed. Using 828 specimens, IDS iSYS intact PINP and Roche E170 total PINP values were compared. Specimens from 597 adults and 485 children and adolescents were used to establish reference intervals for intact PINP.

Results: The method demonstrated good recovery and acceptable imprecision. The assay was unaffected by icterus and lipaemia, but haemolysis decreased measured PINP. Serum and plasma values were comparable. There was a non-linear relation between IDS intact and Roche total PINP values. Pre- and post-menopausal women had comparable PINP values, but there was a difference between women of different age groups. Serum PINP in men showed a decline in young age up to 45 years, but remained steady thereafter. Separate reference intervals were established for four age groups in women and for two age groups in men. Data for children were partitioned into four-year age groups, and these showed PINP to be high with no major gender differences until 12 years of age. Thereafter, values in females decreased in 13–16 years age groups and further in 17–20 years age groups, whereas PINP increased in boys of 13–16 years of age with a subsequent decline at 17–20 years.

Conclusions: The IDS iSYS PINP intact assay appears to be reliable. We have established gender- and age-related reference intervals for children and adults based on a relatively large healthy North European population.
A systematic review of data on biological variation for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase
Authors: Carobene Anna , Braga Federica , Roraas Thomas , Sandberg Sverre , Bartlett William A.
Published: June 2013

Background: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are enzymes measured in serum or plasma to investigate liver disease. The aim of this work is to assess the validity of published biological variation (BV) data currently available for these enzymes.

Methods: Publications containing BV data for ALT, AST and GGT were identified by searching PubMed using the following keywords: biological varia*, RCV, CVw, CVi, CVb, and CVg. The 95% confidence intervals for the within- and between-subject coefficients of variation were calculated using the analytical imprecision, the number of subjects, samples and replicates.

Results: The searches identified 10 publications with ALT, 14 with AST and nine with GGT data. The protocols presented in those publications as used were varied. The ranges of within-subject variation reported were: ALT: 11.1%–58.1%, AST: 3.0%–32.3% and for GGT: 3.9%–14.5%. The median values (ALT: 18.0%, AST: 11.9% and GGT: 13.8%) were similar to those listed in a BV database commonly used as a reference source.

Conclusions: Published BV data for ALT, AST and GGT demonstrate a wide range of values derived from inconsistent protocols. The quality of the presentations of the data is variable. These findings raise concerns around the utility of the data currently available and highlight the need for critical appraisal of such publications. The working group on BV of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine is undertaking work to develop a critical appraisal checklist for the production and publication of reliable BV data.
Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Control for Parallel Cascade Control
Authors: Karthikeyan R. , Manickavasagam K. , Tripathi Shikha , Murthy K.V.V.
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses the application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) control for a parallel cascade control system. Parallel cascade controllers have two controllers, primary and secondary controllers in cascade. In this paper the primary controller is designed based on neuro-fuzzy approach. The main idea of fuzzy controller is to imitate human reasoning process to control ill-defined and hard to model plants. But there is a lack of systematic methodology in designing fuzzy controllers. The neural network has powerful abilities for learning, optimization and adaptation. A combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic offers the possibility of solving tuning problems and design difficulties of fuzzy logic. Due to their complementary advantages, these two models are integrated together to form more robust learning systems, referred to as adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The secondary controller is designed using the internal model control approach. The performance of the proposed ANFIS-based control is evaluated using different case studies and the simulated results reveal that the ANFIS control approach gives improved servo and regulatory control performances compared to the conventional proportional integral derivative controller.
The role and regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Stimson Roland H. , Walker Brian R.
Published: June 2013

The cortisol regenerating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) amplifies tissue glucocorticoid levels, particularly in the liver and adipose tissue. The importance of this enzyme in causing metabolic disease was highlighted by transgenic mice which over- or under-expressed 11β-HSD1; consequently, selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have been widely developed as novel agents to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review focuses on the importance of 11β-HSD1 in humans which has been more difficult to ascertain. The recent development of a deuterated cortisol tracer has allowed us to quantify in vivo cortisol production by 11β-HSD1. These results have been surprising, as cortisol production rates by 11β-HSD1 are at least equivalent to that of the adrenal glands. The vast majority of this production is by the liver (>90%) with a smaller contribution from subcutaneous adipose tissue and possibly skeletal muscle, but with no detectable production from visceral adipose tissue. This tracer has also allowed us to quantify the tissue-specific regulation of 11β-HSD1 observed in obesity and obesity-associated T2DM, determine the likely basis for this dysregulation, and identify obese patients with T2DM as the group most likely to benefit from selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1. Some of these inhibitors have now reached Phase II clinical development, demonstrating efficacy in the treatment of T2DM. We review these results and discuss whether selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors are likely to be an important new therapy for metabolic disease.
Identification and Optimization of Recombinant E. coli Fed-Batch Fermentation Producing γ-Interferon Protein
Authors: Feyzdar Mahdi , Vali Ahmad Reza , Babaeipour Valiollah
Published: June 2013

A novel approach to identification of fed-batch cultivation of E. coli BL21 (DE3) has been presented. The process has been identified in the system that is designed for maximum production of γ-interferon protein. Dynamic order of the process has been determined by Lipschitz test. Multilayer Perceptron neural network has been used to process identification by experimental data. The optimal brain surgeon method is used to reduce the model complexity that can be easily implemented. Validation results base on autocorrelation function of the residuals, show good performance of neural network and make it possible to use of it in process analyses.
Effect of Vibrating Sparger on Mass Transfer, Gas Holdup, and Bubble Size in a Bubble Column Reactor
Authors: Hadavand Laleh , Fadavi Ali
Published: June 2013

Bubble size has a key role in gas holdup and mass transfer in bubble column reactors. In order to have small and uniform bubbles, a new structure was designed; the reactor operates in two modes, with vibrating sparger and conventional bubble column in which sparger is fixed. In vibrating mode, the sparger vibrates gently during gas entering. The vibrating sparger performs like a paddle, resulting in a forced recirculation of gas–liquid inside the reactor; moreover, the bubble detachment is accelerated. The superficial gas velocity was between 0.003 and 0.013 ms−
1, and the vibration frequency was changed between 0 and 10.3 Hz. The bubble size was measured at three various positions of the reactor height by photographic method and using MATLAB 7.0.1 software. The mass transfer coefficient was determined by means of the dynamic gassing-out method. The results show that the bubbles were bigger in vibrating mode than those working without vibration. The bubble size decreases with increase in height from sparger. Gas holdup increased with increase in superficial gas velocity and vibration frequency. The effect of vibration increased the gas holdup with an average of 70% for all superficial gas velocities. Volumetric mass transfer coefficient was almost stable as vibration frequency increased.
Optimal Operation Planning of Wind Farm Installed BESS Using Wind Power Forecast Data of Wind Turbine Generators Considering Forecast Error
Authors: Ogimi Kazuki , Kamiyama Shota , Palmer Michael , Yona Atsushi , Senju Tomonobu , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: June 2013

In order to solve the problems of global warming and depletion of energy resource, renewable energy systems such as wind generation are getting attention. However, wind power fluctuates due to variation of wind speed, and it is difficult to perfectly forecast wind power. This paper describes a method to use power forecast data of wind turbine generators considering wind power forecast error for optimal operation. The purpose in this paper is to smooth the output power fluctuation of a wind farm and to obtain more beneficial electrical power for selling.