bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of rare co‐occurrence of Epstein–Barr virus‐driven post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Weber T. , Wickenhauser C. , Monecke A. , Gläser C. , Stadler M. , Desole M. , Ligeti K. , Behrmann C. , Müller‐Tidow C. , Müller L.P.
Published: September 2014

In both conditions, post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a key mechanism: almost all PTLD in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is caused by EBV‐related neoplastic lymphoproliferation, and secondary HLH is most frequently triggered by EBV infection. Therefore, concomitant EBV‐driven PTLD and HLH early after alloSCT require an approach to eliminate EBV and balance immune activation simultaneously. We report on a patient who developed simultaneous PTLD and signs of HLH on day 64 after alloSCT. Treatment was comprised of stopping cyclosporine, short‐course dexamethasone, and 3 courses of rituximab. The patient showed full recovery and complete remission of lymphadenopathy. This result indicates that immediate reduction in EBV‐carrying B cells by rituximab, suppression of general inflammation, and parallel support of reconstitution of long‐term T‐cell function, might be an appropriate therapeutic approach in this rare situation.
Clinical and histological characteristics of canine ocular gliovascular syndrome
Authors: Treadwell Amy , Naranjo Carolina , Blocker Tiffany , Zarfoss Mitzi , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To characterize the clinical, diagnostic, and histopathologic findings in dogs with canine ocular gliovascular syndrome (COGS).

Procedures

The archives at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) were used to identify eyes with COGS. Histopathological inclusion criteria included: a neovascular membrane extending from the optic nerve head or retina, clusters of spindle cells lacking vascularization within the vitreous, and histological signs of glaucoma. Special and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques were performed. Clinical data, treatments, and outcomes were obtained from case records and information provided by submitting veterinarians.

Results

Thirty‐seven eyes of 36 dogs were identified with COGS. The average age at diagnosis was 8.8 years (±2.2). The relative risk for a Labrador retriever affected by COGS was significantly greater (9.3 times) (P < 0.0001) when compared to all other dog breeds within the COPLOW database. Most dogs presented with hyphema and secondary glaucoma; average intraocular pressure was 39 mmHg (±19). Average time to enucleation or evisceration was 27 days. Vitreal cells stained positive with IHC for glial fibrillary acidic protein in 14 of 17 globes, and vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in the vitreal cells in five of five globes.

Conclusions

We have defined a syndrome associated with vitreal glial cell aggregates and neovascular proliferation from the optic nerve or retina, which leads to neovascular glaucoma. The inflammation and secondary glaucoma resulting from this syndrome appear poorly responsive to conventional medical therapies. The exact etiology of COGS remains undetermined, but a systemic etiology is unlikely.
Resurgent current of voltage‐gated Na+ channels
Authors: Lewis Amanda H. , Raman Indira M.
Published: August 2014

Resurgent Na+ current results from a distinctive form of Na+ channel gating, originally identified in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. In these neurons, the tetrodotoxin‐sensitive voltage‐gated Na+ channels responsible for action potential firing have specialized mechanisms that reduce the likelihood that they accumulate in fast inactivated states, thereby shortening refractory periods and permitting rapid, repetitive, and/or burst firing. Under voltage clamp, step depolarizations evoke transient Na+ currents that rapidly activate and quickly decay, and step repolarizations elicit slower channel reopening, or a ‘resurgent’ current. The generation of resurgent current depends on a factor in the Na+ channel complex, probably a subunit such as NaVβ4 (Scn4b), which blocks open Na+ channels at positive voltages, competing with the fast inactivation gate, and unblocks at negative voltages, permitting recovery from an open channel block along with a flow of current. Following its initial discovery, resurgent Na+ current has been found in nearly 20 types of neurons. Emerging research suggests that resurgent current is preferentially increased in a variety of clinical conditions associated with altered cellular excitability. Here we review the biophysical, molecular and structural mechanisms of resurgent current and their relation to the normal functions of excitable cells as well as pathophysiology.
Antibiotic Multiresistance Analysis of Mesophilic and Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas spp. Isolated from Goat and Lamb Slaughterhouse Surfaces throughout the Meat Production Process
Authors: Lavilla Lerma Leyre , Benomar Nabil , Casado Muñoz María del Carmen , Gálvez Antonio , Abriouel Hikmate
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles of pseudomonads isolated from surfaces of a goat and lamb slaughterhouse, which were representative of areas that are possible sources of meat contamination. Mesophilic (85 isolates) and psychrotrophic (37 isolates) pseudomonads identified at the species level generally were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, rifampin, and ceftazidime (especially mesophiles), as well as colistin and tetracycline (especially psychrotrophes). However, they generally were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, and kanamycin regardless of species identity. Worryingly, in the present study, we found multidrug resistance (MDR) to up to 13 antibiotics, which was related to intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, a link between various antimicrobial resistance genes was shown for beta-lactams and tetracycline, trimethoprim, and sulfonamides. The distribution and resistome-based analysis of MDR pseudomonads in different slaughterhouse zones indicated that the main sources of the identical or related pseudomonad strains were the animals (feet and wool) and the slaughterhouse environment, being disseminated from the beginning, or entrance environment, to the environment of the finished meat products. Those facts must be taken into consideration to avoid cross-contamination with the subsequent flow of mobile resistance determinants throughout all slaughterhouse zones and then to humans and the environment by the application of adequate practices of hygiene and disinfection measures, including those for animal wool and feet and also the entrance environment.
Campylobacter Colonization and Proliferation in the Broiler Chicken upon Natural Field Challenge Is Not Affected by the Bird Growth Rate or Breed
Authors: Gormley Fraser J. , Bailey Richard A. , Watson Kellie A. , McAdam Jim , Avendaño Santiago , Stanley William A. , Koerhuis Alfons N. M.
Published: August 2014

The zoonotic association between
Campylobacter
bacteria in poultry and humans has been characterized by decades of research which has attempted to elucidate the epidemiology of this complex relationship and to reduce carriage within poultry. While much work has focused on the mechanisms facilitating its success in contaminating chicken flocks (and other animal hosts), it remains difficult to consistently exclude
Campylobacter
under field conditions. Within the United Kingdom poultry industry, various bird genotypes with widely varying growth rates are available to meet market needs and consumer preferences. However, little is known about whether any differences in
Campylobacter
carriage exist across this modern broiler range. The aim of this study was to establish if a relationship exists between growth rate or breed and cecal
Campylobacter
concentration after natural commercial flock
Campylobacter
challenge. In one investigation, four pure line genotypes of various growth rates were grown together, while in the second, eight different commercial broiler genotypes were grown individually. In both studies, the
Campylobacter
concentration was measured in the ceca at 42 days of age, revealing no significant difference in cecal load between birds of different genotypes both in mixed- and single-genotype pens. This is important from a public health perspective and suggests that other underlying reasons beyond genotype are likely to control and affect
Campylobacter
colonization within chickens. Further studies to gain a better understanding of colonization dynamics and subsequent proliferation are needed, as are novel approaches to reduce the burden in poultry.
Environmental Factors Shape the Community of Symbionts in the Hoopoe Uropygial Gland More than Genetic Factors
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Magdalena , Soler Juan J. , Martín-Vivaldi Manuel , Martín-Platero Antonio M. , Méndez María , Peralta-Sánchez Juan M. , Ananou Samir , Valdivia Eva , Martínez-Bueno Manuel
Published: August 2014

Exploring processes of coevolution of microorganisms and their hosts is a new imperative for life sciences. If bacteria protect hosts against pathogens, mechanisms facilitating the intergenerational transmission of such bacteria will be strongly selected by evolution. By disentangling the diversity of bacterial strains from the uropygium of hoopoes (Upupa epops) due to genetic relatedness or to a common environment, we explored the importance of horizontal (from the environment) and vertical (from parents) acquisition of antimicrobial-producing symbionts in this species. For this purpose, we compared bacterial communities among individuals in nonmanipulated nests; we also performed a cross-fostering experiment using recently hatched nestlings before uropygial gland development and some nestlings that were reared outside hoopoe nests. The capacity of individuals to acquire microbial symbionts horizontally during their development was supported by our results, since cross-fostered nestlings share bacterial strains with foster siblings and nestlings that were not in contact with hoopoe adults or nests also developed the symbiosis. Moreover, nestlings could change some bacterial strains over the course of their stay in the nest, and adult females changed their bacterial community in different years. However, a low rate of vertical transmission was inferred, since genetic siblings reared in different nests shared more bacterial strains than they shared with unrelated nestlings raised in different nests. In conclusion, hoopoes are able to incorporate new symbionts from the environment during the development of the uropygium, which could be a selective advantage if strains with higher antimicrobial capacity are incorporated into the gland and could aid hosts in fighting against pathogenic and disease-causing microbes.
The High-Capacity Specific Fructose Facilitator ZrFfz1 Is Essential for the Fructophilic Behavior of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii CBS 732T
Authors: Leandro Maria José , Cabral Sara , Prista Catarina , Loureiro-Dias Maria C. , Sychrová Hana
Published: August 2014

Zygosaccharomyces rouxiiis a fructophilic yeast that consumes fructose preferably to glucose. This behavior seems to be related to sugar uptake. In this study, we constructedZ. rouxiisingle-, double-, and triple-deletion mutants in the UL4 strain background (aura3strain derived from CBS 732T) by deleting the genes encoding the specific fructose facilitatorZ. rouxiiFfz1 (ZrFfz1), the fructose/glucose facilitator ZrFfz2, and/or the fructose symporter ZrFsy1. We analyzed the effects on the growth phenotype, on kinetic parameters of fructose and glucose uptake, and on sugar consumption profiles. No growth phenotype was observed on fructose or glucose upon deletion ofFFZgenes. Deletion of ZrFFZ1drastically reduced fructose transport capacity, increased glucose transport capacity, and eliminated the fructophilic character, while deletion of ZrFFZ2had almost no effect. The strain in which bothFFZgenes were deleted presented even higher consumption of glucose than strain Zrffz1Δ, probably due to a reduced repressing effect of fructose. This study confirms the molecular basis of theZ. rouxiifructophilic character, demonstrating that ZrFfz1 is essential forZ. rouxiifructophilic behavior. The gene is a good candidate to improve the fructose fermentation performance of industrialSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains.
Sequential Logic of Polarity Determination during the Haploid-to-Diploid Transition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zapanta Rinonos Serendipity , Rai Urvashi , Vereb Sydney , Wolf Kyle , Yuen Eric , Lin Cindy , Tartakoff Alan Michael
Published: August 2014

In many organisms, the geometry of encounter of haploid germ cells is arbitrary. In
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, the resulting zygotes have been seen to bud asymmetrically in several directions as they produce diploid progeny. What mechanisms account for the choice of direction, and do the mechanisms directing polarity change over time? Distinct subgroups of cortical “landmark” proteins guide budding by haploid versus diploid cells, both of which require the Bud1/Rsr1 GTPase to link landmarks to actin. We observed that as mating pairs of haploid cells form zygotes, bud site specification progresses through three phases. The first phase follows disassembly and limited scattering of proteins that concentrated at the zone of cell contact, followed by their reassembly to produce a large medial bud. Bud1 is not required for medial placement of the initial bud. The second phase produces a contiguous bud(s) and depends on axial landmarks. As the titer of the Axl1 landmark diminishes, the third phase ultimately redirects budding toward terminal sites and is promoted by bipolar landmarks. Thus, following the initial random encounter that specifies medial budding, sequential spatial choices are orchestrated by the titer of a single cortical determinant that determines whether successive buds will be contiguous to their predecessors.
Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma mimicking malignancy
Authors: Hureibi Khalid , Sunidar Osama A
Published: September 2014

Mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas are benign tumours arising from the mesentery, and have no known aetiology. Patients might be discovered incidentally to have asymptomatic mesenteric cysts, or they can present with symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting. A 27-year-old man presented with vague abdominal pain, loss of appetite, postprandial fullness and significant weight loss. There was no lymphadenopathy, and abdominal examination was unremarkable. CT showed a mesenteric mass and a diagnosis of abdominal lymphoma was suggested. There was no evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis on chest X-ray and the purified protein derivative test was negative. On laparotomy, a 5×9×7 cm sessile cyst containing thick white fluid and arising from the ileal mesentery was found and completely removed. Histopathology proved a diagnosis of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma. The patient made uneventful recovery, and was asymptomatic on clinical follow-up after 6 weeks.
Reproducible complete remission of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib in combination with clopidogrel
Authors: Tan-Shalaby Jocelyn L
Published: September 2014

We present a 57-year-old Caucasian man with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) twice achieving complete remission with reduced dose sorafenib. His initial diagnosis of HCC rapidly improved with sorafenib and he achieved a complete biochemical and radiographic response within 7 months. Remission lasted only 5 months but we noted that the timing of his relapse was immediately after he incidentally discontinued clopidogrel. It was restarted and within 5 months of restarting clopidogrel he once again achieved complete remission. The course of his remission was followed and temporal association of sorafenib remission with use of clopidogrel was observed.
Paediatric selective IgM deficiency and IgG4 deficiency: an extremely unusual association
Authors: Bolia Rishi , Misra Durga Prasanna , Aggarwal Amita , Srivastava Anshu
Published: September 2014

Humoral immunodeficiency disorders present in children after 6 months of age with recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. These may be due to the absence of B cells causing panhypogammaglobulinaemia, or due to selective deficiencies in immunoglobulin subfractions. We present the case of a child with selective deficiency of IgM and IgG4 resulting in chronic diarrhoea and recurrent lower respiratory infections. With appropriate treatment of infections, the child had good symptom relief. Such an unusual combination of antibody deficiency has not been previously described in children. This case serves to illustrate the need for awareness to institute timely therapy for infection along with appropriate prophylactic measures like vaccination for these children.
Primary CNS lymphoma in a patient treated with azathioprine
Authors: Glesner Matilde Kanstrup , Ocias Lukas Frans , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Pedersen Court
Published: September 2014

A 33-year-old man treated with azathioprine for 12 years for Crohn’s disease presented with headache, nausea and vomiting accompanied by difficulty in putting words together and slight mental confusion. Prednisolone and antibiotics were without effect. MRI of the brain showed multiple focal lesions with surrounding oedema. There was cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was detected in the spinal fluid by PCR. A brain biopsy confirmed the suspicion of primary brain lymphoma. EBV-associated primary brain lymphoma is a relevant differential diagnosis in patients with long-standing immune suppression presenting with neurological symptoms. Detection of EBV DNA in the spinal fluid together with characteristic radiological findings may serve as a diagnostic clue for a quick diagnosis.
Central nervous system neoplasia
Authors: Liebel Francois‐Xavier , Smith Peter M.
Published: September 2014

Seizures can be the first sign noticed by owners of animals with intracranial neoplasia. This article looks at the key features that should prompt consideration of neoplasia as a differential diagnosis. Signalment plays an important role in this, with age and breed both key predictors of particular types of tumour; clinical findings should also arouse the suspicion of structural brain disease. We discuss the tools that are needed to reach a diagnosis and highlight some of the pitfalls that should be considered, particularly in those with raised intracranial pressure. Although the prognosis is necessarily guarded in affected animals, carefully selected patients can respond remarkably well to treatment.
Pathophysiology of epileptic seizures
Authors: Penderis Jacques
Published: September 2014

Epilepsy represents the most common chronic neurological condition in the dog. As our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology improves, we are better able to describe the neuroanatomical diagnosis, select the best medication for an individual patient and predict the potential for pharmacoresistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). An epileptic seizure is a clinical sign of neurological disease (similar to any other neurological abnormality, such as ataxia or paresis), whereas epilepsy is defined as recurrent epileptic seizures (ie, a patient does not have epilepsy until it has had repeated seizures). Epileptogenesis is the process whereby a seizure focus develops or increases in size, with an associated increase in seizure frequency or severity. While the effect of early instigation of treatment with AEDs on epileptogenesis is still to be elucidated, it is apparent that early treatment results in the development of less long term adverse behaviour effects in the patient. The main risk factors for pharmacoresistance to AEDs include breed (in particular the border collie) and severe or progressively worsening seizures.
Diagnostic evaluation of the patient with seizures
Authors: Volk Holger A.
Published: September 2014

A rapid and rational clinical reasoning approach will not only help to identify the possible underlying pathology of an epileptic dog, but will also help to give the likely prognosis and allow treatment to be initiated swiftly to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. This article will provide a step‐by‐step approach for clinical reasoning to improve clinical efficiency and to maximise patient care.
Synthesis and characterization of NaAlSi2O6 jadeite under high pressure and high temperature
Authors: Wang Fang Biao , Li Yong , Chen Ning , Jia Xiao Peng , Ma Hong An
Published: September 2014

With Al 2( SiO 3)3 and Na 2 SiO 3 ⋅ 9 H 2 O as raw materials, the NaAlSi 2 O 6 jadeite was synthesized in the temperature range of 1000–1600°C under 5.0 GPa conditions. Amorphous glass materials are entirely converted to crystalline NaAlSi 2 O 6 jadeite at 5.0 GPa and 1450°C. All the experimental results reveal that the properties of synthetic NaAlSi 2 O 6 resemble the natural jadeite very much. The research indicates that we provide a new approach to synthesize NaAlSi 2 O 6 and offer an essential guideline for jewelry, which will be helpful for deep understanding on the origin of natural jadeite and the metamorphism of magma within the Earth.
Dynamics of water dimer in femtosecond laser pulses: a simulation study
Authors: Wang Zhiping , Zhang Fengshou , Xu Xuefeng , Wang Yanbiao , Qian Chaoyi
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we study the electronic and ionic dynamics of the water dimer subject to short and intense laser pulses. The dynamics is described by means of the time-dependent local-density approximation coupled to ionic molecular dynamics (TDLDA-MD) non-adiabatically. The impact of laser frequency on the response of water dimer is discussed by exploring the ionization, the dipole signal and bond lengths of water dimer. Furthermore, it is found that the water donor is more sensitive to the laser field than the water acceptor and the probabilities for the ionic states show the general pattern of the typical sequence of the interlaced production maxima.
Mesoscopic capacitor and zero-point energy: Poisson's distribution for virtual charges, pressure, and decoherence control
Authors: Flores J. C.
Published: September 2014

Mesoscopic capacitor theory, which includes intrinsic inductive effects from quantum tunneling, is applied to conducting spherical shells. The zero-point pressure and the number of virtual charged pairs are determined assuming a Poisson distribution. They are completely defined by a dimensionless mesoscopic parameter (χc) measuring the average number of virtual pairs per solid angle and carrying mesoscopic information. Fluctuations remain finite and well defined. Connections with usual quantum-field-theory limit enables us to evaluate χc ~ 1.007110. Equivalently, for a mesoscopic parallel-plate capacitor, the shot noise distribution becomes operative with χc ~ 0.94705 as well being related to the density of virtual pairs. Temperature decoherence and capacitor control are discussed by considering typical values of quantum dot devices and Coulomb blockade theory.
Nobel Laureate Roy Glauber on Physics and His Personal Experience
Authors: Good Michael
Published: September 2014

Roy Jay Glauber, Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Professor; Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics, Harvard University.

Professor Glabuer was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence. He was invited to Singapore by Institute of Advanced Studies@ Nanyang Technological University in 2014. During his stay in Singapore, he gave several talks to the local physics community members and the general public. In one of his public lectures on "Some Recollections of Los Alamos — and the Nuclear Era", he shared his personal experiences, feelings, and interpretations, regarding wartime science. The editorial team of Asia Pacific Physics Newsletter interviewed Professor Glauber at the Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore on 6 May 2014.
Paul Chu, Anthony Leggett and Warren Pickett in Iran
Authors: APPN Editorial Team
Published: September 2014

In 2013, the Islamic Republic of Iran, for the first time since its government replaced the Shah's government after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, came to the forefront of the international community to negotiate a deal- a deal that would limit its nuclear weapon stockpiles which it has kept hidden from the world even in the face of political isolation.
Sow Chorng Haur Appointed as New Head of Physics Department, National University of Singapore
Authors:   APPN Editorial Team
Published: September 2014

Prof Sow Chorng Haur received a B.Sc. Degree (1st Class) in Physics from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1991. After spending two more years in NUS for research, he received a M.Sc. degree in Physics. He then went on to The University of Chicago and completed his PhD degree in 1998.
Assessment of learning styles of undergraduate medical students using the VARK questionnaire and the influence of sex and academic performance
Authors: Urval Rathnakar P. , Kamath Ashwin , Ullal Sheetal , Shenoy Ashok K. , Shenoy Nandita , Udupa Laxminarayana A.
Published: September 2014

While there are several tools to study learning styles of students, the visual-aural-read/write-kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire is a simple, freely available, easy to administer tool that encourages students to describe their behavior in a manner they can identify with and accept. The aim is to understand the preferred sensory modality (or modalities) of students for learning. Teachers can use this knowledge to facilitate student learning. Moreover, students themselves can use this knowledge to change their learning habits. Five hundred undergraduate students belonging to two consecutive batches in their second year of undergraduate medical training were invited to participate in the exercise. Consenting students (415 students, 83%) were administered a printed form of version 7.0 of the VARK questionnaire. Besides the questionnaire, we also collected demographic data, academic performance data (marks obtained in 10th and 12th grades and last university examination), and self-perceived learning style preferences. The majority of students in our study had multiple learning preferences (68.7%). The predominant sensory modality of learning was aural (45.5%) and kinesthetic (33.1%). The learning style preference was not influenced by either sex or previous academic performance. Although we use a combination of teaching methods, there has not been an active effort to determine whether these adequately address the different types of learners. We hope these data will help us better our course contents and make learning a more fruitful experience.
The use of team-based, guided inquiry learning to overcome educational disadvantages in learning human physiology: a structural equation model
Authors: Rathner Joseph A. , Byrne Graeme
Published: September 2014

The study of human bioscience is viewed as a crucial curriculum in allied health. Nevertheless, bioscience (and particularly physiology) is notoriously difficult for undergraduates, particularly academically disadvantaged students. So endemic are the high failure rates (particularly in nursing) that it has come to be known as “the human bioscience problem.” In the present report, we describe the outcomes for individual success in studying first-year human physiology in a subject that emphasises team-based active learning as the major pedagogy for mastering subject learning outcomes. Structural equation modeling was used to develop a model of the impact team learning had on individual performance. Modeling was consistent with the idea that students with similar academic abilities (as determined by tertiary entrance rank) were advantaged (scored higher on individual assessment items) by working in strong teams (teams that scored higher in team-based assessments). Analysis of covariance revealed that students who studied the subject with active learning as the major mode of learning activities outperformed students who studied the subject using the traditional didactic teaching format (lectures and tutorials, P = 0.000). After adjustment for tertiary entrance rank (via analysis of covariance) on two individual tests (the final exam and a late-semester in-class test), individual student grades improved by 8% (95% confidence interval: 6–10%) and 12% (95% confidence interval: 10–14%) when students engaged in team-based active learning. These data quantitatively support the notion that weaker students working in strong teams can overcome their educational disadvantages.
Melatonin: Exceeding Expectations
Authors: Reiter Russel J. , Tan Dun Xian , Galano Annia
Published: September 2014

Melatonin is a small, highly conserved indole with numerous receptor-mediated and receptor-independent actions. Receptor-dependent functions include circadian rhythm regulation, sleep, and cancer inhibition. The receptor-independent actions relate to melatonin's ability to function in the detoxification of free radicals, thereby protecting critical molecules from the destructive effects of oxidative stress under conditions of ischemia/reperfusion injury (stroke, heart attack), ionizing radiation, and drug toxicity, among others. Melatonin has numerous applications in physiology and medicine.
Decoding Calcium Signaling Across the Nucleus
Authors: Oliveira André G. , Guimarães Erika S. , Andrade Lídia M. , Menezes Gustavo B. , Fatima Leite M.
Published: September 2014

Calcium (Ca2+) is an important multifaceted second messenger that regulates a wide range of cellular events. A Ca2+-signaling toolkit has been shown to exist in the nucleus and to be capable of generating and modulating nucleoplasmic Ca2+transients. Within the nucleus, Ca2+controls cellular events that are different from those modulated by cytosolic Ca2+. This review focuses on nuclear Ca2+signals and their role in regulating physiological and pathological processes.
Chromothripsis: Basis of a Concurrent Unusual Association between Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Agrawal Abhinav , Modi Anar , Alagusundaramoorthy Sayee Sundar , Ghali Wael
Published: September 2014

A 20 year old male was initially diagnosed suffering from Primary ciliary dyskinesia with symptoms of bronchiectasis, severe frontal, maxillary and ethmoid sinus disease. At the age of 20, the patient was also diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome requiring Bone marrow transplant due to the advanced stage at time of presentation. Primary ciliary dyskinesia and Myelodsyplastic syndrome are both rare clinical conditions found in the general population, especially in young adults. This rare combination of disorders has never been reported in literature to the best of the author’s knowledge. The presence of an advanced cancer and a genetic abnormality due to two deletions occurring in two arms of the same chromosome can be explained on the base of chromothripsis. A number of evidences have been published in the literature, about multiple deletions in chromosome 5 and advanced stages of MDS being associated with chromothripsis however this is the first case report on two deletions in chromosome 7 giving rise to two different clinical entities requiring multiple modes of management.
Stability of Delayed Hopfield Neural Networks with Variable‐Time Impulses
Authors: Pei Yangjun , Liu Chao , Han Qi
Published: September 2014

In this paper the globally exponential stability criteria of delayed Hopfield neural networks with variable‐time impulses are established. The proposed criteria can also be applied in Hopfield neural networks with fixed‐time impulses. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
Global Dynamics of Infectious Disease with Arbitrary Distributed Infectious Period on Complex Networks
Authors: Zhang Xiaoguang , Song Rui , Sun Gui-Quan , Jin Zhen
Published: September 2014

Most of the current epidemic models assume that the infectious period follows an exponential distribution. However, due to individual heterogeneity and epidemic diversity, these models fail to describe the distribution of infectious periods precisely. We establish a SIS epidemic model with multistaged progression of infectious periods on complex networks, which can be used to characterize arbitrary distributions of infectious periods of the individuals. By using mathematical analysis, the basic reproduction numberR0for the model is derived. We verify that theR0depends on the average distributions of infection periods for different types of infective individuals, which extend the general theory obtained from the single infectious period epidemic models. It is proved that ifR0<1, then the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable; otherwise the unique endemic equilibrium exists such that it is globally asymptotically attractive. Finally numerical simulations hold for the validity of our theoretical results is given.
Surface Simplification of 3D Animation Models Using Robust Homogeneous Coordinate Transformation
Authors: Tseng Juin-Ling
Published: September 2014

The goal of 3D surface simplification is to reduce the storage cost of 3D models. A 3D animation model typically consists of several 3D models. Therefore, to ensure that animation models are realistic, numerous triangles are often required. However, animation models that have a high storage cost have a substantial computational cost. Hence, surface simplification methods are adopted to reduce the number of triangles and computational cost of 3D models. Quadric error metrics (QEM) has recently been identified as one of the most effective methods for simplifying static models. To simplify animation models by using QEM, Mohr and Gleicher summed the QEM of all frames. However, homogeneous coordinate problems cannot be considered completely by using QEM. To resolve this problem, this paper proposes a robust homogeneous coordinate transformation that improves the animation simplification method proposed by Mohr and Gleicher. In this study, the root mean square errors of the proposed method were compared with those of the method proposed by Mohr and Gleicher, and the experimental results indicated that the proposed approach can preserve more contour features than Mohr’s method can at the same simplification ratio.
Bioassay Directed Isolation and Biological Evaluation of Compounds Isolated fromRubus fairholmianusGard.
Authors: Plackal George Blassan , Thangaraj Parimelazhagan , Sulaiman Cheruthazhakkatt , Piramanayagam Shanmughavel , Ramaswamy Sathish Kumar
Published: September 2014

Thein vitroandin silicoanalysis ofRubus fairholmianusacetone extract for antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activity led to the isolation of six compounds. Amongst all the six isolated compounds tested, 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentan-1-one (compound1) and 2-[(3-methylbutoxy) carbonyl] benzoic acid (compound2) were found to be more active in inhibiting BRCA and COX target proteins, which also showed the better results for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The promising results of this investigation emphasize the importance of usingR. fairholmianusin the treatment of radical generated disorders mainly cancer and other inflammatory diseases.
Modulation at Age of Onset in Tunisian Huntington Disease Patients: Implication of New Modifier Genes
Authors: Hmida-Ben Brahim Dorra , Chourabi Marwa , Ben Amor Sana , Harrabi Imed , Trabelsi Saoussen , Haddaji-Mastouri Marwa , Gribaa Moez , Sassi Sihem , Gahbiche Fatma Ezzahra , Lamouchi Turkia , Mougou-Zereli Soumaya , Ben Ammou Sofiane , Saad Ali
Published: September 2014

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder. The causative mutation is an expansion of more than 36 CAG repeats in the first exon of IT15 gene. Many studies have shown that the IT15 interacts with several modifier genes to regulate the age at onset (AO) of HD. Our study aims to investigate the implication of CAG expansion and 9 modifiers in the age at onset variance of 15 HD Tunisian patients and to establish the correlation between these modifiers genes and the AO of this disease. Despite the small number of studied patients, this report consists of the first North African study in Huntington disease patients. Our results approve a specific effect of modifiers genes in each population.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Potential Plant Growth PromotingBacillus cereusGGBSTD1 andPseudomonasspp. GGBSTD3 from Vermisources
Authors: Sivasankari Balayogan , Anandharaj Marimuthu
Published: September 2014

Vermicompost was prepared from leaf materials ofGliricidia sepium+Cassia auriculata+Leucaena leucocephalawith cow dung (1 : 1 : 2) usingEudrilus eugeniae(Kinberg) andEisenia fetidafor 60 days. Nineteen bacterial strains which have the capability to fix nitrogen, solubilize inorganic phosphate, and produce phytohormones were isolated from vermicompost, vermisources, and earthworm (fore, mid, and hind) guts and tested for plant growth studies. Among the bacterial strains only five strains had both activities; among the fiveBacillusspp. showed more nitrogen fixing activity andPseudomonasspp. showed more phosphate solubilizing activity. Hence these bacterial strains were selected for further molecular analysis and identifiedBacillus cereusGGBSTD1 andPseudomonasspp. GGBSTD3. Plant growth studies use these two organisms separately and as consortium (Bacillus cereus+Pseudomonasspp.) in (1 : 1) ratio at different concentrations usingVigna unguiculata(L.) Walp. at different day intervals. The germination percent, shoot length, root length, leaf area, chlorophyll a content of the leaves, chlorophyll b content of the leaves, total chlorophyll content of the leaves, fresh weight of the whole plant, and dry weight of the whole plant were significantly enhanced by the consortium (Bacillus cereus+Pseudomonasspp.) of two organisms at 5 mL concentrations on the 15th day compared to others.
Uncommon Metastasis of Laryngeal Cancer to Small Bowel Causing Intestinal Obstruction Treated by Laparoscopic Approach
Authors: Bekdache Omar , Al Nuaimi Lateefa , El Salhat Haytham , Sharma Vasudev , Nowrasteh Ghodratollah , Al Rawi Sadir J.
Published: September 2014

Metastatic laryngeal cancer to the small bowel is extremely rare. Management of small bowel obstruction used to constitute a relative contraindication for the use of laparoscopic modality. We are reporting a case of an elderly man known to have laryngeal cancer who presented with small bowel obstruction due to metastatic deposit to the small bowel. The condition was successfully treated by laparoscopic assisted approach. A review of the natural history of advanced laryngeal cancer, common and uncommon sites of metastasis, and the rare presentation as small bowel obstruction is illustrated in this review.
A Method of Protein Model Classification and Retrieval Using Bag-of-Visual-Features
Authors: Ma Jinlin , Ma Ziping , Kang Baosheng , Lu Ke
Published: September 2014

In this paper we propose a novel visual method for protein model classification and retrieval. Different from the conventional methods, the key idea of the proposed method is to extract image features of proteins and measure the visual similarity between proteins. Firstly, the multiview images are captured by vertices and planes of a given octahedron surrounding the protein. Secondly, the local features are extracted from each image of the different views by the SURF algorithm and are vector quantized into visual words using a visual codebook. Finally, KLD is employed to calculate the similarity distance between two feature vectors. Experimental results show that the proposed method has encouraging performances for protein retrieval and categorization as shown in the comparison with other methods.
A New Approach in Risk Stratification by Coronary CT Angiography
Authors: Nakanishi Rine , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: September 2014

For a decade, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has been used as a promising noninvasive modality for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as cardiovascular risks. CCTA can provide more information incorporating the presence, extent, and severity of CAD; coronary plaque burden; and characteristics that highly correlate with those on invasive coronary angiography. Moreover, recent techniques of CCTA allow assessing hemodynamic significance of CAD. CCTA may be potentially used as a substitute for other invasive or noninvasive modalities. This review summarizes risk stratification by anatomical and hemodynamic information of CAD, coronary plaque characteristics, and burden observed on CCTA.
Cusp Catastrophe Model for Description of Bistability in Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Migranov Nail , Kudreyko Aleksey , Kondratyev Denis
Published: September 2014

We propose a new theoretical approach for description of the equilibrium and bistable states of ferroelectric liquid crystal. A sample of ferroelectric liquid crystal is considered in the “bookshelf” geometry under the influence of electric field. Continuum and perturbation theories are used in order to establish the relation between the scale coefficients in the expansion for the azimuthal angle. The equilibrium states of ferroelectric SmC* are determined in the framework of the catastrophe theory.
Collaborative Synchronization Digital Control for Double Hydraulic Cylinders
Authors: Liu Zhi-hao , Gao Qin-he , Yu Chuan-qiang , Li Xiang-yang , Guan Wen-liang , Deng Gang-feng
Published: September 2014

By researching the synchronization motion of double hydraulic cylinders controlled by high-speed on-off valve, the paper aims to solve the shortage of current hydraulic synchronization system with low synchronization precision. The flow characteristic of high-speed on-off valve with pulse width-frequency modulation is researched compared with pulse width modulation. The mathematical equations of the double hydraulic cylinders are formulated with bulk-cavity-node method in MATLAB/Simulink. The collaborative synchronization control is analyzed and the compound algorithm of collaborative synchronization control and pulse width-frequency modulation is simulated compared with collaborative synchronization control. The hydraulic loop is set up to verify the simulation result with the proposed control algorithm on the FESTO platform. The research finds that (1) the pulse width-frequency modulation control can be linear to the flow of high-speed on-off valve on the duty bound of 0~100%; (2) the collaborative synchronization control is effective to eliminate the displacement error between the double cylinders which results from the different load environment and other disturbance.
[Retracted] Development of Highly Interactive Service Platform for Social Learning via Ubiquitous Media
Authors: Yi Gangman , Yen Neil Y.
Published: September 2014

Several emerging issues concerning the development of interactive learning environment were left unsolved although e‐learning has been applied for years. With several studies indicate that more interaction between students and systems increases students’ level of interest and allows them to focus on learning support. Due to the way current interactive learning tools are designed, users have to wear or operate actual tools in order to carry out the required learning procedures. The use of tools for long durations of time results in user fatigue. Hence, this study incorporates the Microsoft Kinect as interactive tool for detecting gestures in the e‐learning process. This study also uses the interaction method that we had developed on Facebook to interact with the proposed learning system. The experiments in this study are divided into five parts: system performance of the 3D web engine, gesture accuracy, system and gesture usability, system and gesture satisfaction, and learning satisfaction of the learner. Also, the gesture design was accepted by learners when they interacted with the learning system. Our research shows that our concept as well as the features of our system can fully support social learning and enhance interaction between users in learning environments.
Efficiently Hiding Sensitive Itemsets with Transaction Deletion Based on Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Lin Chun-Wei , Zhang Binbin , Yang Kuo-Tung , Hong Tzung-Pei
Published: September 2014

Data mining is used to mine meaningful and useful information or knowledge from a very large database. Some secure or private information can be discovered by data mining techniques, thus resulting in an inherent risk of threats to privacy. Privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) has thus arisen in recent years to sanitize the original database for hiding sensitive information, which can be concerned as an NP-hard problem in sanitization process. In this paper, a compact prelarge GA-based (cpGA2DT) algorithm to delete transactions for hiding sensitive itemsets is thus proposed. It solves the limitations of the evolutionary process by adopting both the compact GA-based (cGA) mechanism and the prelarge concept. A flexible fitness function with three adjustable weights is thus designed to find the appropriate transactions to be deleted in order to hide sensitive itemsets with minimal side effects of hiding failure, missing cost, and artificial cost. Experiments are conducted to show the performance of the proposed cpGA2DT algorithm compared to the simple GA-based (sGA2DT) algorithm and the greedy approach in terms of execution time and three side effects.
Using of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Based Nanofluid in the Heat Pipe to Get Better Thermal Performance
Authors: Bakhshan Y. , Aval S. Motadayen , Kamel F. , Hajhossini A.
Published: September 2014

Thermal performance of a cylindrical heat pipe is investigated numerically. Three different types of water based nanofluids, namely, Al2O3 + Water, Diamond + Water, and Multi-Wall Carbon Nano tube (MWCNT) + Water, have been used. The influence of using the simple nanofluids and MWCNT nanofluid on the heat pipe characteristics such as liquid velocity, pressure profile, temperature profile, thermal resistance, and heat transfer coefficient of heat pipe has been studied. A new correlation developed by Bakhshan and Saljooghi (2014) for viscosity of nanofluids has been implemented. The results show, a good agreement with the available analytical and experimental data. Also the results show, that the MWCNT based nanofluid has lower thermal resistance, higher heat transfer coefficient, and lower temperature difference between evaporator and condenser sections, so it has good thermal specifications as a working fluid for use in heat pipes. The prepared code has capability for parametric studies also.
Vitamin C Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia and LPS-Induced Macrophages
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Luo Guangyan , Yuan Jiao , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaoqiong , Wang Xiaoyun , Li Guoping , Liu Zhiguang , Zhong Nanshan
Published: September 2014

Oxidative stress is an important part of host innate immune response to foreign pathogens. However, the impact of vitamin C on oxidative stress and inflammation remains unclear in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to determine the effect of vitamin C on oxidative stress and inflammation. CAP patients were enrolled. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, superoxide dismutases (SOD) activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 were analyzed in CAP patients and LPS-stimulated macrophages cells. MH-S cells were transfected with RFP-LC3 plasmids. Autophagy was measured in LPS-stimulated macrophages cells. Severe CAP patients showed significantly increased ROS, DNA damage, TNF-α, and IL-6. SOD was significantly decreased in severe CAP. Vitamin C significantly decreased ROS, DNA damage, TNF-α, and IL-6. Vitamin C inhibited LPS-induced ROS, DNA damage, TNF-α, IL-6, and p38 in macrophages cells. Vitamin C inhibited autophagy in LPS-induced macrophages cells. These findings indicated that severe CAP exhibited significantly increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, and proinflammatory mediator. Vitamin C mitigated oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediator suggesting a possible mechanism for vitamin C in severe CAP.