bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple seeds sensitivity using a single seed with threshold
Authors: Egidi Lavinia , Manzini Giovanni
Published: February 2015

Spaced seeds are a fundamental tool for similarity search in biosequences. The best sensitivity/selectivity trade-offs are obtained using many seeds simultaneously: This is known as the multiple seed approach. Unfortunately, spaced seeds use a large amount of memory and the available RAM is a practical limit to the number of seeds one can use simultaneously. Inspired by some recent results on lossless seeds, we revisit the approach of using a single spaced seed and considering two regions homologous if the seed hits in at least t sufficiently close positions. We show that by choosing the locations of the don't care symbols in the seed using quadratic residues modulo a prime number, we derive single seeds that when used with a threshold t > 1 have competitive sensitivity/selectivity trade-offs, indeed close to the best multiple seeds known in the literature. In addition, the choice of the threshold t can be adjusted to modify sensitivity and selectivity a posteriori, thus enabling a more accurate search in the specific instance at issue. The seeds we propose also exhibit robustness and allow flexibility in usage.
Highly-selective absorption control in photosynthetic chlorin dyes
Authors: Fujisawa Jun-ichi
Published: February 2015

Selective chemical control of light-absorption bands of dye molecules in which the wavelengths of two or more absorption bands are individually controlled by chemical modifications is an ultimate challenge in chemistry and an important subject for their wide applications. Recently, selective absorption tuning was first reported in photosynthetic bacteriochlorin dyes. In the bacteriochlorin dyes, either the visible or near IR band is selectively shifted by the chemical modifications almost retaining the other band. Fujisawa et al. clarified that the selective absorption tuning is accomplished by chemical control of configuration interactions in the two two-level systems. This paper reports on more highly-selective absorption tuning in photosynthetic chlorin dyes, bacteriochlorophylls (BChls) d and e and the mechanism. In BChls d and e, the near UV band (so-called Soret band) is selectively red-shifted by the chemical modifications of BChl d involving the formylation and methylation perfectly retaining the visible band (so-called Qy). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT analyses showed that the red-shift of the Soret band is predominantly attributed to the large stabilization of the second lowest unoccupied molecular orbital induced by the formylation. In contrast, the Qy absorption retention results from the perfect cancellation between the positive excitation-energy change due to the formylation and negative excitation-energy change due to the methylation, both of which are significantly contributed by configuration interactions. This work reveals that the highly-selective absorption control in BChls d and e is accomplished by the complicated control of configuration interactions in the four-level system.
Energy-transfer studies on phthalocyanine–BODIPY light harvesting pentad by laser flash photolysis
Authors: El-Khouly Mohamed E. , Göl Cem , El-Hendawy Morad M. , Yeşilot Serkan , Durmuş Mahmut
Published: February 2015

A molecular pentad, comprised of zinc phthalocyanine ( ZnPc ) with four boron dipyrromethene units (BODIPY) have been examined by femtosecond and nanosecond laser flash photolysis to explore its photoinduced intramolecular events from the excited BODIPY. The geometry optimization showed that the phthalocyanine moiety is completely symmetric and form perfect square planar complex with zinc. The absorption spectrum of ZnPc -BODIPY pentad covers most of the visible region (ca. 300–750 nm), which clearly is an advantage for capturing solar energy. The excitation transfer from the singlet BODIPY to ZnPc is envisioned due to good spectral overlap of the BODIPY emission and ZnPc absorption spectra. Femtosecond laser flash photolysis studies provided concrete evidence for the occurrence of energy transfer from the singlet excited BODIPY to ZnPc in tetrahydrofuran. The kinetic study of energy transfer measured by monitoring the decay of the BODIPY emission revealed fast energy transfer (5.90 × 1010 s-1) in the molecular pentad. Since the electron transfer from the singlet ZnPc to BODIPY is thermodynamically not feasible, the singlet ZnPc decayed to populates the triplet ZnPc , in addition to the grounds state. These findings suggest the potential of the examined ZnPc -BODIPY pentad to be efficient photosynthetic antenna in the artificial photosynthetic systems.
Nondestructive readout fluorescence memory based on a gallium(III) corrole complex and photochromic cis-1,2-dithienylethene
Authors: Kang Jijoon , You Youngmin
Published: February 2015

Photochromic switching of fluorescence emission provides a viable principle to creation of all optical molecular memory. Successful operation of the fluorescence memory requires deliberate control of the energetics between a fluorophore and a photochrome. One essential requirement is that photoexcitation for fluorescence emission does not interfere with the photochromic processes. Gallium(III) corrole complexes outfit the condition because their fluorescence emissions display large Stokes shifts, permitting photoexcitation at the optical window where the photochromism of cis-1,2-dithienylethene is not executed. To demonstrate the capability for fluorescence memory, we prepared molecularly dispersed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films of a gallium corrole complex and cis-1,2-dithienylethene. The memory cycle comprising fluorescence readout and reversible photochromic switching of the fluorescence emission is fully reversible without suffering from fatigue during repeated operation. The corresponding fluorescence on/off ratio is greater than those of previous memory based on porphyrins. Fluorescence lifetime measurements employing time-correlated single photon counting techniques reveal occurrence of fast energy transfer (~ 109 s-1) which is effectively gated by the photochromism.
Transcription Factor Networks Directing the Development, Function, and Evolution of Innate Lymphoid Effectors
Authors: Kang Joonsoo , Malhotra Nidhi
Published: February 2015

Mammalian lymphoid immunity is mediated by fast and slow responders to pathogens. Fast innate lymphocytes are active within hours after infections in mucosal tissues. Slow adaptive lymphocytes are conventional T and B cells with clonal antigen receptors that function days after pathogen exposure. A transcription factor (TF) regulatory network guiding early T cell development is at the core of effector function diversification in all innate lymphocytes, and the kinetics of immune responses is set by developmental programming. Operational units within the innate lymphoid system are not classified by the types of pathogen-sensing machineries but rather by discrete effector functions programmed by regulatory TF networks. Based on the evolutionary history of TFs of the regulatory networks, fast effectors likely arose earlier in the evolution of animals to fortify body barriers, and in mammals they often develop in fetal ontogeny prior to the establishment of fully competent adaptive immunity.
Low-Fidelity Simulations
Authors: Weekley Jeff A. , Hawkes Ben , Guenole Nigel , Ployhart Robert E.
Published: February 2015

Low-fidelity simulations, which combine closed-ended response options with realistic depictions of key job tasks, have grown in popularity for several practical reasons. Research into low-fidelity simulations, which has focused primarily on text-based situational judgment tests (SJTs), has shown that such measures (a) can predict a wide range of criteria, doing so with moderate adverse impact, depending on the construct saturation of the items, (b) are no more susceptible to coaching/cheating/retesting effects than many other forms of assessment and far less susceptible than some, and (c) continue to struggle when used to measure a single construct. Practice, by contrast, has moved well beyond text-based SJTs to include multimedia SJTs, online assessment center exercises, and game-like assessments. Because these are perceived more favorably by applicants, the same research dedicated to text-based SJTs is needed to guide development of these newer forms of low-fidelity simulation.
Charge Transfer–Mediated Singlet Fission
Authors: Monahan N. , Zhu X.-Y.
Published: February 2015

Singlet fission, the splitting of a singlet exciton into two triplet excitons in molecular materials, is interesting not only as a model many-electron problem, but also as a process with potential applications in solar energy conversion. Here we discuss limitations of the conventional four-electron and molecular dimer model in describing singlet fission in crystalline organic semiconductors, such as pentacene and tetracene. We emphasize the need to consider electronic delocalization, which is responsible for the decisive role played by the Mott-Wannier exciton, also called the charge transfer (CT) exciton, in mediating singlet fission. At the strong electronic coupling limit, the initial excitation creates a quantum superposition of singlet, CT, and triplet-pair states, and we present experimental evidence for this interpretation. We also discuss the most recent attempts at translating this mechanistic understanding into design principles for CT state–mediated intramolecular singlet fission in oligomers and polymers.
Computational Studies of Protein Aggregation: Methods and Applications
Authors: Morriss-Andrews Alex , Shea Joan-Emma
Published: February 2015

Protein aggregation involves the self-assembly of normally soluble proteins into large supramolecular assemblies. The typical end product of aggregation is the amyloid fibril, an extended structure enriched in β-sheet content. The aggregation process has been linked to a number of diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease, but fibril formation can also play a functional role in certain organisms. This review focuses on theoretical studies of the process of fibril formation, with an emphasis on the computational models and methods commonly used to tackle this problem.
Borders, Conflict, and Trade
Authors: Schultz Kenneth A.
Published: February 2015

Research on the relationship between territorial disputes, militarized conflict, and economic integration occurs at the intersection of two large research programs in international relations: one linking territorial disputes to violence, and another exploring the effects of conflict on trade and vice versa. Although we know that territorial disputes fuel conflict and that conflict dampens trade, we know less about whether the prospects of economic gains contribute to the settlement of disputes and subsequent compliance with those settlements. I argue that research in this area could profitably adopt an emerging view of borders as institutions that not only distribute territory but also allow cooperation and the production of joint gains. This review identifies gaps in the existing literature on the resolution of territorial disputes and helps to reframe a persistent methodological challenge in this area: missing and noisy data on trade flows.
Loss of Ron receptor signaling leads to reduced obesity, diabetic phenotypes and hepatic steatosis in response to high-fat diet in mice
Authors: Stuart William D. , Brown Nicholas E. , Paluch Andrew M. , Waltz Susan E.
Published: February 2015

The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is a heterodimeric, membrane-spanning glycoprotein that participates in divergent processes, including proliferation, motility, and modulation of inflammatory responses. We observed male C57BL/6 mice with a global deletion of the Ron tyrosine kinase signaling domain (TK−/−) to be leaner compared with control (TK+/+) mice under a standard diet. When fed a high-fat diet (HFD), TK−/−mice gained 50% less weight and were more insulin sensitive and glucose tolerant than controls. Livers from HFD TK−/−mice were considerably less steatotic and weighed significantly less than TK+/+livers. Serum cytokine levels of HFD TK−/−mice were also significantly altered compared with TK+/+mice. Fewer and smaller adipocytes were present in the TK−/−mice on both control and HFD and were accompanied by diminished adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression. In vitro adipogenesis experiments suggested reduced differentiation in TK−/−embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that was rescued by Ron reconstitution. Likewise, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 phosphorylation was diminished in TK−/−MEFs but was increased after Ron reconstitution. The adipogenic inhibitors, preadipocyte factor 1 and Sox9, were elevated in TK−/−MEFs and increased in both groups after STAT3 silencing. In total, these studies document a previously unknown function for the Ron receptor in mediating HFD-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation.
Removal of Rev-erbα inhibition contributes to the prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 expression in rat endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Isayama Keishiro , Zhao Lijia , Chen Huatao , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi , Hashimoto Seiichi , Hattori Masa-aki
Published: February 2015

The rhythmic expression of clock genes in the uterus is attenuated during decidualization. This study focused on Ptgs2, which is essential for decidualization, as a putative clock-controlled gene, and aimed to reveal the functions of clock genes in relation to Ptgs2 during decidualization. We compared the transcript levels of clock genes in the rat uterus on days 4.5 (D4.5) and 6.5 of pregnancy. The transcript levels of clock genes ( Per2, Bmal1, Rorα, and Rev-erbα) had decreased at implantation sites on day 6.5 (D6.5e) compared with those on D4.5, whereas Ptgs2 transcripts had increased on D6.5e. Similar observations of Rev-erbα and Ptgs2 were also obtained in the endometrium on D6.5e by immunohistochemistry. In the decidual cells induced by medroxyprogesterone and 2- O-dibutyryl-cAMP, the rhythmic expression levels of clock genes were attenuated, whereas Ptgs2 transcription was induced. These results indicate that decidualization causes the attenuation of clock genes and the induction of Ptgs2. Furthermore, in the experiment of Bmal1 siRNA, the rhythmic expression of clock genes and Ptgs2 was attenuated by the siRNA. Transcript levels of Ptgs2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2production were increased by treatment with the Rev-erbα antagonist, suggesting the contribution of the nuclear receptor Rev-erbα to Ptgs2 expression. Moreover, Rev-erbα knockdown enhanced the induction of Ptgs2 transcription and PGE2production by forskolin. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR analysis revealed that Rev-erbα could directly bind to a proximal RORE site of Ptgs2. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the attenuation of the circadian clock, especially its core component Rev-erbα, contributes to the induction of Ptgs2 during decidualization.
A NovelSMAD4Mutation Causing Severe Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome with Protein Losing Enteropathy, Immunodeficiency, and Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Johansson Joel , Sahin Christofer , Pestoff Rebecka , Ignatova Simone , Forsberg Pia , Edsjö Anders , Ekstedt Mattias , Stenmark Askmalm Marie
Published: February 2015

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by juvenile polyps of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a new pathogenic mutation of theSMAD4gene and illustrate the need for a multidisciplinary health care approach to facilitate the correct diagnosis. The patient, a 47-year-old Caucasian woman, was diagnosed with anaemia at the age of 12. During the following 30 years, she developed numerous gastrointestinal polyps. The patient underwent several operations, and suffered chronic abdominal pain, malnutrition, and multiple infections. Screening of theSMAD4gene revealed a novel, disease-causing mutation. In 2012, the patient suffered hypoalbuminemia and a large polyp in the small bowel was found. Gamma globulin was given but the patient responded with fever and influenza-like symptoms and refused more treatment. The patient underwent surgery in 2014 and made an uneventful recovery. At follow-up two months later albumin was 38 g/L and IgG was 6.9 g/L. Accurate diagnosis is essential for medical care. For patients with complex symptomatology, often with rare diseases, this is best provided by multidisciplinary teams including representatives from clinical genetics. Patients with aSMAD4mutation should be followed up both for JPS and haemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia and may develop protein loosing enteropathy and immunodeficiency.
Representations for the Generalized Drazin Inverse of the Sum in a Banach Algebra and Its Application for Some Operator Matrices
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Qin Xiaolan
Published: February 2015

We investigate additive properties of the generalized Drazin inverse in a Banach algebra . We find explicit expressions for the generalized Drazin inverse of the sum a + b, under new conditions on . As an application we give some new representations for the generalized Drazin inverse of an operator matrix.
Genome-Wide Methylome Analyses Reveal Novel Epigenetic Regulation Patterns in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Camarillo Cynthia , Xu Juan , Arana Tania Bedard , Xiao Yun , Zhao Zheng , Chen Hong , Ramirez Mercedes , Zavala Juan , Escamilla Michael A. , Armas Regina , Mendoza Ricardo , Ontiveros Alfonso , Nicolini Humberto , Jerez Magaña Alvaro Antonio , Rubin Lewis P. , Li Xia , Xu Chun
Published: February 2015

Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) are complex genetic disorders. Their appearance is also likely informed by as yet only partially described epigenetic contributions. Using a sequencing-based method for genome-wide analysis, we quantitatively compared the blood DNA methylation landscapes in SZ and BP subjects to control, both in an understudied population, Hispanics along the US-Mexico border. Remarkably, we identified thousands of differentially methylated regions for SZ and BP preferentially located in promoters 3′-UTRs and 5′-UTRs of genes. Distinct patterns of aberrant methylation of promoter sequences were located surrounding transcription start sites. In these instances, aberrant methylation occurred in CpG islands (CGIs) as well as in flanking regions as well as in CGI sparse promoters. Pathway analysis of genes displaying these distinct aberrant promoter methylation patterns showed enhancement of epigenetic changes in numerous genes previously related to psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopment. Integration of gene expression data further suggests that in SZ aberrant promoter methylation is significantly associated with altered gene transcription. In particular, we found significant associations between (1) promoter CGIs hypermethylation with gene repression and (2) CGI 3′-shore hypomethylation with increased gene expression. Finally, we constructed a specific methylation analysis platform that facilitates viewing and comparing aberrant genome methylation in human neuropsychiatric disorders.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γin Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors: Ferrari Silvia Martina , Fallahi Poupak , Vita Roberto , Antonelli Alessandro , Benvenga Salvatore
Published: February 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (PPAR-)γexpression has been shown in thyroid tissue from patients with thyroiditis or Graves’ disease and furthermore in the orbital tissue of patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO), such as in extraocular muscle cells. An increasing body of evidence shows the importance of the (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 (CXCR3) and cognate chemokines (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, in the T helper 1 immune response and in inflammatory diseases such as thyroid autoimmune disorders. PPAR-γagonists show a strong inhibitory effect on the expression and release of CXCR3 chemokines,in vitro, in various kinds of cells, such as thyrocytes, and in orbital fibroblasts, preadipocytes, and myoblasts from patients with GO. Recently, it has been demonstrated that rosiglitazone is involved in a higher risk of heart failure, stroke, and all-cause mortality in old patients. On the contrary, pioglitazone has not shown these effects until now; this favors pioglitazone for a possible use in patients with thyroid autoimmunity. However, further studies are ongoing to explore the use of new PPAR-γagonists in the treatment of thyroid autoimmune disorders.
A Highly Conserved GEQYQQLR Epitope Has Been Identified in the Nucleoprotein of Ebola Virus by Using an In Silico Approach
Authors: Ali Mohammad Tuhin , Islam Md Ohedul
Published: February 2015

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a deadly virus that has caused several fatal outbreaks. Recently it caused another outbreak and resulted in thousands afflicted cases. Effective and approved vaccine or therapeutic treatment against this virus is still absent. In this study, we aimed to predict B-cell epitopes from several EBOV encoded proteins which may aid in developing new antibody-based therapeutics or viral antigen detection method against this virus. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) was performed for the identification of conserved region among glycoprotein (GP), nucleoprotein (NP), and viral structural proteins (VP40, VP35, and VP24) of EBOV. Next, different consensus immunogenic and conserved sites were predicted from the conserved region(s) using various computational tools which are available in Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). Among GP, NP, VP40, VP35, and VP30 protein, only NP gave a 100% conserved GEQYQQLR B-cell epitope that fulfills the ideal features of an effective B-cell epitope and could lead a way in the milieu of Ebola treatment. However, successful in vivo and in vitro studies are prerequisite to determine the actual potency of our predicted epitope and establishing it as a preventing medication against all the fatal strains of EBOV.
Effect of Low-Dose (Single-Dose) Magnesium Sulfate on Postoperative Analgesia in Hysterectomy Patients Receiving Balanced General Anesthesia
Authors: Taheri Arman , Haryalchi Katayoun , Mansour Ghanaie Mandana , Habibi Arejan Neda
Published: February 2015

Background and Aim. Aparallel, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial study was designed to assess the efficacy of single low dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate on post-total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) pain relief under balanced general anesthesia.Subject and Methods. Forty women undergoing TAH surgery were assigned to two magnesium sulfate (N=20) and normal saline (N=20) groups randomly. The magnesium group received magnesium sulfate 50 mg·kg−1in 100 mL of normal saline solution i.v as single-dose, just 15 minutes before induction of anesthesia whereas patients in control group received 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution at the same time. The same balanced general anesthesia was induced for two groups. Pethidine consumption was recorded over 24 hours precisely as postoperative analgesic. Pain score was evaluated with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the surgeries.Results. Postoperative pain score was lower in magnesium group at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the operations significantly (P<0.05).Pethidinerequirement was significantly lower in magnesium group throughout 24 hours after the surgeries (P=0.0001).Conclusion. Single dose of magnesium sulfate during balanced general anesthesia could be considered as effective and safe method to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption after TAH.
A Hybrid Reliable Heuristic Mapping Method Based on Survivable Virtual Networks for Network Virtualization
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Wang Hui-Qiang , Feng Guang-Sheng , Lv Hong-Wu , Wang Zhen-Dong , Wen Xiu-Xiu , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2015

The reliable mapping of virtual networks is one of the hot issues in network virtualization researches. Unlike the traditional protection mechanisms based on redundancy and recovery mechanisms, we take the solution of the survivable virtual topology routing problem for reference to ensure that the rest of the mapped virtual networks keeps connected under a single node failure condition in the substrate network, which guarantees the completeness of the virtual network and continuity of services. In order to reduce the cost of the substrate network, a hybrid reliable heuristic mapping method based on survivable virtual networks (Hybrid-RHM-SVN) is proposed. In Hybrid-RHM-SVN, we formulate the reliable mapping problem as an integer linear program. Firstly, we calculate the primary-cut set of the virtual network subgraph where the failed node has been removed. Then, we use the ant colony optimization algorithm to achieve the approximate optimal mapping. The links in primary-cut set should select a substrate path that does not pass through the substrate node corresponding to the virtual node that has been removed first. The simulation results show that the acceptance rate of virtual networks, the average revenue of mapping, and the recovery rate of virtual networks are increased compared with the existing reliable mapping algorithms, respectively.
Balancing Rigidity and Safety of Pedicle Screw Fixation via a Novel Expansion Mechanism in a Severely Osteoporotic Model
Authors: Shea Thomas M. , Doulgeris James J. , Gonzalez-Blohm Sabrina A. , Lee William E. , Aghayev Kamran , Vrionis Frank D.
Published: February 2015

Many successful attempts to increase pullout strength of pedicle screws in osteoporotic bone have been accompanied with an increased risk of catastrophic damage to the patient. To avoid this, a single-armed expansive pedicle screw was designed to increase fixation strength while controlling postfailure damage away from the nerves surrounding the pedicle. The screw was then subsequently tested in two severely osteoporotic models: one representing trabecular bone (with and without the presence of polymethylmethacrylate) and the other representing a combination of trabecular and cortical bone. Maximum pullout strength, stiffness, energy to failure, energy to removal, and size of the resulting block damage were statistically compared among conditions. While expandable pedicle screws produced maximum pullout forces less than or comparable to standard screws, they required a higher amount of energy to be fully removed from both models. Furthermore, damage to the cortical layer in the composite test blocks was smaller in all measured directions for tests involving expandable pedicle screws than those involving standard pedicle screws. This indicates that while initial fixation may not differ in the presence of cortical bone, the expandable pedicle screw offers an increased level of postfailure stability and safety to patients awaiting revision surgery.
Global Stability Results in a SVIR Epidemic Model with Immunity Loss Rate Depending on the Vaccine-Age
Authors: Peralta Raúl , Vargas-De-León Cruz , Miramontes Pedro
Published: February 2015

We formulate a susceptible-vaccinated-infected-recovered (SVIR) model by incorporating the vaccination of newborns, vaccine-age, and mortality induced by the disease into the SIR epidemic model. It is assumed that the period of immunity induced by vaccines varies depending on the vaccine-age. Using the direct Lyapunov method with Volterra-type Lyapunov function, we show the global asymptotic stability of the infection-free and endemic steady states.
Homocysteine, Cortisol, Diabetes Mellitus, and Psychopathology
Authors: Kontoangelos K. , Papageorgiou C. C. , Raptis A. E. , Tsiotra P. , Lambadiari V. , Papadimitriou G. N. , Rabavilas A. D. , Dimitriadis G. , Raptis S. A.
Published: February 2015

Objective. This study investigates the association of homocysteine and cortisol with psychological factors in type 2 diabetic patients.Method. Homocysteine, cortisol, and psychological variables were analyzed from 131 diabetic patients. Psychological factors were assessed with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ), the Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL 90-R), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDRS), and the Maudsley O-C Inventory Questionnaire (MOCI). Blood samples were taken by measuring homocysteine and cortisol in both subgroups during the initial phase of the study (T0). One year later (T1), the uncontrolled diabetic patients were reevaluated with the use of the same psychometric instruments and with an identical blood analysis.Results. The relation of psychoticism and homocysteine is positive among controlled diabetic patients (Pvalue =0.006<0.05)and negative among uncontrolled ones (Pvalue = 0.137). Higher values of cortisol correspond to lower scores on extraversion subscale(rp=-0.223,Pvalue = 0.010). Controlled diabetic patients showed a statistically significant negative relationship between homocysteine and the act-out hostility subscale(rsp=-0.247,P=0.023). There is a statistically significant relationship between homocysteine and somatization(rsp=-0.220,P=0.043).Conclusions. These findings support the notion that homocysteine and cortisol are related to trait and state psychological factors in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.
3D Geometric Modeling of the Abu Madi Reservoirs and Its Implication on the Gas Development in Baltim Area (Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt)
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Mohamed I. , Tawfik Ahmed Y.
Published: February 2015

3D geometric modeling has received renewed attention recently, in the context of visual scene understanding. The reservoir geometry of the Baltim fields is described by significant elements, such as thickness, depth maps, and fault planes, resulting from an interpretation based on seismic and well data. Uncertainties affect these elements throughout the entire interpretation process. They have some bearing on the geometric shape and subsequently on the gross reservoir volume (GRV) of the fields. This uncertainty on GRV also impacts volumes of hydrocarbons in place, reserves, and production profiles. Thus, the assessment of geometrical uncertainties is an essential first step in a field study for evaluation, development, and optimization purposes. Seismic data are best integrated with well and reservoir information. A 3D geometric model of the Late Messinian Abu Madi reservoirs in the time and depth domain is used to investigate the influence of the reservoir geometry on the gas entrapment. Important conceptual conclusions about the reservoir system behavior are obtained using this model. The results show that the reservoir shape influences the seismic response of the incised Abu Madi Paleovalley, making it necessary to account for 3D effects in order to obtain accurate results.
99mTechnetium Sestamibi-123Iodine Scintigraphy Is More Accurate Than 99mTechnetium Sestamibi Alone before Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ryhänen Eeva M. , Schildt Jukka , Heiskanen Ilkka , Väisänen Mika , Ahonen Aapo , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Välimäki Matti J.
Published: February 2015

Objectives. Studies comparing outcome of single-T99mc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (T99mc-sestamibi) and dual-tracer T99mc-sestamibi scintigraphy in combination with 123I before primary surgery of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are scarce. Methods. We compared T99mc-sestamibi/123I and T99mc-sestamibi in a single-centre retrospective series of 269 PHPT patients. The results were related to laboratory, surgical and histological findings. Results. T99mc-sestamibi/123I and T99mc-sestamibi were positive in 206 (76.6%) and 111 (41.3%) of 269 patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Accuracies for T99mc-sestamibi/123I and T99mc-sestamibi were 63.4% and 34.9%, respectively (96% CI, P < 0.001). Prevalence of multiglandular disease was 15.2%. In multiglandular disease, T99mc-sestamibi/123I and T99mc-sestamibi revealed 43.8 and 22.1% of pathological glands, respectively (P < 0.001). Cure rate was similar for patients with (191/206; 92.7%) and without (59 of 63; 93.7%) a positive T99mc-sestamibi/123I finding. Duration of targeted surgery (one or two quadrants) was 21 and 15 minutes shorter than bilateral neck exploration, respectively (both P < 0.001). Higher serum calcium (P = 0.014) and PTH (P = 0.055) concentrations and larger tumours (P < 0.001) characterized the 206 patients with a positive preoperative scan who were cured by removal of a single adenoma. Conclusions. T99mc-sestamibi/123I scintigraphy is more accurate than T99mc-sestamibi before surgery of PHPT. However, outcome of surgery is not determined by scintigraphy alone.
Exploitation of Cytotoxicity of Some Essential Oils for Translation in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Russo Rossella , Corasaniti Maria Tiziana , Bagetta Giacinto , Morrone Luigi Antonio
Published: February 2015

Essential oils are complex mixtures of several components endowed with a wide range of biological activities, including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, sedative, analgesic, and anesthetic properties. A growing body of scientific reports has recently focused on the potential of essential oils as anticancer treatment in the attempt to overcome the development of multidrug resistance and important side effects associated with the antitumor drugs currently used. In this review we discuss the literature on the effects of essential oils in  in vitroandin vivomodels of cancer, focusing on the studies performed with the whole phytocomplex rather than single constituents.
Development of a New Binary Solvent System Using Ionic Liquids as Additives to Improve Rotenone Extraction Yield from MalaysiaDerrissp.
Authors: Othman Zetty Shafiqa , Hassan Nur Hasyareeda , Yusop Muhammad Rahimi , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: February 2015

Rotenone is one of the prominent insecticidal isoflavonoid compounds which can be isolated from the extract ofDerrissp. plant. Despite being an effective compound in exterminating pests in a minute concentration, procuring a significant amount of rotenone in the extracts for commercialized biopesticides purposes is a challenge to be attained. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the best ionic liquid (IL) which gives the highest yield of rotenone. The normal soaking extraction (NSE) method was carried out for 24 hrs using five different types of binary solvent systems comprising a combination of acetone and five respective ionic liquids (ILs) of (1) [BMIM] Cl; (2) [BMIM] OAc; (3) [BMIM] NTf2; (4) [BMIM] OTf; and (5) [BMPy] Cl. Next, the yield of rotenone, % (w/w), and its concentration (mg/mL) in dried roots were quantitatively determined by means of RP-HPLC and TLC. The results showed that a binary solvent system of [BMIM] OTf + acetone was the best solvent system combination as compared to other solvent systems (P<0.05). It contributed to the highest rotenone content of 2.69 ± 0.21% (w/w) (4.04 ± 0.34 mg/mL) at 14 hrs of exhaustive extraction time. In conclusion, a combination of the ILs with a selective organic solvent has been proven to increase a significant amount of bioactive constituents in the phytochemical extraction process.
Solving the Linear 1D Thermoelasticity Equations with Pure Delay
Authors: Khusainov Denys Ya. , Pokojovy Michael
Published: February 2015

We propose a system of partial differential equations with a single constant delayτ>0describing the behavior of a one-dimensional thermoelastic solid occupying a bounded interval ofR1. For an initial-boundary value problem associated with this system, we prove a well-posedness result in a certain topology under appropriate regularity conditions on the data. Further, we show the solution of our delayed model to converge to the solution of the classical equations of thermoelasticity asτ→0. Finally, we deduce an explicit solution representation for the delay problem.
The Role of Radiotherapy in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: What Has Been Achieved during the Last 50 Years?
Authors: Witkowska Magdalena , Majchrzak Agata , Smolewski Piotr
Published: February 2015

Currently, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) has an excellent clinical outcome, with overall survival of approximately 90% in early stages of the disease. Based on young age of the majority of patients at the time of diagnosis and their long survival time, increased attention has been focused on long-term toxicity of therapy. While novel, directly targeting antitumor agents, with an excellent safety profile, have been developed for HL treatment, the role of radiotherapy is still debated. Radiotherapy may induce cardiovascular disease and impairment of thyroid or pulmonary function and, most importantly, may lead to development of secondary cancers. As a consequence, the current radiation therapy planning paradigm is mainly focused on a reduction of field size. As it was investigated in clinical trials regional therapy is as effective as extended field radiotherapy, but less toxic. Although chemotherapy is the mainstay of HL treatment, consolidative involved field radiation therapy is still considered to be the standard of care in both early and advanced stages. Recently, further field reduction has been investigated to further decrease the late radiation-induced toxicity. In this paper we describe the role and safety profile of radiotherapy in the past and present and hope for the novel techniques in the future.
Cholinergic Synaptic Transmissions Were Altered after Single Sevoflurane Exposure inDrosophilaPupa
Authors: Chen Rongfa , Zhang Tao , Kuang Liting , Chen Zhen , Ran Dongzhi , Niu Yang , Xu Kangqing , Gu Huaiyu
Published: February 2015

Purpose. Sevoflurane, one of the most used general anesthetics, is widely used in clinical practice all over the world. Previous studies indicated that sevoflurane could induce neuron apoptosis and neural deficit causing query in the safety of anesthesia using sevoflurane. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on electrophysiology inDrosophilapupa whose excitatory neurotransmitter is acetylcholine early after sevoflurane exposure using whole brain recording technique.Methods. Wide types ofDrosophila(canton-s flies) were allocated to control and sevoflurane groups randomly. Sevoflurane groups (1% sevoflurane; 2% sevoflurane; 3% sevoflurane) were exposed to sevoflurane and the exposure lasted 5 hours, respectively. All flies were subjected to electrophysiology experiment using patch clamp 24 hours after exposure.Results. The results showed that, 24 hours after sevoflurane exposure, frequency but not the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was significantly reducedP<0.05. Furthermore, we explored the underlying mechanism and found that calcium currents density, which partially regulated the frequency of mEPSCs, was significantly reduced after sevoflurane exposureP<0.05.Conclusions. All these suggested that sevoflurane could alter the mEPSCs that are related to synaptic plasticity partially through modulating calcium channel early after sevoflurane exposure.
The Effect of Various Types of Motorcycle Helmets on Cervical Spine Injury in Head Injury Patients: A Multicenter Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lam Carlos , Lin Mau-Roung , Chu Shu-Fen , Tsai Shin-Han , Bai Chyi-Huey , Chiu Wen-Ta
Published: February 2015

Introduction. The relationship between cervical spine injury (CSI) and helmet in head injury (HI) patients following motorcycle crashes is crucial. Controversy still exists; therefore we evaluated the effect of various types of helmets on CSI in HI patients following motorcycle crashes and researched the mechanism of this effect.Patients and Methods. A total of 5225 patients of motorcycle crashes between 2000 and 2009 were extracted from the Head Injury Registry in Taiwan. These patients were divided into case and control groups according to the presence of concomitant CSI. Helmet use and types were separately compared between the two groups and the odds ratio of CSI was obtained by using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results. We observed that 173 (3.3%) of the HI patients were associated with CSI. The HI patients using a helmet (odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.19−0.49), full-coverage helmet (0.19, 0.10−0.36), and partial-coverage helmet (0.35, 0.21−0.56) exhibited a significantly decreased rate of CSI compared with those without a helmet.Conclusion. Wearing full-coverage and partial-coverage helmets significantly reduced the risk of CSI among HI patients following motorcycle crashes. This effect may be due to the smooth surface and hard padding materials of helmet.
Photodocumentation of the Development of Type I Posterior Glottic Stenosis after Intubation Injury
Authors: Howard Nelson Scott , Shiba Travis L. , Pesce Julianna E. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: February 2015

Bilateral vocal fold immobility may result from bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis or physiologic insults to the airway such as glottic scars. The progression of mucosal injury to granulation tissue, and then posterior glottis stenosis, is an accepted theory but has not been photodocumented. This paper presents serial images from common postintubation injury to less common posterior glottic stenosis with interarytenoid synechia.
Association of Polymorphisms in X-Ray Repair Cross Complementing 1 Gene and Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Chinese Population
Authors: Yun Yu-Xia , Dai Li-Ping , Wang Peng , Wang Kai-Juan , Zhang Jian-Ying , Xie Wei
Published: February 2015

Objectives. To investigate the association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the X-ray repair cross complementing 1 gene (XRCC1) and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Chinese population.Methods. A case-control study including 381 primary ESCC patients recruited from hospital and 432 normal controls matched with patients by age and gender from Chinese Han population was conducted. The genotypes of threeXRCC1polymorphisms at −77T>C (T-77C), codon 194 (Arg194Trp), and codon 399 (Arg399Gln) were studied by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques (PCR-RFLP). Unconditional logistic regression model and haplotype analysis were used to estimate associations of these three SNPs inXRCC1gene with ESCC risk.Results. Polymorphisms at these three sites inXRCC1gene were not found to be associated with risk for developing ESCC; however the haplotypeCcodon 194Gcodon 399C-77T>Cwas significantly associated with reduced risk of ESCC (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40–0.96) upon haplotype analysis.Conclusion. These results suggested that the gene-gene interactions might play vital roles in the progression on esophageal cancer in Chinese Han population and it would be necessary to confirm these findings in a large and multiethnic population.
Effects of Partial Substitution of Fish Meal by Soybean Meal with or without Heat-KilledLactobacillus plantarum(LP20) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, and Immune Response of Amberjack,Seriola dumeriliJuveniles
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Koshio Shunsuke , Ishikawa Manabu , Yokoyama Saichiro
Published: February 2015

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemented diets with heat-killedLactobacillus plantarum(HK-LP) with graded levels of soybean meal (SBM) on growth, digestibility, blood parameters, and immune response ofSeriola dumerili(initial weight, 25.05 ± 0.1 g). Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated to contain 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% SBM, and each SBM level was supplemented with HK-LP at 0.0 and 0.1%. Fish fed diet which contains 30% SBM with HK-LP grew significantly faster than the other groups with notable feed intake and protein retention. Further, protein gain, whole body protein content, protease activity, protein, and lipid digestibility were significantly increased for all fish groups except for fish fed diet which contains 45% SBM with or without HK-LP. Interestingly, lysozyme activity was significantly enhanced in fish fed diets that contain 15% and 30% SBM with HK-LP. Hematocrit, peroxidase, and bactericidal activities revealed a significant increase in 30% SBM with HK-LP group. In addition, fish fed diets which contain 0% and 30% SBM with HK-LP showed higher tolerance against low-salinity stress compared with other groups. In conclusion, the addition of HK-LP to amberjack diets appeared to improve SBM utilization, immune response, and stress resistance.
CamShift Tracking Method Based on Target Decomposition
Authors: Xiu Chunbo , Wei Shian , Wan Rongfeng , Cheng Yi , Luo Jing , Tian Huixin
Published: February 2015

In order to avoid the inaccurate location or the failure tracking caused by the occlusion or the pose variation, a novel tracking method is proposed based on CamShift algorithm by decomposing the target into multiple subtargets for location separately. Distance correlation matrices are constructed by the subtarget sets in the template image and the scene image to evaluate the correctness of the location results. The error locations of the subtargets can be corrected by resolving the optimization function constructed according to the relative positions among the subtargets. The directions and sizes of the correctly located subtargets with CamShift algorithm are updated to reduce the disturbance of the background in the tracking progress. Simulation results show that the method can perform the location and tracking of the target and has better adaptability to the scaling, translation, rotation, and occlusion. Furthermore, the computational cost of the method increases slightly, and its average tracking computational time of the single frame is less than 25 ms, which can meet the real-time requirement of the TV tracking system.
Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Biomarkers of Immunologic Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Xu Ningan , Li Xiaohong , Zhong Yan
Published: February 2015

Autism is a disorder of neurobiological origin characterized by problems in communication and social skills and repetitive behavior. After more than six decades of research, the etiology of autism remains unknown, and no biomarkers have been proven to be characteristic of autism. A number of studies have shown that the cytokine levels in the blood, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of autistic subjects differ from that of healthy individuals; for example, a series of studies suggests that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) are significantly elevated in different tissues in autistic subjects. However, the expression of some cytokines, such as IL‐1, IL‐2, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), is controversial, and different studies have found various results in different tissues. In this review, we focused on several types of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines that might affect different cell signal pathways and play a role in the pathophysiological mechanism of autistic spectrum disorders.
Statistical Optimization of Conditions for Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes byCordyceps militarisMTCC 3936 Using RSM
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Kumar Balvir , Garg Neena , Kaur Navneet
Published: February 2015

In the present study, the biobleaching potential of white rot fungusCordyceps militarisMTCC3936 was investigated. For preliminary screening, decolorization properties ofC. militariswere comparatively studied using whole cells in agar-based and liquid culture systems. Preliminary investigation in liquid culture systems revealed 100% decolorization achieved within 3 days of incubation for reactive yellow 18, 6 days for reactive red 31, 7 days for reactive black 8, and 11 days for reactive green 19 and reactive red 74. RSM was further used to study the effect of three independent variables such as pH, incubation time, and concentration of dye on decolorization properties of cell free supernatant ofC. militaris. RSM based statistical analysis revealed that dye decolorization by cell free supernatants ofC. militarisis more efficient than whole cell based system. The optimized conditions for decolorization of synthetic dyes were identified as dye concentration of 300 ppm, incubation time of 48 h, and optimal pH value as 5.5, except for reactive red 31 (for which the model was nonsignificant). The maximum dye decolorizations achieved under optimized conditions for reactive yellow 18, reactive green 19, reactive red 74, and reactive black 8 were 73.07, 65.36, 55.37, and 68.59%, respectively.