bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing donor selection for public cord blood banking: influence of maternal, infant, and collection characteristics on cord blood unit quality
Authors: Page Kristin M. , Mendizabal Adam , Betz‐Stablein Brigid , Wease Stephen , Shoulars Kevin , Gentry Tracy , Prasad Vinod K. , Sun Jessica , Carter Shelly , Balber Andrew E. , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: May 2013

Background

Banked unrelated donor umbilical cord blood (CB) has improved access to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients without a suitably matched donor. In a resource‐limited environment, ensuring that the public inventory is enriched with high‐quality cord blood units (CBUs) addressing the needs of a diverse group of patients is a priority. Identification of donor characteristics correlating with higher CBU quality could guide operational strategies to increase the yield of banked high‐quality CBUs.

Study Design and Methods

Characteristics of 5267 CBUs donated to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank, a public bank participating in the National Cord Blood Inventory, were retrospectively analyzed. Eligible CBUs, collected by trained personnel, were processed using standard procedures. Routine quality and potency metrics (postprocessing total nucleated cell count [post‐TNCC], CD34+, colony‐forming units [CFUs]) were correlated with maternal, infant, and collection characteristics.

Results

High‐quality CBUs were defined as those with higher post‐TNCC (>1.25 × 109) with CD34+ and CFUs in the upper quartile. Factors associated with higher CD34+ or CFU content included a shorter interval from collection to processing (<10 hr), younger gestational age (34‐37 weeks; CD34+ and CFUs), Caucasian race, higher birthweight (>3500 g), and larger collection volumes (>80 mL).

Conclusions

We describe characteristics identifying high‐quality CBUs, which can be used to inform strategies for CBU collection for public banks. Efforts should be made to prioritize collections from larger babies born before 38 weeks of gestation. CBUs should be rapidly transported to the processing laboratory. The lower quality of CBUs from non‐Caucasian donors highlights the challenges of building a racially diverse public CB inventory.
Anatomical location and culture of equine corneal epithelial stem cells
Authors: Moriyama Hidekazu , Kasashima Yoshinori , Kuwano Atsutoshi , Wada Shinya
Published: May 2013

Objective

To identify morphologically the locations of equine corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) and to culture these cells.

Animals studied

We studied the eyes of 12 adult thoroughbred horses.

Procedures

Eye tissues were immunostained for two positive stem cell markers (p63,CK14) and one negative marker (CK3) to identify the locations ofCESCs, so we could compare their immunostaining patterns with those of human stem cells previously reported. We compared the proliferation rates and morphological features of epithelial cells isolated from the corneal limbus and central cornea.

Results

Undifferentiated cells expressing the same immunostaining pattern as humanCESCs were present in the equine corneal limbus. Cultured epithelial cells isolated from the limbus expressed the same immunostaining pattern thatCESCs show histologically, but cells isolated from the central cornea did not proliferate and could not be evaluated.

Conclusions

EquineCESCs were localized in the epithelial basal layer of the corneal limbus, where melanocytes reside. They could be cultured without loss of their undifferentiated nature. When collecting such stem cells, it may be useful to harvest and culture corneal epithelial tissues in the limbus where melanocytes serve as an indicator of the collecting area.
Bacterial microbiota of the ocular surface of captive and free‐ranging microbats:Desmodus rotundus,Diameus youngiandArtibeus lituratus
Authors: Leigue dos Santos Lucianne , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Lima Leandro , Lange Rogério , de barros Filho Ivan R.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To investigate normal aerobic bacterial microbiota of the eye surface in vvcaptive and free‐ranging bats belonging to the suborder Microchiroptera.

Animals studied

A total of 36 bats belonging to three different species (Desmodus rotundus,Diameus youngi,andArtibeus lituratus) were used to perform this investigation. ThirteenDiameus youngiand sixDesmodus rotunduswere trapped in a cave, and 17 captiveArtibeus lituratuswere obtained from an experimental colony. Both free‐ranging and captive bats were free of apparent ocular or systemic disease.

Procedures

Corneal and conjunctival swabs were collected from both eyes to identify the resident bacterial microbiota.

Results

Seventeen bats had positive bacterial cultures in one or both eyes. Considering all isolates, Gram‐positive bacteria (82.6%) predominated over those that were Gram‐negative bacteria (17.4%). Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (30.4%) were the most isolated genus, followed byBacillusspp. (26%) andCorynebacteriumspp. (21%). Only four Gram‐negative species were isolated:Shigellaspp.,Hafnia alvei,Morganella morganii,andFlavobacterium odoratum.

Conclusions

In this study, bacterial microbiota of the ocular surface of bats was described, andStaphylococcusspp. were the most frequently isolated type of microorganism from healthy bat eyes.
Evaluation of the quality of blood components prepared using the Reveos automated blood processing system
Authors: Johnson L. , Winter K. M. , Kwok M. , Reid S. , Marks D. C.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective

The Reveos automated blood processing system has been developed to combine primary and secondary processing of whole‐blood units, resulting in a plasma unit, a red‐blood‐cell concentrate and an interim platelet unit per input. The aim of this study was to determine product specifications and in vitro quality of components produced by the Reveos system.

Materials and Methods

Whole blood was processed using the Reveos system and compared with historical Reference units produced using semi‐automated methods. Reveos red cells were leucoreduced and stored in SAGM at 4°C. Reveos plasma was frozen at −30°C and factor activity was assessed after thawing. Reference red cell, plasma and buffy coats were produced by top and bottom processing. Leucoreduced Reveos and Reference platelet concentrates were prepared by pooling four interim platelet units or four buffy coats, respectively, with SSP+.

Results

Processing with the Reveos system was faster (76 min) than semi‐automated separation (92 min). The red cell and platelet yields were higher in the units prepared by the Reveos system. The Reference and Reveos red cell and plasma units had very similar in vitro quality parameters. The platelet concentrates were also similar in many in vitro parameters, including pH, glucose and lactate metabolism, hypotonic shock response and phosphatidylserine expression, although platelet activation markers (CD62P and cytokine levels) were higher in the Reveos units.

Conclusion

The Reveos system can improve blood component efficiencies through reductions in processing time, whilst maintaining similar component quality.
BIOLOGY AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE HUMAN
Authors: McMullin Ernan
Published: May 2013

We will consider two Christian responses to the enormous advances in recent years in the connected sciences of genetics, evolutionary biology, and biochemistry, a dualist one by Pope John Paul II and an “emergentist” one by Arthur Peacocke. These two could hardly be more different. It would be impossible within the scope of a brief comment to do justice to these differences. What I hope to do instead is more modest: to draw attention to troublesome ambiguities in some of the key concepts on which discussions of human uniqueness depend, to recall very briefly some of the difficulties philosophers have encountered in their attempts to define the relation of the human powers of mind to the material capacities of body, and finally to ask what the theological significance of all this is.
CREATED FOR EVERLASTING LIFE: CAN THEISTIC EVOLUTION PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE CHRISTIAN ACCOUNT OF HUMAN NATURE?
Authors: Cooper John W.
Published: May 2013

Christians who affirm standard science and the biblical doctrine of creation often endorsetheistic evolutionas the best approach to human origins. Buttheistic evolutionis ambiguous. Some versions arenaturalistic(NTE)—God created humans entirely by evolution—and some aresupernaturalistic(STE)—God supernaturally augmented evolution. This article claims that NTE is inadequate as an account of human origins because its theological naturalism and emergent physicalist ontology of the soul or person conflict with the Christian doctrine that God created humans for everlasting life. Both the traditional Christian account of the afterlife and its modern Christian alternatives involve God's supernatural action and a separation (dualism) of person and body at death. STE can combine with several philosophical accounts of the body‐soul relation to provide an adequate Christian account of original human nature.
Burst activity and ultrafast activation kinetics of CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels support presynaptic activity in adult gerbil hair cell ribbon synapses
Authors: Zampini Valeria , Johnson Stuart L. , Franz Christoph , Knipper Marlies , Holley Matthew C. , Magistretti Jacopo , Masetto Sergio , Marcotti Walter
Published: May 2013

Key points

The transfer of sound information to the brain relies on the precise release of neurotransmitter from sensory inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses.

Neurotransmitter release from IHCs is triggered by Ca2+ entry mainly through one type of Ca2+ channel (CaV1.3).

In this study we show that in near‐physiological conditions Ca2+ channels open very rapidly following a stimulus with a delay of about 50 μs.

Despite the open probability of the Ca2+ channels being very low, they can switch to a burst‐like mode during a stimulus, maximizing Ca2+ influx into IHCs.

These results help us to better understand how IHCs are able to accomplish high‐fidelity signal transfer at individual auditory ribbon synapses.

Abstract  Auditory information transfer to afferent neurons relies on precise triggering of neurotransmitter release at the inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses by Ca2+ entry through CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels. Despite the crucial role of CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels in governing synaptic vesicle fusion, their elementary properties in adult mammals remain unknown. Using near‐physiological recording conditions we investigated Ca2+ channel activity in adult gerbil IHCs. We found that Ca2+ channels are partially active at the IHC resting membrane potential (−60 mV). At −20 mV, the large majority (>70%) of Ca2+ channel first openings occurred with an estimated delay of about 50 μs in physiological conditions, with a mean open time of 0.5 ms. Similar to other ribbon synapses, Ca2+ channels in IHCs showed a low mean open probability (0.21 at −20 mV), but this increased significantly (up to 0.91) when Ca2+ channel activity switched to a bursting modality. We propose that IHC Ca2+ channels are sufficiently rapid to transmit fast signals of sound onset and support phase‐locking. Short‐latency Ca2+ channel opening coupled to multivesicular release would ensure precise and reliable signal transmission at the IHC ribbon synapse.
Crosslinking the ligand‐binding domain dimer interface locks kainate receptors out of the main open state
Authors: Daniels Bryan A. , Andrews Elizabeth D. , Aurousseau Mark R. P. , Accardi Michael V. , Bowie Derek
Published: May 2013

Key points

This study identifies the gating structure responsible for controlling ion‐channel subconductance behaviour at a major neurotransmitter receptor, namely kainate‐type ionotropic glutamate receptor.

Evidence is provided that the activation process may be made up of two clearly distinct conductance phases.

The study speculates that functional diversity amongst ionotropic glutamate receptors emerged during evolution by re‐deploying the same structures to carry out different tasks.

Abstract  Kainate‐selective ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) fulfil key roles in the CNS, making them the subject of detailed structural and functional analyses. Although they are known to gate a channel pore with high and low ion‐permeation rates, it is still not clear how switches between these gating modes are achieved at the structural level. Here, we uncover an unexpected role for the ligand‐binding domain (LBD) dimer assembly in this process. Covalent crosslinking of the dimer interface keeps kainate receptors out of the main open state but permits access to lower conductance states suggesting that significant rearrangements of the dimer interface are required for the receptor to achieve full activation. These observations differ from NMDA‐selective iGluRs where constraining dimer movement reduces open‐channel probability. In contrast, our data show that restricting movement of the dimer interface interferes with conformational changes that underlie both activation and desensitization. Working within the limits of a common architectural design, we propose functionally diverse iGluR families were able to emerge during evolution by re‐deploying existing gating structures to fulfil different tasks.
Portal vein thrombosis during pregnancy
Authors: Dasari Papa , Balusamy Sathyalakshmy
Published: May 2013

A 22-year-old primigravida was diagnosed to have portal vein thrombosis during 20th week of gestation by ultrasound examination which was carried out to rule out congenital fetal anomalies. She had splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Investigations did not reveal any prothrombotic disorder. She was managed with anticoagulants which were started at 31 weeks of pregnancy. Labour was induced at 40 weeks of gestation and she delivered a healthy neonate without any complications. Anticoagulants were restarted after delivery and continued through the postpartum period and up to 6 months thereafter.
Comparative cytogenetic study onTrifolium subterraneum(2n= 16) andTrifolium israeliticum(2n= 12)
Authors: Falistocco Egizia , Marconi Gianpiero , Falcinelli Mario
Published: May 2013

Changes in chromosome number have played an important role in the evolution of the genus Trifolium. Along with a few species of polyploid origin there are several cases of dysploidy as evidenced by the presence of four basic chromosome numbers (x = 8, 7, 6, 5). Trifolium subterraneum and Trifolium israeliticum are related species with chromosome complements 2n = 16 and 2n = 12, respectively. Although they represent an interesting case of speciation based on chromosome number reduction, no attempts to demonstrate their cytogenetic affinity have been carried out to date. With this study we performed a comparative cytogenetic study with the purpose of clarifying the evolutionary relationship between these species and to verify whether genomic rearrangements, other than modification of the chromosome number, are associated with the speciation process. Although karyomorphological analysis supports the hypothesis that chromosome rearrangements had a role in the reduction of the chromosome number, the physical mapping of the rDNA sequences revealed a significant remodelling of the 45S and 5S rDNA sites that greatly contributed to the differentiation of the 2n = 16 and 2n = 12 karyotypes. The nucleotide analysis of 5S rDNA repeats confirmed that the two species are related but constitute distinct entities. The observed genomic changes lead to the hypothesis that the 2n = 12 species is the result of an evolutionary pathway that passed through intermediate forms. It cannot be excluded that the most direct ancestor of T. israeliticum is a species with 2n = 14.
Electroacupuncture and Lumbar Transplant of GDNF-Secreting Fibroblasts Synergistically Attenuate Hyperalgesia after Sciatic Nerve Constriction
Authors: Dong Zhiqiang , Sun Yong , Lu Peihua , Wang Yanqing , Wu Gencheng
Published: May 2013

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to induce potent analgesic effects on neuropathic pain in both patients and rodents. Cell therapy to release antinociceptive agents near the pain processing centers of the spinal cord is a promising next step in the development of treatment modalities. This study investigated the effects of the combination of EA and cell therapy by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on neuropathic pain in rats. The hyperalgesic state was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and fibroblasts genetically modified to secrete bioactive GDNF (FBs-GDNF) were used for cell therapy. Fifty-eight rats with neuropathic pain were randomly divided into five groups (CCI+PBS, n = 11; CCI+FBs-GDNF, n = 12; CCI+EA+PBS, n = 11; CCI+EA+FBs-pLNCX2, n = 12; CCI+EA+FBs-GDNF, n = 12). On the 7th day after CCI, the rats received intrathecal transplantation of FBs-GDNF or control fibroblasts (FBs-pLNCX2). In the meantime, EA was administered once every other day from the 7th day after CCI surgery for 21 days. The paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to radiant heat was measured every other day. The results showed that the ipsilateral PWL of the rats from all three EA treatment groups significantly increased starting on the 12th day compared with the PBS control group. Strikingly, the group which received EA treatment and FBs-GDNF transplantation (CCI+EA+FBs-GDNF) showed a significantly decreased thermal hyperalgesia after 2 weeks post CCI surgery compared with the groups which received EA treatment and FBs-pLNCX2 transplantation (CCI+EA+FBs-pLNCX2) or PBS (CCI+EA+PBS) as well as the FBs-GDNF transplantation group without EA treatment (CCI+FBs-GDNF). Our data suggest that EA and cell therapy can synergistically attenuate hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain rats.
Pterodon polygalaeflorusEssential Oil Modulates Acute Inflammation and B and T Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Velozo Leosvaldo S. M. , Martino Thiago , Vigliano Mariana V. , Pinto Fabiana A. , Silva Girlaine P. , Justo Maria da Graça A. , Sabino Kátia C. C. , Coelho Marsen G. P.
Published: May 2013

The increased life expectancy of the population has led to increasing incidences of cancer, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Thus the continuous search for new drugs is necessary because ineffectiveness and adverse effects have been described for standard drugs. Essential oils are important sources of bioactive metabolites and several clinical trials have been developed using them. The Pterodon genus has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic disorders, thus this work investigated the properties of essential oil from Pterodon polygalaeflorus fruits (EsOPpg) on acute inflammation and lymphocyte activation. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its components were identified by GC/MS. The anti-inflammatory response was assessed using the air pouch model. Antinociceptive potential was evaluated using the writhing model. Lymphocyte phenotyping, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. EsOPpg promoted a reduction in leukocyte counts and protein concentration in the exudate, and reduced vasodilatation and inflammatory cell infiltrate in air pouch tissue. No antinociceptive effect was demonstrated for the doses tested. EsOPpg inhibited lymphocyte proliferation, arresting the cell cycle in G1phase, and induced apoptosis in these cells. EsOPpg downregulated both the total number of CD8+T cells and the activated subpopulation (CD8+CD69+), while promoting upregulation of the total number of CD19+and CD19+CD69+B cells. In conclusion, Pterodon polygalaeflorus essential oil diminished the acute inflammatory response and inhibited lymphocyte proliferation, reducing neutrophil recruitment into the cavity and air pouch tissue and promoting distinct modulations of the activation level of each lymphocyte subpopulation.
Anti-Viral Activity of Water Extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas Against Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Human Respiratory Tract Cell Lines
Authors: Lin Tzeng-Jih , Wang Kuo-Chih , Lin Chun-Ching , Chiang Lien-Chai , Chang Jung-San
Published: May 2013

Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (P. lactiflora, Ranunculaceae) is a common ingredient of Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT; Shoma-kakkon-to) and Ge-Gen-Tang (GGT; kakkon-to). SMGGT and GGT are different prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine with different ingredients designed for airway symptoms. Both SMGGT and GGT have anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). Therefore, P. lactiflora was hypothesized to be the effective ingredient of both SMGGT and GGT against HRSV. However, P. lactiflora does not have any proven antiviral activity. This study used both human upper (Human larynx epidermoid carcinoma cell line, HEp-2) and lower (human lung carcinoma cell line, A549) respiratory tract cells to test the hypothesis that a hot water extract of P. lactiflora could effectively inhibit plaque formation induced by HRSV infection. The ability of P. lactiflora to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that P. lactiflora was time-dependently and dose-dependently effective against HRSV in HEp-2 and A549 cells, particularly supplemented before viral inoculation (p < 0.0001). 10 μg/ml P. lactiflora had a comparable anti-HRSV activity with 10 μg/ml ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent. P. lactiflora was dose-dependently effective against viral attachment (p < 0.0001), with a better effect on A549 cells (p < 0.0001). P. lactiflora was time-dependently (p < 0.0001) and dose-dependently (p < 0.0001) effective against viral penetration. Moreover, P. lactiflora stimulated IFN-β secretion without any effect on TNF-α secretion. Therefore, P. lactiflora could be beneficial at preventing HRSV infection by inhibiting viral attachment, internalization, and stimulating IFN secretion.
Thymoquinone Induces Apoptosis in Oral Cancer Cells Through P38β Inhibition
Authors: Abdelfadil Ehab , Cheng Ya-Hsin , Bau Da-Tian , Ting Wei-Jen , Chen Li-Mien , Hsu Hsi-Hsien , Lin Yueh-Min , Chen Ray-Jade , Tsai Fu-Jenn , Tsai Chang-Hai , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: May 2013

Oral cancer is a common malignancy associated with high morbidity and mortality. While p38 MAPK is reported to be involved in different cellular activities such as proliferation and differentiation, reports rarely define the roles of the individual members of the p38 MAPK family in cancer. We used two unique cell lines developed by our lab representing chemically induced oral cancer cells (T28) and non-tumor cells (N28) obtained from tissues surrounding the induced cancer as a model to screen out whether p38 MAPK is involved in the malignant transformation processes. The results suggest an association between p38β not p38α and oral cancer development. Additionally, the anti-cancer activity of thymoquinone (TQ) was screened out and we found evidences suggesting that the anti-tumor activity of TQ may be attributed to the downregulation of p38β MAPK.
QUANTIZATION OF BLACK HOLES ENTROPY AND ITS COSMOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES
Authors: CRISTOFANO G. , MAIELLA G. , STORNAIOLO C.
Published: May 2013

Starting from a quantization relation for primordial extremal black holes with electric and magnetic charges, it is shown that their entropy is quantized. Furthermore, the energy levels spacing for such black holes is derived as a function of the level number n, appearing in the quantization relation. Some interesting cosmological consequences are presented for small values of n. By producing a mismatch between the mass and the charge, the black hole temperature is derived and its behavior investigated. Finally extending the quantum relation to Schwarzschild black holes their temperature is found to be in agreement with the Hawking temperature and a simple interpretation of the microscopic degrees of freedom of the black holes is given.
WEB PAGE CLASSIFICATION THROUGH PROBABILISTIC RELATIONAL MODELS
Authors: FERSINI ELISABETTA , MESSINA ENZA
Published: May 2013

In the last decade, new approaches focused on modeling uncertainty over complex relational data have been developed. In this paper, one of the most promising of such approaches, known as probabilistic relational model (PRM), has been investigated and extended in order to measure and include semantic relationships for addressing web page classification problems. Experimental results show the potential of the proposed method of capturing the "strength" of existing relationships (links) and the capacity of including this information into the probability model.
ON THE DIFFICULT INTERPLAY BETWEEN LIFE, "COMPLEXITY", AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
Authors: BELLOMO N. , KNOPOFF D. , SOLER J.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a revisiting, with developments, of the so-called kinetic theory for active particles, with the main focus on the modeling of nonlinearly additive interactions. The approach is based on a suitable generalization of methods of kinetic theory, where interactions are depicted by stochastic games. The basic idea consists in looking for a general mathematical structure suitable to capture the main features of living, hence complex, systems. Hopefully, this structure is a candidate towards the challenging objective of designing a mathematical theory of living systems. These topics are treated in the first part of the paper, while the second one applies it to specific case studies, namely to the modeling of crowd dynamics and of the immune competition.
EFFECT OF THE STATISTICAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PAIRING TRANSITION IN THE CASE OF 166Er
Authors: KADI H. , BENHAMOUDA N. , HADDOUCHE A.
Published: May 2013

The S-shaped heat capacity, which has recently been claimed to be a fingerprint of the superfluid-to-normal phase transition in nuclei, is studied in the case of 166 Er element. The calculations are performed by means of the modified Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (MBCS) approach that takes into account the thermal fluctuation. The obtained results are compared to the experimental data and to the FT-BCS theoretical predictions. The present study illustrates the effect of the fluctuations of the quasiparticle (QP) number on the heat capacity.
Synthesis and characterization of O- and S-bridged perfluoroalkylated metal-free and zinc phthalocyanines
Authors: Gürol İlke , Gümüş Gülay , Musluoğlu Emel , Arslan Yadigar , Ahsen Vefa
Published: May 2013

The synthesis of tetra and octa perfluoroalkyl substituted zinc and metal free phthalocyanines ( ZnPc and H 2 Pc ) are reported. The compounds 1–5 have been prepared by nucleophilic substitution of 4-nitrophthalonitrile with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanethiol, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecan-1-ol, 1H,1H-perfluorodecan-1-ol, 1H,1H-perfluorotetradecan-1-ol and 1H,1H-perfluoro-3,6,9-trioxatridecan-1-ol, respectively. The compounds 6–8 have been prepared by the reaction of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecan-1-ol, 1H,1H-perfluorodecan-1-ol and 1H,1H-perfluoro-3,6,9-trioxatridecan-1-ol with 4,5-dichlororphthalonitrile, respectively. The compound 9 with thia-bridge has been synthesized from 4,5-dichlororphthalonitrile. Zinc and metal free phthalocyanines were obtained from the corresponding phthalonitrile derivatives. All compounds were characterized by using mass, 1 H , 19 F NMR, UV-vis and FT-IR as well as elemental analysis. Tetra substituted Zn ( II ) phthalocyanines are slightly soluble only in THF (Compound 4a and 7a are insoluble) but metal free phthalocyanines are not soluble. Octa substituted Zn ( II ) and metal free phthalocyanine are soluble in polar solvents such as THF and DMSO.
Synthesis, structural characterization and protonation/deprotonation of hydroxyl-substituted free-base tetraphenylporphyrins in nonaqueous media
Authors: Lu Guifen , Zhang Xiufeng , Cai Xu , Fang Yuanyuan , Zhu Min , Zhu Weihua , Ou Zhongping , Kadish Karl M.
Published: May 2013

A series of hydroxyl-substituted free-base tetraphenylporphyrins was synthesized and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, 1 H NMR and mass spectrometry. The porphyrins are represented as (HOPh) n(t BuPh )4-n PH 2, where Ph presents a phenyl group, HO and t Bu are substituents on the para-positions of the phenyl rings of the macrocycle, n = 0–4 and P represents the dianion of tetraphenylporphyrin. The UV-visible properties of each porphyrin were examined in dichloromethane (DCM), N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before and after addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to solution. Equilibrium constants for protonation ( log βn) and deprotonation [Formula: see text] of each compound were determined using standard equations. The protonations occur in a single step involving a simultaneous two proton addition at the porphyrin central nitrogens. The phenolic protons on (HOPh) n(t BuPh )4-n PH 2 are easier to deprotonate than the core nitrogen protons of the porphyrins and this reaction occurs in a single step involving the simultaneous loss of 1–4 protons on the hydroxyl groups followed by a loss of two protons from the central nitrogens. The effect of HO substituents on UV-visible spectra and the magnitude of the protonation/deprotonation constants ( log βn and [Formula: see text]) are discussed. Two of the porphyrins, (t BuPh )4 PH 2 and trans- (HOPh) 2(t BuPh )2 PH 2, are also characterized by a single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Modeling Decentralized Reputation-Based Trust for Initial Transactions in Digital Environments
Authors: Pranata Ilung , Athauda Rukshan , Skinner Geoff
Published: May 2013

The advent of digital environments has generated significant benefits for businesses, organizations, governments, academia and societies in general. Today, over millions of transactions take place on the Internet. Although the widespread use of digital environments has generally provided opportunities for societies, a number of threats have limited their adoption. The de-facto standard today is for certification authorities to authenticate the identity of service providers while trust on the provided services is implied. This approach has certain shortcomings, for example, single point of failure, implied trust rather than explicit trust and others. One approach for minimizing such threats is to introduce an effective and resilient trust mechanism that is capable of determining the trustworthiness of service providers in providing their services. Determining the trustworthiness of services reduces invalid transactions in digital environments and further encourages collaborations. Evaluating trustworthiness of a service provider without any prior historical transactions (i.e. the initial transaction) pose a number of challenging issues. This article presents TIDE - a decentralized reputation trust mechanism that determines the initial trustworthiness of entities in digital environments. TIDE improves the precision of trust computation by considering raters’ feedback, number of transactions, credibility, incentive to encourage raters’ participation, strategy for updating raters’ category, and safeguards against dynamic personalities. Furthermore, TIDE classifies raters into three categories and promotes the flexibility and customization through its parameters. Evaluation of TIDE against several attack vectors demonstrates its accuracy, robustness and resilience.
A comparison of job satisfaction between it and non-IT women incumbents in clerical, professional, and managerial positions
Authors: LeRouge Cynthia M. , Wiley Jack W. , Maertz Carl P.
Published: May 2013

One explanation for the well-documented underrepresentation of women in IT jobs is that these jobs are somehow less satisfying for women. This study is the most complete investigation to date of whether this is true, and if so, in what aspects are IT jobs less satisfying. We examine facets of job satisfaction that merit employer attention and suggest intervention to increase the attractiveness of IT careers for women. In a representative sample of 9,617 employed women in the U.S., we compared women in IT employed at the clerical, professional, and managerial levels to comparable groups of non-IT employees on six important facets of job satisfaction with: job security, work itself, supervisor, compensation, work/life balance, and advancement/opportunities. For most facet comparisons across job levels, differences were not significant, generally indicating that IT careers are not less satisfying for women than comparable non-IT alternatives. However, satisfaction with work itself and job security were lower for women in professional IT jobs than for those in professional non-IT jobs. We finally discuss the implications of these findings for researchers and those who advise women on career choices.
ppENKGene Methylation Status in the Development of Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Lixin , Yang Hong , Li Jingnan , Hao Jianyu , Qian Jiaming
Published: May 2013

Objective. To explore the association of hypermethylation of the proenkephalin gene (ppENK) with pancreatic carcinoma and to identify the effects of a demethylating agent on pancreatic cell lines.Method. Human pancreatic cancer tissues and five pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, as well as normal pancreatic tissue, were used.ppENKmethylation status was detected by MS-PCR (methylation-specific PCR).Results. Methylation ofppENKwas detected in 90.3% (28/31) of the human pancreatic carcinoma tissues but was not seen in normal pancreatic tissue. There was no correlation between the extent of methylation ofppENKand the clinicopathological features of the pancreatic carcinomas. MethylatedppENKwas detected in all the pancreatic cancer cell lines and was associated with loss of mRNA expression in the pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and normal pancreatic tissue. After treatment with 5-aza-dC, methylatedppENKwas not detected and the inhibition ofppENKmRNA expression was reversed.Conclusions. Inhibition ofppENKexpression by a change in its methylation status plays an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis.ppENKmethylation is thus an important molecular event that distinguishes pancreatic carcinoma tissue from normal pancreatic tissue. Effects on cell growth, apoptosis, and the cell cycle may contribute to changes ofppENKmethylation status.
A Modified Amino Acid Network Model Contains Similar and Dissimilar Weight
Authors: Jiao Xiong , Yang Lifeng , An Meiwen , Chen Weiyi
Published: May 2013

For a more detailed description of the interaction between residues, this paper proposes an amino acid network model, which contains two types of weight—similar weight and dissimilar weight. The weight of the link is based on a self-consistent statistical contact potential between different types of amino acids. In this model, we can get a more reasonable representation of the distance between residues. Furthermore, with the network parameter, average shortest path length, we can get a more accurate reflection of the molecular size. This amino acid network is a “small-world” network, and the network parameter is sensitive to the conformation change of protein. For some disease-related proteins, the highly central residues of the amino acid network are highly correlated with the hot spots. In the compound with the related drug, these residues either interacted directly with the drug or with the residue which is in contact with the drug.
Characterization of the Mechanical Strength, Resorption Properties, and Histologic Characteristics of a Fully Absorbable Material (Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate—PHASIX Mesh) in a Porcine Model of Hernia Repair
Authors: Deeken Corey R. , Matthews Brent D.
Published: May 2013

Purpose. Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) is a naturally derived, absorbable polymer. P4HB has been manufactured into PHASIX Mesh and P4HB Plug designs for soft tissue repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate mechanical strength, resorption properties, and histologic characteristics in a porcine model. Methods. Bilateral defects were created in the abdominal wall of Yucatan minipigs and repaired in a bridged fashion with PHASIX Mesh or P4HB Plug fixated with SorbaFix or permanent suture, respectively. Mechanical strength, resorption properties, and histologic characteristics were evaluated at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks ( each). Results. PHASIX Mesh and P4HB Plug repairs exhibited similar burst strength, stiffness, and molecular weight at all time points, with no significant differences detected between the two devices (). PHASIX Mesh and P4HB Plug repairs also demonstrated significantly greater burst strength and stiffness than native abdominal wall at all time points (), and material resorption increased significantly over time (). Inflammatory infiltrates were mononuclear, and both devices exhibited mild to moderate granulation tissue/vascularization. Conclusions. PHASIX Mesh and P4HB Plug demonstrated significant mechanical strength compared to native abdominal wall, despite significant material resorption over time. Histological assessment revealed a comparable mild inflammatory response and mild to moderate granulation tissue/vascularization.
An Acupuncture Research Protocol Developed from Historical Writings by Mathematical Reflections: A Rational Individualized Acupoint Selection Method for Immediate Pain Relief
Authors: Schroeder Sven , Meyer-Hamme Gesa , Zhang Jianwei , Epplée Susanne , Friedemann Thomas , Hu Weiguo
Published: May 2013

While balancing yin and yang is one basic principle of Chinese medicine, balancing methods for combination of meridians and acupoints had been described throughout the history of Chinese medicine. We have identified six historical systems for combinations of acupuncture points in historical writings. All of them represent symmetrical combinations which are defined by the steps in the Chinese Clock. Taking the historical systems as a basis, we calculated the possible combinations that fit into these systems they revealed, leading to a total of 19 systems offering new balancing combinations. Merging the data of these 19 systems, there are 7 combinatorial options for every meridian. On the basis of this data, we calculated 4-meridian combinations with an ideal balance pattern, which is given when all meridians balance each other. We identified 5 of these patterns for every meridian, so we end up with 60 patterns for all the 12 meridians but we find multiple overlapping. Finally, 15 distinct patterns remain. By combining this theoretical concept with theImage and Mirror Concept, we developed an acupuncture research protocol. This protocol potentially solves some problems of acupuncture trials because it represents a rational reproducible procedure independent of examiner experience, but the resulting treatment is individualized.
Biological Significance of Urolithins, the Gut Microbial Ellagic Acid-Derived Metabolites: The Evidence So Far
Authors: Espín Juan Carlos , Larrosa Mar , García-Conesa María Teresa , Tomás-Barberán Francisco
Published: May 2013

The health benefits attributed to pomegranate have been associated with its high content in polyphenols, particularly ellagitannins. This is also the case for other ellagitannin-containing fruits and nuts including strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, walnuts, and muscadine grapes. The bioavailability of ellagitannins and ellagic acid is however very low. These molecules suffer extensive metabolism by the gut microbiota to produce urolithins that are much better absorbed. Urolithins circulate in plasma as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates at concentrations in the range of 0.2–20 μM. It is therefore conceivable that the health effects of ellagitannin-containing products can be associated with these gut-produced urolithins, and thus the evaluation of the biological effects of these metabolites is essential. Recent research, mostly based onin vitrotesting, has shown preliminary evidence of the anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiglycative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects of urolithins, supporting their potential contribution to the health effects attributed to pomegranate and ellagitannin-rich foods. The number ofin vivostudies is still limited, but they show preventive effects of urolithins on gut and systemic inflammation that encourage further research. Bothin vivoand mechanistic studies are necessary to clarify the health effects of these metabolites. Attention should be paid when designing these mechanistic studies in order to use the physiologically relevant metabolites (urolithins in gut models and their conjugated derivatives in systemic models) at concentrations that can be reachedin vivo.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Viral Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Goubraim Rabia , Kabbaj Nawal , Salihoun Mouna , Chaoui Zakia , Nya M'Hamed , Amrani Naima
Published: May 2013

Background/Aim. Metabolic Bone disorders are well-recognized extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis. The aim was to report their prevalence and the associated factors to their development in patients with viral cirrhosis. Patients and Methods. All consecutive patients with viral cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled. Parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, liver function, and phosphocalcic tests were measured in all patients. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and total hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results. Forty-six cirrhotic patients were included with hepatitis C (87%) and hepatitis B (13%). The Child-Pugh score was grade A in 87% of cases and grade B in 13%. Thirty-seven patients had decreased bone mineral density with osteopenia in 24 patients and osteoporosis in 13 patients. Decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D was found in 95.6% of cases. Bone disorders were significantly more frequent in old patients with low body mass index, long duration of liver disease, and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. None of these factors was an independent factor associated with bone disorders. Conclusion. Our study revealed a high prevalence of metabolic bone disorders among viral cirrhotic patients. Consequently, bone mineral density assessment should be performed systematically in all cirrhotic patients.
Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in a 36-Week Pregnant Patient
Authors: Kohli Erol , Jwayyed Sharhabeel , Giorgio Gary , Bhalla Mary Colleen
Published: May 2013

Aortic dissection is a relatively rare yet often fatal condition. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for survival. While the majority of patients who present with aortic dissection are older than 50 years of age and have a history of hypertension, younger patients with connective tissue disease, bicuspid aortic valves, and a family history of aortic dissection are also at an increased risk for developing this condition. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of published cases describing the successful, emergent repair of acute type A aortic dissections in third- trimester gravid patients. We present the case of the successful diagnosis and surgical repair of a 41-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with an acute type A aortic dissection at 36 weeks of gestation.
Validation of Geriatric Care Environment Scale in Portuguese Nurses
Authors: Paulo de Almeida Tavares João , Leite da Silva Alcione , Sá-Couto Pedro , Boltz Marie , Capezuti Elizabeth
Published: May 2013

The number of hospitalized older adults in Portugal necessitates a better understanding of the acute care environment for older adults. This study translated and examined the psychometric qualities of the Geriatric Care Environment Scale (GCES) among 1,068 Portuguese registered nurses (RNs). Four factors emerged from the exploratory factor analyses: resource availability, aging-sensitive care delivery, institutional values regarding older adults and staff, and continuity of care. The internal consistency of the GCES wasα=.919. The GCES was significantly associated with the variables of region, hospital type, unit type, and RNs perception of hospital educational, staff knowledge, difficulty, rewarding, and burdensome in caring for older adults. Nurses who worked in hospitals centers in the northern region and medical and surgery units had more positive perceptions of the geriatric care environment. More positive perception was also found among RNs that reported more educational support, had more knowledge, and felt more rewarding and less difficulty and burden in caring older adults. This process resulted in a valid and reliable measurement of the geriatric care environment Portuguese version which provides hospital leadership with an instrument to evaluate organizational support for geriatric nursing practice and target specific areas that support or hinder care delivery.
The Retroacetabular Angle Determines the Safe Angle for Screw Placement in Posterior Acetabular Fracture Fixation
Authors: Tadros Ayman M. A. , Oxland Thomas R. , O’Brien Peter
Published: May 2013

Introduction. A method for the determination of safe angles for screws placed in the posterior acetabular wall based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) is described. It defines a retroacetabular angle and determines its variation in the population. Methods. The retroacetabular angle is the angle between the retroacetabular surface and the tangent to the posterior acetabular articular surface. Screws placed through the marginal posterior wall at an angle equal to the retroacetabular angle are extraarticular. Medial screws can be placed at larger angles whose difference from the retroacetabular angle is defined as the allowance angles. CT scans of all patients with acetabular fractures treated in our institute between September 2002 to July 2007 were used to measure the retroacetabular angle and tangent. Results. Two hundred thirty one patients were included. The average (range) age was 42 (15–74) years. The average (range) retroacetabular angle was 39 (30–47) degrees. The average (range) retroacetabular tangent was 36 (30–45) mm. Conclusions. Placing the screws at an average (range) angle of 39 (33–47) degrees of anterior inclination with the retroacetabular surface makes them extraarticular. Angles for medial screws are larger. Safe angles can be calculated preoperatively with a computer program.
Wenxin-Keli Regulates the Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Signal Transduction Pathway and Inhibits Cardiac Arrhythmia in Rats with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xing Yanwei , Gao Yonghong , Chen Jianxin , Zhu Haiyan , Wu Aiming , Yang Qing , Teng Fei , Zhang Dong-mei , Xing Yanhui , Gao Kuo , He Qingyong , Zhang Zhenpeng , Wang Jie , Shang Hongcai
Published: May 2013

Wenxin-Keli (WXKL) is a Chinese herbal compound reported to be of benefit in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac inflammation, and heart failure. Amiodarone is a noncompetitive inhibitor of theα- andβ-adrenergic receptors and prevents calcium influx in the slow-response cells of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. Overexpression of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in transgenic mice results in heart failure and arrhythmias. We hypothesised that administration of WXKL and amiodarone can reduce the incidence of arrhythmias by regulating CaMKII signal transduction. A total of 100 healthy Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (a sham group, a myocardial infarction (MI) group, a WXKL-treated group, and an amiodarone-treated group). A myocardial infarction model was established in these rats by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 4 weeks. Western blotting was used to assess CaMKII, p-CaMKII (Thr-286), PLB, p-PLB (Thr-17), RYR2, and FK binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6) levels. The Ca2+content in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the calcium transient amplitude were studied by confocal imaging using the fluorescent indicator Fura-4. In conclusion, WXKL may inhibit heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias by regulating the CaMKII signal transduction pathway similar to amiodarone.