bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies of the Antiparasitic Activity of Sterol 14α-Demethylase (CYP51) Inhibitor VNI against Drug-Resistant Strains of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Soeiro Maria de Nazaré Correia , de Souza Elen Mello , da Silva Cristiane França , Batista Denise da Gama Jaen , Batista Marcos Meuser , Pavão Beatriz Philot , Araújo Julianna Siciliano , Aiub Claudia Alessandra Fortes , da Silva Patrícia Bernardino , Lionel Jessica , Britto Constança , Kim Kwangho , Sulikowski Gary , Hargrove Tatiana Y. , Waterman Michael R. , Lepesheva Galina I.
Published: June 2013

Chagas disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and yet, as it has historically been known as a disease of the poor, it remains highly neglected. Two currently available drugs exhibit severe toxicity and low effectiveness, especially in the chronic phase, while new drug discovery has been halted for years as a result of a lack of interest from pharmaceutical companies. Although attempts to repurpose the antifungal drugs posaconazole and ravuconazole (inhibitors of fungal sterol 14α-demethylase [CYP51]) are finally in progress, development of cheaper and more efficient, preferably
Trypanosoma cruzi
-specific, chemotherapies would be highly advantageous. We have recently reported that the experimental
T. cruzi
CYP51 inhibitor VNI cures with 100% survival and 100% parasitological clearance both acute and chronic murine infections with the Tulahuen strain of
T. cruzi
. In this work, we further explored the potential of VNI by assaying nitro-derivative-resistant
T. cruzi
strains, Y and Colombiana, in highly stringent protocols of acute infection. The data show high antiparasitic efficacy of VNI and its derivative (VNI/VNF) against both forms of
T. cruzi
that are relevant for mammalian host infection (bloodstream and amastigotes), with the
in vivo
potency, at 25 mg/kg twice a day (b.i.d.), similar to that of benznidazole (100 mg/kg/day). Transmission electron microscopy and reverse mutation tests were performed to explore cellular ultrastructural and mutagenic aspects of VNI, respectively. No mutagenic potential could be seen by the Ames test at up to 3.5 μM, and the main ultrastructural damage induced by VNI in
T. cruzi
was related to Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum organization, with membrane blebs presenting an autophagic phenotype. Thus, these preliminary studies confirm VNI as a very promising trypanocidal drug candidate for Chagas disease therapy.
Production and Release of Antimicrobial and Immune Defense Proteins by Mammary Epithelial Cells following Streptococcus uberis Infection of Sheep
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Pisanu Salvatore , Marogna Gavino , Cubeddu Tiziana , Pagnozzi Daniela , Cacciotto Carla , Campesi Franca , Schianchi Giuseppe , Rocca Stefano , Uzzau Sergio
Published: June 2013

Investigating the innate immune response mediators released in milk has manifold implications, spanning from elucidation of the role played by mammary epithelial cells (MECs) in fighting microbial infections to the discovery of novel diagnostic markers for monitoring udder health in dairy animals. Here, we investigated the mammary gland response following a two-step experimental infection of lactating sheep with the mastitis-associated bacteriumStreptococcus uberis. The establishment of infection was confirmed both clinically and by molecular methods, including PCR and fluorescentin situhybridization of mammary tissues. Proteomic investigation of the milk fat globule (MFG), a complex vesicle released by lactating MECs, enabled detection of enrichment of several proteins involved in inflammation, chemotaxis of immune cells, and antimicrobial defense, including cathelicidins and calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9), in infected animals, suggesting the consistent involvement of MECs in the innate immune response to pathogens. The ability of MECs to produce and release antimicrobial and immune defense proteins was then demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and confocal immunomicroscopy of cathelicidin and the calprotectin subunit S100A9 on mammary tissues. The time course of their release in milk was also assessed by Western immunoblotting along the course of the experimental infection, revealing the rapid increase of these proteins in the MFG fraction in response to the presence of bacteria. Our results support an active role of MECs in the innate immune response of the mammary gland and provide new potential for the development of novel and more sensitive tools for monitoring mastitis in dairy animals.
Systemic CD14 Inhibition Attenuates Organ Inflammation in Porcine Escherichia coli Sepsis
Authors: Thorgersen Ebbe Billmann , Pischke Søren Erik , Barratt-Due Andreas , Fure Hilde , Lindstad Julie Katrine , Pharo Anne , Hellerud Bernt Christian , Mollnes Tom Eirik
Published: June 2013

Sepsis is an infection-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Upstream recognition molecules, like CD14, play key roles in the pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of systemic CD14 inhibition on local inflammatory responses in organs from septic pigs. Pigs (
n
= 34) receiving
Escherichia coli
-bacteria or
E. coli
-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with an anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody or an isotype-matched control. Lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were examined for bacteria and inflammatory biomarkers.
E. coli
and LPS were found in large amounts in the lungs compared to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Notably, the bacterial load did not predict the respective organ inflammatory response. There was a marked variation in biomarker induction in the organs and in the effect of anti-CD14. Generally, the spleen produced the most cytokines per weight unit, whereas the liver contributed the most to the total load. All cytokines were significantly inhibited in the spleen. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly inhibited in all organs, IL-1β and IP-10 were significantly inhibited in liver, spleen, and kidneys, and tumor necrosis factor, IL-8, and PAI-1 were inhibited only in the spleen. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly inhibited in the kidneys. Systemic CD14-inhibition efficiently, though organ dependent, attenuated local inflammatory responses. Detailed knowledge on how the different organs respond to systemic inflammation
in vivo
, beyond the information gained by blood examination, is important for our understanding of the nature of systemic inflammation and is required for future mediator-directed therapy in sepsis. Inhibition of CD14 seems to be a good candidate for such treatment.
The Intracellular Environment of Human Macrophages That Produce Nitric Oxide Promotes Growth of Mycobacteria
Authors: Jung Joo-Yong , Madan-Lala Ranjna , Georgieva Maria , Rengarajan Jyothi , Sohaskey Charles D. , Bange Franz-Christoph , Robinson Cory M.
Published: June 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible radical gas produced from the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS activity in murine macrophages has a protective role against mycobacteria through generation of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNIs). However, the production of NO by human macrophages has remained unclear due to the lack of sensitive reagents to detect NO directly. The purpose of this study was to investigate NO production and the consequence to mycobacteria in primary human macrophages. We found that
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG or
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection of human macrophages induced expression of NOS2 and NOS3 that resulted in detectable production of NO. Treatment with gamma interferon (IFN-γ),
l
-arginine, and tetrahydrobiopterin enhanced expression of NOS2 and NOS3 isoforms, as well as NO production. Both of these enzymes were shown to contribute to NO production. The maximal level of NO produced by human macrophages was not bactericidal or bacteriostatic to
M. tuberculosis
or BCG. The number of viable mycobacteria was increased in macrophages that produced NO, and this requires expression of nitrate reductase. An
narG
mutant of
M. tuberculosis
persisted but was unable to grow in human macrophages. Taken together, these data (i) enhance our understanding of primary human macrophage potential to produce NO, (ii) demonstrate that the level of RNIs produced in response to IFN-γ
in vitro
is not sufficient to limit intracellular mycobacterial growth, and (iii) suggest that mycobacteria may use RNIs to enhance their survival in human macrophages.
Anterior hip dislocation in conjunction with a stroke: a diagnosis not to miss
Authors: Furness Nicholas , Mendes Da Costa Thomas , Bishay Michael
Published: June 2013

Anterior dislocation of the native hip joint is an uncommon presentation accounting for around 15% of all hip dislocations. It is usually the result of a high-energy impact in circumstances such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a significant height. A delay in relocation of more than 6 h has been associated with a high risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We report the case of a 75-year-old man who suffered an anterior dislocation of his native hip following a fall from a standing height, associated with an acute cerebrovascular stroke. There was significant delay in the recognition of the dislocation due to the coexistent signs of the stroke. This case illustrates that hip dislocation can occur following a low-energy mechanism of injury with the possibility of serious long-term consequences if it is not promptly recognised and treated.
Crown fracture of the mandibular second primary molars in a 4-year-old child
Authors: Deshpande Anshula , Patel Jalark , Sujan Sunanda Gul , Mallikarjuna Rachappa
Published: June 2013

Dental traumas are highly prevalent lesions in primary teeth, but crown root fractures are rare. Mostly anterior tooth segment is more commonly involved. Posterior crown root fractures are very rare. A 4-year-old girl reported to our paediatric dentistry department with a 10-day history of severe pain and discomfort in both right and left posterior teeth region. The child was suffering from severe and continuous pain and was unable to chew food. After an examination a fracture was noticed in intraoral periapical radiograph and treatment plan was decided to preserve the affected teeth.
Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration
Authors: Renjen Pushpendra Nath , Khanna Laxmi , Rastogi Ruchi , Khan Nadeem Israr
Published: June 2013

Acquired (non-Wilsonian) hepatocerebral degeneration is a rare irreversible neurological syndrome that occurs in patients with chronic liver disease associated with multiple metabolic insults. Van Woerkom was the first to describe acquired hepatocerebral degeneration in 1914 followed by the landmark article by Victoret alin 1965. Multiple bouts of hepatic coma are the only known risk factors that trigger this devastating neurodegenerative disease with features suggesting toxic exposure to the brain. Clinically and pathologically the disorder is similar to Wilson's disease although subtle differences in immunostaining of glial fibrillar acidic protein have been documented. Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration occurs in 0.8–2% of patients with cirrhosis. As acquired hepatocerebral degeneration is relatively rare, we are reporting one such case from our hospital in a 50-year-old male patient who had long-standing portal systemic shunt and presented with progressive cognitive decline, bradykinesia, tremors and bilateral extrapyramidal signs.
Laryngospasm during extubation. Can nasogastric tube be the culprit?
Authors: Nanjegowda Nandeesha , Umakanth Shashikiran , Undrakonda Vivekanand
Published: June 2013

Nasogastric tube insertion is a common clinical procedure carried out both by doctors and other paramedical personnel. Misplacement of the nasogastric tube into the tracheobronchial tree is not uncommon. It can easily be detected in awake patients with intact cough reflex. Insertion of the nasogastric tube under general endotracheal anaesthesia can be difficult and when the misplacement is not promptly detected can result in unusual and disastrous complications. Laryngospasm is not uncommon in anaesthetic practice; however, reports of recurrent laryngospasm are very sparse. We report a case of misplaced nasogastric tube causing recurrent laryngospasm.
Laparoscopic fascial suture repair of parastomal hernia
Authors: Zia Khawaja , McGowan David Ross , Moore Etienne
Published: June 2013

Parastomal hernia is a recognised complication following stoma formation, representing a challenging problem to surgeons. At least three approaches for parastomal hernia repair have been described: fascial suture repair, relocation of stoma and local repair with use of mesh. In simple fascial suture repair only open techniques have been described. Relocation of stoma can be complicated with another parastomal hernia at the new site and risk of incisional hernia at the site of previous stoma. Mesh repair can be either open or laparoscopic. The recurrence rate and complications of parastomal hernia repair remain very high. We have invented a simple fascial suture laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernia with the use of the Crochet hook needle (EndoClose). This new technique may result in reduced pain, earlier discharge from hospital and reduced risk of infection as there is no mesh used as well as reduced risk of seroma formation.
Nitrogen- and sulfur-deposition-altered soil microbial community functions and enzyme activities in a boreal mixedwood forest in western Canada
Authors: Hu Ya-Lin , Jung Kangho , Zeng De-Hui , Chang Scott X.
Published: June 2013

Chronic nitrogen (N) and (or) sulfur (S) deposition to boreal forests in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) in Alberta, Canada, has been caused by oil sands mining and extraction/upgrading activities. It is important that we understand the response of microbial community function to chronic N and S deposition as microbial populations mediate soil carbon (C) and N cycles and affect ecosystem resilience. To evaluate the impact of N and (or) S deposition on soil microbial community functions, we conducted a simulated N and S deposition experiment in a boreal mixedwood forest with the following four treatments: control (CK), N addition (+N, 30 kg N·ha−1 as NH4NO3), S addition (+S, 30 kg S·ha−1 as NaSO4), and N plus S addition (+NS, 30 kg N·ha−1 + 30 kg S·ha−1), from 2006 to 2010. Nitrogen and (or) S deposition did not change soil organic carbon, total N, dissolved organic C and N, or soil microbial biomass C and N. Soil microbial community-level physiological profiles, however, were strongly affected by 5 years of N and (or) S addition. Soil β-glucosidase activity in the +NS treatment was greater than that in the +S treatment, and S addition decreased soil arylsulfatase; however, urease and dehydrogenase activities were not affected by the simulated N and (or) S deposition. Our data suggested that N and (or) S deposition strongly affected soil microbial community functions and enzymatic activities without changing soil microbial biomass in the studied boreal forest.
Improving diversity in cultures of bacteria from an extreme environment
Authors: Vester Jan Kjølhede , Glaring Mikkel Andreas , Stougaard Peter
Published: June 2013

The ikaite columns in the Ikka Fjord in Greenland represent one of the few permanently cold and alkaline environments on Earth, and the interior of the columns is home to a bacterial community adapted to these extreme conditions. The community is characterized by low cell numbers imbedded in a calcium carbonate matrix, making extraction of bacterial cells and DNA a challenge and limiting molecular and genomic studies of this environment. To utilize this genetic resource, cultivation at high pH and low temperature was studied as a method for obtaining biomass and DNA from the fraction of this community that would not otherwise be amenable to genetic analyses. The diversity and community dynamics in mixed cultures of bacteria from ikaite columns was investigated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA. Both medium composition and incubation time influenced the diversity of the culture and many hitherto uncharacterized genera could be brought into culture by extended incubation time. Extended incubation time also gave rise to a more diverse community with a significant number of rare species not detected in the initial community.
BEKENSTEIN BOUND OF INFORMATION NUMBER N AND ITS RELATION TO COSMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN A UNIVERSE WITH AND WITHOUT COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
Authors: HARANAS IOANNIS , GKIGKITZIS IOANNIS
Published: June 2013

Bekenstein has obtained an upper limit on the entropy S, and from that, an information number bound N is deduced. In other words, this is the information contained within a given finite region of space that includes a finite amount of energy. Similarly, this can be thought as the maximum amount of information required to perfectly describe a given physical system down to its quantum level. If the energy and the region of space are finite then the number of information N required in describing the physical system is also finite. In this short paper, two information number bounds are derived and compared for two types of universe. First, a universe without a cosmological constant Λ and second a universe with a cosmological constant Λ are investigated. This is achieved with the derivation of two different relations that connect the Hubble constant and cosmological constants to the number of information N. We find that the number of information N involved in the two universes are identical or N2 = N2Λ, and that the total mass of the universe scales as the square root of the information number N, containing. an information number N of the order of 10122. Finally, we expressed Calogero's quantization action as a function of the number of information N. We also have found that in self-gravitating systems the number of information N in nats is the ratio of the total kinetic to total thermal energy of the system.
AN ANALYSIS OF MOMENTUM FRACTIONS OF QUARKS AND GLUONS IN A MODEL OF PROTON
Authors: JAHAN AKBARI , CHOUDHURY D. K.
Published: June 2013

Momentum sum rule can be used as an inequality to estimate the lower and upper bounds of the momentum fractions of quarks and gluons in a model of proton valid in a limited x range. We compute such bounds in a self-similarity based model of proton structure function valid in the range 6.2 × 10-7 ≤ x ≤ 10-2. The results conform to the asymptotic QCD expectations.
SyBeL: A SYSTEM MODELLING LANGUAGE ENHANCING AUTOMATIC SUPPORT IN THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Authors: PENNA GIUSEPPE DELLA , OREFICE SERGIO , INTRIGILA BENEDETTO , MAGAZZENI DANIELE , SORDO ROBERTO DEL , CICCOTTI GIUSEPPE CARDINALE
Published: June 2013

In this paper we present SyBeL (System Behaviour modelling Language), an XML based formalism for software system modelling. In particular, SyBeL focuses on the description of the system behaviour in order to capture its functional requirements and has been designed to fulfill some of the most trendy software engineering issues. The use of the underlying XML language makes the artifacts generated by SyBeL immediately available to further automatic manipulation (e. g., to automatically generate test cases) without the need of intermediate models, as usually done in semi-formal approaches. Moreover, we are experimenting SyBeL on a variety of practical case studies.
SHORT-TERM TREND PREDICTION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES WITH A NEURAL-NETWORK BASED ENSEMBLE OF FINANCIAL TECHNICAL INDICATORS
Authors: ZAFEIRIOU THEODOROS , KALLES DIMITRIS
Published: June 2013

This paper is about designing, developing and training a neural network for short-term forecasting of buy-sell trends in foreign exchange markets. We use a set of established financial technical indicators as inputs to the neural network and we develop the architecture to predict a trend and then train the network based on the accuracy of the prediction. We perform extensive real time testing with the closing prices (one per minute) of the USD/EUR exchange rates for a one-year period. The overall approach delivers a system that predicts trends substantially better than individual technical indicators.
A SUPER RADON-NIKODYM DERIVATIVE FOR ALMOST SUBADDITIVE SET FUNCTIONS
Authors: RÉBILLÉ YANN
Published: June 2013

In classical measure theory, the Radon-Nikodym theorem states in a concise condition, namely domination, how a measure can be factorized by another (bounded) measure through a density function. Several approaches have been undertaken to see under which conditions an exact factorization can be obtained with set functions that are not σ-additive (for instance finitely additive set functions or submeasures). We provide a Radon-Nikodym type theorem with respect to a measure for almost subadditive set functions with bounded disjoint variation. The necessary and sufficient condition to guarantee a superior Radon-Nikodym derivative remains the standard domination condition for measures. We show how these set functions admit an equivalent factorization under the standard domination condition for set functions.
OBSERVER-BASED FUZZY CONTROL DESIGN FOR DISCRETE-TIME T-S FUZZY BILINEAR SYSTEMS
Authors: LI JIANGRONG , LI JUNMIN , XIA ZHILE
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of observer-based fuzzy control design for discrete-time T-S fuzzy bilinear systems. Based on the piecewise quadratic Lyapunov function (PQLF), the piecewise fuzzy observer-based controllers are designed for T-S fuzzy bilinear systems. It is shown that the stability for discrete T-S fuzzy bilinear system can be established if there exists a PQLF can be constructed and the fuzzy observer-based controller can be obtained by solving a set of nonlinear minimization problem involving linear matrix inequalities(LMIs) constraints. An iterative algorithm making use of sequential linear programming matrix method (SLPMM) to derive a single-step LMI condition for fuzzy observer-based control design. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results proposed in this paper.
AN ANALYTICAL SOLUTION METHOD FOR THE GENERALIZED FUZZY WEIGHTED AVERAGE PROBLEM
Authors: LIU XINWANG , WANG YING-MING
Published: June 2013

Based on the current developments of fuzzy weighted average and generalized fuzzy weighted average, especially Karnik-Mendel (KM) algorithms and the works of Wang and Luo (Generalised fuzzy weighted mean and its applications, International Journal of General Systems, 2009, 38, 533–546), the paper analyses some properties of the generalized fuzzy weighted mean (GFWM) and proposes analytical solution method for the GFWM problem. The solution processes and the final solution forms are more simple and accurate than the current GFWM solution, which use samples of the alpha-cuts and get the final solutions approximately. Numerical examples illustrate the analytical solution computing processes for fuzzy weighted average (FWA), fuzzy weighted harmonic mean (FWHM), fuzzy weighted geometric mean (FWGM) and GFWM with exponential and power functions, respectively.
SIGNATURES OF DYNAMICAL INSTABILITY OF BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATES IN 1D OPTICAL LATTICES
Authors: CIAMPINI DONATELLA , MORSCH OLIVER , ARIMONDO ENNIO
Published: June 2013

The onset of dynamical instabilities of Bose–Einstein condensates in optical lattices due to the dephasing of the condensate wavefunction is observed through the decay of the visibility of the interference pattern in time-of-flight and the growth of the radial width of the condensate.
ON THE LAW OF LARGE NUMBERS FOR DEMAZURE MODULES OF $\widehat{\mathfrak{sl}}_2$
Authors: Bliem Thomas , Kousidis Stavros
Published: June 2013

We determine the covariance of the weight distribution in level 1 Demazure modules of the affine Kac–Moody algebra [Formula: see text]. This allows us to prove a weak law of large numbers for these weight distributions, and leads to a conjecture about the asymptotic concentration of weights for arbitrary Demazure modules.
NATURAL PARTIAL ORDERING ON E(HypG(2))
Authors: Puninagool Wattapong , Leeratanavalee Sorasak
Published: June 2013

The concept of generalized hypersubstitutions was introduced by S. Leeratanavalee and K. Denecke as a way of making precise the concepts of strong hyperidentity and M-strong hyperidentity. The set Hyp G(2) of all generalized hypersubstitutions of type τ = (2) forms a monoid. All idempotent and regular elements in the monoid of all generalized hypersubstitutions of type τ = (2) were studied by W. Puninagool and S. Leeratanavalee. In this paper, we determine all primitive idempotent elements of this monoid and characterize the natural partial ordering on the set of all idempotent of this monoid.
A CHARACTERIZATION OF CO-HARADA RING
Authors: Thoang Le Duc
Published: June 2013

A ring R is called right co-Harada if every non-cosmall right R-module contains a non-zero projective direct summand and R satisfies the ACC on right annihilators. In this paper we give a characterization of co-Harada rings via left perfect rings.
Review of the utility of infrared remote sensing for detecting and monitoring volcanic activity with the case study of shortwave infrared data for Lascar Volcano from 2001–2005
Authors: Blackett Matthew
Published: June 2013

This chapter provides a historical review of the use of infrared remote sensing for the monitoring of volcanic activity. It (1) examines the theoretical basis for infrared observations of thermally anomalous volcanic features, (2) presents the various sensors that have been used and are currently available and (3) describes the techniques that have been developed to analyse such data. The chapter ends with a case study of data derived from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer shortwave infrared observations of Lascar Volcano in Chile. This case study aims to highlight the utility of infrared observations in volcanological studies, assessing the various techniques that can be used and examining the different factors which influence these analyses. The chapter ends discussing future prospects for volcanic infrared remote sensing.
Parallel Abductive Query Answering in Probabilistic Logic Programs
Authors: Simari Gerardo I. , Dickerson John P. , Sliva Amy , Subrahmanian V. S.
Published: June 2013

Action-probabilistic logic programs (
ap
-programs) are a class of probabilistic logic programs that have been extensively used during the last few years for modeling behaviors of entities. Rules in
ap
-programs have the form “If the environment in which entity
E
operates satisfies certain conditions, then the probability that
E
will take some action
A
is between
L
and
U
”. Given an
ap
-program, we are interested in trying to change the environment, subject to some constraints, so that the probability that entity
E
takes some action (or combination of actions) is maximized. This is called the Basic Abductive Query Answering Problem (BAQA). We first formally define and study the complexity of BAQA, and then go on to provide an exact (exponential time) algorithm to solve it, followed by more efficient algorithms for specific subclasses of the problem. We also develop appropriate heuristics to solve BAQA efficiently.

The second problem, called the Cost-based Query Answering (CBQA) problem checks to see if there is some way of achieving a desired action (or set of actions) with a probability exceeding a threshold, given certain costs. We first formally define and study an exact (intractable) approach to CBQA, and then go on to propose a more efficient algorithm for a specific subclass of
ap
-programs that builds on the results for the basic version of this problem. We also develop the first algorithms for parallel evaluation of CBQA. We conclude with an extensive report on experimental evaluations performed over prototype implementations of the algorithms developed for both BAQA and CBQA, showing that our parallel algorithms work well in practice.
Query-Driven Procedures for Hybrid MKNF Knowledge Bases
Authors: Alferes José Júlio , Knorr Matthias , Swift Terrance
Published: June 2013

Hybrid MKNF knowledge bases are one of the most prominent tightly integrated combinations of open-world ontology languages with closed-world (nonmonotonic) rule paradigms. Based on the logic of minimal knowledge and negation as failure (MKNF), the definition of Hybrid MKNF is parametric on the description logic (DL) underlying the ontology language, in the sense that nonmonotonic rules can extend any decidable DL language. Two related semantics have been defined for Hybrid MKNF: one that is based on the Stable Model Semantics for logic programs and one on the Well-Founded Semantics (WFS). Under WFS, the definition of Hybrid MKNF relies on a bottom-up computation that has polynomial data complexity whenever the DL language is tractable. Here we define a general query-driven procedure for Hybrid MKNF that is sound with respect to the stable model-based semantics, and sound and complete with respect to its WFS variant. This procedure is able to answer a slightly restricted form of conjunctive queries, and is based on tabled rule evaluation extended with an external oracle that captures reasoning within the ontology. Such an (abstract) oracle receives as input a query along with knowledge already derived, and replies with a (possibly empty) set of atoms, defined in the rules, whose truth would suffice to prove the initial query. With appropriate assumptions on the complexity of the abstract oracle, the general procedure maintains the data complexity of the WFS for Hybrid MKNF knowledge bases.

To illustrate this approach, we provide a concrete oracle for
EL
+
, a fragment of the lightweight DL
EL
++
. Such an oracle has practical use, as
EL
++
is the language underlying OWL 2 EL, which is part of the W3C recommendations for the Semantic Web, and is tractable for reasoning tasks such as subsumption. We show that query-driven Hybrid MKNF preserves polynomial data complexity when using the
EL
+
oracle and WFS.
All the items fit to print
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: June 2013

3D printing has come of age. It promises to revolutionize a wide range of industries and profoundly change the way people buy and consume.
Toward culturally responsive computing education
Authors: Eglash Ron , Gilbert Juan E. , Foster Ellen
Published: June 2013

Improving academic success and social development by merging computational thinking with cultural practices.
Information distance between what I said and what it heard
Authors: Tang Yang , Wang Di , Bai Jing , Zhu Xiaoyan , Li Ming
Published: June 2013

The RSVP voice-recognition search engine improves speech recognition and translation accuracy in question answering.
Cake cutting
Authors: Procaccia Ariel D.
Published: June 2013

How to fairly allocate divisible resources, and why computer scientists should take notice.
Computational epidemiology
Authors: Marathe Madhav , Vullikanti Anil Kumar S.
Published: June 2013

The challenge of developing and using computer models to understand and control the diffusion of disease through populations.
Architecture for adaptive resource assignment to virtualized mixed-criticality real-time systems
Authors: Groesbrink Stefan , Oberthür Simon , Baldin Daniel
Published: June 2013

System virtualization is a powerful approach for the creation of integrated systems, which meet the high functionality and reliability requirements of complex embedded applications. It is in particular well-suited for mixed-criticality systems, since the often applied pessimistic manner of critical system engineering leads to heavily under-utilized resources. Existing static resource management approaches for virtualized systems are inappropriate for the dynamically varying resource requirements of upcoming adaptive systems. In this paper, we propose a dynamic resource management protocol for system virtualization that factors criticality levels in and allows the addition of subsystems at runtime. The two-level architecture offers flexibility across virtual machine borders and has the potential to improve the resource utilization. In addition, it provides the capability to adapt at runtime according to defects or changes of the environment.
Control kernel based adaptive control implementation
Authors: Simarro Raúl , Albertos Pedro , Simó José E.
Published: June 2013

A control system with distributed computing resources always should guarantee the safe control of the plant. In this contribution, the concept of control kernel is used for that purpose. Two types of nodes with different resources are defined: the powerful server node and the resource-constrained light node. This architecture allows to split the control tasks into two blocks. Those demanding strong computing resources are allocated in the server nodes and those compelling tasks required to ensure the safety of the controlled plant are allocated in the light nodes. Resource limitations lead to control adaptation. Two simple applications illustrate some of the benefits of this architecture with one server node and one light node, even the architecture can be extended to several nodes. In the first case, an adaptive control is implemented in the server node, providing the control algorithm to the light node, which is also able to compute a local safe control action. In the second experiment, two different control tasks requiring different resources are implemented in a mobile robot control. To keep bounded the computing time at the local level, the supervisor decides the time allocated to each activity, providing the resulting controller to the light node.
Modeling and analysis of adaptive embedded systems using adaptive task automata
Authors: Hatvani Leo , Seceleanu Cristina , Pettersson Paul
Published: June 2013

Most embedded systems need to continually function in unpredictable environments. One way to achieve high dependability is to make the system adaptive to changes, if possible, without sacrificing maintainability. To be able to reason about adaptivity, one needs a modeling and analysis framework suitable for adaptive systems. Recently, we have introduced Adaptive Task Automata, to meet this goal. In this paper, we overview the current functionality implemented in the Adaptive Task Automata framework (ATA), as well as some of the challenges encountered during the development. In the end, we enumerate possible future extensions of ATA.
Continuous Separation Principles Using External Microaction Forces
Authors: Watarai Hitoshi
Published: June 2013

During the past decade, methods for the continuous separation of microparticles with microaction forces have rapidly advanced. Various action forces have been used in designs of both microchannel and capillary continuous separation systems, which depend on properties such as conductivity, permittivity, absorptivity, refractive index, magnetic susceptibility, and compressibility. Particle migration velocity has been used to characterize the particles. Biological cells have been the most interesting targets of these continuous separation methods.
Is the Focus on “Molecules” Obsolete?
Authors: Whitesides George M.
Published: June 2013

The technologies developed in analytical chemistry have defined in spectacular detail the properties of molecules. The field now faces enormously important and interesting problems of which molecules are only a part: for example, understanding the nature of life; helping to manage megacities, oceans, and atmospheres; and making health care (especially diagnostics) affordable and relevant. The emergence of these problems involving molecular systems raises the issue of how (and what) analytical chemistry should teach. Historically, it has been essential to chemistry in teaching the science of measurement. As complicated analytical techniques proliferate, it must consider how to balance teaching the uses of sophisticated devices and the fundamentals of analysis and measurement. This review (by an admiring but nonanalytical chemist) sketches the essential role of analytical methods—especially simple ones made up on the spot—in guiding research in new fields, with examples from self-assembled monolayers, soft lithography, paper diagnostics, and self-assembly; and suggests issues in teaching.
Epstein‐Barr Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Flow Cytometric Cell Cycle Kinetics in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Inverted Papilloma among Egyptian Patients
Authors: Kassim S. K. , Ibrahim S. A. , Eissa S. , Zaki S. S. A. , El-Begermy M. A. , Abdou M. H. , Hassan M. I. , Khalifa A.
Published: June 2013

It is widely accepted that the Epstein‐Barr virus is etiologically associated with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The human papillomavirus is also associated with inverted papilloma. We used the polymerase chain reaction technique to detect both viruses in both types of tumors. Flow cytometry was also used to study the DNA pattern and proliferative behavior of the tumors in relation to the viruses. EBV was detected in 13/20 (65%) of NPC specimens, and in none of IP (n = 10) or control specimens (n = 10). This indicates the contribution of EBV as an etiologic factor in NPC. Five cases of NPC (25%) were positive for HPV 16, two of them were EBV positive. Four HPV 16 positive cases were found among cases with inverted papilloma, but none among the control cases. Flow cytometry revealed that all NPC, IP, and control samples were diploid except one aneuploid NPC sample. Proliferative capacity (PC) of primary tumors was predictive of tumor recurrence in NPC. Using 13.6% as a cut‐off point for PC, we were able to discriminate between high risk and low risk groups with 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity. PC can be used as a baseline prognostic parameter in NPC, making it possible to modify courses of treatment in an attempt to inhibit tumor recurrence.
Serum Mucin Antigen (CASA) as a Marker of Amiodarone‐Induced Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Devine Peter L. , Siebert Wendy J. , Morton Sharon L. , Scells Betty , Quin Rachel J. , Heddle William F. , Zimmerman Paul V. , Donohoe Peter J.
Published: June 2013

Amiodarone is used to treat life‐threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity (APT) can be difficult to diagnose. APT may result in increased mucus production and mucin expression. Thus, serum mucin‐1 was evaluated as a marker for amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity. Concentrations of mucin‐1 in peripheral blood were determined using cancer‐associated serum antigen (CASA) assay in patients taking amiodarone. Eight of ten patients who developed major amiodarone toxicity had high serum CASA levels. Patients with toxicity had a significantly higher mean rank CASA concentration compared with those without major toxicity. CASA shows potential as a marker for amiodarone‐induced toxicity, particularly pulmonary toxicity.
The Value of CA 125 and CA72‐4 in Management of Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Fayed Salah T. , Ahmad Samira M. , Kassim Samar K. , Khalifa Ali
Published: June 2013

The role of the tumor markers CA125 and CA72‐4 has been evaluated in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer. Both markers were measured in 30 patients with proven epithelial ovarian cancer, 30 patients with benign pelvic masses and 30 normal women. CA125 and CA72‐4 were measured using the luminometric immunoassay and immuno‐radiometric assay respectively. All patients with ovarian cancer were submitted to surgical staging and cytoreduction followed by adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy for 3–6 courses. Fixing the specificity at 95%, CA125 had a sensitivity of 76.7% at a cut‐off 85u/ml while CA72‐4 had a sensitivity of 70% at a cut‐off 8.5 u/ml. The combination of CA72‐4 with CA125 increased the sensitivity to 95% while fixing the specificity at 95%. Among seven cases with stage I and II ovarian cancer five cases had CA125 level below 85 U/ml, three patients out of them had CA72‐4 above 8.5 U/ml. CA 72‐4 could reflect the residual disease following cytoreduction and could improve the detection of relapse by CA125.

Conclusion: CA72‐4 could complement the standard tumor marker CA125 both in diagnosis and follow up of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
The Genetics of Signal Transduction and the Feto‐Maternal Relationship. A Study of Cytosolic Low Molecular Weight Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase
Authors: Bottini E. , Cosmi E. , Nicotra M. , Santeusanio G. , La Torre M. , Bottini N. , Lucarini N.
Published: June 2013

Intracellular kinases mediate positive signalling from surface receptors by phosphorylating critical target proteins whereas phosphatases inhibit this process. Differential phosphatase activity at the feto‐maternal interface could determine the appropriate relative growth and development on each side of the placenta.

The highly polymorphic cytosolic low molecular weight phosphotyrosine‐phosphatase (ACP1‐cLMWPTPase) has been studied in 170 women who had at least two consecutive spontaneous abortions along with their husbands and in 352 normal puerperae along with their newborn babies.

Symmetry analysis of joint wife/husband and mother/infant distribution suggests that when ACP1 activity is lower in the mother than in either her aborted fetus or her child, the probability of abortion is higher and the survival to term is lower as compared to pairs in which the ACP1 activity is higher in the mother than in her fetus. Further analysis has shown that the effect is due to S isoform: i.e. a high mother/fetus S isoform ratio favours intrauterine survival.

Analysis of gestational duration and birth weight suggests that a high ACP1 maternal activity coupled with a low or moderate fetal activity favour fetal growth and developmental maturation.

The present data indicate that maternal‐fetal genetic differences in signal transduction could contribute significantly to variability of intrauterine developmental parameters and to pathological manifestation of pregnancy.
Screening of the FcεRI‐β‐Gene in a Swiss Population of Asthmatic Children: No Association with E237G and Identification of New Sequence Variations
Authors: Rohrbach M. , Kraemer R. , Liechti-Gallati S.
Published: June 2013

Background: The gene of the beta subunit of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI‐β) encoded on chromosome 11q13 has recently been identified as a candidate gene for asthma and atopy. Two coding variations, E237G and I181L have been described as being associated with asthma and atopy. Our aim was to investigate a Swiss population of atopic and asthmatic children for variations in this gene.

Methods: We screened all 7 exons of the FcεRI‐β‐ gene in 224 atopic/asthmatic, 68 relatives and 159 control subjects using exon amplification by PCR and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by fluorescence based DNA sequencing.

Results: The sequence variant E237G was found in 3.7% in atopics and in 2.6% in the control population. None of the samples carried the I181L mutation. In addition, we characterised nine novel mutations (1 nonsense mutation, 2 missense mutations, mutation, 2 silent mutations, 4 intronic mutations).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the E237G does not have a primary effect on the development of atopy and asthma, and thus excludes the FcεRI‐β locus from being a candidate gene directly involved in these diseases.
Clinical Applications of Phage‐Derived sFvs and sFv Fusion Proteins
Authors: Chester K. A. , Bhatia J. , Boxer G. , Cooke S. P. , Flynn A. A. , Huhalov A. , Mayer A. , Pedley R. B. , Robson L. , Sharma S. K. , Spencer D. I. R. , Begent R. H. J.
Published: June 2013

Single chain Fv antibodies (sFvs) have been produced from filamentous bacteriophage libraries obtained from immunised mice. MFE‐23, the most characterised of these sFvs, is reactive with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a glycoprotein that is highly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinomas. MFE‐23 has been expressed in bacteria and purified in our laboratory for two clinical trials; a gamma camera imaging trial using 123I‐MFE‐23 and a radioimmunoguided surgery trial using 125I‐MFE‐23, where tumour deposits are detected by a hand‐held probe during surgery. Both these trials show MFE‐23 is safe and effective in localising tumour deposits in patients with cancer. We are now developing fusion proteins which use MFE‐23 to deliver a therapeutic moiety; MFE‐23::CPG2 targets the enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) for use in the ADEPT (antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy) system and MFE::TNFα aims to reduce sequestration and increase tumor concentrations of systemically administered TNFα.
Biochemical Changes in Patients with Combined Chronic Schistosomiasis and Viral Hepatitis C Infections
Authors: Fahim Fawzia A. , Esmat Amr Y. , Hassan Gehan K. , Abdel-Bary Abeer
Published: June 2013

This study was undertaken to assess the biochemical changes induced in chronic schistosomiasis and/or chronic HCV, as well as to pinpoint the most significant parameters which could be used as dependable indices for the differentiation of single and coupled infections with or without liver cirrhosis. The selected patients were allocated into 2 broad groups: GrII (Schistosomiasis) which was subdivided into 3 subgroups: GrII(a) schistosomal patients with hepatosplenomegaly; GrII(b) hepatosplenic schistosomal patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis; GrII(c) schistosomal patients with no organomegaly. GrIII (Combined) comprised 2 subgroups: GrIII(a) schistosomal‐HCV infection with decompensated liver cirrhosis; GrIII(b) schistosomal‐HCV infection without liver cirrhosis. For statistical comparison normal healthy subjects were taken as a reference group (Gr I). Results showed that schistosomal patients without organomegaly manifested non significant changes in all studied parameters compared to normal controls. Highly significant elevations in serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities were recorded in all other subgroups but the highest levels are reported in GrIIb. AST/ALT and direct/indirect bilirubin ratios were highest in GrIIIa (1.17 ± 0.26, 1.54 ± 0.37, respectively). Serum total protein and albumin levels showed the highest reduction (33 and 59%) concomitantly with the highest increase in γ‐globulin level (75%) in GrIII(a). Blood total iron was significantly reduced in GrII(a,b) (15.6 and 12%) (8.8%) bilirubin, GGT and AST in this order are good discriminators between the different subgroups in GrII. On the other hand, ALT, AST, albumin, ALP, GGT, protein and direct bilirubin are the most significant indices to differentiate chronic schistosomiasis and the combined group with/or without liver cirrhosis.
Alternative Spliced Transcripts as Cancer Markers
Authors: Caballero Otavia L. , Souza Sandro J. de , Brentani Ricardo R. , Simpson Andrew J. G.
Published: June 2013

Eukaryotic mRNAs are transcribed as precursors containing their intronic sequences. These are subsequently excised and the exons are spliced together to form mature mRNAs. This process can lead to transcript diversification through the phenomenon of alternative splicing. Alternative splicing can take the form of one or more skipped exons, variable position of intron splicing or intron retention. The effect of alternative splicing in expanding protein repertoire might partially underlie the apparent discrepancy between gene number and the complexity of higher eukaryotes. It is likely that more than 50% form. Many cancer‐associated genes, such as CD44 and WT1 are alternatively spliced. Variation of the splicing process occurs during tumor progression and may play a major role in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, alternatively spliced transcripts may be extremely useful as cancer markers, since it appears likely that there may be striking contrasts in usage of alternatively spliced transcript variants between normal and tumor tissue than in alterations in the general levels of gene expression.