bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Support Vector Machine‐Based Semiactive Control for Seismic Protection of Structures with Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Li Chunxiang , Liu Qing , Lan Shengning
Published: May 2012

Based on recent research by Li and Liu in 2011, this paper proposes the application of support vector machine‐ (SVM‐) based semiactive control methodology for seismic protection of structures with magnetorheological (MR) dampers. An important and challenging task of designing the MR dampers is to develop an effective semiactive control strategy that can fully exploit the capabilities of MR dampers. However, amplification of the local acceleration response of structures exists in the widely used semiactive control strategies, namely “Switch” control strategies. Then the SVM‐based semiactive control strategy has been employed to design MR dampers. Firstly, the LQR controller for the numerical model of a multistory structure formulated using the dynamic dense method is constructed by using the classic LQR control theory. Secondly, an SVM model which comprises the observers and controllers in the control system is designed and trained to emulate the performance of the LQR controller. Finally, an online autofeedback semiactive control strategy is developed by resorting to SVM and then used for designing MR dampers. Simulation results show that the MR dampers utilizing the SVM‐based semiactive control algorithm, which eliminates the local acceleration amplification phenomenon, can remarkably reduce the displacement, velocity, and acceleration responses of the structure.
The Brain Drain Potential of Students in the African Health and Nonhealth Sectors
Authors: Crush Jonathan , Pendleton Wade
Published: May 2012

The departure of health professionals to Europe and North America is placing an intolerable burden on public health systems in many African countries. Various retention, recall, and replacement policies to ameliorate the impact of this brain drain have been suggested, none of which have been particularly successful to date. The key question for the future is whether the brain drain of health sector skills is likely to continue and whether the investment of African countries in training health professionals will continue to be lost through emigration. This paper examines the emigration intentions of trainee health professionals in six Southern African countries. The data was collected by the Southern African Migration Program (SAMP) in a survey of final-year students across the region which included 651 students training for the health professions. The data also allows for the comparison of health sector with other students. The analysis presented in this paper shows very high emigration potential amongst all final-year students. Health sector students do show a slightly higher inclination to leave than those training to work in other sectors. These findings present a considerable challenge for policy makers seeking to encourage students to stay at home and work after graduation.
Interleukin-10 Genotype Correlated to Deficiency Syndrome in Hepatitis B Cirrhosis
Authors: Li Qing-Ya , Guo Zhi-Zhong , Liang Jian , Zhang Wei , Xu Lie-Ming , Gao Yue-Qiu , Wang Xiao-Su , Xue Dong-Ying , Su Shi-Bing
Published: May 2012

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome is an important basis for TCM diagnosis and treatment. As Child-Pugh classification as well as compensation and decompensation phase in liver cirrhosis, it is also an underlying clinical classification. In this paper, we investigated the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and TCM syndromes in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis (HBC). Samples were obtained from 343 HBC patients in China. Three SNPs of IL-10 (−592A/C, −819C/T, and −1082A/G) were detected with polymerase chain-reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR). The result showed the SNP-819C/T was significantly correlated with Deficiency syndrome (P=0.031), but none of the 3 loci showed correlation either with Child-Pugh classification and phase in HBC patients. The logistic regression analysis showed that the Excess syndrome was associated with dizzy and spider nevus, and the Deficiency syndrome was associated with dry eyes, aversion to cold, IL-10-819C/T loci, and IL-10-1082A/G loci. The odds ratio (OR) value at IL-10-819C/T was 4.022. The research results suggested that IL-10-819C/T locus (TC plus CC genotype) is probably a risk factor in the occurrence of Deficiency syndrome in HBC patients.
Capillary Hemangioma of the Middle Ear: One Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nouri H. , Harkani A. , Elouali Idrissi M. , Rochdi Y. , Aderdour L. , Oussehal A. , Raji A.
Published: May 2012

Hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors; there are several types including the capillary hemangiomas, we present the case of an exceptional localization of capillary hemangioma in the middle ear. We report the case of a 60-year-old female which consults for episodes of pulsatile tinnitus, otorragies, and hearing loss of the left ear. The clinical examination revealed a reddish polypoid mass in the left external auditory canal, the radiological tests showed a vascular mass in the middle left ear. The tumor was surgically removed, the histological study revealed a capillary hemangioma. The incidence of hemangiomas in the temporal bone, especially in the middle ear, is exceptional. Medical imaging guides to the vascular nature of these tumors that make confusion with other vascular tumors such as tympanic paragangliomas. The management is often surgical and the final diagnosis is histological.
Antifungal Activity of Maytenin and Pristimerin
Authors: Gullo Fernanda P. , Sardi Janaina C. O. , Santos Vânia A. F. F. M. , Sangalli-Leite Fernanda , Pitangui Nayla S. , Rossi Suélen A. , de Paula e Silva Ana C. A. , Soares Luciana A. , Silva Julhiany F. , Oliveira Haroldo C. , Furlan Maysa , Silva Dulce H. S. , Bolzani Vanderlan S. , Mendes-Giannini Maria José S. , Fusco-Almeida Ana Marisa
Published: May 2012

Fungal infections in humans have increased alarmingly in recent years, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Among the infections systemic candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis mortality are more prevalent and more severe in humans. The current high incidence of dermatophytosis is in humans, especially as the main etiologic agentsTrichophyton rubrumandTrichophyton mentagrophytes. Molecules pristimerin and maytenin obtained from the plantMaytenus ilicifolia(Celastraceae) are known to show various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum of antifungal activity of maytenin and pristimerin and their cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes (NOK cells of the oral mucosa). It was concluded that the best spectrum of antifungal activity has been shown to maytenin with MIC varying from 0.12 to 125 mg/L, although it is also active with pristimerin MIC ranging between 0.12 and 250 mg/L. Regarding the toxicity, both showed to have high IC50. The SI showed high pristimerin against some species of fungi, but SI maytenin was above 1.0 for all fungi tested, showing a selective action of fungi. However, when comparing the two substances, maytenin also showed better results. The two molecules can be a possible prototype with a broad spectrum of action for the development of new antifungal agents.
Making the Most of Major Histocompatibility Complex Molecule Multimers: Applications in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Gojanovich Greg S. , Hess Paul R.
Published: May 2012

Classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules present peptides to cognate T-cell receptors on the surface of T lymphocytes. The specificity with which T cells recognize peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes has allowed for the utilization of recombinant, multimeric pMHC ligands for the study of minute antigen-specific T-cell populations. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, in conjunction with CD4+ T helper cells, destroy the insulin-producingβcells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Due to the importance of T cells in the progression of T1D, the ability to monitor and therapeutically target diabetogenic clonotypes of T cells provides a critical tool that could result in the amelioration of the disease. By administering pMHC multimers coupled to fluorophores, nanoparticles, or toxic moieties, researchers have demonstrated the ability to enumerate, track, and delete diabetogenic T-cell clonotypes that are, at least in part, responsible for insulitis; some studies even delay or prevent diabetes onset in the murine model of T1D. This paper will provide a brief overview of pMHC multimer usage in defining the role T-cell subsets play in T1D etiology and the therapeutic potential of pMHC for antigen-specific identification and modulation of diabetogenic T cells.
Pleiotropic Protective Effects of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Davinelli Sergio , Sapere Nadia , Zella Davide , Bracale Renata , Intrieri Mariano , Scapagnini Giovanni
Published: May 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe chronic neurodegenerative disorder of the brain characterised by progressive impairment in memory and cognition. In the past years an intense research has aimed at dissecting the molecular events of AD. However, there is not an exhaustive knowledge about AD pathogenesis and a limited number of therapeutic options are available to treat this neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, considering the heterogeneity of AD, therapeutic agents acting on multiple levels of the pathology are needed. Recent findings suggest that phytochemicals compounds with neuroprotective features may be an important resources in the discovery of drug candidates against AD. In this paper we will describe some polyphenols and we will discuss their potential role as neuroprotective agents. Specifically, curcumin, catechins, and resveratrol beyond their antioxidant activity are also involved in antiamyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We will focus on specific molecular targets of these selected phytochemical compounds highlighting the correlations between their neuroprotective functions and their potential therapeutic value in AD.
A New Length‐Based Algebraic Multigrid Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Rakai L. , Farshidi A. , Behjat L. , Westwick D.
Published: May 2012

Clustering algorithms have been used to improve the speed and quality of placement. Traditionally,
clustering focuses on the local connections between cells. In this paper, a new clustering algorithm
that is based on the estimated lengths of circuit interconnects and the connectivity is proposed. In
the proposed algorithm, first an a priori length estimation technique is used to estimate the lengths
of nets. Then, the estimated lengths are used in a clustering framework to modify a clustering
technique based on algebraic multigrid (AMG), that finds the cells with the highest connectivity.
Finally, based on the results from the AMG‐based process, clusters are made. In addition, a
new physical unclustering technique is proposed. The results show a significant improvement,
reductions of up to 40%, in wire length can be achieved when using the proposed technique with
three academic placers on industry‐based circuits. Moreover, the runtime is not significantly
degraded and can even be improved.
Occurrence of Comorbidities before and after Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnosis
Authors: Herk-Sukel Myrthe P. P. van , Shantakumar Sumitra , Overbeek Lucy I. H. , van Boven Hester , Penning-van Beest Fernie J. A. , Herings Ron M. C.
Published: May 2012

Background. Data is limited on the burden of common comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease and diabetes, or comorbidities related to cancer and its treatment, such as anemia and depression, in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS).Patients and Methods. From the Dutch Pathology Registry linked to the PHARMO database (including data on drug use and hospitalizations), 533 patients with STS were selected during 2000–2007 and matched 1 : 10 to cancer-free controls. The occurrences of comorbidities were assessed in the 12 months before and after STS diagnosis.Results. STS patients were 2–4 times more likely to have comorbidities at diagnosis compared with cancer-free controls. The incidence of CVD, anemia, and depression after STS diagnosis differed significantly from cancer-free controls and decreased during followup from 40–124 per 1,000 person-years (py) during the first six months to 11–38 per 1,000 py more than 12 months after diagnosis. The incidence of respiratory disease and diabetes among STS patients remained stable during followup (5–21 per 1,000 py) and did not differ significantly from cancer-free controls.Conclusions. STS patients were more likely to have comorbidities before cancer diagnosis and to develop CVD, anemia, and depression after diagnosis compared to cancer-free controls.
Traumatic Bilateral Pneumothoraces due to Sternal Wire Migration
Authors: Imran Hamid Umar , Gillespie Scott , Lynchehaun Colum , Parissis Haralabos
Published: May 2012

Sternal wound complications after cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Wire migrations associated with sternal dehiscence can lead to catastrophic haemorrhage unless intervened in time. We present a case of sternal wire migration causing bilateral pneumothoraces.
Additional Common Polymorphisms in thePONGene Cluster Predict PON1 Activity but Not Vascular Disease
Authors: Kim Daniel S. , Burt Amber A. , Ranchalis Jane E. , Richter Rebecca J. , Marshall Julieann K. , Eintracht Jason F. , Rosenthal Elisabeth A. , Furlong Clement E. , Jarvik Gail P.
Published: May 2012

Background. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzymatic activity has been consistently predictive of cardiovascular disease, while the genotypes at the four functional polymorphisms atPON1have not. The goal of this study was to identify additional variation at thePONgene cluster that improved prediction of PON1 activity and determine if these variants predict carotid artery disease (CAAD).Methods. We considered 1,328 males in a CAAD cohort. 51 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs) across thePONcluster were evaluated to determine their effects on PON1 activity and CAAD status.Results. Six SNPs (four inPON1and one each inPON2/3) predicted PON1 arylesterase (AREase) activity, in addition to the four previously known functional SNPs. In total, the 10 SNPs explained 30.1% of AREase activity, 5% of which was attributable to the six identified predictive SNPs. We replicate rs854567 prediction of 2.3% of AREase variance, the effects of rs3917510, and aPON3haplotype that includes rs2375005. While AREase activity strongly predicted CAAD, none of the 10 SNPs predicting AREase predicted CAAD.Conclusions. This study identifies new genetic variants that predict additional PON1 AREase activity. Identification of SNPs associated with PON1 activity is required when evaluating the many phenotypes associated with genetic variation near PON1.
Adaptive Control of a Reverse Logistic Inventory Model with Uncertain Deteriorations and Disposal Rates
Authors: Alshamrani Ahmad
Published: May 2012

An adaptive control of a reverse logistic inventory system with unknown deterioration and disposal rates is considered. An adaptive control approach with a feedback is applied to track the inventory levels toward their goal levels. Also, the updating rules of both deterioration and disposal rates are derived from the conditions of asymptotic stability of the reference model. Important characteristics of the adaptive inventory system are discussed. The adaptive controlled system is modeled by a nonlinear system of differential equations. Finally, the numerical solution of the controlled system is discussed and displayed graphically.
The Exponential Attractors for the g-Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Wu Delin , Tao Jicheng
Published: May 2012

We consider the exponential attractors for the two-dimensional g-Navier-Stokes equations in bounded domain Ω. We establish the existence of the exponential attractor inL2(Ω).
Displacement Field Approximations for Force‐Based Elements in Large Displacement Analyses
Authors: Vahidi M. , Jafari V. , Abyaneh M. H. , Vahdani SH.
Published: May 2012

This paper investigates different approximation techniques for planar beam column elements in force‐based methods. The three fields, introduced in this review, are: curvature‐based displacement interpolation (CBDI) used in matrix‐based flexibility formulations, linear displacement approximation applied in state space, and higher‐order displacement approximation utilized again in state space. Using these three approximation fields, the responses and their accuracies in some systems are compared in examples. Finally, focusing on the accuracy and regarding the performed analyses, it seems that the computational cost is reduced and accuracy of responses is elevated in many engineering problems using the higher‐order approximation field in state space.
UniPrimer: A Web-Based Primer Design Tool for Comparative Analyses of Primate Genomes
Authors: Batnyam Nomin , Lee Jimin , Lee Jungnam , Hong Seung Bok , Oh Sejong , Han Kyudong
Published: May 2012

Whole genome sequences of various primates have been released due to advanced DNA-sequencing technology. A combination of computational data mining and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to validate the data is an excellent method for conducting comparative genomics. Thus, designing primers for PCR is an essential procedure for a comparative analysis of primate genomes. Here, we developed and introduced UniPrimer for use in those studies. UniPrimer is a web-based tool that designs PCR- and DNA-sequencing primers. It compares the sequences from six different primates (human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, gibbon, and rhesus macaque) and designs primers on the conserved region across species. UniPrimer is linked to RepeatMasker, Primer3Plus, and OligoCalc softwares to produce primers with high accuracy and UCSCIn-SilicoPCR to confirm whether the designed primers work. To test the performance of UniPrimer, we designed primers on sample sequences using UniPrimer and manually designed primers for the same sequences. The comparison of the two processes showed that UniPrimer was more effective than manual work in terms of saving time and reducing errors.
Variance Entropy: A Method for Characterizing Perceptual Awareness of Visual Stimulus
Authors: Hu Meng , Liang Hualou
Published: May 2012

Entropy, as a complexity measure, is a fundamental concept for time series analysis. Among many methods, sample entropy (SampEn) has emerged as a robust, powerful measure for quantifying complexity of time series due to its insensitivity to data length and its immunity to noise. Despite its popular use, SampEn is based on the standardized data where the variance is routinely discarded, which may nonetheless provide additional information for discriminant analysis. Here we designed a simple, yet efficient, complexity measure, namely variance entropy (VarEn), to integrate SampEn with variance to achieve effective discriminant analysis. We applied VarEn to analyze local field potential (LFP) collected from visual cortex of macaque monkey while performing a generalized flash suppression task, in which a visual stimulus was dissociated from perceptual experience, to study neural complexity of perceptual awareness. We evaluated the performance of VarEn in comparison with SampEn on LFP, at both single and multiple scales, in discriminating different perceptual conditions. Our results showed that perceptual visibility could be differentiated by VarEn, with significantly better discriminative performance than SampEn. Our findings demonstrate that VarEn is a sensitive measure of perceptual visibility, and thus can be used to probe perceptual awareness of a stimulus.
Evaluation of Hematological Parameters in Partial Exchange and Packed Cell Transfusion in Treatment of Severe Anemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Salhan Sudha , Tripathi Vrijesh , Singh Rajvir , Gaikwad Harsha S.
Published: May 2012

Objectives. Anemia is a major public health problem throughout the world which assumes prominence in pregnant mothers. Patients with severe anemia continue to present themselves at term or in labor. This study was conducted to compare the improvements in hematological parameters of patients receiving partial exchange blood transfusion and transfusion of packed cells without exchange.Methods. One hundred and twenty-five severely anemic antenatal mothers were admitted from outpatient service. Partial exchange transfusion was given to sixty-six patients while fifty-nine received transfusion of packed cells with frusemide cover.Results. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, height, weight, religion, diet, education, occupation of self and husband, and income. Hemoglobin level in Group 1 was comparatively less than Group 2 at prelevel (5.2±1.5versus6.6±2.3,P=0.001) and postlevel (7.2±1.5versus8.6±1.8,P=0.001), respectively, but there was no significant difference between the two modes of transfusion (2.09±1.6versus2.01±1.5,P=0.78).Conclusion. The study produced an equally significant improvement in hematological parameters in partial exchange and packed cell transfusion. Platelet counts were significantly less in partial exchange as compared with packed cell transfusion.
Chemical Ecology of Egg Parasitoids Associated with True Bugs
Authors: Conti Eric , Colazza Stefano
Published: May 2012

Parasitoids representing some 15 families of Hymenoptera develop in insect eggs; three of these families, Platygastridae (= Scelionidae), Mymaridae, and Encyrtidae, are associated with Heteroptera. Several species of heteropteran egg parasitoids are or may be important for biological pest control. Successful parasitism of insect herbivores by insect parasitoids arises through several phases of host searching, which lead female wasps to the vicinity of, or in contact with, their hosts. During the host location process, females encounter and explore a variety of stimuli, among which chemical cues (i.e., semiochemicals or infochemicals) play a pivotal role. Female parasitoids are under selection pressure to efficiently invest their limited time on the location and exploitation of host-derived stimuli. In general, the levels of reliability and detectability of a particular stimulus are inversely correlated. Female parasitic wasps adopt differing strategies to solve this dilemma. In this paper we focus on the various host selection strategies employed by heteropteran egg parasitoids and possible means whereby the chemically mediated behavior of these wasps may be exploited to enhance biological pest control.
Decision Processes about Condom Use among Shelter-Homeless LGBT Youth in Manhattan
Authors: Ream Geoffrey L. , Barnhart Kate F. , Lotz Kevin V.
Published: May 2012

Health behavior interventions based on Theory of Planned Behavior address participants’ personally-held beliefs, perceived social norms, and control over the behavior. New data are always needed to “member check” participants’ decision processes and inform interventions. This qualitative study investigates decision processes around condom use among 81 homeless LGBT youth ages 18–26. Findings indicated considerable endorsement of the conventional policy of always using condoms, promulgated in HIV prevention education targeting this population. Although some participants reported risk behavior in contexts of sex work, survival sex, casual encounters, open relationships, and substance use, most were aware of these risks and consistently safe in those situations. Condoms use boundaries became vulnerable in states of emotional need and negative mood. The only effect participants acknowledged of homelessness on condom use was indirect, through negative mood states. The most prevalent context of condom non-use was with long-term primary partners, a potential area of vulnerability because, of 13 participants for HIV or HCV, nine mentioned how they had been infected, and all nine believed they had acquired it from a primary partner. Findings imply programs should emphasize HIV risk potential within long-term romantic partnerships and mental health services to remediate negative mood states.
Optical Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy as a Tool of Material Diagnosis
Authors: Yokota Hiroko , Kaneshiro Junichi , Uesu Yoshiaki
Published: May 2012

The second harmonic generation microscope (SHGM) constructs images of intensity distributions of SH waves produced by the interaction of fundamental waves with a polar material. We have developed this nonlinear optical microscope in order to make possible nondestructive, three-dimensional (3D) observations of various kinds of inorganic and organic materials. The SHGM can disclose also inverted domain structures of antiparallel spontaneous polarizations using the interference with the reference SH waves. The observation principle and several applications to structural characterizations of LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 quasi-phase matching devices, domain structure analyses of a relaxor/ferroelectric solid solution Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-9%PbTiO3 at the morphotropic phase boundary, development of order parameter in a quantum paraelectric relaxor Li-doped KTaO3, and antiphase polar domain structures of muscle fibers and myofibrils are surveyed by stressing the high effectiveness of the SHGM as a tool of material diagnosis.
Surface Modification of Biomaterials: A Quest for Blood Compatibility
Authors: de Mel Achala , Cousins Brian G. , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: May 2012

Cardiovascular implants must resist thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia to maintain patency. These implants when in contact with blood face a challenge to oppose the natural coagulation process that becomes activated. Surface protein adsorption and their relevant 3D confirmation greatly determine the degree of blood compatibility. A great deal of research efforts are attributed towards realising such a surface, which comprise of a range of methods on surface modification. Surface modification methods can be broadly categorized as physicochemical modifications and biological modifications. These modifications aim to modulate platelet responses directly through modulation of thrombogenic proteins or by inducing antithrombogenic biomolecules that can be biofunctionalised onto surfaces or through inducing an active endothelium. Nanotechnology is recognising a great role in such surface modification of cardiovascular implants through biofunctionalisation of polymers and peptides in nanocomposites and through nanofabrication of polymers which will pave the way for finding a closer blood match through haemostasis when developing cardiovascular implants with a greater degree of patency.
Cognitive Radio RF: Overview and Challenges
Authors: Nguyen Van Tam , Villain Frederic , Le Guillou Yann
Published: May 2012

Cognitive radio system (CRS) is a radio system which is aware of its operational and geographical environment, established policies, and its internal state. It is able to dynamically and autonomously adapt its operational parameters and protocols and to learn from its previous experience. Based on software‐defined radio (SDR), CRS provides additional flexibility and offers improved efficiency to overall spectrum use. CRS is a disruptive technology targeting very high spectral efficiency. This paper presents an overview and challenges of CRS with focus on radio frequency (RF) section. We summarize the status of the related regulation and standardization activities which are very important for the success of any emerging technology. We point out some key research challenges, especially implementation challenges of cognitive radio (CR). A particular focus is on RF front‐end, transceiver, and analog‐to‐digital and digital‐to‐analog interfaces which are still a key bottleneck in CRS development.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Positive Predictor of Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Rice Gregory E. , E. Illanes Sebastian , Mitchell Murray D.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper is to consider the relative benefits of screening for type two diabetes mellitus in women with a previous pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus. Recent studies suggest that women who experience GDM are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10–20 years of their index pregnancy. If considered as a stand-alone indicator of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, GDM is a poor diagnostic test. Most women do not develop GDM during pregnancy and of those that do most do not develop type 2 diabetes. There is, however, a clear need for better early detection of predisposition to disease and/or disease onset to significantly impact on this global pandemic. The putative benefits of multivariate approaches and first trimester and preconception screening to increase the sensitivity of risk assignment modalities for type 2 diabetes are proposed.
Cell and Molecular Biology Underpinning the Effects of PEDF on Cancers in General and Osteosarcoma in Particular
Authors: Chandolu Vijay , Dass Crispin R.
Published: May 2012

Cancer is becoming an increasingly common disease in which abnormal cells aggressively grow, invade, and metastasize. In this paper, we review the biological functions of PEDF (pigmented epithelium-derived factor) against cancer, with a focus on a particular type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. PEDF is a 50 kDa glycoprotein and is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, via its ability to decrease proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. This paper critically examines the anticancer activities of PEDF via its role in antiangiogenesis, apoptosis-mediated tumor suppression, and increased tumor cell differentiation. Recently, an orthotopic model of osteosarcoma was used to show that treatment with PEDF had the greatest impact on metastases, warranting an evaluation of PEDF efficacy in other types of cancers.
Individual Development of Professionalism in Educational Peer Group Supervision: A Multiple Case Study of GPs
Authors: Hølge-Hazelton Bibi , Tulinius Charlotte
Published: May 2012

Background. Research has shown that peer-group supervision can strengthen GPs’ professionalism, but little is known about the individual learning processes. To establish professionalism beyond professional behaviour, identity and idealism need to be included. The inner attitudinal values of professionalism within the individual are, however, difficult to assess. Aim. On the basis of a multiple case study, this paper describes the process of professional learning and challenges for individual GPs, as they take part in supervision groups focusing on children cases. Methods and Results. By using a two-dimensional theoretical model, it is shown that all GPs developed their professional behaviour, and many of them strengthened their professional identity in this domain towards a changed professionalism. Most participants emphasized the positive experience of sharing worries with families indicating care and interest. Some participants learning processes were very linear/convergent; others were complex/divergent—starting out with a relatively simple objective, realizing how multifaceted the issue was after the first year leading to a final development of new perspectives or action possibilities. Conclusion. The composition of supervision groups, as well as the professional background of the supervisor, may play a significant role in the development of professional behaviour and professionalism.
Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfers from Phylogenetic Comparisons
Authors: Pylro Victor Satler , Vespoli Luciano de Souza , Duarte Gabriela Frois , Yotoko Karla Suemy Clemente
Published: May 2012

Bacterial phylogenies have become one of the most important challenges for microbial ecology. This field started in the mid-1970s with the aim of using the sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (16S) tool to infer bacterial phylogenies. Phylogenetic hypotheses based on other sequences usually give conflicting topologies that reveal different evolutionary histories, which in some cases may be the result of horizontal gene transfer events. Currently, one of the major goals of molecular biology is to understand the role that horizontal gene transfer plays in species adaptation and evolution. In this work, we compared the phylogenetic tree based on 16S with the tree based ondszC, a gene involved in the cleavage of carbon-sulfur bonds. Bacteria of several genera perform this survival task when living in environments lacking free mineral sulfur. The biochemical pathway of the desulphurization process was extensively studied due to its economic importance, since this step is expensive and indispensable in fuel production. Our results clearly show that horizontal gene transfer events could be detected using common phylogenetic methods with gene sequences obtained from public sequence databases.
Set‐Valued Fixed‐Point Theorems for Generalized Contractive Mappings on Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Elagan S. K. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new types of asymptotically (g, φ)‐contractions which generalize the Binayak
S. Choudhury type contraction on fuzzy metric spaces and prove
some fixed‐point theorems for single‐ and multivalued mappings
on fuzzy metric spaces. Hence, our results can be viewed as a
generalization and improvement of many recent results.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: A Rare Life-Threatening Condition in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Virdi Ravi Paul Singh , Bashir Adeel , Shahzad Ghulamullah , Iqbal Javed , Mejia Jose O.
Published: May 2012

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare life-threatening complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with high mortality rates. DAH is more common in women, and mean age of onset is around 30 years. It mostly occurs in patients with established diagnosis of SLE but can be the initial presentation of lupus in approximately 20%. DAH should be suspected in lupus patient presenting with new pulmonary infiltrates, decline in hemoglobin, hemoptysis, dyspnea, hypoxemia, and increase in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity. Radiographic evidence of bilateral pulmonary alveolar infiltrates that are usually perihilar or basilar with sparing of apices is seen. DAH can often mimic clinically and radiologically severe pneumonia or ARDS. Treatment includes high-dose corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis. We report a case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage complicating SLE flare-up in a male patient.
Ulcerative Necrobiosis Lipoidica: Is There a Place for Anti-TNFα Treatment?
Authors: Guedes Rita , Leite Inês , Baptista Armando , Rocha Natividade
Published: May 2012

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a rare granulomatous and inflammatory disease. Its management is particularly difficult when ulceration is present. The authors describe the clinical case of a 65-year-old female patient with necrobiosis lipoidica, who had been submitted in the past to several topical and systemic treatments with little or no improvement. She started treatment with subcutaneous etanercept and showed significant improvement without adverse events until today. The aim of this article is to report a valid and efficient alternative treatment to recalcitrant cases.
Curcumin and Other Polyphenolic Compounds in Head and Neck Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Baumeister Philipp , Reiter Maximilian , Harréus Ulrich
Published: May 2012

Despite clear results of observational studies linking a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to a decreased cancer risk, large interventional trials evaluating the impact of dietary micronutrient supplementation, mostly vitamins, could not show any beneficial effects. Today it has become clear that a single micronutrient, given in supernutritional doses, cannot match cancer preventive effects of whole fruits and vegetables. In this regard polyphenols came into focus, not only because of their antioxidant potential but also because of their ability to interact with molecular targets within the cells. Because polyphenols occur in many foods and beverages in high concentration and evidence for their anticancer activity is best for tissues they can come into direct contact with, field cancerization predestines upper aerodigestive tract epithelium for cancer chemoprevention by polyphenols. In this paper, we summarize cancer chemopreventive attempts with emphasis on head and neck carcinogenesis and discuss some methodological issues. We present data regarding antimutagenic effects of curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate in human oropharyngeal mucosa cultures exposed to cigarette smoke condensate.
Haemodynamic Changes in the Superior Mesenteric Artery Induced by Acupuncture Stimulation on the Lower Limbs
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Takayama Shin , Yamamoto Yoshiko , Nagase Satoru , Seki Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: May 2012

Acupuncture is commonly performed on acupoints. A comparison of quantitative physiological alterations induced by stimulation on different acupoints has never been performed in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in humans. Therefore, we investigated changes in blood flow volume (BFV) in the SMA as an indicator of physiological effects induced by stimulation on 3 points. Thirty healthy participants aged29±10years (mean±SD) were enrolled. All participants underwent stimulations on 3 points located in the lower legs: ST36, LR3, and a non-acupoint. Control pertains to a condition with no-stimulation. Stimulation was performed bilaterally with manual rotation of the needles. BFV was measured by ultrasonography before insertion and 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after stimulation. Following acupuncture on ST36, BFV increased significantly 20 and 30 minutes after stimulation, compared to BFV before insertion (P<0.05). Following stimulation on LR3 and the non-acupoint, no significant differences in BFV could be found. Relative to the no-stimulation group, stimulation on LR3, and the non-acupoint, stimulation on ST36 elicited a significant increase in BFV (P<0.05). The results suggest that stimulation on the different points causes distinct physiological effects in BFV in the SMA.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma without Cryopreservation
Authors: Al-Anazi Khalid Ahmed
Published: May 2012

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered the standard of care for multiple myeloma patients who are eligible for transplantation. The process of autografting comprises the following steps: control of the primary disease by using a certain induction therapeutic protocol, mobilization of stem cells, collection of mobilized stem cells by apheresis, cryopreservation of the apheresis product, administration of high-dose pretransplant conditioning therapy, and finally infusion of the cryopreserved stem cells after thawing. However, in cancer centers that treat patients with multiple myeloma and have transplantation capabilities but lack or are in the process of acquiring cryopreservation facilities, alternatively noncryopreserved autologous stem cell therapy has been performed with remarkable success as the pretransplant conditioning therapy is usually brief.
A Review on the Association between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Chiu Wei-Yih , Shih Shyang-Rong , Tseng Chin-Hsiao
Published: May 2012

There is a concern on the risk of thyroid cancer associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs including liraglutide and exenatide. In this article, we review related experimental studies, clinical trials and observational human studies currently available. In rodents, liraglutide activated the GLP-1 receptors on C-cells, causing an increased incidence of C-cell neoplasia. Animal experiments with monkeys demonstrated no increase in calcitonin release and no C-cell proliferation after long-term liraglutide administration. Longitudinal 2-year data from clinical trials do not support any significant risk for the activation or growth of C-cell cancer in humans in response to liraglutide. However, an analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system database suggested an increased risk for thyroid cancer associated with exenatide after its marketing. Noticeably, a recent study discovered that GLP-1 receptor could also be expressed in human papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), but the impact of GLP-1 analogs on PTC is not known. Therefore, GLP-1 analogs might increase the risk of thyroid C-cell pathology in rodents, but its risk in humans awaits confirmation. Since GLP-1 receptor is also expressed in PTC besides C-cells, it is important to investigate the actions of GLP-1 on different subtypes of thyroid cancer in the future.
Unilateral Absence of the Pulmonary Artery Incidentally Found in Adulthood
Authors: Aypak Cenk , Yıkılkan Hülya , Uysal Zekai , Görpelioğlu Süleyman
Published: May 2012

Unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) or pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare congenital disorder presenting with a wide spectrum of symptoms. UAPA is usually associated with cardiac anomalies and surgically treated in childhood. We report a rare case of a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left pulmonary artery agenesis without any other cardiac anomalies. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of undiagnosed cases of UAPA in patients through a chest radiograph that suggests the diagnosis. Confirmation of the diagnosis and anatomic details can be discerned by CT scanning.
Effect ofIn VitroExposure of Corticosteroid Drugs, Conventionally Used in AMD Treatment, on Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Gunetti Monica , Rustichelli Deborah , Roagna Barbara , Fronticelli Bardelli Francesca , Fagioli Franca , Ferrero Ivana
Published: May 2012

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of legal blindness in individuals over 60 years of age, characterized by the dysfunction of retinal pigmented epithelium cells, specifically in the macular area. Despite several treatment options, AMD therapy remains difficult, especially for exudative AMD. Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with great plasticity and immunomodulant properties, are a promising cell source for cellular therapy and tissue engineering. We evaluated the effects of steroid drugs, often used to treat AMD, in association with MSCs, in view of a possible application together to treat AMD. Morphology, viability, growth kinetics, and immunophenotype were evaluated on healthy donors’ MSCs, treated with triamcinolone acetonide, alcohol-free triamcinolone acetonide, micronized intravitreal triamcinolone and dexamethasone at different concentrations, and in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line supernatant (ARPE-19). The morphological analysis of MSCs in their standard medium showed a negative correlation with drug concentrations, due to the numerous crystals. Dexamethasone was the least toxic corticosteroid used in this study. ARPE-19 seemed to help cells preserve the typical MSC morphology. In conclusion, thisin vitrostudy demonstrated that high doses of corticosteroid drugs have a negative effect on MSCs, reduced in the presence of a conditioned media.
Differentiability Properties of the Pre‐Image Pressure
Authors: Yan Kesong , Zeng Fanping , Zhang Gengrong
Published: May 2012

We study the differentiability properties of the pre‐image pressure. For a TDS (X, T) with finite topological pre‐image entropy, we prove the pre‐image pressure function Ppre(T, •) is Gateaux differentiable at f ∈ C(X, ℝ) if and only if Ppre(T, •) has a unique tangent functional at f. Also, we obtain some equivalent conditions for Ppre(T, •) to be Fréchet differentiable at f.
Impact of Two Intense Dust Storms on Aerosol Characteristics and Radiative Forcing over Patiala, Northwestern India
Authors: Sharma Deepti , Singh Darshan , Kaskaoutis D. G.
Published: May 2012

Impact of dust storms on the aerosol characteristics and radiative forcing over Patiala, northwestern India has been studied during April-June of 2010 using satellite observations and ground-based measurements. Six dust events (DE) have been identified during the study period with average values of Aqua-MODIS AOD550and Microtops-II AOD500over Patiala as1.00±0.51and0.84±0.41, respectively while Aura-OMI AI exhibits high values ranging from 2.01 to 6.74. The Ångström coefficients α380–870and β range from 0.12 to 0.31 and 0.95 to 1.40, respectively. The measured spectral AODs, the OPAC-derived aerosol properties and the surface albedo obtained from MODIS were used as main inputs in SBDART model for the calculation of aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) over Patiala. The ARF at surface (SRF) and top of atmosphere (TOA) ranges from ∼−50 to −100 Wm−2and from ∼−10 to −25 Wm−2, respectively during the maximum of dust storms. The radiative forcing efficiency was found to be −66 Wm−2AOD−1at SRF and −14 Wm−2AOD−1at TOA. High values of ARF in the atmosphere (ATM), ranging between ∼+40 Wm−2and +80.0 Wm−2during the DE days, might have significant effect on the warming of the lower and middle atmosphere and, hence, on climate over northwestern India.
Specialization-Specific Course Assessments Integrated for Program Assessment
Authors: Memon Qurban A. , Harb Adnan , Khoja Shakeel
Published: May 2012

The program assessment process combines assessments from individual courses to generate final program assessment to match accreditation benchmarks. In developing countries, industrial environment is not diversified to allow graduating engineers to seek jobs in all disciplines or specializations of an engineering program. Hence, it seems necessary to seek evolution of an engineering program assessment for specialized requirements of the industry. This paper describes how specialization-specific courses’ assessments are grouped per requirements and then integrated towards overall program assessment. A software program application is developed to automate this development to reduce assessment work and show equivalently as integration of specialization-specific assessments per outcome per term. The implementation also shows how outcomes are integrated per specialization-specific courses in order to judge the implementation of the program assessment. This effort is expected to help stake holders of the program to judge evolution and quality of specialization tracks vis-à-vis expectations of the local industry.
Institutional Models of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Blindheim Bjørn-Tore
Published: May 2012

Matten and Moon studied cross-national variations in corporate social responsibility (CSR) forms using an explicit-implicit framework. This article proposes a development and refinement of the explicit-implicit framework to account for, first, intranational variations of CSR, and, second, the role of individual managers in the actual process of developing CSR constructs within a given country. The specific national, institutional context, such as Norway, within which managers construct personal meaning for CSR, is ambiguous and possesses both different and potentially conflicting institutional logics of the role and responsibility of business in a given society. The author suggests that explicit and implicit models of CSR differ in two key respects. One difference concerns whether corporate or collective responsibility mechanisms should be used to address social issues. The other difference concerns whether the scope of issues to which the corporate entity is expected to attend should be broad or narrow. The author proposes four institutional models of CSR that combine the explicit-implicit distinction with these two differences: Explicit Expansionist CSR, Implicit Contractive CSR, Implicit Expansionist CSR, and Explicit Contractive CSR. Focus group interviews with Norwegian managers empirically illuminate these models and the micro-level individual construction of variable meanings for CSR within a national, institutional context.