bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the experiences of bereaved families involved in assisted suicide in Southern Switzerland: a qualitative study
Authors: Gamondi Claudia , Pott Murielle , Forbes Karen , Payne Sheila
Published: September 2013

Background

In Switzerland, helping with assisted suicide under certain conditions is not prosecuted. With approximately 300 cases annually, this leaves behind a large group of bereaved people where its consequences are mostly unknown. The study aimed to explore family involvement in decision making prior to assisted suicide, and to examine their ways of coping during the bereavement period.

Methods

A qualitative interview study used the principles of Grounded Theory analysis. Eleven relatives of eight patients, who died in Southern Switzerland after assisted suicide, participated in semistructured interviews.

Results

The large majority of family members faced moral dilemmas during the decision-making phase. Their respect for patient's autonomy was a key justification to resolve dilemmas. Two types of involvement were identified: categorised as ‘passive’ when the decision making was located with the patient, and ‘active’ when assisted suicide was proposed by the family member and/or the relative was involved in some way. The relatives reported feelings of isolation during and after assisted suicide. Family members reported fear of social stigma and did not openly disclose assisted suicide as the cause of death. None of those interviewed received formal psychological support.

Conclusions

Bereaved families express moral dilemmas, feelings of isolation and secrecy in the management of assisted suicide in Southern Switzerland. These features seem underestimated and not sufficiently recognised by the healthcare professionals. Management of assisted suicide requests should include consideration of family members’ needs, in addition to those of the patient.
The role of near-patient coeliac serology testing in the follow-up of patients with coeliac disease
Authors: George D A , Hui L L , Rattehalli D , Lovatt T , Perry I , Green M , Robinson K , Walters J R F , Brookes M J
Published: September 2013

Objective

This pilot study was undertaken to assess the validity and effectiveness of near-patient coeliac immunological testing, compared to standard laboratory immunological techniques, used in the context of dietician-led coeliac disease follow-up clinics.

Design

The study was designed in two phases, each assessing the near-patient test and standard laboratory immunological techniques. Phase 1 analysed stored serum samples; Phase 2 analysed whole blood from patients attending the dietician-led coeliac disease clinics.

Setting

Patients were recruited from New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton (n=50), and Imperial College London (n=30), between March 2010 and February 2011.

Patients

Those with a diagnosis of coeliac disease for greater than 12 months attending dietician-led coeliac disease clinics.

Interventions

In addition to whole blood taken for routine analysis, patients required a capillary finger-prick blood sample.

Main outcome measure

To determine if the whole blood and serum near-patient test results were in correlation with outcomes of standard laboratory evaluation.

Results

Phase 1 demonstrated that the near-patient serum test had a sensitivity of 93.5% (95% CI 0.79% to 0.98%), specificity of 94.9% (0.83% to 0.99%), when compared to standard laboratory ELISA. Phase 2, involving patients whole blood, had a sensitivity of 77.8% (0.45% to 0.93%), and specificity of 100% (0.94% to 1%).

Conclusions

This pilot study has demonstrated that there appears to be a role for near-patient testing in coeliac disease, but further studies are recommended.
Food-related choking deaths among the elderly
Authors: Kramarow Ellen , Warner Margaret , Chen Li-Hui
Published: September 2013

During 2007–2010 in the USA, 2214 deaths among people aged ≥65 were attributed to choking on food. The death rate for this cause is higher among the elderly than among any other age group. Using data from the US National Vital Statistics System, we examined the relationship between food suffocation and other causes of death listed on the death certificate. Among decedents aged ≥65, the three most common additional conditions listed on the death certificate were heart disease, dementia and diabetes. However, after estimating the expected joint frequency of other causes based on the overall distribution of all causes of death, we find that three causes—dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), Parkinson's disease and pneumonitis—are most strongly associated with deaths from choking on food among older people.
A comparative theoretical study of heterocycle-functionalized tetrazolate- and tetrazolate-1-oxide-based dianionic salts
Authors: Xiang Fang , Wu Qiong , Zhu Weihua , Xiao Heming
Published: September 2013

Density functional theory and volume-based thermodynamics calculations have been performed to study the crystal densities, heats of formation, energetic properties, thermodynamics of formation, and impact sensitivity for a series of heterocycle-functionalized tetrazolate- and tetrazolate1-oxide-based dianionic salts. The results show that the hydroxylammonium cation is better than the tetrazolium cation for increasing the densities and detonation performance of the tetrazolate dianionic salts. The salts containing series B (tetrazolate-1-oxide) have larger densities and detonation performance than corresponding ones containing series A (tetrazolate) with the same cation. Incorporating a zwitterionic N-oxide into the nitrogen system is helpful for increasing its density and detonation performance for each salt series, but it is not favorable for improving its heat of formation. The salt including the tetrazine-dioxide conjugated with two tetrazolide exhibits the best energetic performance. The salts containing the tetrazolium cation could be possibly synthesized by the proposed reactions. Some of the salts with the cation hydroxylammonium show lower impact sensitivity than RDX or HMX.
The southern Coast Mountains, British Columbia: New interpretations from geological, seismic reflection, and gravity data
Authors: Bustin Amanda M.M. , Clowes Ron M. , Monger James W.H. , Journeay J. Murray
Published: September 2013

The southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia are characterized by voluminous plutonic and gneissic rocks of mainly Middle Jurassic to Eocene age (the Coast Plutonic Complex), as well as metamorphic rocks, folds, and thrust and reverse faults that mostly diverge eastward and westward from an axis within the present mountains, and by more localized Eocene and younger normal faults. In the southeastern Coast Mountains, mid-Cretaceous and younger plutons intrude Bridge River, Cadwallader, and Methow terranes and overlap Middle Jurassic through Early Cretaceous marine clastic rocks of the Tyaughton–Methow basin. The combination of geological data with new or reanalyzed geophysical data originating from Lithoprobe and related studies enables revised structural interpretations to be made to 20 km depth. Five seismic profiles show very cut-up and chaotic reflectivity that probably represents slices and segments of different deformed and rearranged rock assemblages. Surface geology, seismic interpretations, physical properties, and gravity data are combined in two profiles across the Coast Mountains to generate two new 2-D density models that are interpreted in terms of the geological units. The western part of the southern Coast Mountains consists primarily of Jurassic to mid-Cretaceous plutons to depths of 20 km with slices of Wrangellia (in the west) and Early Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary rocks (Gambier group) in the upper 10 km. The eastern part, east of the Owl Creek fault, consists of slices of Cadwallader and Bridge River terranes and Tyaughton–Methow basin strata with limited slices of plutonic rocks at depths less than 10 km. Below that, Eocene and Late Cretaceous plutons dominate for another 10 km.
Classification of hatchery and wild fish using natural geochemical signatures in otoliths, fin rays, and scales of an endangered catostomid
Authors: Wolff Brian A. , Johnson Brett M. , Landress Chad M.
Published: September 2013

Endangered and endemic June sucker (JS, Chasmistes liorus) have been stocked for many years to prevent extinction in Utah Lake, Utah. When unmarked fish appeared in the lake at higher rates than expected from tag loss, we sought to determine if87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca (signatures) in otoliths, fin rays, and scales could be used to identify whether stocking had created a naturally reproducing population. Signatures from otoliths and fin rays suggested that approximately 38% (12 of 31) of unmarked JS probably came from the Fisheries Experimental Station (FES) hatchery in Logan, Utah, and a minimum of 13% (four of 31) of unmarked JS had signatures that strongly indicated that they were of wild origin. The remaining JS (15 of 31) could not be assigned to any particular location because of signature overlap. While scales were not useful for determining fish provenance, we found a nearly 1:1 relationship between pelvic fin and otolith87Sr/86Sr. Thus, fin sections appear to provide a nonlethal structure for laser ablation microchemical analysis to determine origins of unknown origin JS in the future.
A new role for effort dynamics in the theory of harvested populations and data-poor stock assessment
Authors: Thorson James T. , Minto Cóilín , Minte-Vera Carolina V. , Kleisner Kristin M. , Longo Catherine
Published: September 2013

Research shows that population status can be predicted using catch data, but there is little justification for why these predictions work or how they account for changes in fisheries management. We demonstrate that biomass can be reconstructed from catch data whenever fishing mortality follows predictable dynamics over time (called “effort dynamics”), and we develop a state-space catch only model (SSCOM) for this purpose. We use theoretical arguments and simulation modeling to demonstrate that SSCOM can, in some cases, estimate population status from catch data. Next, we use meta-analysis to estimate effort dynamics for US West Coast groundfishes before and after fisheries management changes in the mid-1990s. We apply the SSCOM using meta-analytic results to data for eight assessed species and compare results with stock assessment and data-poor methods. Results indicate general agreement among all three methods. We conclude that effort dynamics provides a theoretical basis for using catch data to reconstruct biomass and has potential for conducting data-poor assessments. However, we still recommend that index and compositional data be collected to allow application of data-rich methods.
Classification of topological domains based on gene expression and regulation
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Shi Hongbo , Ahituv Nadav
Published: September 2013

Tissue-specific gene expression is thought to be one of the major forces shaping mammalian gene order. A recent study that used whole-genome chromosome conformation assays has shown that the mammalian genome is divided into specific topological domains that are shared between different tissues and organisms. Here, we wanted to assess whether gene expression and regulation are involved in shaping these domains and can be used to classify them. We analyzed gene expression and regulation levels in these domains by using RNA-seq and enhancer-associated ChIP-seq datasets for 17 different mouse tissues. We found 162 domains that are active (high gene expression and regulation) in all 17 tissues. These domains are significantly shorter, contain less repeats, and have more housekeeping genes. In contrast, we found 29 domains that are inactive (low gene expression and regulation) in all analyzed tissues and are significantly longer, have more repeats, and gene deserts. Tissue-specific active domains showed some correlation with tissue-type and gene ontology. Domain temporal gene regulation and expression differences also displayed some gene ontology terms fitting their temporal function. Combined, our results provide a catalog of shared and tissue-specific topological domains and suggest that gene expression and regulation could have a role in shaping them.
A QUARK-INDEPENDENT DESCRIPTION OF CONFINEMENT
Authors: MAZILU NICOLAE , IOANNOU PAVLOS D. , DIAKONOS FOTIOS K. , MAINTAS XANTIS N. , AGOP MARICEL
Published: September 2013

Currently the quantitative description of confinement inside nuclear matter is exclusively limited to computer experiments, mainly on lattices, and concentrating upon calculating the static potential. There is no independent reference for comparison and support of the results, especially when it comes to the quark potential in the continuum limit. Yet, we are entitled to be optimistic, for the basic results of these calculations seem to be correct from an entirely different point of view, suggested by Manton's geometrization of Skyrme theory. The present work shows the reasons of this point of view, and offers a static potential that might serve as independent reference for comparison and endorsement of any lattice calculations, and in fact of any structural hypotheses of nuclear matter. A historical review of the pertinent key moments in the history of modeling of nuclear matter, as well as an outlook anticipating the necessary future work, close the argument.
A TECHNOLOGY VALUATION MODEL FOR THE DEFENSE R&D WITH INCOME APPROACH
Authors: JANG WON-JOON , LEE CHOONJOO
Published: September 2013

Korea government initiated the Government's Defense Industrial Policy, "Defense Industry as a New Growth Engine for the Creative Economy", followed by establishing the defense industrial policy objectives and making efforts to reach them. Accordingly, the defense export dragged attention from the defense industry sector and as a result recorded nearly 0.8 billion dollars in 2011 which is doubled amount compared to year 2008. Considering that defense technology valuation is inevitable in defense trade, the defense technology valuation is going to be a key issue for the domestic defense R&D invested equipment including main battle tanks, armored vehicles, air trainers etc. This paper presents the defense R&D technology valuation model with the in-depth analysis of its theories and current status both domestic and abroad. Also, it provides relevant policy issues and directions in the near future. It should contribute to boosting the defense technology valuation fields and to formulating a concrete tool for analyzing defense R&D technology valuation in the near future.
GENERALIZED PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR DIFFERENCE-ALGEBRAIC BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
Authors: NIU HONG , ZHANG QINGLING
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a nonlinear difference-algebraic system is used to model some populations with stage structure when the harvest behavior and the economic interest are considered. The stability analysis is studied at the equilibrium points. After the nonlinear difference-algebraic system is changed into a linear system with the unmodeled dynamics, a generalized predictive controller with feedforward compensator is designed to stabilize the system. Adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used to make the unmodeled dynamic compensated. An example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
UNIVERSAL GRAPHS AND UNIVERSAL PERMUTATIONS
Authors: ATMINAS AISTIS , LOZIN VADIM V. , KITAEV SERGEY , VALYUZHENICH ALEXANDR
Published: September 2013

Let X be a family of graphs and Xn the set of n-vertex graphs in X. A graph U(n) containing all graphs from Xn as induced subgraphs is called n-universal for X. Moreover, we say that U(n) is a propern-universal graph for X if it belongs to X. In the present paper, we construct a proper n-universal graph for the class of split permutation graphs. Our solution includes two ingredients: a proper universal 321-avoiding permutation and a bijection between 321-avoiding permutations and symmetric split permutation graphs. The n-universal split permutation graph constructed in this paper has 4n3 vertices, which means that this construction is order-optimal.
THE THIRD VERSION OF ZAGREB INDEX
Authors: GHORBANI MODJTABA , HOSSEINZADEH MOHAMMAD A.
Published: September 2013

Gutman et al. defined the Zagreb indices for the first time more than 40 years ago and up to now many versions of these topological indices were defined. In this paper we define a type of Zagreb indices based on degrees of neighbors of vertices in a given graph and then we compute them for several classes of composite graphs.
The eukaryotic initiation factor 2 kinase GCN2 protects against hepatotoxicity during asparaginase treatment
Authors: Wilson Gabriel J. , Bunpo Piyawan , Cundiff Judy K. , Wek Ronald C. , Anthony Tracy G.
Published: September 2013

Asparaginase is an important drug in the treatment regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Asparaginase depletes circulating asparagine and glutamine, activating an amino acid stress response (AAR) involving phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) by general control nonderepressible kinase 2 (GCN2). We hypothesized that GCN2 functions to mitigate hepatic stress during asparaginase therapy by activating the AAR. To test this idea, C57BL/6J wild-type mice ( Gcn2+/+) and those deleted for Gcn2 ( Gcn2−/−) were injected with asparaginase or saline excipient one time daily for 1 or 6 days. In liver, increased phosphorylation of eIF2 and mRNA expression of AAR target genes activating transcription factor 4, asparagine synthetase, eIF4E-binding protein 1, and CAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein were significantly blunted or blocked in the liver of G cn2−/−mice. Loss of AAR during asparaginase coincided with increases in mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, hepatic triglyceride accumulation, and DNA damage in association with genetic markers of oxidative stress ( glutathione peroxidase) and inflammation ( tumor necrosis factor alpha-α). Although asparaginase depleted circulating asparagine in both Gcn2+/+and Gcn2−/−mice, all other amino acids, including plasma glutamine, were elevated in the plasma of Gcn2−/−mice. This study shows that loss of GCN2 promotes oxidative stress and inflammatory-mediated DNA damage during asparaginase therapy, suggesting that patients with reduced or dysfunctional AAR may be at risk of developing hepatic complications during asparaginase treatment.
A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol for use in whole human adipose tissue
Authors: Haim Yulia , Tarnovscki Tanya , Bashari Dana , Rudich Assaf
Published: September 2013

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) has become a central method when studying in vivo protein-DNA interactions, with the major challenge being the hope to capture “authentic” interactions. While ChIP protocols have been optimized for use with specific cell types and tissues including adipose tissue-derived cells, a working ChIP protocol addressing the challenges imposed by fresh whole human adipose tissue has not been described. Utilizing human paired omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue obtained during elective abdominal surgeries, we have carefully identified and optimized individual steps in the ChIP protocol employed directly on fresh tissue fragments. We describe a complete working protocol for using ChIP on whole adipose tissue fragments. Specific steps required adaptation of the ChIP protocol to human whole adipose tissue. In particular, a cross-linking step was performed directly on fresh small tissue fragments. Nuclei were isolated before releasing chromatin, allowing better management of fat content; a sonication protocol to obtain fragmented chromatin was optimized. We also demonstrate the high sensitivity of immunoprecipitated chromatin from adipose tissue to freezing. In conclusion, we describe the development of a ChIP protocol optimized for use in studying whole human adipose tissue, providing solutions for the unique challenges imposed by this tissue. Unraveling protein-DNA interaction in whole human adipose tissue will likely contribute to elucidating molecular pathways contributing to common human diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Investigating the Influence of Process Parameters of ZNC EDM on Machinability of A6061/10% SiC Composite
Authors: Singh Balbir , Kumar Jatinder , Kumar Sudhir
Published: September 2013

A6061/10% SiC composite has been fabricated by mechanical stir casting process. Fabricated composite has also been characterized through optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray techniques (EDX), and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The composite has been experimentally investigated for its machinability usingZ-axis numerically controlled (ZNC) electrodischarge machining (EDM) process. The effects of the four process parameters, namely, current, gap voltage, pulse-on time, and pulse-off time are investigated on material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (SR) by varying one parameter at a time approach. Optical microscopy and SEM analysis revealed the uniform distribution of SiC particles in aluminum matrix phase. XRD investigation corroborated the elemental composition of 6061 Al alloy and reinforcement particles. Thermal analysis shows stability of composite upto 650°C. The machinability characteristics, namely, MRR, TWR, and SR have been interpreted using graphical representations. The study indicates that all the machining parameters affect the machining performance of A6061/10% SiC composite. Optimum machining performance has been realized at the lower setting of current and pulse-on time and the optimum setting of pulse-off time and gap voltage.
On the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Stability of Ring Homomorphism and Ring Derivation
Authors: Roh Jaiok , Chang Ick-Soon
Published: September 2013

We take into account the stability of ring homomorphism and ring derivation in intuitionistic fuzzy Banach algebra associated with the Jensen functional equation. In addition, we deal with the superstability of functional equationf(xy)=xf(y)+f(x)yin an intuitionistic fuzzy normed algebra with unit.
Particular Mal de Meleda Phenotypes in Tunisia and Mutations Founder Effect in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Bchetnia Mbarka , Laroussi Nadia , Youssef Monia , Charfeddine Cherine , Ben Brick Ahlem Sabrine , Boubaker Mohamed Samir , Mokni Mourad , Abdelhak Sonia , Zili Jameleddine , Benmously Rym
Published: September 2013

Mal de Meleda (MDM) is a rare, autosomal recessive form of palmoplantar keratoderma. It is characterized by erythema and hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles that progressively extend to the dorsal surface of the hands and feet. It is caused by mutations inSLURP-1gene encoding for secreted mammalian Ly-6/uPAR-related protein 1 (SLURP-1). We performed mutational analysis by direct sequencing ofSLURP-1gene in order to identify the genetic defect in three unrelated families (families MDM-12, MDM-13, and MDM-14) variably affected with transgressive palmoplantar keratoderma. A spectrum of clinical presentations with variable features has been observed from the pronounced to the transparent hyperkeratosis. We identified the 82delT frame shift mutation in theSLURP-1gene in both families MDM-12 and MDM-13 and the missense variation p.Cys99Tyr in family MDM-14. To date, the 82delT variation is the most frequent cause of MDM in the world which is in favour of a recurrent molecular defect. The p.Cys99Tyr variation is only described in Tunisian families making evidence of founder effect mutation of likely Tunisian origin. Our patients presented with very severe to relatively mild phenotypes, including multiple keratolytic pits observed for one patient in the hyperkeratotic area which was not previously reported. The phenotypic variability may reflect the influence of additional factors on disease characteristics. This report further expands the spectrum of clinical phenotypes associated with mutations inSLURP1in the Mediterranean population.
Normal Incidence of Sound Transmission Loss of a Double-Leaf Partition Inserted with a Microperforated Panel
Authors: Putra A. , Ismail A. Y. , Ramlan R. , Ayob Md. R. , Py M. S.
Published: September 2013

A double-leaf partition in engineering structures has been widely applied for its advantages, that is, in terms of its mechanical strength as well as its lightweight property. In noise control, the double-leaf also serves as an effective noise barrier. Unfortunately at low frequency, the sound transmission loss reduces significantly due to the coupling between the panels and the air between them. This paper studies the effect of a microperforated panel (MPP) inserted inside a double-leaf partition on the sound transmission loss performance of the system. The MPP insertion is proposed to provide a hygienic double-leaf noise insulator replacing the classical abrasive porous materials between the panels. It is found that the transmission loss improves at the troublesome mass-air-mass resonant frequency if the MPP is located closer to the solid panel. The mathematical model is derived for normal incidence of acoustic loading.
Tramadol Extended-Release for the Management of Pain due to Osteoarthritis
Authors: Angeletti Chiara , Guetti Cristiana , Paladini Antonella , Varrassi Giustino
Published: September 2013

Current knowledge on pathogenesis of osteoarticular pain, as well as the consequent several, especially on the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular systems, side effects of NSAIDs, makes it difficult to perform an optimal management of this mixed typology of pain. This is especially observable in elderly patients, the most frequently affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Tramadol is an analgesic drug, the action of which has a twofold action. It has a weak affinity to mu opioid receptors and, at the same time, can result in inhibition of the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin in nociceptorial descending inhibitory control system. These two mechanisms, “opioidergic” and “nonopioidergic,” are the grounds for contrasting certain types of pain that are generally less responsive to opioids, such as neuropathic pain or mixed OA pain. The extended-release formulation of tramadol has good efficacy and tolerability and acts through a dosing schedule that allows a high level of patients compliance to therapies with a good recovery outcome for the patients' functional status.
Predictors of Better Self-Care in Patients with Heart Failure after Six Months of Follow-Up Home Visits
Authors: Trojahn Melina Maria , Ruschel Karen Brasil , Nogueira de Souza Emiliane , Mussi Cláudia Motta , Naomi Hirakata Vânia , Nogueira Mello Lopes Alexandra , Rabelo-Silva Eneida Rejane
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to examine the predictors of better self-care behavior in patients with heart failure (HF) in a home visiting program. This is a longitudinal study nested in a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN01213862) in which the home-based educational intervention consisted of a six-month followup that included four home visits by a nurse, interspersed with four telephone calls. The self-care score was measured at baseline and at six months using the Brazilian version of the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale. The associations included eight variables: age, sex, schooling, having received the intervention, social support, income, comorbidities, and symptom severity. A simple linear regression model was developed using significant variables (P≤0.20), followed by a multivariate model to determine the predictors of better self-care. One hundred eighty-eight patients completed the study. A better self-care behavior was associated with patients who received intervention (P<0.001), had more years of schooling (P=0.016), and had more comorbidities (P=0.008). Having received the intervention (P<0.001) and having a greater number of comorbidities (P=0.038) were predictors of better self-care. In the multivariate regression model, being in the intervention group and having more comorbidities were a predictor of better self-care.
PDZ Domains and Viral Infection: Versatile Potentials of HPV-PDZ Interactions in relation to Malignancy
Authors: Nagasaka Kazunori , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: September 2013

Cervical cancer is caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), and a unique characteristic of these is a PDZ (P̲SD-95/D̲lg/Z̲O-1-)binding motif in their E6 proteins. Through this motif HPV E6 interacts with a variety of PDZ domain-containing proteins and targets them mainly for degradation. These E6-PDZ interactions exhibit extraordinarily different functions in relation to HPV-induced malignancy, depending upon various cellular contexts; for example, Dlg and Scrib show different distribution patterns from what is seen in normal epithelium, both in localization and in amount, and their loss may be a late-stage marker in malignant progression. Recent studies show that interactions with specific forms of the proteins may have oncogenic potential. In addition, it is interesting that PDZ proteins make a contribution to the stabilization of E6 and viral episomal maintenance during the course of HPV life cycle. Various posttranslational modifications also greatly affect their functions. Phosphorylation of hDlg and hScrib by certain kinases regulates several important signaling cascades, and E6-PDZ interactions themselves are regulated through PKA-dependent phosphorylation. Thus these interactions naturally have great potential for both predictive and therapeutic applications, and, with development of screening tools for identifying novel targets of their interactions, comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis is currently underway.
Differences in Serum Levels of Magnesium, Phosphate, and Albumin for HAART-Experienced and HAART-Naïve Female Patients Attending Parirenyatwa Opportunistic Infections Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mudzinge Denise , Nyazika Tinashe Kenny , Chisango Tawanda Jonathan , Zhou Danai Tavonga
Published: September 2013

Antiretroviral therapy inhibits HIV replication, maintains health, and preserves life. However, both antiretroviral therapy and HIV infection have been reported to have short- and long-term effects on bone metabolism. A cross-sectional study was performed to compare serum bone profiles in HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy and compare them to therapy-naïve patients. Serum levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and albumin were measured in 40 female participants on highly active antiretroviral therapy, recruited sequentially from Parirenyatwa Opportunistic Infections Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe. The 40 women were matched for age with 40 antiretroviral therapy-naïve women. Magnesium, phosphate, and albumin levels were significantly higher in the therapy-naïve than in therapy-experienced patients. There was no statistically significant difference in calcium levels of the two groups of women. Evidence from this study suggests that highly active antiretroviral therapy lowers levels of magnesium, phosphate, and albumin but has no effect on levels of serum calcium.
SalmonellaAppendicitis in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Malone B. , Kleyman S. , Sanni A. , Sumrani N. , Distant D.
Published: September 2013

While appendicitis remains one of the commonest surgical diseases, there are relatively few reports following renal transplantation. A 33-year-old man was admitted with diarrhea, fever, and epigastric pain 7 years following a cadaveric renal transplant. CT scanning confirmed a diagnosis of appendicitis which was removed within 24 hours of admission. Histology and blood cultures following surgery confirmedSalmonellatype b appendicitis. Patient was safely discharged home 5 days following hospital admission.
Progress of Molecular Targeted Therapies for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Conti Alessandro , Santoni Matteo , Amantini Consuelo , Burattini Luciano , Berardi Rossana , Santoni Giorgio , Cascinu Stefano , Muzzonigro Giovanni
Published: September 2013

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis. VEGF expression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is mostly regulated by hypoxia, predominantly via the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)/Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) pathway. Advances in our knowledge of VEGF role in tumor angiogenesis, growth, and progression have permitted development of new approaches for the treatment of mRCC, including several agents targeting VEGF and VEGF receptors: tyrosine kinase pathway, serine/threonine kinases,α5β1-integrin, deacetylase, CD70, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AKT, and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K). Starting from sorafenib and sunitinib, several targeted therapies have been approved for mRCC treatment, with a long list of agents in course of evaluation, such as tivozanib, cediranib, and VEGF-Trap. Here we illustrate the main steps of tumor angiogenesis process, defining the pertinent therapeutic targets and the efficacy and toxicity profiles of these new promising agents.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Sulfur‐Containing Bissalicylaldehyde Schiff Base and Binuclear Nickel(II) Nanorod Complex
Authors: Yang Xiao-Lan , Zhong Guo-Qing , Wu Li
Published: September 2013

Nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate was treated with the ligand CH2(H2sal‐sbdt)2 in methanol heated at reflux to yield a novel binuclear Ni(II) nanorod complex of the formula . The ligand of CH2(H2sal‐sbdt)2 was derived from 5,5′‐methylene‐bissalicylaldehyde and S‐benzyldithiocarbazate. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, UV‐Vis, FT‐IR spectra, thermal analysis (TG‐DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nickel(II) was coordinated by imino nitrogen, thiolato sulfur, and phenolic oxygen from the Schiff base ligand, and oxygen from the coordinated water, respectively. The pyrolysis reactions in the thermal decomposition process of the complex, the experimental, and calculated percentage mass loss were also given. The Ni(II) complex belonged to nanocrystalline metal complex, and the average size of the nanorod complex was about 30 nm × 150 nm. The antibacterial activities were screened for the Schiff base ligand and the Ni(II) nanorod complex against four bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both the ligand of CH2(H2sal‐sbdt)2 and the Ni(II) complex had the most intense antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli.
Predicting Drugs Side Effects Based on Chemical-Chemical Interactions and Protein-Chemical Interactions
Authors: Chen Lei , Huang Tao , Zhang Jian , Zheng Ming-Yue , Feng Kai-Yan , Cai Yu-Dong , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: September 2013

A drug side effect is an undesirable effect which occurs in addition to the intended therapeutic effect of the drug. The unexpected side effects that many patients suffer from are the major causes of large-scale drug withdrawal. To address the problem, it is highly demanded by pharmaceutical industries to develop computational methods for predicting the side effects of drugs. In this study, a novel computational method was developed to predict the side effects of drug compounds by hybridizing the chemical-chemical and protein-chemical interactions. Compared to most of the previous works, our method can rank the potential side effects for any query drug according to their predicted level of risk. A training dataset and test datasets were constructed from the benchmark dataset that contains 835 drug compounds to evaluate the method. By a jackknife test on the training dataset, the 1st order prediction accuracy was 86.30%, while it was 89.16% on the test dataset. It is expected that the new method may become a useful tool for drug design, and that the findings obtained by hybridizing various interactions in a network system may provide useful insights for conducting in-depth pharmacological research as well, particularly at the level of systems biomedicine.
Peptides Trapping Dioxins: A Docking‐Based Inverse Screening Approach
Authors: Perez German , Mascini Marcello , Lanzone Valentina , Sergi Manuel , Del Carlo Michele , Esposito Mauro , Compagnone Dario
Published: September 2013

A rapid and cost‐effective computational methodology for designing and rationalizing the selection of small peptides as receptors for dioxin‐like compounds was proposed. The backbone of the dioxin Ah receptor binding site was used to design a series of penta‐ and hexapeptide libraries, with 1400 elements in total. Peptide flexibility was considered and 10 conformers were found to be a good option to represent peptide conformational space with fair speed‐accuracy ratio. Each peptide conformer was treated as a possible receptor, generating a dedicated box and then running a docking process using as ligands a family of 76 dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and 113 dibenzofurans mono‐ and polychlorinated. Significant predictions were confirmed by comparing primary structure of top and bottom ranked peptides binding dioxins confirming that scrambled positions of the same amino acids gave completely different predicted binding. The hexapeptide EWFQPW, with the best binding score, was chosen as selective sorbent material in solid‐phase extraction. The retention performances were tested using the 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin and two polychlorinated biphenyls in order to verify the hexapeptide specificity. The solid‐phase extraction experimental procedure was optimized, and analytical parameters of hexapeptide sorbent material were compared with the resin without hexapeptide and a commercial reversed phase cartridge.
Xanthogranulomatous Appendicitis in a Child: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Al-Rawabdeh Sura M. , Prasad Vinay , King Denis R. , Kahwash Samir B.
Published: September 2013

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a well-described inflammatory process, which may involve any organ but is most frequently encountered in the gall bladder and the kidney. There are rare reports of xanthogranulomatous appendicitis (XA) in the adult population, but only one brief mention of such a diagnosis in a child. In this report, we describe the case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with clinical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis necessitating appendectomy. Upon microscopic examination, the appendix showed the typical features of XA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well-described case XA in a noninterval appendix in a child. We also reviewed the limited medical literature on the subject.
DNA Microarray Assay Helps to Identify Functional Genes Specific for Leukemia Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Haojian , Li Shaoguang
Published: September 2013

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease derived from an abnormal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and is consistently associated with the formation of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are highly effective in treating chronic phase CML but do not eliminate leukemia stem cells (LSCs), which are believed to be related to disease relapse. Therefore, one major challenge in the current CML research is to understand the biology of LSCs and to identify the molecular difference between LSCs and its normal stem cell counterparts. Comparing the gene expression profiles between LSCs and normal HSCs by DNA microarray assay is a systematic and unbiased approach to address this issue. In this paper, we present a DNA microarray dataset for CML LSCs and normal HSCs to show that the microarray assay will benefit the current and future studies of the biology of CML stem cells.
Exertion in Kangoo Jumps Aerobic: Evaluation and Interpretation Using Spectroscopic Technique Determinations
Authors: Popa Cristina , Patachia Mihai , Banita Stefan , Dumitras Dan Constantin
Published: September 2013

Laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) is growing quickly in its applications to real world problems—one of the problems is to prevent obesity—being a candidate technology for breath analysis applications. The ongoing paper is aiming to investigate the evaluation of oxidative stress in womens practicing Kangoo Jumps (KJ) aerobics. Because it is not possible to directly measure free radicals in the body, we approach that by measuring the by-products (breath ethylene) that result from free radical reactions. We found out that the mixture of exhaled breath in women's after the KJ exercises contains low concentration of ethylene compared to the exhaled breath of the women before the start of exercise program. This result can add valuable information to the contribution to reduce the generation of prooxidants during and after KJ aerobics.
Simple and Efficient Rout for Synthesis of Spinel Nanopigments
Authors: Torkian Leila , Daghighi Maryam , Boorboor Zahra
Published: September 2013

Nano‐sized CoxMg1−xAl2O4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1) inorganic pigments were synthesized via combustion method using β‐alanine, as a single and novel fuel, at 800°C in open furnace. The obtained powders were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) elemental analysis, diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), CIE L*a*b* color measurements, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD patterns show that all calcined powders have single phase cubic spinel structure. EDX analysis revealed the composition of desired spinels. The diffuse reflectance spectra of the CoxMg1−xAl2O4 (x > 0) pigments confirmed the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated Co2+ ions in the spinel lattice. The colorimetric data pointed out the formation of blue pigments (for x > 0), corresponding to highly negative values of b*, and the bluest color was produced for x = 0.8 and 1. SEM images showed nanoparticles with less than 30 nm crystallite size and flakes‐like appearance of all synthesized powders.
Spectral Local Linearisation Approach for Natural Convection Boundary Layer Flow
Authors: Motsa S. S. , Makukula Z. G. , Shateyi S.
Published: September 2013

The present work introduces a spectral local linearisation method (SLLM) to solve a natural convection boundary layer flow problem with domain transformation. It is customary to find solutions of semi-infinite interval problems by first truncating the interval and subsequently applying a suitable numerical method. However, this gives rise to increased error terms in the numerical solution. Carrying out a transformation of the semi-infinite interval problems into singular problems posed on a finite interval can avoid the domain truncation error and enables the efficient application of collocation methods. The SLLM is based on linearising and decoupling nonlinear systems of equations into a sequence or subsystems of differential equations which are then solved using spectral collocation methods. A comparative study between the SLLM and existing results in the literature was carried out to validate the results. The method has shown to be a promising efficient tool for nonlinear boundary value problems as it gives converging results after very few iterations.
Embedded Artificial Neuval Network-Based Real-Time Half-Wave Dynamic Resistance Estimation during the A.C. Resistance Spot Welding Process
Authors: Gong Liang , Xi Yan , Liu Chengliang
Published: September 2013

Online monitoring of the instantaneous resistance variation during the A.C. resistance spot welding is of paramount importance for the weld quality control. On the basis of the welding transformer circuit model, a new method is proposed to measure the transformer primary-side signal for estimating the secondary-side resistance in each 1/4 cycle. The tailored computing system ensures that the measuring method possesses a real-time computational capacity with satisfying accuracy. Since the dynamic resistance cannot be represented via an explicit function with respect to measurable parameters from the primary side of the welding transformer, an offline trained embedded artificial neural network (ANN) successfully realizes the real-time implicit function calculation or estimation. A DSP-based resistance spot welding monitoring system is developed to perform ANN computation. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is applicable for measuring the dynamic resistance in single-phase, half-wave controlled rectifier circuits.
Screening of a Protein That Interacts with the Matrix Attachment Region-Binding Protein fromDunaliella salina
Authors: Yang Rui , Li Zhaoxi , Lin Yan , Yang Baosheng , Wang Tianyun
Published: September 2013

We isolated the matrix attachment region-binding protein (MBP) DMBP-1 fromDunaliella salinain our previous studies. MBPs are part of the cis-acting protein family cluster. The regulatory function possibly works through the interaction of the MBPs with each other. In the present study, DMBP-1 was used as the bait in screening theD. salinacDNA library for DMBP-1 interactors that could potentially mediate the DMBP-1-regulated functions. A novel MBP, namely, DMBP-2, was identified as a DMBP-1 binding partner. The cDNA of DMBP-1 was 823 bp long and contained a 573 bp open reading frame, which encoded a polypeptide of 191 amino acids. The interaction between DMBP-2 and DMBP-1 was further confirmed through glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays.
Oxidative Stress and Antimicrobial Activity of Chromium(III) and Ruthenium(II) Complexes onStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli
Authors: Páez Paulina L. , Bazán Claudia M. , Bongiovanni María E. , Toneatto Judith , Albesa Inés , Becerra María C. , Argüello Gerardo A.
Published: September 2013

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance has resulted in the need for new approaches to be developed to combat previously easily treatable infections. The main aim of this work was to establish the potential of the syntheticα-diimine chromium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes (where theα-diimine ligands are bpy = 2,2-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-phenazine) like [Cr(phen)3]3+, [Cr(phen)2(dppz)]3+, [Ru(phen)3]2+, and [Ru(bpy)3]2+as antibacterial agents by generating oxidative stress. The [Cr(phen)3]3+and [Cr(phen)2(dppz)]3+complexes showed activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.125 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL, while [Ru(phen)3]2+and [Ru(bpy)3]2+do not exhibit antimicrobial activity against the two bacterial genera studied at the concentration range used. When ciprofloxacin was combined with [Cr(phen)3]3+for the inhibition ofStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli, an important synergistic effect was observed, FIC 0.066 forS. aureusand FIC 0.064 forE. coli. The work described here shows that chromium(III) complexes are bactericidal forS. aureusandE. coli. Our results indicate thatα-diimine chromium(III) complexes may be interesting to open new paths for metallodrug chemotherapy against different bacterial genera since some of these complexes have been found to exhibit remarkable antibacterial activities.
Relativistic Symmetries of Hulthén Potential Incorporated with Generalized Tensor Interactions
Authors: Ikot A. N. , Hassanabadi H. , Maghsoodi E. , Zarrinkamar S.
Published: September 2013

Spin and pseudospin symmetries of the Dirac equation for a Hulthén potential with a novel tensor interaction, that is, a combination of the Coulomb and Yukawa potentials, are investigated using the Nikiforov-Uvarov method. The bound-state energy spectra and the radial wave functions are approximately obtained in the case of spin and pseudospin symmetries. The tensor interactions and the degeneracy-removing role are presented in details.