bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells prevents angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse
Authors: Fu Xian-ming , Yamawaki-Ogata Aika , Oshima Hideki , Ueda Yuichi , Usui Akihiko , Narita Yuji
Published: July 2013

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to be capable of suppressing inflammatory responses. We previously reported that intra-abdominal implantation of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) sheet by laparotomy attenuated angiotensin II (AngII)-induced aortic aneurysm (AA) growth in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice through anti-inflammation effects. However, cell delivery by laparotomy is invasive; we here demonstrated the effects of multiple intravenous administrations of BM-MSCs on AngII-induced AA formation.

Methods

BM-MSCs were isolated from femurs and tibiae of male apoE−/− mice. Experimental AA was induced by AngII infusion for 28 days in apoE−/− mice. Mice received weekly intravenous administration of BM-MSCs (n=12) or saline (n=10). After 4 weeks, AA formation incidence, aortic diameter, macrophage accumulation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)’ activity, elastin content, and cytokines were evaluated.

Results

AngII induced AA formation in 100% of the mice in the saline group and 50% in the BM-MSCs treatment group (P < 0.05). A significant decrease of aortic diameter was observed in the BM-MSCs treatment group at ascending and infrarenal levels, which was associated with decreased macrophage infiltration and suppressed activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aortic tissues, as well as a preservation of elastin content of aortic tissues. In addition, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 significantly decreased while insulin-like growth factor-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 increased in the aortic tissues of BM-MSCs treatment group.

Conclusions

Multiple intravenous administrations of BM-MSCs attenuated the development of AngII-induced AA in apoE−/− mice and may become a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for AA progression.
Fabrication, characterization and simulation of Ω-gate twin poly-Si FinFET nonvolatile memory
Authors: Yeh Mu-Shih , Wu Yung-Chun , Hung Min-Feng , Liu Kuan-Cheng , Jhan Yi-Ruei , Chen Lun-Chun , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: July 2013

This study proposed the twin poly-Si fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) nonvolatile memory with a structure that is composed of Ω-gate nanowires (NWs). Experimental results show that the NW device has superior memory characteristics because its Ω-gate structure provides a large memory window and high program/erase efficiency. With respect to endurance and retention, the memory window can be maintained at 3.5 V after 104 program and erase cycles, and after 10 years, the charge is 47.7% of its initial value. This investigation explores its feasibility in the future active matrix liquid crystal display system-on-panel and three-dimensional stacked flash memory applications.
Order-clustered fixed point theorems on chain-complete preordered sets and their applications to extended and generalized Nash equilibria
Authors: Xie Linsen , Li Jinlu , Yang Wenshan
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we introduce the concept of order-clustered fixed point of set-valued mappings on preordered sets and give several generalizations of the extension of the Abian-Brown fixed point theorem provided in (Mas-Colell et al. in Microeconomic Theory, 1995), which is from chain-complete posets to chain-complete preordered sets. By using these generalizations and by applying the order-increasing upward property of set-valued mappings, we prove several existence theorems of the extended and generalized Nash equilibria of nonmonetized noncooperative games on chain-complete preordered sets.

MSC:46B42, 47H10, 58J20, 91A06, 91A10.
Global existence of solutions for interval-valued integro-differential equations under generalized H-differentiability
Authors: Truong Vinh An , Ngo Van Hoa , Nguyen Dinh Phu
Published: July 2013

In this study, we consider the interval-valued integro-differential equations (IIDEs) under generalized H-differentiability

D
H
g

X
(
t
)
=
F

(
t
,
X
(
t
)
)

+

∫

t
0

t

G

(
t
,
s
,
X
(
s
)
)

d
s
,

X
(

t
0

)
=

X
0

∈

K
C

(
R
)
.

The global existence of solutions for interval-valued integro-differential equations with initial conditions under generalized H-differentiability is studied. Theorems for global existence of solutions are given and proved on

[

t
0

,
∞
)

. Some examples are given to illustrate these results.

MSC:34K05, 34K30, 47G20.
West Nile virus methyltransferase domain interacts with protein kinase G
Authors: Keating Julie A , Bhattacharya Dipankar , Lim Pei-Yin , Falk Shaun , Weisblum Bernard , Bernard Kristen A , Sharma Mayuri , Kuhn Richard J , Striker Rob
Published: July 2013

Background

The flaviviral nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is a phosphoprotein, though the precise identities and roles of many specific phosphorylations remain unknown. Protein kinase G (PKG), a cGMP-dependent protein kinase, has previously been shown to phosphorylate dengue virus NS5.

Methods

We used mass spectrometry to specifically identify NS5 phosphosites. Co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to study protein-protein interactions. Effects on viral replication were measured via replicon system and plaque assay titering.

Results

We identified multiple sites in West Nile virus (WNV) NS5 that are phosphorylated during a WNV infection, and showed that the N-terminal methyltransferase domain of WNV NS5 can be specifically phosphorylated by PKG in vitro. Expressing PKG in cell culture led to an enhancement of WNV viral production. We hypothesized this effect on replication could be caused by factors beyond the specific phosphorylations of NS5. Here we show for the first time that PKG is also able to stably interact with a viral substrate, WNV NS5, in cell culture and in vitro. While the mosquito-borne WNV NS5 interacted with PKG, tick-borne Langat virus NS5 did not. The methyltransferase domain of NS5 is able to mediate the interaction between NS5 and PKG, and mutating positive residues in the αE region of the methyltransferase interrupts the interaction. These same mutations completely inhibited WNV replication.

Conclusions

PKG is not required for WNV replication, but does make a stable interaction with NS5. While the consequence of the NS5:PKG interaction when it occurs is unclear, mutational data demonstrates that this interaction occurs in a region of NS5 that is otherwise necessary for replication. Overall, the results identify an interaction between virus and a cellular kinase and suggest a role for a host kinase in enhancing flaviviral replication.
Evaluation of effect of low-level laser therapy on adolescents with temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leal de Godoy Camila Haddad , da Costa Silva Paula Fernanda , Sales de Araujo Deise , Motta Lara Jansiski , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida , Politti Fabiano , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Albertini Regiane , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: July 2013

Background

A number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contacts, mandibular movements, electromyography activity in the muscles of mastication and pain in adolescents with TMD.

Methods/Design

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be carried out involving 85 male and female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The research diagnostic criteria for TMD will be used to assess all individuals who agree to participate. All participants will be submitted to a clinical examination and electromyographic analysis of the masseter muscles and anterior bundle of the temporal muscles bilaterally, to determine TMD. Based on the clinical findings, the participants will be classified as having or not having TMD. Those with TMD will be divided into four groups, three of which will receive low-level laser therapy and one of which will receive a placebo treatment. The treatments will involve the TMJ region alone, the masseter and temporal muscles alone, or both these regions together. The data will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test will be used to determine associations among the categorical variables. The Student’sttest and analysis of variance will be used for the comparison of mean electromyographic signals. Pearson’s correlation coefficients will be calculated for the analysis of correlations among the continuous variables.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study has been submitted to Clinical Trials – registration number (NCT01846000).
Microevolution from shock to adaptation revealed strategies improving ethanol tolerance and production in Thermoanaerobacter
Authors: Lin Lu , Ji Yuetong , Tu Qichao , Huang Ranran , Teng Lin , Zeng Xiaowei , Song Houhui , Wang Kun , Zhou Qian , Li Yifei , Cui Qiu , He Zhili , Zhou Jizhong , Xu Jian
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The molecular links between shock-response and adaptation remain poorly understood, particularly for extremophiles. This has hindered rational engineering of solvent tolerance and correlated traits (e.g., productivity) in extremophiles. To untangle such molecular links, here we established a model that tracked the microevolution from shock to adaptation in thermophilic bacteria.

Method

Temporal dynamics of genomes and transcriptomes was tracked for Thermoanaerobacter sp. X514 which under increasing exogenous ethanol evolved from ethanol-sensitive wild-type (Strain X) to tolerance of 2%- (XI) and eventually 6%-ethanol (XII). Based on the reconstructed transcriptional network underlying stress tolerance, genetic engineering was employed to improve ethanol tolerance and production in Thermoanaerobacter.

Results

The spontaneous genome mutation rate (μg) of Thermoanaerobacter sp. X514, calculated at 0.045, suggested a higher mutation rate in thermophile than previously thought. Transcriptomic comparison revealed that shock-response and adaptation were distinct in nature, whereas the transcriptomes of XII resembled those of the extendedly shocked X. To respond to ethanol shock, X employed fructose-specific phosphotransferase system (PTS), Arginine Deiminase (ADI) pathway, alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) and a distinct mechanism of V-type ATPase. As an adaptation to exogenous ethanol, XI mobilized resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux system and Adh, whereas XII, which produced higher ethanol than XI, employed ECF-type ϭ24, an alcohol catabolism operon and phase-specific heat-shock proteins (Hsps), modulated hexose/pentose-transport operon structure and reinforced membrane rigidity. Exploiting these findings, we further showed that ethanol productivity and tolerance can be improved simultaneously by overexpressing adh or ϭ24 in X.

Conclusion

Our work revealed thermophilic-bacteria specific features of adaptive evolution and demonstrated a rational strategy to engineer co-evolving industrial traits. As improvements of shock-response, stress tolerance and productivity have been crucial aims in industrial applications employing thermophiles, our findings should be valuable not just to the production of ethanol but also to a wide variety of biofuels and biochemicals.
Benign and malignant ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified: case studies, comparison, and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang Wei , Tao Xiang , Fang Fang , Zhang Shaofen , Xu Congjian
Published: July 2013

Ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified (NOS) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary with malignant potential. So far only a few cases were reported in English literature through the Pubmed search. Here we report two cases of such tumor, one was benign (first case underwent laparoscopic cystectomy) and the other was malignant (died 10 months later after initial diagnosis), both presented with amenorrhea and clinical signs or symptoms of virilization. In malignant case, we provided evidence (tumor embolus) in addition to the reported five characteristics associated with malignancy. On further evaluation, laboratory investigations revealed hyperandrogenism in the male range, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels were within normal limits. Various aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these tumors are discussed.
Creation and implementation of an emergency medicine education and training program in Turkey: an effective educational intervention to address the practitioner gap
Authors: Bellows Jennifer Whitfield , Douglass Katherine , Atilla Ridvan , Smith Jeffrey , Kapur G Bobby
Published: July 2013

Background

The specialty of Emergency Medicine has enjoyed recognition for nearly 20 years in Turkey. However, the majority of underserved and rural Turkish emergency departments are staffed by general practitioners who lack formal training in the specialty and have few opportunities to increase emergency medicine-specific knowledge and skills.

Methods

To address this “practitioner gap,” the authors developed a four-phase comprehensive emergency medicine education and training program for general practitioners practicing in government hospitals in Turkey.

Results

From April 2006 until June 2009, 42 courses were taught by 62 trainers across seven regions in Turkey. A total of 2,262 physicians were trained. The mean course pre-test score for all regions was 42.3 (95% CI 39.8 to 44.7). The mean course post-test score was 70.1 (95% CI 67.2 to 72.9). The difference between the mean scores was 27.8 (95% CI 25.3 to 30.4, P <0.0001), reflecting an improvement of 65.7%.

Conclusions

A partnership between an academic emergency medicine department and an emergency medicine society to implement country-wide training of physicians practicing in public emergency departments can serve as a successful model for capacity-building global emergency medicine endeavors.
Synthesis and evaluation of [11C]MMPIP as a potential radioligand for imaging of metabotropic glutamate 7 receptor in the brain
Authors: Yamasaki Tomoteru , Kumata Katsushi , Yui Joji , Fujinaga Masayuki , Furutsuka Kenji , Hatori Akiko , Xie Lin , Ogawa Masanao , Nengaki Nobuki , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: July 2013

Background

Metabotropic glutamate 7 (mGlu7) receptor is a crucial target protein for the development of pharmaceuticals against central nervous system disorders. In the present study, we synthesized [11C]MMPIP, a putative radioligand for mGlu7 (binding constant K
B = 30 nM), and evaluated its potential for imaging of mGlu7 via in vitro and in vivo techniques.

Methods

[11C]MMPIP was synthesized by the reaction of phenol precursor 3 with [11C]CH3I. In vitro autoradiography using [11C]MMPIP was performed on rat brain sections. To determine in vitro specific binding of [11C]MMPIP with mGlu7, a blocking study was conducted by co-incubation with excess AMN082, a selective antagonist for mGlu7, or unlabeled MMPIP. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies and ex vivo metabolite analysis were carried out on rat brains.

Results

[11C]MMPIP was obtained with two specific activity (SA) levels of average 58 (conventional) and 3,800 (high SA) GBq/μmol, respectively. High radioactive signals derived from conventional [11C]MMPIP in the in vitro autoradiography were seen in the thalamus, medulla oblongata, and striatum, corresponding with comprehensive brain distributions of mGlu7. Co-incubation with ANM082 or unlabeled MMPIP reduced the radioactive signals in the brain sections, respectively. In the PET studies with [11C]MMPIP, no specific uptake relative to mGlu7 was found in the examined brain regions.

Conclusion

Despite in vitro specific binding of [11C]MMPIP with mGlu7, visualization of mGlu7 in the living brain using PET was not successful. Development of new ligand candidates with higher affinity for mGlu7 is necessary.
Change of mammographic density predicts the risk of contralateral breast cancer - a case-control study
Authors: Sandberg Maria EC , Li Jingmei , Hall Per , Hartman Mikael , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , Humphreys Keith , Czene Kamila
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, but it is unknown whether density at first breast cancer diagnosis and changes during follow-up influences risk of non-simultaneous contralateral breast cancer (CBC).

Methods

We collected mammograms for CBC-patients (cases, N = 211) and unilateral breast cancer patients (controls, N = 211), individually matched on age and calendar period of first breast cancer diagnosis, type of adjuvant therapy and length of follow-up (mean follow-up time: 8.25 years). The odds of CBC as a function of changes of density during follow-up were investigated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for non-dense area at diagnosis.

Results

Patients who experienced ≥10% absolute decrease in percent density had a 55% decreased odds of CBC (OR = 0.45 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.84) relative to patients who had little or no change in density from baseline to first follow-up mammogram (mean = 1.6 (SD = 0.6) years after diagnosis), whereas among those who experienced an absolute increase in percent density we could not detect any effect on the odds of CBC (OR = 0.83 95% CI: 0.24 to 2.87).

Conclusion

Decrease of mammographic density within the first two years after first diagnosis is associated with a significantly reduced risk of CBC, this potential new risk predictor can thus contribute to decision-making in follow-up strategies and treatment.
Prospective observational evaluation of the particle immunofiltration anti-platelet factor 4 rapid assay in MICU patients with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Andrews David M , Cubillos G Fernando , Paulino Sartia K , Seckinger Daniel L , Kett Daniel H
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) results from antibodies to PF4/heparin complexes and clinical diagnosis is difficult. We evaluated the particle immunofiltration anti-platelet factor 4 (PIFA) rapid assay, in conjunction with a clinical risk score, in the diagnosis of HIT.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study in all patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) in a large academic medical center. Patients were screened daily for thrombocytopenia defined as either a platelet count that decreased by at least 33% or an absolute platelet count less than 150,000/μL. Patients with suspected HIT underwent PIFA and ELISA testing for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. Available residual frozen sera were sent to a reference laboratory for serotonin release assay (SRA) testing.

Results

During the study period, 340 patients were admitted to the MICU, of which 143 patients met criteria for thrombocytopenia. Forty-three patients had no evidence of recent heparin exposure. PIFA and ELISA testing were performed on 100 patients, of which 92 had samples available for SRA analysis. PIFA results were negative in 62, positive in 28 and inconclusive in 2 patients. The 4Ts score showed low to intermediate risk in 57 of the PIFA negative patients. The ELISA results were negative in 86 and positive in 6 patients. SRA testing identified 3 patients with a positive SRA test and 89 patients with a negative result. All patients with a negative PIFA result also had a negative SRA result. In the one patient deemed to have clinical HIT, the pretest probability was high (4Ts score of 6) and the anti-PF4/heparin antibody testing revealed a positive SRA, inconclusive PIFA and a negative ELISA result.

Conclusions

While thrombocytopenia in our population is common, the prevalence of HIT is low. The combination of a low to intermediate pretest probability with a negative PIFA test can rapidly exclude the presence of platelet activating anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and, therefore, HIT as the cause of the thrombocytopenia. Since a positive PIFA result has a low positive predictive value, a positive PIFA is not diagnostic of HIT and additional evaluation is warranted.
Incidence, life expectancy and prognostic factors in cancer patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation: a nationwide analysis of 5,138 cases during 1998-2007
Authors: Shih Chih-Yuan , Hung Mei-Chuan , Lu Hsin-Ming , Chen Likwang , Huang Sheng-Jean , Wang Jung-Der
Published: July 2013

Introduction

This study is aimed at determining the incidence, survival rate, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and prognostic factors in patients with cancer in different organ systems undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV).

Methods

We used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 1998 to 2007 and linked it with the National Mortality Registry to ascertain mortality. Subjects who received PMV, defined as having undergone mechanical ventilation continuously for longer than 21 days, were enrolled. The incidence of cancer patients requiring PMV was calculated, with the exception of patients with multiple cancers. The life expectancies and QALE of patients with different types of cancer were estimated. Quality-of-life data were taken from a sample of 142 patients who received PMV. A multivariable proportional hazards model was constructed to assess the effect of different prognostic factors, including age, gender, type of cancer, metastasis, comorbidities and hospital levels.

Results

Among 9,011 cancer patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, 5,138 undergoing PMV had a median survival of 1.37 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.50 to 4.57) and a 1-yr survival rate of 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3% to 15.3%). The incidence of PMV was 10.4 per 100 ICU admissions. Head and neck cancer patients seemed to survive the longest. The overall life expectancy was 1.21 years, with estimated QALE ranging from 0.17 to 0.37 quality-adjusted life years for patients with poor and partial cognition, respectively. Cancer of liver (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.78), lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.41) and metastasis (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.65) were found to predict shorter survival independently.

Conclusions

Cancer patients requiring PMV had poor long-term outcomes. Palliative care should be considered early in these patients, especially when metastasis has occurred.
Identification of Alkenyl- and Arylpalladium Hydrides with the Aid of Hydrosilanes
Authors: Chen Tieqiao , Zhou Yongbo , Yin Shuang-Feng , Zhao Yalei , Goto Midori , Han Li-Biao
Published: July 2013

For the first time, the long-proposed thermodynamically unstable catalytic intermediates alkenyl and aryl complexes sp2C–Pd–H have been isolated through the reduction of the palladium acetates with hydrosilanes and subsequent stabilization of the hydridopalladiums with hydrosilanes. The structures of these hydridopalladiums were established by X-ray analysis.
SMM Behavior Observed in Ce(III)Zn(II)2 Linear Trinuclear Complex
Authors: Hino Shiori , Maeda Moe , Kataoka Yumiko , Nakano Motohiro , Yamamura Tomoo , Kajiwara Takashi
Published: July 2013

The second example of the Ce(III)-based single-molecule magnet (SMM), which involves only one 4f electron as a spin carrier, was realized based on similar magnetostructural correlations with Tb(III)-based SMMs. The estimated energy barrier for spin flipping was ΔE/kB = 37(1) K, which is higher than that for the first Ce(III)-SMM, and slow magnetic relaxation was observed up to 15 K.
Economic assessment of quality of higher education
Authors: Савина  , Savina Irina
Published: July 2013

The article considers the human capital as a factor of economic development.

Definition of the category of «quality of higher education,» allows us to consider

the problem of the direction of economic policy measures to improve the quality

of higher education with the new positions. The economic approach to assessing

the quality of education reveals the economic factors improve, the value of

higher professional education.
The Weighted Set Covering Game: A Vaccine Pricing Model for Pediatric Immunization
Authors: Robbins Matthew J. , Jacobson Sheldon H. , Shanbhag Uday V. , Behzad Banafsheh
Published: July 2013

The United States pediatric vaccine manufacturing market is analyzed using a static Bertrand oligopoly pricing model that characterizes oligopolistic interactions between asymmetric firms in a homogeneous multiple product market. Firms satisfy demand by appropriately pricing and selling its given set of bundles, where each bundle contains one or more products. In analyzing the pediatric vaccine market, a bundle is a vaccine, where each vaccine contains one or more immunogenic antigens. Consumers seek to purchase at least one of each antigen at an overall minimum cost. Demand is captured by defining a weighted set covering optimization problem, with the weights (prices) controlled by firms engaged in Bertrand competition. A repeated game version of the model enables multiple interactions between firms, allowing examination of tacit collusion. An iterative improvement algorithm is defined that constructs a pure strategy Nash equilibrium (some in the limiting sense) for the static game. Sufficient conditions for the existence of pure strategy Nash equilibria are provided, indicating that this class of games always yields at least one pure strategy equilibrium. Practical results of the pediatric vaccine market analysis follow from the difference in the repeated game equilibrium prices between two combination vaccines, Pediarix® and Pentacel®. Assuming the manufacturers of these vaccines agree to share the market equally with respect to volume, the equilibrium prices from the repeated game indicate a price difference of $0.86, whereas the difference in price between Pediarix® and Pentacel® for contract prices ending March 31, 2010 was $2.74. Interestingly, the subsequent public sector vaccine price list (contract prices ending March 31, 2011) shows a price difference of $0.95, with the price of Pentacel® actually reduced from the previous year—an unusual occurrence. The results presented in this paper suggest that a smaller price difference between these two important combination vaccines is appropriate, which is what occurred. In general, such results could serve to inform both manufacturers and purchasers on the appropriate pricing of combination vaccines, given the existence of a reasonable set of collusive agreements.
NMR studies on carbohydrate interactions with DC-SIGN towards a quantitative STD analysis
Authors: Guzzi Cinzia , Muñoz-García Juan Carlos , Enriquez-Navas Pedro M. , Rojo Javier , Angulo Jesús , Nieto Pedro M.
Published: July 2013

The recent introduction of saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR has increased the tools for the study of protein–carbohydrate complexes. This is useful when it is combined with transfer nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) measurement, or when it is interpreted using the expected calculated values of transference, yielding additional, very valuable information for the study of this type of complex. The objective of this work is to cover the advances of the STD technique as exemplified by the investigations of DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin) recognition by simple carbohydrates or mimics of them, based on structures containing a terminal mannose or fucose. We also will discuss the methods for quantification of the STD values based on the initial growing rates with the saturation time.
Deconvolution for digital in-line holographic microscopy
Authors: Nickerson Brenden Scott , Kreuzer Hans Jürgen
Published: July 2013

To improve the resolution in point source digital in-line holography, we present two deconvolutions, one for the illumination system (coherent or partially coherent light source such as a laser or diode and pinhole) and one for the finite numerical aperture of the hologram. We show that for a system with moderate numerical aperture, optimal resolution of λ/2 laterally and λ in depth can be achieved.
Ricci curvature and Lp
-convergence
Authors: Honda Shouhei
Published: July 2013

We give the definition of Lp
-convergence of tensor fields with respect to the Gromov–Hausdorff topology and several fundamental properties of the convergence. We apply this to establish a Bochner-type inequality which keeps the term of Hessian on the Gromov–Hausdorff limit space of a sequence of Riemannian manifolds with a lower Ricci curvature bound and to give a geometric explicit formula for the Dirichlet Laplacian on a limit space defined by Cheeger–Colding. We also prove the continuity of the first eigenvalues of the p-Laplacian with respect to the Gromov–Hausdorff topology.
Self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sadasivam Magesh , Avci Pinar , Gupta Gaurav K. , Lakshmanan Shanmugamurthy , Chandran Rakkiyappan , Huang Ying-Ying , Kumar Raj , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: July 2013

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the combination of non-toxic photosensitizers (PS) together with harmless visible light of the appropriate wavelength to produce reactive oxygen species that kill unwanted cells. Because many PS are hydrophobic molecules prone to aggregation, numerous drug delivery vehicles have been tested to solubilize these molecules, render them biocompatible and enhance the ease of administration after intravenous injection. The recent rise in nanotechnology has markedly expanded the range of these nanoparticulate delivery vehicles beyond the well-established liposomes and micelles. Self-assembled nanoparticles are formed by judicious choice of monomer building blocks that spontaneously form a well-oriented 3-dimensional structure that incorporates the PS when subjected to the appropriate conditions. This self-assembly process is governed by a subtle interplay of forces on the molecular level. This review will cover the state of the art in the preparation and use of self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles within the context of PDT.
Too Many Banks to Fail? Theory and Evidence
Authors: Boyd John , Baxamusa Mufaddal
Published: July 2013

“Too Many to Fail” suggests that small and medium sized banks can cause a banking crisis if a large number of them fail simultaneously. We disagree and show that the fundamental cause of systemic banking crises is “Too Big to Fail” banks.
NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae confers resistance against nisin and is encoded by a conserved nsr operon
Authors: Khosa Sakshi , AlKhatib Zainab , Smits Sander H.J.
Published: July 2013

Nisin is a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis), which is active against many Gram-positive bacteria. However, in various pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, the presence of a nisin resistance protein (NSR) confers resistance against nisin. Here, we show that NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae (SaNSR) confers 20-fold resistance when expressed in L. lactis. We also show that SaNSR is encoded by an operon structure comprising of a lipoprotein and an ATP-binding cassette transporter as well as a two-component system that is putatively involved in expression and regulation. This organization of the operon is conserved in several (non)pathogenic strains that do not produce nisin themselves.
Proteomic analysis of bladder cancer by iTRAQ after Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene treatment
Authors: Jiang Li , Ren Jin , Xiao Xiao , Tang Yong-Yong , Weng Hong-Qing , Yang Qi , Wu Ming-Jun , Tang Wei
Published: July 2013

In our previous studies, we constructed the Bifidobacterium infantis thymidine kinase/nucleoside analogue ganciclovir (BI-TK/GCV) system, which was proven to have a sustainable antitumor activity in an in vivo bladder cancer rodent model. In this article, a proteomic approach of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to understand the molecular mechanisms of this system. iTRAQ identified 192 downregulated and 210 upregulated proteins after treatment with BI-TK/GCV in Sprague-Dawley rats. Downregulations of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2), hexokinase 1 (HXK-1), 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK-B), and cell surface glycoprotein (CD146) in bladder cancer after treatment were confirmed by Western blot analysis and validated by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the networks of cancer proliferation associated with PCNA, glycolysis associated with PKM2, HXK-1, and PFK-B, and invasion associated with CD146 were illustrated using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. This study represents the successful application of iTRAQ technology to reveal the molecular mechanisms of BI-TK/GCV treatment system and provides the theoretical support for the effectiveness of our successful treatment system.
Low testosterone levels may be associated with suicidal behavior in older men while high testosterone levels may be related to suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: a hypothesis
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: July 2013

Several lines of evidence suggest that there is an association between testosterone and suicidal behavior. A link between testosterone and the neurobiology of suicidal behavior may be related to: a) a direct effect of testosterone on suicidality via certain brain mechanisms; and/or b) a testosterone influence on aggression and, consequently, suicidality; and/or c) a testosterone effect on mood and, consequently, suicidality; and/or d) a testosterone effect on cognition and, consequently, suicidality. At least one study has demonstrated a relation between high levels of testosterone and suicide in young people. A significant number of studies suggest that high testosterone levels are associated with aggression in adolescents and adults. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that aggression is associated with suicidal behavior. The effect of high testosterone levels on suicidality in adolescents and young adults may be mediated by testosterone-related elevated aggression. It is also possible that, in young people, high testosterone levels are directly linked to suicidality via certain brain mechanisms. In older men, decreased testosterone levels are associated with depressive symptoms and reduced cognitive function, whereas higher blood levels of testosterone are associated with better mood and cognitive functioning. Depression and reduced cognition are associated with suicidal behavior and may mediate the effect of decreased testosterone levels on suicidality. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults is associated with high testosterone levels, whereas suicidality in older men is associated with decreased testosterone secretion.
Assessment of inner ear bone vibrations during auditory stimulation by bone conduction and by soft tissue conduction
Authors: Chordekar Shai , Perez Ronen , Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim
Published: July 2013

Background: Soft tissue conduction (STC), a recently described mode of auditory stimulation elicited when the clinical bone vibrator is applied to skin sites over the head, neck, and thorax, complements air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC), elicited by the same vibrator. The study assessed skull bone vibrations induced during STC and BC stimulation.

Methods: The experiments were conducted on fat sand rats. Thresholds of auditory nerve brainstem evoked responses (ABRs) were recorded and compared to the lowest-intensity sound stimuli that elicited vibrations at the bony vestibule of the inner ear detected by a laser Doppler vibrometer.

Results: Vibrations were detected during BC but not during STC stimulation. ABR was recorded to both STC and to BC stimulation.

Conclusions: Low-intensity STC stimulation does not induce vibrations of the inner ear, showing that STC apparently does not involve mechanisms based on vibrations of bone.
Hepatoprotective activity of Calotropis gigantea flowers against carbon-tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice
Authors: Ingawale Deepa Krushna , Mandlik Satish Karbhari , Kshirsagar Ajay Digambar
Published: July 2013

Ethanol extract of Calotropis gigantea flowers (CGFE) was evaluated for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity to validate its use in traditional therapeutic indications. This CGFE exhibited significant antioxidant activity (at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/ml in vitro) as evidenced by its hydroxyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide anion radical scavenging activities. This in vitro antioxidant activity was reinforced by a significant hepatoprotection (at 250 and 500 mg/kg dose) by decreasing the activity of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase. The hepatoprotective activity of the CGFE was comparable with standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.).The results obtained from present study indicate the presence of natural antioxidants and hepatoprotective constituents. Hence, the above finding confirms in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of CGFE in mice.
Orbit coherence in permutation groups
Authors: Britnell John R. , Wildon Mark
Published: July 2013

For 

The centralizer in 

We classify primitive join-coherent groups of finite degree, and also join-coherent subgroups of
Object Retrieval Using the Quad-Tree Decomposition
Authors: Aouat Saliha , Larabi Slimane
Published: July 2013

We propose in this article an indexing and retrieval approach applied on outline shapes. Models of objects are stored in a database using the textual descriptors of their silhouettes. We extract from the textual description a set of efficient similarity measures to index the silhouettes. The extracted features are the geometric quasi-invariants that vary slightly with the small change in the viewpoint. We use a textual description and quasi-invariant features to minimize the storage space and to achieve an efficient indexing process. We also use the quad-tree structure to improve processing time during indexing. Using both geometric features and quad-tree decomposition facilitates recognition and retrieval processes. Our approach is applied on the outline shapes of three-dimensional objects. Experiments conducted on two well-known databases show the efficiency of our method in real-world applications, especially for image indexing and retrieval.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis nanostructured catalysts: understanding structural characteristics and catalytic reaction
Authors: Zhai Peng , Sun Geng , Zhu Qingjun , Ma Ding
Published: July 2013

One key goal of heterogeneous catalysis study is to understand the correlation between the catalyst structure and its corresponding catalytic activity. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to synthesize well-defined Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) nanostructured catalysts and their catalytic performance in FTS. The development of those promising catalysts highlights the potentials of nanostructured materials to unravel the complex and dynamic reaction mechanism, particularly under the in situ reaction conditions. The crucial factors associated with the catalyst compositions and structures and their effects on the FTS activities are discussed with an emphasis on the role of theoretical modeling and experimental results.
Thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of silicone rubber filled with aluminum nitride and aluminum powder
Authors: Chiu Hsien-Tang , Liu Yung-Lung , Lin Chih-Wei , Shong Zhi-Jian , Tsai Peir-An
Published: July 2013

The effects of aluminum nitride (AlN) and aluminum powder (Al) on thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of silicone rubber compounds were investigated and it was found that the thermal conductivity increased with increased fillers content. Silicone rubber filled with Al powder of 45 μm over 50 phr, exhibits higher thermal conductivity as compared to that filled with AlN powder of 4 μm at the same filler content. The results indicate that the particle size effect played a significant role on thermal conductivity. In addition, it was found that electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity increased proportionally when the Al powder content increased. In contrast, only the thermal conductivity kept increasing proportionally, but the electrical conductivity almost remained unchanged for the rubber with AlN. Furthermore, a new type of silicone rubber compound with a combination of the two fillers, comprising 100 phr of AlN powder and 50 phr of Al powder, was developed, which lead to synergistic enhancement of the thermal conductivity. The improvement in thermal stability of the new type of silicone rubber compounds enables use in high temperature environments.
Ten Years of European Impact Assessment: How It Works, for What and for Whom
Authors: Melloni Erica
Published: July 2013

European Impact Assessment (IA) has been in place for the last 10 years. By and large, this is deemed best practice within the context of the various endeavours in the direction of “Better Regulation” which have burgeoned in the last few years or so internationally. IA is based on common guidelines for all Commission services; the sharing of methodologies for impact analysis of the proposals; various forms of cooperation among General Directorates. In this article it is argued that IA has served to enhance the coordination role of the Secretariat-General and a more integrated decision-making process within Directorates. These outcomes have been favoured by a set of mechanisms triggered by the design of the procedure.
Scaled Punishments
Authors: Wansley Matthew
Published: July 2013

This article challenges the principle that punishment is only justified after a defendant has been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It proposes instead a system of scaled punishments in which a defendant’s sentence would be proportioned to the jury’s reported confidence level in the defendant’s guilt. The criminal justice system already implements a series of implicit scaled punishments in the form of plea bargains. This article defends the counterintuitive conclusion that a system of explicit scaled punishments would better satisfy the aims of retribution, incapacitation, and deterrence that we take to legitimate punishment. A system of scaled punishments would smooth out the moral discontinuity that our binary verdict structure creates. It would more precisely align the collateral consequences of criminal adjudications with the risk each criminal defendant poses. It would better distribute the costs of legal error. Paradoxically, a system of scaled punishments would likely reduce net incarceration in the United States. Factual uncertainty is pervasive in criminal law, and a system of scaled punishments would respond to uncertainty more rationally.
How Folk Beliefs about Free Will Influence Sentencing
Authors: Atiq Emad H.
Published: July 2013

Do recent results in neuroscience and psychology that portray our choices as predetermined threaten to undermine the assumptions about “free will” that drive criminal law? This article answers in the affirmative, and offers a novel argument for the transformative import of modern science. It also explains why a revision in the law’s assumptions is morally desirable. Problematic assumptions about free will have a role to play in criminal law not because they underlie substantive legal doctrine or retributive theory, but because everyday actors in the sentencing process are authorized to make irreducibly moral determinations outside of the ordinary doctrinal framework. Jurors, judges, and legislators are each required, at key points in the sentencing process, to make moral judgments that cannot be reached without reference to the person’s own understanding of free will. As a result, sentencing actors give legal effect to widely held folk beliefs about free will—beliefs that the evidence suggests are both scientifically suspect and morally distorting. The relevant beliefs make adjudicators less likely to attend to the underlying causes of crime, such as social deprivation—a tendency that biases adjudicators against relevant arguments for mitigation in sentencing. Modern science could have an important corrective effect in this context.
Teratosphaeria nubilosa em plantações comerciais de Eucalyptus globulus nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Passador Martha Maria , Lima Patrícia Rodrigues de , De Pieri Cristiane , Harakava Ricardo , Finkenauer Elder , Furtado Edson Luiz
Published: July 2013

Muitos patógenos, principalmente fungos, ocorrem em várias espécies de eucalipto, desde a fase de viveiro até os plantios adultos. Dentre as doenças fúngicas, destaca-se a mancha de micosferela, considerada uma das principais doenças, e o Eucalyptus globulus, uma das espécies mais suscetíveis. Esta doença é causada por várias espécies pertencentes aos gêneros Teratosphaeria e Mycosphaerella, sendo T. nubilosa de maior importância. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a presença do fungo T.nubilosa em materiais coletados nos seguintes locais: Bagé-RS, Pedras Altas-RS, Botucatu-SP, Jacareí- SP e Itapeva-SP. Por meio de isolamentos a partir de folhas de E. globulus apresentando mancha de micosferela, foi possível a obtenção de isolados do fungo. A observação quanto ao padrão de germinação dos ascósporos, o seu crescimento micelial, e também por meio de PCR com primers da região genômica ITS1 e ITS4 e sequenciamento, e submissão ao GenBank, foi possível a determinação do gênero e da espécie do patógeno como T. nubilosa. Nos cinco locais estudados foi confirmada a presença deste agente causal de mancha de micosferela em plantios de E. globulus nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil.
Preparation of Dispersed Spherical Platinum Particles with Controlled Size and Internal Structure
Authors: Farrell Brendan P. , Sevonkaev Igor V. , Goia Dan V.
Published: July 2013

Uniform dispersed spherical platinum particles were precipitated by reducing Pt(IV) hexaammine ([Pt(NH3)6]4+) complex ions with L-ascorbic acid in the presence of polymeric dispersants. By varying the nature and the amount of dispersing agent the average diameter of the Pt spheres could be adjusted between 200 nm and 800 nm. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) evaluations revealed that the final Pt particles were the result of an irreversible aggregation of small (~6 nm) nanoparticles. The size of the constituent crystallites was controllably increased through a subsequent heat treatment process without affecting the shape or the dispersion of the Pt spheres. The method described represents a versatile and cost-effective route for producing Pt powders at the sub-micrometre or micrometre scale with controlled crystallinity for thick film electronic applications.
Study of Copper/Palladium Nanoclusters Using Acoustic Particle Sizer
Authors: Mishra Giridhar , Singh Devraj , Yadawa Pramod Kumar , Verma Satyendra Kumar , Yadav Raja Ram
Published: July 2013

In the present study polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilised copper/palladium bimetallic nanoclusters were synthesised through chemical routes. The prepared Cu/Pd bimetallic nanoparticles were characterised by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-vis absorbance band confirmed the formation of complex metal ions triggered by the complexing agent trisodium citrate. The XRD pattern indicated the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles. The TEM images of the synthesised bimetallic Cu/Pd nanoparticles showed that the size distribution of the particles was in the range 5–15 nm. An acoustic particle sizer was then used to analyse the size distribution. The results obtained by the acoustic particle sizer were consistent with the XRD and TEM analyses. These results demonstrate the potential usefulness of the acoustic particle sizer for quick and easy characterisation of nanoparticles in various catalytic, sensor and fuel cell applications.