bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Brain Barrier: A Challenge for Effectual Therapy of Brain Tumors
Authors: Bhowmik Arijit , Khan Rajni , Ghosh Mrinal Kanti
Published: March 2015

Brain tumors are one of the most formidable diseases of mankind. They have only a fair to poor prognosis and high relapse rate. One of the major causes of extreme difficulty in brain tumor treatment is the presence of blood brain barrier (BBB). BBB comprises different molecular components and transport systems, which in turn create efflux machinery or hindrance for the entry of several drugs in brain. Thus, along with the conventional techniques, successful modification of drug delivery and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome this obstacle for treatment of brain tumors. In this review, we have elucidated some critical insights into the composition and function of BBB and along with it we have discussed the effective methods for delivery of drugs to the brain and therapeutic strategies overcoming the barrier.
QuEChERS Method Followed by Solid Phase Extraction Method for Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fish
Authors: Khorshid Mona , Souaya Eglal R. , Hamzawy Ahmed H. , Mohammed Moustapha N.
Published: March 2015

A gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometer (GCMS) method was developed and validated for determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish using modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method for extraction and solid phase extraction for sample cleanup to remove most of the coextract combined with GCMS for determination of low concentration of selected group of PAHs in homogenized fish samples. PAHs were separated on a GCMS with HP-5ms Ultra Inert GC Column (30 m, 0.25 mm, and 0.25 µm). Mean recovery ranged from 56 to 115%. The extraction efficiency was consistent over the entire range where indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene showed recovery (65, 69%), respectively, at 2 µg/kg. No significant dispersion of results was observed for the other remaining PAHs and recovery did not differ substantially, and at the lowest and the highest concentrations mean recovery and RSD% showed that most of PAHs were between 70% and 120% with RSD less than 10%. The measurement uncertainty is expressed as expanded uncertainty and in terms of relative standard deviation (at 95% confidence level) is±12%. This method is suitable for laboratories engaged daily in routine analysis of a large number of samples.
Extraction of HCV-RNA from Plasma Samples: Development towards Semiautomation
Authors: Amin Imran , Jabbar Tania , Niazi Fawad , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed
Published: March 2015

A semiautomated extraction protocol of HCV-RNA using Favorgen RNA extraction kit has been developed. The kit provided protocol was modified by replacing manual spin steps with vacuum filtration. The assay performance was evaluated by real-time qPCR based on Taqman technology. Assay linearity was confirmed with the serial dilutions of RTA (Turkey) containing 1×(106, 105, 104, and 103) IU mL−1. Comparison of test results obtained by two extraction methods showed a good correlation (r=0.95,n=30) with detection limit of 102 IU mL−1. The semiautomated vacuum filtration based protocol demonstrated high throughput: 35 minutes for the extraction of a batch of 30 samples (150 µL each) with reduced labor, time, waste, and cost. Performance characteristics of semiautomated system make it suitable for use in diagnostic purpose and viral load determinations.
Differentiation of Eight Commercial Mushrooms by Electronic Nose and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , Feng Tao , Ye Ran
Published: March 2015

Volatile profiles of eight mushrooms were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electronic nose analysis. Volatile compounds including 11 alcohols, 11 ketones, 15 aldehydes, 3 sulfur compounds and alkenes, 8 terpenes, 7 acid and esters, 5 heterocyclic compounds, 20 aromatic compounds, and 4 other compounds were identified. The overall aroma properties of the mushrooms were analyzed by the electronic nose. Results indicated that the e-nose sensors have the ability to accurately respond to different mushrooms with similar fingerprint chromatograms. The relationship between the GC-MS data and e-nose responses of different mushrooms was modeled by principal component analysis and partial least squares regression. This combination for the volatile analysis with chemometric methods can be applied to distinguish different mushrooms successfully. Furthermore, it is concluded that the volatile composition of commercial mushrooms could benefit a finger spectrum by e-nose to identify the species of edible fungi.
An Optimized High Throughput Clean-Up Method Using Mixed-Mode SPE Plate for the Analysis of Free Arachidonic Acid in Plasma by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Wan , Qin Suzi , Li Linsen , Chen Xiaohua , Wang Qunjie , Wei Junfu
Published: March 2015

A high throughput sample preparation method was developed utilizing mixed-mode solid phase extraction (SPE) in 96-well plate format for the determination of free arachidonic acid in plasma by LC-MS/MS. Plasma was mixed with 3% aqueous ammonia and loaded into each well of 96-well plate. After washing with water and methanol sequentially, 3% of formic acid in acetonitrile was used to elute arachidonic acid. The collected fraction was injected onto a reversed phase column at 30°C with mobile phase of acetonitrile/water (70 : 30, v/v) and detected by LC-MS/MS coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curve ranged from 10 to 2500 ng/mL with sufficient linearity (r2= 0.9999). The recoveries were in the range of 99.38% to 103.21% with RSD less than 6%. The limit of detection is 3 ng/mL.
Single Whole-Body Cryostimulation Procedure versus Single Dry Sauna Bath: Comparison of Oxidative Impact on Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Sutkowy Paweł , Woźniak Alina , Rajewski Paweł
Published: March 2015

Exposure to extreme heat and cold is one of the environmental factors whose action is precisely based on the mechanisms involving free radicals. Fluctuations in ambient temperature are among the agents that toughen the human organism. The goal of the study was to evaluate the impact of extremely high (dry sauna, DS) and low (whole-body cryostimulation, WBC) environmental temperatures on the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium in the blood of healthy male subjects. The subjects performed a single DS bath (n=10; 26.2 ± 4.6 years) and a single WBC procedure (n=15; 27.5 ± 3.1 years). In the subjects’ blood taken immediately before and 20 min after the interventions, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in erythrocytes (TBARSer) and blood plasma (TBARSpl) were determined. Single WBC and DS procedures induced an increase in the activity of SOD and GPx, as well as SOD and CAT, respectively. The SOD activity was higher after WBC than after DS. Extremely high and low temperatures probably induce the formation of reactive oxygen species in the organisms of healthy men and, therefore, disturb the oxidant-antioxidant balance.
Importance of Genetic Diversity Assessment in Crop Plants and Its Recent Advances: An Overview of Its Analytical Perspectives
Authors: Govindaraj M. , Vetriventhan M. , Srinivasan M.
Published: March 2015

The importance of plant genetic diversity (PGD) is now being recognized as a specific area since exploding population with urbanization and decreasing cultivable lands are the critical factors contributing to food insecurity in developing world. Agricultural scientists realized that PGD can be captured and stored in the form of plant genetic resources (PGR) such as gene bank, DNA library, and so forth, in the biorepository which preserve genetic material for long period. However, conserved PGR must be utilized for crop improvement in order to meet future global challenges in relation to food and nutritional security. This paper comprehensively reviews four important areas; (i) the significance of plant genetic diversity (PGD) and PGR especially on agriculturally important crops (mostly field crops); (ii) risk associated with narrowing the genetic base of current commercial cultivars and climate change; (iii) analysis of existing PGD analytical methods in pregenomic and genomic era; and (iv) modern tools available for PGD analysis in postgenomic era. This discussion benefits the plant scientist community in order to use the new methods and technology for better and rapid assessment, for utilization of germplasm from gene banks to their applied breeding programs. With the advent of new biotechnological techniques, this process of genetic manipulation is now being accelerated and carried out with more precision (neglecting environmental effects) and fast-track manner than the classical breeding techniques. It is also to note that gene banks look into several issues in order to improve levels of germplasm distribution and its utilization, duplication of plant identity, and access to database, for prebreeding activities. Since plant breeding research and cultivar development are integral components of improving food production, therefore, availability of and access to diverse genetic sources will ensure that the global food production network becomes more sustainable. The pros and cons of the basic and advanced statistical tools available for measuring genetic diversity are briefly discussed and their source links (mostly) were provided to get easy access; thus, it improves the understanding of tools and its practical applicability to the researchers.
Proteolytic Disassembly of Viral Outer Capsid Proteins Is Crucial for Reovirus-Mediated Type-I Interferon Induction in Both Reovirus-Susceptible and Reovirus-Refractory Tumor Cells
Authors: Katayama Yuki , Terasawa Yuichi , Tachibana Masashi , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Sakurai Fuminori
Published: March 2015

Oncolytic reovirus induces innate immune responses, which contribute to the antitumor activity of reovirus, followingin vivoapplication. Reovirus-induced innate immune responses have been relatively well characterized in immune cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts cells; however, the mechanisms and profiles of reovirus-induced innate immune responses in human tumor cells have not been well understood. In particular, differences in reovirus-induced innate immune responses between reovirus-susceptible and reovirus-refractory tumor cells remain unknown, although the intracellular trafficking of reovirus differs between these tumor cells. In this study, we examined reovirus-induced upregulation of interferon- (IFN-)βand of the proapoptotic gene, Noxa, in reovirus-susceptible and -refractory tumor cells. IFN-βand Noxa were significantly induced by reovirusviathe IFN-βpromoter stimulator-1 (IPS-1) signaling in both types of tumor cells. Inhibition of cathepsins B and L, which are important for disassembly of reovirus outer capsid proteins and escape into cytoplasm, largely suppressed reovirus-induced upregulation of IFN-βand Noxa expression in not only reovirus-susceptible but also reovirus-refractory tumor cells. These results indicated that in both reovirus-susceptible and reovirus-refractory tumor cells, disassembly of the outer capsid proteins by cathepsins and the escape into the cytoplasm were crucial steps for reovirus-induced innate immunity.
Effects of Different Doping Ratio of Cu Doped CdS on QDSCs Performance
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Zou Xiaoping , Zhou Hongquan
Published: March 2015

We use the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method for the preparation of quantum dot sensitized solar cells, to improve the performance of solar cells by doping quantum dots. We tested the UV‐Vis absorption spectrum of undoped CdS QDSCs and Cu doped CdS QDSCs with different doping ratios. The doping ratios of copper were 1 : 100, 1 : 500, and 1 : 1000, respectively. The experimental results show that, under the same SILAR cycle number, Cu doped CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells have higher open circuit voltage, short circuit current density photoelectric conversion efficiency than undoped CdS quantum dots sensitized solar cells. Refinement of Cu doping ratio are 1 : 10, 1 : 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, and 1 : 1000. When the proportion of Cu and CdS is 1 : 10, all the parameters of the QDSCs reach the minimum value, and, with the decrease of the proportion, the short circuit current density, open circuit voltage, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency are all increased. When proportion is 1 : 500, all parameters reach the maximum values. While with further reduction of the doping ratio of Cu, the parameters of QDSCs have a decline tendency. The results showed that, in a certain range, the lower the doping ratio of Cu, the better the performance of quantum dot sensitized solar cell.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor System in Cancer: Novel Targeted Therapies
Authors: Brahmkhatri Varsha P. , Prasanna Chinmayi , Atreya Hanudatta S.
Published: March 2015

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are essential for growth and survival that suppress apoptosis and promote cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and metastatic activities in various cancers. The IGFs actions are mediated through the IGF-1 receptor that is involved in cell transformation induced by tumour. These effects depend on the bioavailability of IGFs, which is regulated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). We describe here the role of the IGF system in cancer, proposing new strategies targeting this system. We have attempted to expand the general viewpoint on IGF-1R, its inhibitors, potential limitations of IGF-1R, antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and IGFBP actions. This review discusses the emerging view that blocking IGF via IGFBP is a better option than blocking IGF receptors. This can lead to the development of novel cancer therapies.
Unlimited Thirst for Genome Sequencing, Data Interpretation, and Database Usage in Genomic Era: The Road towards Fast-Track Crop Plant Improvement
Authors: Dhanapal Arun Prabhu , Govindaraj Mahalingam
Published: March 2015

The number of sequenced crop genomes and associated genomic resources is growing rapidly with the advent of inexpensive next generation sequencing methods. Databases have become an integral part of all aspects of science research, including basic and applied plant and animal sciences. The importance of databases keeps increasing as the volume of datasets from direct and indirect genomics, as well as other omics approaches, keeps expanding in recent years. The databases and associated web portals provide at a minimum a uniform set of tools and automated analysis across a wide range of crop plant genomes. This paper reviews some basic terms and considerations in dealing with crop plant databases utilization in advancing genomic era. The utilization of databases for variation analysis with other comparative genomics tools, and data interpretation platforms are well described. The major focus of this review is to provide knowledge on platforms and databases for genome-based investigations of agriculturally important crop plants. The utilization of these databases in applied crop improvement program is still being achieved widely; otherwise, the end for sequencing is not far away.
Rate of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Redo in Private Practice: Risk Factors and Safety
Authors: Antoun Joelle , Slim Elise , el Hachem Rami , Chelala Elias , Jabbour Elyse , Cherfan Georges , Jarade Elias F.
Published: March 2015

Objective. To report the rate of progression of keratectasia after primary crosslinking (CXL) and evaluate the safety and efficiency of CXL redo.Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent CXL between 2010 and 2013 at the Beirut Eye Specialist Hospital, Lebanon. Progression of keratectasia was based on the presence of an increase in maximum keratometry of 1.00 D, a change in the map difference between two consecutive topographies of 1.00 D, a deterioration of visual acuity, or any change in the refraction. Primary and redo CXL were done using the same protocol.Results. Among the 221 eyes of 130 patients who underwent CXL, 7 eyes (3.17%) of five patients met the criteria of progression. All patients reported a history of allergic conjunctivitis and eye rubbing and progressed within 9 to 48 months. No complications were noted and all patients were stable 1 year after CXL redo.Conclusion. Allergic conjunctivitis and eye rubbing were the only risk factors associated with keratoconus progression after CXL. A close followup is thus mandatory, even years after the procedure. CXL redo seems to be a safe and efficient technique to halt the progression after a primary CXL.
A Review on the Fabrication of Electrospun Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Junoh Hazlina , Jaafar Juhana , Mohd Norddin Muhammad Noorul Anam , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Rahman Mukhlis A. , Yusof Norhaniza , Wan Salleh Wan Norhayati , Ilbeygi Hamid
Published: March 2015

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is an electrolyte which behaves as important indicator for fuel cell’s performance. Research and development (R&D) on fabrication of desirable PEM have burgeoned year by year, especially for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). However, most of the R&Ds only focus on the parent polymer electrolyte rather than polymer inorganic composites. This might be due to the difficulties faced in producing good dispersion of inorganic filler within the polymer matrix, which would consequently reduce the DMFC’s performance. Electrospinning is a promising technique to cater for this arising problem owing to its more widespread dispersion of inorganic filler within the polymer matrix, which can reduce the size of the filler up to nanoscale. There has been a huge development on fabricating electrolyte nanocomposite membrane, regardless of the effect of electrospun nanocomposite membrane on the fuel cell’s performance. In this present paper, issues regarding the R&D on electrospun sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/inorganic nanocomposite fiber are addressed.
The Effects of Cold and Lower Body Negative Pressure on Cardiovascular Homeostasis
Authors: Kean David J. , Peacock Corey A. , Sanders Gabriel J. , McDaniel John , Colvin Lisa A. C. , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: March 2015

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to determine how cold exposure and lower body negative pressure effected cardiovascular variables.Methods. Eleven males (20.3 years ± 2.7) underwent two 20-minute exposures to LBNP. During the 2 trials, the subjects were exposed to cold air (10°C) (COLD) and to ambient temperature (23°C) (AMB). The trials consisted of a 100-minute pre-LBNP period followed by a 20-minute exposure to LBNP and then a 15-minute recovery period. Cardiovascular variables were recorded every 30 minutes using bioimpedance.Results. When LBNP was applied during the AMB trials, stroke volume immediately decreased. During the COLD trial, there was a five-minute delay before the decrease in stroke volume. Heart rate increased immediately after LBNP initiation during the AMB trials but there was a delay in the increase during the COLD trials. That same pattern was followed with mean arterial blood pressures. Cerebral oxygenation was significantly lower throughout the COLD trial as compared to the AMB trials. Six subjects reported symptoms of syncope or presyncope during the AMB trials but there were no reports of symptoms during the COLD trials.Conclusion. From analysis of this data, cold improved the subject’s tolerance to LBNP.
The Evaluation of Groundwater Resources Value of Beijing Based on Emergy Theory
Authors: Wang Ling , He Qing
Published: March 2015

Accurate yet valid evaluation of values of groundwater resources is difficult. However, it is of an urgent need. Based on water resource system, the emergy synthesis of the ecological economics was used to make a systematic study on the assessment of the quantity of groundwater resources. Taking Beijing in 2012 as an example, the values of groundwater for residents life subsystem, the industrial subsystem, and the agricultural subsystem are 7.64, 6.00, and 3.25 billion Yuan, accounting for 45.24, 35.5, and 19.24% of the total value, respectively. The total value of the underground water accounts for 1.51% of the GDP in Beijing for that year. Meanwhile, Contribution Rate of Groundwater Resources (GWCR) in Beijing decreased in the following order: groundwater contribution rate for industry (GWCRI 4.52%), groundwater contribution rate for agriculture (GWCRA 3.24%), and groundwater contribution rate for residential life (GWCRL 0.71%). The conclusions will provide important basis for the government’s scientific decision to improve the level of comprehensive management of water resource.
Relationship between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Decline in the Institutionalized Elderly
Authors: Baierle Marília , Nascimento Sabrina N. , Moro Angela M. , Brucker Natália , Freitas Fernando , Gauer Bruna , Durgante Juliano , Bordignon Suelen , Zibetti Murilo , Trentini Clarissa M. , Duarte Marta M. M. F. , Grune Tilman , Breusing Nicolle , Garcia Solange C.
Published: March 2015

Objective. Cognitive impairment reduces quality of life and is related to vascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is also a close relationship between these diseases and oxidative stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess whether inflammation and oxidative damage are associated with low cognitive performance in the elderly with different housing conditions.Methods. The study groups consisted of 32 institutionalized and 25 noninstitutionalized Brazilian elderly subjects. Oxidative damage, inflammation markers, and cognitive function were evaluated.Results. The results demonstrated pronounced oxidative stress in the institutionalized elderly group, which also had a lower antioxidant status compared to noninstitutionalized subjects. High levels of proinflammatory cytokines were also observed in the institutionalized elderly. Furthermore, the raised levels of inflammatory markers were correlated with increased oxidative stress, and both were associated with low cognitive performance. However, based on multiple linear regression analysis, oxidative stress appears to be the main factor responsible for the cognitive decline.Conclusions. The findings suggest that individuals with lower antioxidant status are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is associated with cognitive function, leading to reduced life quality and expectancy.
Effects of Niobium‐Loading on Sulfur Dioxide Gas‐Sensing Characteristics of Hydrothermally Prepared Tungsten Oxide Thick Film
Authors: Kruefu Viruntachar , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: March 2015

Nb‐loaded hexagonal WO3 nanorods with 0–1.0 wt% loading levels were successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal and impregnation process and characterized for SO2 sensing. Nb‐loaded WO3 sensing films were produced by spin coating on alumina substrate with interdigitated gold electrodes and annealed at 450°C for 3 h in air. Structural characterization by X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis showed that spherical, oval, and rod‐like Nb nanoparticles with 5–15 nm mean diameter were uniformly dispersed on hexagonal WO3 nanorods with 50–250 nm diameter and 100 nm–5 µm length. It was found that the optimal Nb loading level of 0.5 wt% provides substantial enhancement of SO2 response but the response became deteriorated at lower and higher loading levels. The 0.50 wt% Nb‐loaded WO3 nanorod sensing film exhibits the best SO2 sensing performances with a high sensor response of ~10 and a short response time of ~6 seconds to 500 ppm of SO2 at a relatively low optimal operating temperature of 250°C. Therefore, Nb loading is an effective mean to improve the SO2 gas‐sensing performances of hydrothermally prepared WO3 nanorods.
Modified Schur-Cohn Criterion for Stability of Delayed Systems
Authors: Mulero-Martínez Juan Ignacio
Published: March 2015

A modified Schur-Cohn criterion for time-delay linear time-invariant systems is derived. The classical Schur-Cohn criterion has two main drawbacks; namely, (i) the dimension of the Schur-Cohn matrix generates some round-off errors eventually resulting in a polynomial ofswith erroneous coefficients and (ii) imaginary roots are very hard to detect when numerical errors creep in. In contrast to the classical Schur-Cohn criterion an alternative approach is proposed in this paper which is based on the application of triangular matrices over a polynomial ring in a similar way as in the Jury test of stability for discrete systems. The advantages of the proposed approach are that it halves the dimension of the polynomial and it only requires seeking real roots, making this modified criterion comparable to the Rekasius substitution criterion.
Birth Weight, Current Anthropometric Markers, and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Brazilian School Children
Authors: Boscaini Camile , Pellanda Lucia Campos
Published: March 2015

Studies have shown associations of birth weight with increased concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein. This study assessed the relationship between birth weight, anthropometric and metabolic parameters during childhood, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. A total of 612 Brazilian school children aged 5–13 years were included in the study. High sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds. Total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, and glucose were measured by enzymatic methods. Insulin sensitivity was determined by the homeostasis model assessment method. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, General Linear Model, and General Linear Model for Gamma Distribution. Body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds were directly associated with birth weight (P<0.001,P=0.001, andP=0.015, resp.). Large for gestational age children showed higher high sensitivity C-reactive protein levelsP<0.001than small for gestational age. High birth weight is associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds. Large for gestational age altered high sensitivity C-reactive protein and promoted additional risk factor for atherosclerosis in these school children, independent of current nutritional status.
Surgery for Cystic Pancreatic Lesions in the Post-Sendai Era: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Kleeff Jörg , Michalski Christoph , Kong Bo , Erkan Mert , Roth Susanne , Siveke Jens , Friess Helmut , Esposito Irene
Published: March 2015

Introduction. The management of cystic pancreatic lesions has changed in recent years as a result of increasing knowledge of their biological behaviour, better diagnostic options, and international guidelines. Methods. Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 86 patients operated for cystic pancreatic lesions during a seven-year period (2007–2014). Results. Final histopathology revealed 53 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (19 branch duct IPMNs, 15 mixed type IPMNs, and 19 main duct IPMNs), 14 serous and 13 mucinous cystic neoplasms, 3 solid pseudopapillary neoplasms, and 3 other lesions. 4 cases displayed high grade intraepithelial neoplasia and 2 cases displayed invasive cancer. A pylorus-preserving partial duodenopancreatectomy was carried out in 27 patients, a total pancreatectomy was carried out in 9 patients, a left resection was carried out in 42 patients, and segmental resections and enucleations were carried out in 4 patients each. Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality were 40% and 2.3%, respectively. The preoperative diagnosis of a specific cystic tumor was accurate in 79% of patients and 9 patients (10%) could have avoided surgery with the correct preoperative diagnosis. Conclusion. Cystic pancreatic lesions are still a diagnostic challenge, requiring a dedicated multidisciplinary approach. The rate of malignancy is relatively small, whereas postoperative morbidity is substantial, underscoring the importance of adequate patient selection considering both the risk of surgery and the long term risk of malignancy.
Multifaceted Roles of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes in Eliciting Eosinophil Granule Protein Secretion
Authors: Baptista-dos-Reis Renata , Muniz Valdirene S. , Neves Josiane S.
Published: March 2015

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are cell membrane-impermeant lipid mediators that play major roles in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic inflammation and are recognized to act via at least 2 receptors, namely, cysLT1receptor (cysLT1R) and cysLT2receptor (cysLT2R). Eosinophils, which are granulocytes classically associated with host defense against parasitic helminthes and allergic conditions, are distinguished from leukocytes by their dominant population of cytoplasmic crystalloid (also termed secretory, specific, or secondary) granules that contain robust stores of diverse preformed proteins. Human eosinophils are the main source of cysLTs and are recognized to express both cysLTs receptors (cysLTRs) on their surface, at the plasma membrane. More recently, we identified the expression of cysLTRs in eosinophil granule membranes and demonstrated that cysLTs, acting via their granule membrane-expressed receptors, elicit secretion from cell-free human eosinophil granules. Herein, we review the multifaceted roles of cysLTs in eliciting eosinophil granule protein secretion. We discuss the intracrine and autocrine/paracrine secretory responses evoked by cysLTs in eosinophils and in cell-free extracellular eosinophil crystalloid granules. We also discuss the importance of this finding in eosinophil immunobiology and speculate on its potential role(s) in eosinophilic diseases.
Clinicopathological Correlation in Asian Patients with Biopsy-Proven Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Satirapoj Bancha , Tasanavipas Pamila , Supasyndh Ouppatham
Published: March 2015

A total of 244 patients with lupus nephritis (219 women (89.8%) with a female to male ratio of 9 : 1) were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory findings at renal biopsy are clinically valuable in identifying different renal classifications of lupus pathology, activity, and chronicity index. Patients with class IVG had significantly higher proportions of microscopic hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, impaired renal function, anemia, hypoalbuminuria, and positive anti-DNA antibody. All of these findings correlated well with high activity index and chronicity index of lupus pathology. Considering these correlations may help to determine the clinicopathologic status of lupus patients.
Skew Circulant Type Matrices Involving the Sum of Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers
Authors: Jiang Zhaolin , Wei Yunlan
Published: March 2015

Skew circulant and circulant matrices have been an ideal research area and hot issue for solving various differential equations. In this paper, the skew circulant type matrices with the sum of Fibonacci and Lucas numbers are discussed. The invertibility of the skew circulant type matrices is considered. The determinant and the inverse matrices are presented. Furthermore, the maximum column sum matrix norm, the spectral norm, the Euclidean (or Frobenius) norm, the maximum row sum matrix norm, and bounds for the spread of these matrices are given, respectively.
Management of Sensor-Related Data Based on Virtual TEDS in Sensing RFID System
Authors: Luo Wuming , Bolic Miodrag , Wang Jing , Qian Xin
Published: March 2015

Integration of multiple sensors into active radio frequency identification (RFID) system is a technology trend. Currently, sensing RFID (SRFID) systems face a number of challenges including description of characteristics of nonsmart sensors, management of sensor-related data, and operational mechanism of sensor sampling. Based on transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS), this paper presents a virtual description method of nonsmart sensors integrated into the active RFID tag. The objective is to improve interoperability and compatibility of the sensing RFID system with off-the-shelf active RFID readers or novel sensing RFID open-loop systems in the future. This paper also proposes a data table storage mode for management of sensor-related data, in the system based on virtual TEDS. The paper analyses the operational mechanism and procedure of the sensor-sampling system that is equipped with these two proposed techniques. Several experiments were carried out with a newly developed container supply chain monitoring application system based on SRFID to examine the performance of the system.
RobustH∞Control of Neutral System with Time-Delay for Dynamic Positioning Ships
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Ding Fuguang , Zhou Lili , Zhang Wenying , Xu He
Published: March 2015

Due to the input time-delay existing in most thrust systems of the ships, the robustH∞controller is designed for the ship dynamic positioning (DP) system with time-delay. The input delay system is turned to a neutral time-delay system by a state-derivative control law. The less conservative result is derived for the neutral system with state-derivative feedback by the delay-decomposition approach and linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, the numerical simulations demonstrate the asymptotic stability and robustness of the controller and verify that the designed DP controller is effective in the varying environment disturbances of wind, waves, and ocean currents.
Microenvironmental Remodeling as a Parameter and Prognostic Factor of Heterogeneous Leukemogenesis in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Kim Jin-A , Shim Jae-Seung , Lee Ga-Young , Yim Hyeon Woo , Kim Tae-Min , Kim Myungshin , Leem Sun-Hee , Lee Jong-Wook , Min Chang-Ki , Oh Il-Hoan
Published: March 2015

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of stem cell-like blasts in bone marrow (BM); however, their unique cellular interaction within the BM microenvironment and its functional significance remain unclear. Here, we assessed the BM microenvironment of AML patients and demonstrate that the leukemia stem cells induce a change in the transcriptional programming of the normal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). The modified leukemic niche alters the expressions of cross-talk molecules (i.e., CXCL12 and JAG1) in MSCs to provide a distinct cross-talk between normal and leukemia cells, selectively suppressing normal primitive hematopoietic cells while supporting leukemogenesis and chemoresistance. Of note, AML patients exhibited distinct heterogeneity in the alteration of mesenchymal stroma in BM. The distinct pattern of stromal changes in leukemic BM at initial diagnosis was associated with a heterogeneous posttreatment clinical course with respect to the maintenance of complete remission for 5 to 8 years and early or late relapse. Thus, remodeling of mesenchymal niche by leukemia cells is an intrinsic self-reinforcing process of leukemogenesis that can be a parameter for the heterogeneity in the clinical course of leukemia and hence serve as a potential prognostic factor. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2222–31. ©2015 AACR.
Beyond the Euphoria: Lyndon Johnson in Australia and the Politics of the Cold War Alliance
Authors: Curran James
Published: March 2015

This article asks new questions about the U.S.-Australian alliance at the height of the Cold War. Looking at Lyndon B. Johnson's visit to Australia in October 1966—the first time a serving U.S. president had set foot in the country—the article contends that Johnson's presence brought Australian and U.S. approaches to the Cold War into sharp relief, shedding new light on the policies of both countries, especially as they grappled with the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. Although many Australian historians have claimed that this inaugural visit by a U.S. president exposed the alliance between the two countries as that of an imperial power and a colony, a closer look at reactions to the visit reveals a much more complex picture. The article challenges the widely held assumption that Johnson's trip put the final ceremonial gloss on Australia's exit from the bonds of the British Empire and heralded its entry into a U.S.-dominated global order.
Two new species and additional data of Gabrius Stephens (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from the Korean Peninsula
Authors: SCHILLHAMMER HARALD
Published: March 2015

Two new species of Gabrius Stephens from the Korean Peninsula are described: Gabrius koreanus (S-Korea) and G. makranczyi (N- and S-Korea). Gabrius ponghwaricus Pasnik, 2000 is synonymized with G. ancoripenis Cho & Lee, 1997. New records: Gabrius mandschuricus Bernhauer, 1914 (S-Korea), G. philomimus Schillhammer, 2000 (Korean Peninsula).
De Novo Mutation in X-Linked Hearing Loss–Associated POU3F4 in a Sporadic Case of Congenital Hearing Loss
Authors: Moteki Hideaki , Shearer A. Eliot , Izumi Shuji , Kubota Yamato , Azaiez Hela , Booth Kevin T. , Sloan Christina M. , Kolbe Diana L. , Smith Richard J. H. , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

In this report, we present a male patient with no family history of hearing loss, in whom we identified a novel de novo mutation in the POU3F4 gene.

Methods:

One hundred ninety-four (194) Japanese subjects from unrelated and nonconsanguineous families were enrolled in this study. We used targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing of all known nonsyndromic hearing loss genes for identifying the genetic causes of hearing loss.

Results:

A novel de novo frameshift mutation of POU3F4 to c.727_728insA (p.N244KfsX26) was identified. The patient was a 7-year-old male with congenital progressive hearing loss and inner ear deformity. Although the patient had received a cochlear implant, auditory skills were still limited. The patient also exhibited developmental delays similar to those previously associated with POU3F4 mutation.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of a mutation in POU3F4 causing hearing loss in a Japanese patient without a family history of hearing loss. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive genetic testing of patients with hearing loss for providing accurate prognostic information and guiding the optimal management of patient rehabilitation.
Mutations in the MYO15A Gene Are a Significant Cause of Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Miyagawa Maiko , Nishio Shin-ya , Hattori Mitsuru , Moteki Hideaki , Kobayashi Yumiko , Sato Hiroaki , Watanabe Tomoo , Naito Yasushi , Oshikawa Chie , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

Screening for MYO15A mutations was carried out using a large cohort to clarify the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with MYO15A (DFNB3) mutations in a hearing loss population.

Methods:

Genetic analysis of 63 previously reported deafness genes based on massively parallel DNA sequencing (MPS) in 1120 Japanese hearing loss patients from 53 otorhinolaryngology departments was performed. Detailed clinical features of the patients with MYO15A mutations were then collected and analyzed.

Results:

Eleven patients from 10 families were found to have compound heterozygosity for MYO15A. Audiograms showed profound or high frequency hearing loss, with some patients showing progressive hearing loss. Age at onset was found to vary from 0 to 14 years, which seemed to be associated with the mutation. Four children underwent bilateral cochlear implantation for congenital hearing loss, with all showing good results.

Conclusion:

Mutations in the MYO15A gene are a notable cause of nonsyndromic hearing loss. MPS technology successfully detected mutations in relatively rare deafness genes such as MYO15A.
The decline of the Anti-Privatisation Forum in the midst of South Africa’s ‘rebellion of the poor’
Authors: Runciman Carin
Published: March 2015

Analysing the processes of social movement abeyance is a much under-studied and under-theorised area of social movement studies. This article examines the collapse of the once vibrant Anti-Privatisation Forum (APF) in South Africa in order to broaden the empirical and conceptual base through which demobilisation is studied. The case of the APF presents a particular puzzle to the analysis of demobilisation as the organisation collapsed in a period of heightened protest which some analysts have described as amounting to a ‘rebellion of the poor’. The question therefore is: how did the APF collapse in a period of widespread collective action and protest? The article provides an answer which critically integrates theoretical insights of political opportunity, collective identity and resource mobilisation.
Race/Ethnic and Social-Demographic Correlates of Religious Non-Involvement in America
Authors: Brown R. Khari , Taylor Robert Joseph , Chatters Linda M.
Published: March 2015

Our study investigates racial/ethnic differences in religious non-involvement using data from three national probability surveys: 2000 Social Capital Survey, 2004 National Politics Study, and the 2007 Religious Landscape Survey. Three measures of religious involvement are investigated: service attendance, religious denomination, and religious identification. We consistently find that non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are more likely than African Americans and African Caribbean Americans to identify as religiously non-involved. The central role of religion and faith communities in the lives of persons of African Americans and African Caribbeans may help explain the relatively lower levels of religious non-involvement among these groups. Other social-demographic characteristics also consistently predict religious non-involvement. Along these lines, we have fairly strong evidence that age cohort maintains a stronger relationship with rarely attending worship services among African Americans than among Hispanic and Asian Americans. That age cohort differentially maintains such relationships likely has implications for how we are to understand future growth projections for religious non-involvement in the United States.
Compressive strength of aluminum honeycomb core sandwich panels with thick carbon–epoxy facesheets subjected to barely visible indentation damage
Authors: Hasseldine Benjamin PJ , Zehnder Alan T , Keating Bryan D , Singh Abhendra K , Davidson Barry D
Published: March 2015

An experimental study of damage tolerance under quasi-static indentation (QSI) was performed for sandwich composite panels consisting of 16-ply carbon–epoxy facesheets bonded to an aluminum honeycomb core. To determine how indentation damage and compression strength after indentation depend on the facesheet layup, three facesheet stacking sequences were used, varying the maximum ply angle change and placement of the outermost 0° ply. Similarly, to determine the effect of core parameters on damage and strength following indentation, three cores with varying density and thickness were studied. Specimens were indented in QSI to the barely visible indentation damage threshold by spherical indenters of 25.4 or 76.2 mm diameters. Damaged specimens were tested to failure in compression to determine the post-indentation compressive strength and resulting failure mode. Compression-after-indentation (CAI) strength is compared to the undamaged strength obtained from edgewise-compression tests of specimens with the same geometry type. Three distinct failure modes were observed in the CAI experiments: compressive fiber failure, delamination buckling and global instability. Post-indentation compressive strength was independent of indenter size and there was no clear propensity for a particular failure mode dependent on a given specimen geometry. Specimens with a high core density and facesheets with a primary ply angle change of 90° were found to be the most damage resistant. Specimens with facesheets having the outer 0° plies closest to the center of the laminate were found to be the most damage tolerant.
On the applicability of acoustic emission to identify modes of damage in full-scale composite fuselage structures
Authors: Awerbuch Jonathan , Leone Frank A , Ozevin Didem , Tan Tein-Min
Published: March 2015

The acoustic emission method was applied during the testing of six full-scale sandwich composite aircraft fuselage panels containing through-the-thickness notches. The panels were subjected to different combinations of quasi-static internal pressure, the corresponding hoop loads, and longitudinal loads. The applicability of conventional acoustic emission signal feature analysis to identify the dominant modes of failure and extraneous emission in large composite structures was investigated. It was concluded that no clear distinction could be made among the different failure mechanisms based on the conventional acoustic emission signal features alone. Further, emission generated by fretting, either among fracture surfaces or of loading fixtures, has acoustic emission signal waveform features that are similar to those of damage-generated emission signals.
Belief in a Zero-Sum Game as a Social Axiom
Authors: Różycka-Tran Joanna , Boski Paweł , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: March 2015

This article introduces a novel concept, Belief in a Zero-Sum Game (BZSG), proposed as another belief dimension in the family of social axioms. We conceptualize BZSG as a belief system about the antagonistic nature of social relations—that one person’s gain is possible only at the expense of other persons. It appears on a level of personal convictions and as a cultural worldview ideology. We found that persons or nations who believe in a zero-sum game engage in win-lose social exchanges over limited resources. Psychometric evidence for the universality of the BZSG scale in a large pancultural project of 37 nations is presented, where individual and cultural-level predictors of BZSG were tested, followed by their multilevel analyses. BZSG, which shows a conceptual and empirical affinity with societal cynicism, is moderated by previously described cultural dimensions and by objective socio-economic indices.
Exon4 Amelogenin Transcripts in Enamel Biomineralization
Authors: Stahl J. , Nakano Y. , Horst J. , Zhu L. , Le M. , Zhang Y. , Liu H. , Li W. , Den Besten P.K.
Published: March 2015

Amelogenins are proteins formed by alternative splicing of the amelogenin gene, and are essential for tooth enamel formation. However, the unique functions of various alternatively spliced amelogenins in enamel formation are not well understood. In this study, we determined the spatiotemporal location of amelogenins derived from transcripts containing exon4 (AMG+4) in the enamel matrix, and the relative binding of recombinant AMG+4 to hydroxyapatite (HAP). Immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry analyses showed that AMG+4 proteins were secreted into the enamel matrix at the early maturation stage. A stage-specific increase in the synthesis of AMG+4 was further supported by our observation that in mice overexpressing leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (TgLRAP), in which ameloblasts differentiate earlier, AMG+4 transcripts were also upregulated earlier. In vitro binding studies, supported by in silico modeling of protein binding to calcium and phosphate, showed that more recombinant AMG+4 bound to hydroxyapatite (HAP) as compared with recombinant AMG-4. The temporal and spatial localization of amelogenins containing exon4 peptide, and their functional differences in HAP binding, suggests that the unique properties of amelogenins containing exon4 cause a specific enhancement of biomineralization related to stabilization of early-formed HAP at the maturation stage.