bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Study on Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy in 26 Cases
Authors: Qihui Cheng , Xiping Zhang , Xianfeng Ding
Published: November 2012

Aim. This paper investigated the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of acute pancreatitis (AP) in pregnancy.Methods. We analyzed retrospectively the characteristics, auxiliary diagnosis, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes of 26 cases of patients with AP in pregnancy.Results. All patients were cured finally. (1) Nine cases of 22 mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) patients selected automatic termination of pregnancy because of the unsatisfied therapeutic efficacy or those patients’ requirements. (2) Four cases of all patients were complicated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP); 2 cases underwent uterine incision delivery while one of them also received cholecystectomy, debridement and drainage of pancreatic necrosis, and percutaneous jejunostomy. One case had a fetal death when complicated with SAP; she had to receive extraction of bile duct stones and drainage of abdominal cavity after induced abortion. The other one case with hyperlipidemic pancreatitis was given induced abortion and hemofiltration.Conclusions. The first choice of MAP in pregnancy is the conventional therapy. Apart from the conventional therapy, we need to terminate pregnancy as early as possible for patients with SAP. Removing biliary calculi and drainage is supposed to be considered for acute biliary pancreatitis. Lowering blood lipids treatment should be applied to hyperlipidemic pancreatitis or given to hemofiltration when necessary.
A Novel Framework for Applying Multiobjective GA and PSO Based Approaches for Simultaneous Area, Delay, and Power Optimization in High Level Synthesis of Datapaths
Authors: Harish Ram D. S. , Bhuvaneswari M. C. , Prabhu Shanthi S.
Published: November 2012

High‐Level Synthesis deals with the translation of algorithmic descriptions into an RTL implementation. It is highly multi‐objective in nature, necessitating trade‐offs between mutually conflicting objectives such as area, power and delay. Thus design space exploration is integral to the High Level Synthesis process for early assessment of the impact of these trade‐offs. We propose a methodology for multi‐objective optimization of Area, Power and Delay during High Level Synthesis of data paths from Data Flow Graphs (DFGs). The technique performs scheduling and allocation of functional units and registers concurrently. A novel metric based technique is incorporated into the algorithm to estimate the likelihood of a schedule to yield low‐power solutions. A true multi‐objective evolutionary technique, “Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II” (NSGA II) is used in this work. Results on standard DFG benchmarks indicate that the NSGA II based approach is much faster than a weighted sum GA approach. It also yields superior solutions in terms of diversity and closeness to the true Pareto front. In addition a framework for applying another evolutionary technique: Weighted Sum Particle Swarm Optimization (WSPSO) is also reported. It is observed that compared to WSGA, WSPSO shows considerable improvement in execution time with comparable solution quality.
Statistical Modeling of Antenna: Urban Equipment Interactions for LTE Access Points
Authors: Zeng Xin , Sibille Alain
Published: November 2012

The latest standards for wireless networks such as LTE are essentially based on small cells in order to achieve a large network capacity. This applies for antennas to be deployed at street level or even within buildings. However, antennas are commonly designed, simulated, and measured in ideal conditions, which is not the real situation for most applications where antennas are often deployed in proximity to objects acting as disturbers. In this paper, three conventional wireless access point scenarios (antenna-wall, antenna-shelter, and antenna lamppost) are investigated for directional or omnidirectional antennas. The paper first addresses the definition of three performance indicators for such scenarios and secondly uses such parameters towards the statistical analysis of the interactions between the wall and the antennas.
Adaptive Multiclient Network-on-Chip Memory Core: Hardware Architecture, Software Abstraction Layer, and Application Exploration
Authors: Göhringer Diana , Meder Lukas , Werner Stephan , Oey Oliver , Becker Jürgen , Hübner Michael
Published: November 2012

This paper presents the hardware architecture and the software abstraction layer of an adaptive multiclient Network-on-Chip (NoC) memory core. The memory core supports the flexibility of a heterogeneous FPGA-based runtime adaptive multiprocessor system called RAMPSoC. The processing elements, also called clients, can access the memory core via the Network-on-Chip (NoC). The memory core supports a dynamic mapping of an address space for the different clients as well as different data transfer modes, such as variable burst sizes. Therefore, two main limitations of FPGA-based multiprocessor systems, the restricted on-chip memory resources and that usually only one physical channel to an off-chip memory exists, are leveraged. Furthermore, a software abstraction layer is introduced, which hides the complexity of the memory core architecture and which provides an easy to use interface for the application programmer. Finally, the advantages of the novel memory core in terms of performance, flexibility, and user friendliness are shown using a real-world image processing application.
Pomegranate Protection against Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Aviram Michael , Rosenblat Mira
Published: November 2012

The current paper summarizes the antioxidative and antiatherogenic effects of pomegranate polyphenols on serum lipoproteins and on arterial macrophages (two major components of the atherosclerotic lesion), using bothin vitroandin vivohumans and mice models. Pomegranate juice and its by-products substantially reduced macrophage cholesterol and oxidized lipids accumulation, and foam cell formation (the hallmark of early atherogenesis), leading to attenuation of atherosclerosis development, and its consequent cardiovascular events.
The Zeros of Orthogonal Polynomials for Jacobi‐Exponential Weights
Authors: Liu Rong , Shi Ying Guang
Published: November 2012

This paper gives the estimates of the zeros of orthogonal polynomials for Jacobi‐exponential weights.
What Can Phages Tell Us about Host-Pathogen Coevolution?
Authors: Dennehy John J.
Published: November 2012

The outcomes of host-parasite interactions depend on the coevolutionary forces acting upon them, but because every host-parasite relation is enmeshed in a web of biotic and abiotic interactions across a heterogeneous landscape, host-parasite coevolution has proven difficult to study. Simple laboratory phage-bacteria microcosms can ameliorate this difficulty by allowing controlled, well-replicated experiments with a limited number of interactors. Genetic, population, and life history data obtained from these studies permit a closer examination of the fundamental correlates of host-parasite coevolution. In this paper, I describe the results of phage-bacteria coevolutionary studies and their implications for the study of host-parasite coevolution. Recent experimental studies have confirmed phage-host coevolutionary dynamics in the laboratory and have shown that coevolution can increase parasite virulence, specialization, adaptation, and diversity. Genetically, coevolution frequently proceeds in a manner best described by the Gene for Gene model, typified by arms race dynamics, but certain contexts can result in Red Queen dynamics according to the Matching Alleles model. Although some features appear to apply only to phage-bacteria systems, other results are broadly generalizable and apply to all instances of antagonistic coevolution. With laboratory host-parasite coevolutionary studies, we can better understand the perplexing array of interactions that characterize organismal diversity in the wild.
On a Nonsmooth Vector Optimization Problem with Generalized Cone Invexity
Authors: Jiao Hehua , Liu Sanyang
Published: November 2012

By using Clarke’s generalized gradients we consider a nonsmooth vector optimization problem with cone constraints and introduce some generalized cone‐invex functions called K‐α‐generalized invex, K‐α‐nonsmooth invex, and other related functions. Several sufficient optimality conditions and Mond‐Weir type weak and converse duality results are obtained for this problem under the assumptions of the generalized cone invexity. The results presented in this paper generalize and extend the previously known results in this area.
Renin-Angiotensin System and Sympathetic Neurotransmitter Release in the Central Nervous System of Hypertension
Authors: Tsuda Kazushi
Published: November 2012

Many Studies suggest that changes in sympathetic nerve activity in the central nervous system might have a crucial role in blood pressure control. The present paper discusses evidence in support of the concept that the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) might be linked to sympathetic nerve activity in hypertension. The amount of neurotransmitter release from sympathetic nerve endings can be regulated by presynaptic receptors located on nerve terminals. It has been proposed that alterations in sympathetic nervous activity in the central nervous system of hypertension might be partially due to abnormalities in presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release. Recent evidence indicates that all components of the RAS have been identified in the brain. It has been proposed that the brain RAS may actively participate in the modulation of neurotransmitter release and influence the central sympathetic outflow to the periphery. This paper summarizes the results of studies to evaluate the possible relationship between the brain RAS and sympathetic neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system of hypertension.
Flower-Visiting Social Wasps and Plants Interaction: Network Pattern and Environmental Complexity
Authors: Clemente Mateus Aparecido , Lange Denise , Del-Claro Kleber , Prezoto Fábio , Campos Núbia Ribeiro , Barbosa Bruno Corrêa
Published: November 2012

Network analysis as a tool for ecological interactions studies has been widely used since last decade. However, there are few studies on the factors that shape network patterns in communities. In this sense, we compared the topological properties of the interaction network between flower-visiting social wasps and plants in two distinct phytophysiognomies in a Brazilian savanna (Riparian Forest and Rocky Grassland). Results showed that the landscapes differed in species richness and composition, and also the interaction networks between wasps and plants had different patterns. The network was more complex in the Riparian Forest, with a larger number of species and individuals and a greater amount of connections between them. The network specialization degree was more generalist in the Riparian Forest than in the Rocky Grassland. This result was corroborated by means of the nestedness index. In both networks was found asymmetry, with a large number of wasps per plant species. In general aspects, most wasps had low niche amplitude, visiting from one to three plant species. Our results suggest that differences in structural complexity of the environment directly influence the structure of the interaction network between flower-visiting social wasps and plants.
Clinical Gaze in Risk-Factor Haze: Swedish GPs’ Perceptions of Prescribing Cardiovascular Preventive Drugs
Authors: Hultberg Josabeth , Rudebeck Carl Edvard
Published: November 2012

Aims. To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) descriptions of their thoughts and action when prescribing cardiovascular preventive drugs. Methods. Qualitative content analysis of transcribed group interviews with 14 participants from two primary health care centres in the southeast of Sweden. Results. GPs’ prescribing of cardiovascular preventive drugs, from their own descriptions, involved “the patient as calculated” and “the inclination to prescribe,” which were negotiated in the interaction with “the patient in front of me.” In situations with high cardiovascular risk, the GPs reported a tendency to adopt a directive consultation style. In situations with low cardiovascular risk and great uncertainty about the net benefit of preventive drugs, the GPs described a preference for an informed patient choice. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that GPs mainly involve patients at low and uncertain risk of cardiovascular disease in treatment decisions, whereas patient involvement tends to decrease when GPs judge the cardiovascular risk as high. Our findings may serve as a memento for clinicians, and we suggest them to be considered in training in communication skills.
Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma with Small Bowel Metastasis Causing Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Bustinza-Linares Ernesto , Socola Francisco , Ernani Vinicius , Miller Shelly A. , Trent Jonathan C.
Published: November 2012

A 28-year-old female with history of chest wall extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) presented to the emergency department complaining of two weeks of lightheadedness and fatigue. Laboratories showed hemoglobin of 7.6 g/dL and a positive hemoccult test. Upper and lower endoscopies were unremarkable, and the patient was discharged after blood transfusion. The next day she returned to the ED with left-sided weakness and perioral numbness. Brain CT scan revealed a 6 cm right frontal mass with midline shift and edema that required urgent craniotomy with resection of a hemorrhagic tumor. The patient continued dropping her hemoglobin, and CT scans showed a rounded 3 cm small bowel mass in the mid ileum. Repeat upper endoscopy revealed a 2 × 2 cm ulcerated mass in the fourth portion of the duodenum. The patient was taken to the operating room and was found to have two lesions; one in the distal duodenum and a second one in the mid ileum causing small bowel intussusception. Pathology was consistent with metastatic EMC grade 2/3, involving the bowel and mesenteric fat. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma with unique features that distinguishes, it from other sarcomas. It has been often described as a low-grade sarcoma although there are certain characteristics like high mitotic activity and the presence of focal regions of Ki67 staining above 25% that correlate with aggressive behavior of the tumor. This is the first case of EMC metastatic to the small bowel to be reported to the medical community.
A Patient on Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitors Develops Sudden Seizures and Encephalopathy: An Unusual Presentation of Hypomagnesaemia
Authors: Gandhi Nirav Y. , Sharif Walid K. , Chadha Sumeet , Shakher Jayadave
Published: November 2012

Objective. To present an unusual but known cause of hypomagnesaemia induced-hypocalcaemia in a chronic GORD patient with severe symptoms with a review of the current literature.Methods. Analysis of the clinical and laboratory findings of the patient and discussion of the multi-factorial nature of his disease and the underlying mechanisms.Results. Our patient described features of magnesium deficiency such as weakness, muscle twitches, and fits with clinical signs of hypocalcaemia: a carpal pedal spasm and paraesthesia. Preadmission blood results revealed low calcium and magnesium levels. He was admitted to ITU, when he presented with seizures and developed encephalopathy. The total vitamin D level was 52.4 nmol/L (>49.9). His U&Es and LFTs were within the normal range with the exception of potassium. He was on Omeprazole for his GORD. With omission of the PPI 1 day after admission and replacement therapy, his ion levels normalised.Conclusion. Hypomagnesaemia is often undiagnosed and is associated with multiple biochemical abnormalities. Treatment focus should be aimed at stopping the PPI and replacing the magnesium. Over use of PPIs is a problem in practice, with the FDA issuing a warning over long-term use. Continued monitoring and decision making on dose reduction/withdrawal is essential to avoid complications.
TnpPred: A Web Service for the Robust Prediction of Prokaryotic Transposases
Authors: Riadi Gonzalo , Medina-Moenne Cristobal , Holmes David S.
Published: November 2012

Transposases (Tnps) are enzymes that participate in the movement of insertion sequences (ISs) within and between genomes. Genes that encode Tnps are amongst the most abundant and widely distributed genes in nature. However, they are difficult to predict bioinformatically and given the increasing availability of prokaryotic genomes and metagenomes, it is incumbent to develop rapid, high quality automatic annotation of ISs. This need prompted us to develop a web service, termed TnpPred for Tnp discovery. It provides better sensitivity and specificity for Tnp predictions than given by currently available programs as determined by ROC analysis. TnpPred should be useful for improving genome annotation. The TnpPred web service is freely available for noncommercial use.
Evaluation of Nonspecific Low Back Pain Using a New Detailed Visual Analogue Scale for Patients in Motion, Standing, and Sitting: Characterizing Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Elderly Patients
Authors: Aoki Yasuchika , Sugiura Shiro , Nakagawa Koichi , Nakajima Arata , Takahashi Hiroshi , Ohtori Seiji , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Nishikawa Satoru
Published: November 2012

Because we have a clinical impression that elderly patients have low back pain while in motion and standing, but less pain when sitting, we investigate characteristics of nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), using a new detailed visual analog scale (VAS) scoring system. One hundred eighty-nine patients with NSLBP were divided into an elderly group (≥65 years old, n=56) and a young group (<65 years old, n=133). Low back pain was evaluated by a traditional VAS scoring system, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a new detailed VAS scoring system in which pain is independently evaluated in three different postural situations (in motion, standing, and sitting). No significant differences were observed in traditional VAS and ODI scores between the two groups. The results of the detailed VAS showed no significant differences between the two groups while in motion and standing. However, the elderly group showed significantly lower VAS score while sitting compared to the young group. In this study of the first use of a new detailed VAS scoring system, differences in characteristics of NSLBP between elderly and young patients were successfully detected. This minor modification of the traditional VAS may be useful for characterizing and evaluating low back pain.
What Works for You? Using Teacher Feedback to Inform Adaptations of Pivotal Response Training for Classroom Use
Authors: Stahmer Aubyn C. , Suhrheinrich Jessica , Reed Sarah , Schreibman Laura
Published: November 2012

Several evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been identified as efficacious for the education of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, effectiveness research has rarely been conducted in schools and teachers express skepticism about the clinical utility of EBPs for the classroom. Innovative methods are needed to optimally adapt EBPs for community use. This study utilizes qualitative methods to identify perceived benefits and barriers of classroom implementation of a specific EBP for ASD, Pivotal Response Training (PRT). Teachers' perspectives on the components of PRT, use of PRT as a classroom intervention strategy, and barriers to the use of PRT were identified through guided discussion. Teachers found PRT valuable; however, they also found some components challenging. Specific teacher recommendations for adaptation and resource development are discussed. This process of obtaining qualitative feedback from frontline practitioners provides a generalizable model for researchers to collaborate with teachers to optimally promote EBPs for classroom use.
-Plot for Testing Spherical Symmetry for High-Dimensional Data with a Small Sample Size
Authors: Liang Jiajuan
Published: November 2012

High-dimensional data with a small sample size, such as microarray data and image data, are commonly encountered in some practical problems for which many variables have to be measured but it is too costly or time consuming to repeat the measurements for many times. Analysis of this kind of data poses a great challenge for statisticians. In this paper, we develop a new graphical method for testing spherical symmetry that is especially suitable for high-dimensional data with small sample size. The new graphical method associated with the local acceptance regions can provide a quick visual perception on the assumption of spherical symmetry. The performance of the new graphical method is demonstrated by a Monte Carlo study and illustrated by a real data set.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cortical Multiple Sclerosis Pathology
Authors: Tardif Christine L. , Bedell Barry J. , Eskildsen Simon F. , Collins D. Louis , Pike G. Bruce
Published: November 2012

Although significant improvements have been made regarding the visualization and characterization of cortical multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cortical lesions (CL) continue to be under-detectedin vivo, and we have a limited understanding of the causes of GM pathology. The objective of this study was to characterize the MRI signature of CLs to help interpret the changes seenin vivoand elucidate the factors limiting their visualization. A quantitative 3D high-resolution (350 μm isotropic) MRI study at 3 Tesla of a fixedpost mortemcerebral hemisphere from a patient with MS is presented in combination with matched immunohistochemistry. Type III subpial lesions are characterized by an increase in T1, T2 and M0, and a decrease in MTR in comparison to the normal appearing cortex (NAC). All quantitative MR parameters were associated with cortical GM myelin content, while T1 showed the strongest correlation. The histogram analysis showed extensive overlap between CL and NAC for all MR parameters and myelin content. This is due to the poor contrast in myelin content between CL and NAC in comparison to the variability in myelo-architecture throughout the healthy cortex. This latter comparison is highlighted by the representation of T1 times on cortical surfaces at several laminar depths.
A Comparison between Two Instruments for Assessing Dependency in Daily Activities: Agreement of the Northwick Park Dependency Score with the Functional Independence Measure
Authors: Svensson Siv , Sunnerhagen Katharina Stibrant
Published: November 2012

Background. There is a need for tools to assess dependency among persons with severe impairments.Objectives. The aim was to compare the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Northwick Park Dependency Score (NPDS), in a sample from in-patient rehabilitation.Material and Methods. Data from 115 persons (20 to 65 years of age) with neurological impairments was gathered. Analyses were made of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Agreement of the scales was assessed with kappa and concordance with Goodman-Kruskal’s gamma. Scale structures were explored using the Rank-Transformable Pattern of Agreement (RTPA). Content validation was performed.Results. The sensitivity of the NPDS as compared to FIM varied between 0.53 (feeding) and 1.0 (mobility) and specificity between 0.64 (mobility) and 1.0 (bladder). The positive predictive value varied from 0.62 (mobility) to 1.0 (bladder), and the negative predictive value varied from 0.48 (bowel) to 1.0 (mobility). Agreement between the scales was moderate to good (four items) and excellent (three items). Concordance was good, with a gamma of −.856, an asymptotic error (ase) of .025, andP<.000. The parallel reliability between the FIM and the NPDS showed a tendency for NPDS to be more sensitive (having more categories) when dependency is high.Conclusion. FIM and NPDS complement each other. NPDS can be used as a measure for severely injured patients who are sensitive when there is a high need of nursing time.
Rolled-Up Metamaterials
Authors: Schwaiger Stephan , Rottler Andreas , Mendach Stefan
Published: November 2012

In this paper we review metamaterials fabricated from self-rolling strained metal-semiconductor layer systems. These systems relax their strain upon release from the substrate by rolling up into microtubes with a cross-section similar to a rolled-up carpet. We show that the walls of these microtubes represent three-dimensional optical metamaterials which so far could be used, for example, for the realization of broadband hyperlenses, fishnet metamaterials, or optically active three-dimensional metamaterials utilizing the unique possibility to stack optically active semiconductor heterostructures and metallic nanostructures. Furthermore, we discuss THz metamaterials based on arrays of rolled-up metal semiconductor microtubes and helices.
Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Left Hepatic Duct: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Bhandarwar Ajay H. , Shaikh Taher A. , Borisa Ashok D. , Palep Jaydeep H. , Patil Arun S. , Manke Aditya A.
Published: November 2012

Primary Biliary Tract Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are extremely rare tumors with only 77 cases been reported in the literature till now. We describe a case of a left hepatic duct NET and review the literature for this rare malignancy. To the best of our knowledge the present case is the first reported case of a left hepatic duct NET in the literature. In spite of availability of advanced diagnostic tools like Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreaticography (ERCP) a definitive diagnosis of these tumors is possible only after an accurate histopathologic diagnosis of operative specimens with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Though surgical excision remains the gold standard treatment for such tumors, patients with unresectable tumors have good survival with newer biologic agents like Octreotride.
Control of Lymphorrhea and Treatment of Warty Excrescences in Elephantiasis
Authors: de Godoy José Maria Pereira , Brigídio Patricia Amador Franco , Buzato Edivandra , Godoy Maria de Fátima Guerreiro
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study is to report the control of lymphorrhea in the intensive treatment of elephantiasis, using an Unna boot. The case of a 29-year-old female patient is reported. This young patient evolved with the more serious form of lymphedema, elephantiasis, after surgical treatment of an abdominal neoplasm and radiotherapy. Warty excrescences were present on both legs and genitalia where lymphorrhea was constant. The patient arrived at the Godoy's Clinic for treatment. She was weighed and perimetric evaluations were made at the start of treatment and thereafter every day during an intensive outpatient treatment of eight hours daily for three weeks. Treatment included manual lymph drainage, mechanical lymph drainage using the RA Godoy device, and the continuous use of compression stockings with adjustments made every three hours. An Unna boot was employed as compression at sites of dermal lesions (warty excrescences) with overlapping use of individualized compression stockings that were individually adapted. The Unna boot was renewed every two days during the first week and every 3 days during the second and third weeks. By the end of this course of treatment, most of the warty excrescences had reduced in size or even disappeared and the lymphorrhea was controlled.
Analytical Study of Nonlinear Fractional-Order Integrodifferential Equation: Revisit Volterra's Population Model
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Mahmood Amir , Khan Nadeem Alam , Ara Asmat
Published: November 2012

This paper suggests two component homotopy method to solve nonlinear fractional integrodifferential equations, namely, Volterra's population model. Padé approximation was effectively used in this method to capture the essential behavior of solutions for the mathematical model of accumulated effect of toxins on a population living in a closed system. The behavior of the solutions and the effects of different values of fractional-orderαare indicated graphically. The study outlines significant features of this method as well as sheds some light on advantages of the method over the other. The results show that this method is very efficient, convenient, and can be adapted to fit a larger class of problems.
Preventive Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate against Replicative Senescence Associated with p53 Acetylation in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Han Dong-Wook , Lee Mi Hee , Kim Bongju , Lee Jun Jae , Hyon Suong-Hyu , Park Jong-Chul
Published: November 2012

Considering the various pharmacological activities of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) including anticancer, and anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and so forth, relatively less attention has been paid to the antiaging effect of EGCG on primary cells. In this study, the preventive effects of EGCG against serial passage-induced senescence were investigated in primary cells including rat vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and human articular chondrocytes (HACs). The involvement of Sirt1 and acetylated p53 was examined as an underlying mechanism for the senescence preventive activity of EGCG in HDFs. All cells were employed with the initial passage number (PN) between 3 and 7. For inducing senescence, the cells were serially passaged at the predetermined times and intervals in the absence or presence of EGCG (50 or 100 μM). Serial passage-induced senescence in RVSMCs and HACs was able to be significantly prevented at 50 μM EGCG, while in HDFs, 100 μM EGCG could significantly prevent senescence and recover their cell cycle progression close to the normal level. Furthermore, EGCG was found to prevent serial passage- and H2O2-induced senescence in HDFs by suppressing p53 acetylation, but the Sirt1 activity was unaffected. In addition, proliferating HDFs showed similar cellular uptake of FITC-conjugated EGCG into the cytoplasm with their senescent counterparts but different nuclear translocation of it from them, which would partly account for the differential responses to EGCG in proliferating versus senescent cells. Taking these results into consideration, it is suggested that EGCG may be exploited to craft strategies for the development of an antiaging or age-delaying agent.
Parameterized Local Reduction of Decision Systems
Authors: Chen Degang , Yang Yanyan , Zhang Xiao
Published: November 2012

One important and valuable topic in rough sets is attribute reduction of a decision system. The existing attribute reductions are designed to just keep confidence of every certain rule as they cannot identify key conditional attributes explicitly for special decision rules. In this paper, we develop the concept of θ‐local reduction in order to offer a minimal description for special θ‐possible decision rules. The approach of discernibility matrix is employed to investigate the structure of a θ‐local reduction and compute all θ‐local reductions. An example of medical diagnosis is employed to illustrate our idea of the θ‐local reduction. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to show that our method proposed in this paper is feasible and valid.
Delay-Tolerant, Low-Power Protocols for Large Security-Critical Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Malavenda Claudio S. , Menichelli F. , Olivieri M.
Published: November 2012

This paper reports the analysis, implementation, and experimental testing of a delay-tolerant and energy-aware protocol for a wireless sensor node, oriented to security applications. The solution proposed takes advantages from different domains considering as a guideline the low power consumption and facing the problems of seamless and lossy connectivity offered by the wireless medium along with very limited resources offered by a wireless network node. The paper is organized as follows: first we give an overview on delay-tolerant wireless sensor networking (DTN); then we perform a simulation-based comparative analysis of state-of-the-art DTN approaches and illustrate the improvement offered by the proposed protocol; finally we present experimental data gathered from the implementation of the proposed protocol on a proprietary hardware node.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Global Perspective
Authors: Cárdenas Roldán Jorge , Amaya-Amaya Jenny , Castellanos-de la Hoz Juan , Giraldo-Villamil Juliana , Montoya-Ortiz Gladys , Cruz-Tapias Paola , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana , Mantilla Rubén D. , Anaya Juan-Manuel
Published: November 2012

Objective. To determine the prevalence and impact of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Eight-hundred patients were included. The association between AITD and RA was analyzed was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, a literature review was done focusing on geographical variations.Results. In our cohort the prevalence of AITD was 9.8% while the presence of antibodies was 37.8% for antithyroperoxidase enzyme (TPOAb) and 20.8% for antithyroglobulin protein (TgAb). The presence of type 2 diabetes, thrombosis, abnormal body mass index, and a high educational level was positively associated with AITD. The literature review disclosed a geographical variation of AITD in RA ranging from 0.5% to 27%. Autoantibody prevalence ranges from 6% to 31% for TgAb, 5% to 37% for TPOAb, and from 11.4% to 32% for the presence of either of the two.Conclusion. AITD is not uncommon in RA and should be systematically assessed since it is a risk factor for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These results may help to further study the common mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, to improve patients’ outcome, and to define public health policies. An international consensus to accurately diagnose AITD is warranted.
Public Transport Subsidies and Affordability in Mumbai, India
Authors: Cropper Maureen , Bhattacharya Soma
Published: November 2012

This paper describes the role of public transport and incidence of transport subsidies in Mumbai, India, where public transport is used for over 75% of all motorized trips. On average, expenditure on public transit constitutes a larger share of income for the poor than for the middle class. However, a larger fraction of transit users are middle class. In terms of incidence, the poorest 27% of the population receives only 19% of bus subsidies and 15.5% of rail subsidies. One-quarter of these households do not use rail, and 10% do not use bus, implying that they receive no transit subsidies. Improving the welfare of the poor through demand-side subsidies or cash transfer is, however, difficult. We therefore examine the optimal level of transit subsidies, based solely on distributional considerations.
Dynamic Stress-Strain Behaviour of Steel Fiber Reinforced High-Performance Concrete with Fly Ash
Authors: Chien Yet Tan , Hamid R. , Kasmuri Mudiono
Published: November 2012

The addition of steel fibers into concrete mix can significantly improve the engineering properties of concrete. The mechanical behaviors of steel fiber reinforced high-performance concrete with fly ash (SFRHPFAC) are studied in this paper through both static compression test and dynamic impact test. Cylindrical and cube specimens with three volume fractions of end-hooked steel fibers with volume fraction of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (39.25, 78.50, and 117.75 kg/m3) and aspect ratio of 64 are used. These specimens are then tested for static compression and for dynamic impact by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) at strain rate of 30–60 s−1. The results reveal that the failure mode of concrete considerably changes from brittle to ductile with the addition of steel fibers. The plain concrete may fail under low-strain-rate single impact whereas the fibrous concrete can resist impact at high strain rate loading. It is shown that strain rate has great influence on concrete strength. Besides, toughness energy is proportional to the fiber content in both static and dynamic compressions.
Topological Features in Profiling the Antimalarial Activity Landscape of Anilinoquinolines: A Multipronged QSAR Study
Authors: Deshpande Shreekant , Goodarzi Mohammad , Katti Seturam B. , Prabhakar Yenamandra S.
Published: November 2012

The antimalarial activity of a series of 4‐anilinoquinolines was modeled with topological and other functional descriptors using feature selection approaches CP‐MLR and GA. Five models were identified from each approach to explain the activity of the compounds. They jointly shared eighteen descriptors. Among them five descriptors, namely, H‐052, MATS4m, MATS7e, Mor30p, and R7m, were common to both approaches. In PLS analysis the eighteen descriptors have led to a three‐component model (r2 = 0.731, Q2 = 0.688, ). and the common descriptors were among the most influential ones to modulate the activity. Among them, MATS7e indicated the favorability of nonlinear and branched molecular topology for higher activity. MATS4m has also advocated in favor of branching/nonlinearity in the molecule for the activity. The H‐052 argued that R′CH2‐CHX‐CH2R fragments (X is halogen) in the scaffold enhance the activity. In BP‐ANN these descriptors led to very good predictive models (training r2 > 0.81;
validation r2 > 0.81; test r2 > 0.75). The study has offered direction to understand the patterns of the antimalarial activity of anilinoquinolines for exploring potential prototype compounds.
Acetylation of Phenols, Anilines, and Thiols Using Silica Sulfuric Acid under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Habibi Davood , Rahmani Payam , Akbaripanah Ziba
Published: November 2012

Silica sulfuric acid was employed as a heterogeneous catalyst for the acetylation of a variety of phenols, amines, and thiols under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. Deactivated substrates also acetylated rapidly, and the method showed the preferential selectivity for acetylation of amino group in the presence of hydroxyl groupinwhich no C‐acylation was observed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Physicochemical Studies of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Inner Transition Metals with Lansoprazole and Cytosine
Authors: Verma Sarika , Shrivastva Sarita , Shrivastva Rashmi
Published: November 2012

Few complexes of inner transition metals [Th(IV), Ce(IV), Nd(III), Gd(III)] have been synthesized by reacting their metal salts with lansoprazole, 2‐([3‐methyl‐4‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxy)pyridin‐2‐yl]methylsulfinyl)‐1H‐benzoimidazole and cytosine. All the complexes were synthesized in ethanolic medium. The yield percentage rangs from 80 to 90%. The complexes are coloured solids. The complexes were characterized through elemental analyses, conductance measurements, and spectroscopic methods (FT IR, FAB Mass, 1H NMR and UV). An IR spectrum indicates that the ligand behaves as bidentate ligands. The metal complexes have been screened for their antifungal activity towards Aspergillus niger fungi. The interaction of inner transition metals with lansoprazole, in presence of cytosine, has also been investigated potentiometrically at two different temperatures 26 ± 1°C and 36 ± 1°C and at 0.1 M (KNO3) ionic strength. The stability constants of ternary complexes indicate the stability order as Th(IV) < Ce(IV) < Gd(III) < Nd(III). log K values obtained are positive and suggest greater stabilization of ternary complexes. The values of thermodynamic parameters (free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) are also calculated.
Optimization of Activated Carbons Prepared by H3PO4 and Steam Activation of Oil Palm Shells
Authors: Kouotou Daouda , Manga Horace Ngomo , Baçaoui Abdelaziz , Yaacoubi Abdelrani , Mbadcam Joseph Ketcha
Published: November 2012

In this study, activated carbons were prepared from oil palm shells by physicochemical activation. The methodology of experimental design was used to optimize the preparation conditions. The influences of the impregnation ratio (0.6–3.4) and the activation temperature between 601°C and 799°C on the following three responses: activated carbon yield (R/AC‐H3PO4), the iodine adsorption (I2/AC‐H3PO4), and the methylene blue adsorption (MB/AC‐H3PO4) results were investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the significant parameters. Under the experimental conditions investigated, the activation temperature of 770°C and impregnation ratio of 2/1 leading to the R/AC‐H3PO4 of 52.10%, the I2/AC‐H3PO4 of 697.86 mg/g, and the MB/AC‐H3PO4 of 346.25 mg/g were found to be optimum conditions for producing activated carbon with well compromise of desirability. The two factors had both synergetic and antagonistic effects on the three responses studied. The micrographs of activated carbons examined with scanning electron microscopy revealed that the activated carbons were found to be mainly microporous and mesoporous.
Convergence of the ZMIZ1 and NOTCH1 Pathways at C-MYC in Acute T Lymphoblastic Leukemias
Authors: Rakowski Lesley A. , Garagiola Derek D. , Li Choi M. , Decker Margaret , Caruso Sarah , Jones Morgan , Kuick Rork , Cierpicki Tomasz , Maillard Ivan , Chiang Mark Y.
Published: November 2012

Activating NOTCH1 mutations are found in 50% to 60% of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) samples. In mouse models, these mutations generally fail to induce leukemia. This observation suggests that NOTCH1 activation must collaborate with other genetic events. Mutagenesis screens previously implicated ZMIZ1 as a possible NOTCH1 collaborator in leukemia. ZMIZ1 is a transcriptional coactivator of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS)-like family. Its role in oncogenesis is unknown. Here, we show that activated NOTCH1 and ZMIZ1 collaborate to induce T-ALL in mice. ZMIZ1 and activated NOTCH1 are coexpressed in a subset of human T-ALL patients and cell lines. ZMIZ1 inhibition slowed growth and sensitized leukemic cells to corticosteroids and NOTCH inhibitors. Gene expression profiling identified C-MYC, but not other NOTCH-regulated genes, as an essential downstream target of ZMIZ1. ZMIZ1 functionally interacts with NOTCH1 to promote C-MYC transcription and activity. The mechanism does not involve the NOTCH pathway and appears to be indirect and mediated independently of canonical PIAS functions through a novel N-terminal domain. Our study shows the importance of identifying genetic collaborations between parallel leukemic pathways that may be therapeutically targeted. They also raise new inquiries into potential NOTCH–ZMIZ1 collaboration in a variety of C–MYC-driven cancers. Cancer Res; 73(2); 930–41. ©2012 AACR.
Prospective Study of HPV16 Viral Load and Risk of In Situ and Invasive Squamous Cervical Cancer
Authors: Sundström Karin , Ploner Alexander , Dahlström Lisen Arnheim , Palmgren Juni , Dillner Joakim , Adami Hans-Olov , Ylitalo Nathalie , Sparén Pär
Published: November 2012

Background: A strong association has been shown between high viral DNA load (VL) of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and risk for cervical cancer in situ (CIS). However, little data is available for the significance of VL in invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: In 2 nested case–control studies among women participating in cervical screening, with a cytologically normal first smear, we collected 5,665 smears from 621 women with CIS, 457 with SCC, and individually matched controls. All smears were tested for HPV, and VLs of HPV16 positive smears were quantified using real time-PCR. The median follow-up until diagnosis of CIS or SCC was 6.1 to 7.7 years.

Results: Low VL's were common among both CIS and SCC case women, until 1 to 2 years before diagnosis when a surge in VL occurred. The relative risk (RR) associated with low viral load of HPV16 was around 10 for CIS, and 10 to 20 for SCC throughout 10 years before diagnosis, compared with HPV16-negative women. For women with medium to high VL, the risk for CIS was greatly increased from 5 years before diagnosis [RR, 19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7–48]. In SCC, a high VL conferred an increased risk, but only from 3 years before diagnosis [RR, 60; 95% CI, 6–580].

Conclusions: We show differing risk functions associated with HPV16 viral load in CIS and SCC, respectively. We further show that viral loads were unexpectedly low early in the SCC disease process.

Impact: HPV16 viral load appears highly complex which may limit its use in cervical screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(1); 150–8. ©2012 AACR.
Breast MRI Use Uncommon among U.S. Women
Authors: Miller Jacqueline W. , Sabatino Susan A. , Thompson Trevor D. , Breen Nancy , White Mary C. , Ryerson A. Blythe , Taplin Stephen , Ballard-Barbash Rachel
Published: November 2012

Background: The goal of breast cancer screening is to reduce breast cancer mortality. Mammography is the standard screening method for detecting breast cancer early. Breast MRI is recommended to be used in conjunction with mammography for screening subsets of women at high risk for breast cancer. We offer the first study to provide national estimates of breast MRI use among women in the United States.

Methods: We analyzed data from women who responded to questions about having a breast MRI on the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. We assessed report of having a breast MRI and reasons for it by sociodemographic characteristics and access to health care and computed five-year and lifetime breast cancer risk using the Gail model.

Results: Among 11,222 women who responded, almost 5% reported ever having a breast MRI and 2% reported having an MRI within the 2 years preceding the survey. Less than half of the women who reported having a breast MRI were at increased risk. Approximately 60% of women reported having the breast MRI for diagnostic reasons. Women who ever had a breast MRI were more likely to be older, Black, and insured and to report a usual source of health care as compared with women who reported no MRI.

Conclusions: Breast MRI use may be underused or overused in certain subgroups of women.

Impact: As access to health care improves, the use of breast MRI and the appropriateness of its use for breast cancer detection will be important to monitor. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(1); 159–66. ©2012 AACR.
miR-148b Functions as a Tumor Suppressor in Pancreatic Cancer by Targeting AMPKα1
Authors: Zhao Gang , Zhang Jun-Gang , Liu Yang , Qin Qi , Wang Bo , Tian Kui , Liu Lin , Li Xiang , Niu Yi , Deng Shi-Chang , Wang Chun-You
Published: November 2012

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that participate in a variety of biologic processes, and dysregulation of miRNA is always associated with cancer development and progression. Aberrant expression of miR-148b has been found in some types of cancer, but its expression and potential biologic role in pancreatic cancer are still largely unknown. In this study, our data showed that miR-148b was significantly downregulated in 48 pairs of human pancreatic cancer tissues and five cell lines. Furthermore, the deregulated miR-148b was correlated with increased tumor size, late tumor–node–metastasis stage, lymphatic invasion, distant metastasis, and worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Functional studies indicated overexpression of miR-148b dramatically suppressed the growth of cancer cells, attributable to induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at S-phase. Meanwhile, miR-148b remarkably inhibited invasion and enhanced chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-148b was able to inhibit tumorigenicity in nude mice. Further studies revealed that AMPKα1 might be the direct target gene of miR-148b, and overexpressed AMPKα1 inversely correlated with miR-148b in pancreatic cancer. Silencing of AMPKα1 with RNA interference inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and also induced apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, and inhibited invasion of cancer cells, which is consistent with the effects of miR-148b overexpression. In conclusion, miR-148b can inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and enhance chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer by targeting AMPKα1. Our present results implicate the potential effects of miR-148b on prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(1); 83–93. ©2012 AACR.