bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferric Uptake Regulator-Dependent Antinitrosative Defenses in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Pathogenesis
Authors: Husain Maroof , Jones-Carson Jessica , Liu Lin , Song Miryoung , Saah J. Royden , Troxell Bryan , Mendoza Mary , Hassan Hosni , Vázquez-Torres Andrés
Published: October 2013

Herein we report an important role for the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) in the resistance of
Salmonella
enterica
serovar Typhimurium to the reactive nitrogen species produced by inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase in an NRAMP1
r
murine model of acute systemic infection. The expression of
fur
protected
Salmonella
grown under normoxic and hypoxic conditions against the bacteriostatic activity of NO. The hypersusceptibility of
fur
-deficient
Salmonella
to the cytotoxic actions of NO coincides with a marked repression of respiratory activity and the reduced ability of the bacteria to detoxify NO. A
fur
mutant
Salmonella
strain contained reduced levels of the terminal quinol oxidases of the electron transport chain. Addition of the heme precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid restored the cytochrome content, respiratory activity, NO consumption, and wild-type growth in bacteria undergoing nitrosative stress. The innate antinitrosative defenses regulated by Fur added to the adaptive response associated with the NO-detoxifying activity of the flavohemoprotein Hmp. Our investigations indicate that, in addition to playing a critical role in iron homeostasis, Fur is an important antinitrosative determinant of
Salmonella
pathogenesis.
Measurement of weak optical transition moments through two-pathway coherent control
Authors: Antypas D. , Elliott D.S.
Published: October 2013

We present a full description of the (ω, 2ω) two-pathway coherent control interference technique for measurement of weak, highly forbidden optical transitions. We have recently applied this technique to the measurement of the magnetic dipole transition moment M1 of the 6s 2S1/2 → 7s 2S1/2 transition in atomic cesium. We also demonstrate detailed methods by which this technique may be used for measurement of the electroweak-induced parity nonconserving amplitude in atomic cesium. The principal benefits of this technique include reduced systematic errors related to field reversals often encountered in related measurements, reduced interference from adjacent, noninterfering transitions, and the absence of electric quadrupole transitions. We present a critical evaluation of the effects induced by stray fields and other systematic effects.
Principles for ensuring healthy and productive freshwater ecosystems that support sustainable fisheries
Authors: Lapointe Nicolas W.R. , Cooke Steven J. , Imhof Jack G. , Boisclair Daniel , Casselman John M. , Curry R. Allen , Langer Otto E. , McLaughlin Robert L. , Minns Charles K. , Post John R. , Power Michael , Rasmussen Joseph B. , Reynolds John D. , Richardson John S. , Tonn William M.
Published: October 2013

Freshwater ecosystems and the fisheries they support are increasingly threatened by human activities. To aid in their management and protection, we outline nine key principles for supporting healthy and productive ecosystems based on the best available science, including laws of physics and chemistry apply to ecology; population dynamics are regulated by reproduction, mortality, and growth; habitat quantity and quality are prerequisites of fish productivity; connectivity among habitats is essential for movements of fishes and their resources; freshwater species and their habitats are tightly linked to surrounding watersheds; biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resiliency and productivity; global processes affect local populations; anthropogenic stressors have cumulative effects; and evolutionary processes can be important. Based on these principles, we provide general recommendations for managing and protecting freshwater ecosystems and the fisheries they support, with examples of successful implementation for each strategy. Key management strategies include engage and consult with stakeholders; ensure that agencies have sufficient capacity, legislation, and authority to implement policies and management plans; define metrics by which fisheries resources and management success or failure will be measured; identify and account for threats to ecosystem productivity; adopt the precautionary approach to management; embrace adaptive management; implement ecosystem-based management; account for all ecosystem services provided by aquatic ecosystems; protect and restore habitat as the foundation for fisheries; and protect biodiversity. Ecosystems are complex with many intertwined components and ignoring linkages and processes significantly reduces the probability of management success. These principles must be considered when identifying management options and developing policies aiming to protect productive freshwater ecosystems and sustainable fisheries.
BLIND SIGNAL SEPARATION OF MIXTURES OF CHAOTIC PROCESSES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN INDEPENDENT COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND STATE SPACE MODELING
Authors: GALKA ANDREAS , WONG KEVIN K. F. , STEPHANI ULRICH , OZAKI TOHRU , SINIATCHKIN MICHAEL
Published: October 2013

We perform a systematic comparison between different algorithms for solving the Blind Signal Separation problem. In particular, we compare five well-known algorithms for Independent Component Analysis (ICA) with a recently proposed algorithm based on linear state space modeling (IC–LSS). The comparison is based on simulated mixtures of six source signals, five of which are generated by nonlinear deterministic processes evolving on chaotic attractors. The quality of the reconstructed sources is quantified by two measures, one based on a distance measure implemented by a Frobenius norm, and one based on residual mutual information. We find that the IC–LSS modeling algorithm offers several advantages over the ICA algorithms: it succeeds in unmixing Gaussian sources, on short time series it performs, on average, better than static ICA algorithms, it does not try to remove coincidental dependencies resulting from finite data set size, and it shows the potential to reconstruct the sources even in the case of noninvertible mixing. As expected, for the case of non-Gaussian sources, invertible mixing and sufficient time series length, the ICA algorithms typically outperform IC–LSS modeling.
GRANULARITIES AND INCONSISTENCIES IN BIG DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG DU
Published: October 2013

Big data and big data analysis are a multi-dimensional scientific and technological pursuit that has profound impact on the society as a whole. Though big data has become such a catchy buzzword, to make any significant stride in this pursuit, we must have a clear picture of what big data is and what big data analysis entails. In this paper, after a brief account on the landscape of big data and big data analysis, we focus attention on two issues: granularities of knowledge content in big data, and utility of inconsistencies in big data analysis.
PHASE TRANSITION PATTERNS OF NUCLEAR MATTER BASED ON EXTENDED LINEAR SIGMA MODEL
Authors: PHAT TRAN HUU , ANH NGUYEN TUAN , HA PHUNG THI THU
Published: October 2013

We study systematically various types of phase transitions in nuclear matter at finite temperature T and baryon chemical potential μ based on the extended linear sigma model with nucleon degrees of freedom. It is shown that there are three types of phase transitions in nuclear matter: the chiral symmetry nonrestoration (SNR) at high temperature, the well-known liquid–gas (LG) phase transition at sub-saturation density and the Lifshitz phase transition (LPT) from the fully-gapped state to the state with Fermi surface. Their phase diagrams are established in the (T, μ)-plane and their physical properties are investigated in detail. The relationship between the chiral phase transition and the LG phase transition in nuclear matter is discussed.
BOREL EQUIVALENCE RELATIONS AND LASCAR STRONG TYPES
Authors: KRUPIŃSKI KRZYSZTOF , PILLAY ANAND , SOLECKI SŁAWOMIR
Published: October 2013

The "space" of Lascar strong types, on some sort and relative to a given complete theory T, is in general not a compact Hausdorff topological space. We have at least three (modest) aims in this paper. The first is to show that spaces of Lascar strong types, as well as other related spaces and objects such as the Lascar group Gal L(T) of T, have well-defined Borel cardinalities (in the sense of the theory of complexity of Borel equivalence relations). The second is to compute the Borel cardinalities of the known examples as well as of some new examples that we give. The third is to explore notions of definable map, embedding, and isomorphism, between these and related quotient objects. We also make some conjectures, the main one being roughly "smooth if and only if trivial". The possibility of a descriptive set-theoretic account of the complexity of spaces of Lascar strong types was touched on in the paper [E. Casanovas, D. Lascar, A. Pillay and M. Ziegler, Galois groups of first order theories, J. Math. Logic1 (2001) 305–319], where the first example of a "non-G-compact theory" was given. The motivation for writing this paper is partly the discovery of new examples via definable groups, in [A. Conversano and A. Pillay, Connected components of definable groups and o-minimality I, Adv. Math.231 (2012) 605–623; Connected components of definable groups and o-minimality II, to appear in Ann. Pure Appl. Logic] and the generalizations in [J. Gismatullin and K. Krupiński, On model-theoretic connected components in some group extensions, preprint (2012), arXiv:1201.5221v1].
Cyber-EDA: Estimation of Distribution Algorithms with Adaptive Memory Programming
Authors: Yin Peng-Yeng , Wu Hsi-Li
Published: October 2013

The estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) aims to explicitly model the probability distribution of the quality solutions to the underlying problem. By iterative filtering for quality solution from competing ones, the probability model eventually approximates the distribution of global optimum solutions. In contrast to classic evolutionary algorithms (EAs), EDA framework is flexible and is able to handle inter variable dependence, which usually imposes difficulties on classic EAs. The success of EDA relies on effective and efficient building of the probability model. This paper facilitates EDA from the adaptive memory programming (AMP) domain which has developed several improved forms of EAs using the Cyber-EA framework. The experimental result on benchmark TSP instances supports our anticipation that the AMP strategies can enhance the performance of classic EDA by deriving a better approximation for the true distribution of the target solutions.
Renal Leiomyosarcoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Valery Jose R. , Tan Winston , Cortese Cherise
Published: October 2013

Renal leiomyosarcoma is a very rare tumor that clinically and radiographically mimics more common renal malignancies. The infrequency of the condition makes it very difficult to diagnose. A 70-year-old male smoker presented with months of hematuria, right-sided flank pain, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a 3.8-centimeter renal mass that had characteristics similar to renal cell carcinoma. Initial biopsy of the mass was negative for malignancy. Two months later, subsequent imaging revealed what appeared to be metastatic bone lesions. Again, a biopsy of one of the lesions was negative for malignancy. Subsequent ureteral pyeloscopy, ureteroscopic renal pelvis biopsy, and brush cytology were negative for malignancy as well. The decision was made to perform nephrectomy for the removal of the mass. Pathologic analysis revealed renal leiomyosarcoma. This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing renal leiomyosarcoma. Repeated pathologic sampling was negative because of the tumor heterogeneity. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are very significant as surgical resection at an early stage offers the best prognosis.
A Faster Gradient Ascent Learning Algorithm for Nonlinear SVM
Authors: Cocianu Catalina-Lucia , State Luminita , Mircea Marinela , Vlamos Panayiotis
Published: October 2013

We propose a refined gradient ascent method including heuristic parameters for solving the dual problem of nonlinear SVM. Aiming to get better tuning to the particular training sequence, the proposed refinement consists of the use of heuristically established weights in correcting the search direction at each step of the learning algorithm that evolves in the feature space. We propose three variants for computing the correcting weights, their effectiveness being analyzed on experimental basis in the final part of the paper. The tests pointed out good convergence properties, and moreover, the proposed modified variants proved higher convergence rates as compared to Platt’s SMO algorithm. The experimental analysis aimed to derive conclusions on the recognition rate as well as on the generalization capacities. The learning phase of the SVM involved linearly separable samples randomly generated from Gaussian repartitions and the WINE and WDBC datasets. The generalization capacities in case of artificial data were evaluated by several tests performed on new linearly/nonlinearly separable data coming from the same classes. The tests pointed out high recognition rates (about 97%) on artificial datasets and even higher recognition rates in case of the WDBC dataset.
Predictors of Delayed Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation, Mortality, and Loss to Followup in HIV Infected Patients Eligible for HIV Treatment: Data from an HIV Cohort Study in India
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Pakam Raghavakalyan , Midde Manoranjan , Naik Praveen Kumar
Published: October 2013

Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa have shown that a substantial number of HIV patients eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not start treatment. However, data from other low- or middle-income countries are scarce. In this study, we describe the outcomes of 4105 HIV patients who became ART eligible from January 2007 to November 2011 in an HIV cohort study in India. After three years of ART eligibility, 78.4% started ART, 9.3% died before ART initiation, and 10.3% were lost to followup. Diagnosis of tuberculosis, being homeless, lower CD4 count, longer duration of pre-ART care, belonging to a disadvantaged community, being widowed, and not living near a town were associated with delayed ART initiation. Diagnosis of tuberculosis, being homeless, lower CD4 count, shorter duration of pre-ART care, belonging to a disadvantaged community, illiteracy, and age >45 years were associated with mortality. Being homeless, being single, not living near a town, having a CD4 count <150 cells/μL, and shorter duration of pre-ART care were associated with loss to followup. These results highlight the need to improve the timely initiation of ART in HIV programmes in India, especially in ART eligible patients with tuberculosis, low CD4 counts, living in rural areas, or having a low socioeconomic status.
Oxford and the Savannah: Can the Hippo Provide an Explanation for Peto's Paradox?
Authors: Kelleher Fergal C. , O'Sullivan Hazel
Published: October 2013

Peto's paradox is the counterintuitive finding that increasing body mass and thereby cell number does not correlate with an increase in cancer incidence across different species. The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved system that determines organ size by regulating apoptosis and cell proliferation. It also affects cell growth by microRNA-29 (miR-29)–mediated cross-talk to the mTOR signaling pathway. Whether these pathways that decide organ size could explain this paradox merits consideration. Inactivation of most genes of the Hippo pathway in Drosophila melanogaster genetic screens causes excessive tissue-specific growth of developing tissues. Altered Hippo pathway activity is frequently found in diverse tumor types, but mutations of component pathway genes are rare. Most Hippo pathway components are encoded by tumor suppressor genes (TSG), but an exception is the downstream effector gene called YAP. Activity of the Hippo pathway causes deactivating phosphorylation of YES-associated protein (YAP) with nuclear exclusion. YAP can also be phosphorylated at a second site, S127, by AKT. YAP induces the expression of genes responsible for proliferation and suppression of apoptosis. Resolving Peto's paradox may serendipitously provide new insights into the biology and treatment of cancer. This article considers Hippo signaling and Peto's paradox in the context of TSG–oncogene computed models. Interspecies differences in dietary composition, metabolic rates, and anabolic processes are also discussed in the context of Hippo–mTOR signaling. The metabolically important LKB1-AMPK (liver kinase B1-AMP activated protein kinase) signaling axis that suppresses the mTOR pathway is also considered. Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 557–64. ©2013 AACR.
Reliability and Validity of the Clinical Dementia Rating for Community-Living Elderly Subjects without an Informant
Authors: Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Chong Mei Sian , Lim Wee Shiong , Lee Tih Shih , Yap Philip , Ng Tze Pin
Published: October 2013

Background: The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale is widely used to assess cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. It requires collateral information from a reliable informant who is not available in many instances. We adapted the original CDR scale for use with elderly subjects without an informant (CDR-NI) and evaluated its reliability and validity for assessing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among community-dwelling elderly subjects. Method: At two consecutive visits 1 week apart, nurses trained in CDR assessment interviewed, observed and rated cognitive and functional performance according to a protocol in 90 elderly subjects with suboptimal cognitive performance [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) <26 and/or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) <26] and without informants according to a protocol. CDR domains and global scores were assigned after the second visit based upon corroborative information from the subjects' responses to questions, role-play, and observed performance in specifically assigned tasks at home and within the community. Results: The CDR-NI scores (0, 0.5, 1) showed good internal consistency (Crohnbach's a 0.83-0.84), inter-rater reliability (κ 0.77-1.00 for six domains and 0.95 for global rating) and test-retest reliability (κ 0.75-1.00 for six domains and 0.80 for global rating), good agreement (κ 0.79) with the clinical assessment status of MCI (n = 37) and dementia (n = 4) and significant differences in the mean scores for MMSE, MOCA and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ANOVA global p < 0.001). Conclusion: Owing to the protocol of the interviews, assessments and structured observations gathered during the two visits, CDR-NI provides valid and reliable assessment of MCI and dementia in community-living elderly subjects without an informant.
Histone Deacetylase 4 Controls Neointimal Hyperplasia via Stimulating Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Usui Tatsuya , Morita Tomoka , Okada Muneyoshi , Yamawaki Hideyuki
Published: October 2013

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are transcriptional coregulators. Recently, we demonstrated that HDAC4, one of class IIa family members, promotes reactive oxygen species–dependent vascular smooth muscle inflammation and mediates development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pathogenesis of hypertension is, in part, modulated by vascular structural remodeling via proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Thus, we examined whether HDAC4 controls SMC proliferation and migration. In rat mesenteric arterial SMCs, small interfering RNA against HDAC4 inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB–induced SMC proliferation as determined by a cell counting and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay as well as migration as determined by Boyden chamber assay. Expression and activity of HDAC4 were increased by PDGF-BB. HDAC4 small interfering RNA inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase and heat shock protein 27 and expression of cyclin D1 as measured by Western blotting. HDAC4 small interfering RNA also inhibited PDGF-BB–induced reactive oxygen species production as measured fluorometrically using 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity as measured by lucigenin assay. A Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor, KN93, inhibited PDGF-BB–induced SMC proliferation and migration as well as phosphorylation of HDAC4. In vivo, a class IIa HDACs inhibitor, MC1568 prevented neointimal hyperplasia in mice carotid ligation model. MC1568 also prevented increased activation of HDAC4 in the neointimal lesions. The present results for the first time demonstrate that HDAC4 controls PDGF-BB–induced SMC proliferation and migration through activation of p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase/heat shock protein 27 signals via reactive oxygen species generation in a Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-dependent manner, which may lead to the neointimal hyperplasia in vivo.
Chronic Cadmium Treatment Induces Tubular Nephropathy and Osteomalacic Osteopenia in Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Kurata Y. , Katsuta O. , Doi T. , Kawasuso T. , Hiratsuka H. , Tsuchitani M. , Umemura T.
Published: October 2013

In an attempt to establish a primate model of chronic cadmium toxicosis, we ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys and treated them with CdCl2 by repeated intravenous injections for 13 to 15 months. The animals showed normocytic-normochromic anemia. The cadmium treatment resulted in increases of urinary enzyme activity indicative of renal tubular degeneration. Histopathology of the kidney revealed renal proximal tubular atrophy accompanied by interstitial fibrosis. Decreased bone mineral density was evident in the trabecular and cortical zones of the lumbar vertebra and femur, with osteoid accumulation around the trabeculae and Haversian canals. Iron deposition at the mineralization front and osteoclasts hyperplasia were indicative of impairment of bone mineralization and an increase of resorption. Blood inorganic phosphorus and 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels decreased and urinary deoxypyridinoline level increased in cadmium-treated animals. The renal and bone lesions closely resemble those of itai-itai disease patients, the most severe case of cadmium toxicosis in terms of clinical chemistry and histopathology. Thus, ovariectomized monkeys chronically exposed to cadmium can serve as a primate itai-itai disease model, which is beneficial for developing novel therapeutic methods, investigating the mechanisms of the renal and bone lesions, and establishing more clearly defined criteria for diagnosing the disease.
A novel architecture of the embedded computer numerical control system based on PLCopen standard
Authors: Wang Han , Tang Xiaoqi , Song Bao , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: October 2013

Advanced manufacturing industries demand the embedded computer numerical control system having less vendor and hardware dependencies and more powerful computing capacity and intelligence. It is very important to build such an embedded computer numerical control system, and fortunately, PLCopen standard combined with Cloud Computing brings a brand new opportunity. Hence, this article presents an approach to fulfill those requirements based on PLCopen standard and Cloud Computing. A novel architecture of the embedded computer numerical control system is proposed, and the characteristics of the embedded computer numerical control system are discussed. The PLCopen standard is charged of real-time motion control, offering interoperability, feasibility, simplicity, and universality characteristics. The Cloud Computing technology is used to improve the system performance and to extend functions, overcoming the problem that the intelligence requirement is not compatible with limited hardware resource. A thermal error compensation experiment is described to illustrate the embedded computer numerical control system, and the result demonstrates that the PLCopen standard and Cloud Computing technology can be perfectly applied to the embedded computer numerical control system.
Lifetime assessment method for products with dependent competing failures based on copula theory
Authors: Zhang Xiangpo , Shang Jianzhong , Chen Xun , Zhang Chunhua , Wang Yashun
Published: October 2013

Based on copula theory and methods, we construct the dependent relationship between the margin distribution functions of the competing failure modes and their joint distribution function through copula function. With the dependent relationship, we study statistical inference method of the life testing with dependent competing failure modes, and found the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) model for the parameter estimations to evaluate the lifetime of the products. The results and analysis of case studies prove that sample size, proportion of censored samples, proportion of failure samples with masked failure mode, and copula model types have great impact on the accuracy of the lifetime assessment of the products with dependent competing failure modes. And with appropriate test data and right copula modes, method developed in this paper has very good accuracy for the lifetime assessment with dependent competing failure modes. It provides an effective and accurate way to solve the problems of statistical inference of life testing with dependent competing failure modes, and also an accurate way of lifetime assessment for products.
The influence of cylinder deactivation on the emissions and fuel economy of a four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine
Authors: Zammit Jean-Paul , McGhee Michael J , Shayler Paul J , Pegg Ian
Published: October 2013

The potential benefits and limitations of deactivating two of four cylinders by cam switching to disable the intake and exhaust valve lift were investigated experimentally on a turbocharged four-cylinder common-rail direct-injection diesel engine. When running on two firing cylinders, at light engine loads (a brake mean effective pressure of 2 bar, based on four-cylinder operation), the brake specific fuel consumption at given engine-out nitrogen oxide levels is comparable with or marginally better than when the engine is running on four cylinders. Cylinder deactivation allowed higher fuel rail pressures to be used to reduce the soot emissions while maintaining the advantages of lower carbon monoxide emissions and lower hydrocarbon emissions. At engine loads with a brake mean effective pressure of up to 3 bar on four cylinders, cylinder deactivation lowered the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions and raised the exhaust gas temperature by around 120 °C but, at higher loads, the fuel economy deteriorated and the soot and nitrogen oxide emissions increased markedly. The benefits of cylinder deactivation are therefore limited to light-load operating conditions, where the fuel economy is improved, the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions are reduced and the exhaust gas temperature is raised.
The Bright Side of Stress-Induced Eating
Authors: Sproesser Gudrun , Schupp Harald T. , Renner Britta
Published: October 2013

Previous research suggests that approximately 40% to 50% of the population increase food consumption under stressful conditions. The prevailing view is that eating in response to stress is a type of maladaptive self-regulation. Past research has concentrated mainly on the negative effects of social stress on eating. We propose that positive social experiences may also modulate eating behavior. In the present study, participants were assigned to social-exclusion, neutral, and social-inclusion conditions. In a subsequent bogus taste test, the amount of ice cream eaten and habitual stress-related eating were measured. After being socially excluded, people who habitually eat more in response to stress (stress hyperphagics) ate significantly more than people who habitually eat less in response to stress (stress hypophagics). Conversely, after being socially included, stress hyperphagics ate significantly less than stress hypophagics. The present findings provide the first evidence for complementary adjustments of food consumption across positive and negative situations. Implications of these findings for the relationship of stress and body weight are discussed.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Rationale, applications, and limitations
Authors: Al-Quteimat Osama M , Al-Badaineh Mariam A
Published: October 2013

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy, involving the administration of certain chemotherapeutic agents directly to the intraperitoneal cavity, was developed as a novel therapeutic strategy early in the 1950s. Intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy results in higher intraperitoneal concentration of the cytotoxic medications and minimal systemic exposure than observed with intravenous administration, which in turn may increase the efficacy of these agents with substantial reduction in systemic toxicity. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy was used successfully in peritoneal surface malignancies, including malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, pseudomyxoma peritonei, malignant ascites, sarcomatosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers. Pharmacists may play a major role in optimizing intraperitoneal chemotherapy through verification of chemotherapy order for proper doses, dilution, preparation, and administration. Moreover, pharmacists are medication experts who can provide other health care professionals with the necessary drug information.

Despite the local application of chemotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy is not free of systemic side effects and can be associated with serious complications. The benefits of intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be weighed against its potential harm to maximize efficacy and to minimize morbidity and mortality as much as possible. The aim of this article is to review the current available literature regarding the safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
The online audience as gatekeeper: The influence of reader metrics on news editorial selection
Authors: Vu Hong Tien
Published: October 2013

This study provides a snapshot of the hierarchy-of-influences model in the new media environment through examining the effects of audience web metrics on editors. Surveying 318 gatekeepers, the study found that audience metrics influence editors in gatekeeping. Editors’ likelihood to monitor web metrics is affected by their journalism training. Gatekeepers who attach the importance of high readership to economic benefits are more likely to have different news decisions based on web metrics. The study suggests a revision of the hierarchy-of-influences model with more emphasis being placed on the role of the audience.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Regional Neocortical Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rafii Michael S. , Taylor Curtis S. , Kim Hyun T. , Desikan Rahul S. , Fleisher Adam S. , Katibian David , Brewer James B. , Dale Anders M. , Aisen Paul S.
Published: October 2013

Background:

To assess the relationship between regional neocortical atrophy and psychotic symptoms in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

Rates of change in regional neocortical atrophy as measured by longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging scans and the occurrence of psychotic symptoms and/or the long-term use of antipsychotic medications in 389 outpatients with MCI or AD in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Results:

Atrophy rate of 3 specific neocortical regions, lateral frontal, lateral parietal, and anterior cingulate gyrus, was significantly associated with the onset of psychosis including delusions, agitation, wandering, and hallucinations and/or the need for chronic antipsychotic medications. Atrophy rate of the lateral frontal lobe correlated most significantly with onset of psychotic symptoms or need for chronic antipsychotic medications.

Conclusions:

Psychosis was associated with volume loss in specific regions of the lateral frontal and parietal lobes as well as anterior cingulate gyrus.
Body composition and gene expression QTL mapping in mice reveals imprinting and interaction effects
Authors: Cheng Ye , Rachagani Satyanarayana , Cánovas Angela , Mayes Mary Sue , Tait Richard G , Dekkers Jack CM , Reecy James M
Published: October 2013

Background

Shifts in body composition, such as accumulation of body fat, can be a symptom of many chronic human diseases; hence, efforts have been made to investigate the genetic mechanisms that underlie body composition. For example, a few quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been discovered using genome-wide association studies, which will eventually lead to the discovery of causal mutations that are associated with tissue traits. Although some body composition QTL have been identified in mice, limited research has been focused on the imprinting and interaction effects that are involved in these traits. Previously, we found that Myostatin genotype, reciprocal cross, and sex interacted with numerous chromosomal regions to affect growth traits.

Results

Here, we report on the identification of muscle, adipose, and morphometric phenotypic QTL (pQTL), translation and transcription QTL (tQTL) and expression QTL (eQTL) by applying a QTL model with additive, dominance, imprinting, and interaction effects. Using an F2 population of 1000 mice derived from the Myostatin-null C57BL/6 and M16i mouse lines, six imprinted pQTL were discovered on chromosomes 6, 9, 10, 11, and 18. We also identified two IGF1 and two Atp2a2 eQTL, which could be important trans-regulatory elements. pQTL, tQTL and eQTL that interacted with Myostatin, reciprocal cross, and sex were detected as well. Combining with the additive and dominance effect, these variants accounted for a large amount of phenotypic variation in this study.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that both imprinting and interaction effects are important components of the genetic model of body composition traits. Furthermore, the integration of eQTL and traditional QTL mapping may help to explain more phenotypic variation than either alone, thereby uncovering more molecular details of how tissue traits are regulated.
Target dIsease-Guided placEbo-contRolled (TIGER) design: a novel method for clinical trials of acupuncture
Authors: Zheng Wenke , Wang Hui , Zhang Li , Bian Zhaoxiang , Shang Hongcai
Published: October 2013

Background

At present, the design of an ideal placebo control in acupuncture studies challenges researchers. Previously devised sham acupuncture techniques have reported various imperfections; therefore, the specific effects of acupuncture cannot be accurately examined in clinical trials primarily because of interferences from the placebo effects.

Method

Guided by evidence-based medicine (EBM) theories, we have made an initial attempt to establish a set of control methods for use in acupuncture studies, which is named the target disease-guided placebo-controlled (TIGER) design. In a trial using the TIGER design, participants suffering simultaneously from a predefined target disease and a pseudo target disease will be recruited and randomized to receive identical acupuncture intervention measures. As a result, the interventions not only appear the same but also produce the same stimulations in both groups. The patients in the treatment group will be informed of the actual target disease that the treatment aims for, whereas patients in the control group will be informed that the treatment is for the pseudotarget disease. It is speculated that no psychological response will be aroused in the control group. During data analysis, changes in the outcome measures of the patients in the control groupreveal the real therapeutic effect of acupuncture, and those of patients in the treatment group show both the real and placebo acupuncture effect. In this article, we explain how to put this design into use in a planned randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for the treatment of migraine.

Results

This approach can eliminate the acupuncture placebo effect in the control group that may confound trial results. It is possible to observe the specific and placebo effects of acupuncture for the target disease separately using the TIGER design.

Conclusions

The proposed TIGER design has limitations. It is designed for clinical studies focusing on the specific effects of acupuncture, and it needs to be tested and verified for practicality and feasibility in various clinical research settings.
Activated protein C ameliorates impaired renal microvascular oxygenation and sodium reabsorption in endotoxemic rats
Authors: Almac Emre , Johannes Tanja , Bezemer Rick , Mik Egbert G , Unertl Klaus E , Groeneveld AB Johan , Ince Can
Published: October 2013

Introduction

We aimed to test whether continuous recombinant human activated protein C (APC) administration would be able to protect renal oxygenation and function during endotoxemia in order to provide more insight into the role of coagulation and inflammation in the development of septic acute kidney injury.

Methods

In anesthetized, mechanically ventilated Wistar rats, endotoxemia was induced by lipopolysaccharide administration (10 mg/kg i.v. over 30 min). One hour later, the rats received fluid resuscitation with 0 (LPS + FR group;n= 8), 10 (APC10 group;n= 8), or 100 (APC100 group;n= 8) μg/kg/h APC for 2 h. Renal microvascular oxygenation in the cortex and medulla were measured using phosphorimetry, and renal creatinine clearance rate and sodium reabsorption were measured as indicators of renal function. Statistical significance of differences between groups was tested using two-way ANOVA with Bonferronipost hoctests.

Results

APC did not have notable effects on systemic and renal hemodynamic and oxygenation variables or creatinine clearance. The changes in renal microvascular oxygenation in both the cortex (r= 0.66;p< 0.001) and medulla (r= 0.80;p< 0.001) were correlated to renal sodium reabsorption.

Conclusion

Renal sodium reabsorption is closely correlated to renal microvascular oxygenation during endotoxemia. In this study, fluid resuscitation and APC supplementation were not significantly effective in protecting renal microvascular oxygenation and renal function. The specific mechanisms responsible for these effects of APC warrant further study.
Interleukin-17A- or tumor necrosis factor α-mediated increase in proliferation of T cells cocultured with synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Zhengzheng , Ding Yuanjing , Li Weiping , Song Bin , Yang Rui
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent promising applications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the inflammatory niche in the RA synovium could adversely affect MSC function. This study was designed to investigate biologic and immunologic properties of synovium-derived MSCs (SMSCs) in RA, with particular focus on whether cytokines can mediate increase of proliferation of T cells cocultured with SMSCs in RA.

Methods

Compared with SMSCs from eight healthy donors (HDs), SMSCs from 22 patients with RA (RAp) were evaluated. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess cell-population doubling and viability. Multipotentiality of SMSCs was examined by using appropriate culture conditions. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the marker phenotype of SMSCs. Immunomodulation potential of SMSCs was examined by mixed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) reactions, and then by PBMCs or synovial T cells with or without the addition of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-17A (IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), respectively.

Results

SMSCs from RA patients (RA-SMSCs) showed normal population doubling, cell viability, multiple differentiation characteristics, and surface markers. In either mixed PBMC reactions or PBMC proliferation stimulated with PHA, RA-SMSCs showed normal immunomodulation function compared with SMSCs from healthy donors (HD-SMSCs). However, the increase in proliferation of T cells was observed when IL-17A and TNF-α were added alone or in combination.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the inflammatory niche, especially these cytokines, may increase the proliferation of T cells cocultured with SMSCs in RA.
The Use of near Infrared Spectroscopy on Milk and Milk Products
Authors: Holroyd Stephen E.
Published: October 2013

Milk and milk products are a widely produced and traded source of nutrition globally. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is commonly applied to these products for the purposes of composition measurement and quality control. The last five years have seen a growing emphasis on areas such as applications of NIR spectroscopy to compositional parameters that were previously done by specialised assays. Studies on proof of origin and authenticity as well as more qualitative applications such as health benefits have also appeared in the NIR literature in increasing numbers. Both these areas are reviewed by reference to application to liquid milk and specific products produced from milk alongside a number of new approaches to the more traditional quantitative use of NIR to measure gross compositional parameters such as fat, protein and moisture. The importance of appropriate sample preparation for respective products is also emphasised and a summary of the relevant wavelengths important for NIR analysis of milk and milk products is presented.
Separating the Effects of Scatter and Absorption Using the Representative Layer
Authors: Dahm Kevin D. , Dahm Donald J.
Published: October 2013

The physical interpretation of the absorbance observed in a non-scattering sample is straightforward; it is a simple function of the concentration of the analyte(s) and its (their) ability to absorb light. In a scattering sample, the phenomena of absorption and scattering affect each other. Consequently, the measured “absorbance” is more difficult to interpret and is not suitable for direct comparison to an “absorbance” obtained from a non-scattering sample. This paper describes a strategy for separating the effects of scatter and absorption. The amount of light absorbed by a sample can be determined by measuring both the amount of light remitted and the amount transmitted by the sample. Using the mathematics of plane parallel layers, it is possible to model the sample as a series of “layers” of any thickness and calculate the absorption, remission and transmission for each of these hypothetical layers. The absorption computed for a layer having a thickness of one particle, which we term the “representative layer”, can be used to benchmark the absorbance that would be observed from the sample in the absence of scatter.
ALIEN MARINE SPECIES OF LIBYA: FIRST INVENTORY AND NEW RECORDS IN EL-KOUF NATIONAL PARK (CYRENAICA) AND THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS
Authors: BAZAIRI H. , SGHAIER Y.R. , BENAMER I. , LANGAR H. , PERGENT G. , BOURAS E. , VERLAQUE M. , SOUSSI J.B. , ZENETOS A.
Published: October 2013

The presence of marine alien species in El-Kouf National Park and the neighbouring areas was assessed using a compilation of available information and observations, a field survey conducted on October 2010 in the framework of the MedMPAnet project and results of further monitoring during June and September 2012. A total of 9 alien species were reported: the Rhodophyta Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile) Trevisan de Saint-Léon, the Chlorophyta Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Sonder) Verlaque, Huisman & Boudouresque, the crab Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne-Edwards, 1853) and the fishes Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838, Siganus luridus (Rüppell, 1829), Siganus rivulatus Forsskål, 1775, Pempheris vanicolensis Cuvier, 1831, Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Sphyraena flavicauda Rüppell, 1838. Several of them were until now unknown for the National Park. The list of alien marine species of Libya is updated and discussed. Until now 63 marine aliens species were recorded along the Libyan coasts. These include 3 Foraminifera, 3 Ochrophyta, 5 Rhodophyta, 5 Chlorophyta, 1 Magnoliophyta, 11 Arthropoda, 13 Mollusca, 1 Echinodermata and 21 Chordata. Among these Non Indigenous Species, 43 are known as established along the Libyan coast including 8 invasive, 11 casual, 6 questionable, 3 cryptogenic and 1 unknown. An in-depth study of the marine organisms would substantially increase the number of alien species occurring in Libya. Monitoring of marine assemblages of MPAs is a valuable opportunity to go further into the knowledge of native and introduced species.
Sonographic measurement of cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery: a systematic review
Authors: Barros-Silva Joana , Pedrosa Ana Catarina , Matias Alexandra
Published: October 2013

Aim: To evaluate if transvaginal cervical length measurement in the second-trimester scan is an effective screening test for preterm delivery.

Methods: We performed a search in Medline and, for each selected article, information was extracted regarding the performance of the test in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative likelihood ratios, in low-risk, high-risk, and multiple gestations. We also evaluated the performance of the combined test (more than one sonographic marker).

Results: A positive relationship was established between short cervix and preterm delivery in all articles. The majority of studies presented high specificity and positive likelihood ratio, while sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio were variable and globally poor. Better values of accuracy were found in high-risk and multiple gestations and, in all studied subgroups, for preterm delivery at lower gestational ages.

Conclusions: We conclude that a short cervix is predictive of preterm delivery and can identify women that may benefit from preventive and therapeutic measures, however, a negative result is not always reassuring.
Origin of the long-term variability and acceleration of FHR studied for the prevention of cerebral palsy in fetal hypoxia and general insults
Authors: Maeda Kazuo
Published: October 2013

Aims: The development of fetal heart rate (FHR) variability and acceleration, and their loss in the hypoxic brain damage and cerebral palsy (CP) is investigated.

Methods: FHR, movements in physiologic sinusoidal FHR and fetal movements were studied by actocardiogram.

Results: Periodic fetal respiratory movements evoked moderate FHR variation similar to medium variability. Small fetal movements provoked FHR variability, and large fetal movement burst developed the acceleration. The brain centers should be midbrain for variability and acceleration. FHR variability and acceleration develop by the reaction of fetal brain to fetal movements. As severe organic fetal brain damage could develop through fetal hypoxia in the loss of variability, early delivery before the loss of variability will prevent infantile CP. As the abnormal FHR would be developed by fetal brain damage in non-hypoxic fetal insults, early delivery before the loss of variability could also prevent the brain damage in viral and bacterial infections.