bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic Plasticity and Learning in Animal Models of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Kirschstein Timo
Published: July 2012

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by a mutation of either theTsc1orTsc2gene. As these genes work in concert to negatively regulate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase which is involved in protein translation, mutations of these genes lead to a disinhibited mTOR activity. Both the clinical appearance of this condition including tumors, cognitive decline, and epileptic seizures and the molecular understanding of the mTOR signaling pathway, not only involved in cell growth, but also in neuronal functioning, have inspired numerous studies on learning behavior as well as on synaptic plasticity which is the key molecular mechanism of information storage in the brain. A couple of interesting animal models have been established, and the data obtained in these animals will be discussed. A special focus will be laid on differences among these models, which may be in part due to different background strains, but also may indicate pathophysiological variation in different mutations.
Leiomyoma of the Female Urethra—A Rare Tumor: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pahwa Mrinal , Saifee Yusuf , Pahwa Archna R. , Gupta Manu
Published: July 2012

Leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor which is rarely found in urethra. Only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature. We hereby report a case of urethral leiomyoma in a twenty-seven-year-old female who presented with intermittent hematuria. Mass was completely excised with a rim of normal tissue. Patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence in followup.
Study on the Interaction of Bovine Serum Albumin with Ceftriaxone and the Inhibition Effect of Zinc (II)
Authors: Yue Qiaoli , Shen Tongfei , Wang Changna , Gao Chaohui , Liu Jifeng
Published: July 2012

The mechanism of the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ceftriaxone with and without zinc (II) (Zn2+) was studied employing fluorescence, ultraviolet (UV) absorption, circular dichroism (CD), and synchronous fluorescence spectral methods. The intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by ceftriaxone in a static quenching mode, which was authenticated by Stern-Volmer calculations. The binding constant, the number of binding sites, and the thermodynamic parameters were obtained, which indicated a spontaneous and hydrophobic interaction between BSA and ceftriaxone regardless of Zn2+. Changes in UV absorption, CD, and synchronous fluorescence spectral data are due to the microenvironment of amide moieties in BSA molecules. In the BSA-ceftriaxone-Zn2+system, Zn2+must first interact with ceftriaxone forming a complex, which inhibits BSA binding to ceftriaxone. The present work uses spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanism behind the interaction between BSA and ceftriaxone in the presence and absence of Zn2+. The BSA and ceftriaxone complex provides a model for studying drug-protein interactions and thus may further facilitate the study of drug metabolism and transportation.
Fuzzy Symmetric Solutions of Fuzzy Matrix Equations
Authors: Guo Xiaobin , Shang Dequan
Published: July 2012

The fuzzy symmetric solution of fuzzy matrix equationAX˜=B˜, in whichAis a crispm×mnonsingular matrix andB˜is anm×nfuzzy numbers matrix with nonzero spreads, is investigated. The fuzzy matrix equation is converted to a fuzzy system of linear equations according to the Kronecker product of matrices. From solving the fuzzy linear system, three types of fuzzy symmetric solutions of the fuzzy matrix equation are derived. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.
The Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias Stability of (m, n) (σ,τ)‐Derivations on Normed Algebras
Authors: Fošner Ajda
Published: July 2012

We study the Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias stability of (m, n) (σ,τ)‐derivations on normed algebras.
Multilevel Cognitive Machine-Learning-Based Concept for Artificial Awareness: Application to Humanoid Robot Awareness Using Visual Saliency
Authors: Madani Kurosh , Ramik Dominik M. , Sabourin Cristophe
Published: July 2012

As part of “intelligence,” the “awareness” is the state or ability to perceive, feel, or be mindful of events, objects, or sensory patterns: in other words, to be conscious of the surrounding environment and its interactions. Inspired by early-ages human skills developments and especially by early-ages awareness maturation, the present paper accosts the robots intelligence from a different slant directing the attention to combining both “cognitive” and “perceptual” abilities. Within such a slant, the machine (robot) shrewdness is constructed on the basis of a multilevel cognitive concept attempting to handle complex artificial behaviors. The intended complex behavior is the autonomous discovering of objects by robot exploring an unknown environment: in other words, proffering the robot autonomy and awareness in and about unknown backdrop.
Mouse Brain PSA-NCAM Levels Are Altered by Graded-Controlled Cortical Impact Injury
Authors: Budinich Craig S. , Chen HuaZhen , Lowe Dennell , Rosenberger John G. , Bernstock Joshua D. , McCabe Joseph T.
Published: July 2012

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide endemic that results in unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Secondary injury processes following primary injury are composed of intricate interactions between assorted molecules that ultimately dictate the degree of longer-term neurological deficits. One comparatively unexplored molecule that may contribute to exacerbation of injury or enhancement of recovery is the posttranslationally modified polysialic acid form of neural cell adhesion molecule, PSA-NCAM. This molecule is a critical modulator of central nervous system plasticity and reorganization after injury. In this study, we used controlled cortical impact (CCI) to produce moderate or severe TBI in the mouse. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used to track the early (2, 24, and 48 hour) and late (1 and 3 week) time course and location of changes in the levels of PSA-NCAM after TBI. Variable and heterogeneous short- and long-term increases or decreases in expression were found. In general, alterations in PSA-NCAM levels were seen in the cerebral cortex immediately after injury, and these reductions persisted in brain regions distal to the primary injury site, especially after severe injury. This information provides a starting point to dissect the role of PSA-NCAM in TBI-related pathology and recovery.
A New Species of Neotropical Carpenter Ant in the GenusCamponotus(Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Apparently without Major Workers
Authors: Mackay William , Barriga Paola A.
Published: July 2012

We describe a new species of carpenter ants from Ecuador, which apparently has an obligatory relationship with the ant plantsCecropia membranaceaTrécul,C. herthaeDiels andC. marginalisCuatrec. The workers are relatively small and hairy, and based on a number of collections, it does not appear to have major workers. We compare the new species toCamponotus balzani, to which it appears to be similar and which has normal major workers, and also lives inCecropiaspp.
Logarithmical Regularity Criteria of the Three‐Dimensional Micropolar Fluid Equations in terms of the Pressure
Authors: Jia Yan , Zhang Jing , Dong Bo-Qing
Published: July 2012

This paper is devoted to the regularity criterion of the three‐dimensional micropolar fluid equations. Some new regularity criteria in terms of the partial derivative of the pressure in the Lebesgue spaces and the Besov spaces are obtained which improve the previous results on the micropolar fluid equations.
A Preconditioned Iteration Method for Solving Sylvester Equations
Authors: Zhou Jituan , Wang Ruirui , Niu Qiang
Published: July 2012

A preconditioned gradient‐based iterative method is derived by judicious selection of two auxil‐ iary matrices. The strategy is based on the Newton’s iteration method and can be regarded as a
generalization of the splitting iterative method for system of linear equations. We analyze the convergence of the method and illustrate that the approach is able to considerably accelerate the convergence of the gradient‐based iterative method.
Heterologous Expression of Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes for Effective Production of Cellulosic Biofuels
Authors: Jung Sang-Kyu , Parisutham Vinuselvi , Jeong Seong Hun , Lee Sung Kuk
Published: July 2012

A major technical challenge in the cost-effective production of cellulosic biofuel is the need to lower the cost of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCDE), which is required for the production of sugars from biomass. Several competitive, low-cost technologies have been developed to produce PCDE in different host organisms such asEscherichia coli, Zymomonas mobilis, and plant. Selection of an ideal host organism is very important, because each host organism has its own unique features. Synthetic biology-aided tools enable heterologous expression of PCDE in recombinantE. coliorZ. mobilisand allow successful consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) in these microorganisms.In-plantaexpression provides an opportunity to simplify the process of enzyme production and plant biomass processing and leads to self-deconstruction of plant cell walls. Although the future of currently available technologies is difficult to predict, a complete and viable platform will most likely be available through the integration of the existing approaches with the development of breakthrough technologies.
Utilization of Super BAC Pools and Fluidigm Access Array Platform for High-Throughput BAC Clone Identification: Proof of Concept
Authors: Maughan Peter J. , Smith Scott M. , Raney Joshua A.
Published: July 2012

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries are critical for identifying full-length genomic sequences, correlating genetic and physical maps, and comparative genomics. Here we describe the utilization of the Fluidigm access array genotyping system in conjunction with KASPar genotyping technology to identify individual BAC clones corresponding to specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from an Amplicon Express seven-plate super pooledAmaranthus hypochondriacusBAC library. Ninety-six SNP loci, spanning the length ofA. hypochondriacuslinkage groups 1, 2, and 15, were simultaneously tested for clone identification from four BAC super pools, corresponding to 28 384-well plates, using a single Fluidigm integrated fluidic chip (IFC). Forty-six percent of the SNPs were associated with a single unambiguous identified BAC clone. PCR amplification and next-generation sequencing of individual BAC clones confirmed the IFC clone identification. Utilization of the Fluidigm Dynamic array platform allowed for the simultaneous PCR screening of 10,752 BAC pools for 96 SNP tag sites in less than three hours at a cost of~$0.05per reaction.
Absence of Genotoxic and Mutagenic Effects ofZingiber zerumbet(L.) Smith (Zingiberaceae) Extract
Authors: Chang Chia Ju , Tzeng Thing-Fong , Liou Shorong-Shii , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Liu I-Min
Published: July 2012

The present study evaluated the potential genotoxicity of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome ofZingiber zerumbet(L.) Smith (EEZZR) using a standard battery of tests. Chemical analysis with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that EEZZR contained Zerumbone (200.3±0.37 μg/g) and 6-gingerol (102.5±0.28 μg/g). There were no increases in the number of revertant colonies with EEZZR at concentrations of 150–5000 μg per plate, regardless of the metabolic activation system (S-9 mix) used in the histidine-dependent auxotrophic mutants ofSalmonella typhimurium(strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535) compared to the vehicle control. Furthermore, EEZZR at doses of 150–5000 μg mL-1did not increase the number of structural aberrations in Chinese hamster lung cells in the presence or absence of S-9 mix. An oral administration of EEZZR to ICR mice, with doses of up to 2000 mg/kg, caused no significant increases in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) and mean ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes. Lastly, RZZEE did not increase the incidence of MNPCEs in bone marrow. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that the use of EEZZR in traditional medicine poses no risk of genotoxicity.
Plain Radiography May Be Safely Omitted for Selected Major Trauma Patients Undergoing Whole Body CT: Database Study
Authors: Hudson Sarah , Boyle Adrian , Wiltshire Stephanie , McGerty Lisa , Upponi Sara
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Whole body CT is being used increasingly in the primary survey of major trauma patients. We evaluated whether omitting plain films of the chest and pelvis in the primary survey was safe. We compared the probability of survival of patients and time to CT who had plain X-rays to those who did not.Method. We performed a database study on major trauma patients admitted between 2008 and 2010 using data from Trauma, Audit and Research Network (TARN) and our PACS system. We included adult major trauma patients who has an ISS of greater than 15 and underwent whole body CT.Results. 245 patients were included in the study. 44 (17.9%) did not undergo plain films. The median time to whole body CT from the time of admission was longer (47 minutes) in patients having plain films, than those who did not have plain films performed (30 minutes),P<0.005. Mortality was increased in the group who received plain films, 9.5% compared to 4.5%, but this was not statistically significant (P=0.77).Conclusion. We conclude that plain films may be safely omitted during the primary survey of selected major trauma patients.
Bayesian Integration of Isotope Ratio for Geographic Sourcing of Castor Beans
Authors: Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo , Kreuzer Helen , Hart Garret , Ehleringer James , West Jason , Gill Gary , Duckworth Douglas
Published: July 2012

Recent years have seen an increase in the forensic interest associated with the poison ricin, which is extracted from the seeds of theRicinus communisplant. Both light element (C, N, O, and H) and strontium (Sr) isotope ratios have previously been used to associate organic material with geographic regions of origin. We present a Bayesian integration methodology that can more accurately predict the region of origin for a castor bean than individual models developed independently for light element stable isotopes or Sr isotope ratios. Our results demonstrate a clear improvement in the ability to correctly classify regions based on the integrated model with a class accuracy of60.9±2.1% versus55.9±2.1% and40.2±1.8% for the light element and strontium (Sr) isotope ratios, respectively. In addition, we show graphically the strengths and weaknesses of each dataset in respect to class prediction and how the integration of these datasets strengthens the overall model.
Nonsmooth Recursive Identification of Sandwich Systems with Backlash‐Like Hysteresis
Authors: Dong Ruili , Tan Yonghong , Chen Hui , Xie Yangqiu
Published: July 2012

A recursive gradient identification algorithm based on the bundle method for sandwich systems with backlash‐like hysteresis is presented in this paper. In this method, a dynamic parameter estimation scheme based on a subgradient is developed to handle the nonsmooth problem caused by the backlash embedded in the system. The search direction of the algorithm is estimated based on the so‐called bundle method. Then, the convergence of the algorithm is discussed. After that, simulation results on a nonsmooth sandwich system are presented to validate the proposed estimation algorithm. Finally, the application of the proposed method to an X-Y moving positioning stage is illustrated.
Five Hundred Years of Mercury Exposure and Adaptation
Authors: Lombardi Guido , Lanzirotti Antonio , Qualls Clifford , Socola Francisco , Ali Abdul-Mehdi , Appenzeller Otto
Published: July 2012

Mercury is added to the biosphere by anthropogenic activities raising the question of whether changes in the human chromatin, induced by mercury, in a parental generation could allow adaptation of their descendants to mercury. We review the history of Andean mining since pre-Hispanic times in Huancavelica, Peru. Despite the persistent degradation of the biosphere today, no overt signs of mercury toxicity could be discerned in present day inhabitants. However, mercury is especially toxic to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). We, therefore, tested ANS function and biologic rhythms, under the control of the ANS, in 5 Huancavelicans and examined the metal content in their hair. Mercury levels varied from none to 1.014 ppm, significantly less than accepted standards. This was confirmed by microfocused synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis. Biologic rhythms were abnormal and hair growth rate per year, also under ANS control, was reduced (P<0.001). Thus, evidence of mercury’s toxicity in ANS function was found without other signs of intoxication. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis of partial transgenerational inheritance of tolerance to mercury in Huancavelica, Peru. This would generally benefit survival in the Anthropocene, the man-made world, we now live in.
Photoelectrochemical Properties of Fe2O3 Supported on TiO2‐Based Thin Films Converted from Self‐Assembled Hydrogen Titanate Nanotube Powders
Authors: Noh Kyung-Jong , Oh Hyo-Jin , Kim Bo-Ra , Jung Sang-Chul , Kang Wooseung , Kim Sun-Jae
Published: July 2012

A photoanode was fabricated using hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanoparticles which had been held in a thin film of hydrogen titanate nanotubes (H‐TiNT), synthesized by repetitive self‐assembling method on FTO (fluorine‐doped tin oxide) glass, which were incorporated via dipping process in aqueous Fe(NO3)3 solution. Current voltage (I‐V) electrochemical properties of the photoanode heat‐treated at 500°C for 10 min in air were evaluated under ultraviolet‐visible light irradiation. Microstructure and crystallinity changes were also investigated. The prepared Fe2O3/H‐TiNT/FTO composite thin film exhibited about threefold as much photocurrent as the Fe2O3/FTO film. The improvement in photocurrent was considered to be caused by reduced recombination of electrons and holes, with an appropriate amount of Fe2O3 spherical nanoparticles supported on the H‐TiNT/FTO film. Nanosized spherical Fe2O3 particles with about 65 wt% on the H‐TiNT/FTO film showed best performance in our study.
High-Dimensional Cox Regression Analysis in Genetic Studies with Censored Survival Outcomes
Authors: Xu Jinfeng
Published: July 2012

With the advancement of high-throughput technologies, nowadays high-dimensional genomic and proteomic data are easy to obtain and have become ever increasingly important in unveiling the complex etiology of many diseases. While relating a large number of factors to a survival outcome through the Cox relative risk model, various techniques have been proposed in the literature. We review some recently developed methods for such analysis. For high-dimensional variable selection in the Cox model with parametric relative risk, we consider the univariate shrinkage method (US) using the lasso penalty and the penalized partial likelihood method using the folded penalties (PPL). The penalization methods are not restricted to the finite-dimensional case. For the high-dimensional (p→∞,p≪n) or ultrahigh-dimensional case (n→∞,n≪p), both the sure independence screening (SIS) method and the extended Bayesian information criterion (EBIC) can be further incorporated into the penalization methods for variable selection. We also consider the penalization method for the Cox model with semiparametric relative risk, and the modified partial least squares method for the Cox model. The comparison of different methods is discussed and numerical examples are provided for the illustration. Finally, areas of further research are presented.
PKCδRegulates Translation Initiation through PKR and eIF2αin Response to Retinoic Acid in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Ozpolat Bulent , Akar Ugur , Tekedereli Ibrahim , Alpay S. Neslihan , Barria Magaly , Gezgen Baki , Zhang Nianxiang , Coombes Kevin , Kornblau Steve , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel
Published: July 2012

Translation initiation and activity of eukaryotic initiation factor-alpha (eIF2α), the rate-limiting step of translation initiation, is often overactivated in malignant cells. Here, we investigated the regulation and role of eIF2αin acute promyelocytic (APL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells in response to all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), the front-line therapies in APL. ATRA and ATO induce Ser-51 phosphorylation (inactivation) of eIF2α, through the induction of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) and PKR, but not other eIF2αkinases, such as GCN2 and PERK in APL (NB4) and AML cells (HL60, U937, and THP-1). Inhibition of eIF2αreduced the expression of cellular proteins that are involved in apoptosis (DAP5/p97), cell cycle (p21Waf1/Cip1), differentiation (TG2) and induced those regulating proliferation (c-myc) and survival (p70S6K). PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is involved in regulation of eIF2αthrough PKCδ/PKR axis. PKCδand p-eIF2αprotein expression levels revealed a significant association between the reduced levels of PKCδ(P=0.0378) and peIF2 (P=0.0041) and relapses in AML patients (n=47). In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence that PKCδregulates/inhibits eIF2αthrough induction of PKR in AML cells and reveals a novel signaling mechanism regulating translation initiation.
Apolipoprotein E: Essential Catalyst of the Alzheimer Amyloid Cascade
Authors: Potter Huntington , Wisniewski Thomas
Published: July 2012

The amyloid cascade hypothesis remains a robust model of AD neurodegeneration. However, amyloid deposits contain proteins besides Aβ, such as apolipoprotein E (apoE). Inheritance of the apoE4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD. However, there is no consensus on how different apoE isotypes contribute to AD pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that apoE and apoE4 in particular is an amyloid catalyst or “pathological chaperone”. Alternatively it has been posited that apoE regulates Aβclearance, with apoE4 been worse at this function compared to apoE3. These views seem fundamentally opposed. The former would indicate that removing apoE will reduce AD pathology, while the latter suggests increasing brain ApoE levels may be beneficial. Here we consider the scientific basis of these different models of apoE function and suggest that these seemingly opposing views can be reconciled. The optimal therapeutic target may be to inhibit the interaction of apoE with Aβrather than altering apoE levels. Such an approach will not have detrimental effects on the many beneficial roles apoE plays in neurobiology. Furthermore, other Aβbinding proteins, including ACT and apo J can inhibit or promote Aβoligomerization/polymerization depending on conditions and might be manipulated to effect AD treatment.
An Iterative Algorithm for the Generalized Reflexive Solution of the Matrix Equations AXB = E, CXD = F
Authors: Chen Deqin , Yin Feng , Huang Guang-Xin
Published: July 2012

An iterative algorithm is constructed to solve the linear matrix equation pair AXB = E, CXD = F over generalized reflexive matrix X. When the matrix equation pair AXB = E, CXD = F is consistent over generalized reflexive matrix X, for any generalized reflexive initial iterative matrix X1, the generalized reflexive solution can be obtained by the iterative algorithm within finite iterative steps in the absence of round‐off errors. The unique least‐norm generalized reflexive iterative solution of the matrix equation pair can be derived when an appropriate initial iterative matrix is chosen. Furthermore, the optimal approximate solution of AXB = E, CXD = F for a given generalized reflexive matrix X0 can be derived by finding the least‐norm generalized reflexive solution of a new corresponding matrix equation pair with . Finally, several numerical examples are given to illustrate that our iterative algorithm is effective.
A Changing Perspective on the Role of Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wilcock Donna M.
Published: July 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Glial cells, particularly microglial cells, react to the presence of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles producing an inflammatory response. While once considered immunologically privileged due to the blood-brain barrier, it is now understood that the glial cells of the brain are capable of complex inflammatory responses. This paper will discuss the published literature regarding the diverse roles of neuroinflammation in the modulation of AD pathologies. These data will then be related to the well-characterized macrophage phenotypes. The conclusion is that the glial cells of the brain are capable of a host of macrophage responses, termed M1, M2a, M2b, and M2c. The relationship between these states and AD pathologies remains relatively understudied, yet published data using various inflammatory stimuli provides some insight. It appears that an M1-type response lowers amyloid load but exacerbates neurofibrillary tangle pathology. In contrast, M2a is accompanied by elevated amyloid load and appears to ameliorate, somewhat, neurofibrillary pathology. Overall, it is clear that more focused, cause-effect studies need to be performed to better establish how each inflammatory state can modulate the pathologies of AD.
Do Breast Cancer Patients Tested in the Oncology Care Setting ShareBRCAMutation Results with Family Members and Health Care Providers?
Authors: Vadaparampil Susan T. , Malo Teri , de la Cruz Cara , Christie Juliette
Published: July 2012

BRCAgenetic test results provide important information to manage cancer risk for patients and their families. Little is known on the communication of genetic test results by mutation status with family members and physicians in the oncology care setting. As part of a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of genetic counseling and testing among recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, we collected patients' self-reported patterns of disclosure. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and determined the prevalence of disclosure ofBRCAtest results to family members and physicians. Of 100 patients who completed the baseline and the 6-month followup survey, 77 reported pursuing testing. The majority shared test results with female first-degree relatives; fewer did with males. Participants were more likely to share results with oncologists compared to surgeons, primary care physicians, or other specialty physicians. These findings suggest that while breast cancer patients may communicate results to at-risk female family members and their medical oncologist, they may need education and support to facilitate communication to other first-degree relatives and providers.
Bioequivalence and Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Two Forms of Antibiotic, Cefuroxime Lysine and Cefuroxime Sodium, after Intravenous Infusion in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Zhao Longshan , Li Qing , Li Xingang , Yin Ran , Chen Xiaohui , Geng Lulu , Bi Kaishun
Published: July 2012

To investigate the bioequivalence and the population pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime lysine and cefuroxime sodium in healthy beagle dogs. A randomized 2-period crossover design in 18 healthy beagle dogs after receiving 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg of cefuroxime lysine or cefuroxime sodium was conducted. A 3-compartment open model was used as the basic model for the population pharmacokinetic study. Both of the antibiotics exhibited dose-proportional pharmacokinetics over the dose range of 20–80 mg/kg. The mean relative bioavailability of cefuroxime lysine versus cefuroxime sodium was 1.05 (range, 0.71 to 1.42), with a significant difference between males and females. The estimates of population pharmacokinetic of CL,V1,Q2,V2,Q3,V3were 3.74 mL/h, 1.70 mL, 29.5 mL/min, 3.58 mL, 0.31 mL/min, and 158 mL for cefuroxime lysine and 4.10 mL/h, 1.00 mL, 38.5 mL/min, 4.19 mL, 0.06 mL/min, and 13.6 mL for cefuroxime sodium, respectively. The inter-individual variability was determined to be less than 29.1%. A linear pharmacokinetic was revealed for cefuroxime lysine and cefuroxime sodium in dogs after intravenous infusion, and the bioequivalence of these forms of the antibiotic was observed with the significant gender-related differences in mean relative bioavailability of cefuroxime lysine versus cefuroxime sodium.
Application of iTRAQ Reagents to Relatively Quantify the Reversible Redox State of Cysteine Residues
Authors: McDonagh Brian , Martínez-Acedo Pablo , Vázquez Jesús , Padilla C. Alicia , Sheehan David , Bárcena José Antonio
Published: July 2012

Cysteines are one of the most rarely used amino acids, but when conserved in proteins they often play critical roles in structure, function, or regulation. Reversible cysteine modifications allow for potential redox regulation of proteins. Traditional measurement of the relative absolute quantity of a protein between two samples is not always necessarily proportional to the activity of the protein. We propose application of iTRAQ reagents in combination with a previous thiol selection method to relatively quantify the redox state of cysteines both within and between samples in a single analysis. Our method allows for the identification of the proteins, identification of redox-sensitive cysteines within proteins, and quantification of the redox status of individual cysteine-containing peptides. As a proof of principle, we applied this technique to yeast alcohol dehydrogenase-1 exposed in vitro to H2O2 and also in vivo to the complex proteome of the Gram-negative bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
Late Onset Takayasu Arteritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Verweij K. E. , van Well A. M. E. , vd Sluijs J. W. , Dees A.
Published: July 2012

We encountered the rare case of a 48-year-old Caucasian woman who developed Takayasu arteritis (TA) while suffering from seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have reported an association between TA and various autoimmune disorders, however, the concurrent presence of Takayasu arteritis and rheumatoid arthritis is described in only few cases in the literature to date. The exact nature of the relationship between TA and RA remains unknown. Perhaps the development of these two diseases represents non-specific systemic inflammatory changes in the presence of a hereditary background predisposing to both RA and TA.
Nonlinear Waveforms for Ion-Acoustic Waves in Weakly Relativistic Plasma of Warm Ion-Fluid and Isothermal Electrons
Authors: El-Wakil S. A. , Abulwafa Essam M. , El-Shewy E. K. , Abdelwahed H. G. , Abd-El-Hamid Hamdi M.
Published: July 2012

The reductive perturbation method has been employed to derive the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation for small- but finite-amplitude electrostatic ion-acoustic waves in weakly relativistic plasma consisting of warm ions and isothermal electrons. An algebraic method with computerized symbolic computation is applied in obtaining a series of exact solutions of the KdV equation. Numerical studies have been made using plasma parameters which reveal different solutions, that is, bell-shaped solitary pulses, rational pulses, and solutions with singularity at finite points, which called “blowup” solutions in addition to the propagation of an explosive pulses. The weakly relativistic effect is found to significantly change the basic properties (namely, the amplitude and the width) of the ion-acoustic waves. The result of the present investigation may be applicable to some plasma environments, such as ionosphere region.
Secure Remote Health Monitoring with Unreliable Mobile Devices
Authors: Shin Minho
Published: July 2012

As the nation’s healthcare information infrastructure continues to evolve, new technologies promise to provide readily accessible health information that can help people address personal and community health concerns. In particular, wearable and implantable medical sensors and portable computing devices present many opportunities for providing timely health information to health providers, public health professionals, and consumers. Concerns about privacy and information quality, however, may impede the development and deployment of these technologies for remote health monitoring. Patients may fail to apply sensors correctly, device can be stolen or compromised (exposing the medical data therein to a malicious party), low-cost sensors controlled by a capable attacker might generate falsified data, and sensor data sent to the server can be captured in the air by an eavesdropper; there are many opportunities for sensitive health data to be lost, forged, or exposed. In this paper, we design a framework for secure remote health-monitoring systems; we build a realistic risk model for sensor-data quality and propose a new health-monitoring architecture that is secure despite the weaknesses of common personal devices. For evaluation, we plan to implement a proof of concept for secure health monitoring.
Cue-Mediated Recruitment in a Swarm-Founding Wasp: Successful Foragers Induce Nestmates to Search Off Nest for a Scented Carbohydrate Resource
Authors: Schueller Teresa I. , Jeanne Robert L.
Published: July 2012

The ability of social insect colonies to recruit nestmates to profitable resources increases colony-wide foraging efficiency by providing individuals with information that narrows their search for resources. Here we ask if for the Neotropical swarm-founding waspPolybia occidentalisnaïve nestmates are able to use food-scent cues from rich carbohydrate resources brought to the nest by successful foragers to orient to off nest resources. Foragers were allowed to freely visit a training dish containing a scented sucrose solution. At a second location, in a different direction from the nest, two sucrose-filled dishes were offered, one with the training scent and one with an alternate scent. Naïve foragers preferentially chose the training scent over the alternate scent, indicating that natural rates of resource inflow to the nest are sufficient to induce nestmates to forage at resources with a specific scent. Naïve foragers did not forage more often at the location at which the active foragers were foraging, an indication that directional information is not communicated in this species. The total number of foraging trips made by a colony's foragers was not determined by the size of the foraging force, but rather by the average individual foraging rate for the colony.
Physical Condition, Sex, and Age-Class of Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in Forested and Open Habitats of West Virginia, USA
Authors: Riedel Breanna L. , Russell Kevin R. , Ford W. Mark
Published: July 2012

Nonforested habitats such as open fields and pastures have been considered unsuitable for desiccation-prone woodland salamanders such as the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). Recent research has suggested thatPlethodon cinereusmay not only disperse across but also reside within open habitats including fields, meadows, and pastures. However, presence and high densities ofP. cinereuswithin agriculturally disturbed habitats may be misleading if these populations exhibit atypical demographic characteristics or decreased physical condition relative to forest populations. We surveyed artificial cover boards from 2004-2005 to compare physical condition, sex ratios, and age-class structure ofP. cinereusamong woodland, woodland-meadow edge, silvopasture, and meadow sites in the central Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia. Physical condition of salamanders was not significantly different among the four habitats. Furthermore, adult sex ratios ofP. cinereustypically were not significantly different from 1 : 1 and were similar between forested and non-forested sites, although populations within silvopastures were biased towards females. However, adult salamanders were significantly more abundant than juveniles in all habitat types, with differences most pronounced within meadow habitats. Our study indicates that relatively small, non-forested habitats such as silvopastures and meadows may not adversely affect the overall physical condition or sex ratios ofPlethodon cinereus. However, the paucity of juveniles within disturbed meadows indicates that these agriculturally modified habitats may negatively impact reproduction or that immature salamanders are at a physiological or competitive disadvantage in comparison to adults, particularly when surface cover is limited.
The Phospholipid Profile of Mycoplasmas
Authors: Kornspan Jonathan D. , Rottem Shlomo
Published: July 2012

Thede novosynthesized polar lipids ofMycoplasmaspecies are rather simple, comprising primarily of the acidic glycerophospholipids PG and CL. In addition, when grown in a medium containing serum, significant amounts of PC and SPM are incorporated into the mycoplasma cell membrane although these lipids are very uncommon in wall-covered bacteria. The exogenous lipids are either incorporated unchanged or the PC incorporated is modified by a deacylation-acylation enzymatic cycle to form disaturated PC. Although their small genome, in someMycoplasmaspecies, other genes involved in lipid biosynthesis were detected, resulting in the synthesis of a variety of glycolipis, phosphoglycolipids and ether lipids. We suggest that analyses and comparisons of mycoplasma polar lipids may serve as a novel and useful tool for classification. Nonetheless, to evaluate the importance of polar lipids in mycoplasma, further systematic and extensive studies on moreMycoplasmaspecies are needed. While studies are needed to elucidate the role of lipids in the mechanisms governing the interaction of mycoplasmas with host eukaryotic cells, the finding that a terminal phosphocholine containing glycolipids ofM. fermentansserves both as a major immune determinants and as a trigger of the inflammatory responses, and the findings that the fusogenicity ofM. fermentanswith host cells is markedly stimulated by lyso-ether lipids, are important steps toward understanding the molecular mechanisms ofM. fermentanspathogenicity.
Brachystemma calycinumD. Don Effectively Reduces the Locomotor Disability in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Moreau Maxim , Lussier Bertrand , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Bédard Christian , Gauvin Dominique , Troncy Eric
Published: July 2012

Objective. The aim of this randomized placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the beneficial effect of a whole plant extract ofBrachystemma calycinumD. Don (BCD) in naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs.Methods. Dogs had stifle/hip OA and poor limb loading based on the peak of the vertically oriented ground reaction force (PVF) measured using a force platform. At baseline, PVF and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded. Dogs (16 per group) were then assigned to receive BCD (200 mg/kg/day) or a placebo. The PVF was measured at week (W) 3 and W6. Locomotor activity was recorded throughout the study duration using collar-mounted accelerometer, and CSOM was assessed biweekly by the owner.Results. BCD-treated dogs had higher PVF at W3 and W6 when compared to Baseline (P<0.001) and at W6 when compared to placebo-treated dogs (P=0.040). Higher daily duration (P=0.024) and intensity (P=0.012) of locomotor activity were observed in BCD-treated dogs compared to baseline. No significant change was observed in either group for CSOM.Conclusions. Treatment with BCD improved the limb impairment and enhanced the locomotor activity in dogs afflicted by naturally-occurring OA. Those preclinical findings provide interesting and new information about the potential of BCD as an OA therapeutic.
In Vitro Wound Healing Improvement by Low-Level Laser Therapy Application in Cultured Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Basso Fernanda G. , Pansani Taisa N. , Turrioni Ana Paula S. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. , Hebling Josimeri , de Souza Costa Carlos A.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to determine adequate energy doses using specific parameters of LLLT to produce biostimulatory effects on human gingival fibroblast culture. Cells (3×104cells/cm2) were seeded on 24-well acrylic plates using plain DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. After 48-hour incubation with 5% CO2at 37°C, cells were irradiated with a InGaAsP diode laser prototype (LASERTable;780±3 nm; 40 mW) with energy doses of 0.5, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7 J/cm2. Cells were irradiated every 24 h totalizing 3 applications. Twenty-four hours after the last irradiation, cell metabolism was evaluated by the MTT assay and the two most effective doses (0.5 and 3 J/cm2) were selected to evaluate the cell number (trypan blue assay) and the cell migration capacity (wound healing assay; transwell migration assay). Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney nonparametric tests with statistical significance of 5%. Irradiation of the fibroblasts with 0.5 and 3 J/cm2resulted in significant increase in cell metabolism compared with the nonrradiated group (P<0.05). Both energy doses promoted significant increase in the cell number as well as in cell migration (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that, under the tested conditions, LLLT promoted biostimulation of fibroblasts in vitro.
The Yang-Tonifying Herbal MedicineCynomorium songaricumExtends Lifespan and Delays Aging inDrosophila
Authors: Liu Hsin-Ping , Chang Rong-Fu , Wu Yih-Shyuan , Lin Wei-Yong , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: July 2012

Aging is highly correlated with the progressive loss of physiological function, including cognitive behavior and reproductive capacity, as well as an increased susceptibility to diseases; therefore, slowing age-related degeneration could greatly contribute to human health.Cynomorium songaricumRupr. (CS) is traditionally used to improve sexual function and treat kidney dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicine, although little is known about whether CS has effects on longevity. Here, we show that CS supplementation in the diet extends both the mean and maximum lifespan of adult female flies. The increase in lifespan with CS was correlated with higher resistance to oxidative stress and starvation and lower lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) levels. Additionally, the lifespan extension was accompanied by beneficial effects, such as improved mating readiness, increased fecundity, and suppression of age-related learning impairment in aged flies. These findings demonstrate the important antiaging effects of CS and indicate the potential applicability of dietary intervention with CS to enhance health and prevent multiple age-related diseases.
Manual Wheelchair Use: Bouts of Mobility in Everyday Life
Authors: Sonenblum Sharon Eve , Sprigle Stephen , Lopez Ricardo A.
Published: July 2012

Background. This study aimed to describe how people move about in manual wheelchairs (MWCs) during everyday life by evaluating bouts of mobility or continuous periods of movement.Methods. A convenience sample of 28 MWC users was recruited. Participants' everyday mobility was measured using a wheel-mounted accelerometer and seat occupancy switch for 1-2 weeks. Bouts of mobility were recorded and characterized.Results. Across 29,200 bouts, the median bout lasted 21 seconds and traveled 8.6 m at 0.43 m/s. 85% of recorded bouts lasted less than 1 minute and traveled less than 30 meters. Participants' daily wheelchair activity included 90 bouts and 1.6 km over 54 minutes. Average daily occupancy time was 11 hours during which participants wheeled 10 bouts/hour and spent 10% of their time wheeling. Spearman-Brown Prophecy analysis suggested that 7 days were sufficient to achieve a reliability of 0.8 for all bout variables.Conclusions. Short, slow bouts dominate wheelchair usage in a natural environment. Therefore, clinical evaluations and biomechanical research should reflect this by concentrating on initiating movement, maneuvering wheelchairs, and stopping. Bouts of mobility provide greater depth to our understanding of wheelchair use and are a more stable metric (day-to-day) than distance or time wheeled.
Late-Life Depressive Symptoms, Religiousness, and Mood in the Last Week of Life
Authors: Braam Arjan W. , Klinkenberg Marianne , Galenkamp Henrike , Deeg Dorly J. H.
Published: July 2012

Aim of the current study is to examine whether previous depressive symptoms modify possible effects of religiousness on mood in the last week of life. After-death interviews with proxy respondents of deceased sample members of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam provided information on depressed mood in the last week of life, as well as on the presence of a sense of peace with the approaching end of life. Other characteristics were derived from interviews with the sample members when still alive. Significant interactions were identified between measures of religiousness and previous depressive symptoms (CES-D scores) in their associations with mood in the last week of life. Among those withpreviousdepressive symptoms, church-membership, church-attendance and salience of religion were associated with a greater likelihood of depressed mood in the last week of life. Among thosewithoutprevious depressive symptoms, church-attendance and salience of religion were associated with a higher likelihood of a sense of peace. For older adults in the last phase of life, supportive effects of religiousness were more or less expected. Fore those with recent depressive symptoms, however, religiousness might involve a component of existential doubt.
Coupled Coincidence Point and Coupled Fixed Point Theorems via Generalized Meir‐Keeler Type Contractions
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Erhan İnci M.
Published: July 2012

We prove coupled coincidence point and coupled fixed point results of F : X × X → X and g : X → X involving Meir‐Keeler type contractions on the class of partially ordered metric spaces. Our results
generalize some recent results in the literature. Also, we give some illustrative
examples and application.
Modeling of Mid-IR Amplifier Based on an Erbium-Doped Chalcogenide Microsphere
Authors: Bia P. , Di Tommaso A. , De Sario M.
Published: July 2012

An optical amplifier based on a tapered fiber and an Er3+-doped chalcogenide microsphere is designed and optimized. A dedicated 3D numerical model, which exploits the coupled mode theory and the rate equations, is used. The main transitions among the erbium energy levels, the amplified spontaneous emission, and the most important secondary transitions pertaining to the ion-ion interactions have been considered. Both the pump and signal beams are efficiently injected and obtained by a suitable design of the taper angle and the fiber-microsphere gap. Moreover, a good overlapping between the optical signals and the rare-earth-doped region is also obtained. In order to evaluate the amplifier performance in reduced computational time, the doped area is partitioned in sectors. The obtained simulation results highlight that a high-efficiency midinfrared amplification can be obtained by using a quite small microsphere.
A Two‐Scale Discretization Scheme for Mixed Variational Formulation of Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Yang Yidu , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yu , Wang Wenjun , Bi Hai
Published: July 2012

This paper discusses highly efficient discretization schemes for mixed variational formulation of eigenvalue problems. A new finite element two‐scale discretization scheme is proposed by combining the mixed finite element method with the shifted‐inverse power method for solving matrix eigenvalue problems. With this scheme, the solution of an eigenvalue problem on a fine grid Kh is reduced to the solution of an eigenvalue problem on a much coarser grid KH and the solution of a linear algebraic system on the fine grid Kh. Theoretical analysis shows that the scheme has high efficiency. For instance, when using the Mini element to solve Stokes eigenvalue problem, the resulting solution can maintain an asymptotically optimal accuracy by taking , and when using the Pk+1‐Pk element to solve eigenvalue problems of electric field, the calculation results can maintain an asymptotically optimal accuracy by taking . Finally, numerical experiments are presented to support the theoretical analysis.