bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KE and EE Genotypes of ICAM-1 Gene K469E Polymorphism Is Associated with Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Tabatabai Ehsan , Salimi Saeedeh , Mohammadoo-khorasani Milad , Yaghmaei Minoo , Mokhtari Mojgan , Farajian Mashhadi Farzaneh , Naghavi Anoosh
Published: January 2014

Background.Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most important complications of pregnancy that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in mother and fetus. Since the etiologic factors in its development are still unclear, we aimed to examine the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene K469E polymorphism in preeclamptic and control healthy women.Materials and Methods.Genetic polymorphism was analyzed in 192 PE and 186 healthy control women. PCR-RFLP method was used to identify K469E polymorphism.Results.The frequency of KK, KE, and EE genotypes of ICAM-1 gene was not different between PE patients and healthy pregnant women. Whereas, the frequency of KE and EE genotypes was significantly higher in severe PE than mild PE women and control group, and the risk of severe PE was 2.4-fold higher in subjects with KE genotype (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1 to 5.9];P=0.03) and 3.3-fold higher in subjects with EE genotype (OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.2 to 9];P=0.015) compared to individuals with KK genotype.Conclusion.We concluded that KE and EE genotypes of K469E polymorphism could increase risk of severe PE.
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis in Patients with Chronic Venous Catheters: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sy John , Nast Cynthia C. , Pham Phuong-Thu T. , Pham Phuong-Chi T.
Published: January 2014

Chronic indwelling catheters have been reported to be associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)viathe activation of the classical complement pathway in association with bacterial infections such as coagulase negative staphylococcus. We herein provide supporting evidence for the direct causal relationship between chronic catheter infections and MPGNviaa case of recurrent MPGN associated with recurrent catheter infections used for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in a man with short gut syndrome. We also present a literature review of similar cases and identify common clinical manifestations that may serve to aid clinicians in the early identification of MPGN associated with infected central venous catheterization orvice versa. The importance of routine monitoring of kidney function and urinalysis among patients with chronic central venous catheterization is highlighted as kidney injury mayheraldor coincide with overtly infected chronic indwelling central venous catheters.
Off-Centered Stagnation Point Flow of a Couple Stress Fluid towards a Rotating Disk
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Riaz Fatima
Published: February 2014

An investigation has been made to study the off-centered stagnation flow of a couple stress fluid over a rotating disk. The model developed for the governing problem in the form of partial differential equations has been converted to ordinary differential equations with the use of suitable similarity transformation. The analytical approximation has been made with the most promising analytical approach, homotopy analysis method (HAM). The convergence region of the obtained solution is determined and plotted. The effects of couple stress and nondimensional parameters have been observed on the flows of couple stress fluid. Also comparison has been made with the Newtonian fluid as the special case of considered problem.
Diversity Considerations for Promoting Early Childhood Oral Health: A Pilot Study
Authors: Prowse Sarah , Schroth Robert J. , Wilson Alexandria , Edwards Jeanette M. , Sarson Janet , Levi Jeremy A. , Moffatt Michael E.
Published: January 2014

Objectives. Several groups in Manitoba, Canada, experience early childhood caries (ECC), including Aboriginal, immigrant, and refugee children and those from select rural regions. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the views of parents and caregivers from four cultural groups on early childhood oral health and ECC.Methods. A qualitative descriptive study design using focus groups recruited parents and caregivers from four cultural groups. Discussions were documented, audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed for content based on themes.Results. Parents and caregivers identified several potential barriers to good oral health practice, including child’s temperament, finances, and inability to control sugar intake. Both religion and genetics were found to influence perceptions of oral health. Misconceptions regarding breastfeeding and bottle use were present. One-on-one discussions, parental networks, and using laypeople from similar backgrounds were suggested methods to promote oral health. The immigrant and refugee participants placed emphasis on the use of visuals for those with language barriers while Hutterite participants suggested a health-education approach.Conclusions. These pilot study findings provide initial insight into the oral health-related knowledge and beliefs of these groups. This will help to inform planning of ECC prevention and research strategies, which can be tailored to specific populations.
Invariant Imbedding and the Radiation Transfer in a Plane-Parallel Inhomogeneous Atmosphere
Authors: Nikoghossian Arthur G.
Published: January 2014

The invariant imbedding technique is applied to the problems of radiation transfer in a plane-parallel inhomogeneous atmosphere. All the parameters which describe the elementary event of scattering and the distribution of the energy sources are allowed to vary with depth. Mathematically, the considered standard problems of the theory are reduced to initial-value problems which are better adapted to capabilities of the modern high speed computers. The reflectance of an atmosphere is shown to play a prominent role in describing the diffusion process since all the other characteristics of the radiation field are expressed through it. Three transfer problems frequently encountered in astrophysical applications are discussed: the radiation diffusion in the source-free medium, in a medium with arbitrarily distributed energy sources, as well as the problem of finding the statistical mean quantities, characteristics of the multiple scattering in the atmosphere.
Idiopathic Uveitis and Familial Mediterranean Fever: Is There Any Relationship?
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Yasrebi Ozra , Hosseini Khotbesara Mahsa , Hosseini Khotbesara Maryam
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an auto-inflammatory disease characterized by attacks of fever and polyserositis. FMF is often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and Behcet. Uveitis is an inflammatory process caused by underlying infectious and inflammatory disorders. This study investigates the probable relationship between idiopathic uveitis and FMF.Methods. Patients with idiopathic uveitis were analyzed for the 12 most common MEFV mutations (P369S, F479L, M680I(G/C), M680I(G/A), I692del, M694V, M694I, K695R, V726A, A744S, R761H, E148Q) by a reverse hybridization assay (FMF StripAssay,Vienna lab,Vienna, Austria).Results. 12 patients with idiopathic uveitis were enrolled in this study. 10 of them were female. The youngest patient was a 7-year-old child and the oldest was 57. The most common complaints of patients were blurred vision and then eye redness. One patient was heterozygous for R761H. Genetic analysis of the 12 most common MEFV mutations in the patients with idiopathic uveitis didnot have any positive results.Conclusion. According to the analysis of the 12 most common MEFV gene mutations, FMF is not an underlying cause of idiopathic uveitis. On the other hand, uveitis merely could not be the first presentation of FMF.
Chylous Ascites: Evaluation and Management
Authors: Al-Busafi Said A. , Ghali Peter , Deschênes Marc , Wong Philip
Published: February 2014

Chylous ascites refers to the accumulation of lipid-rich lymph in the peritoneal cavity due to disruption of the lymphatic system secondary to traumatic injury or obstruction. Worldwide, abdominal malignancy, cirrhosis, and tuberculosis are the commonest causes of CA in adults, the latter being most prevalent in developing countries, whereas congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system and trauma are commonest in children. The presence of a milky, creamy appearing ascitic fluid with triglyceride content above 200 mg/dL is diagnostic, and, in the majority of cases, unless there is a strong suspicion of malignancy, further investigations are not required in patients with cirrhosis. If an underlying cause is identified, targeted therapy is possible, but most cases will be treated conservatively, with dietary support including high-protein and low-fat diets supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides, therapeutic paracentesis, total parenteral nutrition, and somatostatins. Rarely, resistant cases have been treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, surgical exploration, or peritoneovenous shunt.
Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Mimicking Bone Metastasis
Authors: Bhatt Geetika , Bhatt Aashish , Dragun Anthony E. , Li Xiao-Feng , Civelek A. Cahid
Published: January 2014

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is usually a potential complication of bisphosphonate therapy. In a cancer patient, this disease entity can be misdiagnosed as a metastatic lesion. Our aim is to make clinicians aware of bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw to prevent misdiagnosis and initiate proper treatment at the earliest. We present the case of a breast cancer patient with multiple bony metastases and a jaw lesion presumed to be metastases. After no response to palliative radiation, repeat radiological imaging studies revealed osteonecrosis of the jaw. Correlating a patient’s clinical information with findings on diagnostic imaging studies, such as SPECT bone and CT scans, can help identify this potential complication of bisphosphonate treatment. Early diagnosis helps minimize unnecessary biopsies and allows for the proper treatment to be instituted.
A Comparative Rugoscopic Study of the Dentate and Edentulous Individuals in the South Indian Population
Authors: Rajguru Jagdish Prasad , Misra Satya Ranjan , Somayaji Nagaveni S. , Masthan K. M. K. , Babu Aravindha N. , Mohanty Neeta
Published: January 2014

This study analyzes the rugae pattern in dentulous and edentulous patients and also evaluates the association of rugae pattern between males and females.Aims and Objectives. This study aims to investigate rugae patterns in dentulous and edentulous patients of both sexes in South Indian population and to find whether palatoscopy is a useful tool in human identification.Materials and Methods. Four hundred outpatients from Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, were included in the study. The study group was equally divided between the sexes, which was further categorized into 100 dentulous and edentulous patients, respectively.Results. The edentulous male showed the highest mean of wavy pattern and total absence of circular pattern while the edentulous female group showed the highest mean of curved pattern and total absence of nonspecific pattern, while dentate population showed similar value as that of the overall population such as straight, wavy, and curved patterns.Conclusion. The present study concludes that there is similar rugae pattern of distribution between male and female dentate population while there is varied pattern between the sexes of edentulous population. However, the most predominant patterns were straight, wavy, and circular patterns.
Molecular Analysis ofHuman MetapneumovirusDetected in Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Upper Egypt
Authors: Embarek Mohamed Mona S. , Reiche Janine , Jacobsen Sonja , Thabit Amany G. , Badary Mohamed S. , Brune Wolfram , Schweiger Brunhilde , Osmann Ahmed H.
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Since 2001, whenHuman metapneumovirus(HMPV) was isolated in the Netherlands, the virus has been detected in several continents. Although reports have confirmed the prevalence of HMPV worldwide, data from Egypt remain limited. HMPV plays an important role in respiratory tract infections in individuals of all ages particularly in children. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of HMPV in patients with community-acquired lower respiratory infection in Upper Egypt and characterizing the circulating Egyptian HMPV strains for the first time.Materials and Methods. From 2005 to 2008, respiratory samples from 520 patients were analyzed for the presence of HMPV by real-time RT-PCR. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses were performed on partial fusion gene sequences of HMPV-positive patients.Results. HMPV-positive patients were detected in 2007-2008. The overall infection rate was 4%, while 57% of the patients were children. Sequence analysis demonstrated circulation of subgroup B viruses with predominance of lineage B2. Nucleotide sequence identity within lineage B1 was 98.8%–99.7% and higher than that in lineage B2 (94.3%–100%). Three new amino acid substitutions (T223N, R229K, and D280N) of lineage B2 were observed.Conclusion. HMPV is a major viral pathogen in the Egyptian population especially in children. During 2007-2008, predominantly HMPV B2 circulated in Upper Egypt.
Boundedness of One-Sided Oscillatory Integral Operators on Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: Fu Zunwei , Lu Shanzhen , Pan Yibiao , Shi Shaoguang
Published: February 2014

We consider one-sided weight classes of Muckenhoupt type, but larger than the classical Muckenhoupt classes, and study the boundedness of one-sided oscillatory integral operators on weighted Lebesgue spaces using interpolation of operators with change of measures.
Ethanolic Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract Prevents Growth of MCF-7 and HeLa Cells and Potentiates the Therapeutic Index of Cisplatin
Authors: Sharma Chhavi , Vas Andrea J. , Goala Payal , Gheewala Taher M. , Rizvi Tahir A. , Hussain Arif
Published: January 2014

The present study was designed to gain insight into the antiproliferative activity of ethanolic neem leaves extract (ENLE) alone or in combination with cisplatin by cell viability assay on human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. Nuclear morphological examination and cell cycle analysis were performed to determine the mode of cell death. Further, to identify its molecular targets, the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and drug metabolism was analyzed by RT-PCR. Treatment of MCF-7, HeLa, and normal cells with ENLE differentially suppressed the growth of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner through apoptosis. Additionally, lower dose combinations of ENLE with cisplatin resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of these cells compared to the individual drugs (combination index <1). ENLE significantly modulated the expression of bax, cyclin D1, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP 1A1 and CYP 1A2) in a time-dependent manner in these cells. Conclusively, these results emphasize the chemopreventive ability of neem alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic treatment to reduce the cytotoxic effects on normal cells, while potentiating their efficacy at lower doses. Thus, neem may be a prospective therapeutic agent to combat gynecological cancers.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Ewing’s Sarcoma of Thoracic Spine with Extension into the Intradural Space
Authors: Bordia Sandhya , Meena Sweta , Meena Bijendar Kumar , Rajak Vijay
Published: February 2014

Ewing’s sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a small, round, and blue cell malignancy that occurs most often in bone and soft tissues of children and young adults. The intraspinal manifestation of the disease is rare, and when present, this is often misdiagnosed with other varieties of primary spinal tumors. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays important role in the early diagnosis of these cases. We report such a case of Ewing’s sarcoma of thoracic spine with extension into the intradural space, which was initially suspected to be a case of metastatic lesion in an 18-year-old boy.
The Proteome of the Differentiating Mesencephalic Progenitor Cell Line CSM14.1In Vitro
Authors: Weiss B. , Haas S. , Lessner G. , Mikkat S. , Kreutzer M. , Glocker M. O. , Wree A. , Schmitt O.
Published: January 2014

The treatment of Parkinson's disease by transplantation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from human embryonic mesencephalic tissue is a promising approach. However, the origin of these cells causes major problems: availability and standardization of the graft. Therefore, the generation of unlimited numbers of DA neurons from various types of stem or progenitor cells has been brought into focus. A source for DA neurons might be conditionally immortalized progenitor cells. The temperature-sensitive immortalized cell line CSM14.1 derived from the mesencephalon of an embryonic rat has been used successfully for transplantation experiments. This cell line was analyzed by unbiased stereology of cell type specific marker proteins and 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry to characterize the differentially expressed proteome. Undifferentiated CSM14.1 cells only expressed the stem cell marker nestin, whereas differentiated cells expressed GFAP or NeuN and tyrosine hydroxylase. An increase of the latter cells during differentiation could be shown. By using proteomics an explanation on the protein level was found for the observed changes in cell morphology during differentiation, when CSM14.1 cells possessed the morphology of multipolar neurons. The results obtained in this study confirm the suitability of CSM14.1 cells as anin vitromodel for the study of neuronal and dopaminergic differentiation in rats.
Huperzine A in the Treatment of Alzheimer′s Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xing Shu-huai , Zhu Chun-xiao , Zhang Rui , An Li
Published: February 2014

The objective of our study was to perform an updated meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled RCTs of Huperzine A (Hup A) on patients with Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), in order to provide the basis and reference for clinical rational drug use. The primary outcome measures assessed were minimental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living scale (ADL). Eight AD trials with 733 participants and two VD trials with 92 participants that met our inclusion criteria were identified. The results showed that Hup A could significantly improve the MMSE and ADL score of AD and VD patients, and longer durations would result in better efficacy for the patients with AD. It seemed that there was significant improvement of cognitive function measured by memory quotient (MQ) in patients with AD. Most adverse effects in AD were generally of mild to moderate severity and transient. Compared to the patients with AD, Hup A may offer fewer side effects for participants with VD in this study. Therefore, Hup A is a well‐tolerated drug that could significantly improve cognitive performance in patients with AD or VD, but we need to use it with caution in the clinical treatment.
Primary Aspergillosis of Bilateral Laryngoceles
Authors: Al-Ogaili Zeyad , Chapeikin Gavin , Palmer David
Published: February 2014

Laryngocele is an abnormal dilatation of the saccule of laryngeal ventricle, which is usually unilateral and filled with air or fluid. We present a case of bilateral laryngoceles colonized byAspergillusspecies.
Dynamic Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm Based on Average Distance Linear Prediction Model
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Chen Hengyong , Xie Zhaoxin , Chen Chao , Sallam Ahmed
Published: January 2014

Many real-world optimization problems involve objectives, constraints, and parameters which constantly change with time. Optimization in a changing environment is a challenging task, especially when multiple objectives are required to be optimized simultaneously. Nowadays the common way to solve dynamic multiobjective optimization problems (DMOPs) is to utilize history information to guide future search, but there is no common successful method to solve different DMOPs. In this paper, we define a kind of dynamic multiobjectives problem with translational Paretooptimal set (DMOP-TPS) and propose a new prediction model named ADLM for solving DMOP-TPS. We have tested and compared the proposed prediction model (ADLM) with three traditional prediction models on several classic DMOP-TPS test problems. The simulation results show that our proposed prediction model outperforms other prediction models for DMOP-TPS.
On the Relationships of Postcanine Tooth Size with Dietary Quality and Brain Volume in Primates: Implications for Hominin Evolution
Authors: Jiménez-Arenas Juan Manuel , Pérez-Claros Juan Antonio , Aledo Juan Carlos , Palmqvist Paul
Published: January 2014

Brain volume and cheek-tooth size have traditionally been considered as two traits that show opposite evolutionary trends during the evolution ofHomo. As a result, differences in encephalization and molarization among hominins tend to be interpreted in paleobiological grounds, because both traits were presumably linked to the dietary quality of extinct species. Here we show that there is an essential difference between the genusHomoand the living primate species, because postcanine tooth size and brain volume are related to negative allometry in primates and show an inverse relationship inHomo. However, when size effects are removed, the negative relationship between encephalization and molarization holds only for platyrrhines and the genusHomo. In addition, there is no general trend for the relationship between postcanine tooth size and dietary quality among the living primates. If size and phylogeny effects are both removed, this relationship vanishes in many taxonomic groups. As a result, the suggestion that the presence of well-developed postcanine teeth in extinct hominins should be indicative of a poor-quality diet cannot be generalized to all extant and extinct primates.
Optimization and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle by Endophytic FungiPenicilliumsp. Isolated fromCurcuma longa(Turmeric) and Application Studies against MDRE. coliandS. aureus
Authors: Singh Dattu , Rathod Vandana , Ninganagouda Shivaraj , Hiremath Jyothi , Singh Ashish Kumar , Mathew Jasmine
Published: February 2014

Development of ecofriendly and reliable processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest in nanotechnology because of its tremendous impetus in modulating metals into nanosize to their potential use for human benefits. In this study an endophytic fungus,Penicilliumsp., isolated from healthy leaves ofCurcuma longa(turmeric) was subjected to extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) and their activity against MDRE. coliandS. aureus. The biosynthesized AgNps optimization was studied and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then produced AgNps were tested against MDRE. coliandS. aureus. The endophytic fungusPenicilliumsp. from healthy leaves ofC. longa(turmeric) was found to be a good producer of AgNps. Parametric optimization showed maximum absorbance of 420–425 nm at pH-7, 25°C with 1 mM AgNO3concentration and 15–20 g of wet biomass. Further TEM revealed the formation of spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with size ranging between 25 and 30 nm and FTIR shows the bands at 1644 and 1538 cm−1corresponding to the binding vibrations of amide I and II bands of proteins, respectively. Antibacterial activity against MDRE. coliandS. aureusshowed good results showing maximum zone of inhibition of 17 mm and 16 mm, respectively, at 80 µL of AgNps.
S-Nitrosation and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Interplay in Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Rizza Salvatore , Montagna Costanza , Di Giacomo Giuseppina , Cirotti Claudia , Filomeni Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

ProteinS-nitrosation is deemed as a prototype of posttranslational modifications governing cell signaling. It takes place on specific cysteine residues that covalently incorporate a nitric oxide (NO) moiety to formS-nitrosothiol derivatives and depends on the ratio between NO produced by NO synthases and nitrosothiol removal catalyzed by denitrosating enzymes. A large number of cysteine-containing proteins are found to undergoS-nitrosation and, among them, the enzymes catalyzing ubiquitination, mainly the class of ubiquitin E3 ligases and the 20S component of the proteasome, have been reported to be redox modulated in their activity. In this review we will outline the processes regulatingS-nitrosation and try to debate whether and how it affects protein ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome. In particular, since muscle and neuronal health largely depends on the balance between protein synthesis and breakdown, here we will discuss the impact ofS-nitrosation in the efficiency of protein quality control system, providing lines of evidence and speculating about its involvement in the onset and maintenance of neuromuscular dysfunctions.
Effect of Intergenerational Chronic Undernutrition on Ponderal, and Linear Growth
Authors: Cesani María Florencia , Oyhenart Evelia Edith , Pucciarelli Héctor Mario
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper was to analyze if intergenerational undernutrition causes growth retardation in weight and body length in two generations of rats and, if so, to assess whether the delay is cumulative. Male and female rats were assigned to one of the following groups: (1) control: they were fed ad libitum and constituted the parental generation (P), and (2) undernourished generations (F1 and F2): they were fed on 75% of the control diet. Animals were weighed and X-rayed every ten days from 20 to 100 days old in order to measure total body length. Also, body mass index was calculated. Data were processed by ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Impairment in weight, body length, and body mass index was found in both generations; nevertheless growth retardation was greater in F2, indicating a cumulative effect of nutritional stress. Sex differences were found, since the cumulative effect of generational undernutrition was greater and earlier in males than in females. It is concluded that when the undernutrition acts with constant intensity during several generations, the growth retardation is cumulative, indicating a negative secular trend.
Analytical Ballistic Trajectories with Approximately Linear Drag
Authors: de Carpentier Giliam J. P.
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces a practical analytical approximation of projectile trajectories in 2D and 3D roughly based on a linear drag model and explores a variety of different planning algorithms for these trajectories. Although the trajectories are only approximate, they still capture many of the characteristics of a real projectile in free fall under the influence of an invariant wind, gravitational pull, and terminal velocity, while the required math for these trajectories and planners is still simple enough to efficiently run on almost all modern hardware devices. Together, these properties make the proposed approach particularly useful for real-time applications where accuracy and performance need to be carefully balanced, such as in computer games.
Functional Characterization of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) N- and C-Terminal Domains duringXenopus laevisDevelopment
Authors: Nieuwesteeg M. A. , Willson J. A. , Cepeda M. , Fox M. A. , Damjanovski S.
Published: January 2014

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is essential for facilitating developmental processes. ECM remodeling, accomplished by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). While the TIMP N-terminal domain is involved in inhibition of MMP activity, the C-terminal domain exhibits cell-signaling activity, which is TIMP and cell type dependent. We have previously examined the distinct roles of theXenopus laevisTIMP-2 and -3 C-terminal domains during development and here examined the unique roles of TIMP-1 N- and C-terminal domains in earlyX. laevisembryos. mRNA microinjection was used to overexpress full-length TIMP-1 or its individual N- or C-terminal domains in embryos. Full-length and C-terminal TIMP-1 resulted in increased lethality compared to N-terminal TIMP-1. Overexpression of C-terminal TIMP-1 resulted in significant decreases in mRNA levels of proteolytic genes including TIMP-2, RECK, MMP-2, and MMP-9, corresponding to decreases in MMP-2 and -9 protein levels, as well as decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. These trends were not observed with the N-terminus. Our research suggests that the individual domains of TIMP-1 are capable of playing distinct roles in regulating the ECM proteolytic network during development and that the unique functions of these domains are moderated in the endogenous full-length TIMP-1 molecule.
Evaluation of the Cerebral State Index in Cats under Isoflurane Anaesthesia: Dose-Effect Relationship and Prediction of Clinical Signs
Authors: Sousa Joana R. , Ribeiro Lénio , Silva Aura , Ferreira David A.
Published: January 2014

The performance of the cerebral state index (CSI) in reflecting different levels of isoflurane anaesthesia was evaluated in ten cats subjected to four end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (EtIso), each maintained for 15 minutes (0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, or 2.0% EtIso). The CSI, hemodynamic data, ocular reflexes, and eye position were recorded for each EtIso concentration. Pharmacodynamic analysis of CSI with EtIso was performed, as well as prediction probability analysis with a clinical scale based on the eye reflexes. The CSI values showed great variability. Between all parameters, burst suppression ratio showed the better fitting with the sigmoidal concentration-effect model (R2=0.93) followed by CSI (R2=0.82) and electromyographic activity (R2=0.79). EtIso was the variable with better prediction of the clinical scale of anaesthesia (prediction probability value of 0.94). Although the CSI values decrease with increasing isoflurane concentrations, the huge variability in CSI values may be a strong limitation for its use in cats and it seems to be no better than EtIso as a predictor of clinical signs.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Acetylene Sensing Properties of Variety Low Dimensional Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Zhou Qu , Chen Weigen , Peng Shudi , Zeng Wen
Published: January 2014

Various morphologies of low dimensional ZnO nanostructures, including spheres, rods, sheets, and wires, were successfully synthesized using a simple and facile hydrothermal method assisted with different surfactants. Zinc acetate dihydrate was chosen as the precursors of ZnO nanostructures. We found that polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), glycine, and ethylene glycol (EG) play critical roles in the morphologies and microstructures of the synthesized nanostructures, and a series of possible growth processes were discussed in detail. Gas sensors were fabricated using screen-printing technology, and their sensing properties towards acetylene gas (C2H2), one of the most important arc discharge characteristic gases dissolved in oil-filled power equipments, were systematically measured. The ZnO nanowires based sensor exhibits excellent C2H2sensing behaviors than those of ZnO nanosheets, nanorods, and nanospheres, indicating a feasible way to develop high-performance C2H2gas sensor for practical application.
Composition Operators on Cesàro Function Spaces
Authors: Raj Kuldip , Pandoh Suruchi , Jamwal Seema
Published: January 2014

The compact, invertible, Fredholm, and closed range composition operators are characterized. We also make an effort to compute the essential norm of composition operators on the Cesàro function spaces.
Monotonicity Preserving Rational Quadratic Fractal Interpolation Functions
Authors: Chand A. K. B. , Vijender N.
Published: January 2014

Fractal interpolation is an advanced technique for analysis and synthesis of scientific and engineering data. We introduce the 𝒞1-rational quadratic fractal interpolation functions (FIFs) through a suitable rational quadratic iterated function system (IFS). The novel notion
of shape preserving fractal interpolation without any shape parameter is introduced through the rational fractal interpolation model in the literature for the first time. For a prescribed set of monotonic data, we derive the sufficient conditions by restricting the scaling factors for shape preserving 𝒞1-rational quadratic FIFs. A local modification pertaining to any subinterval is possible in this model if the scaling factors are chosen appropriately. We establish the convergence results of a monotonic rational quadratic FIF to the original function in 𝒞4. For given data with derivatives at grids, our approach generates several monotonicity preserving rational quadratic FIFs, whereas this flexibility is not available in the classical approach. Finally, numerical experiments support the importance of the developed rational quadratic IFS scheme through construction of visually pleasing monotonic rational fractal curves including the classical one.
Optimal Wavelet Estimation of Density Derivatives for Size-Biased Data
Authors: Wang Jinru , Geng Zijuan , Jin Fengfeng
Published: January 2014

A perfect achievement has been made for wavelet density estimation by Dohono et al. in 1996, when the samples without any noise are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.). But in many practical applications, the random samples always have noises, and estimation of the density derivatives is very important for detecting possible bumps in the associated density. Motivated by Dohono's work, we propose new linear and nonlinear wavelet estimatorsf^lin(m),f^non(m)for density derivativesf(m)when the random samples have size-bias. It turns out that the linear estimationE(∥f^lin(m)-f(m)∥p)forf(m)∈Br,qs(A,L)attains the optimal covergence rate whenr≥p, and the nonlinear oneE(∥f^lin(m)-f(m)∥p)does the same ifr<p.
Weighted Multimodel Predictive Function Control for Automatic Train Operation System
Authors: Wen Shuhuan , Yang Jingwei , Rad Ahmad B. , Chen Shengyong , Hao Pengcheng
Published: February 2014

Train operation is a complex nonlinear process; it is difficult to establish accurate mathematical model. In this paper, we design ATO speed controller based on the input and output data of the train operation. The method combines multimodeling with predictive functional control according to complicated nonlinear characteristics of the train operation. Firstly, we cluster the data sample by using fuzzy-c means algorithm. Secondly, we identify parameter of cluster model by using recursive least square algorithm with forgetting factor and then establish the local set of models of the process of train operation. Then at each sample time, we can obtain the global predictive model about the system based on the weighted indicators by designing a kind of weighting algorithm with error compensation. Thus, the predictive functional controller is designed to control the speed of the train. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Role of Suppressor Variables in Primary Prevention Obesity Research: Examples from Two Predictive Models
Authors: Knowlden Adam P.
Published: January 2014

Pediatric obesity is a pertinent public health challenge. Child physical activity and screen time behaviors enacted within the context of the family and home environment are important determinants of pediatric obesity. The purpose of this study was to operationalize five, maternal-facilitated, social cognitive theory constructs for predicting physical activity and screen time behaviors in children. A secondary purpose was to elucidate the function of suppressor variables in the design and implementation of family- and home-based interventions seeking to prevent pediatric obesity. Instrumentation included face and content validity of the measurement tool by a panel of experts, test-retest reliability of the theoretical constructs, and predictive validity of the constructs through structural equation modeling. Physical activity and screen time were modeled separately according to the five selected social cognitive theory constructs. Data were collected from 224 mothers with children between four and six years of age. Specification indices indicated satisfactory fit for the final physical activity and screen time models. Through a series of four procedures, the structural models identified emotional coping and expectations as suppressor variables for self-efficacy. Suppressor variables can complement program design recommendations by providing a suggested ordering to construct integration within an intervention.
Gene Expression Differences Predict Treatment Outcome of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Masterson Loren , Thibodeau Bryan J. , Fortier Laura E. , Geddes Timothy J. , Pruetz Barbara L. , Malhotra Rajwant , Keidan Richard , Wilson George D.
Published: January 2014

Due to the rarity of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), prospective clinical trials have not been practical. This study aimed to identify biomarkers with prognostic significance. While sixty-two patients were identified who were treated for MCC at our institution, only seventeen patients had adequate formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival tissue and followup to be included in the study. Patients were stratified into good, moderate, or poor prognosis. Laser capture microdissection was used to isolate tumor cells for subsequent RNA isolation and gene expression analysis with Affymetrix GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST arrays. Among the 191 genes demonstrating significant differential expression between prognostic groups, keratin 20 and neurofilament protein have previously been identified in studies of MCC and were significantly upregulated in tumors from patients with a poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry further established that keratin 20 was overexpressed in the poor prognosis tumors. In addition, novel genes of interest such as phospholipase A2 group X, kinesin family member 3A, tumor protein D52, mucin 1, andKITwere upregulated in specimens from patients with poor prognosis. Our pilot study identified several gene expression differences which could be used in the future as prognostic biomarkers in MCC patients.
Pioglitazone Inhibits the Expressions of p22phox and p47phox in Rat Mesangial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Wang Shan , Ye Shan-dong , Sun Wen-jia , Hu Yuan-yuan
Published: February 2014

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pioglitazone on oxidative stress and the expressions of p22phox and p47phox, subunits of NADPH oxidase, in mesangial cells (MCs). Method. Rat mesangial cells were cultured and randomly divided into normal glucose (NG) group, high glucose (HG) group, and pioglitazone group. After 48 h exposure, the supernatants and cells were collected. The expressions of p22phox and p47phox in MCs were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. The levels of intracellular ROS were determined by flow cytometry. Coloimetry method was used to detect malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Results. Compared with the NG group, the expression levels of p22phox, p47phox and ROS significantly increased, the activity of SOD decreased in HG group, while the concentration of MDA greatly increased (P<0.01). Pioglitazone significantly suppressed HG-induced p22phox and p47phox expressions and oxidative stress. The protein and gene expressions of p22phox and p47phox were markedly reduced after pioglitazone treatment, so did the ROS generation. The activities of SOD in MCs increased, while the concentrations of MDA in the supernatant decreased greatly by pioglitazone. Conclusions. Pioglitazone can inhibit HG-induced oxidative stress in MCs through suppressing p22phox and p47phox expressions.
Effect of Zn Site for Ca Substitution on Optical and Microwave Dielectric Properties of ZnAl2O4Thin Films by Sol Gel Method
Authors: Wan Jalal Wan Nasarudin , Abdullah Huda , Zulfakar Mohd Syafiq
Published: February 2014

CaxZn(1-x)Al2O4(x= 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30) thin films were prepared by a sol gel method. The XRD patterns displayed the characteristic peaks of (Ca/Zn)Al2O4with the standard pattern of face-centred cubic (fcc). The addition of Ca decreased the lattice constant from 14.6 nm to 23.2 nm. The optical bandgap of undoped thin film was found to be at 3.84 eV while for doped Ca was observed at 3.50 to 3.73 eV. The substitution of Zn2+by Ca2+in ZnAl2O4thin films was found to increase the crystallite size, grain size, and surface morphology which evidently affect the density and dielectric constant. TheCaxZn1-xAl2O4thin films were characterized at 20 to 1 MHZ frequency to determine the dielectric constantεrand unloaded quality factorQuusing LCR spectrometer. It can be observed that specimen using Ca0.25Zn0.75Al2O4possessesεr~10.41andQu~5770which is suggested as a candidate material for millimetre-wave applications. Therefore, this ceramic is suggested as a candidate material for GPS patch antennas.
Recent Advances of Hemorrhage Management in Severe Trauma
Authors: El Sayad Mohamed , Noureddine Hussein
Published: January 2014

Trauma is one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide with a substantial percentage of deaths resulting secondary to haemorrhages, which are preventable and treatable when adequately managed. This paper offers a review of the current literature on how to successfully resuscitate patients with major haemorrhage.
Periodic Solutions for Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equations with Linear Nonlinearity
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Wang Dabin , Wang Changyou
Published: January 2014

By using minimax methods in critical point theory, we obtain the existence of periodic solutions for second-order ordinary differential equations with linear nonlinearity.
An Innovative Time-Cost-Quality Tradeoff Modeling of Building Construction Project Based on Resource Allocation
Authors: Hu Wenfa , He Xinhua
Published: January 2014

The time, quality, and cost are three important but contradictive objectives in a building construction project. It is a tough challenge for project managers to optimize them since they are different parameters. This paper presents a time-cost-quality optimization model that enables managers to optimize multiobjectives. The model is from the project breakdown structure method where task resources in a construction project are divided into a series of activities and further into construction labors, materials, equipment, and administration. The resources utilized in a construction activity would eventually determine its construction time, cost, and quality, and a complex time-cost-quality trade-off model is finally generated based on correlations between construction activities. A genetic algorithm tool is applied in the model to solve the comprehensive nonlinear time-cost-quality problems. Building of a three-storey house is an example to illustrate the implementation of the model, demonstrate its advantages in optimizing trade-off of construction time, cost, and quality, and help make a winning decision in construction practices. The computational time-cost-quality curves in visual graphics from the case study prove traditional cost-time assumptions reasonable and also prove this time-cost-quality trade-off model sophisticated.
Towards Scarless Wound Healing: A Comparison of Protein Expression between Human, Adult and Foetal Fibroblasts
Authors: Ho Sonia , Marçal Helder , Foster Leslie John Ray
Published: January 2014

Proteins from human adult and foetal fibroblast cell lines were compared, focusing on those involved in wound healing. Proteins were separated through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Differences in protein spot intensity between the lineages were quantified through 3D gel scanning densitometry. Selected protein spots were excised, subjected to tryptic digests, prior to separation using HPLC with a linear ion trap mass spectrometer, and identified. Protein maps representing the proteomes from adult and foetal fibroblasts showed similar distributions but revealed differences in expression levels. Heat shock cognate 71 kDA protein, Tubulin alpha-1A chain, actin cytoplasmic-1, and neuron cytoplasmic protein were all expressed in significantly higher concentrations by foetal fibroblasts, nearly double those observed for their adult counterparts. Fructose bisphosphate aldolase A, Cofilin-1, Peroxiredoxin-1, Lactotransferrin Galectin-1, Profilin-1, and Calreticulin were expressed at comparatively higher concentrations by the adult fibroblasts. Significant differences in the expression levels of some proteins in human adult and foetal fibroblasts correlated with known differences in wound healing behaviour. This data may assist in the development of technologies to promote scarless wound healing and better functional tissue repair and regeneration.
Choice of Measurement Locations of Nonlinear Structures Using Proper Orthogonal Modes and Effective Independence Distribution Vector
Authors: Ritto T. G.
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a methodology to automatically choose the measurement locations of a nonlinear structure/equipment that needs to be monitored while operating. The response of the computational model (or experimental data) is used to construct the proper orthogonal modes applying the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), and the effective independence distribution vector (EIDV) procedure is employed to eliminate, iteratively, locations that contribute less for the independence of the target proper orthogonal modes.
Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy with a Simultaneous Integrated Boost Combined with Chemotherapy in Stages III-IV Hypopharynx-Larynx Cancer: Treatment Compliance and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Franchin Giovanni , Vaccher Emanuela , Talamini Renato , Gobitti Carlo , Minatel Emilio , Furlan Carlo , Grando Giuseppe , Drigo Annalisa , Trovo Mauro Gaetano , Barzan Luigi
Published: January 2014

Objectives. Retrospective review of our experience using intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-IMRT) combined with chemotherapy as the primary treatment of locoregionally advanced larynx and hypopharynx cancers. Materials and Methods. Between September 2008 and June 2012, 60 patients (26 with larynx and 34 hypopharynx cancers) were treated. Our policy was to offer SIB-IMRT plus concurrent cisplatin to patients affected by larynx cancer stage T3N0-N1 and NCT with TPF (docetaxel/cisplatin/fluorouracil) followed by SIB-IMRT to patients with larynx cancer stage T2-4N2-3 or hypopharynx cancer T2-4N0-3. SIB-IMRT consisted in a total dose of 70.95 Gy (2.15 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions/week) to the gross primary and nodal disease and differentiated dosages for high risk and low risk nodal regions. Results. Complete remission was achieved in 53/60 (88%) of patients. At a median follow up of 31 months (range 9–67), the rate of overall survival and locoregional control with functional larynx at 3 years were 68% and 60%, respectively. T stage (T1–3 versus T4) resulted in being significant for predicting 3-year freedom from relapse (it was 69% and 35%, resp., for T1–T3 and T4 tumors; P=0.04), while site of primary disease (larynx versus hypopharynx) was not significant (P=0.35). Conclusion. Our results indicated that combining SIB-IMRT with induction chemotherapy or concurrent chemotherapy is an effective treatment strategy for organ preservation in advanced larynx/hypopharynx cancer.