bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy has longstanding consequences for the health of her offspring
Authors: Wood-Bradley Ryan James , Henry Sarah Louise , Vrselja Amanda , Newman Victoria , Armitage James Andrew
Published: April 2013

Over the past 100 years, advances in pharmaceutical and medical technology have reduced the burden of communicable disease, and our appreciation of the mechanisms underlying the development of noncommunicable disease has broadened. During this time, a number of studies, both in humans and animal models, have highlighted the importance of maintaining an optimal diet during pregnancy. In particular, a number of studies support the hypothesis that suboptimal maternal protein and fat intake during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the growing fetus, and increase the likelihood of these offspring developing cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic diseases in adulthood. More recently, it has been shown that dietary intake of a number of micronutrients may offset or reverse the deleterious effects of macronutrient imbalance. Furthermore, maternal fat intake has also been identified as a major contributor to a healthy fetal environment, with a beneficial role for unsaturated fats during development as well as a beneficial impact on cell membrane physiology. Together these studies indicate that attempts to optimise maternal nutrition may prove to be an efficient and cost-effective strategy for preventing the development of cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic diseases.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE LAMINATED PLATES USING THE MESHLESS IN THE STATE SPACE FRAMEWORK
Authors: LI D. H. , QING G. H.
Published: April 2013

A hybrid governing equation is presented by using the meshless method with radial basis functions for the response and sensitivity analysis of composite laminated plates in the state space framework. Analytical method (AM), semi-analytical (SA) and finite difference (FD) expresses of the hybrid governing equation are also derived for the sensitivity analysis. Numerical examples are consisted of the static response analysis, dynamic response analysis and their sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity coefficients of the static response and natural frequency are obtained by AM, SA and FD with respect to the material prosperities and the shape parameters of the cross-ply composite laminated plates. One of the main advantages of the hybrid governing equation in the response analysis and sensitivity analysis is that the convoluted algorithm can be avoided in sensitivity analysis, and the response quantities and the sensitivity coefficients are obtained simultaneously.
A ROBUST COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUE FOR A SYSTEM OF SINGULARLY PERTURBED CONVECTION-DIFFUSION EQUATIONS
Authors: KUMAR VINOD , BAWA R. K. , LAL A. K.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a singularly perturbed system of convection-diffusion boundary value problem (BVP) is examined. To solve such type of problem, a modified initial value technique (MIVT) is proposed on an appropriate piecewise uniform Shishkin mesh. The MIVT is shown to be uniformly convergent with respect to the perturbation parameter. Numerical results are presented which are in agreement with the theoretical results.
PSEUDODUALITY AND COMPLEX GEOMETRY IN SIGMA MODELS
Authors: SARISAMAN MUSTAFA
Published: April 2013

We study the pseudoduality transformations in two-dimensional N = (2, 2) sigma models on Kähler manifolds. We show that structures on the target space can be transformed into the pseudodual manifolds by means of (anti)holomorphic preserving mapping. This map requires that torsions related to individual spaces and riemann connection on pseudodual manifold must vanish. We also consider holomorphic isometries which puts additional constraints on the pseudoduality.
EUROPEAN SOVEREIGN BAILOUTS, POLITICAL RISK AND THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF MRS. MERKEL
Authors: COLLIGNON STEFAN , ESPOSITO PIERO , LIERSE HANNA
Published: April 2013

The European economy was hit by a confidence shock in 2009 when the Greek government of Papandreou discovered the true amount of public deficit. The subsequent loss of trust in European fiscal governance reduced financial markets' willingness to lend to indebted governments. The European Union established the Financial Stability Facility to support debt-ridden states but without lasting success. The continuously rising Greek bond yields suggest that the information transmitted from political leaders did not reduce investors' risk perceptions. We develop a theoretical framework, in which financial market participants do not know the real rate of return on Greek assets but infer it from the signals emitted by informed European governments. Based on a unique news dataset, we investigate the impact of good and bad news from the European institutions on the Greek interest spread. The results demonstrate that the noise around the European decision-making process substantially raised the bailout cost.
A novel method for measuring intestinal and hepatic triacylglycerol kinetics
Authors: Sun Feifei , Stolinski Mike , Shojaee-Moradie Fariba , Lou Shaoying , Ma Yuying , Hovorka Roman , Umpleby A. Margot
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to 1) develop a method that completely separated hepatic (VLDL1, VLDL2) and intestinal [chylomicron (CM)] lipoproteins and 2) use the method to measure triacylglycerol (TAG) kinetics in these lipoproteins in the fed and fasting state in healthy subjects, using intravenous [2H5]glycerol as the tracer. An immunoaffinity method that completely separated hepatic and intestinal particles using sequential binding to three antibodies to apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) was established and validated. Six healthy volunteers were studied in a fasted and continuous feeding study ( study 1). Five additional healthy volunteers were studied in a continuous feeding study that included an oral [13C3]glycerol tripalmitin tracer ( study 2). In both studies, an intravenous bolus of [2H5]glycerol was administered to label TAG in hepatic and intestinal lipoproteins. In both feeding studies there was sufficient incorporation of the [2H5]glycerol tracer into the exogenous lipoproteins to enable isotopic enrichment to be measured. In study 2, the oral tracer enrichment in VLDL1 was <5% of CM enrichment 150 min after tracer administration, demonstrating negligible contamination of VLDL1 with apoB-48. Western blotting showed no detectable apoB-100 in CMs. VLDL1 and VLDL2 TAG fractional catabolic rate (FCR) did not differ between feeding and fasting ( study 1). There was no difference between CM and VLDL1 TAG FCR in both fed studies. In fed study 2, 47% of the total TAG production rate (CM + VLDL1) was from CM. This methodology may be a useful tool for understanding the abnormalities in postprandial TAG kinetics in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
IL-1RI participates in normal growth plate development and bone modeling
Authors: Simsa-Maziel Stav , Zaretsky Janna , Reich Adi , Koren Yoav , Shahar Ron , Monsonego-Ornan Efrat
Published: April 2013

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) signals through IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) and induces osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption mainly during pathological conditions. Little is known about the effect of excess or absence of IL-1 signaling on the physiological development of the growth plate and bone. In this study, we examine growth plate morphology, bone structure, and mechanical properties as well as osteoclast number in IL-1RI knockout mice to evaluate the role of IL-1RI in the normal development of the growth plate and bone. We show for the first time that IL-1RI knockout mice have narrower growth plates due to a smaller hypertrophic zone, suggesting a role for this cytokine in hypertrophic differentiation, together with higher proteoglycan content. The bones of theses mice exhibit higher trabecular and cortical mass, increased mineral density, and superior mechanical properties. In addition, IL-1RI knockout mice have significantly reduced osteoclast numbers in the chondro-osseous junction, trabecular bone, and cortical bone. These results suggest that IL-1RI is involved in normal growth plate development and ECM homeostasis and that it is significant in the physiological process of bone modeling.
Cortical speech-evoked response patterns in multiple auditory fields are correlated with behavioral discrimination ability
Authors: Centanni T. M. , Engineer C. T. , Kilgard M. P.
Published: April 2013

Different speech sounds evoke unique patterns of activity in primary auditory cortex (A1). Behavioral discrimination by rats is well correlated with the distinctness of the A1 patterns evoked by individual consonants, but only when precise spike timing is preserved. In this study we recorded the speech-evoked responses in the primary, anterior, ventral, and posterior auditory fields of the rat and evaluated whether activity in these fields is better correlated with speech discrimination ability when spike timing information is included or eliminated. Spike timing information improved consonant discrimination in all four of the auditory fields examined. Behavioral discrimination was significantly correlated with neural discrimination in all four auditory fields. The diversity of speech responses across recordings sites was greater in posterior and ventral auditory fields compared with A1 and anterior auditor fields. These results suggest that, while the various auditory fields of the rat process speech sounds differently, neural activity in each field could be used to distinguish between consonant sounds with accuracy that closely parallels behavioral discrimination. Earlier observations in the visual and somatosensory systems that cortical neurons do not rely on spike timing should be reevaluated with more complex natural stimuli to determine whether spike timing contributes to sensory encoding.
Vascular transcriptional alterations produced by juvenile obesity in Ossabaw swine
Authors: Padilla Jaume , Jenkins Nathan T. , Lee Sewon , Zhang Hanrui , Cui Jian , Zuidema Mozow Y. , Zhang Cuihua , Hill Michael A. , Perfield James W. , Ibdah Jamal A. , Booth Frank W. , Davis J. Wade , Laughlin M. Harold , Rector R. Scott
Published: April 2013

We adopted a transcriptome-wide microarray analysis approach to determine the extent to which vascular gene expression is altered as a result of juvenile obesity and identify obesity-responsive mRNAs. We examined transcriptional profiles in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), perivascular fat adjacent to the LAD, and descending thoracic aorta between obese ( n = 5) and lean ( n = 6) juvenile Ossabaw pigs (age = 22 wk). Obesity was experimentally induced by feeding the animals a high-fat/high-fructose corn syrup/high-cholesterol diet for 16 wk. We found that expression of 189 vascular cell genes in the LAD and expression of 165 genes in the thoracic aorta were altered with juvenile obesity (false discovery rate ≤ 10%) with an overlap of only 28 genes between both arteries. Notably, a number of genes found to be markedly upregulated in the LAD of obese pigs are implicated in atherosclerosis, including ACP5, LYZ, CXCL14, APOE, PLA2G7, LGALS3, SPP1, ITGB2, CYBB, and P2RY12. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed the induction of proinflammatory and pro-oxidant pathways with obesity primarily in the LAD. Gene expression in the LAD perivascular fat was minimally altered with juvenile obesity. Together, we provide new evidence that obesity produces artery-specific changes in pretranslational regulation with a clear upregulation of proatherogenic genes in the LAD. Our data may offer potential viable drug targets and mechanistic insights regarding the molecular precursors involved in the origins of overnutrition and obesity-associated vascular disease. In particular, our results suggest that the oxidized LDL/LOX-1/NF-κB signaling axis may be involved in the early initiation of a juvenile obesity-induced proatherogenic coronary artery phenotype.
Modern Prospection for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy in Malignancies with Liver Metastases
Authors: Liang Yi-Hsin , Shao Yu-Yun , Chen Jia-Yi , Liang Po-Chin , Cheng Ann-Lii , Lin Zhong-Zhe
Published: April 2013

Malignancy with liver metastasis plays an important role in daily oncology practice, especially for primary cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatopancreatobiliary system. On account of the dual vascular supply system and the fact that most metastatic liver tumors are supplied by the hepatic artery, hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is an appealing method for the treatment of liver metastases. Herein, we summarize recent study results reported in the literature regarding the use of HAIC for metastatic liver tumors, with special focus on colorectal cancer.
Maltreatment‐Associated Psychiatric Problems: An Example of Environmentally Triggered ESSENCE?
Authors: Minnis Helen
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a new concept—maltreatment associated psychiatric problems (MAPP)—a syndrome of overlapping complex neurodevelopmental problems in children who have experienced abuse or neglect in early life. Children with MAPP are a hidden population in the community and, in clinical settings, their problems can seem overwhelming. Individual disorders associated with maltreatment are discussed as well as the overlap between these disorders and their shared environmental and genetic predisposing factors. Because of the complex and overlapping nature of MAPP, with symptoms emerging in early life, I argue that it should be considered an example of ESSENCE. Children presenting with likely MAPP should receive a comprehensive assessment, probing for symptoms of all of the ESSENCE disorders and leading to the use of evidence‐based treatments where these are available.
A Sound Processor for Cochlear Implant Using a Simple Dual Path Nonlinear Model of Basilar Membrane
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Choi Sung Jin , Kim Jin Ho
Published: April 2013

We propose a new active nonlinear model of the frequency response of the basilar membrane in biological cochlea called the simple dual path nonlinear (SDPN) model and a novel sound processing strategy for cochlear implants (CIs) based upon this model. The SDPN model was developed to utilize the advantages of the level-dependent frequency response characteristics of the basilar membrane for robust formant representation under noisy conditions. In comparison to the dual resonance nonlinear model (DRNL) which was previously proposed as an active nonlinear model of the basilar membrane, the SDPN model can reproduce similar level-dependent frequency responses with a much simpler structure and is thus better suited for incorporation into CI sound processors. By the analysis of dominant frequency component, it was confirmed that the formants of speech are more robustly represented after frequency decomposition by the nonlinear filterbank using SDPN, compared to a linear bandpass filter array which is used in conventional strategies. Acoustic simulation and hearing experiments in subjects with normal hearing showed that the proposed strategy results in better syllable recognition under speech-shaped noise compared to the conventional strategy based on fixed linear bandpass filters.
Rapid and Efficient Synthesis of Silver Nanofluid Using Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Lee Heng-Lin , Liao Chih-Yu , Chen Kuan-Chih , Lin Hong-Shiou
Published: April 2013

The electrical discharge machining (EDM) system has been proven feasible as a rapid and efficient method for silver nanofluid preparation. This study prepared the silver nano‐fluid via EDM and investigated the relationship between its process parameters and product characteristics. The prior study had found that the silver nano‐fluid prepared by EDM contained both silver nanoparticles and silver ions. Silver ions had revealed the cause of the high suspension of the silver nanoparticles. To examine the relationship between the stability of silver nanofluid and the process parameters, this study quantified the relationship of process parameters to the material removal rate (MRR) of silver electrode and silver ion output rate (IOR) in the fluid, in order to achieve the most effective process parameter condition. Furthermore, the stability of silver nano‐fluid was analyzed by various devices, including UV‐Vis spectroscopy, size‐distribution, and Zeta‐potential analyzer. The effects of MRR, IOR, particle size, Zeta‐potential, and optical properties of silver nanofluid under different process parameters are also discussed.
Differences in Metabolites of Different Tongue Coatings in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Zhao Yu , Gou Xiao-jun , Dai Jian-ye , Peng Jing-hua , Feng Qin , Sun Shu-jun , Cao Hui-juan , Zheng Ning-ning , Fang Jun-wei , Jiang Jian , Su Shi-bing , Liu Ping , Hu Yi-yang , Zhang Yong-yu
Published: April 2013

Tongue coating is one of the important foundations of tongue diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and plays an important role in reflecting the occurrence, development, and prognosis of the disease. However, its material basis is still poorly understood. In this study, a urinary metabonomic method based on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed. The distinct clustering in metabolic profile was observed from Group A (thick yellow coating in patients with chronic hepatitis B), Group B (thick white coating in patients with chronic hepatitis B), and Group C (thin white coating with healthy humans) using orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS). Based on the variable of importance in the project (VIP) values, some significantly changed metabolites have been identified. These changes were related to the disturbance in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and gut microflora, which were helpful to understand the material basis leading to the formation of tongue coating. This study demonstrated that tongue coating may have an objective material basis.
Potentiostatic Deposition and Characterization of Cuprous Oxide Thin Films
Authors: El-Shaer A. , Abdelwahed A. R.
Published: April 2013

Electrodeposition technique was employed to deposit cuprous oxide Cu2O thin films. In this work, Cu2O thin films have been grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) transparent conducting glass as a substrate by potentiostatic deposition of cupric acetate. The effect of deposition time on the morphologies, crystalline, and optical quality of Cu2O thin films was investigated.
Ionic Liquids Applied to Improve the Dispersion of Coagent Particles in an Elastomer
Authors: Maciejewska Magdalena , Zaborski Marian
Published: April 2013

The aim of this work was to study the activity of several ionic liquids (alkylimidazolium salts) that are used to improve the dispersion of coagent particles in peroxide-cross-linked hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene elastomer (HNBR). Hydrotalcite grafted with monoallyl maleate was applied as a coagent for the HNBR vulcanization. In this paper, we discuss the effect of the ionic liquids (alkylimidazolium salts) with respect to their anion (bromide, chloride, tetrafluoroborate, and hexafluorophosphate) and the length of alkyl chain in the cation (allyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, hexyl-, and octyl-) on the vulcanization kinetics of rubber compounds. The influence of ionic liquids on the cross-link density, the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates, and their resistance to weather ageing were also studied. Alkylimidazolium salts seem to improve the dispersion of the coagent particles and to be active in the cross-linking of HNBR with peroxide. The type of ionic liquid considerably influences the activity of the coagent particles toward the HNBR. The application of ionic liquids increases the cross-link density of the vulcanizates and improves their resistance to weather aging.
The Heart-Placenta Axis in the First Month of Pregnancy: Induction and Prevention of Cardiovascular Birth Defects
Authors: Linask Kersti K.
Published: April 2013

Extrapolating from animal studies to human pregnancy, our studies showed that folate (FA) deficiency as well as one-time exposure to environmental factors in the first two to three weeks of human gestation can result in severe congenital heart defects (CHDs). Considering that approximately 49% of pregnancies are unplanned, this period of pregnancy can be considered high-risk for cardiac, as well as for neural, birth defects, as the woman usually is not aware of her pregnancy and may not yet be taking precautionary actions to protect the developing embryo. Using avian and mouse vertebrate models, we demonstrated that FA supplementation prevents CHD induced by alcohol, lithium, or elevation of the metabolite homocysteine, a marker for FA deficiency. All three factors affected the important Wnt signaling pathway by suppressing Wnt-mediated gene expression in the heart fields, resulting in a delay of cardiomyocyte migration, cardiomyogenesis, and CHD. Optimal protection of cardiogenesis was observed to occur with FA supplementation provided upon morning after conception and at higher doses than the presently available in prenatal vitamin supplementation. Our studies demonstrate pathways and cell processes that are involved with protection of one-carbon metabolism during heart development.
Cloud Computing Platform for an Online Model Library System
Authors: Chen Mingang , Cai Wenjun , Ma Lizhuang
Published: April 2013

The rapid developing of digital content industry calls for online model libraries. For the efficiency, user experience, and reliability merits of the model library, this paper designs a Web 3D model library system based on a cloud computing platform. Taking into account complex models, which cause difficulties in real-time 3D interaction, we adopt the model simplification and size adaptive adjustment methods to make the system with more efficient interaction. Meanwhile, a cloud-based architecture is developed to ensure the reliability and scalability of the system. The 3D model library system is intended to be accessible by online users with good interactive experiences. The feasibility of the solution has been tested by experiments.
On Resistance and Inductance of Solid Conductors
Authors: Coufal Oldřich
Published: April 2013

The concepts of resistance and inductance are strewn with misunderstanding and errors that result from inaccurate terminology, mistakes in their definitions, and from the fact that they are quantities that characterize elements of ideal electrical circuits as well as real solid conductors. This is shown unfavourably not only in the respective field of the theory of electrical engineering, but also in the calculation of resistance and inductance. In this paper, a brief theoretical analysis of the state of the art is given, and its results are applied in the calculation of the current density, resistance, and inductance of two coaxial solid tubular conductors.
Averaging Tesseral Effects: Closed Form Relegation versus Expansions of Elliptic Motion
Authors: Lara Martin , San-Juan Juan F. , López-Ochoa Luis M.
Published: April 2013

Longitude-dependent terms of the geopotential cause nonnegligible short-period effects in orbit propagation of artificial satellites. Hence, accurate analytical and semianalytical theories must cope with tesseral harmonics. Modern algorithms for dealing analytically with them allow for closed formrelegation. Nevertheless, current procedures for the relegation of tesseral effects from subsynchronous orbits are unavoidably related to orbit eccentricity, a key fact that is not enough emphasized and constrains application of this technique to small and moderate eccentricities. Comparisons with averaging procedures based on classical expansions of elliptic motion are carried out, and the pros and cons of each approach are discussed.
On Perturbation of ConvolutedC-Regularized Operator Families
Authors: Li Fang , Liang Jin , Xiao Ti-Jun , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2013

Of concern are two classes of convolutedC-regularized operator families: convolutedC-cosine operator families and convolutedC-semigroups. We obtain new and general multiplicative and additive perturbation theorems for these convolutedC-regularized operator families. Two examples are given to illustrate our abstract results.
A New Species of Tarantula Spider in the Genus Lyrognathus Pocock 1895 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Sumatra
Authors: Nunn Steven C. , West Rick C.
Published: April 2013

A new species is described in the tarantula genus Lyrognathus Pocock 1895, being the first record of this taxon from Sumatra, Indonesia. Lyrognathus giannisposatoi sp. nov. is also unique in its habitat selection, being the first confirmed lowland species from this genus. A new key to Lyrognathus species is provided, and a biogeography of the group is briefly discussed.
Two Pilot Studies of the Effect of Bicycling on Balance and Leg Strength among Older Adults
Authors: Rissel Chris , Passmore Erin , Mason Chloe , Merom Dafna
Published: April 2013

Objectives. Study 1 examines whether age-related declines in balance are moderated by bicycling. Study 2 tests whether regular cycling can increase leg strength and improve balance.Methods.Study 1: a cross-sectional survey of 43 adults aged 44–79 was conducted. Leg strength was measured, and Balance was measured using the choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) test (decision time and response time), leg strength and timed single leg standing.Study 2: 18 older adults aged 49–72 were recruited into a 12-week cycling program. The same pre- and postmeasures as used in Study 1 were collected.Results.Study 1: participants who had cycled in the last month performed significantly better on measures of decision time and response time.Study 2: cycling at least one hour a week was associated with significant improvements in balance (decision time and response time) and timed single leg standing.Conclusions. Cycling by healthy older adults appears promising for improving risk factors for falls.
A Reliable Data Collection Protocol Based on Erasure-Resilient Code in Asymmetric Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lei Jian-Jun , Park Taehyun , Kwon Gu-In
Published: April 2013

This paper presents RECPE, a reliable collection protocol for aggregating data packets from all the sensor nodes to the sink in a large-scale WSN (wireless sensor network). Unlike some well-known reliable data collection protocols such as CTP (Collection Tree Protocol) that uses ETX (expected transmission count) as the routing metric, RECPE exploits ETF (expected transmission count over forward links) to construct a one-way collection tree, which avoids missing some good routes and reduces the effect of asymmetric link in the network. Crucially, RECPE guarantees the reliability by erasure-resilient codes in the application layer without retransmission required by other reliable protocols. Therefore, some lower layers such as data link layer only need to conduct best-effort data delivery. Meanwhile, to improve efficiency, RECPE also exploits Trickle algorithm to reduce routing beacons and pipeline data delivery to prevent self-interference. We evaluate the performance of RECPE via TOSSIM simulations, and our results show that, in comparison with CTP (the de facto data collection protocol for TinyOS), RECPE can obtain significant performance in terms of delivery cost, latency, and packet loss rate for reliable data collection especially in asymmetric link networks.
A Hybrid Approach for Coordinated Formation Control of Multiple Surface Vessels
Authors: Fu Mingyu , Jiao Jianfang
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the coordination control of multiple marine vessels in different operational modes. Based on hybrid control theory, a novel coordinated formation control approach is proposed. The proposed method comprises several continuous state controllers and discrete event logics. Continuous controllers for coordinated formation, coordinated dynamic positioning and coordinated path following are designed, and an appropriate weighting function is given to switch between these controllers according to initiated commands. In order to ensure the security of coordination operations of vessels in arbitrary initial locations, the supervisory switching control method is employed in the integrated coordination control system where all the controllers are governed by a supervisor. The effectiveness of the proposed coordinated formation control approach is finally illustrated by simulations.
An Update on Antitumor Activity of Naturally Occurring Chalcones
Authors: Zhang En-Hui , Wang Ru-Feng , Guo Shu-Zhen , Liu Bin
Published: April 2013

Chalcones, which have characteristic 1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-one skeleton, are mainly produced in roots, rhizomes, heartwood, leaves, and seeds of generaAngelica, Sophora, Glycyrrhiza, Humulus, Scutellaria, Parartocarpus, Ficus, Dorstenia, Morus, Artocarpus, and so forth. They have become of interest in the research and development of natural antitumor agents over the past decades due to their broad range of mechanisms including anti-initiation, induction of apoptosis, antiproliferation, antimetastasis, antiangiogenesis, and so forth. This review summarizes the studies on the antitumor activity of naturally occurring chalcones and their underlying mechanisms in detail during the past decades.
Gastrointestinal and Hepatotoxicity Assessment of an Anticancer Extract from Muricid Molluscs
Authors: Westley Chantel B. , Benkendorff Kirsten , McIver Cassandra M. , Le Leu Richard K. , Abbott Catherine A.
Published: April 2013

Marine molluscs from the family Muricidae are under development as a potential medicinal food for the prevention of colon cancer and treatment of gynaecological cancers. Here we report the outcome of the firstin vivotoxicity assessment on an anticancer extract from a muricid mollusc containing brominated indole derivatives. Mice received the concentrated lipophilic extract by daily oral gavage over a two-week period. Mortality or clinical toxicity symptoms resulting from the extract were not detected during the trial, and there was no difference in the body weight of treated and control mice at the end of the trial. Histological analysis revealed some evidence for mild, idiosyncratic effects on the gastrointestinal tract and liver, including necrosis, fatty change, and inflammation in a small proportion (<40%) of mice. This is likely to result from first-pass hepatic metabolism of tyrindoxyl sulphate combined with second-pass metabolism of indoles. Overall however, oral administration of muricid extract containing brominated indoles does not result in severe clinical toxicity.
The Difference of Brain Functional Connectivity between Eyes-Closed and Eyes-Open Using Graph Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Tan Bo , Kong Xianxian , Yang Ping , Jin Zhenlan , Li Ling
Published: April 2013

To study the differences in functional brain networks between eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) at resting state, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded in 21 normal adults during EC and EO states. The synchronization likelihood (SL) was applied to measure correlations between all pairwise EEG channels, and then the SL matrices were converted to graphs by thresholding. Graphs were measured by topological parameters in theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (14–30 Hz) bands. By changing from EC to EO states, mean cluster coefficients decreased in both theta and alpha bands, but mean shortest path lengths became shorter only in the alpha band. In addition, local efficiencies decreased in both theta and alpha bands, while global efficiencies in the alpha band increased inversely. Opening the eyes decreased both nodes and connections in frontal area in the theta band, and also decreased those in bilateral posterior areas in the alpha band. These results suggested that a combination of the SL and graph theory methods may be a useful tool for distinguishing states of EC and EO. The differences in functional connectivity between EC and EO states may reflect the difference of information communication in human brain.
Recent Developments in Microbial Biotransformation and Biodegradation of Dioxins
Authors: Chang Yoon-Seok
Published: April 2013

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), commonly known as dioxins (PCDD/Fs), are toxic environmental pollutants formed from various sources. Elimination of these pollutants from the environment is a difficult task due to their persistent and ubiquitous nature. Removal of dioxins by biological degradation (biodegradation) is considered a feasible method as an alternative to other expensive physicochemical approaches. Biodegradation of dioxins has been extensively studied in several microorganisms, and details concerning biodiversity, biodegradation, biochemistry and molecular biology of this process have accumulated during the last three decades. There are several microbial mechanisms responsible for biodegradation of dioxins, including oxidative degradation by dioxygenase-containing aerobic bacteria, bacterial and fungal cytochrome P-450, fungal lignolytic enzymes, reductive dechlorination by anaerobic bacteria, and direct ether ring cleavage by fungi containing etherase-like enzymes. Many attempts have been made to bioremediate PCDD/Fs using this basic knowledge of microbial dioxin degradation. This review emphasizes the present knowledge and recent advancements in the microbial biotransformation, biodegradation and bioremediation of dioxins.
Expansion of the Spectrum of FLNA Mutations Associated with Melnick-Needles Syndrome
Authors: Foley C. , Roberts K. , Tchrakian N. , Morgan T. , Fryer A. , Robertson S.P. , Tubridy N.
Published: April 2013

Melnick-Needles syndrome (MNS) is a rare X-linked bone dysplasia characterised by facial dysmorphology and radiographic abnormalities [Melnick and Needles, 1966;97:39–48]. Previously, all published cases of MNS were associated with only 4 mutations [Robertson et al., 2003;33:487–491; Santos et al., 2010;152A:726–731], all localised within exon 22 of FLNA, the gene encoding the cytoskeletal protein filamin A. Here we report 3 new mutations in FLNA that are associated with MNS. One affected member of the first family with the mutation p.Y1229S presented with a stroke while this patient’s daughter, previously known to be affected from a young age, developed multiple sclerosis. A second unrelated patient with a typical phenotype is shown to have the mutation c.1054G>T (p.G352W) within exon 7 of FLNA. A third individual with an atypical presentation but radiological findings very similar to those seen in classic MNS has a deletion likely to affect residues within repeat domain 14. These findings indicate that the mutational spectrum for MNS is wider than previously appreciated and has implications for genetic testing strategies employed to confirm a diagnosis of this rare disorder.
Mechanisms of Injury to the Preterm Lung and Airway: Implications for Long-Term Pulmonary Outcome
Authors: Reyburn Brent , Martin Richard J. , Prakash Y.S. , MacFarlane Peter M.
Published: April 2013

Despite changes in the epidemiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), longer-term morbidity, particularly in the form of airway dysfunction, remains a substantial problem in former preterm infants. The stage for this respiratory morbidity may begin as early as the transition from fetal to neonatal life. Newer therapeutic approaches for BPD should be directed toward minimizing this longer-term respiratory morbidity. Neonatal animal models focused primarily on hyperoxic exposure may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of longer-term airway hyperreactivity in this population.
A Randomized Study of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator Versus Dual-Chamber Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy With Narrow QRS
Authors: Muto Carmine , Solimene Francesco , Gallo Paolo , Nastasi Maurizio , La Rosa Concetto , Calvanese Raimondo , Iengo Raffaele , Canciello Michelangelo , Sangiuolo Raffaele , Diemberger Igor , Ciardiello Carmine , Tuccillo Bernardino
Published: April 2013

Background—

Current recommendations require a QRS duration of ≥120 ms as a condition for prescribing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This study was designed to test the hypothesis that patients with heart failure (HF) of ischemic origin, current indications for defibrillator implantation, and QRS <120 ms may benefit from CRT in the presence of marked mechanical dyssynchrony.

Methods and Results—

Patients with intraventricular dyssynchrony on echocardiography were randomly assigned to CRT or dual-chamber defibrillator implantation (CRT defibrillator and dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator arm, respectively). The primary end point was the HF clinical composite response, which scores patients as improved, unchanged, or worsened. The secondary end point was the cumulative survival from HF hospitalization and HF death. An additional secondary end point was the composite of HF hospitalization, HF death, and spontaneous ventricular fibrillation. Twenty-three of 56 patients with CRT defibrillator showed an improvement in their clinical composite response at 1 year, compared with 9 of 55 patients with dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (41% versus 16%;
P
=0.004). After a median follow-up of 16 months, the CRT defibrillator arm showed a nonsignificant higher survival from HF hospitalization and HF death (
P
=0.077), and a significantly higher survival from the combined end point of HF hospitalization, HF death, and spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (
P
=0.028).

Conclusions—

In this comparison of CRT defibrillator and dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, CRT improved clinical status in some patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, mild-to-moderate symptoms, narrow QRS duration, and mechanical dyssynchrony on echocardiography.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01577446.
Determining a “Reasonable” Implementation Timeline for Developing Countries in WTO Disputes: An Appraisal of Special Treatment Commitments in DSU Article 21.3 (c) Arbitrations
Authors: Zaman Khorsed
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU) prescribes three different types of arbitration which are ancillary to the Panel and Appellate Body functions of the WTO dispute settlement system (DSS). These are the arbitrations for determining the implementation timeline under Article 21.3 (c) of the DSU and two other types of arbitration under Articles 21.5 and 22.6. This article focuses on some specific approaches and functions of Article 21.3 (c) arbitrations and examines the procedural actions which are related to determining a suitable implementation time for developing countries. It investigates the consistency and coherence of practice in selected arbitral awards in which developing countries claimed “particular attention” either as complainant or as implementing parties. This article points out that the lack of specific guidelines in the DSU is the substantial cause for arbitrators’ noncompliance with Article 21.2 provisions in Article 21.3 (c) arbitrations, which questions the procedural fairness of such arbitrations. This situation, amongst others, reiterates the urgent necessity to amend the relevant DSU rules.
The Argumentative Dimension to the EU-Africa EPAs
Authors: Hurt Stephen R. , Lee Donna , Lorenz-Carl Ulrike
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Not only is the participation of developing countries in international trade negotiations growing, so is their influence over the global trade agenda. This article highlights the increasing activism and impact of African states through a detailed study of the current Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) negotiations with the European Union (EU). In examining African resistance to EPAs, the article develops a constructivist approach to North-South trade negotiations that pays close attention to the role of development discourses. We argue that the growing willingness of African states to challenge the EU to deliver on its development promises during the decade-long EPA process was crucial to informing their sustained opposition to the EU’s goal of completing a comprehensive set of sub-regional economic agreements. We document African resistance to EU trade diplomacy in the EPAs, exploring how these otherwise weak countries were able to pursue normative-based negotiation strategies by recourse to the EU’s promise of a ‘development partnership.’
Anthropogenic extinction of Pacific land snails: A case study of Rurutu, French Polynesia, with description of eight new species of endodontids (Pulmonata)
Authors: SARTORI ANDRÉ F. , GARGOMINY OLIVIER , FONTAINE BENOÎT
Published: April 2013

Faunistic surveys are fundamental in the conservation of land mollusks, particularly as a means of achieving accurate es-timates of species richness and levels of extinction of endangered taxa. The family Endodontidae comprises one of the most diverse groups of indigenous land snails of Pacific Islands. Due to anthropogenic degradation of their habitats, most members of the family are now extinct or severely endangered. In Rurutu, French Polynesia, 11 species of Endodontidae were previously described (10 endemics), but only 1 is known to have been extant during the first half of the 20th Century. Extensive collections made in Rurutu in 2003 recovered only empty shells of these 11 species, as well as of an additional 8 endemic species of endodontids not known to previous investigators: Australdonta oheatora sp. nov., A. anneae sp. nov., A. sibleti sp. nov., A. florencei sp. nov., A. pakalolo sp. nov., A. teaae sp. nov., Minidonta boucheti sp. nov. and M. bieleri sp. nov. The radiation of endodontids in Rurutu was thus much larger than previously envisaged. However, we hypothesize that all species of the family are now extinct in the island.
Systematics of the lace bug genus Cottothucha Drake and Poor (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) with description of the first Australian species and its exaggerated nymph
Authors: RUNAGALL-MCNAULL AIDAN , CASSIS GERASIMOS
Published: April 2013

The lace bug genus Cottothucha is redescribed. Cottothucha kalathis from Australia is described as new to science. The fifth instar for C. kalathis is described and illustrated. Cottothucha minor and Cottothucha oceanae are redescribed. The male genitalia of these species are illustrated. The pronotal cyst is compared between the species and its evolution is dis-cussed. The genus is maintained within the lace bug tribe Litadeini based on an enlarged tarsal segment.
Diramus, a new genus of the leafhopper subfamily Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with description of three new species from Thailand
Authors: WANG YANG , WEI CONG , ZHANG YALIN
Published: April 2013

Diramus, gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae), and three new species, Diramus khaokus sp. nov., Diramus nigromaculatus sp. nov. and Diramus uncatus sp. nov., are described from Thailand. The differences between the new genus and the closely related genus Bundera Distant is discussed.
Using CFD to Understand Multiphase and Wet Gas Measurement
Authors: Barton Neil , Parry Andrew
Published: April 2013

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow modelling has proved to be a useful tool in single-phase flow metering. More recently, the increase in computer power has made multiphase models viable. However, there is a range of modelling approaches, which makes practical simulation of the behaviour of multiphase and wet gas flows in metering and/or sampling devices as much an art as a science.

This paper introduces alternative modelling approaches to show what can be achieved using CFD modelling and to highlight the limitations of the technique. A series of case studies are presented in which CFD analysis has been used to study the following issues in multiphase and wet gas measurement or sampling:

Effects of heavy oil multiphase flow in a Venturi Behaviour of multiphase swirl flow in a Venturi Modelling of wet gas flows in Venturis, cone meters, and orifice plates Effective sampling methods
Improving waste segregation while reducing costs in a tertiary-care hospital in a lower–middle-income country in Central America
Authors: Johnson Kyle M , González Miriam L , Dueñas Lourdes , Gamero Mario , Relyea George , Luque Laura E , Caniza Miguela A
Published: April 2013

Healthcare waste (HCW) management and segregation are essential to ensure safety, environmental protection and cost control. Poor HCW management increase risks and costs for healthcare institutions. On-going surveillance and training are important to maintain good HCW practices. Our objectives were to evaluate and improve HCW practices at Hospital Bloom, San Salvador, El Salvador. We studied HCW disposal practices by observing waste containers, re-segregating waste placed in biohazardous waste bags, and administering a seven-itemsknowledge survey before and after training in waste management at Hospital Bloom. The training was based on national and international standards. We followed total biohazardous waste production before and after the training. The hospital staff was knowledgeable about waste segregation practices, but had poor compliance with national policies. Re-segregating waste in biohazardous waste bags showed that 61% of this waste was common waste, suggesting that the staff was possibly unaware of the cost of mis-segregating healthcare waste. After staff training in HCW management, the correct responses increased by 44% and biohazardous waste disposal at the hospital reduced by 48%. Better segregation of biohazardous waste and important savings can be obtained by HCW management education of hospital staff. Hospitals can benefit from maximising the use of available resources by sustaining best practices of HCW, especially those in hospitals in lower–middle-income countries.
Differences Between South Korean Male and Female Consumers in the Clothing Brand Loyalty Formation Process: Model Testing
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Koh Aeran
Published: April 2013

Although considerable research on brand loyalty has been conducted, few attempts have been made to integrate the results of previous studies. This study focuses on causal relationships among brand loyalty-related variables, such as consumer knowledge, product involvement, perceived risk, information search, and consumer satisfaction, in an effort to integrate results of previous studies. The purpose of this study was to propose a model of clothing brand loyalty formation considering the five brand loyalty-related variables simultaneously, and to examine gender differences in the process of clothing brand loyalty formation. Participants were 505 Korean consumers with college or graduate degrees; all were white-collar workers in their twenties and thirties living in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and a proposed model was tested by LISREL. The results indicated that consumer knowledge, product involvement, and perceived risk indirectly influence brand loyalty through the mediating variables of information search and consumer satisfaction. Information search and consumer satisfaction directly influence brand loyalty. The major gender difference was that the most influential variable in information search was perceived risk for men, whereas product involvement was the most influential variable for women.