bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluative Measurement Properties of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale for Primary Shoulder Complaints in Physical Therapy Practice
Authors: Koehorst Marije L.S. , van Trijffel Emiel , Lindeboom Robert
Published: July 2014

Study Design

Clinical measurement, longitudinal.

Objectives

To assess the test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in patients with a primary shoulder complaint.

Background

Health measurement outcomes have become increasingly important for evaluating treatment. Patient-specific questionnaires are useful tools for determining treatment goals and evaluating treatment in individual patients. These questionnaires have not yet been validated in patients with nonspecific shoulder pain.

Methods

Patients completed the PSFS, the numeric pain rating scale, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at baseline, and after 1 week and 4 to 6 weeks. Test-retest reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients. To assess convergent validity, change scores of the PSFS were correlated with the numeric pain rating scale and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index change scores. Responsiveness was assessed by calculating the area under the curve, the minimal clinically important change, and minimal detectable change, using the global rating of change as an external criterion.

Results

Fifty patients (37 men; mean age, 47.7 years) participated in the study. Reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72, 0.94). The correlations between the change scores of the PSFS and those of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and numeric pain rating scale were 0.45 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.80) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.73), respectively. The area under the curve for the PSFS was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.83). The minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important change were 0.97 and 1.29 points, respectively.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the PSFS is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument that can be used as an evaluative instrument in patients with a primary shoulder complaint. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(8):595–603. Epub 16 July 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5133
Sahibqirani: An Ideal of Kingship and Manhood in the Romance of Amir Hamza
Authors: Shirazi Quratulain
Published: July 2014

The ideals of manhood have been celebrated in all cultures through interesting stories of adventure, warfare, and love. The concept of Sahibqiran as an ideal king and world conqueror remained ingrained in the consciousness of the Muslim ruling elite as well as in the common reader’s sensibility throughout Islamic history and across the widespread Islamic territories from the Arabian Peninsula to the South Asian subcontinent. This article analyzes the concept of Sahibqirani as illustrated by the compositional techniques and thematic devices employed by storytellers of an oral narrative titled Dastan-e-Amir Hamza Sahibqiran (1855). It explores the historical, political, and cultural backdrop of the honorific Sahibqiran and its romanticization in popular Islamic literature. The Adventures of Amir Hamza: Lord of the Auspicious Planetary Conjunction (2007) is an English translation of Dastan-e-Amir Hamza Sahibqiran. The work is the longest romance cycle in Urdu, comprising a forty-six-volume written record of an oral storytelling tradition. The stories in this work are centered on the heroics of Amir Hamza, a fictitious character with complex historical and religious affiliations. As a popular Indo-Islamic romance, it combines history, religion, and culture. This article explores the ideals of manhood and kingship as depicted in this romance and introduces a non-native speaker of Urdu to a new world of collective imagination informed by history, religion, and culture.
The Politics of a Praying Nation: The Presidential Prayer Team and Christian Right Sexual Morality
Authors: Burack Cynthia
Published: July 2014

Many contemporary Christian conservative projects provide a context for and invitation to believers to engage in intercessory prayer or to serve as “prayer warriors” for causes and public policies that organizations and institutions advocate. One of these is the Presidential Prayer Team, a project that encourages prayer for the president and for public officials. Because the Presidential Prayer Team is a delivery system for Christian conservative political commitments and goals, analyzing it provides information about the variety of quotidian ways in which Christian conservative political values and goals are rhetorically packaged and delivered to followers and those who are likely converts to the conservative theology and politics of the Christian right. In this article I focus on the ways in which the Presidential Prayer Team engages in priming with regard to issues of sexual morality, and particularly political issues related to LGBTQ rights and issues.
“Othering” and “Others” in Religious Radio Broadcasts in Tanzania: Cases from Radio Maria Tanzania and Radio Imaan
Authors: Ng’atigwa Francis Xavier
Published: July 2014

This article presents part of the findings of ongoing research on two religious radio stations and their audiences in Tanzania: Radio Maria Tanzania, owned by the Association of Radio Maria Tanzania; and Radio Imaan, owned by the Islamic Foundation based in Tanzania. Investments in religious radio stations are a product of the liberalization of the broadcasting sector which took effect in the 1990s in Tanzania. As a result of the liberalization, as of July 2011 the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority had registered seventy-five radio stations, twenty-six of which were owned by religious organizations. The proliferation of religious radio stations in Tanzania has changed the media landscape as well as Julius Nyerere’s Ujamaa version of African socialism. Nyerere’s socialism prohibited private media and the inclusion of aspects of ethnicity and religion in the public domain because of their divisive tendencies. Conceptualized by Spivak’s theory of othering, this article examines the othering strategies and “others” in increasingly religious radio stations. The collection of data for this study was done through interviews, qualitative content analysis, and discourse analysis. The findings show that the proliferation of religious radio stations in Tanzania perpetuates the othering tendency of religions to the extent of threatening the peace and unity Tanzania has experienced since independence in 1961.
hydrolysis of Scutellarin and Related Glycosides to Scutellarein and the Corresponding Aglycones
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yi Dong , Gao Kai , Liu Manshuo , Yang Jian , Liao Xiali , Yang Bo
Published: July 2014

Scutellarein has been prepared by the hydrolysis of scutellarin with sulfuric acid to provide this biologically important rare flavone in up to > 90% yield and on the 5 g scale in minutes. This protocol has been applied to five other flavonoid glycosides (rutin, hesperidin, naringin, baicalin and diosmin) which are readily hydrolysed to their corresponding aglycones.
Preparation, Structure, Fluorescence and Tddft calculation of a Zinc Biimidazole Complex
Authors: Chen Wen-Tong , Huang Jian-Gen , Luo Zhi-Yang , Luo Qiu-Yan , Xu Ya-Ping , Yao Zhong-Liang
Published: July 2014

The complex [Zn(2,2'-biimidazole)2H2O]4(SO4)4·12H2O has been synthesised by solvothermal reaction and structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The zinc ion coordinates to four nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom to yield a slightly distorted square pyramid. The [Zn(2,2'-biimidazole)2H2O]2+ cations and SO42– anions link to each other by hydrogen-bonding interactions to complete a three-dimensional supramolecular framework. The complex exhibits an emission in the blue region and theoretical investigation reveals that the emission mainly originates from ligand-to-ligand charge transfer, accompanied some ligand-to-metal charge transfer.
Practical synthesis of 2,3-Dimethoxy-6-Methyl-1,4-Benzoquinone-5-Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Fan Lei , Chen Hai-Yan , Gao Xiao-Qiang , Gao Xiao-Juan
Published: July 2014

2,3-Dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone-5-carboxylic acid was prepared in high yield by a reaction sequence starting from 2,3,4,5-tetramethoxytoluene (1) via a Blanc reaction, potassium dichromate oxidation, 30% H2O2 oxidation and ceric ammonium nitrate oxidation.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic characterisation of Two Naphthylmethyl Derivatives Tolylazoimidazole
Authors: Jiang Shuang-Shuang , Qiu Jiang-Hong , Jin Chuan-Ming
Published: July 2014

Two tolylazoimidazole derivatives, N 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-( p-tolylazo)imidazole and N 1, N 3-bis(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-( p-tolylazo)imidazolium perchlorate containing the 2-naphthylmethyl substituted groups were prepared and characterised by EA, IR, ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of N 1, N 3-bis(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-( p-tolylazo)imidazolium perchlorate was determined by X-ray diffraction. The photo responsive results showed that N 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-( p-tolylazo) imidazole present perfectly reversible trans– cis photoisomerisation by irradiation at 365 nm and 456 nm, with significantly lower quantum yield 0.19 and 0.04. However, N 1, N 3-bis(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-( p-tolylazo)imidazolium perchlorate does not undergo photoisomerisation.
Conversion of N-Benzyloxycarbonylamino- and N-Tosylamino-Benzyl Phenylsulfones by Green Strecker Reactions to α-Aminobenzyl Nitriles Using Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(II)
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Li Rongzhi , Li Zheng
Published: July 2014

The cyanation of aldimines, generated in situ from N-benzyloxycarbonylamino- and N-tosylamino-benzyl phenylsulfones, to the corresponding N-protected α-aminobenzyl nitriles has been achieved by eco-friendly Strecker reactions using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as a cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter, and potassium hydroxide as a base. The protocol has the advantages of using a nontoxic, nonvolatile and inexpensive cyanating agent, employing a simple work-up procedure and producing high yields.
Synthesis and Anticholinesterase Inhibitory activity of Mannich Base derivatives of Flavonoids
Authors: Duan Keke , Liu Haoran , Fan Haoqun , Zhang Jing , Wang Qiuan
Published: July 2014

Hesperidin-derived 2'-hydroxy-3,4,4’,6'-tetramethoxy-chalcone and 5-hydroxy-7,3’,4'-trimethoxy-flavone underwent reaction with formaldehyde and a series of secondary amines producing 11 new Mannich base derivatives of flavonoids. The aminomethylation occurred preferentially at the C-3’ position of the chalcone and at the C-6 position of flavone. These aminated derivatives of flavonoids were evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the results showed that two of them exhibited excellent AChE inhibitory activity.
1-(Phenylamino)Pseudo-Mauveine: A New Water Soluble Phenazine Dye
Authors: Plater M. John , Jackson Toby
Published: July 2014

1-(Phenylamino)pseudo-mauveine was prepared by the oxidation of 1,3,5-tris(phenylamino)benzene and p-phenylenediamine with potassium dichromate. The absorption maximum of 535 nm is shifted hypsochromically by about 20 nm compared to that for pseudo-mauveine. Condensation of 1,3,5-tris(phenylamino)benzene with 4-nitrosodiphenylamine under strongly acidic conditions gave 1,3,7-tris(phenylamino)-5-phenylphenazinium sulfate and 10-phenyl-6,8-bis(phenylamino)-2,10-dihydrophenazin-2-one.
Cu(I)-Catalysed coupling of Arylsulfinic Salts with Aryl Bromides
Authors: Peng Yao
Published: July 2014

An efficient Cu(I)-catalysed synthesis of diaryl sulfones from arylsulfinic acid salts and aryl bromides in 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone at 80 °C in the presence of CuBr and pyridine has been developed. The high-yielding process exhibits significant functional group tolerance and allows for the preparation of a number of diaryl sulfones under mild conditions.
New Perspectives on Oxidized Genome Damage and Repair Inhibition by Pro-Oxidant Metals in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Mitra Joy , Guerrero Erika , Hegde Pavana , Wang Haibo , Boldogh Istvan , Rao Kosagi , Mitra Sankar , Hegde Muralidhar
Published: July 2014

The primary cause(s) of neuronal death in most cases of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are still unknown. However, the association of certain etiological factors, e.g., oxidative stress, protein misfolding/aggregation, redox metal accumulation and various types of damage to the genome, to pathological changes in the affected brain region(s) have been consistently observed. While redox metal toxicity received major attention in the last decade, its potential as a therapeutic target is still at a cross-roads, mostly because of the lack of mechanistic understanding of metal dyshomeostasis in affected neurons. Furthermore, previous studies have established the role of metals in causing genome damage, both directly and via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but little was known about their impact on genome repair. Our recent studies demonstrated that excess levels of iron and copper observed in neurodegenerative disease-affected brain neurons could not only induce genome damage in neurons, but also affect their repair by oxidatively inhibiting NEIL DNA glycosylases, which initiate the repair of oxidized DNA bases. The inhibitory effect was reversed by a combination of metal chelators and reducing agents, which underscore the need for elucidating the molecular basis for the neuronal toxicity of metals in order to develop effective therapeutic approaches. In this review, we have focused on the oxidative genome damage repair pathway as a potential target for reducing pro-oxidant metal toxicity in neurological diseases.
Inflammation, Cancer and Oxidative Lipoxygenase Activity are Intimately Linked
Authors: Wisastra Rosalina , Dekker Frank
Published: July 2014

Cancer and inflammation are intimately linked due to specific oxidative processes in the tumor microenvironment. Lipoxygenases are a versatile class of oxidative enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. An increasing number of arachidonic acid metabolites is being discovered and apart from their classically recognized pro-inflammatory effects, anti-inflammatory effects are also being described in recent years. Interestingly, these lipid mediators are involved in activation of pro-inflammatory signal transduction pathways such as the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, which illustrates the intimate link between lipid signaling and transcription factor activation. The identification of the role of arachidonic acid metabolites in several inflammatory diseases led to a significant drug discovery effort around arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes. However, to date success in this area has been limited. This might be attributed to the lack of selectivity of the developed inhibitors and to a lack of detailed understanding of the functional roles of arachidonic acid metabolites in inflammatory responses and cancer. This calls for a more detailed investigation of the activity of arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes and development of more selective inhibitors.
Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Extant Freshwater Ostracodes (Crustacea) in Ancient Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania)
Authors: Lorenschat Julia , Pérez Liseth , Correa-Metrio Alexander , Brenner Mark , Von Bramann Ullrich , Schwalb Antje
Published: July 2014

We carried out an intensive sampling survey in ancient Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania), covering all seasons, to determine total species number, relative species abundances and spatial distribution of Ostracoda. We identified 32 living species that belong to seven families (Candonidae, Ilyocyprididae, Cyprididae, Leptocytheridae, Limnocytheridae, Cytherideidae, and Darwinulidae) and 15 genera (Candona, Fabaeformiscandona, Candonopsis, Cypria, Cyclocypris, Ilyocypris, Eucypris, Prionocypris, Bradleystrandesia, Herpetocypris, Dolerocypris, Amnicythere, Paralimnocythere, Cytherissa, and Darwinula). Six additional species were identified from empty carapaces and valves. Dominant families in Lake Ohrid were Candonidae and Limnocytheridae, representing 53% and 16% of all species, respectively. Prevalence of species flocks in these two families confirms the “young” ancient status of the lake. Amnicythere displays a preference for oligo-haline to meso-haline waters, but some species are found in saline environments, which suggests Lake Ohrid has a marine history. Recent studies, however, indicate fluvial/glaciofluvial deposition at the onset of Lake Ohrid sedimentation. Candona is the most diverse genus in Lake Ohrid, represented by 12 living species. Paralimnocythere is represented by five living species and all other genera are represented by one or two species. Reports of Candona bimucronata, Ilyocypris bradyi, Eucypris virens, Eucypris sp., Prionocypris zenkeri, Bradleystrandesia reticulate, Herpetocypris sp. 2, and Dolerocypris sinensis are firsts for this lake. Living ostracodes were collected at the maximum water depth (280 m) in the lake (Candona hadzistei, C. marginatoides, C. media, C. ovalis, C. vidua, Fabaeformiscandona krstici, Cypria lacustris, C. obliqua and Amnicythere karamani). Cypria lacustris was overall the most abundant species and Cypria obliqua displayed the highest abundance at 280 m water depth. Principal environmental variables that influence ostracode distributions in Lake Ohrid are water depth and conductivity. In general, species richness, diversity and evenness were greater in waters <60 m deep, with highest values often found in the littoral zone, at depths <30 m. Candonids, however, displayed highest diversity in the sublittoral (30–50 m) and profundal (50–280 m) zones. The most frequent species encountered are taxa endemic to the lake (14 living species), which have a wide depth range (≤280 m), and display higher abundance with greater water depth. Non-endemic species were rare, limited to water depths <50 m, and were found mainly in the north part of the lake where anthropogenic pressure is high. Several cosmopolitan species were encountered for the first time, which suggests that these widespread species are new arrivals that may replace endemics as human impacts increase.
Multicarrier Spread Spectrum Modulation Schemes and Efficient FFT Algorithms for Cognitive Radio Systems
Authors: Sundararajan Mohandass , Govindaswamy Umamaheswari
Published: July 2014

Spread spectrum (SS) and multicarrier modulation (MCM) techniques are recognized as potential candidates for the design of underlay and interweave cognitive radio (CR) systems, respectively. Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) is a spread spectrum technique generally used in underlay CR systems. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is the basic MCM technique, primarily used in interweave CR systems. There are other MCM schemes derived from OFDM technique, like Non-Contiguous OFDM, Spread OFDM, and OFDM-OQAM, which are more suitable for CR systems. Multicarrier Spread Spectrum Modulation (MCSSM) schemes like MC-CDMA, MC-DS-CDMA and SS-MC-CDMA, combine DS-CDMA and OFDM techniques in order to improve the CR system performance and adaptability. This article gives a detailed survey of the various spread spectrum and multicarrier modulation schemes proposed in the literature. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) plays a vital role in all the multicarrier modulation techniques. The FFT part of the modem can be used for spectrum sensing. The performance of the FFT operator plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the system. Since the cognitive radio is an adaptive system, the FFT operator must also be adaptive for various input/output values, in order to save energy and time taken for execution. This article also includes the various efficient FFT algorithms proposed in the literature, which are suitable for CR systems.
Association between Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression and Neural Stem Cell Proliferation in the Hippocampus Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Ye Yuqin , Xu Hongyu , Zhang Xin , Li Ze , Jia Yanfeng , He Xiaosheng , Huang Jason
Published: July 2014

Whether or how neural stem cells (NSCs) respond to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in an inflammatory environment caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been understood. In the present study, association between TLR4 expression and NSCs proliferation in the hippocampus was investigated in a mouse model of TBI using controlled cortical impact (CCI). Hippocampal proliferating cells were labeled with the thymidine analog 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU). In order to identify NSCs, the proliferating cells were further co-labeled with BrdU/sex determination region of Y chromosome related high mobility group box gene 2 (SOX2). Morphological observation on the expression of BrdU, SOX2, and TLR4 in the hippocampus was performed by inmmunofluorescence (IF). Relative quantification of TLR4 expression at the protein and mRNA level was performed using Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was observed that BrdU+/SOX2+cells accounted for 95.80% ± 7.91% among BrdU+ cells; several BrdU+ cells and SOX2+ cells in the hippocampus were also TLR4-positive post injury, and that BrdU+ cell numbers, together with TLR4 expression at either protein or mRNA level, increased significantly in TBI mice over 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days survivals and changed in a similar temporal pattern with a peak at 3 day post-injury. These results indicate that hippocampal proliferating cells (suggestive of NSCs) expressed TLR4, and that there was a potential association between increased expression of TLR4 and the proliferation of NSCs post TBI. It is concluded that hippocampal TLR4 may play a potential role in endogenous neurogenesis after TBI.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) Induces Mouse Precartilaginous Stem Cell Proliferation through TGF-β Receptor II (TGFRII)-Akt-β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Cheng Li , Zhang Chengyu , Li Ding , Zou Jian , Wang Junfang
Published: July 2014

Precartilaginous stem cells (PSCs) could self-renew or differentiate into chondrocytes to promote bone growth. In the current study, we aim to understand the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in precartilaginous stem cell (PSC) proliferation, and to study the underlying mechanisms. We successfully purified and primary-cultured PSCs from the neonate mice’ perichondrial mesenchyme, and their phenotype was confirmed by the PSC marker fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR-3) overexpression. We found that TGF-β1 induced Akt-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation and β-catenin nuclear translocation in the mouse PSCs, which was almost blocked by TGF-β receptor-II (TGFRII) shRNA knockdown. Further, perifosine and MK-2206, two Akt-specific inhibitors, suppressed TGF-β1-induced GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin nuclear translocation. Akt inhibitors, as well as β-catenin shRNA knockdown largely inhibited TGF-β1-stimulated cyclin D1/c-myc gene transcription and mouse PSC proliferation. Based on these results, we suggest that TGF-β1 induces Akt activation to promote β-catenin nuclear accumulation, which then regulates cyclin D1/c-myc gene transcription to eventually promote mouse PSC proliferation.
Role of EZH2 Polymorphisms in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk in Han Chinese Population
Authors: Ma Zhen-Bin , Guo Guang-Hong , Niu Qiong , Shi Ning
Published: July 2014

Gene single nucleotide polymorphisms play a critical role in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between EZH2 gene polymorphisms and ESCC risk. We undertook a case-control study to analyze three EZH2 polymorphisms (148505302C > T, 2110 + 6A > C and 626 − 394T > C) in an Han Chinese population, by extraction of genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of 476 patients with ESCC and 492 control participants, and performed EZH2 genotyping using DNA sequencing. The obtained results indicated that overall, no statistically significant association was observed in 148505302C > T and 2110 + 6A > C. However, 626 − 394T > C genotype was at increased risk of ESCCs (p = 0.006; odds ratio (OR) = 1.131, CI 95%: 1.034–1.236). Moreover, 626 − 394C/C genotype ESCCs were more significantly common in patients with tumor size of >5 cm than T allele ESCC and in cases of poor differentiation and lower advanced pathological stage. In conclusion, polymorphism in 626 − 394T > C was observed to be associated with susceptibility of ESCC. Nevertheless, further investigation with a larger sample size is needed to support our results.
New Gold Nanostructures for Sensor Applications: A Review
Authors: Zhang Yuanchao , Chu Wendy , Foroushani Alireza , Wang Hongbin , Li Da , Liu Jingquan , Barrow Colin , Wang Xin , Yang Wenrong
Published: July 2014

Gold based structures such as nanoparticles (NPs) and nanowires (NWs) have widely been used as building blocks for sensing devices in chemistry and biochemistry fields because of their unusual optical, electrical and mechanical properties. This article gives a detailed review of the new properties and fabrication methods for gold nanostructures, especially gold nanowires (GNWs), and recent developments for their use in optical and electrochemical sensing tools, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
SAXS Studies of the Endoglucanase Cel12A from Gloeophyllum trabeum Show Its Monomeric Structure and Reveal the Influence of Temperature on the Structural Stability of the Enzyme
Authors: Miotto Lis , Dos Reis Caio , De Oliveira Neto Mario , Polikarpov Igor
Published: July 2014

Endoglucanases are key enzymes applied to the conversion of biomass aiming for second generation biofuel production. In the present study we obtained the small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) structure of the G. trabeum endo-1,4-β-glucanase Cel12A and investigated the influence of an important parameter, temperature, on both secondary and tertiary structure of the enzyme and its activity. The CD analysis for GtCel12A revealed that changes in the CD spectra starts at 55 °C and the Tm calculated from the experimental CD sigmoid curve using the Boltzmann function was 60.2 ± 0.6 °C. SAXS data showed that GtCel12A forms monomers in solution and has an elongated form with a maximum diameter of 60 ± 5 Å and a gyration radius of 19.4 ± 0.1 Å as calculated from the distance distribution function. Kratky analysis revealed that 60 °C is the critical temperature above which we observed clear indications of denaturation. Our results showed the influence of temperature on the stability and activity of enzymes and revealed novel structural features of GtCel12A.
Limit Cycles in Nonlinear Systems with Fractional Order Plants
Authors: Atherton Derek , Tan Nusret , Yeroglu Celaleddin , Kavuran Gürkan , Yüce Ali
Published: July 2014

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the study of feedback systems containing processes whose dynamics are best described by fractional order derivatives. Various situations have been cited for describing heat flow and aspects of bioengineering, where such models are believed to be superior. In many situations these feedback systems are not linear and information on their stability and the possibility of the existence of limit cycles is required. This paper presents new results for determining limit cycles using the approximate describing function method and an exact method when the nonlinearity is a relay characteristic.
The Effect of Mini-PEG-Based Spacer Length on Binding and Pharmacokinetic Properties of a 68Ga-Labeled NOTA-Conjugated Antagonistic Analog of Bombesin
Authors: Varasteh Zohreh , Rosenström Ulrika , Velikyan Irina , Mitran Bogdan , Altai Mohamed , Honarvar Hadis , Rosestedt Maria , Lindeberg Gunnar , Sörensen Jens , Larhed Mats , Tolmachev Vladimir , Orlova Anna
Published: July 2014

The overexpression of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in cancer can be used for peptide-receptor mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy. We have previously shown that an antagonist analog of bombesin RM26 conjugated to 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N''-triacetic acid (NOTA) via a diethyleneglycol (PEG2) spacer (NOTA-PEG2-RM26) and labeled with 68Ga can be used for imaging of GRPR-expressing tumors. In this study, we evaluated if a variation of mini-PEG spacer length can be used for optimization of targeting properties of the NOTA-conjugated RM26. A series of analogs with different PEG-length (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) was synthesized, radiolabeled and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The IC50 values of natGa-NOTA-PEGn-RM26 (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) were 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.9 ± 0.3, 5.4 ± 0.4 and 5.8 ± 0.3 nM, respectively. In normal mice all conjugates demonstrated similar biodistribution pattern, however 68Ga-NOTA-PEG3-RM26 showed lower liver uptake. Biodistribution of 68Ga-NOTA-PEG3-RM26 was evaluated in nude mice bearing PC-3 (prostate cancer) and BT-474 (breast cancer) xenografts. High uptake in tumors (4.6 ± 0.6%ID/g and 2.8 ± 0.4%ID/g for PC-3 and BT-474 xenografts, respectively) and high tumor-to-background ratios (tumor/blood of 44 ± 12 and 42 ± 5 for PC-3 and BT-474 xenografts, respectively) were found already at 2 h p.i. of 68Ga-NOTA-PEG3-RM26. Results of this study suggest that variation in the length of the PEG spacer can be used for optimization of targeting properties of peptide-chelator conjugates. However, the influence of the mini-PEG length on biodistribution is minor when di-, tri-, tetra- and hexaethylene glycol are compared.
Integrated GNSS Attitude Determination and Positioning for Direct Geo-Referencing
Authors: Nadarajah Nandakumaran , Paffenholz Jens-André , Teunissen Peter
Published: July 2014

Direct geo-referencing is an efficient methodology for the fast acquisition of 3D spatial data. It requires the fusion of spatial data acquisition sensors with navigation sensors, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. In this contribution, we consider an integrated GNSS navigation system to provide estimates of the position and attitude (orientation) of a 3D laser scanner. The proposed multi-sensor system (MSS) consists of multiple GNSS antennas rigidly mounted on the frame of a rotating laser scanner and a reference GNSS station with known coordinates. Precise GNSS navigation requires the resolution of the carrier phase ambiguities. The proposed method uses the multivariate constrained integer least-squares (MC-LAMBDA) method for the estimation of rotating frame ambiguities and attitude angles. MC-LAMBDA makes use of the known antenna geometry to strengthen the underlying attitude model and, hence, to enhance the reliability of rotating frame ambiguity resolution and attitude determination. The reliable estimation of rotating frame ambiguities is consequently utilized to enhance the relative positioning of the rotating frame with respect to the reference station. This integrated (array-aided) method improves ambiguity resolution, as well as positioning accuracy between the rotating frame and the reference station. Numerical analyses of GNSS data from a real-data campaign confirm the improved performance of the proposed method over the existing method. In particular, the integrated method yields reliable ambiguity resolution and reduces position standard deviation by a factor of about 0.8, matching the theoretical gain of 3/4 for two antennas on the rotating frame and a single antenna at the reference station.
The Impacts on Illegal Farmland Conversion of Adopting Remote Sensing Technology for Land Inspection in China
Authors: Zhong Taiyang , Huang Xianjin , Ye Lifang , Scott Steffanie
Published: July 2014

While China’s central government has adopted remote sensing technology in land inspection since 2000, little empirical research has been done on its effect. This study aims to measure the effect of satellite imagery-based land inspection (SIBI) on illegal farmland conversion. The data used in this study were collected for the period from 1997 to 2010 at the province-level. The econometrics approach for panel data model was used in this research. The results showed that SIBI has a deterrent effect of approximately 2.42 ha for every increase of 1% in proportion to the area of prefecture-level regions inspected in a province-level region. The results also indicate land inspections with RS (Remote Sensing) technology saved approximately 11,880 ha farmland from illegal conversion during 2000–2010 with an estimated contribution of reducing illegal farmland conversion by nearly 11%. Furthermore, the governance structure change for land inspection has also contributed to deterring illegal farmland conversion. The deterrent effects due to land inspection by the Supervisor of State Land (SSL) are about 7332 ha during 2008–2010 with an estimated contribution of reducing illegal farmland conversion by nearly 33%. In conclusion, although SIBI has strengthened China’s central capacity to uncover illegal farmland conversion and weakened local governments’ abilities to hide illegal farmland conversion, it has limited impact on illegal farmland conversion since it is just a technical tool. Improvements in the land inspection governance structure have also helped to deter illegal farmland conversion.
Prevalence and Genotyping of High Risk Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Cancer Samples from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqa Abida , Zainab Maidah , Qadri Ishtiaq , Bhatti Muhammad , Parish Joanna
Published: July 2014

Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is established as the cause of cervical carcinoma, therefore, high risk HPV detection may have prognostic significance for the women who are at increased risk of disease progression. The paucity of data on the incidence of cervical cancer in Pakistan makes it difficult to determine disease burden. Even less information is available regarding the prevalent HPV strains in cervical specimens collected from this region. Cervical cancer is a neglected disease in Pakistan in terms of screening, prevention, and vaccination. Identification and accurate genotyping of the virus burden in cancer specimens is important to inform intervention policies for future management of HPV associated disease and to potentially stratify patients dependent on HPV status. In this study, detection and genotyping of HPV types 16 and 18 from 77 cervical specimens were carried out. Consensus primers GP5+/GP6+, which detect 44 genital HPV types, and type specific primers (TS16 and TS18) were used in conjunction with newly designed type specific primers. Using a combination of these methods of detection, a total of 94.81% (95% CI ±4.95) of cervical lesions were positive for HPV. Single infections of HPV16 were detected in 24.68% (95% CI ±9.63) of total samples and HPV18 was found in 25.97% (95% CI ±9.79) samples. Interestingly, a high proportion of samples (40.26%, 95% CI ±10.95) was positive for both HPV16 and 18, indicating a higher incidence of co-infection than previously reported for similar ethnic regions. The HPV genotype of 3.90% of HPV positive samples remained undetected, although these samples were positive with the GP5+/GP6+ primer set indicating infection with an HPV type other than 16 or 18. These data indicate that the overall incidence of high risk HPV infection in cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia specimens in Punjab, Pakistan is in line with the worldwide prevalence, but that the incidence of HPV16 and 18 co-infections in our cohort is higher than that previously reported.
Immunotherapy with an HIV-DNA Vaccine in Children and Adults
Authors: Palma Paolo , Gudmundsdotter Lindvi , Finocchi Andrea , Eriksson Lars , Mora Nadia , Santilli Veronica , Aquilani Angela , Manno Emma , Zangari Paola , Romiti Maria , Montesano Carla , Grifoni Alba , Brave Andreas , Ljungberg Karl , Blomberg Pontus , Bernardi Stefania , Sandström Eric , Hejdeman Bo , Rossi Paolo , Wahren Britta
Published: July 2014

Therapeutic HIV immunization is intended to induce new HIV-specific cellular immune responses and to reduce viral load, possibly permitting extended periods without antiretroviral drugs. A multigene, multi-subtype A, B, C HIV-DNA vaccine (HIVIS) has been used in clinical trials in both children and adults with the aim of improving and broadening the infected individuals’ immune responses. Despite the different country locations, different regimens and the necessary variations in assays performed, this is, to our knowledge, the first attempt to compare children’s and adults’ responses to a particular HIV vaccine. Ten vertically HIV-infected children aged 4–16 years were immunized during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Another ten children were blindly recruited as controls. Both groups continued their antiretroviral treatment during and after vaccinations. Twelve chronically HIV-infected adults were vaccinated, followed by repeated structured therapy interruptions (STI) of their antiretroviral treatment. The adult group included four controls, receiving placebo vaccinations. The HIV-DNA vaccine was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were registered in any group. In the HIV-infected children, an increased specific immune response to Gag and RT proteins was detected by antigen-specific lymphoproliferation. Moreover, the frequency of HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell lymphocytes releasing perforin was significantly higher in the vaccinees than the controls. In the HIV-infected adults, increased CD8+ T-cell responses to Gag, RT and viral protease peptides were detected. No augmentation of HIV-specific lymphoproliferative responses were detected in adults after vaccination. In conclusion, the HIV-DNA vaccine can elicit new HIV-specific cellular immune responses, particularly to Gag antigens, in both HIV-infected children and adults. Vaccinated children mounted transient new HIV-specific immune responses, including both CD4+ T-cell lymphoproliferation and late CD8+ T-cell responses. In the adult cohort, primarily CD8+ T-cell responses related to MHC class I alleles were noted. However, no clinical benefits with respect to viral load reduction were ascribable to the vaccinations alone. No severe adverse effects related to the vaccine were found in either cohort, and no virological failures or drug resistances were detected.
Characteristics of Water Budget Components in Paddy Rice Field under the Asian Monsoon Climate: Application of HSPF-Paddy Model
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Kim Hae-Do , Jeon Ji-Hong
Published: July 2014

The HSPF-Paddy model was applied to the Bochung watershed in Korea to compare water budget components by the land use types under the Asian monsoon climate. The calibration of HSPF-Paddy during 1992–2001 with PEST, a package program to optimize HSPF, and validation during 1985–1991 were carried out. The model efficiencies for monthly stream flow are 0.85 for calibration and 0.84 for validation. The simulation of annual mean runoff met the criteria of water budget analysis with the acceptable error level (less than 10 percent mean error). The simulation of the movement of water from paddy rice field to watershed was successful, and application of HSPF-Paddy coupled with PEST was able to improve accuracy of model simulation with reduced time and efforts for model calibration. The results of water budget analysis show that most of the outflow (86%) for the urban area occurred through surface runoff, showing the highest rate among the land use types compared. Significant amounts of water are irrigated to paddy rice fields, and the runoff depth as well as evapotranspiration from paddy rice field is higher than other land use types. Hydrological characteristic of paddy rice field is that most of water movement occurred at the surface area, resulting from the low infiltration rate and manning’s coefficient, as well as ponded water throughout the growing season. Major impact on input and output of water were precipitation and runoff, respectively, influenced by an Asian monsoon climate.
Undifferentiated Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Induces Insulin-Producing Cell Differentiation and Suppression of T-Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Tsai Pei-Jiun , Wang Hwai-Shi , Lin Gu-Jiun , Chou Shu-Cheng , Chu Tzu-Hui , Chuan Wen-Ting , Lu Ying-Jui , Weng Ying-Jui , Su Cheng-Hsi , Hsieh Po-Shiuan , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Lin Chi-Hung , Chen Tien-Hua , Shyu Jia-Fwu
Published: July 2014

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by T-cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) brings about their incorporation into a variety of tissues with immunosuppressive effects, resulting in regeneration of pancreatic islets. We previously showed that human MSCs isolated from Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs) represent a potential cell source to treat diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this study was to discern whether undifferentiated WJ-MSCs can differentiate into pancreatic insulin-producing cells (IPCs) and modify immunological responses in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Undifferentiated WJ-MSCs underwent lentiviral transduction to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and then were injected into the retro-orbital venous sinus of NOD mice. Seven days after transplantation, fluorescent islet-like cell clusters in the pancreas were apparent. WJ-MSC-GFP-treated NOD mice had significantly lower blood glucose and higher survival rates than saline-treated mice. Systemic and local levels of autoaggressive T-cells, including T helper 1 cells and IL-17-producing T-cells, were reduced, and regulatory T-cell levels were increased. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were increased, and dendritic cells were decreased. At 23 days, higher human C-peptide and serum insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance were found. Additionally, WJ-MSCs-GFP differentiated into IPCs as shown by colocalization of human C-peptide and GFP in the pancreas. Significantly more intact islets and less severe insulitis were observed. In conclusion, undifferentiated WJ-MSCs can differentiate into IPCs in vivo with immunomodulatory effects and repair the destroyed islets in NOD mice.
Electrophysiological Characterization of eGFP-Labeled Intrastriatal Dopamine Grafts
Authors: Hohmann Meltem , Rumpel Regina , Fischer Martin , Donert Malte , Ratzka Andreas , Klein Alexander , Wesemann Maike , Effenberg Anna , Fahlke Christoph , Grothe Claudia
Published: July 2014

Substitution of degenerated dopaminergic (DA) neurons by intrastriatally transplanted ventral mesencephalon (VM)-derived progenitor cells has been shown to improve motor functions in parkinsonian patients and animal models, whereas investigations of electrophysiological properties of the grafted DA neurons have been rarely performed. Here we show electrophysiological properties of grafted VM progenitor cells at different time intervals up to 12 weeks after transplantation measured in acute brain slices using eGFP-Flag transfection to identify the graft. We were able to classify typical DA neurons according to the biphasic progression (voltage “sag”) to hyperpolarizing current injections. Two types of DA-like neurons were classified. Whereas type 1 neurons were characterized by delayed action potentials after hyperpolarization and irregular spontaneous firing, type 2 neurons displayed burst firing after hyperpolarization, spontaneous bursts, and regular firing. Comparison to identified DA neurons in vitro indicates a high integration of the intrastriatally grafted neurons, since in vitro cultures displayed regular firing spontaneously, whereas grafted identified DA neurons showed irregular firing. Additionally, type 1 and type 2 neurons exhibited a slight increase in the spontaneous firing frequency over time intervals after grafting, which might reflect a progressive integration of the grafted DA neurons. Our results provide evidence of the differentiation of grafted VM progenitor cells into mature integrated DA neurons, which are shown to replace the missing DA neurons functionally early after grafting.
THE RETURN TO THE VISUAL IN THEOLOGICAL THINKING / VIZUALUMO TEOLOGINIAME MĄSTYME ATGALIOS LINK
Authors: Jasper David
Published: July 2014

Theological thinking has shifted radically in the past half century as we shift back from a primarily textual and verbal culture to one which is heavily reliant on the immediacy of the visual. This, though rooted in ancient practice, has begun to change the patterns of theological thinking and the nature of the appropriation of doctrine and thence our practice of worship and liturgy. The shift actually has its origins in the changes that took place in the understanding of the visual arts after the Reformation, and therefore this essay will begin with a brief reflection on the work of Rembrandt and link this to contemporary art and theology at the present time. Teologinis mąstymas radikaliai pakito XX a. antrojoje pusėje, perėjus nuo tekstualiosios ir žodinės kultūros link tos, kuri iš esmės priklausoma nuo vaizdo betarpiškumo. Nors vizualumas yra giliai įsišaknijęs senovės praktikose, tačiau jis ėmė keisti teologinio mąstymo modelius ir doktrinos įsisavinimo pobūdį, o kartu ir garbinimo bei liturgijos praktikas. Iš tikrųjų šį perėjimą sukėlė po Reformacijos vaizduojamųjų menų sampratoje įvykę pokyčiai. Todėl šią apžvalgą pradėsime glaustai aptardami Rembrandto paveikslą ir jo sąsają su šiuolaikiniu menu ir nūdiene teologija.
CCR5 Knockout Prevents Neuronal Injury and Behavioral Impairment Induced in a Transgenic Mouse Model by a CXCR4-Using HIV-1 Glycoprotein 120
Authors: Maung Ricky , Hoefer Melanie M. , Sanchez Ana B. , Sejbuk Natalia E. , Medders Kathryn E. , Desai Maya K. , Catalan Irene C. , Dowling Cari C. , de Rozieres Cyrus M. , Garden Gwenn A. , Russo Rossella , Roberts Amanda J. , Williams Roy , Kaul Marcus
Published: July 2014

The innate immune system has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including HIV-1–associated dementia. In this study, we show that genetic ablation of CCR5 prevents microglial activation and neuronal damage in a transgenic model of HIV-associated brain injury induced by a CXCR4-using viral envelope gp120. The CCR5 knockout (KO) also rescues spatial learning and memory in gp120-transgenic mice. However, the CCR5KO does not abrogate astrocytosis, indicating it can occur independently from neuronal injury and behavioral impairment. To characterize further the neuroprotective effect of CCR5 deficiency we performed a genome-wide gene expression analysis of brains from HIVgp120tg mice expressing or lacking CCR5 and nontransgenic controls. A comparison with a human brain microarray study reveals that brains of HIVgp120tg mice and HIV patients with neurocognitive impairment share numerous differentially regulated genes. Furthermore, brains of CCR5 wild-type and CCR5KO gp120tg mice express markers of an innate immune response. One of the most significantly upregulated factors is the acute phase protein lipocalin-2 (LCN2). Using cerebrocortical cell cultures, we find that LCN2 is neurotoxic in a CCR5-dependent fashion, whereas inhibition of CCR5 alone is not sufficient to abrogate neurotoxicity of a CXCR4-using gp120. However, the combination of pharmacologic CCR5 blockade and LCN2 protects neurons from toxicity of a CXCR4-using gp120, thus recapitulating the finding in CCR5-deficient gp120tg mouse brain. Our study provides evidence for an indirect pathologic role of CCR5 and a novel protective effect of LCN2 in combination with inhibition of CCR5 in HIV-associated brain injury.