bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenic strains confirm the presence of salt-sensitivity QTLs on chromosome 1 in the Sabra rat model of hypertension
Authors: Yagil Chana , Hubner Norbert , Kreutz Reinhold , Ganten Detlev , Yagil Yoram
Published: March 2015

We previously detected by linkage analysis in segregating populations derived from crosses between the Sabra hypertension-prone rat (SBH/y) and the hypertension-resistant strain (SBN/y) two QTLs for salt susceptibility on chromosome 1, with sex specificity: in males SS1a and SS1b, and in females SS1b only. To provide support for a functional role of these QTLs in relation to hypertension, we constructed congenic strains by replacing most of or selected segments from chromosome 1 from SBN/y with the homologous chromosomal regions of SBH/y, or reciprocally from SBH/y with segments of SBN/y, leaving the other chromosomes unperturbed. Genetic screening with over 150 microsatellite markers confirmed the homozygosity of the targeted genomic inserts and of the remainder of the genomic background. The phenotype of the congenic strains was tested by salt loading with DOCA-salt over a 4-wk period and measuring blood pressure by tail-cuff (in all animals) or radiotelemetry (in select groups) at baseline and during salt loading. In the congenic strains in which a chromosomal segment incorporating QTL SS1a from SBN/y was introgressed onto the genomic background of SBH/y, the blood pressure response to salt loading, as measured by tail-cuff, was decreased by 16 mmHg in both males and females compared with the parental SBH/y; replacing the QTL SS1b reduced the blood pressure response by 30 and 21 mmHg, respectively. In the congenic strains in which both SS1a and SS1b were introgressed from SBN/y onto the genomic background of SBH/y, the reduction in blood pressure was 34 mmHg in males and 38 mmHg in females; these latter results were confirmed by radiotelemetry. When either one or both QTLs together were introgressed from SBH/y onto the SBN/y genomic background, tail-cuff measurements failed to detect an increase in blood pressure above baseline; telemetric measurements in the congenic strains introgressing both QTLs together, however, detected a significant rise in blood pressure after 3 and 4 wk of salt loading. Neither the origin of the Y chromosome nor the sex of the parental strain had any significant impact on the magnitude of the blood pressure response to salt loading. We conclude that the congenic rat strains that we constructed for the chromosome 1 QTLs provide functional evidence for the role of gene systems within QTLs SS1a and SS1b in the blood pressure response to salt loading. The unexpected finding was that QTL SS1a contributes to the hypertensive response also in females. The data indicate the lack of a Y chromosomal effect or of parental imprinting.
Gene homology resources on the World Wide Web
Authors: Turchin Alexander , Kohane Isaac S.
Published: March 2015

As the amount of information available to biologists increases exponentially, data analysis becomes progressively more challenging. Sequence homology has been a traditional tool in the researchers’ armamentarium; it is a very versatile instrument and can be employed to assist in numerous tasks, from establishing the function of a gene to determination of the evolutionary development of an organism. Consequently, numerous specialized tools have been established in the public domain (most commonly, the World Wide Web) to help investigators use sequence homology in their research. These homology databases differ both in techniques they use to compare sequences as well as in the size of the unit of analysis, which can be the whole gene, a domain, or a motif. In this paper, we aim to present a systematic review of the inner details of the most commonly used databases as well as to offer guidelines for their use.
Microarray gene expression profiles in dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathic end-stage heart failure
Authors: Hwang Juey-Jen , Allen Paul D. , Tseng George C. , Lam Ching-Wan , Fananapazir Lameh , Dzau Victor J. , Liew Choong-Chin
Published: March 2015

Despite similar clinical endpoints, heart failure resulting from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) appears to develop through different remodeling and molecular pathways. Current understanding of heart failure has been facilitated by microarray technology. We constructed an in-house spotted cDNA microarray using 10,272 unique clones from various cardiovascular cDNA libraries sequenced and annotated in our laboratory. RNA samples were obtained from left ventricular tissues of precardiac transplantation DCM and HCM patients and were hybridized against normal adult heart reference RNA. After filtering, differentially expressed genes were determined using novel analyzing software. We demonstrated that normalization for cDNA microarray data is slide-dependent and nonlinear. The feasibility of this model was validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR, and the accuracy rate depended on the fold change and statistical significance level. Our results showed that 192 genes were highly expressed in both DCM and HCM (e.g., atrial natriuretic peptide, CD59, decorin, elongation factor 2, and heat shock protein 90), and 51 genes were downregulated in both conditions (e.g., elastin, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase). We also identified several genes differentially expressed between DCM and HCM (e.g., αB-crystallin, antagonizer of myc transcriptional activity, β-dystrobrevin, calsequestrin, lipocortin, and lumican). Microarray technology provides us with a genomic approach to explore the genetic markers and molecular mechanisms leading to heart failure.
Protection of lungs from hyperoxic injury: gene expression analysis of cyclosporin A therapy
Authors: Matthew E. , Kutcher L. , Dedman J.
Published: March 2015

We have previously shown that cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin), attenuates hyperoxia-induced reductions in murine lung compliance. CsA protected against hyperoxia-induced changes in neutrophil infiltration, capillary congestion, edema, and hyaline membrane formation. Gene expression studies were conducted to identify the gene expression patterns underlying the protective effects of CsA during hyperoxic lung injury. After 72 h of simultaneous treatment with >95% oxygen and CsA (50 mg·kg−1·day−1), RNA was isolated from murine lungs. RNA from treated and untreated lungs was reverse transcribed to cDNA, competitively hybridized, and used to probe 8,734 complimentary DNAs on the Incyte mouse GEM 1 array. Several known genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) showed increased (GenBank accession numbers: AA125385, AA241295, W87197, syntaxin, and cyclin G) or decreased [AA036517, AA267567, AA217009, W82577, uteroglobin, stromal cell-derived factor 1, and surfactant protein C (SP-C)] expression after hyperoxia. Hyperoxia-stimulated reductions in SP-C gene expression were confirmed through Northern blot analysis. The increase in gene expression of one expressed sequence tag (AA125385) with hyperoxia was reversed by CsA treatment. Sequence data demonstrated that this EST has high homology to murine cyclin B1. Western blot analysis did not demonstrate any changes in distal lung cyclin B1 expression after hyperoxia. Protein expression of cyclin B1 in the distal lung was observed in the endothelial cells, bronchiolar epithelial cells, and both the type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells. Further analysis of cyclin B1 may elucidate the protective actions of CsA in hyperoxic injury.
Gene expression profiling of Caco-2 BBe cells suggests a role for specific signaling pathways during intestinal differentiation
Authors: Fleet James C. , Wang Liyong , Vitek Olga , Craig Bruce A. , Edenberg Howard J.
Published: March 2015

We examined the pattern of gene expression resulting from spontaneous differentiation of Caco-2 BBe cells to gain insight into the molecular changes necessary for enterocyte differentiation. RNA was prepared from cells harvested at three cell stages: proliferating (50% confluent, 2 days in culture), postproliferative nondifferentiated (8 days), and differentiated (15 days). Gene expression profiles were determined using Affymetrix Human Genome U95A GeneChips. Differentially expressed genes were identified following statistical analysis (i.e., ANOVA, bootstrapping adjustments to P values, false detection rate criterion). We identified 1,150 unique genes as differentially expressed; expression of 48.6% fell and 46% increased from 2 to 15 days, while 5.4% had expression that either peaked or dipped at 8 days. Genes expressed during differentiation included several small-intestine-specific genes involved in nutrient transport/metabolism, e.g., DCT1, hephaestin, folate receptor 1, sucrase-isomaltase, and apolipoproteins CI, CIII, B100, H, and M, indicating that this colonic adenocarcinoma cell line has a hybrid colonocyte/enterocyte phenotype. Patterns of gene expression based upon functional classification suggest a role for cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions, suppression of Wnt signaling, and activation of TGFβ and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways during enterocyte differentiation.
Electrophysiological phenotyping in genetically engineered mice
Authors: Berul Charles I.
Published: March 2015

Advances in transgene and gene targeting technology have enabled sophisticated manipulation of the mouse genome, providing important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac conduction, arrhythmogenesis, and sudden cardiac death. The mouse is currently the principal mammalian model for studying biological processes, particularly related to cardiac pathophysiology. Murine models have been engineered harboring gene mutations leading to inherited structural and electrical disorders of the heart due to transcription factor mutations, connexin protein defects, and G protein and ion channelopathies. These mutations lead to phenotypes reminiscent of human clinical disease states including congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, and long-QT syndrome, creating models of human electrophysiological disease. Functional analyses of the underlying molecular mechanisms of resultant phenotypes require appropriate and sophisticated experimental methodology. This paper reviews current in vivo murine electrophysiology study techniques and genetic mouse models pertinent to human arrhythmia disorders.
Role of Monocytes in Atherogenesis
Authors: ØSTERUD BJARNE , BJØRKLID EIRIK
Published: March 2015

Østerud, Bjarne, and Eirik Bjørklid. Role of Monocytes in Atherogenesis. Physiol Rev 83: 1069-1112, 2003; 10.1152/physrev.00005.2003.—This review focuses on the role of monocytes in the early phase of atherogenesis, before foam cell formation. An emerging consensus underscores the importance of the cellular inflammatory system in atherogenesis. Initiation of the process apparently hinges on accumulating low-density lipoproteins (LDL) undergoing oxidation and glycation, providing stimuli for the release of monocyte attracting chemokines and for the upregulation of endothelial adhesive molecules. These conditions favor monocyte transmigration to the intima, where chemically modified, aggregated, or proteoglycan- or antibody-complexed LDL may be endocytotically internalized via scavenger receptors present on the emergent macrophage surface. The differentiating monocytes in concert with T lymphocytes exert a modulating effect on lipoproteins. These events propagate a series of reactions entailing generation of lipid peroxides and expression of chemokines, adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factors, thereby sustaining an ongoing inflammatory process leading ultimately to lesion formation. New data emerging from studies using transgenic animals, notably mice, have provided novel insights into many of the cellular interactions and signaling mechanisms involving monocytes/macrophages in the atherogenic processes. A number of these studies, focusing on mechanisms for monocyte activation and the roles of adhesive molecules, chemokines, cytokines and growth factors, are addressed in this review.
Cardiac Endothelial-Myocardial Signaling: Its Role in Cardiac Growth, Contractile Performance, and Rhythmicity
Authors: Brutsaert Dirk L.
Published: March 2015

Experimental work during the past 15 years has demonstrated that endothelial cells in the heart play an obligatory role in regulating and maintaining cardiac function, in particular, at the endocardium and in the myocardial capillaries where endothelial cells directly interact with adjacent cardiomyocytes. The emerging field of targeted gene manipulation has led to the contention that cardiac endothelial-cardiomyocytal interaction is a prerequisite for normal cardiac development and growth. Some of the molecular mechanisms and cellular signals governing this interaction, such as neuregulin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiopoietin, continue to maintain phenotype and survival of cardiomyocytes in the adult heart. Cardiac endothelial cells, like vascular endothelial cells, also express and release a variety of auto- and paracrine agents, such as nitric oxide, endothelin, prostaglandin I2, and angiotensin II, which directly influence cardiac metabolism, growth, contractile performance, and rhythmicity of the adult heart. The synthesis, secretion, and, most importantly, the activities of these endothelium-derived substances in the heart are closely linked, interrelated, and interactive. It may therefore be simplistic to try and define their properties independently from one another. Moreover, in relation specifically to the endocardial endothelium, an active transendothelial physicochemical gradient for various ions, or blood-heart barrier, has been demonstrated. Linkage of this blood-heart barrier to the various other endothelium-mediated signaling pathways or to the putative vascular endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors remains to be determined. At the early stages of cardiac failure, all major cardiovascular risk factors may cause cardiac endothelial activation as an adaptive response often followed by cardiac endothelial dysfunction. Because of the interdependency of all endothelial signaling pathways, activation or disturbance of any will necessarily affect the others leading to a disturbance of their normal balance, leading to further progression of cardiac failure.
Ca2+Sensitivity of Smooth Muscle and Nonmuscle Myosin II: Modulated by G Proteins, Kinases, and Myosin Phosphatase
Authors: SOMLYO ANDREW P. , SOMLYO AVRIL V.
Published: March 2015

Somlyo, Andrew P., and Avril V. Somlyo. Ca2+Sensitivity of Smooth Muscle and Nonmuscle Myosin II: Modulated by G Proteins, Kinases, and Myosin Phosphatase. Physiol Rev 83: 1325-1358, 2003; 10.1152/physrev.00023.2003.— Ca2+sensitivity of smooth muscle and nonmuscle myosin II reflects the ratio of activities of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) to myosin light-chain phosphatase (MLCP) and is a major, regulated determinant of numerous cellular processes. We conclude that the majority of phenotypes attributed to the monomeric G protein RhoA and mediated by its effector, Rho-kinase (ROK), reflect Ca2+sensitization: inhibition of myosin II dephosphorylation in the presence of basal (Ca2+dependent or independent) or increased MLCK activity. We outline the pathway from receptors through trimeric G proteins (Gαq, Gα12, Gα13) to activation, by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), from GDP · RhoA · GDI to GTP · RhoA and hence to ROK through a mechanism involving association of GEF, RhoA, and ROK in multimolecular complexes at the lipid cell membrane. Specific domains of GEFs interact with trimeric G proteins, and some GEFs are activated by Tyr kinases whose inhibition can inhibit Rho signaling. Inhibition of MLCP, directly by ROK or by phosphorylation of the phosphatase inhibitor CPI-17, increases phosphorylation of the myosin II regulatory light chain and thus the activity of smooth muscle and nonmuscle actomyosin ATPase and motility. We summarize relevant effects of p21-activated kinase, LIM-kinase, and focal adhesion kinase. Mechanisms of Ca2+desensitization are outlined with emphasis on the antagonism between cGMP-activated kinase and the RhoA/ROK pathway. We suggest that the RhoA/ROK pathway is constitutively active in a number of organs under physiological conditions; its aberrations play major roles in several disease states, particularly impacting on Ca2+sensitization of smooth muscle in hypertension and possibly asthma and on cancer neoangiogenesis and cancer progression. It is a potentially important therapeutic target and a subject for translational research.
Functions of Pulmonary Epithelial Integrins: From Development to Disease
Authors: SHEPPARD DEAN
Published: March 2015

Sheppard, Dean. Functions of Pulmonary Epithelial Integrins: From Development to Disease. Physiol Rev 83: 673–686, 2003; 10.1152/physrev.00033.2002.—Signals from integrins are now known to play critical roles in virtually every aspect of the behavior of epithelial cells, including survival, proliferation, maintenance of polarity, secretory differentiation, and malignant transformation. The cells that line the conducting airways and alveoli of the lung, like most surface epithelia, simultaneously express multiple members of the integrin family, including several with broadly overlapping ligand binding specificities. Although multiple integrins on airway epithelial cells may support adhesion to the same ligands, the functional roles of each integrin that has been examined in detail are quite distinct. Findings from mice expressing null mutations of some of these integrins have identified roles for epithelial cells and epithelial integrins in lung development and in the regulation of lung inflammation, macrophage protease expression, pulmonary fibrosis, and the pulmonary edema that follows acute lung injury. Epithelial integrins are thus attractive targets for intervention in a number of common lung disorders.
The Equivalency between Logic Petri Workflow Nets and Workflow Nets
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu ShuXia , Du YuYue
Published: March 2015

Logic Petri nets (LPNs) can describe and analyze batch processing functions and passing value indeterminacy in cooperative systems. Logic Petri workflow nets (LPWNs) are proposed based on LPNs in this paper. Process mining is regarded as an important bridge between modeling and analysis of data mining and business process. Workflow nets (WF‐nets) are the extension to Petri nets (PNs), and have successfully been used to process mining. Some shortcomings cannot be avoided in process mining, such as duplicate tasks, invisible tasks, and the noise of logs. The online shop in electronic commerce in this paper is modeled to prove the equivalence between LPWNs and WF‐nets, and advantages of LPWNs are presented.
Study of Research and Development Processes through Fuzzy Super FRM Model and Optimization Solutions
Authors: Sârbu Flavius Aurelian , Moga Monika , Calefariu Gavrilă , Boșcoianu Mircea
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study is to measure resources for R&D (research and development) at the regional level in Romania and also obtain primary data that will be important in making the right decisions to increase competitiveness and development based on an economic knowledge. As our motivation, we would like to emphasize that by the use of Super Fuzzy FRM model we want to determine the state of R&D processes at regional level using a mean different from the statistical survey, while by the two optimization methods we mean to provide optimization solutions for the R&D actions of the enterprises. Therefore to fulfill the above mentioned aim in this application‐oriented paper we decided to use a questionnaire and for the interpretation of the results the Super Fuzzy FRM model, representing the main novelty of our paper, as this theory provides a formalism based on matrix calculus, which allows processing of large volumes of information and also delivers results difficult or impossible to see, through statistical processing. Furthermore another novelty of the paper represents the optimization solutions submitted in this work, given for the situation when the sales price is variable, and the quantity sold is constant in time and for the reverse situation.
On a Nonlinear Degenerate Evolution Equation with Nonlinear Boundary Damping
Authors: Lourêdo A. T. , Siracusa G. , Silva Filho C. A.
Published: March 2015

This paper deals essentially with a nonlinear degenerate evolution equation of the formKu″-Δu+∑j=1nbj∂u′/∂xj+uσu=0supplemented with nonlinear boundary conditions of Neumann type given by∂u/∂ν+h·, u′=0. Under suitable conditions the existence and uniqueness of solutions are shown and that the boundary damping produces a uniform global stability of the corresponding solutions.
Salivary Fluoride Levels after Use of High‐Fluoride Dentifrice
Authors: Vale Glauber Campos , Cruz Priscila Figueiredo , Bohn Ana Clarissa Cavalcante Elvas , de Moura Marcoeli Silva
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate salivary fluoride (F) availability after toothbrushing with a high‐F dentifrice. Twelve adult volunteers took part in this crossover and blind study. F concentration in saliva was determined after brushing with a high‐F dentifrice (5000 µg F/g) or with a conventional F concentration dentifrice (1100 µg F/g) followed by a 15 mL distilled water rinse. Samples of nonstimulated saliva were collected on the following times: before (baseline), and immediately after spit (time = 0) and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. F analysis was performed with a fluoride‐sensitive electrode and the area under curve of F salivary concentration × time (µg F/mL × min−1) was calculated. At baseline, no significant difference was found among dentifrices (P > 0.05). After brushing, both dentifrices caused an elevated fluoride level in saliva; however salivary F concentration was significantly higher at all times, when high‐F dentifrice was used (P < 0.01). Even after 120 min, salivary F concentration was still higher than the baseline values for both dentifrices (P < 0.001). High‐F dentifrice enhanced the bioavailability of salivary F, being an option for caries management in patients with high caries risk.
Periodic Oscillations in a Chemostat Model with Two Discrete Delays
Authors: Zhang Tiansi , Ji Xuehui , Li Bo
Published: March 2015

Periodic oscillations of solutions of a chemostat-type model in which a species feeds on a limiting nutrient are considered. The model incorporates two discrete delays representing the lag in nutrient recycling and nutrient conversion. Through the study of characteristic equation associated with the linearized system, a unique positive equilibrium is found and proved to be locally asymptotically stable under some conditions. Meanwhile, a Hopf bifurcation causing periodic solutions is also obtained. Numerical simulations illustrate the theoretical results.
Controversial Indications for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Assi Hazem , Sbaity Eman , Abdelsalam Mahmoud , Shamseddine Ali
Published: March 2015

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) emerged in the 1990s as a new technique in the surgical management of the axilla for patients with early breast cancer, resulting in lower complication rates and better quality of life than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Today SLNB is firmly established in the armamentarium of clinicians treating breast cancer, but several questions remain. The goal of this paper is to review recent work addressing 4 questions that have been the subject of debate in the use of SLNB in the past few years: (a) What is the implication of finding micrometastases in the sentinel nodes? (b) Is ALND necessary in all patients who have a positive SLNB? (c) How accurate is SLNB after neoadjuvant therapy? (d) Can SLNB be used to stage the axilla in locally recurrent breast cancer following breast surgery with or without prior axillary surgery?
Research of the Classification Model Based on Dominance Rough Set Approach for China Emergency Communication
Authors: Zifu Fan , Hong Sun , Lihua Wang
Published: March 2015

Ensuring smooth communication and recovering damaged communication system quickly and efficiently are the key to the entire emergency response, command, control, and rescue during the whole accident. The classification of emergency communication level is the premise of emergency communication guarantee. So, we use dominance rough set approach (DRSA) to construct the classification model for the judgment of emergency communication in this paper. In this model, we propose a classification index system of emergency communication using the method of expert interview firstly and then use DRSA to complete data sample, reduct attribute, and extract the preference decision rules of the emergency communication classification. Finally, the recognition accuracy of this model is verified; the testing result proves the model proposed in this paper is valid.
Detection of Leakage Areas in an Earth Embankment from GPR Measurements and Permeability Logging
Authors: Antoine Raphaël , Fauchard Cyrille , Fargier Yannick , Durand Edouard
Published: March 2015

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a nondestructive method allowing the improvement of our knowledge of civil engineering structures. In particular, this method may be a nondestructive efficient tool for dike diagnosis and complete classical geotechnical methods. In this paper, we present GPR observations obtained on an earth embankment (crest and sloped paved revetment) in bad condition and located on the lateral canal of the Loire river (Saint Firmin, 80 km South East of Orléans). These measurements are combined with corings, visual inspection, and permeability logging performed with an updated drilling system, the Perméafor. This survey leads (i) to the detection of decompressed zones associated with leakage areas visible at the foot of the downstream slope and (ii) to the location of potentials voids underneath the paved revetment. This multidisciplinary approach complied with the dike inspection methodology proves its efficiency for the assessment of earth embankments.
Closed-Loop Feedback Flank Errors Correction of Topographic Modification of Helical Gears Based on Form Grinding
Authors: Wang Huiliang , Li Jubo , Gao Yang , Yang Jianjun
Published: March 2015

To increase quality, reduce heavy-duty gear noise, and avoid edge contact in manufacturing helical gears, a closed-loop feedback correction method in topographic modification tooth flank is proposed based on the gear form grinding. Equations of grinding wheel profile and grinding wheel additional radial motion are derived according to tooth segmented profile modification and longitudinal modification. Combined with gear form grinding kinematics principles, the equations of motion for each axis of five-axis computer numerical control forming grinding machine are established. Such topographical modification is achieved in gear form grinding with on-machine measurement. Based on a sensitivity analysis of polynomial coefficients of axis motion and the topographic flank errors by on-machine measuring, the corrections are determined through an optimization process that targets minimization of the tooth flank errors. A numerical example of gear grinding, including on-machine measurement and closed-loop feedback correction completing process, is presented. The validity of this flank correction method is demonstrated for tooth flank errors that are reduced. The approach is useful to precision manufacturing of spiral bevel and hypoid gears, too.
Expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in Meningiomas and Their Correlation with Peritumoral Brain Edema
Authors: Reszec Joanna , Hermanowicz Adam , Rutkowski Robert , Turek Grzegorz , Mariak Zenon , Chyczewski Lech
Published: March 2015

Meningiomas constitute up to 13% of all intracranial tumors. The predictive factors for meningioma have not been unambiguously defined; however some limited data suggest that the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be associated with the presence of peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) and worse clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze the expressions of MMP-9 and VEGF in a group of meningiomas of various grades and to study associations between these two markers and PTBE. The study included patients with supratentorial meningiomas. The patients were divided into low- (G1) and high-grade meningiomas (G2 and G3). PTBE was assessed on MRI. The expressions of VEGF and MMP-9 were determined immunohistochemically. The expression of MMP-9 was observed significantly more often in G3 meningiomas than in lower grade tumors. The presence of stage II or III PTBE was associated with a significant increase in MMP-9 expression. The expression of VEGF did not differ across the PTBE stages. Our findings point to a significant role of MMP-9 and VEGF in the pathogenesis of peritumoral brain edema in low- and high-grade meningiomas.
HTR-Based Power Plants’ Performance Analysis Applied on Conventional Combined Cycles
Authors: Carril José Carbia , Insua Álvaro Baaliña , Gómez Javier Romero , Gómez Manuel Romero
Published: March 2015

In high temperature reactors including gas cooled fast reactors and gas turbine modular helium reactors (GT-MHR) specifically designed to operate as power plant heat sources, efficiency enhancement at effective cost under safe conditions can be achieved. Mentioned improvements concern the implementation of two cycle structures: (a), a stand alone Brayton operating with helium and a stand alone Rankine cycle (RC) with regeneration, operating with carbon dioxide at ultrasupercritical pressure as working fluid (WF), where condensation is carried out at quasicritical conditions, and (b), a combined cycle (CC), in which the topping closed Brayton cycle (CBC) operates with helium as WF, while the bottoming RC is operated with one of the following WFs: carbon dioxide, xenon, ethane, ammonia, or water. In both cases, an intermediate heat exchanger (IHE) is proposed to provide thermal energy to the closed Brayton or to the Rankine cycles. The results of the case study show that the thermal efficiency, through the use of a CC, is slightly improved (from 45.79% for BC and from 50.17% for RC to 53.63 for the proposed CC with He-H2O operating under safety standards).
Symbol Estimation Algorithm for MIMO Underwater Acoustic Communication System Based on Multiplicative Noise Model
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Ming , Li Gangsheng , Wang Rui
Published: March 2015

The stochastic and time-varying underwater acoustic (UWA) channels are usually affected by serious multipath delays, energy loss and distortion factors, thus making the modeling and estimation of the UWA channel challenging problems in the research community. Based on the analysis of the UWA channel, the system with multiplicative noise (SMN) model is established to characterize the complicated factors such as random time-variation, nonlinearity, and energy attenuation. As to the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) UWA communication, the complicated SMN model is established for MIMO UWA channels; based on which, the transmitted symbols are estimated according to the optimal recursive filtering algorithm. The algorithm is derived based on the projection theorem, which is optimal in the sense of linear minimum variance, and can overcome the intersymbol interference and noise pollution efficiently. The optimal algorithm is computed recursively, which has the advantage of computation-efficiency and can track the random variation of the fast time-varying channel gain dynamically. Simulation results have validated the effectiveness of the algorithm. The model and the algorithm can be extended flexibly to certain practical problems, such as the joint channel and symbol estimation in underwater acoustic communication systems.
Method for Detecting Core Malware Sites Related to Biomedical Information Systems
Authors: Kim Dohoon , Choi Donghee , Jin Jonghyun
Published: March 2015

Most advanced persistent threat attacks target web users through malicious code within landing (exploit) or distribution sites. There is an urgent need to block the affected websites. Attacks on biomedical information systems are no exception to this issue. In this paper, we present a method for locating malicious websites that attempt to attack biomedical information systems. Our approach uses malicious code crawling to rearrange websites in the order of their risk index by analyzing the centrality between malware sites and proactively eliminates the root of these sites by finding the core-hub node, thereby reducing unnecessary security policies. In particular, we dynamically estimate the risk index of the affected websites by analyzing various centrality measures and converting them into a single quantified vector. On average, the proactive elimination of core malicious websites results in an average improvement in zero-day attack detection of more than 20%.
Fuzzy Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Semimartingales-Different Approaches
Authors: Michta Mariusz
Published: March 2015

The first aim of the paper is to present a survey of possible approaches for the study of fuzzy stochastic differential or integral equations. They are stochastic counterparts of classical approaches known from the theory of deterministic fuzzy differential equations. For our aims we present first a notion of fuzzy stochastic integral with a semimartingale integrator and its main properties. Next we focus on different approaches for fuzzy stochastic differential equations. We present the existence of fuzzy solutions to such equations as well as their main properties. In the first approach we treat the fuzzy equation as an abstract relation in the metric space of fuzzy sets over the space of square integrable random vectors. In the second one the equation is interpreted as a system of stochastic inclusions. Finally, in the last section we discuss fuzzy stochastic integral equations with solutions being fuzzy stochastic processes. In this case the notion of the stochastic Itô’s integral in the equation is crisp; that is, it has single-valued level sets. The second aim of this paper is to show that there is no extension to more general diffusion terms.
Thermal Oxidation Induces Lipid Peroxidation and Changes in the Physicochemical Properties andβ-Carotene Content of Arachis Oil
Authors: Falade Ayodeji Osmund , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: March 2015

This study sought to investigate the effect of thermal oxidation on the physicochemical properties, malondialdehyde, andβ-carotene content of arachis oil. Pure arachis oil was heated for 20 mins with a corresponding temperature of 220°C. Thereafter, changes in the physicochemical properties (acid, iodine, and peroxide values) of the oil samples were determined. Subsequently, the level of lipid peroxidation was determined using change in malondialdehyde content. Then, the total carotenoid andβ-carotene contents were evaluated using spectrophotometric method and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results of the study revealed a significant increase(P<0.05)in the acid and peroxide values and malondialdehyde concentration of the heated oil when compared with the fresh arachis oil. In contrast, a significant decrease(P<0.05)was observed in the iodine value, total carotenoid, 13-cis-, 15-cis-, trans-, and 9-cis-β-carotene, and totalβ-carotene content of the heated oil. Hence, thermal oxidation induced lipid peroxidation and caused changes in the physicochemical properties and carotenoid contents of arachis oil, thereby reducing its nutritive value and health benefit. Therefore, cooking and frying with arachis oil for a long period might not be appropriate as this might lead to a loss of significant amount of the insignificantβ-carotene in arachis oil.
Complex Networks Approach for Analyzing the Correlation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Evolvement and Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gao Zhuye , Li Siwei , Shang Qinghua , Jiao Yang , Zhou Xuezhong , Fu Changgeng , Xu Hao , Shi Dazhuo , Chen Keji
Published: March 2015

This is a multicenter prospective cohort study to analyze the correlation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome evolvement and cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). The impact of syndrome evolvement on cardiovascular events during the 6-month and 12-month follow-up was analyzed using complex networks approach. Results of verification using Chi-square test showed that the occurrence of cardiovascular events was positively correlated with syndrome evolvement when it evolved from toxic syndrome to Qi deficiency, blood stasis, or sustained toxic syndrome, when it evolved from Qi deficiency to blood stasis, toxic syndrome, or sustained Qi deficiency, and when it evolved from blood stasis to Qi deficiency. Blood stasis, Qi deficiency, and toxic syndrome are important syndrome factors for stable CHD. There are positive correlations between cardiovascular events and syndrome evolution from toxic syndrome to Qi deficiency or blood stasis, from Qi deficiency to blood stasis, or toxic syndrome and from blood stasis to Qi deficiency. These results indicate that stable CHD patients with pathogenesis of toxin consuming Qi, toxin leading to blood stasis, and mutual transformation of Qi deficiency and blood stasis are prone to recurrent cardiovascular events.
Dynamic Output Feedback Robust Model Predictive Control via Zonotopic Set-Membership Estimation for Constrained Quasi-LPV Systems
Authors: Ping Xubin , Sun Ning
Published: March 2015

For the quasi-linear parameter varying (quasi-LPV) system with bounded disturbance, a synthesis approach of dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (OFRMPC) is investigated. The estimation error set is represented by a zonotope and refreshed by the zonotopic set-membership estimation method. By properly refreshing the estimation error set online, the bounds of true state at the next sampling time can be obtained. Furthermore, the feasibility of the main optimization problem at the next sampling time can be determined at the current time. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Gendering Migration
Authors:   Institut des Sciences sociales du Politique, CNRS ‒ Université Paris Ouest-Nanterre, Paris, France, Morokvašić Mirjana
Published: March 2015

Migration patterns, migration discourse and underlying representations, migrants’ experiences, obligations and duties as well as the expectations relative to their migration are gendered. Since the pioneering feminist migration scholars’ questioning of men as a universal reference and the invisibility of women or their stereotypical representations as dependents in the mainstream production of knowledge on migration, the scholarship has evolved considerably. It is argued in the paper that the ongoing process of cross-fertilization of developments in two separate epistemologies, each initially questioning monolithic and essentialist visions of a “migrant” on one hand and a “woman” on the other, produced a fecund subfield of research “migration and gender”. The paper provides an insight into this, reviewing work on the issues related to gendering different phases of migration. Bridging migration and gender brought to the top of research agendas issues that used to be on the margins, creating new visibilities but leaving out other gendered dimensions of complex realities of migrant experience.
Aberrant LPL Expression, Driven by STAT3, Mediates Free Fatty Acid Metabolism in CLL Cells
Authors: Rozovski Uri , Grgurevic Srdana , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Harris David M. , Li Ping , Liu Zhiming , Wu Ji Yuan , Jain Preetesh , Wierda William , Burger Jan , O'Brien Susan , Jain Nitin , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Keating Michael J. , Estrov Zeev
Published: March 2015

While reviewing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) bone marrow slides, we identified cytoplasmic lipid vacuoles in CLL cells but not in normal B cells. Because lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which catalyzes hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids (FFA), is aberrantly expressed in CLL, we investigated whether LPL regulates the oxidative metabolic capacity of CLL cells. We found that unlike normal B cells, CLL cells metabolize FFAs. Because STAT3 is constitutively activated in CLL cells and because we identified putative STAT3 binding sites in the LPL promoter, we sought to determine whether STAT3 drives the aberrant expression of LPL. Transfection of luciferase reporter gene constructs driven by LPL promoter fragments into MM1 cells revealed that STAT3 activates the LPL promoter. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that STAT3 binds to the LPL promoter. Furthermore, transfection of CLL cells with STAT3-shRNA downregulated LPL transcripts and protein levels, confirming that STAT3 activates the LPL gene. Finally, transfection of CLL cells with LPL-siRNAs decreased the capacity of CLL cells to oxidize FFAs and reduced cell viability.

Implications: Our study suggests that CLL cells adopt their metabolism to oxidize FFA. Activated STAT3 induces LPL, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides into FFA. Therefore, inhibition of STAT3 is likely to prevent the capacity of CLL cells to utilize FFA. Mol Cancer Res; 13(5); 944–53. ©2015 AACR.
Using Measurements of Shunt and Ventilation-to-Perfusion Ratio to Quantify the Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Curley Anna , Morley Colin , Ross-Russell Robert
Published: March 2015

Background: Classifying the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) by continuous numerical variables would facilitate follow-up of disease progression and quantified analysis of disease determinants. Objectives: To non-invasively measure oxygenation impairment in BPD by the degree of right-to-left shunt, right shift of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and ventilation/perfusion (VA/Q) inequality and to explore their relation with clinical parameters. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 24 infants with a median (interquartile range, IQR) gestation of 25 weeks (24-27) and a birth weight of 0.70 kg (0.63-0.93), studied at 36 days (30-66), at a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 33 weeks (29-36). Inspired oxygen (FIO2) was varied to obtain three to five transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) values between 85 and 96%. Values of shunt, shift and VA/Q were obtained by plotting the paired data of SpO2 against FIO2 for each infant using a unique program. Right-to-left shunt, right shift of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and VA/Q were measured in infants born <32 weeks PMA receiving oxygen at 28 days. Results: The median (IQR) shunt was 8% (0.3-16.5), shift 14.5 kPa (10.9-19.4) and VA/Q 0.40 (0.30-0.48). Shunt, shift and VA/Q were significantly related to gestational age (GA) at birth, PMA at study, weight at study and weight gain per week. Conclusions: Severity of pulmonary oxygenation impairment in BPD can be quantified at the cot-side by non-invasive measurement of shunt, shift and VA/Q. Low GA at birth, low weight at birth and at the time of study and impaired weight gain are significantly associated with the severity of oxygen-exchange impairment in infants with BPD.
Neuronal Calcium Wave Propagation Varies with Changes in Endoplasmic Reticulum Parameters: A Computer Model
Authors: Neymotin Samuel A. , McDougal Robert A. , Sherif Mohamed A. , Fall Christopher P. , Hines Michael L. , Lytton William W.
Published: March 2015

Calcium ([Formula: see text]) waves provide a complement to neuronal electrical signaling, forming a key part of a neuron’s second messenger system. We developed a reaction-diffusion model of an apical dendrite with diffusible inositol triphosphate ([Formula: see text]), diffusible [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] receptors ([Formula: see text]s), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) [Formula: see text] leak, and ER pump (SERCA) on ER. [Formula: see text] is released from ER stores via [Formula: see text]s upon binding of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. This results in [Formula: see text]-induced-[Formula: see text]-release (CICR) and increases [Formula: see text] spread. At least two modes of [Formula: see text] wave spread have been suggested: a continuous mode based on presumed relative homogeneity of ER within the cell and a pseudo-saltatory model where [Formula: see text] regeneration occurs at discrete points with diffusion between them. We compared the effects of three patterns of hypothesized [Formula: see text] distribution: (1) continuous homogeneous ER, (2) hotspots with increased [Formula: see text] density ([Formula: see text] hotspots), and (3) areas of increased ER density (ER stacks). All three modes produced [Formula: see text] waves with velocities similar to those measured in vitro (approximately 50–90 [Formula: see text]m /sec). Continuous ER showed high sensitivity to [Formula: see text] density increases, with time to onset reduced and speed increased. Increases in SERCA density resulted in opposite effects. The measures were sensitive to changes in density and spacing of [Formula: see text] hotspots and stacks. Increasing the apparent diffusion coefficient of [Formula: see text]  substantially increased wave speed. An extended electrochemical model, including voltage-gated calcium channels and AMPA synapses, demonstrated that membrane priming via AMPA stimulation enhances subsequent [Formula: see text] wave amplitude and duration. Our modeling suggests that pharmacological targeting of [Formula: see text]s and SERCA could allow modulation of [Formula: see text] wave propagation in diseases where [Formula: see text] dysregulation has been implicated.
Edge-Based Shading as a Depth Cue in Paintings
Authors: Venderbosch Marianne E. , van Doorn Andrea J. , Koenderink Jan J. , te Pas Susan F.
Published: March 2015

We explored how an artist who uses a particular monochrome modern painting style generates the impression of relief in paintings. Three portraits, painted after model, were created especially for the experiment. Photographs of the paintings were presented on a computer screen. To investigate the perceived relief of observers we used a gauge figure task. We expected an effect of background contrast on perceived total depth range of the relief, because this is well known in the case of photography. We found that the contrast with the color of the canvas, white, gray or black, influences the perceived articulation of the relief but does not influence the perceived total depth range of the relief. The major difference between photographs and these paintings is that contrasts in the paintings are built up through edge-based shading, whereas photographs mostly contain tonal-area shading. The classical shape from shading cue does not apply to the impressions of depth evoked by the paintings. Perhaps surprisingly edge-based shading can be as effective as classical ways of creating pictorial relief.
Values to be Caught and Taught: The Response of the Church to the Teenage Moral Dilemma
Authors: Prins Rian
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses a number of factors that hamper moral development and which indicates that purposeful and well-planned attention must be paid to the moral development of the youth. The church, especially, has an important responsibility and a great opportunity in this respect. The role of the church is, primarily, not what it does for the youth, but what it should be for the youth, namely a true community of faith. Through identification with the congregation, identification with the congregation's values and norms takes place. Moral consultation and decision-making should function within such a context. Moral development takes place within the dialectic relationship of initiation and communication of values and norms.