bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence Characterization and Spatiotemporal Expression Patterns ofPbS26-RNaseGene in Chinese White Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Jia Baoguang , Zou Feng , Tan Xiaofeng , Liu Min , Song Zhibo , Zeng Yanling , Jiang Nan , Yuan Deyi
Published: March 2014

Many flowering plants exhibit an important intraspecific reproductive barrier phenomenon, that is, self-incompatibility (SI), in whichS-RNasegenes play a significant role. To clarify the specific function ofS-RNasegenes in Chinese pears, the full length cDNA ofPbS26-RNasewas isolated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technology from Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) cultivar “Hongpisu.” The cDNA sequence forPbS26-RNasewas deposited in GenBank under accession number EU081888. At the amino acid level, thePbS26-RNasedisplayed the highest similarity (96.9%) with PcSa-RNase ofP. communis, and only seven amino acid differences were present in the two S-RNases. Phylogenetic analysis of rosaceous S-RNases indicated that thePbS26-RNaseclustered with maloideous S-RNases, forming a subfamily-specific not a species-specific group. ThePbS26-RNasegene was specifically expressed in the style but not other tissues/organs. The expression level of thePbS26-RNasegene rapidly increased at bell balloon stage (BBS), and then it dropped after pollination. However, the abundance of thePbS26-RNasegene transcript in the style was greater after cross-pollination than after self-pollination. In addition, a method for rapidly detecting thePbS26-RNasegene was developed via allele-specific primers design. The present study could provide a scientific basis for fully clarifying the mechanism of pear SI at the molecular level.
Physical Properties of Polyamide-12 versus PMMA Denture Base Material
Authors: Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Opitz Volker , Richter Gert , Boening Klaus W.
Published: March 2014

Objectives.Polyamide-12 (PA) is a flexible material suited for denture bases and clasping. This study investigated its potential aging effects with a focus on surface roughness, color stability, and elasticity.Methods.PA specimens (Valplast) of40×10×2 mm and equally measuring PMMA specimens (Palapress) as control were fabricated. Color changes after storage in air, water, coffee, and red wine(n=10)were measured using the CIEL*a*b*color specification. Elasticity after thermocycling (1000, 3000, and 7000 cycles,  n=15) was measured by three-point bending testing. Mean surface roughness (Ra) was determined after storage in the liquids mentioned above and thermocycling(n=10).Results.Tukey’s HSD test(P<0.05)revealed statistically significant color changes of PA in red wine (ΔE=4.27after 12 days,ΔE=6.90after 12 days) and coffee (ΔE=3.93after 36 days) but no color changes in PMMA. Elastic modulus of PA was 845 MPa and not affected by thermocycling (Tukey's HSD test,  P>0.81). Dry specimens showed significantly decreased elasticity(P<0.001). Mean surface roughness (PA 0.20 μm, PMMA 0.28 μm) did not change significantly after thermocycling or storage (Mann-WhitneyU-test,  0.16<P<0.65).Significance. PA exhibited a higher susceptibility to discoloration than PMMA. Neither surface roughness nor elasticity of PA was altered by artificial aging.
Morphological Changes in the Bone Marrow of the Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Momo Claudia , Jacintho Ana Paula Prudente , Moreira Pamela Rodrigues Reina , Munari Danísio Prado , Machado Gisele Fabrino , Vasconcelos Rosemeri de Oliveira
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most frequent lesions in the bone marrow of dogs naturally infected byLeishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.Thirty-three dogs sacrificed at the Zoonosis Control Center of Araçatuba, a municipality endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), were used. The animals were classified as asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic groups. At the necropsy, bone marrow samples were collected from the femur, fixed, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The lesion intensity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The parasite load was determined using immunohistochemistry. The most important lesions consisted of multifocal to diffuse granulomas, megakaryocytic dysplasia, and medullary aplasia. There were no statistical differences between the three clinical groups regarding parasite load and lesion intensity. Asymptomatic dogs also presented high parasitism in the bone marrow as dogs with clinical signs of VL. It was concluded that, regardless of clinical group, the bone marrow is a site for multiplication ofLeishmania chagasi. Possibly, the bone marrow dysplasia may arise from the presence of many parasitized and activated macrophages in this organ. Consequently, it affects the profile of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and systemic circulation.
Cognitive Impairment in Relapsing Remitting and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Efficacy of a Computerized Cognitive Screening Battery
Authors: Papathanasiou Athanasios , Messinis Lambros , Georgiou Vasileios L. , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis
Published: March 2014

Objective. To investigate the pattern of cognitive impairment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients using a computerized battery. Methods. RRMS patients N=50, SPMS patients N=30, and controls N=31 were assessed by Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) computerized battery, Trail Making Tests (TMT) A and B, and semantic and phonological verbal fluency tasks. Results. The overall prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was 53.75% (RRMS 38%, SPMS 80%). RRMS patients differed from controls with large effect size on reaction time, medium effect size on TMT A and small on TMT B, phonological verbal fluency, composite memory, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility. SPMS patients differed from controls in all neuropsychological measures (except complex attention) with large effect sizes on TMT A and B, phonological verbal fluency, composite memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, and cognitive flexibility. Between patient groups, medium effect sizes were present on TMT B and psychomotor speed, while small effect sizes were present on composite memory and processing speed. Conclusion. CNS VS is sensitive in detecting cognitive impairment in RRMS and SPMS patients. Significant impairment in episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed were identified, with gradual increment of the frequency as disease progresses.
A New Trophic State Index for Lagoons
Authors: Gupta Mukesh
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a new nitrogen-based trophic state index (TSI) for the estimation of status of eutrophication in a lagoon system. Nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N) is preferable because of its greater abundance in Chilika lagoon and its relation to other criteria of trophic state, for example, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Secchi disk depth (SDD). Nitrite is preferable over nitrate because the former decreases the fluorescence and affects photosynthesis, thereby controlling primary production. This paper also computes TSI using Chl-a and SDD. The three parameters account for the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the lagoon. It will be possible to estimate the TSI of freshwater and brackish water lagoons and other water bodies using the new expressions taking into consideration the spatial and temporal variability in the dataset. Depending on the data availability, alternative TSI (Chl-a) and TSI (SDD) can account for the biological and physical contributions to eutrophication. The estimated TSI can account for Chl-a and NO2-N up to 322.18 mg m−3 and 61.99 μg L−1, respectively. The TSI based on these three parameters can serve as a complimentary and predictive tool for lagoon management and field programs to monitor the health of a lagoon.
Chalcogenide Thin Film Substrate for Protein Biochip Application
Authors: Tveryanovich A. S. , Vasileva A. S. , Belykh A. V. , Borisov E. N. , Tveryanovich Yu. S.
Published: March 2014

Diagnostic of pathogen in the human biological liquids by biochip technology is an intensively developed methodic now. The main and the most important part of biochip is the adsorbing layer. Adsorption properties of chalcogenide films to protein (rat monoclonal antibodies) were tested. The films were prepared by conventional thermal deposition technique and by pulsed laser deposition technique. Two methods were used for forming in the films the two-dimensional map of adsorbing places for probe testing. One is using photoresist properties of chalcogenide films; another is using photo-induced oxidation of chalcogenide films. It was shown Good selectivity of the developed structures to protein markers was shown.
Durable Expression of Minicircle DNA-Liposome-Delivered Androgen Receptor cDNA in Mice with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Tian-You , Chung Chin-Ying , Chuang Wei-Min , Li Long-Yuan , Jeng Long-Bin , Ma Wen-Lung
Published: March 2014

Background. The most common gene-based cancer therapies involve the suppression of oncogenic molecules and enhancement of the expression of tumor-suppressor genes. Studies in noncancer disease animal models have shown that minicircle (MC) DNA vectors are easy to deliver and that the proteins from said MC-carrying DNA vectors are expressed over a long period of time. However, delivery of therapeutic genes via a liposome-mediated, MC DNA complex has never been tested in vascular-rich hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liposome-mediated DNA delivery exhibits highin vivotransfection efficiency and minimal systemic immune response, thereby allowing for repetitive interventions. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of delivering an MC-liposome vector containing a 3.2 kb androgen receptor (AR; HCC metastasis suppressor) cDNA into Hepatitis B Virus- (HBV-) induced HCC mouse livers.Results. Protein expression and promoter luciferase assays revealed that liposome-encapsulated MC-AR resulted in abundant functional expression of AR protein (100 kD) for up to two weeks. The AR cDNA was also successfully delivered into normal livers and diseased livers, where it was persistently expressed. In both normal livers and livers with tumors, the expression of AR was detectable for up to 60 days.Conclusion. Our results show that an MC/liposome delivery system might improve the efficacy of gene therapy in patients with HCC.
Observation Study on the Size Distribution of Sand Dust Aerosol Particles over Yinchuan, China
Authors: Mao Jiandong , Sheng Hongjiang , Zhao Hu , Zhou Chunyan
Published: March 2014

The Yinchuan area, which lies in the eastern part of Northwest China, is one of the main transportation paths and origins of sand dust in China. In order to investigate the aerosol number size distribution and its temporal-spatial evolution over this area, direct solar radiation data taken from September 2012 to October 2013 by a sun photometer CE-318 located at Beifang University of Nationalities (106°29′E, 38°13′N) were analyzed. The particle number size distributions were retrieved from the aerosol optical depth (AOD) by use of the extinction inversion method. The experiment results show that although the averaged size distribution satisfies basically the Junge function, there are two obvious peaks at the particle radius of 0.6 μm and 1.4 μm, respectively. Because sand-dust weather occurs frequently, the particle size distribution in Spring is obviously larger than that in other seasons, which coincides with AOD variation tendency. Moreover, in sand-dust weather the particles number concentration is larger than that of background weather with one order of magnitude, especially for the number of concentration of large particles and giant particles. The research results have very important reference value for quantitative study of the influence of aerosol on atmosphere physics and chemistry process and monitoring of sand-dust weather and air pollution of this area.
Gender Differences in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Sympathetic Ophthalmia
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Chan Chi-Chao
Published: March 2014

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) and sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) are types of T-cell mediated autoimmune granulomatous uveitis. Although the two diseases share common clinical features, they have certain differences in gender predilections. VKH classically has been reported as more prevalent in females than males, yet some studies in Japan and China have not found differences in gender prevalence. Male patients have a higher risk of chorioretinal degeneration, vitiligo, and worse prognosis. Conversely, the changing levels of estrogen/progesterone during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle as well as higher levels of TGF-βshow a protective role in females. Potential causes of female predilection for VKH are associated with HLA-DR and HLA-DQ alleles. SO, a bilateral granulomatous uveitis, occurs in the context of one eye after a penetrating injury due to trauma or surgery. In contrast to the female dominance in VKH, males are more frequently affected by SO due to a higher incidence of ocular injury, especially during wartime. However, no gender predilection of SO has been reported in postsurgical cases. No clinically different manifestations are revealed between males and females in SO secondary to either ocular trauma or surgery. The potential causes of the gender difference may provide hints on future treatment and disease evaluation.
Research on the Degree of Ecological Supply Chain Management Practice among Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , Xiu Guoyi
Published: March 2014

Based on the existing literature, this paper proposes two assumptions and designs a set of ecological supply chain performance evaluation
indicators system. Because these indicators are interdependence for each other, this paper selects the analytic network
process and builds the ANP network model to evaluate the degree of ecological supply chain management practice among Chinese manufacturing enterprises.
The evaluation results show that there is different level indeed about the ecological supply chain management level; the better the ecological supply chain
management practice degree is, the more quickly the ecological supply chain management performance levels increase.
Oxygen Cost of Walking in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Disability Matters, but Why?
Authors: Sandroff Brian M. , Klaren Rachel E. , Pilutti Lara A. , Motl Robert W.
Published: March 2014

Background.The oxygen cost (O2cost) of walking is elevated in persons with MS, particularly as a function of increasing disability status.Objective.The current study examined symptomatic (i.e., fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression) and gait (i.e., velocity, cadence, and step length) variables that might explain why disability status is associated with O2cost of walking in persons with MS.Materials and Methods.82 participants completed the Patient-Determined Disease Steps, Fatigue Severity Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and undertook 2 trials of walking on a GAITRite electronic walkway. Participants then completed a six-minute walk test with concurrent assessment of expired gases for quantifying oxygen consumption and O2cost of walking.Results.Disability (r=0.55) as well as fatigue (r=0.22), gait velocity (r=-0.62), cadence (r=-0.73), and step length (r=-0.53) were associated with the O2cost of walking. Cadence (β=-0.67), but not step length (β=-0.14) or fatigue (β=-0.10), explained the association between disability and the O2cost of walking.Conclusions.These results highlight cadence as a target of rehabilitation for increasing metabolic efficiency during walking among those with MS, particularly as a function of worsening disability.
Persistent Cryptococcal Brain Infection despite Prolonged Immunorecovery in an HIV-Positive Patient
Authors: Wingfield Tom , Baxter Jo , Herwadkar Amit , du Plessis Daniel , Blanchard Tom J. , Javier Vilar F. , Varma Anoop
Published: March 2014

Background.HIV-positive people starting combined antiretroviral therapy may develop immune reconstitution to latent or treated opportunistic infections. Immune reconstitution to cerebral Cryptococcus is poorly understood and can be fatal.Case Presentation.A 33-year-old Zimbabwean female presented with cryptococcal meningitis and newly diagnosed HIV with a CD4 count of 51 cells/μL (4%). She was treated with amphotericin and flucytosine. Combined antiretroviral therapy was started four weeks later and she showed early improvement. However, over the ensuing 18 months, her clinical course was marked by periodic worsening with symptoms resembling cryptococcal meningitis despite having achieved CD4 counts ≥400 cells/μL. Although initially treated for relapsing cryptococcal immune reconstitution syndrome, a brain biopsy taken 17 months after initial presentation showed budding Cryptococci.Conclusion.This unusually protracted case highlights the difficulties in differentiating relapsing cryptococcal meningitis from immune reconstitution and raises questions concerning the optimum timing of initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy in such patients.
Potential Role of Selenoenzymes and Antioxidant Metabolism in relation to Autism Etiology and Pathology
Authors: Raymond Laura J. , Deth Richard C. , Ralston Nicholas V. C.
Published: March 2014

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are behaviorally defined, but the biochemical pathogenesis of the underlying disease process remains uncharacterized. Studies indicate that antioxidant status is diminished in autistic subjects, suggesting its pathology is associated with augmented production of oxidative species and/or compromised antioxidant metabolism. This suggests ASD may result from defects in the metabolism of cellular antioxidants which maintain intracellular redox status by quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS). Selenium-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) are important in maintaining intercellular reducing conditions, particularly in the brain. Selenoenzymes are a family of ~25 genetically unique proteins, several of which have roles in preventing and reversing oxidative damage in brain and endocrine tissues. Since the brain’s high rate of oxygen consumption is accompanied by high ROS production, selenoenzyme activities are particularly important in this tissue. Because selenoenzymes can be irreversibly inhibited by many electrophiles, exposure to these organic and inorganic agents can diminish selenoenzyme-dependent antioxidant functions. This can impair brain development, particularly via the adverse influence of oxidative stress on epigenetic regulation. Here we review the physiological roles of selenoproteins in relation to potential biochemical mechanisms of ASD etiology and pathology.
Elevated Plasma IL-37, IL-18, and IL-18BP Concentrations in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ji Qingwei , Zeng Qiutang , Huang Ying , Shi Ying , Lin Yingzhong , Lu Zhengde , Meng Kai , Wu Bangwei , Yu Kunwu , Chai Meng , Liu Yuyang , Zhou Yujie
Published: March 2014

Objective.More recently, evidence showed that the novel anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin- (IL-) 37 was expressed in the foam-like cells of atherosclerotic coronary and carotid artery plaques, suggesting that IL-37 is involved in atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, the plasma levels of IL-37 in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, including unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction) have yet to be investigated.Methods.Plasma IL-37, IL-18, and IL-18BP levels were measured in 50 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), 75 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 67 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 65 control patients.Results.The plasma IL-37, IL-18, and IL-18BP levels were significantly increased in ACS patients compared to SAP and control patients. A correlation analysis showed that the plasma biomarker levels were positively correlated with each other and with the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP),N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) but negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Furthermore, the plasma IL-37, IL-18, and IL-18BP had no correlation with the severity of the coronary artery stenosis.Conclusions.The results indicate that the plasma IL-37 levels are associated with the onset of ACS.
MicroRNAs in the Neural Retina
Authors: Andreeva Kalina , Cooper Nigel G. F.
Published: March 2014

The health and function of the visual system rely on a collaborative interaction between diverse classes of molecular regulators. One of these classes consists of transcription factors, which are known to bind to DNA and control the transcription activities of their target genes. For a long time, it was thought that the transcription factors were the only regulators of gene expression. More recently, however, a novel class of regulators emerged. This class consists of a large number of small noncoding endogenous RNAs, namely, miRNAs. The miRNAs compose an essential component of posttranscriptional gene regulation, since they ultimately control the fate of gene transcripts. The retina, as a part of the central nervous system, is a well-established model for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal and glial functions. Numerous recent efforts have been made towards identification of miRNAs and their inferred roles in the visual pathway. In this review, we summarize the current state of our knowledge regarding the expression and function of miRNA in the neural retina and we discuss their potential uses as biomarkers for some retinal disorders.
Prospective Memory Impairment and Executive Dysfunction in Prefrontal Lobe Damaged Patients: Is There a Causal Relationship?
Authors: Carlesimo Giovanni A. , di Paola Margherita , Fadda Lucia , Caltagirone Carlo , Costa Alberto
Published: March 2014

Background. The prospective memory (PM) construct is aimed at capturing cognitive operations involved in the successful accomplishment of delayed intentions. It is generally agreed that PM impairment occurs in patients with prefrontal lobes damage.Objective. To evaluate if there is a causal role of a deficit of executive abilities (failures of planning, set-shifting, selective attention, or working memory) over the PM impairment.Methods. We report a detailed investigation of PM and executive abilities in two patients with posttraumatic damage to prefrontal lobes who complained from a reduced compliance with appointments and daily routines.Results. Laboratory tests confirmed a difficulty in fulfilling delayed intentions in response to the occurrence of critical events and elapsed time. In one patient, PM impairment was associated with poor performance on tests investigating planning, working memory, and mental shifting. The other patient performed in the normal range on all executive tests.Conclusions. Despite the frequent claim of a dependence of PM deficits from executive dysfunction, the reported cases demonstrate that this is not necessarily the case. The results are discussed in the light of current hypotheses relating PM impairment to other deficits that commonly occur as a result of damage to the prefrontal lobes.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Transmission Chain of a Horizontal Machining Tool Axis to Design and Control Parameters
Authors: Mauro Stefano , Pastorelli Stefano , Mohtar Tharek
Published: March 2014

This paper reports how a numerical controlled machine axis was studied through a lumped parameter model. Firstly, a linear model was derived in order to apply a modal analysis, which estimated the first mechanical frequency of the system as well as its damping coefficients. Subsequently, a nonlinear system was developed by adding friction through experimentation. Results were validated through the comparison with a commercial servoaxis equipped with a Siemens controller. The model was then used to evaluate the effect of the stiffness of the structural parts of the axis on its first natural frequency. It was further used to analyse precision, energy consumption, and axis promptness. Finally a cost function was generated in order to find an optimal value for the main proportional gain of the position loop.
IgG, IgM, and IgA Antinuclear Antibodies in Discoid and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Jost Sheridan A. , Tseng Lin-Chiang , Matthews Loderick A. , Vasquez Rebecca , Zhang Song , Yancey Kim B. , Chong Benjamin F.
Published: March 2014

IgG antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). To provide an expanded immunologic view of circulating ANAs in lupus patients, we compared the expressions of IgG, IgM, and IgA ANAs in DLE and SLE patients. In this cross-sectional study, sera from age-, gender-, and ethnic-matched SLEN=35, DLEN=23, and normal patientsN=22were tested for IgG, IgM, and IgA ANAs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with monkey esophagus as substrate. ELISAs showed elevated levels of IgG ANA, IgM ANA, and IgG/IgM ANA ratios in SLE patients compared with DLE and normal patients. IgA ANA expression was higher in SLE and DLE patients versus normal patients. IIF studies showed higher percentages of patients positive for IgG, IgM, and IgA ANAs in the SLE group. Higher IgG/IgM ANA ratios in SLE than DLE show enhanced class-switching and a more sustained humoral response in SLE. They also suggest a potential connection of IgM ANAs with disease containment.
Three-Year Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Patients Randomized to Steroid-Free Immunosuppression or Steroid Withdrawal, with Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate Sodium and Cyclosporine: The Infinity Study
Authors: Thierry A. , Mourad G. , Büchler M. , Choukroun G. , Toupance O. , Kamar N. , Villemain F. , Le Meur Y. , Legendre C. , Merville P. , Kessler M. , Heng A.-E. , Moulin B. , Queré S. , Di Giambattista F. , Lecuyer A. , Touchard G.
Published: March 2014

In a six-month, multicenter, open-label trial,de novokidney transplant recipients at low immunological risk were randomized to steroid avoidance or steroid withdrawal with IL-2 receptor antibody (IL-2RA) induction, enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS: 2160 mg/day to week 6, 1440 mg/day thereafter), and cyclosporine. Results from a 30-month observational follow-up study are presented. Of 166 patients who completed the core study on treatment, 131 entered the follow-up study (70 steroid avoidance, 61 steroid withdrawal). The primary efficacy endpoint of treatment failure (clinical biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) graft loss, death, or loss to follow-up) occurred in 21.4% (95% CI 11.8–31.0%) of steroid avoidance patients and 16.4% (95% CI 7.1–25.7%) of steroid withdrawal patients by month 36 (P=0.46). BPAR had occurred in 20.0% and 11.5%, respectively (P=0.19). The incidence of adverse events with a suspected relation to steroids during months 6–36 was 22.9% versus 37.1% (P=0.062). By month 36, 32.4% and 51.7% of patients in the steroid avoidance and steroid withdrawal groups, respectively, were receiving oral steroids. In conclusion, IL-2RA induction with early intensified EC-MPS dosing and CNI therapy inde novokidney transplant patients at low immunological risk may achieve similar three-year efficacy regardless of whether oral steroids are withheld for at least three months.
Classification of the Quasifiliform Nilpotent Lie Algebras of Dimension 9
Authors: Pérez Mercedes , Pérez Francisco P. , Jiménez Emilio
Published: March 2014

On the basis of the family of quasifiliform Lie algebra laws of dimension 9 of 16 parameters and 17 constraints, this paper is devoted to identify the invariants that completely classify the algebras over the complex numbers except for isomorphism. It is proved that the nullification of certain parameters or of parameter expressions divides the family into subfamilies such that any couple of them is nonisomorphic and any quasifiliform Lie algebra of dimension 9 is isomorphic to one of them. The iterative and exhaustive computation with Maple provides the classification, which divides the original family into 263 subfamilies, composed of 157 simple algebras, 77 families depending on 1 parameter, 24 families depending on 2 parameters, and 5 families depending on 3 parameters.
High Stability White Organic Light‐Emitting Diode (WOLED) Using Nano‐Double‐Ultra Thin Carrier Trapping Materials
Authors: Chen Kan-Lin
Published: March 2014

The structure of indium tin oxide (ITO) (100 nm)/molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) (15 nm)/N,N0‐bis‐(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N0‐biphenyl‐1,10‐biphenyl‐4,40‐diamine (NPB) (40 nm)/4,4′‐Bis(2,2‐diphenylvinyl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (DPVBi) (10 nm)/5,6,11,12‐tetraphenylnaphthacene (Rubrene) (0.2 nm)/DPVBi (24 nm)/Rubrene (0.2 nm)/DPVBi (6 nm)/4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (BPhen): cesium carbonate (Cs2Co3) (10 nm)/Al (120 nm) with high color purity and stability white organic light‐emitting diode (WOLED) was fabricated. The function of the multiple‐ultra‐thin material (MUTM), such as Rubrene, is as the yellow light‐emitting layer and trapping layer. The results show that the MUTM has an excellent carrier capture effect, resulting in high color stability of the device at different applied voltages. The Commissions Internationale De L’Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of this device at 3~7 V is few displacement and shows a very slight variation of (±0.01, ±0.01). The maximum brightness of 9986 cd/m2 and CIE coordinates of (0.346, 0.339) are obtained at 7 V. The enhanced performance of the device may result from the direct charge trapping in MUTM and it can be found in the electroluminescence (EL) process.
Performance of Water-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Coolant during Abrasive Grinding of Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Kadirgama K.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the performance of ductile cast iron grinding machining using water-based zinc oxide nanoparticles as a coolant. The experimental data was utilized to develop the mathematical model for first- and second-order models. The second order gives worthy performance of the grinding. The results indicate that the optimum parameters for the grinding model are 20 m/min table speed and 42.43 μm depth of cut for single-pass grinding. For multiple-pass grinding, optimization is at a table speed equal to 35.11 m/min and a depth of cut equal to 29.78 μm. The model fit was adequate and acceptable for sustainable grinding using a 0.15% volume concentration of zinc oxide nanocoolant. This paper quantifies the impact of water-based ZnO nanoparticle coolant on the achieved surface quality. It is concluded that the surface quality is the most influenced by the depth of cut(s) and table speed.
Absence of Autophagy-Related Proteins Expression Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Choi Ji Hye , Cho Young-Seok , Ko Yoon Ho , Hong Soon Uk , Park Jin Hee , Lee Myung Ah
Published: March 2014

Background/Aim.Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, has paradoxical roles in tumorigenesis and the progression of human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate their prognostic significance.Methods.This study is a retrospective review of immunohistochemical and clinicopathological data. All specimens evaluated were obtained from 263 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone surgery between November 1996 and August 2007. The primary outcomes measured were the expression levels of three autophagy-related proteins (ATG5, BECN1/Beclin 1, and Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)) by immunohistochemistry and its association in clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.Results.The autophagy-related protein expression frequencies were 65.1% (151/232) for ATG5, 71.3% (174/244) for BECN1, and 74.7% (186/249) for LC3B for the 263 patients. Correlation between the expression of autophagy-related proteins was significant for all protein pairs. Multivariate analysis showed that negative LC3B expression and absence of autophagy-related proteins expression were independently associated with poor prognosis.Conclusion.Absence of autophagy-related proteins expression is associated with poor clinical outcome in CRC, suggesting that these proteins have potential uses as novel prognostic markers.
Multiplicity of Solutions for an Elliptic Problem with Critical Sobolev-Hardy Exponents and Concave-Convex Nonlinearities
Authors: Li Juan , Tong Yuxia
Published: March 2014

We study the existence of multiple solutions for the following elliptic problem:-Δpu-μ|u|p-2u/|x|p=|u|p*(t)-2/|x|tu+λ|u|q-2/|x|su,u∈W01,p(Ω).We prove that if1≤q<p<N, then there is aμ0, such that for anyμ∈0,μ0, the above mentioned problem possesses infinitely many weak solutions. Our result generalizes a similar result (Azorero and Alonso, 1991).
A Unification ofG-Metric, Partial Metric, andb-Metric Spaces
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Rezaei Roshan Jamal , Parvaneh Vahid , Latif Abdul
Published: March 2014

Using the concepts ofG-metric, partial metric, andb-metric spaces, we define a new concept of generalized partialb-metric space. Topological and structural properties of the new space are investigated and certain fixed point theorems for contractive mappings in such spaces are obtained. Some examples are provided here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.
Spontaneous Closure of a Fully Developed Macular Hole in a Severely Myopic Eye
Authors: Bruè C. , Rossiello I. , Guidotti J. M. , Mariotti C.
Published: March 2014

Purpose.Myopic macular holes can be difficult to close with surgery and are frequently associated with retinal detachment. We report on a case of a macular hole in a severely myopic eye that underwent spontaneous closure.Methods.An observational case study.Results.A 55-year-old female was referred to Ophthalmology for a central scotoma and metamorphopsia in the right eye. Visual acuity was 1/20 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed loss of the foveal depression, with a small yellow ring in the center of the fovea in the right eye, and a tilted optic disc and peripapillary staphyloma bilaterally. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed a fully developed macular hole with a rim of thickened and slightly elevated retina in the right eye. The patient refused surgery. After 4 years of follow-up, her visual acuity improved to 20/40 in the right eye, and SD-OCT revealed spontaneous sealing of the macular hole without bare retinal pigment epithelium.Conclusions.Myopic macular holes represent a challenge regarding their management, and the prognosis is often poor.
Corals and Their Potential Applications to Integrative Medicine
Authors: Cooper Edwin L. , Hirabayashi Kyle , Strychar Kevin B. , Sammarco Paul W.
Published: March 2014

Over the last few years, we have pursued the use and exploitation of invertebrate immune systems, most notably their humoral products, to determine what effects their complex molecules might exert on humans, specifically their potential for therapeutic applications. This endeavor, called “bioprospecting,” is an emerging necessity for biomedical research. In order to treat the currently “untreatable,” or to discover more efficient treatment modalities, all options and potential sources must be exhausted so that we can provide the best care to patients, that is, proceed from forest and ocean ecosystems through the laboratory to the bedside. Here, we review current research findings that have yielded therapeutic benefits, particularly as derived from soft and hard corals. Several applications have already been demonstrated, including anti‐inflammatory properties, anticancer properties, bone repair, and neurological benefits.
Handover Strategies in Beacon-Enabled Mobile Sensor Network
Authors: Sthapit Pranesh , Pyun Jae-Young
Published: March 2014

IEEE 802.15.4 has become the de facto standard in many areas of wireless sensor network (WSN) such as body area networks, industrial automation, and healthcare domains. In many WSN applications, the sensor nodes could be mobile, and indoor communications are limited in terms of signal propagation. Therefore, a large number of access points need to be deployed to cover large areas. To maintain the sensor connectivity, sensor node should frequently change the serving access point by performing a mechanism known as a handover. We observed that the amount of time required for the association process is the key reason IEEE 802.15.4 is unable to handle the mobility. In this paper, we show what is required for node mobility support and propose three strategies for the support. First, the proactive algorithm is developed to anticipate the future link breakage. Second, a new greedy scanning technique is presented, which prevents nodes from scanning multiple channels. Third, the coordinator selection algorithm is developed which chooses the best coordinator that gives the longest connectivity time reducing the handover frequency. Experimental results have verified that our schemes work well in the mobile sensor network environment.
Frequency and Spectrum of KRAS Mutations in Moroccan Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Elghissassi Ibrahim , Inrhaoun Hanane , Boukir Anwar , Kettani Fouad , Gamra Lamia , Mestari Amina , Jabri Lamia , Bensouda Youssef , Mrabti Hind , Errihani Hassan
Published: March 2014

Background. In lung adenocarcinoma, the frequency of KRAS mutations is ethnicity dependent with a higher proportion in African Americans and white Caucasians than in Asians. The prevalence of these mutations among North Africans patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to report the frequency and spectrum of KRAS mutations in a group of Moroccan lung adenocarcinoma patients. Methods. Tumor specimens from 117 Moroccan patients with lung adenocarcinoma were selected to determine frequency and spectrum of KRAS mutations. KRAS mutations in codons 12 and 13 of exon 2 were analyzed using conventional DNA sequencing. Results. The overall frequency of the KRAS mutations was 9% (11/117). In the population with KRAS mutations, there was a trend towards more male (P=0.06) and more smokers (P=0.08) compared to patients with wild type KRAS. KRAS mutations were located at codon 12 in 10 out of 11 patients (91%). The G12C mutation was the most frequent KRAS mutation (73%). Conclusion. This is the first study to date examining the frequency and spectrum of KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinomas in North African and Arab populations. KRAS mutation frequency in Moroccan patients was comparable with the frequency observed in East-Asian population. KRAS mutations are more likely observed in males and smokers and to be transversions. Further studies, in larger numbers of patients, are needed to confirm these findings.
Nitric Oxide, Oxidative Stress, andp66ShcInterplay in Diabetic Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Magenta Alessandra , Greco Simona , Capogrossi Maurizio C. , Gaetano Carlo , Martelli Fabio
Published: March 2014

Increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability play a causal role in endothelial cell dysfunction occurring in the vasculature of diabetic patients. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underpinning diabetic endothelial and vascular dysfunction. In particular, we focused our attention on the complex interplay existing among NO, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and one crucial regulator of intracellular ROS production,p66Shcprotein.
Condition Assessment of PC Tendon Duct Filling by Elastic Wave Velocity Mapping
Authors: Liu Kit Fook , Chai Hwa Kian , Mehrabi Nima , Yoshikazu Kobayashi , Shiotani Tomoki
Published: March 2014

Imaging techniques are high in demand for modern nondestructive evaluation of large-scale concrete structures. The travel-time tomography (TTT) technique, which is based on the principle of mapping the change of propagation velocity of transient elastic waves in a measured object, has found increasing application for assessing in situ concrete structures. The primary aim of this technique is to detect defects that exist in a structure. The TTT technique can offer an effective means for assessing tendon duct filling of prestressed concrete (PC) elements. This study is aimed at clarifying some of the issues pertaining to the reliability of the technique for this purpose, such as sensor arrangement, model, meshing, type of tendon sheath, thickness of sheath, and material type as well as the scale of inhomogeneity. The work involved 2D simulations of wave motions, signal processing to extract travel time of waves, and tomography reconstruction computation for velocity mapping of defect in tendon duct.
In Vitro Screening for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Potent Biocontrol and Plant Growth Promoting Strains of Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp.
Authors: Praveen Kumar G. , Mir Hassan Ahmed S. K. , Desai Suseelendra , Leo Daniel Amalraj E. , Rasul Abdul
Published: March 2014

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been identified as a group of microbes that are used for plant growth enhancement and biocontrol for management of plant diseases. The inconsistency in performance of these bacteria from laboratory to field conditions is compounded due to the prevailing abiotic stresses in the field. Therefore, selection of bacterial strains with tolerance to abiotic stresses would benefit the end-user by successful establishment of the strain for showing desired effects. In this study we attempted to isolate and identify strains of Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. with stress tolerance and proven ability to inhibit the growth of potential phytopathogenic fungi. Screening of bacterial strains for high temperature (50°C), salinity (7% NaCl), and drought (−1.2 MPa) showed that stress tolerance was pronounced less in Pseudomonas isolates than in Bacillus strains. The reason behind this could be the formation of endospores by Bacillus isolates. Tolerance to drought was high in Pseudomonas strains than the other two stresses. Three strains, P8, P20 and P21 showed both salinity and temperature tolerance. P59 strain possessed promising antagonistic activity and drought tolerance. The magnitude of antagonism shown by Bacillus isolates was also higher when compared to Pseudomonas strains. To conclude, identification of microbial candidate strains with stress tolerance and other added characteristic features would help the end-user obtain the desired beneficial effects.
Esophagojejunostomy Feeding Tube Placement in 5 Dogs with Pancreatitis and Anorexia
Authors: Cummings Forrest , Daley Catherine A.
Published: March 2014

Enteral feeding tube placement has been described in veterinary medicine for several years. Indications include oral, esophageal, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, hepatic, and neurologic diseases. In this paper, endoscopically assisted placement of an esophagojejunostomy (EJ) feeding tube in dogs with pancreatitis and prolonged anorexia is described. To the author’s knowledge there are no published reports of this procedure. Esophagojejunostomy feeding tubes provide an alternative to other forms of postgastric feeding tube placement (e.g., nasojejunal, gastrojejunostomy, and jejunostomy tubes) without the associated complications of patient discomfort, sneezing, epistaxis, and peritonitis. Tube occlusion, transient vomiting and loose stool were the most commonly reported complications.
Hedyotis diffusa Combined with Scutellaria barbata Are the Core Treatment of Chinese Herbal Medicine Used for Breast Cancer Patients: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Yeh Yuan-Chieh , Chen Hsing-Yu , Yang Sien-Hung , Lin Yi-Hsien , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Chen Jiun-Liang
Published: March 2014

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is the most common type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used in Taiwan, is increasingly used to treat patients with breast cancer. However, large‐scale studies on the patterns of TCM prescriptions for breast cancer are still lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the core treatment of TCM prescriptions used for breast cancer recorded in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. TCM visits made for breast cancer in 2008 were identified using ICD‐9 codes. The prescriptions obtained at these TCM visits were evaluated using association rule mining to evaluate the combinations of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used to treat breast cancer patients. A total of 37,176 prescriptions were made for 4,436 outpatients with breast cancer. Association rule mining and network analysis identified Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata as the most common duplex medicinal (10.9%) used for the core treatment of breast cancer. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (19.6%) and Hedyotis diffusa (41.9%) were the most commonly prescribed herbal formula (HF) and single herb (SH), respectively. Only 35% of the commonly used CHM had been studied for efficacy. More clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these CHM used to treat breast cancer.
Concurrent Associations between Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Duration with Childhood Obesity
Authors: Laurson Kelly R. , Lee Joey A. , Gentile Douglas A. , Walsh David A. , Eisenmann Joey C.
Published: March 2014

Aim. To examine the simultaneous influence of physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration recommendations on the odds of childhood obesity (including overweight). Methods. Physical activity was assessed via pedometer and screen time, and sleep duration were assessed via survey in a cross sectional sample of 674 children (aged 7–12 years) from two Midwestern communities in the fall of 2005. Participants were cross tabulated into four groups depending on how many recommendations were being met (0, 1, 2, or all 3). Linear and logistic regression were used to examine the influence of physical activity, screen time and sleep duration on obesity and interactions among the three variables. Results. Children achieving all three recommendations simultaneously (9.2% of total sample) were the least likely to be obese. Approximately 16% of boys and 9% of girls achieving all recommendations were overweight or obese compared to 53% of boys and 42.5% of girls not achieving any. Conclusions. The odds of obesity increased in a graded manner for each recommendation which was not met. Meeting all three recommendations appears to have a protective effect against obesity. Continued efforts are warranted to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors that include meeting physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration recommendations concurrently.
Tau-Path Following Method for Solving the Riccati Equation with Fractional Order
Authors: Syam Muhammed I. , Siyyam Hani I. , Al-Subaihi Ibrahim
Published: March 2014

A formulation for the fractional Legendre functions is constructed to find the solution of the fractional Riccati equation. The fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. The method is based on the Tau Legendre and path following methods. Theoretical and numerical results are presented. Analysis for the presented method is given.
Developing of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis during Etanercept Therapy
Authors: Ortiz-Sierra María Clara , Echeverri Andrés Felipe , Tobón Gabriel J. , Cañas Carlos Alberto
Published: March 2014

We describe a 67-year-old woman who developed c-ANCA positive vasculitis with involvement in eyes, skin, kidney, peripheral nerves, and upper and lower airway during treatment with etanercept therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. A diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis was done. Thus, anti-TNF therapy may be associated with the development of ANCA positive vasculitis.