bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Investigation of the Genomic Regions Involved in Antigenic Variation of the TprK Antigen among Treponemal Species, Subspecies, and Strains
Authors: Giacani Lorenzo , Brandt Stephanie L. , Puray-Chavez Maritza , Reid Tara Brinck , Godornes Charmie , Molini Barbara J. , Benzler Martin , Hartig Jörg S. , Lukehart Sheila A. , Centurion-Lara Arturo
Published: June 2012

Although the threeTreponema pallidumsubspecies (T. pallidumsubsp.pallidum,T. pallidumsubsp.pertenue, andT. pallidumsubsp.endemicum),Treponema paraluiscuniculi, and the unclassified Fribourg-Blanc treponeme cause clinically distinct diseases, these pathogens are genetically and antigenically highly related and are able to cause persistent infection. Recent evidence suggests that the putative surface-exposed variable antigen TprK plays an important role in both treponemal immune evasion and persistence.tprKheterogeneity is generated by nonreciprocal gene conversion between thetprKexpression site and donor sites. Although each of the above-mentioned species and subspecies has a functionaltprKantigenic variation system, it is still unclear why the level of expression and the rate at whichtprKdiversifies during infection can differ significantly among isolates. To identify genomic differences that might affect the generation and expression of TprK variants among these pathogens, we performed comparative sequence analysis of the donor sites, as well as thetprKexpression sites, among eightT. pallidumsubsp.pallidumisolates (Nichols Gen, Nichols Sea, Chicago, Sea81-4, Dal-1, Street14, UW104, and UW126), threeT. pallidumsubsp.pertenueisolates (Gauthier, CDC2, and Samoa D), oneT. pallidumsubsp.endemicumisolate (Iraq B), the unclassified Fribourg-Blanc isolate, and the Cuniculi A strain ofT. paraluiscuniculi. Synteny and sequence conservation, as well as deletions and insertions, were found in the regions harboring the donor sites. These data suggest that thetprKrecombination system is harbored within dynamic genomic regions and that genomic differences might be an important key to explain discrepancies in generation and expression oftprKvariants among theseTreponemaisolates.
Competition injuries in taekwondo: a literature review and suggestions for prevention and surveillance
Authors: Pieter Willy , Fife Gabriel Paul , O'Sullivan David Michael
Published: June 2012

Objective

To review competition injuries in taekwondo and use this information to develop recommendations to reduce the number and severity of injuries in taekwondo competition.

Methods

The available literature was searched for prospective studies on taekwondo injuries in adult athletes. An injury was defined as any circumstance for which the athlete sought the assistance of the on-site medical personnel. Injury rates were expressed per athlete-exposures (A–E) and 95% CIs calculated.

Results

Total injury rates for elite men varied from 20.6/1000 A–E (95% CI 11.8 to 29.3) to 139.5/1000 A–E (95% CI 94.0 to 185.1). For elite women, the rates varied from 25.3/1000 A–E (95% CI 3.1 to 47.4) to 105.5/1000 A–E (95% CI 89.8 to 121.1). About one-third of all injuries (29.6%) in the men were to the head and neck region, while almost half of the injuries (44.5%) were to the lower extremities. In women, 15.2% of injuries were to the head and neck and 53.1% to the lower extremities. The vast majority of all injuries were contusions (42.7% in the men and 62.7% in the women). Point estimates of rates of head injuries and concussions were found to be higher in taekwondo than in other contact sports such as football (soccer) and American gridiron football. Time-loss injury rates in the men varied from 6.9/1000 A–E (95% CI 1.8 to 11.9) to 33.6/1000 A–E (95% CI 18.9 to 48.3). In the women, they varied from 2.4/1000 A–E (95% CI 2.3 to 7.2) to 23.0/1000 A–E (95% CI 15.7 to 30.4). The turning kick was most often involved in causing injury: 56.9% of all injuries in the men and 49.8% in the women. Lack of blocking skills was identified as one of the main injury mechanisms.

Conclusions

Rule changes should be considered and it is recommended that governing bodies employ qualified medical personnel. Establishing an ongoing injury surveillance system in taekwondo should be the first priority.
Health protection of the Olympic athlete
Authors: Steffen Kathrin , Soligard Torbjørn , Engebretsen Lars
Published: June 2012

Protection of the athletes' health is a clearly articulated objective of the International Olympic Committee. Longitudinal surveillance of injuries and illnesses can provide valuable data that may identify high-risk sports and disciplines. This is a foundation for introducing tailored preventive measures. During the XXIX Summer and XXI Winter Games, comprehensive injury and illness recording through the medical staff of the participating National Olympic Committees and the sports medicine clinics revealed that between 7% and 11% of all athletes incurred an injury or suffered from at least one occurrence of illness during the Games. The incidence of injuries and illnesses varied substantially between sports. In the future, risk factor and injury mechanism analyses in high-risk Olympic sports are essential to better direct injury-prevention strategies. Concomitantly, periodic health evaluations of athletes will be instrumental to optimise health protection.
Prostatic needle biopsies following primary high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma: histopathological features in tumour and non-tumour tissue
Authors: Ryan Paul , Finelli Antonio , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Fleshner Neil , Sweet Joan , Cheung Carol , van der Kwast Theodorus , Evans Andrew
Published: June 2012

Aims

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is currently offered as primary treatment for patients with clinically localised prostate cancer. Data on histopathological features of post-treatment biopsies are limited.

Methods

Pretreatment biopsies were identified in 45 men (age range 41–85) who received primary HIFU therapy. Post-HIFU biopsies were performed in 30 of these patients (67%) at mean 14.1 months (95% CI 11.7 to 16.5) follow-up, 22 due to rising PSA and eight as part of routine follow-up. Biopsies were examined for presence, distribution and extent of adenocarcinoma, Gleason scores, use of standard immunohistochemistry and ablative tissue changes were attributable to HIFU.

Results

In post-HIFU biopsies performed for biochemical failure, 17/22 (77%) contained adenocarcinoma; 4/22 (18%) had higher post-HIFU Gleason score; 3/22 (14%) had newly recognised bilateral involvement; and 4/22 (18%) had higher percentage tissue involvement compared with pre-HIFU biopsies. Of cases without rising post-HIFU PSA, 2/8 (25%) routine follow-up biopsies contained adenocarcinoma. Stromal fibrosis was the commonest finding in non-tumour post-HIFU biopsy tissue (17/30, 57%) with coagulative necrosis occurring in fewer cases (4/30, 13%) and over a shorter follow-up interval than cases showing fibrosis (8.5 (0.2–16.8) vs 15.3 (11.5–19.1) months). Treatment effects in tumour cells precluding the assignment of Gleason scores or use of immunohistochemistry in post-HIFU biopsies were not identified.

Conclusion

Post-HIFU biopsies are positive in more than 75% of patients with elevated or rising PSA. Stromal fibrosis is common but the tissue effects of this modality do not appear to impair pathologists' ability to detect and grade adenocarcinoma in follow-up biopsies.
Screening tests forChlamydia trachomatisorNeisseria gonorrhoeaeusing the cobas 4800 PCR system do not require a second test to confirm: an audit of patients issued with equivocal results at a sexual health clinic in the Northwest of England, UK
Authors: Hopkins Mark J , Smith Godfrey , Hart Ian J , Alloba Fath
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To assess the clinical utility of supplementary PCRs following a positive cobas 4800 CT/NG PCR screening test result.

Methods

Laboratory reports, forChlamydia trachomatisorNeisseria gonorrhoeae, issued to genitourinary medicine patients between April 2010 and April 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Positive reports were routinely confirmed by supplementary PCRs andN gonorrhoeaeculture. Clinical records of patients with unconfirmed positive (equivocal) reports were retrieved to determine if the infection was confirmed by a second sample obtained at patient recall and the impact of this process on antibiotic management.

Results

Over 15 000 patients were tested during the study period. The prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea was 972 (5.75%) and 76 (0.50%), respectively. A further 78 chlamydia and 2 gonorrhoea equivocal reports were issued. Only 56 (72%) patients with an equivocal chlamydia report returned to the clinic, and of these, only 41 (73%) gave a second sample to retest. Positive predictive value (PPV) of the PCR screening test was calculated at 98.0% and 97.5% for detection of chlamydia infection from urine and rectal swabs, respectively. Most patients accepted antibiotic treatment before their infection status had been confirmed. Prevalence of gonorrhoea infection was low but the PPV of the screening PCR in urine specimens remained high (98.75%).

Conclusions

Equivocal reports introduce delays to patient management, while the risk of unnecessary antibiotic therapy appears acceptable to most patients. The cobas 4800 CT/NG PCR screening assay can achieve UK testing standards (PPV >90%) for chlamydia, and low prevalence gonorrhoea in urine without supplementary tests. A patient-led confirmation algorithm is proposed.
Acute phase protein levels in dogs with mast cell tumours and sarcomas
Authors: Chase D. , McLauchlan G. , Eckersall P. D. , Parkin T. , Pratschke K. , Pratschke J.
Published: June 2012

The acute phase proteins (APP) form part of a non‐specific host response to inflammation. They may be induced by a range of different causes, including infection, inflammation, cancer and trauma. As they form part of the earliest response to such insults, they have potential for early identification of disease. In people, APP levels have been shown to correlate both with the extent of disease and also the prognosis in several forms of neoplasia, including prostate, oesophageal and colorectal cancer. As such, they can be used as prognostic and monitoring tools. To date, similar studies in veterinary patients have been limited, largely retrospective in nature and many are non‐specific for tumour type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a panel of four APPs in dogs with naturally occurring mast cell tumours (MCTs) and sarcomas to identify in the first instance whether increased levels of individual APPs, or identifiable combinations of APPs, was linked with the presence of disease. In the patients with MCTs, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and α‐1 acid glycoprotein levels increased, with a concurrent drop in serum amyloid A levels. In the sarcoma patients, CRP, α‐1 acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin were increased. These findings suggest that specific solid tumour types in dogs may be associated with specific changes in APP profiles.
Phylogeographic patterns inPackera subnudareveal an east–west divergence along the Continental Divide and reduced haplotype diversity in northern populations
Authors: Burke J.L. , Golden J.L. , Dobing S. , Bain J.F.
Published: June 2012

Packera subnuda (DC.) D.K. Trock & T.M. Barkley is a cordilleran species that is unusual within Packera in possessing diverse cpDNA haplotypes but no intrapopulational cpDNA diversity in the populations so far examined. In an effort to determine what factors are shaping this lack of diversity and whether it persists throughout the species, we sampled extensively throughout the range of the species. Unlike previous results, new population samples were not all monomorphic for cpDNA and some contained diverse haplotypes. Overall, the haplotype diversity pattern revealed, with one exception, a split into two groups separated by the Continental Divide. The exception (Beartooth Mountains, Wyo., USA) suggests the key factor in shaping the groups’ distributions may be the proximity to prairie populations of Packera species that increases the likelihood of hybridization. The pattern of diversity in ITS repeat type revealed in previous studies was also examined in more detail, with diversity found at both the intraindividual and intrapopulational level. ITS revealed a similar east–west separation into two groups on either side of the Continental Divide. Overall, the pattern suggests ancient hybridization injected haplotype and repeat type diversity into the species and that this diversity has since been reduced by the effects of drift in small populations, most significantly in populations at the northern and eastern edge of the range.
Effects of pollen availability on pollen immigration and pollen donor diversity in riparian dioecious trees (Salix arbutifolia)
Authors: Hoshikawa Takeshi , Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Tomaru Nobuhiro
Published: June 2012

Reduced pollen availability in a fragmented population may affect pollen immigration and diversity of pollen donors in the population. To test this prediction, tree locations, tree sizes, and nuclear microsatellite genotypes were determined for 182 offspring, their 8 mothers, and 194 males of a wind-pollinated, dioecious Salix arbutifolia Pallas population along a river isolated over 4 km from other populations. The effects of the distance between the mother and male trees and the size of the male trees on pollen dispersal as well as fractional paternity allocation for the offspring and the number of unsampled males were estimated simultaneously. Based on the estimated parameters of pollen dispersal, the availability of pollen from the males along the river was obtained for the individual mother trees. The pollen availability was not correlated with the proportion of offspring sired by immigrating pollen from unsampled males (8%–50%), but was positively correlated with the effective number of pollen donors in sampled males (1–8). The results suggest that the reduced pollen donor diversity owing to low pollen availability increases the fraction of full-sibs in offspring and subsequent reduction in genetic diversity, but that pollen immigration compensates the offspring for the reduced genetic diversity.
Rock denudation rates and organic carbon exports along a latitudinal gradient in the Hudson, James, and Ungava bays watershed
Authors: Rosa Eric , Gaillardet Jérôme , Hillaire-Marcel Claude , Hélie Jean-François , Richard Louis-Filip
Published: June 2012

This study documents chemical denudation rates (CDR) in the Canadian Shield and Interior Platform. It focuses on the dissolved chemistry of rivers flowing into the Hudson, James, and Ungava bays (HJUB). Major ions, strontium, neodymium, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were monitored in four rivers (Koksoak, Great Whale, La Grande, and Nelson). Six other rivers flowing into the HJUB were sampled during baseflow and snowmelt conditions. The rivers of the Canadian Shield exhibit major cation concentrations ranging between 62 and 360 µmol/L, [Nd] of 0.57–4.72 nmol/L, and variable [DOC] of 241–1777 µmol/L. In comparison, the Nelson River (Interior Platform) shows higher major cation concentrations (1200–2276 µmol/L), lower [Nd] (0.14–0.45 nmol/L), and intermediate [DOC] (753–928 µmol/L). Altogether, the studied rivers export 8 × 106 t/year of dissolved major cations and 50 t/year of dissolved Nd towards the HJUB. Basin-scale rock denudation rates (RDR) range from 1.0 to 5.3 t·km–2·year–1 and are essentially controlled by lithology, as illustrated by the relationship established between RDR and the proportion of sedimentary and volcanic rocks (%S + %V) within the basins: RDR = 0.08(%S + %V) + 0.9. In contrast, dissolved Nd exports (and likely other insoluble elements) seem to be dependent upon organic matter leaching, as illustrated by the empirical coupling between Nd and DOC exports. These fluxes decrease northwards, likely in response to the hydroclimatic gradient. The CDR evaluated within the Canadian Shield are among the lowest on the planet, and the alkalinity generated by rock weathering remains small with respect to DOC exports.
FLAVOR CONSERVATION, MICRO-CAUSALITY AND GSI ANOMALY
Authors: RONG SHU-JUN , LIU QIU-YU
Published: June 2012

The GSI anomaly brings the theoretical controversy whether the total amplitude of the electron capture (EC) decay is the coherent sum of the amplitude of the different massive neutrino channel. According to the coherent interpretation, the oscillation of the EC decay rate is the result of the flavor state of the neutrino and the time scale of order 10–100 s. We find that the introduction of the flavor state and that of the nonzero time scale in the frame of the time-dependent perturbation theory would bring the considerable flavor violation in the total decay rate, which is in contradiction with the micro-causality. Employing the correct time scale t(t≪1 s ), the right EC decay rate is obtained which is the result of the incoherent sum of the component probability with the mass eigenstates. Accordingly, there is no oscillation term in the total decay rate.
PIEZONUCLEAR NEUTRONS FROM IRON
Authors: CARDONE FABIO , MIGNANI ROBERTO , MONTI MASSIMILIANO , PETRUCCI ANDREA , SALA VALTER
Published: June 2012

We report the results of neutron measurements carried out during the application of ultrasounds to bars of iron and steel. Like in our previous similar works with cavitated solutions of iron, neutrons were emitted in bursts and the spectrum of this peculiar emission was measured for the first time. A further and very interesting outcome of these experiments was the unexpected appearance of circular, macroscopical and regular damages on the lateral surface of the bars which was not directly in contact with the sonotrode. The superficial elemental microanalysis on these spots showed some interesting and macroscopic departures of the concentration of chemical elements from that of the undamaged surface, which may suggest that, along with the emission of neutrons, some transmutations occurred as well.
LASING WITH AND WITHOUT POPULATION INVERSION IN A QUANTUM DOT NANOSTRUCTURE VIA AN INCOHERENT PUMPING FIELD
Authors: ASADPOUR SEYYED HOSSEIN , SANGACHIN ELNAZ AHMADI
Published: June 2012

The effect of incoherent pumping field on absorption spectrum and population inversion in a four-level quantum dot nanostructure are investigated. It is found that with incoherent pumping field the probe field absorption can be converted to probe field gain. Also, it is found that with combine effect of incoherent pumping field and electron tunneling the lasing can be obtained in the absence or presence of population inversion.
MODELING AND CONTROL DESIGN OF AN ANGUILLIFORM ROBOTIC FISH
Authors: XU JIAN-XIN , NIU XUE-LEI , REN QIN-YUAN
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the modeling and control design of a biomimetic robotic fish is presented. The Anguilliform robotic fish consists of N links and N - 1 joints, and the driving forces are the torques applied to the joints. Considering kinematic constraints, Lagrangian formulation is used to obtain the dynamics of the fish model. The computed torque control method is applied first, which can provide satisfactory tracking responses for fish joints. Since this robotic fish is essentially an underactuated system, the reference trajectories for the orientation of the N links are planned in such a way that, at a neighborhood of the equilibrium point, the tracking task of N angles can be achieved by using N - 1 joint torques. To deal with parameter uncertainties that exist in the actual environment, sliding mode control is adopted. Considering feasibility and complexity issues, a simplified sliding mode control algorithm is given. A four-link robotic fish is modeled and simulated, and the results validate the effectiveness of reference planning and the proposed controllers.
Transparent Online Storage Compression at the Block-Level
Authors: Klonatos Yannis , Makatos Thanos , Marazakis Manolis , Flouris Michail D. , Bilas Angelos
Published: June 2012

In this work, we examine how transparent block-level compression in the I/O path can improve both the space efficiency and performance of
online
storage. We present
ZBD
, a block-layer driver that transparently compresses and decompresses data as they flow between the file-system and storage devices. Our system provides support for variable-size blocks, metadata caching, and persistence, as well as block allocation and cleanup.
ZBD
targets maintaining high performance, by mitigating compression and decompression overheads that can have a significant impact on performance by leveraging modern multicore CPUs through explicit work scheduling. We present two case-studies for compression. First, we examine how our approach can be used to increase the capacity of SSD-based caches, thus increasing their cost-effectiveness. Then, we examine how
ZBD
can improve the efficiency of online disk-based storage systems.

We evaluate our approach in the Linux kernel on a commodity server with multicore CPUs, using PostMark, SPECsfs2008, TPC-C, and TPC-H. Preliminary results show that transparent online block-level compression is a viable option for improving effective storage capacity, it can improve I/O performance up to 80% by reducing I/O traffic and seek distance, and has a negative impact on performance, up to 34%, only when single-thread I/O latency is critical. In particular, for SSD-based caching, our results indicate that, in line with current technology trends, compressed caching trades off CPU utilization for performance and enhances SSD efficiency as a storage cache up to 99%.
Unprovoked atrial tachyarrhythmias in aging spontaneously hypertensive rats: the role of the autonomic nervous system
Authors: Scridon Alina , Gallet Clément , Arisha Moussa M. , Oréa Valérie , Chapuis Bruno , Li Na , Tabib Alain , Christé Georges , Barrès Christian , Julien Claude , Chevalier Philippe
Published: June 2012

Experimental models of unprovoked atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) in conscious, ambulatory animals are lacking. We hypothesized that the aging, spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) may provide such a model. Baseline ECG recordings were acquired with radiotelemetry in eight young (14-wk-old) and eight aging (55-wk-old) SHRs and in two groups of four age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Quantification of AT and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis were performed based on 24-h ECG recordings in unrestrained rats. All animals were submitted to an emotional stress protocol (air-jet). In SHRs, carbamylcholine injections were also performed. Spontaneous AT episodes were observed in all eight aging SHRs (median, 91.5; range, 4–444 episodes/24 h), but not in young SHRs or WKY rats. HRV analysis demonstrated significantly decreased low frequency components in aging SHRs compared with age-matched WKY rats ( P < 0.01) and decreased low/high frequency ratios in both young ( P < 0.01) and aging ( P = 0.01) SHRs compared with normotensive controls. In aging SHRs, emotional stress significantly reduced the number of arrhythmic events, whereas carbamylcholine triggered AT and significantly increased atrial electrical instability. This study reports the occurrence of unprovoked episodes of atrial arrhythmia in hypertensive rats, and their increased incidence with aging. Our results suggest that autonomic imbalance with relative vagal hyperactivity may be responsible for the increased atrial arrhythmogenicity observed in this model. We also provide evidence that, in this model, the sympatho-vagal imbalance preceded the occurrence of arrhythmia. These results indicate that aging SHRs may provide valuable insight into the understanding of atrial arrhythmias.
Quantification of absolute coronary flow reserve and relative fractional flow reserve in a swine animal model using angiographic image data
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Takarada Shigeho , Molloi Sabee
Published: June 2012

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) are important physiological indexes for coronary disease. The purpose of this study was to validate the CFR and FFR measurement techniques using only angiographic image data. Fifteen swine were instrumented with an ultrasound flow probe on the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Microspheres were gradually injected into the LAD to create microvascular disruption. An occluder was used to produce stenosis. Contrast material injections were made into the left coronary artery during image acquisition. Volumetric blood flow from the flow probe (Q̇q) was continuously recorded. Angiography-based blood flow (Q̇a) was calculated by using a time-density curve based on the first-pass analysis technique. Flow probe-based CFR (CFRq) and angiography-based CFR (CFRa) were calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline flow using Q̇q and Q̇a, respectively. Relative angiographic FFR (relative FFRa) was calculated as the ratio of the normalized Q̇a in LAD to the left circumflex artery (LCX) during hyperemia. Flow probe-based FFR (FFRq) was measured from the ratio of hyperemic flow with and without disease. CFRa showed a strong correlation with the gold standard CFRq (CFRa = 0.91 CFRq + 0.30; r = 0.90; P < 0.0001). Relative FFRa correlated linearly with FFRq (relative FFRa = 0.86 FFRq + 0.05; r = 0.90; P < 0.0001). The quantification of CFR and relative FFRa using angiographic image data was validated in a swine model. This angiographic technique can potentially be used for coronary physiological assessment during routine cardiac catheterization.
The Anticholinesterase Phenserine and Its Enantiomer Posiphen as 5′Untranslated-Region-Directed Translation Blockers of the Parkinson’s Alpha Synuclein Expression
Authors: Mikkilineni Sohan , Cantuti-Castelvetri Ippolita , Cahill Catherine M. , Balliedier Amelie , Greig Nigel H. , Rogers Jack T.
Published: June 2012

There is compelling support for limiting expression of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brains of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. An increase ofSNCAgene copy number can genetically cause familial PD where increased dose of this pathogenic protein correlates with severity of symptoms (triplication of theSNCAgene causes dementia in PD patients). Gene promoter polymorphisms were shown to increaseα-synuclein expression as a risk for PD. Cholinesterase inhibitors can clinically slow cognitive decline in the later stages of PD etiology similar to their widespread use in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pertinent to this, we identified that the well-tolerated anticholinesterase, phenserine, blocked neuralSNCAmRNA translation and tested for targeting via its 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) in a manner similar to its action to limit the expression of the AD-specific amyloid precursor protein (APP). Posiphen, its better-tolerated (+) enantiomer (devoid of anticholinesterase action), repressed neuralα-synuclein translation. Primary metabolic analogs of posiphen were, likewise, characterized using primary fetal neurons grownex vivofrom the brains of Parkinson’s transgenic mice expressing the humanSNCAgene.
On the Interval Baker‐Thompson Rule
Authors: Alparslan Gök S. Z.
Published: June 2012

The main aim of this paper is to give an axiomatic characterization of the interval Baker‐Thompson rule.
Quantitative Tools for Examining the Vocalizations of Juvenile Songbirds
Authors: Wellock Cameron D. , Reeke George N.
Published: June 2012

The singing of juvenile songbirds is highly variable and not well stereotyped, a feature that makes it difficult to analyze with existing computational techniques. We present here a method suitable for analyzing such vocalizations, windowed spectral pattern recognition (WSPR). Rather than performing pairwise sample comparisons, WSPR measures the typicality of a sample against a large sample set. We also illustrate how WSPR can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as sample classification, song ontogeny measurement, and song variability measurement. Finally, we present a novel measure, based on WSPR, for quantifying the apparent complexity of a bird’s singing.
Metabolic Disorders and Steatosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: Metabolic Strategies for Antiviral Treatments
Authors: Enjoji Munechika , Kohjima Motoyuki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Nakamuta Makoto
Published: June 2012

It has been reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is closely associated with hepatic metabolic disorders. Hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance are both relatively common in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Recent investigations suggest that HCV infection changes the expression profile of lipid-metabolism-associated factors in the liver, conferring advantages to the life cycle of HCV. Moreover, insulin resistance and steatosis are independent predictors of impaired response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C. In this paper, we summarize our current knowledge of hepatic metabolic disorders and describe how HCV leads to and exploits these hepatic disorders. We also discuss the clinical significance of insulin sensitizers used to improve insulin resistance and lipid modulators used to manage lipid metabolism as potential treatment options for chronic hepatitis C.
Parlay X Web Services for Policy and Charging Control in Multimedia Networks
Authors: Atanasov Ivaylo , Pencheva Evelina , Marinska Dora
Published: June 2012

The paper investigates the capabilities of Parlay X Web Services for Policy and Charging Control (PCC) in managing all Internet-protocol-based multimedia networks (IMSs). PCC is one of the core features of evolved packet networks. It comprises flow-based charging including charging control and online credit control, gating control, and Quality of Service (QoS) control. Based on the analysis of requirements for PCC, the functionality for open access to QoS management and advanced charging is identified. Parlay X Web Services are evaluated for the support of PCC, and some enhancements are suggested. Implementation aspects are discussed, and Parlay X interfaces are mapped onto IMS control protocols. Use cases of Parlay X Web Services for PCC are presented.
The Role of PPARγin the Transcriptional Control by Agonists and Antagonists
Authors: Tsukahara Tamotsu
Published: June 2012

In recent years, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been reported to be a target for the treatment of type II diabetes. Furthermore, it has received attention for its therapeutic potential in many other human diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity, and cancers. Recent studies have provided evidence that the endogenously produced PPARγ antagonist, 2,3-cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA), which is similar in structure to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), inhibits cancer cell invasion and metastasisin vitroandin vivo. We recently observed that cPA negatively regulates PPARγ function by stabilizing the binding of the corepressor protein, silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor. We also showed that cPA prevents neointima formation, adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and upregulation of PPARγ target gene transcription. We then analyzed the molecular mechanism of cPA's action on PPARγ. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanism of PPARγ-mediated transcriptional activity and transcriptional repression in response to novel lipid-derived ligands, such as cPA.
Adaptive Impedance Control to Enhance Human Skill on a Haptic Interface System
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Furuta Katsuhisa
Published: June 2012

Adaptive assistive control for a haptic interface system is proposed in the present paper. The assistive control system consists of three subsystems: a servo controller to match the response of the controlled machine to the virtual model, an online identifier of the operator’s control characteristics, and a variable dynamics control using adaptive mechanism. The adaptive mechanism tunes an impedance of the virtual model for the haptic device according to the identified operator’s characteristics so as to enhance the operator’s control performance. The adaptive law is derived by utilizing a Lyapunov candidate function. Using a haptic interface device composed by axy-stage, an effectiveness of the proposed control method was evaluated experimentally. As a result, it was confirmed that the operator’s characteristics can be estimated sufficiently and that performance of the operation was enhanced by the variable dynamics assistive control.
Clinical Management of Implant Prostheses in Patients with Bruxism
Authors: Komiyama Osamu , Lobbezoo Frank , De Laat Antoon , Iida Takashi , Kitagawa Tsuyoshi , Murakami Hiroshi , Kato Takao , Kawara Misao
Published: June 2012

There is general agreement that excessive stress to the bone-implant interface may result in implant overload and failure. Early failure of the implant due to excessive loading occurs shortly after uncovering the implant. Excess load on a final restoration after successful implant integration can result in physical failure of the implant structure. Many clinicians believe that overload of dental implants is a risk factor for vertical peri-implant bone loss and/or may be detrimental for the suprastructure in implant prostheses. It has been documented that occlusal parafunction, such as, bruxism (tooth grinding and clenching) affects the outcome of implant prostheses, but there is no evidence for a causal relation between the failures and overload of dental implants. In spite of this lack of evidence, often metal restorations are preferred instead of porcelain for patients in whom bruxism is presumed on the basis of tooth wear. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of the occlusal scheme used in implant restorations for implant longevity and to suggest a clinical approach and occlusal materials for implant prostheses in order to prevent complications related to bruxism.
Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Predispose to Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Severity of the Disease in Polish Population
Authors: Kempińska-Podhorecka Agnieszka , Wunsch Ewa , Jarowicz Tomasz , Raszeja-Wyszomirska Joanna , Loniewska Beata , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Milkiewicz Małgorzata , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: June 2012

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver condition characterized by the immune-mediated damage of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) are considered to contribute to its pathogenesis however their incidence varies in different populations and their potential association with the course of the disease has not been studied. In this paper we investigated the incidence and correlation of three VDR polymorphisms (BsmI,ApaIorTaqI) with various clinical, biochemical, and serological factors in a homogenous group of 143 Caucasian patients with PBC. Control group comprises 306 DNA samples from umbilical cord blood of healthy newborn children. When compared to controls, we observed a significant dominance of theballele in theBsmI(OR = 1.69[1.27–2.24];P=0.0003) andtallele in theTaqI(OR = 0.62[0.47–0.82],P=0.0001) in patients with PBC. Moreover theBsmIandTaqIpolymorphisms were associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis/liver cirrhosis at the diagnosis of PBC. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) calculations proved that the analyzed SNPs are within an LD block (100% of LDs wereD’>0.9). Our study showed, for the first time, that the analyzed polymorphisms of VRD may exert an effect on a natural history of PBC.
Comparative Study of TCM Syndrome Scale for Liver Disease and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire Based on Assessment of Posthepatitic Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Hua , Lv Hua , Huang Pin-Xian , Lin Yan , Hu Xin-Cai , Liu Ping
Published: June 2012

Objective. To compare and analyze the relevance and applied value of chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) and Traditional Chinese Medicine liver disease questionnaire (TCMLDQ) in patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis.Methods. The data of 146 patients' scales of CLDQ and TCMLDQ which based on the characteristics of chinese medical symptoms were collected. We made comparative analysis of the relationship between these two scales by the linear regression model and canonical correlation method and evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of two scales about its items setting and dimension definition.Result. There is a negative correlation in total scores between the two scales and the linear regression equation:CLDQ=239.38−1.232TCMLDQ. The further canonical correlation analysis was used to analyze the two extracted canonical correlative variables with significances (P<0.05), and the results showed that the overall negative correlation between the two scales mainly came from contributions of both the four dimensions of TCMLDQ (CS, GSYX, GYPX, and OS) and the five dimensions of CLDQ (AS, FA, SS, AC, and EF).Conclusion. These two scales have good consistency in the evaluation of severity and life quality of liver cirrhosis patients, so we suggested that TCMLDQ can be used to evaluate the severity and life quality of patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis.
On a Subclass of Harmonic Convex Functions of Complex Order
Authors: Magesh N. , Mayilvaganan S.
Published: June 2012

We introduce and study a subclass of harmonic convex functions of complex order. Coefficient bounds, extreme points, distortion bounds, convolution conditions, and convex combination are determined for functions in this class. Further, we obtain the closure property of this class under integral operator.
Quercetin Protects against Cadmium-Induced Renal Uric Acid Transport System Alteration and Lipid Metabolism Disorder in Rats
Authors: Wang Ju , Pan Ying , Hong Ye , Zhang Qing-Yu , Wang Xiao-Ning , Kong Ling-Dong
Published: June 2012

Hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia are involved in Cd nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of quercetin, a dietary flavonoid with anti-hyperuricemic and anti-dyslipidemic properties, on the alteration of renal UA transport system and disorder of renal lipid accumulation in 3 and 6 mg/kg Cd-exposed rats for 4 weeks. Cd exposure induced hyperuricemia with renal XOR hyperactivity and UA excretion dysfunction in rats. Simultaneously, abnormal expression levels of renal UA transport-related proteins including RST, OAT1, MRP4 and ABCG2 were observed in Cd-exposed rats with inhibitory activity of renal Na+-K+-ATPase. Furthermore, Cd exposure disturbed lipid metabolism with down-regulation of AMPK and its downstream targets PPARα, OCTN2 and CPT1 expressions, and up-regulation of PGC-1βand SREBP-1 expressions in renal cortex of rats. We had proved that Cd-induced disorder of renal UA transport and production system might have cross-talking with renal AMPK-PPARα/PGC-1βsignal pathway impairment, contributing to Cd nephrotoxicity of rats. Quercetin was found to be effective against Cd-induced dysexpression of RST and OAT1 with XOR hyperactivity and impairment of AMPK-PPARα/PGC-1βsignal pathway, resulting in renal lipid accumulation reduction of rats.
Effect of Couple Stresses on the Stress Intensity Factors for Two Parallel Cracks in an Infinite Elastic Medium under Tension
Authors: Itou Shouetsu
Published: June 2012

Stresses around two parallel cracks of equal length in an infinite elastic medium are evaluated based on the linearized couple‐stress theory under uniform tension normal to the cracks. Fourier transformations are used to reduce the boundary conditions with respect to the upper crack to dual integral equations. In order to solve these equations, the differences in the displacements and in the rotation at the upper crack are expanded through a series of functions that are zero valued outside the crack. The unknown coefficients in each series are solved in order to satisfy the boundary conditions inside the crack using the Schmidt method. The stresses are expressed in terms of infinite integrals, and the stress intensity factors can be determined using the characteristics of the integrands for an infinite value of the variable of integration. Numerical calculations are carried out for selected crack configurations, and the effect of the couple stresses on the stress intensity factors is revealed.
Gender Differences in the Pathogenesis and Outcome of Lupus and of Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Schwartzman-Morris Julie , Putterman Chaim
Published: June 2012

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) typically affects females at far greater rates than males; however male SLE patients often have more severe disease than females. The gender disparities have been reported in clinical manifestations and in serological and hematological indices as well. In particular, SLE complicated with nephritis is more frequent in men than women, and several groups identified male gender as a risk factor for progression to renal failure. The specific differences in pathogenesis amongst genders have yet to be conclusively defined, though genetic, hormonal, and immune responses have been analyzed thus far. Further research is warranted to further elucidate these differences and permit the development of gender-tailored treatment regimens.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Hierarchical Macro-Mesoporous Anatase byZrO2Incorporation
Authors: García-Benjume M. L. , Espitia-Cabrera M. I. , Contreras-García M. E.
Published: June 2012

The effect of the addition of zirconia in the photocatalytic behaviour of titania is analysed. In order to increase the ways for reagent and product diffusion in the material, a sol-gel hydrothermal synthesis route using Tween-20 as a directing agent to obtain a hierarchical macro-mesoporous structure is proposed. Nanostructured macro-mesoporous TiO2/ZrO2photocatalyst with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 100% mol of ZrO2were obtained and calcined at different temperatures. The crystalline structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and TEM. The porosity was confirmed by SEM, TEM, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The worm-like mesoporous structure was confirmed by TEM. The specific surface areas obtained by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method (BET) ranged from 125 to 180 m2/g. The Tween-20 total elimination from the structure by thermal treatment was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, the photocatalytic effect of the zirconia addition was studied in the methylene blue (MB) degradation reaction, and the best photocatalytic activity was obtained in the sample with 10% mol of ZrO2, degrading up to 92% the MB.
Tumor Microenvironment Varies under Different TCMZHENGModels and Correlates with Treatment Response to Herbal Medicine
Authors: Chen Zhen , Chen Lian-Yu , Wang Peng , Dai Hai-Yan , Gao Song , Wang Kun
Published: June 2012

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diagnosis of pathology and choice of treatment prescriptions are based on a method of differentiation of signs and symptoms known as syndrome differentiation orZHENG. The cornerstone of TCM,ZHENG, relies on the gathering of clinical information through inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. However, the biomolecular basis of theZHENGremains unclear. In this study, we established mouse xenograft pancreatic cancer models withShi-Re(Dampness-Heat),Pi-Xu(Spleen-Deficiency), orXue-Yu(Blood-Stasis)ZHENG, which are regarded as the three majorZHENGs in pancreatic cancer. We found that tumors of the differentZHENGmodels exhibited significantly altered cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) proliferative activity and tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration, which led to altered levels of CAF- and TAM-derived secreted cytokines such as SDF-1 and CCL5. TheZHENGmodel type also significantly influenced tumor growth, and administration of herbal medicine to theZHENGmodel modified the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, this study partially unveiled the molecular basis of TCMZHENGin pancreatic cancer.
Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Compound Zhi Zhu Xiang in Rats
Authors: Wang Yan-Li , Shi Jin-Li , Yong Liu , Ren Zhao , Zhai Yu-Jing , Guo Jian-You
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine whether compound zhi zhu xiang (CZZX) exerts anxiolytic-like effects in rats. The animals were orally administered CZZX (0.75, 1.5, and 3 g/kg daily) for 10 days and tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM), Vogel conflict test (VCT), and open field. Repeated treatment with CZZX (3 g/kg/day, p.o.) significantly increased the percentage of both entries into and time spent on the open arms of the EPM compared with saline controls. In the VCT, repeated treatment with CZZX (1.5 and 3 g/kg/day, p.o.) significantly increased the number of punished licks. The drug did not change the total entries into the open arms of the EPM or interfere with water consumption or nociceptive threshold, discarding potential confounding factors in the two tests. In the open field, locomotion was not reduced, discarding the possible sedative effect of CZZX. In the binding assay, the binding of [3H] Ro 15-1788 (flumazenil) to the benzodiazepine binding site in washed crude synaptosomal membranes from rat cerebral cortex was affected by CZZX. These data indicate an anxiolytic-like profile of action for CZZX without sedative side effects, and this activity may be mediated by benzodiazepine binding site modulation at γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptors.
Progression from Sustained BK Viruria to Sustained BK Viremia with Immunosuppression Reduction Is Not Associated with Changes in the Noncoding Control Region of the BK Virus Genome
Authors: Memon Imran A. , Parikh Bijal A. , Gaudreault-Keener Monique , Skelton Rebecca , Storch Gregory A. , Brennan Daniel C.
Published: June 2012

Changes in the BK virus archetypal noncoding control region (NCCR) have been associated with BK-virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN). Whether sustained viremia, a surrogate for BKVAN, is associated with significant changes in the BK-NCCR is unknown. We performed PCR amplification and sequencing of (1) stored urine and (2) plasma samples from the time of peak viremia from 11 patients with sustained viremia who participated in a 200-patient clinical trial. The antimetabolite was withdrawn for BK viremia and reduction of the calcineurin inhibitor for sustained BK viremia. DNA sequencing from the 11 patients with sustained viremia revealed 8 insertions, 16 transversions, 3 deletions, and 17 transitions. None were deemed significant. No patient developed clinically evident BKVAN. Our data support, at a genomic level, the effectiveness of reduction of immunosuppression for prevention of progression from viremia to BKVAN.
Increased Levels of Human Carotid Lesion Linoleic Acid Hydroperoxide in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients Is Inversely Correlated with Serum HDL and Paraoxonase 1 Activity
Authors: Cohen Elad , Aviram Michael , Khatib Soliman , Rabin Asaf , Mannheim Dalit , Karmeli Ron , Vaya Jacob
Published: June 2012

Human carotid plaque components interact directly with circulating blood elements and thus they might affect each other. We determined plaque paraoxonase1 (PON1) hydrolytic-catalytic activity and compared plaque and blood levels of lipids, HDL, PON1, and HbA1c, as well as plaque-oxidized lipids in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Human carotid plaques were obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing routine endarterectomy, and the lesions were ground and extracted for PON activity and lipid content determinations. Plaque PONs preserved paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lactonase activities. The PON1-specific inhibitor 2-hydroxyquinoline almost completely inhibited paraoxonase and lactonase activities, while only moderately inhibiting arylesterase activity. Oxysterol and triglyceride levels in plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients did not differ significantly, but plaques from symptomatic patients had significantly higher (135%) linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LA-13OOH) levels. Their serum PON1 activity, cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not differ significantly, but symptomatic patients had significantly lower (28%) serum HDL levels and higher (18%) HbA1c levels. Thus LA-13OOH, a major atherogenic plaque element, showed significant negative correlations with serum PON1 activity and HDL levels, and a positive correlation with the prodiabetic atherogenic HbA1c. Plaque PON1 retains its activity and may decrease plaque atherogenicity by reducing specific oxidized lipids (e.g., LA-13OOH). The inverse correlation between plaque LA-13OOH level and serum HDL level and PON1 activity suggests a role for serum HDL and PON1 in LA-13OOH accumulation.