bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uses of Phage Display in Agriculture: Sequence Analysis and Comparative Modeling of Late Embryogenesis Abundant Client Proteins Suggest Protein-Nucleic Acid Binding Functionality
Authors: Kushwaha Rekha , Downie A. Bruce , Payne Christina M.
Published: May 2013

A group of intrinsically disordered, hydrophilic proteins—Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins—has been linked to survival in plants and animals in periods of stress, putatively through safeguarding enzymatic function and prevention of aggregation in times of dehydration/heat. Yet despite decades of effort, the molecular-level mechanisms defining this protective function remain unknown. A recent effort to understand LEA functionality began with the unique application of phage display, wherein phage display and biopanning over recombinant Seed Maturation Protein homologs fromArabidopsis thalianaandGlycine maxwere used to retrieve client proteins at two different temperatures, with one intended to represent heat stress. From this previous study, we identified 21 client proteins for which clones were recovered, sometimes repeatedly. Here, we use sequence analysis and homology modeling of the client proteins to ascertain common sequence and structural properties that may contribute to binding affinity with the protective LEA protein. Our methods uncover what appears to be a predilection for protein-nucleic acid interactions among LEA client proteins, which is suggestive of subcellular residence. The results from this initial computational study will guide future efforts to uncover the protein protective mechanisms during heat stress, potentially leading to phage-display-directed evolution of synthetic LEA molecules.
Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma
Authors: Bhasin Meenakshi , Bhasin Vinny , Bhasin Abhilasha
Published: May 2013

Intraoral ossifying fibromas have been described in the literature since the late 1940s. Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is usually a fibroma of the gingival which shows areas of calcification or ossification. It is a nonneoplastic enlargement of gingiva. Due to its clinical and histopathological similarities, some POFs are believed to develop initially as a pyogenic granuloma that undergoes fibrous maturation and subsequent calcification. It has been suggested that POF represents a separate clinical entity rather than a transitional form of pyogenic granuloma or irritation fibroma. This paper describes a case report of a 60-year-old female patient reported with growth on gingiva in the upper left front region of mouth three years ago.
Effects of Moxa (Folium Artemisiae argyi) Smoke Exposure on Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Human Study
Authors: Cui Yingxue , Zhao Baixiao , Huang Yuhai , Chen Zhanghuang , Liu Ping , Huang Jian , Lao Lixing
Published: May 2013

Objective. To determine the effects of the moxa smoke on human heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV).Methods. Fifty-five healthy young adults were randomly divided into experimental (n=28) and control (n=27) groups. Experimental subjects were exposed to moxa smoke (2.5 ± 0.5 mg/m3) twice for 25 minutes in one week. ECG monitoring was performed before, during, and after exposure. Control subjects were exposed to normal indoor air in a similar environment and similarly monitored. Followup was performed the following week. Short-term (5 min) HRV parameters were analyzed with HRV analysis software. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results. During and after the first exposure, comparison of percentage changes or changes in all parameters between groups showed no significant differences. During the second exposure, percentage decrease in HR, percentage increases in lnTP, lnHF, lnLF, and RMSSD, and increase in PNN50 were significantly greater in the experimental group than in control.Conclusion. No significant adverse HRV effects were associated with this clinically routine 25-minute exposure to moxa smoke, and the data suggests that short-term exposure to moxa smoke might have positive regulating effects on human autonomic function. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
A Novel Fuzzy RPID Controller for Multiarea AGC with IABC Optimization
Authors: Javidan Javad , Ghasemi Ali
Published: May 2013

An Interactive Artificial Bee Colony (IABC) Optimization based fuzzy (IABCF) to tune optimal gains of a Robust Proportional Integral Derivative (RPID) controller is proposed for the solution of multiarea automatic generation control (AGC) simulation problem in a restructured power system. One of the important problems in the proposed method is the exact tuning of the RPID parameters for achieving the desired level of robust performance. The problem of robustly tuning of RPID based AGC design is formulated as an optimization problem according to the time domain-based objective function, which is solved by the IABC technique that has a strong ability to find the most optimistic results. The robustness and effectiveness of the proffered method are shown on a two and four areas deregulated power system with possible contracted scenarios under large load demand and area disturbances in comparison with the other methods through FD and ITAE performance indices. The evaluation results show that the proposed control strategy achieves good robust performance for worldwide experience of automatic generation control in restructured systems parameters and load changes in the presence of system nonlinearities.
A Generalization of Lacunary Equistatistical Convergence of Positive Linear Operators
Authors: Kaya Yusuf , Gönül Nazmiye
Published: May 2013

In this paper we consider some analogs of the Korovkin approximation theorem via lacunary equistatistical convergence. In particular we study lacunary equi-statistical convergence of approximating operators on spaces, the spaces of all real valued continuous functions dened on and satisfying some special conditions.
MDM2Amplification andPI3KCAMutation in a Case of Sclerosing Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Kikuchi Ken , Wettach George R. , Ryan Christopher W. , Hung Arthur , Hooper Jody E. , Beadling Carol , Warrick Andrea , Corless Christopher L. , Olson Susan B. , Keller Charles , Mansoor Atiya
Published: May 2013

A rare sclerosing variant of rhabdomyosarcoma characterized by prominent hyalinization and pseudovascular pattern has recently been described as a subtype biologically distinct from embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic forms. We present cytogenetic and molecular findings as well as experimental studies of an unusual case of sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma. The primary lesion arose within the plantar subcutaneous tissue of the left foot of an otherwise healthy 23-year-old male who eventually developed pulmonary nodules despite systemic chemotherapy. Two genetic abnormalities identified in surgical and/or autopsy samples of the tumor were introduced into 10T1/2 murine fibroblasts to determine whether these genetic changes cooperatively facilitated transformation and growth. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a complex abnormal hyperdiploid clone, andMDM2gene amplification was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cancer gene mutation screening using a combination of multiplexed PCR and mass spectroscopy revealed aPIK3CAexon 20 H1047R mutation in the primary tumor, lung metastasis, and liver metastasis. However, this mutation was not cooperative withMDM2overexpression in experimental assays for transformation or growth. Nevertheless,MDM2andPIK3CAare genes worthy of further investigation in patients with sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma and might be considered in the enrollment of these patients into clinical trials of targeted therapeutics.
Local Polynomial Regression Solution for Differential Equations with Initial and Boundary Values
Authors: Su Liyun , Yan Tianshun , Zhao Yanyong , Li Fenglan
Published: May 2013

Numerical solutions of the linear differential boundary issues are obtained by using a local polynomial estimator method with kernel smoothing. To achieve this, a combination of a local polynomial-based method and its differential form has been used. The computed results with the use of this technique have been compared with the exact solution and other existing methods to show the required accuracy of it. The effectiveness of this method is verified by three illustrative examples. The presented method is seen to be a very reliable alternative method to some existing techniques for such realistic problems. Numerical results show that the solution of this method is more accurate than that of other methods.
Age-Related Differences in Response to High-Fat Feeding on Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Profile in ZDSD Rats
Authors: Davis Jeremy E. , Cain James , Banz William J. , Peterson Richard G.
Published: May 2013

The recruitment of new fat cells through adipogenesis may prevent the development of obesity-related comorbidities. However, adipogenic capacity is markedly reduced in mature adults. This study examined how initiation of high-fat feeding at different phases of adulthood modified adipose tissue (AT) morphology and obesity phenotype in obese and diabetic Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) rats. For this, rodents were provided high-fat diet (HFD) beginning at 63, 84, or 112 d after parturition until termination . At termination, ZDSD rats fed HFD beginning at 63 d after parturition (early adulthood) exhibited greater body fat and lower lean mass without significant changes to energy intake or body weight. Moreover, early high fat feeding increased adipocyte size and number, whereas these effects were absent at 84 or 112 d after parturition. At 126 d after parturition, there were no detectable transcript differences in PPARγ or C/EBPα. However, rodents provided HFD in early adolescence exhibited lower expression of canonical Wnt signaling intermediates. Corresponding with these changes was a marked reduction in AT-specific inflammation, as well as overall improvement in systemic glucose, lipid, and inflammatory homeostasis. Taken together, these data indicate that dietary regulation of adipocyte recruitment in adolescence may represent a major determinant of obesity phenotype.
The Local Strong Solutions and Global Weak Solutions for a Nonlinear Equation
Authors: Wu Meng
Published: May 2013

The existence and uniqueness of local strong solutions for a nonlinear equation are investigated in the Sobolev spaceC([0,T);Hs(R)) ∩C1([0,T);Hs-1(R))provided that the initial value lies inHs(R)withs>3/2. Meanwhile, we prove the existence of global weak solutions inL∞([0,∞);L2(R))for the equation.
C-Terminal Binding Protein: A Molecular Link between Metabolic Imbalance and Epigenetic Regulation in Breast Cancer
Authors: Byun Jung S. , Gardner Kevin
Published: May 2013

The prevalence of obesity has given rise to significant global concerns as numerous population-based studies demonstrate an incontrovertible association between obesity and breast cancer. Mechanisms proposed to account for this linkage include exaggerated levels of carbohydrate substrates, elevated levels of circulating mitogenic hormones, and inflammatory cytokines that impinge on epithelial programming in many tissues. Moreover, recently many scientists have rediscovered the observation, first described by Otto Warburg nearly a century ago, that most cancer cells undergo a dramatic metabolic shift in energy utilization and expenditure that fuels and supports the cellular expansion associated with malignant proliferation. This shift in substrate oxidation comes at the cost of sharp changes in the levels of the high energy intermediate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). In this review, we discuss a novel example of how shifts in the concentration and flux of substrates metabolized and generated during carbohydrate metabolism represent components of a signaling network that can influence epigenetic regulatory events in the nucleus. We refer to this regulatory process as “metabolic transduction” and describe how the C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family of NADH-dependent nuclear regulators represents a primary example of how cellular metabolic status can influence epigenetic control of cellular function and fate.
A Model Matching STR Controller for High Performance Aircraft
Authors: Ghandakly Adel A. , Reed Jason A.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a development, as well as an investigation of a Model Matching Controller (MMC) design based on the Self-Tuning Regulator (STR) framework for high performance aircraft with direct application to an F-16 aircraft flight control system. In combination with the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) identification, the MMC is developed and investigated for effectiveness on a detailed model of the aircraft. The popular robust Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) controller is also outlined and used to represent a baseline controller, for performance comparison during four simulated test flight maneuvers. In each of the four maneuvers, the proposed MMC provided consistently stable and satisfactory performance, including the challenging pull-up and pushover maneuvers. The baseline stationary controller has been found to become unstable in two of the four maneuvers tested. It also performs satisfactorily-to-arguably poorly in the remaining two as compared to the MMC. Simulation results presented in this investigation support a clear argument that the proposed MMC provides superior performance in the realm of automatic flight control.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Leading to Severe Right-Sided Heart Failure in a Patient with Ebstein's Anomaly
Authors: Kyabonaki Joas John , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Høyer Søren , Andersen Niels Holmark
Published: May 2013

A 36-year-old male with mild Ebstein's anomaly developed severe right-sided heart failure, following a 5-year-long course of hypereosinophilic syndrome. No regular followups had been done, during the years of antineoplastic therapy. A year after being cured from the hypereosinophilic syndrome, the patient developed right-sided heart failure symptoms and was found to have excessive fibrosis of the right ventricular endocardium and free tricuspid regurgitation. The findings were compatible with substantial scarring of the endocardium caused by the hypereosinophilic syndrome. Over a few years, the patient deteriorated significantly and was finally offered a heart transplant. Examination of the explanted heart revealed severe fibrosis of the right ventricle and almost complete sparing of the left.
Traveling Wave Solutions of Some Coupled Nonlinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Khan Kamruzzaman , Akbar M. Ali
Published: May 2013

The modified simple equation (MSE) method is executed to find the traveling wave solutions for the coupled Konno-Oono equations and the variant Boussinesq equations. The efficiency of this method for finding exact solutions and traveling wave solutions has been demonstrated. It has been shown that the proposed method is direct, effective, and can be used for many other nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs) in mathematical physics. Moreover, this procedure reduces the large volume of calculations.
Oxidative Cleavage of β-Lactam Ring of Cephalosporins with Chloramine-T in Alkaline Medium: A Kinetic, Mechanistic, and Reactivity Study
Authors: Sukhdev Anu , Manjunatha A. S. , Puttaswamy Puttaswamy
Published: May 2013

Cephalosporins are β-lactam antibiotics, and the important drugs of this group are cephalexin, cefadroxil and cephradine. In the present research, the kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of cephalexin (CEX), cefadroxil (CFL), and cephradine (CPD) with chloramine-T (CAT) in alkaline medium were investigated at 301 K. All the three oxidation reactions follow identical kinetics with a first-order dependence each on [CAT]o and [substrate]o. The reaction is catalyzed by hydroxide ions, and the order is found to be fractional. The dielectric effect is negative. Proton inventory studies in H2O-D2O mixtures with CEX as a probe have been made. Activation parameters and reaction constants have been evaluated. Oxidation products were identified by mass spectral analysis. An isokinetic relation was observed with β = 378 K, indicating that enthalpy factors control the rate. The rate increases in the following order: CPD > CFL > CEX. The proposed mechanism and the derived rate law are consistent with the observed kinetics.
Extinction and Nonextinction for the Fast Diffusion Equation
Authors: Mu Chunlai , Yan Li , Xiao Yi-bin
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with the extinction and nonextinction properties of the fast diffusion equation of homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition in a bounded domain ofRNwithN>2. For0<m<1, under appropriate hypotheses, we show thatm=pis the critical exponent of extinction for the weak solution. Furthermore, we prove that the solution either extinct or nonextinct in finite time depends strongly on the initial data and the first eigenvalue of-Δwith homogeneous Dirichlet boundary.
Dynamic Stabilisation in the Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease with Modic Changes
Authors: Eser Olcay , Gomleksiz Cengiz , Sasani Mehdi , Oktenoglu Tunc , Aydin Ahmet Levent , Ataker Yaprak , Suzer Tuncer , Ozer Ali Fahir
Published: May 2013

Objective. Posterior dynamic stabilization is an effective alternative to fusion in the treatment of chronic instability and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of dynamic stabilization in chronic degenerative disc disease with Modic types 1 and 2. Modic types 1 and 2 degeneration can be painful. Classic approach in such cases is spine fusion. We operated 88 DDD patients with Modic types 1 and 2 via posterior dynamic stabilization. Good results were obtained after 2 years of followup.Methods. A total of 88 DDD patients with Modic types 1 and 2 were selected for this study. The patients were included in the study between 2004 and 2010. All of them were examined with lumbar anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays. Lordosis of the lumbar spine, segmental lordosis, and ratio of the height of the intervertebral disc spaces (IVSs) were measured preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis was carried out, and according to the data obtained, the grade of disc degeneration was classified. The quality of life and pain scores were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Appropriate statistical method was chosen.Results. The mean 3- and 12-month postoperative IVS ratio was significantly greater than that of the preoperative group (P<0.001). However, the mean 1 and 2 postoperative IVS ratio was not significantly different (P>0.05). Furthermore, the mean preoperative and 1 and 2 postoperative angles of lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis were not significantly different (P>0.05). The mean VAS score and ODI, 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery, decreased significantly, when compared with the preoperative scores in the groups (P=0.000).Conclusion. Dynamic stabilization in chronic degenerative disc disease with Modic types 1 and 2 was effective.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Some Actions of POPs on Female Reproduction
Authors: Gregoraszczuk Ewa L. , Ptak Anna
Published: May 2013

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated ethers (PBDEs), chloronaftalens (PCNs), and bisphenol A (BPA), are stable, lipophilic pollutants that affect fertility and cause serious reproductive problems, including ovotoxic action, lack of ovulation, premature ovarian failure (POF), or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Most of the representatives of POPs influence the activation of transcription factors, not only activation of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but also the steroid hormone receptors. This minireview will focus on a variety of PAH activities in oocyte, ovary, placenta, and mammary gland. The complexity and diversity of factors belonging to POPs and disorders of the reproductive function of women indicate that the impact of environmental pollution as an important determinant factor in fertility should not be minimize.
Design and Mathematical Analysis of a Novel Reluctance Force-Type Hybrid Magnetic Bearing for Flywheel with Gimballing Capability
Authors: Wang Chun'e , Tang Jiqiang
Published: May 2013

Magnetically suspended flywheel (MSFW) with gimballing capability fulfills requirements of precision and maneuvers for space applications. A novel reluctance force-type hybrid magnetic bearing (RFHMB) is presented based on analysis of demerits of Lorentz force-type magnetic bearing and common RFHMB. It features that radial and axial magnetic bearing units are integrated into a compact assembly with four separate biased permanent magnets and two conical stators; four radial poles with shoes and rotor made of iron-based amorphousness can reduce eddy loss. Equivalent magnetic circuits of permanent magnets and their control currents are presented. Simulation results indicate flux density fluctuates from 0.272 T to 0.41 T; rotor tilting does not affect the suspension force when rotor only tilts aroundX-axis orY-axis. When rotor drifts inX,Y, orZdirection and tilts aroundX-axis orY-axis simultaneously, force in corresponding directions slightly increases with tilting angle’s enlargement, but the maximum change does not exceed 14%. Additional tilting torque mainly determined by uniformity of flux density in conical air gaps is 0.05 Nm which is far smaller than 11 Nm in common RFHMB; magnetic suspension force is effectively decoupled amongX,Y, andZdirections; results prove that MSFW with gimballing capability theoretically meets maneuvering requirement of spacecraft.
Screening for Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy: A Review of the Clinical Evidence and Current Guidelines
Authors: Chang Donny L. F. , Pearce Elizabeth N.
Published: May 2013

Observational studies have demonstrated that maternal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in pregnancy may be associated with adverse obstetric and fetal outcomes. Treatment of overt maternal hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism clearly improves outcomes. To date there is limited evidence that levothyroxine treatment of pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism, isolated hypothyroxinemia, or thyroid autoimmunity is beneficial. Therefore, there is ongoing debate regarding the need for universal screening for thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Current guidelines differ; some recommend an aggressive case-finding approach, whereas others advocate testing only symptomatic women or those with a personal history of thyroid disease or other associated medical conditions.
Characterization and Functionality of Immidazolium Ionic Liquids Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Ying , Tang Ning , Inagaki Fuyuhiko , Mukai Chisato , Hayakawa Kazuichi
Published: May 2013

1,3‐Dialkylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids were chemically synthesized and bonded on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with easy one‐step reaction. The obtained six kinds of ionic liquid modified MNPs were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetization, and FTIR, which owned the high adsorption capacity due to the nanometer size and high‐density modification with ionic liquids. Functionality of MNPs with ionic liquids greatly influenced the solubility of the MNPs with organic solvents depending on the alkyl chain length and the anions of the ionic liquids. Moreover, the obtained MNPs showed the specific extraction efficiency to organic pollutant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, while superparamagnetic property of the MNPs facilitated the convenient separation of MNPs from the bulks water samples.
High-Mobility Group Box-1 Induces Decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Neuroprotection in the Diabetic Retina
Authors: Abu El-Asrar Ahmed M. , Nawaz Mohd Imtiaz , Siddiquei Mohammad Mairaj , Al-Kharashi Abdullah S. , Kangave Dustan , Mohammad Ghulam
Published: May 2013

To test the hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor-(BDNF-) mediated neuroprotection is reduced by high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in diabetic retina, paired vitreous and serum samples from 46 proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 34 nondiabetic patients were assayed for BDNF, HMGB1, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and TBARS. We also examined retinas of diabetic and HMGB1 intravitreally injected rats. The effect of the HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizin on diabetes-induced changes in retinal BDNF expressions was studied. Western blot, ELISA, and TBARS assays were used. BDNF was not detected in vitreous samples. BDNF levels were significantly lower in serum samples from diabetic patients compared with nondiabetics, whereas HMGB1, sRAGE, sICAM-1, and TBARS levels were significantly higher in diabetic serum samples. MCP-1 levels did not differ significantly. There was significant inverse correlation between serum levels of BDNF and HMGB1. Diabetes and intravitreal administration of HMGB1 induced significant upregulation of the expression of HMGB1, TBARS, and cleaved caspase-3, whereas the expression of BDNF and synaptophysin was significantly downregulated in rat retinas. Glycyrrhizin significantly attenuated diabetes-induced downregulation of BDNF. Our results suggest that HMGB1-induced downregulation of BDNF might be involved in pathogenesis of diabetic retinal neurodegeneration.
Translational Potential into Health Care of Basic Genomic and Genetic Findings for Human Immunodeficiency Virus,Chlamydia trachomatis, and Human Papilloma Virus
Authors: Malogajski Jelena , Brankovic Ivan , Verweij Stephan P. , Ambrosino Elena , van Agtmael Michiel A. , Brand Angela , Ouburg Sander , Morré Servaas A.
Published: May 2013

Individual variations in susceptibility to an infection as well as in the clinical course of the infection can be explained by pathogen related factors, environmental factors, and host genetic differences. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art basic host genomic and genetic findings’ translational potential of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT), and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) into applications in public health, especially in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complications of these infectious diseases. There is a significant amount of knowledge about genetic variants having a positive or negative influence on the course and outcome of HIV infection. In the field ofChlamydia trachomatis, genomic advances hold the promise of a more accurate subfertility prediction test based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In HPV research, recent developments in early diagnosis of infection-induced cervical cancer are based on methylation tests. Indeed, triage based on methylation markers might be a step forward in a more effective stratification of women at risk for cervical cancer. Our review found an imbalance between the number of host genetic variants with a role in modulating the immune response and the number of practical genomic applications developed thanks to this knowledge.
Alternate Strategies for Conversion of Waste Plastic to Fuels
Authors: Patni Neha , Shah Pallav , Agarwal Shruti , Singhal Piyush
Published: May 2013

The present rate of economic growth is unsustainable without saving of fossil energy like crude oil, natural gas, or coal. There are many alternatives to fossil energy such as biomass, hydropower, and wind energy. Also, suitable waste management strategy is another important aspect. Development and modernization have brought about a huge increase in the production of all kinds of commodities, which indirectly generate waste. Plastics have been one of the materials because of their wide range of applications due to versatility and relatively low cost. The paper presents the current scenario of the plastic consumption. The aim is to provide the reader with an in depth analysis regarding the recycling techniques of plastic solid waste (PSW). Recycling can be divided into four categories: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. As calorific value of the plastics is comparable to that of fuel, so production of fuel would be a better alternative. So the methods of converting plastic into fuel, specially pyrolysis and catalytic degradation, are discussed in detail and a brief idea about the gasification is also included. Thus, we attempt to address the problem of plastic waste disposal and shortage of conventional fuel and thereby help in promotion of sustainable environment.
Efficacy of Contact Needle Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Ogawa Keiko , Ogawa Masao , Nishijima Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Nishimura Genichi
Published: May 2013

Cancer chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) often results in discontinuation of treatment with potentially useful anticancer drugs and may deteriorate the patient’s quality of life. This study investigated the effect of contact needle therapy (CNT) on CIPN caused by responsible chemotherapeutic agents as taxanes and oxaliplatin. Six patients with CIPN were treated with CNT. The severity of CIPN was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4 and FACT/GOG-Ntx before and after CNT. After the treatment, all of the patients showed some improvement. Four patients showed apparent improvement in breakthrough pain. One of the cases had difficulty in walking because of CIPN in lower extremities, but after 2 times of CNT, he could walk without pain and could continue the chemotherapy. Although its putative mechanisms remain elusive, CNT has strong potential as an adjunctive therapy in CIPN. Well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample size and power are necessary to confirm the findings of this study.
Optimization of Environmentally Benign Polymers Based on Thymine and Polyvinyl Sulfonate Using Plackett‐Burman Design and Surface Response
Authors: Ledesma Julieta , Bortolato Santiago A. , Boschetti Carlos E. , Martino Débora M.
Published: May 2013

Traditional approaches to the development of integrated circuits involve the use and/or manufacture of toxic materials that have a potential environmental impact. An extensive research has been done to design environmentally benign synthetic polymers containing nucleic acid bases, which can be used to enhance the photoresistor technologies. Water soluble, environmentally benign photopolymers of 1‐(4‐vinylbenzyl) thymine (VBT) and vinylphenyl sufonate (VPS) undergo a photodimerization reaction when exposed to low levels of ultraviolet irradiation leading to an immobilization of the copolymer on a variety of substrates. Plackett‐Burman design (PBD) and central composite design (CCD) were applied to identify the significant factors influencing the polymer crosslinking and dye adsorption processes, which are relevant in the fabrication of copolymer films for potential photoresist use. The PBD results assigned a maximum absorption signal of 0.67, while optimal conditions obtained in this experiment following the CCD method predictions provided a response of 0.83 ± 0.03, being a solid foundation for further use of this methodology in the production of potential photoresistors. The pH effect was relevant for low concentrations but not significant for higher concentrations. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report applying statistical experimental designs to optimize the crosslinking of thymine‐based polymers.
Weak Contraction Condition Involving Cubic Terms ofdx,yunder the Fixed Point Consideration
Authors: Murthy Penumurthy Parvateesam , Vara Prasad K. N. V. V.
Published: May 2013

A fixed point theorem is presented for single-valued map with using generalizedφ-weak contractive condition involving various combinations ofdx,yon a complete metric space. Our result is an extension as well as a generalization of Alber and Guerre-Delabriere (1997) in particular. It also generalizes the results of Rhoades (2001), Choudhury and Dutta, (2000), and Dutta and Choudhury, (2008).
Tid1-L Inhibits EGFR Signaling in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Enhancing EGFR Ubiquitinylation and Degradation
Authors: Chen Chi-Yuan , Jan Chia-Ing , Lo Jeng-Fan , Yang Shuenn-Chen , Chang Yih-Leong , Pan Szu-Hua , Wang Wen-Lung , Hong Tse-Ming , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: May 2013

Tid1 (DNAJA3), a DnaJ cochaperone, may promote degradation of oncogenic kinases. Tid1 has 2 isoforms, Tid1-L and Tid1-S, that may function differently. In this study, we investigated the role of the Tid1 isoforms in regulating EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling and lung cancer progression. We found that both Tid1-L and Tid1-S expressions were reduced in patients with non–small cell lung cancer compared with normal counterparts. Tid1-L expression correlated inversely with EGFR expression. Low Tid1-L/high EGFR expression predicted poor overall survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Tid1-L overexpression in lung cancer cells attenuated EGFR signaling and inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor growth in subcutaneous and orthotropic xenograft models. Conversely, depletion of Tid1 restored EGFR signaling and increased cell proliferation and colony formation. Tid1-L, but not Tid1-S, interacted with EGFR/HSP70/HSP90 through the DnaJ domain, counteracting the EGFR regulatory function of HSP90 by causing EGFR ubiquitinylation and proteasomal degradation. Tid1-L inhibited EGFR signaling even more than the HSP90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-demethoxy geldanamycin. We concluded that Tid1-L acted as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting EGFR signaling through interaction with EGFR/HSP70/HSP90 and enhancing EGFR ubiquitinylation and degradation. Cancer Res; 73(13); 4009–19. ©2013 AACR.
MicroRNA Array Analysis Finds Elevated Serum miR-1290 Accurately Distinguishes Patients with Low-Stage Pancreatic Cancer from Healthy and Disease Controls
Authors: Li Ang , Yu Jun , Kim Haeryoung , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Canto Marcia Irene , Hruban Ralph H. , Goggins Michael
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Our goal was to identify circulating micro RNA (miRNA) levels that could distinguish patients with low-stage pancreatic cancer from healthy and disease controls.

Experimental Design: We measured 735 miRNAs in pancreatic cancer case and control sera by QRTPCR using TaqMan MicroRNA Arrays. After array analysis, we selected 18 miRNA candidates for validation in an independent set of cases and control samples.

Results: Of the significantly elevated circulating miRNAs in patients with pancreatic cancer compared with controls, miR-1290 had the best diagnostic performance: receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis on miR-1290 serum level yielded curve areas (AUC) of 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91–1.00], 0.81 (0.71–0.91), and 0.80 (0.67–0.93), for subjects with pancreatic cancer (n = 41) relative to healthy controls (n = 19), subjects with chronic pancreatitis (n = 35), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n = 18), respectively. Serum miR-1290 levels were also significantly higher than healthy controls among patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN; n = 20; AUC = 0.76, 0.61–0.91). Serum miR-1290 levels distinguished patients with low-stage pancreatic cancer from controls better than CA19-9 levels, and like CA19-9, higher miR-1290 levels predicted poorer outcome among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Greater numbers of miR-1290 transcripts were detected by FISH in primary pancreatic cancer and IPMN than normal pancreatic duct cells. miR-1290 influenced in vitro pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasive ability. Several other circulating miRNAs distinguished sera of patients with pancreatic cancer from those of healthy controls with AUCs >0.7, including miR-24, miR-134, miR-146a, miR-378, miR-484, miR-628-3p, and miR-1825.

Conclusions: The detection of elevated circulating miR-1290 has the potential to improve the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3600–10. ©2013 AACR.
Safety of Sports for Athletes With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Lampert Rachel , Olshansky Brian , Heidbuchel Hein , Lawless Christine , Saarel Elizabeth , Ackerman Michael , Calkins Hugh , Estes N.A. Mark , Link Mark S. , Maron Barry J. , Marcus Frank , Scheinman Melvin , Wilkoff Bruce L. , Zipes Douglas P. , Berul Charles I. , Cheng Alan , Law Ian , Loomis Michele , Barth Cheryl , Brandt Cynthia , Dziura James , Li Fangyong , Cannom David
Published: May 2013

Background—

The risks of sports participation for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Athletes with ICDs (age, 10–60 years) participating in organized (n=328) or high-risk (n=44) sports were recruited. Sports-related and clinical data were obtained by phone interview and medical records. Follow-up occurred every 6 months. ICD shock data and clinical outcomes were adjudicated by 2 electrophysiologists. Median age was 33 years (89 subjects <20 years of age); 33% were female. Sixty were competitive athletes (varsity/junior varsity/traveling team). A pre-ICD history of ventricular arrhythmia was present in 42%. Running, basketball, and soccer were the most common sports. Over a median 31-month (interquartile range, 21–46 months) follow-up, there were no occurrences of either primary end point—death or resuscitated arrest or arrhythmia- or shock-related injury—during sports. There were 49 shocks in 37 participants (10% of study population) during competition/practice, 39 shocks in 29 participants (8%) during other physical activity, and 33 shocks in 24 participants (6%) at rest. In 8 ventricular arrhythmia episodes (device defined), multiple shocks were received: 1 at rest, 4 during competition/practice, and 3 during other physical activity. Ultimately, the ICD terminated all episodes. Freedom from lead malfunction was 97% at 5 years (from implantation) and 90% at 10 years.

Conclusions—

Many athletes with ICDs can engage in vigorous and competitive sports without physical injury or failure to terminate the arrhythmia despite the occurrence of both inappropriate and appropriate shocks. These data provide a basis for more informed physician and patient decision making in terms of sports participation for athletes with ICDs.
Die Sieger and Die Wibelungen: How Parsifal is the Fifth Opera of Wagner’s Ring
Authors: Schofield Paul
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Nineteenth-century German opera composer Richard Wagner was very knowledgeable about Buddhism and its teachings, at least for a European of that time, and he incorporated his knowledge of those teachings into his last five music dramas: The Ring of the Nibelung (a four-opera cycle) and his final opera, Parsifal. The Ring is traditionally performed separately from Parsifal, but this article explains how there is a basis to connect these five great works into one cycle, even to the extent where the performance of a five-opera cycle would one day become a reality. The basis for this connection includes Wagner’s own strong belief in reincarnation, as well as Buddhism’s general teaching and explanation of karma and rebirth.
Discovery of a new species of the genus Planaeschna from Northern Vietnam, with a first description of male P. tomokunii
Authors: SASAMOTO AKIHIKO , DO CUONG , VAN LIEN VU
Published: May 2013

A new species of Planaeschna McLachlan, P. guentherpetersi sp. nov. (holotype male and paratype female) from Phu Tho province, northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. In addition, the male of P. tomokuniiAsahina, 1996, which was known from only the holotype female, is described for the first time, based on newly collected material of both sexes, from the type locality, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc province, northern
Airborne Radar Observations of Severe Hailstorms: Implications for Future Spaceborne Radar
Authors: Heymsfield Gerald M. , Tian Lin , Li Lihua , McLinden Matthew , Cervantes Jaime I.
Published: May 2013

A new dual-frequency (Ku and Ka band) nadir-pointing Doppler radar on the high-altitude NASA ER-2 aircraft, called the High-Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP), has collected data over severe thunderstorms in Oklahoma and Kansas during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). The overarching motivation for this study is to understand the behavior of the dual-wavelength airborne radar measurements in a global variety of thunderstorms and how these may relate to future spaceborne-radar measurements. HIWRAP is operated at frequencies that are similar to those of the precipitation radar on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (Ku band) and the upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement mission satellite's dual-frequency (Ku and Ka bands) precipitation radar. The aircraft measurements of strong hailstorms have been combined with ground-based polarimetric measurements to obtain a better understanding of the response of the Ku- and Ka-band radar to the vertical distribution of the hydrometeors, including hail. Data from two flight lines on 24 May 2011 are presented. Doppler velocities were ~39 m s−1 at 10.7-km altitude from the first flight line early on 24 May, and the lower value of ~25 m s−1 on a second flight line later in the day. Vertical motions estimated using a fall speed estimate for large graupel and hail suggested that the first storm had an updraft that possibly exceeded 60 m s−1 for the more intense part of the storm. This large updraft speed along with reports of 5-cm hail at the surface, reflectivities reaching 70 dBZ at S band in the storm cores, and hail signals from polarimetric data provide a highly challenging situation for spaceborne-radar measurements in intense convective systems. The Ku- and Ka-band reflectivities rarely exceed ~47 and ~37 dBZ, respectively, in these storms.
Monthly Air Temperatures over Northern China Estimated by Integrating MODIS Data with GIS Techniques
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Zhu Jiaojun , Yan Qiaoling
Published: May 2013

The Three-North Shelter/Protective Forest Programme (TNSFP), the largest ecological afforestation program in the world, was launched in 1978 and will last until 2050 to improve ecological conditions in the Three-North regions of China. To manage the shelter forests sustainably, it is necessary to accurately estimate air temperature on a large scale, but the spatial distribution of ground meteorological stations is limited. A hybrid method was established by combining stepwise regression modeling and spatial interpolation techniques (SRMSIT) to construct the monthly mean, minimum, and maximum air temperatures (Tmean, Tmin, and Tmax, respectively) at a 1 km × 1 km grid size in the Three-North regions. Stepwise regression modeling was applied to construct the relationship between air temperatures (Tmean, Tmin, and Tmax—the dependent variables) and geographical and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) variables (the independent variables). Spatial interpolation techniques were used to correct the residual values. According to the factor analysis, three geographic (altitude, latitude, and continentality) and two MODIS variables [nighttime land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index] were selected in stepwise regression modeling, and nighttime LST was the most powerful remote sensing variable. The SRMSIT method, in which the spatial interpolation of the residuals was done with inverse distance weighting, achieved average root-mean-square error values at 0.86°, 1.10°, and 1.13°C for Tmean, Tmin, and Tmax, respectively. Therefore, the simple regression algorithms derived from the combination of remote sensing and geographical variables, together with residual interpolation techniques, have the potential to accurately estimate monthly air temperature in large regions.
A Multiscale Model for the Planetary and Synoptic Motions in the Atmosphere
Authors: Dolaptchiev Stamen I. , Klein Rupert
Published: May 2013

A reduced asymptotic model valid for the planetary and synoptic scales in the atmosphere is presented. The model is derived by applying a systematic multiple-scales asymptotic method to the full compressible-flow equations in spherical geometry. The synoptic-scale dynamics in the model is governed by modified quasigeostrophic equations, which take into account planetary-scale variations of the background stratification and of the Coriolis parameter. The planetary-scale background is described by the planetary geostrophic equations and a new closure condition in the form of a two-scale evolution equation for the barotropic component of the background flow. This closure equation provides a model revealing an interaction mechanism from the synoptic scale to the planetary scale.

To obtain a quantitative assessment of the validity of the asymptotics, the balances on the planetary and synoptic scales are studied by utilizing a primitive equations model. For that purpose, spatial and temporal variations of different terms in the vorticity equation are analyzed. It is found that, for planetary-scale modes, the horizontal fluxes of relative and planetary vorticity are nearly divergence free. It is shown that the results are consistent with the asymptotic model.
Jet Interaction and the Influence of a Minimum Phase Speed Bound on the Propagation of Eddies
Authors: O'Rourke Amanda K. , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2013

The feedback between planetary-scale eddies and analogs of the midlatitude eddy-driven jet and the subtropical jet is investigated in a barotropic β-plane model. In the model the subtropical jet is generated by a relaxation process and the eddy-driven jet by an imposed wavemaker. A minimum zonal phase speed bound is proposed in addition to the established upper bound, where the zonal phase speed of waves must be less than that of the zonal mean zonal flow. Cospectral analysis of eddy momentum flux convergence shows that eddy activity is generally restricted by these phase speed bounds.

The wavenumber-dependent minimum phase speed represents a turning line for meridionally propagating waves. By varying the separation distance between the relaxation and stirring regions, it is found that a sustained, double-jet state is achieved when either a critical or turning latitude forms in the interjet region. The interjet turning latitude filters eddies by zonal wavenumber such that shorter waves tend to be reflected off of the relaxed jet and are confined to the eddy-driven jet. The interjet region is transparent to long waves that act to blend the jets and may be associated with barotropic instability. The eddy-driven and relaxed jets tend to merge owing to the propagation of these long waves through the relaxed jet waveguide.