bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonthermal Plasma Sterilization of Living and Nonliving Surfaces
Authors: De Geyter N. , Morent R.
Published: June 2012

The recent tremendous progress in understanding physical plasma phenomena, together with the development of new plasma sources, has put a growing focus on the application of nonthermal plasmas in the biomedical domain. Among several novel applications, the inactivation of bacteria by nonthermal plasmas (so-called plasma sterilization) is particularly interesting. This introductory review provides a summary of the current status of this emerging research field. In addition to the inactivation of bacteria on nonliving surfaces, this review also focuses on the sterilization of living surfaces, such as animal and human tissues. Clearly, nonthermal plasmas have undoubtedly great potential as a novel method for low-temperature sterilization.
The Promises and Pitfalls of Genoeconomics
Authors: Benjamin Daniel J. , Cesarini David , Chabris Christopher F. , Glaeser Edward L. , Laibson David I. ,   Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study:, Guðnason Vilmundur , Harris Tamara B. , Launer Lenore J. , Purcell Shaun , Smith Albert Vernon ,   Swedish Twin Registry:, Johannesson Magnus , Magnusson Patrik K.E. ,   Framingham Heart Study:, Beauchamp Jonathan P. , Christakis Nicholas A. ,   Wisconsin Longitudinal Study:, Atwood Craig S. , Hebert Benjamin , Freese Jeremy , Hauser Robert M. , Hauser Taissa S. ,   Swedish Large Schizophrenia Study:, Grankvist Alexander , Hultman Christina M. , Lichtenstein Paul
Published: June 2012

This article reviews existing research at the intersection of genetics and economics, presents some new findings that illustrate the state of genoeconomics research, and surveys the prospects of this emerging field. Twin studies suggest that economic outcomes and preferences, once corrected for measurement error, appear to be about as heritable as many medical conditions and personality traits. Consistent with this pattern, we present new evidence on the heritability of permanent income and wealth. Turning to genetic association studies, we survey the main ways that the direct measurement of genetic variation across individuals is likely to contribute to economics, and we outline the challenges that have slowed progress in making these contributions. The most urgent problem facing researchers in this field is that most existing efforts to find associations between genetic variation and economic behavior are based on samples that are too small to ensure adequate statistical power. This has led to many false positives in the literature. We suggest a number of possible strategies to improve and remedy this problem: (a) pooling data sets, (b) using statistical techniques that exploit the greater information content of many genes jointly, and (c) focusing on economically relevant traits that are most proximate to known biological mechanisms.
Electron Tomography in the (S)TEM: From Nanoscale Morphological Analysis to 3D Atomic Imaging
Authors: Saghi Zineb , Midgley Paul A.
Published: June 2012

In this short review, we discuss recent developments in electron tomography with examples across a range of materials science and nanotechnology. Challenges related to extending the resolution of the technique from the nanoscale to the atomic level are addressed, and the different routes proposed to meet those challenges are considered. We illustrate improvements in electron tomography brought about by recent developments in hardware and the advent of aberration-corrected microscopes. We focus also on developments in new reconstruction algorithms designed to enable reliable and accurate reconstructions from very limited projection data. These recent technique developments provide a genuine promise of routine 3D atomic imaging.
Surface-Bound Gradients for Studies of Soft Materials Behavior
Authors: Genzer Jan
Published: June 2012

We provide a succinct account of surface-bound gradient structures created from soft materials or those facilitating the study of soft materials behavior. We commence by classifying the chief attributes of gradient structures and offer a few examples of fabrication methods employed to generate such structures. We then illustrate the versatility of gradient assemblies in functioning as recording media for monitoring a physico-chemical process, facilitating fast screening of physico-chemical phenomena, and playing an important part in the design and fabrication of surface-anchored molecular and macromolecular engines for the directed transport of soft materials.
Activating Transcription in Bacteria
Authors: Lee David J. , Minchin Stephen D. , Busby Stephen J.W.
Published: June 2012

Bacteria use a variety of mechanisms to direct RNA polymerase to specific promoters in order to activate transcription in response to growth signals or environmental cues. Activation can be due to factors that interact at specific promoters, thereby increasing transcription directed by these promoters. We examine the range of architectures found at activator-dependent promoters and outline the mechanisms by which input from different factors is integrated. Alternatively, activation can be due to factors that interact with RNA polymerase and change its preferences for target promoters. We summarize the different mechanistic options for activation that are focused directly on RNA polymerase.
Herpesvirus Transport to the Nervous System and Back Again
Authors: Smith Gregory
Published: June 2012

Herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, and pseudorabies virus are neurotropic pathogens of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily of the Herpesviridae. These viruses efficiently invade the peripheral nervous system and establish lifelong latency in neurons resident in peripheral ganglia. Primary and recurrent infections cycle virus particles between neurons and the peripheral tissues they innervate. This remarkable cycle of infection is the topic of this review. In addition, some of the distinguishing hallmarks of the infections caused by these viruses are evaluated in terms of their underlying similarities.
Nutritional Metabolomics: Progress in Addressing Complexity in Diet and Health
Authors: Jones Dean P. , Park Youngja , Ziegler Thomas R.
Published: June 2012

Nutritional metabolomics is rapidly maturing to use small-molecule chemical profiling to support integration of diet and nutrition in complex biosystems research. These developments are critical to facilitate transition of nutritional sciences from population-based to individual-based criteria for nutritional research, assessment, and management. This review addresses progress in making these approaches manageable for nutrition research. Important concept developments concerning the exposome, predictive health, and complex pathobiology serve to emphasize the central role of diet and nutrition in integrated biosystems models of health and disease. Improved analytic tools and databases for targeted and nontargeted metabolic profiling, along with bioinformatics, pathway mapping, and computational modeling, are now used for nutrition research on diet, metabolism, microbiome, and health associations. These new developments enable metabolome-wide association studies (MWAS) and provide a foundation for nutritional metabolomics, along with genomics, epigenomics, and health phenotyping, to support the integrated models required for personalized diet and nutrition forecasting.
Islam Moves West: Religious Change in the First and Second Generations
Authors: Voas David , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: June 2012

What happens to the religious identity, belief, and practice of Muslims who settle in Western countries? Do they, or their children and subsequent generations, gradually become more secular? Or do they react against the dominant ethos and perceived prejudice by becoming more religious? We review recent research that touches on these questions. Most Muslim immigrants outside the United States come from rural areas of less developed countries where religiosity is higher than in the receiving societies. Residence in areas of high coethnic concentration, support from religious communities, and religious endogamy help to maintain religious commitment. The situation is more complicated for the second generation. Western culture has an influence, but structural integration does not necessarily reduce religiosity. Some children of immigrants try to follow a “real” Islam that has been purified of culturally specific practices. Hostility toward Muslims may lead some to react by increasing their own religious involvement.
Marital Instability and Female Labor Supply
Authors: Özcan Berkay , Breen Richard
Published: June 2012

We review the relationship between female labor supply and marital instability. Traditionally, the sociological literature has focused on the impact of female labor supply on the likelihood of divorce with specific reference to the independence hypothesis. However, recent studies in sociology and economics provide more consistent evidence that the direction of causality may be the other way around. Women might increase their labor supply in the anticipation of divorce. We review the methodological developments in measuring economic independence and the recent evidence on its impact on divorce. Then we turn our attention to the alternative literature on the impact of divorce on female labor supply. We outline the theoretical arguments put forward by this literature, discuss the methodological issues in establishing causality, summarize the findings, and suggest avenues of further research.
Status: Insights from Organizational Sociology
Authors: Sauder Michael , Lynn Freda , Podolny Joel M.
Published: June 2012

Status has become an increasingly influential concept in the fields of organizational and economic sociology during the past two decades. Research in this area has not only helped explain behavior within and between organizations, but has also contributed to our understanding of status processes more generally. In this review, we point to the contributions of this field in terms of the determinants of status, the effects of status, and the mechanisms by which these effects are produced. We next appraise the way in which a network approach has contributed to our formal understanding of status positions and status hierarchies. We then highlight recent studies that demonstrate the value of studying the structures of status hierarchies themselves rather than focusing solely on the actors within them. After suggesting potential directions for future research, we conclude by calling for renewed efforts to translate concepts and theories across levels of analysis and substantive commitment in order to build more general theories of status processes.
Brokerage
Authors: Stovel Katherine , Shaw Lynette
Published: June 2012

Although sociologists have frequently touched on ideas related to brokerage in their research, brokerage is rarely considered a central concept in the discipline's theoretical or analytic arsenal. Theoretically, brokerage is one of a small number of mechanisms by which disconnected or isolated individuals (or groups) can interact economically, politically, and socially. Across substantive domains, we are particularly struck by a dual aspect of brokerage: On the one hand, brokerage has the capacity to ease social interaction, enhance economic activity, and facilitate political development. On the other hand, brokerage often breeds exploitation, the pursuit of personal profit, corruption, and the accumulation of power; through these and other processes, brokerage can exacerbate existing inequalities. In this review, we make the case for elevating the concept of brokerage to a more prominent place in the sociological canon. Brokerage's significance stems from its potential for macro-level consequences, which are revealed primarily through its impact on the permeability of group boundaries. However, because brokerage is built from informal, personal relationships, understanding it requires close attention to micro-level relations and social psychological processes.
Identifying protein kinase target preferences using mass spectrometry
Authors: Douglass Jacqueline , Gunaratne Ruwan , Bradford Davis , Saeed Fahad , Hoffert Jason D. , Steinbach Peter J. , Knepper Mark A. , Pisitkun Trairak
Published: June 2012

A general question in molecular physiology is how to identify candidate protein kinases corresponding to a known or hypothetical phosphorylation site in a protein of interest. It is generally recognized that the amino acid sequence surrounding the phosphorylation site provides information that is relevant to identification of the cognate protein kinase. Here, we present a mass spectrometry-based method for profiling the target specificity of a given protein kinase as well as a computational tool for the calculation and visualization of the target preferences. The mass spectrometry-based method identifies sites phosphorylated in response to in vitro incubation of protein mixtures with active recombinant protein kinases followed by standard phosphoproteomic methodologies. The computational tool, called “PhosphoLogo,” uses an information-theoretic algorithm to calculate position-specific amino acid preferences and anti-preferences from the mass-spectrometry data ( http://helixweb.nih.gov/PhosphoLogo/ ). The method was tested using protein kinase A (catalytic subunit α), revealing the well-known preference for basic amino acids in positions −2 and −3 relative to the phosphorylated amino acid. It also provides evidence for a preference for amino acids with a branched aliphatic side chain in position +1, a finding compatible with known crystal structures of protein kinase A. The method was also employed to profile target preferences and anti-preferences for 15 additional protein kinases with potential roles in regulation of epithelial transport: CK2, p38, AKT1, SGK1, PKCδ, CaMK2δ, DAPK1, MAPKAPK2, PKD3, PIM1, OSR1, STK39/SPAK, GSK3β, Wnk1, and Wnk4.
Nesfatin-1 inhibits gastric acid secretion via a central vagal mechanism in rats
Authors: Xia Ze-Feng , Fritze Danielle M. , Li Ji-Yao , Chai Biaoxin , Zhang Chao , Zhang Weizhen , Mulholland Michael W.
Published: June 2012

Nesfatin-1, a novel hypothalamic peptide, inhibits nocturnal feeding behavior and gastrointestinal motility in rodents. The effects of nesfatin-1 on gastrointestinal secretory function, including gastric acid production, have not been evaluated. Nesfatin-1 was injected into the fourth intracerebral ventricle (4V) of chronically cannulated rats to identify a nesfatin dose sufficient to inhibit food intake. Nesfatin-1 (2 μg) inhibited dark-phase food intake, in a dose-dependent fashion, for >3 h. Gastric acid production was evaluated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Nesfatin-1 (2 μg) was introduced via the 4V following endocrine stimulation of gastric acid secretion by pentagastrin (2 μg·kg−1·h−1iv), vagal stimulation with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (200 mg/kg sc), or no stimulus. Gastric secretions were collected via gastric cannula and neutralized by titration to determine acid content. Nesfatin-1 did not affect basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion, whereas 2-deoxy-d-glucose-stimulated gastric acid production was inhibited by nesfatin-1 in a dose-dependent manner. c-Fos immunofluorescence in brain sections was used to evaluate in vivo neuronal activation by nesfatin-1 administered via the 4V. Nesfatin-1 caused activation of efferent vagal neurons, as evidenced by a 16-fold increase in the mean number of c-Fos-positive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) in nesfatin-1-treated animals vs. controls ( P < 0.01). Finally, nesfatin-induced Ca2+signaling was evaluated in primary cultured DMNV neurons from neonatal rats. Nesfatin-1 caused dose-dependent Ca2+increments in 95% of cultured DMNV neurons. These studies demonstrate that central administration of nesfatin-1, at doses sufficient to inhibit food intake, results in inhibition of vagally stimulated secretion of gastric acid. Nesfatin-1 activates DMNV efferent vagal neurons in vivo and triggers Ca2+signaling in cultured DMNV neurons.
A novel mouse running wheel that senses individual limb forces: biomechanical validation and in vivo testing
Authors: Roach Grahm C. , Edke Mangesh , Griffin Timothy M.
Published: June 2012

Biomechanical data provide fundamental information about changes in musculoskeletal function during development, adaptation, and disease. To facilitate the study of mouse locomotor biomechanics, we modified a standard mouse running wheel to include a force-sensitive rung capable of measuring the normal and tangential forces applied by individual paws. Force data were collected throughout the night using an automated threshold trigger algorithm that synchronized force data with wheel-angle data and a high-speed infrared video file. During the first night of wheel running, mice reached consistent running speeds within the first 40 force events, indicating a rapid habituation to wheel running, given that mice generated >2,000 force-event files/night. Average running speeds and peak normal and tangential forces were consistent throughout the first four nights of running, indicating that one night of running is sufficient to characterize the locomotor biomechanics of healthy mice. Twelve weeks of wheel running significantly increased spontaneous wheel-running speeds (16 vs. 37 m/min), lowered duty factors (ratio of foot-ground contact time to stride time; 0.71 vs. 0.58), and raised hindlimb peak normal forces (93 vs. 115% body wt) compared with inexperienced mice. Peak normal hindlimb-force magnitudes were the primary force component, which were nearly tenfold greater than peak tangential forces. Peak normal hindlimb forces exceed the vertical forces generated during overground running (50-60% body wt), suggesting that wheel running shifts weight support toward the hindlimbs. This force-instrumented running-wheel system provides a comprehensive, noninvasive screening method for monitoring gait biomechanics in mice during spontaneous locomotion.
Influence of circulating cytokines on prolactin during slow vs. fast exertional heat stress followed by active or passive recovery
Authors: Wright Heather E. , McLellan Tom M. , Friesen Brian J. , Casa Douglas J. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: June 2012

Prolactin (PRL) has been suggested as an indicator of fatigue during exertional heat stress (EHS), given its strong relationship with body core temperature (Tc); however, the strength of this relationship during different rates of Tc increase and subsequent recovery is unknown. In addition, given the influence that systemic cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, have on the pituitary gland, it would be of interest to determine the relationship between PRL, IL-6, and TNF-α during EHS. The purpose was to examine the PRL, IL-6, and TNF-α heat stress responses during slow and fast heating and subsequent resting or cold water immersion recovery. On 4 days, nine individuals walked at ∼45% (slow heating) or ran at ∼65% (fast heating) maximal oxygen consumption on a treadmill in the heat (40°C, 30% relative humidity) until rectal temperature (Tre) reached 39.5°C (esophageal temperature; fast = 39.41 ± 0.04°C, slow = 39.82 ± 0.09°C). Post-EHS, subjects were either immersed in 2°C water or rested seated until Tre returned to 38.0°C. Venous blood, analyzed for PRL, IL-6, and TNF-α, was obtained at rest, during exercise (Tre 38.0, 39.0, 39.5°C), the start of recovery (∼5 min after 39.5°C), and subsequent recovery (Tre 39.0, 38.0°C). IL-6 exhibited myokine properties, given the greater increases with slow heating and lack of increase in TNF-α. A strong temperature-dependent PRL response during slow and fast heating provides additional support for the use of PRL as a peripheral marker of impending fatigue, which is independent of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine responses.
Prestimulus hemodynamic activity in dorsal attention network is negatively associated with decision confidence in visual perception
Authors: Rahnev Dobromir A. , Bahdo Linda , de Lange Floris P. , Lau Hakwan
Published: June 2012

Attention is thought to improve most aspects of perception. However, we recently showed that, somewhat surprisingly, endogenous attention can also lead to low subjective perceptual ratings ( Rahnev et al., 2011 ). Here we investigated the neural basis of this effect and tested whether spontaneous fluctuations of the attentional state can lead to low confidence in one's perceptual decision. We measured prestimulus functional magnetic resonance imaging activity in the dorsal attention network and used that activity as an index of the level of attention involved in a motion direction discrimination task. Extending our previous findings, we showed that low prestimulus activity in the dorsal attention network, which presumably reflected low level of attention, was associated with higher confidence ratings. These results were explained by a signal detection theoretic model in which lack of attention increases the trial-by-trial variability of the internal perceptual response. In line with the model, we also found that low prestimulus activity in the dorsal attention network was associated with higher trial-by-trial variability of poststimulus peak activity in the motion-sensitive region MT+. These findings support the notion that lack of attention may lead to liberal subjective perceptual biases, a phenomenon we call “inattentional inflation of subjective perception.”
Long-term, but not transient, threshold shifts alter the morphology and increase the excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons
Authors: Yang Sungchil , Su Wendy , Bao Shaowen
Published: June 2012

Partial hearing loss often results in enlarged representations of the remaining hearing frequency range in primary auditory cortex (AI). Recent studies have implicated certain types of synaptic plasticity in AI map reorganization in response to transient and long-term hearing loss. How changes in neuronal excitability and morphology contribute to cortical map reorganization is less clear. In the present study, we exposed adult rats to a 4-kHz tone at 123 dB, which resulted in increased thresholds over their entire hearing range. The threshold shift gradually recovered in the lower-frequency, but not the higher-frequency, range. As reported previously, two distinct zones were observed 10 days after the noise exposure, an enlarged lower-characteristic frequency (CF) zone displaying normal threshold and enhanced cortical responses and a higher-CF zone showing higher threshold and a disorganized tonotopic map. Membrane excitability of layer II/III pyramidal neurons increased only in the higher-CF, but not the lower-CF, zone. In addition, dendritic morphology and spine density of the pyramidal neurons were altered in the higher-CF zone only. These results indicate that membrane excitability and neuronal morphology are altered by long-term, but not transient, threshold shift. They also suggest that these changes may contribute to tinnitus but are unlikely to be involved in map expansion in the lower-CF zone.
A Rare Case of Survival after Complete Traumatic Cricotracheal Separation
Authors: Singh Gautam Bir , Kummar Rajiv , Verma Neha , Rai Anil K.
Published: June 2012

We report the survival of an extremely rare case of complete cricotracheal transection following incisional trauma with knife. The clinical record underlines the importance of prompt airway management and immediate neck exploration in such cases. To the authors knowledge, such a case has not been reported previously in the literature.
Clinical Isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosisDiffer in Their Ability to Induce Respiratory Burst and Apoptosis in Neutrophils as a Possible Mechanism of Immune Escape
Authors: Romero María M. , Balboa Luciana , Basile Juan I. , López Beatriz , Ritacco Viviana , de la Barrera Silvia S. , Sasiain María C. , Barrera Lucía , Alemán Mercedes
Published: June 2012

Tuberculosis pathogenesis was earlier thought to be mainly related to the host but now it appears to be clear that bacterial factors are also involved. Genetic variability ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) could be slight but it may lead to sharp phenotypic differences. We have previously reported that nonopsonizedMtbH37Rv induce apoptosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by a mechanism that involves the p38 pathway. Here we evaluated the capability to induce PMN apoptosis of two prevalentMtblineages in Argentina, the Latin America and Mediterranean (LAM), and Haarlem, using the H37Rv as a reference strain. Results showed that LAM strains strongly induced apoptosis of PMN which correlated with the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p38 activation. Interestingly, the highly prosperous multidrug-resistant M strain, belonging to the Haarlem lineage, lacked the ability to activate and to induce PMN apoptosis as a consequence of (1) a weak ROS production and (2) the contribution of antiapoptotic mechanisms mediated at least by ERK. Although with less skill, M is able to enter the PMN so that phenotypic differences could lead PMN to be a reservoir allowing some pathogens to prevail and persist over other strains in the community.
Will Posttranslational Modifications of Brain Proteins Provide Novel Serological Markers for Dementias?
Authors: Wang Y. , Sørensen M. G. , Zheng Q. , Zhang C. , Karsdal M. A. , Henriksen K.
Published: June 2012

Drug development for dementias is significantly hampered by the lack of easily accessible biomarkers. Fluid biomarkers of dementias provide indications of disease stage, but have little prognostic value, cannot detect early pathological changes, and can only be measured in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) which significantly limits their applicability. In contrast, imaging based biomarkers can provide indications of probability of disease progression, yet are limited in applicability due to cost, radiation and radio-tracers. These aspects highlight the need for other approaches to the development of biomarkers of dementia, which should focus on not only providing information about pathological changes, but also on being measured easily and reproducibly. For other diseases, focus on development of assays monitoring highly specific protease-generated cleavage fragments of proteins has provided assays, which in serum or plasma have the ability to predict early pathological changes. Proteolytic processing of brain proteins, such as tau, APP, andα-synuclein, is a key pathological event in dementias. Here, we speculate that aiming biomarker development for dementias at detecting small brain protein degradation fragments of generated by brain-derived proteases specifically in blood samples could lead to the development of novel markers of disease progression, stage and importantly of treatment efficacy.
A Hybrid PID-Fuzzy Control for Linear SISO Systems with Variant Communication Delays
Authors: Hanchevici Adrian-Bogdan , Patrascu Monica , Dumitrache Ioan
Published: June 2012

We propose one networked control strategy for linear SISO systems affected by variant communication delays. The purpose of this approach is to adjust, by using the fuzzy logic, the command provided by the PID controller. The input for the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is represented by the delay and the variation of delay, and the output is used to adapt the PID controller’s command to the new value of the communication delay which occurs in the network. Simulation and implementation results are presented. The results show performance improvement when using our control strategy. The authors present the implementation for an axis of a 3D crane, using the Ethernet/IP (TCP/IP) communication protocol.
Culture Method and PCR for the Detection ofHelicobacter pyloriin Drinking Water in Basrah Governorate Iraq
Authors: Al-Sulami A. A. , Al-Edani T. A. A. , Al-Abdula A. A.
Published: June 2012

Helicobacter pyloriis recognized by the World Health Organization to be the primary cause of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer, though the source of human infection is not well understood. One of the problems in understanding the source of human contamination is the difficulty in isolating the organism from the environment. However, the combination of PCR results with those of culturing of 471 drinking water samples can provide a more accurate picture ofH. pyloridetection. In this method 78 presumptiveH. pyloricolonies out of 266 tap water samples were obtained in the preliminary detection on modified Columbia agar (MCUA) slant relying on urease positivity with a rate of 29.3%. However, only 11 out of them were confirmed by Gram staining and biochemical tests reducing the rate to 4.13% whereas only 3 (1.46%) from 205 reverse osmosis (RO) water samples. Furthermore, only 6 (54.5%) out of the 11 isolates from tap water and 1 (33.3%) of the 3 RO isolates were confirmed by 16SrRNA PCR. Thus PCR confirmation reduced the rate to 2.2%. In addition, only 4 (4%) of 100 tap water samples negative forH. pyloriby culture method wereH. pyloripositive by 16SrRNA. Water samples were collected from 24 districts of Basrah Governorate from February–December 2009. The direct recovery ofH. pylorifrom drinking water is both alarming and scientifically exciting in terms of the investigation of its epidemiology.
Numerical Solutions for the Three‐Point Boundary Value Problem of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zhang C. P. , Niu J. , Lin Y. Z.
Published: June 2012

We present an efficient numerical scheme for solving three‐point boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional differential equation. The main idea of this method is to establish a favorable reproducing kernel space that satisfies the complex boundary conditions. Based on the properties of the new reproducing kernel space, the approximate solution is obtained by searching least value techniques. Moreover, uniformly convergence and error estimation are provided for our method. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the performance of the method and to confirm the theoretical results.
Diamel Therapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Reduces Hyperinsulinaemia, Insulin Resistance, and Hyperandrogenaemia
Authors: Hernández-Yero Arturo , Santana Pérez Felipe , Ovies Carballo Gisel , Cabrera-Rode Eduardo
Published: June 2012

For to determine the effect of Diamel on the insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and sexual hormones results in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A study was carried out on 37 patients with this disorder. A triple-blind clinical trial was designed in which the Diamel food supplement was compared with a placebo. The women with reproductive ages were randomly distributed in two groups, with 18 and 19 women respectively, and they took Diamel or placebo and were followed up during 6 months with clinical and biochemical evaluation. A significant decrease in the HOMA-IR from the initial value at six months was observed in the group with Diamel. The insulin sensitivity improved considerably in this group. The rate of menstrual recovery was higher in the group with Diamel, and two patients from this group obtained pregnancy. The hormone levels shows a significant decrease in testosterone at 3 months in the group with Diamel compared with the control group. The LH also decreases in the same group when comparing the start with 6 months.We concluded that the Diamel decreases insulin resistance and improves sensitivity to this hormone in women with PCOS, with improvement in the levels of LH and testosterone.
Epigenetic Alterations in Bladder Cancer and Their Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Han Han , Wolff Erika M. , Liang Gangning
Published: June 2012

Urothelial carcinoma (UC), the most common type of bladder cancer, is one of the most expensive malignancies to treat due to its high rate of recurrence. The characterization of the genetic alterations associated with UC has revealed the presence of two mutually exclusive molecular pathways along which distinct genetic abnormalities contribute to the formation of invasive and noninvasive tumors. Here, we focus on the epigenetic alterations found in UC, including the presence of an epigenetic field defect throughout bladders with tumors. A distinct hypomethylation pattern was found in noninvasive tumors, whereas widespread hypermethylation was found in invasive tumors, indicating the two pathways given rise to two tumor types also differ epigenetically. Since certain epigenetic alterations precede histopathological changes, they can serve as excellent markers for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and surveillance tools. In addition, their dynamic nature and reversibility with pharmacological interventions open new and exciting avenues for therapies. The epigenetic abnormalities associated with UC would make it an excellent target for epigenetic therapy, which is currently approved for the treatment of a few hematological malignancies. Future research is needed to address efficacy and potential toxicity issues before it can be implemented as a therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.
Biological Activities of the Polysaccharides Produced in Submerged Culture of Two EdiblePleurotus ostreatusMushrooms
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel
Published: June 2012

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) and internal (intracellular) polysaccharides (IPS) obtained from thePleurotus ostreatusM2191 and PBS281009 cultivated using the batch system revealed an average of between 0.1–2 (EPS) and 0.07–1.5 g/L/day (IPS). The carbohydrate analysis revealed that the polysaccharides comprised 87–89% EPS and 68–74% IPS. The investigation of antioxidant activityin vitrorevealed a good antioxidant potential, particularly for the IPS and EPS isolated from PBS281009, as proved by the EC50value for DPPH, ABTS scavenging activity, reducing power, and iron chelating activity.
Pathogen- and Host-Directed Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Macrolide Antibiotics
Authors: Steel Helen C. , Theron Annette J. , Cockeran Riana , Anderson Ronald , Feldman Charles
Published: June 2012

Macrolide antibiotics possess several, beneficial, secondary properties which complement their primary antimicrobial activity. In addition to high levels of tissue penetration, which may counteract seemingly macrolide-resistant bacterial pathogens, these agents also possess anti-inflammatory properties, unrelated to their primary antimicrobial activity. Macrolides target cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as structural cells, and are beneficial in controlling harmful inflammatory responses during acute and chronic bacterial infection. These secondary anti-inflammatory activities of macrolides appear to be particularly effective in attenuating neutrophil-mediated inflammation. This, in turn, may contribute to the usefulness of these agents in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders of both microbial and nonmicrobial origin, predominantly of the airways. This paper is focused on the various mechanisms of macrolide-mediated anti-inflammatory activity which target both microbial pathogens and the cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, with emphasis on their clinical relevance.
Spatial Distribution of PCB Dechlorinating Bacteria and Activities in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Kjellerup Birthe V. , Paul Piuly , Ghosh Upal , May Harold D. , Sowers Kevin R.
Published: June 2012

Soil samples contaminated with Aroclor 1260 were analyzed for microbial PCB dechlorination potential, which is the rate-limiting step for complete PCB degradation. The average chlorines per biphenyl varied throughout the site suggesting that different rates ofin situdechlorination had occurred over time. Analysis of PCB transforming (aerobic and anaerobic) microbial communities and dechlorinating potential revealed spatial heterogeneity of both putative PCB transforming phylotypes and dechlorination activity. Some soil samples inhibited PCB dechlorination in active sediment from Baltimore Harbor indicating that metal or organic cocontaminants might cause the observed heterogeneity ofin situdechlorination. Bioaugmentation of soil samples contaminated with PCBs ranging from 4.6 to 265 ppm with a pure culture of the PCB dechlorinating bacteriumDehalobium chlorocoerciaDF-1 also yielded heterologous results with significant dechlorination of weathered PCBs observed in one location. The detection of indigenous PCB dehalorespiring activity combined with the detection of putative dechlorinating bacteria and biphenyl dioxygenase genes in the soil aggregates suggests that the potential exists for complete mineralization of PCBs in soils. However, in contrast to sediments, the heterologous distribution of microorganisms, PCBs, and inhibitory cocontaminants is a significant challenge for the development ofin situmicrobial treatment of PCB impacted soils.
PPARδ Activation Rescues Pancreatic β-Cell Line INS-1E from Palmitate-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through Enhanced Fatty Acid Oxidation
Authors: Cao Mingming , Tong Yuzhen , Lv Qingguo , Chen Xiang , Long Yang , Jiang Li , Wan Jun , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Fang , Tong Nanwei
Published: June 2012

One of the key factors responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes is the loss of functional pancreatic β cells. This occurs due to a chronic exposure to a high fatty acid environment. ER stress is caused by an accumulation of irreversible misfold or unfold protein: these trigger the death of functional pancreatic β cells. PPARδ is an orphan nuclear receptor. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the metabolism of dietary lipids and fats. However, the correlation between PPARδ of fatty acids and ER stress of pancreatic β cells is not quite clear till date. Here, we show that PPARδ attenuates palmitate-induced ER stress of pancreatic β cells. On the other hand, PPARδ agonist inhibits both abnormal changes in ER structure and activation of signaling cascade, which is downstream ER stress. Further, we illustrate that PPARδ attenuates palmitate-induced ER stress by promoting fatty acid oxidation through treatment with etomoxir, an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation. It dramatically abolishes PPARδ-mediated inhibition of ER stress. Finally, we show that PPARδ could protect pancreatic β cells from palmitate-induced cell death and dysfunction of insulin secretion. Our work elucidates the protective effect of PPARδ on the fatty-acid-induced toxicity of pancreatic β cells.
Extracting Data from Disparate Sources for Agent-Based Disease Spread Models
Authors: Laskowski M. , Demianyk B. C. P. , Benavides J. , Friesen M. R. , McLeod R. D. , Mukhi S. N. , Crowley M.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a review and evaluation of real data sources relative to their role and applicability in an agent-based model (ABM) simulating respiratory infection spread a large geographic area. The ABM is a spatial-temporal model inclusive of behavior and interaction patterns between individual agents. The agent behaviours in the model (movements and interactions) are fed by census/demographic data, integrated with real data from a telecommunication service provider (cellular records), traffic survey data, as well as person-person contact data obtained via a custom 3G smartphone application that logs Bluetooth connectivity between devices. Each source provides data of varying type and granularity, thereby enhancing the robustness of the model. The work demonstrates opportunities in data mining and fusion and the role of data in calibrating and validating ABMs. The data become real-world inputs into susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) disease spread models and their variants, thereby building credible and nonintrusive models to qualitatively model public health interventions at the population level.
Investigation on the Optical and Surface Morphology of Conjugated Polymer MEH‐PPV:ZnO Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Yahya Nurul Zayana , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2012

Thin films of red color poly(2‐methoxy‐5(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐phenylene vinylene) (MEH‐PPV) containing different weight percent of ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by spin‐coating techniques. The MEH‐PPV:ZnO solutions were spin coated onto silicon and glass substrates. The spun MEH‐PPV:ZnO thin films were then used to investigate optical properties by using ultraviolet‐visible spectrometer (UV‐Vis) and photoluminescence spectrophotometer (PL). The morphologies were investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while the identification of ZnO in the final product was determined by using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The UV‐Vis absorption band increases, while the optical bandgap decreases when the amount of ZnO nanoparticles increases. ZnO nanoparticles apparently have no effect on the conjugation segments of MEH‐PPV. PL spectra show that the emission peak increases and slightly red shift as ZnO concentration increases. Based on SEM images of MEH‐PPV:ZnO nanocomposite thin films, ZnO nanoparticles form agglomerated regions.
Multipliers in Holomorphic Mean Lipschitz Spaces on the Unit Ball
Authors: Cho Hong Rae
Published: June 2012

For 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞ and s > 0, let be holomorphic mean Lipschitz spaces on the unit ball in ℂn. It is shown that, if s > n/p, the space is a multiplicative algebra. If s > n/p, then the space is not a multiplicative algebra. We give some sufficient conditions for a holomorphic function to be a pointwise multiplier of .
The Reproductive Biology of the Softshell Clam,Mya arenaria, in Ireland, and the Possible Impacts of Climate Variability
Authors: Cross M. E. , Lynch S. , Whitaker A. , O'Riordan R. M. , Culloty S. C.
Published: June 2012

Little is known about the biology of the softshell clam in Europe, despite it being identified as a potential species to culture for food in the future. Monthly samples of the softshell clam,Mya arenaria, were collected intertidally from Co. Wexford, Ireland, over a period of sixteen months. The mean weight of sampled individuals was74±4.9 g and mean length was8.2±0.2 cm. Histological examination revealed a female-to-male ratio of 1 : 1.15. In 2010,M. arenariaat this site matured over the summer months, with both sexes either ripe or spawning by August. A single spawning event was recorded in 2010, completed by November. Two unusually cold winters, followed by a warmer-than-average spring, appear to have affectedM. arenariagametogenesis in this area, potentially affecting the time of spawning, fertilisation success, and recruitment of this species. No hermaphrodites were observed in the samples collected, nor were any pathogens observed. Timing of development and spawning is compared with the coasts of eastern North America and with other European coasts.
Is There Inflammatory Synergy in Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Lue Lih-Fen , Andrade Cassandra , Sabbagh Marwan , Walker Douglas
Published: June 2012

Metabolic dysregulation, including abnormal glucose utilization and insulin resistance or deficiency, occurs at an early stage of AD independent of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, AD has been considered as type 3 diabetes. T2DM is a risk factor for AD; the coexistence of these two diseases in a society with an increasing mean age is a significant issue. Recently, research has focused on shared molecular mechanisms in these two diseases with the goal of determining whether treating T2DM can lessen the severity of AD. The progress in this field lends strong support to several mechanisms that could affect these two diseases, including insulin resistance and signaling, vascular injuries, inflammation, and the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts and their ligands. In this paper, we focus on inflammation-based mechanisms in both diseases and discuss potential synergism in these mechanisms when these two diseases coexist in the same patient.
ARQ Protocols for Two-Way Wireless Relay Systems: Design and Performance Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhenyuan , Gong Qiushi , Zhang Chao , Wei Guo
Published: June 2012

Two-way relay (TWR) communication, a new cooperation paradigm that allows two terminals to share one relay node to communicate with each other in two phases, has played an increasingly valuable role in wireless networks to meet the stringent throughput requirement. In this paper, we focus on the designing of automatic repeat-request (ARQ) protocols for the two-way wireless relay systems. According to different feedback schedules, we propose three basic ARQ protocols to improve the throughput of two-way relay systems, namely, relay-only ARQ (Ro-ARQ), terminal only ARQ (To-ARQ) and relay-terminal ARQ (RT-ARQ). Through analyzing the outage throughput of these three ARQ protocols, it is verified that all three protocols can improve the system performance. In addition, simulation results reveal that the RT-ARQ protocol has the closest performance to the theoretical throughput upperbound among all given methods without severe deterioration on system complexity.
Cellular Constituents of Immune Escape within the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Kerkar Sid P. , Restifo Nicholas P.
Published: June 2012

Established tumors are complex masses that contain not only neoplastic cells but also nontransformed cellular elements such as stromal cells, the neovasculature, and the full gamut of immune cells. However, evidence suggests that, unlike cells found in lymphoid organs that productively respond to acute infections, immune cells in tumors are dysregulated and functionally impaired. Tumor masses can contain regulatory lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, alternatively activated macrophages, and dendritic cells. Ablation or reprogramming of this aberrant microenvironment might dramatically augment cancer therapies, and this strategy is currently being deployed in a variety of clinical trials. A better understanding of the cellular constituents of tumors and the mechanisms involved in immune evasion may help guide the next generation of innovative cancer immunotherapies. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3125–30. ©2012 AACR.
AMPK Promotes p53 Acetylation via Phosphorylation and Inactivation of SIRT1 in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Chi-Wai , Wong Leo Lap-Yan , Tse Edith Yuk-Ting , Liu Heong-Fai , Leong Veronica Yee-Law , Lee Joyce Man-Fong , Hardie D. Grahame , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Ching Yick-Pang
Published: June 2012

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a biologic sensor for cellular energy status, has been shown to act upstream and downstream of known tumor suppressors. However, whether AMPK itself plays a tumor suppressor role in cancer remains unclear. Here, we found that the α2 catalytic subunit isoform of AMPK is significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinicopathologic analysis revealed that underexpression of AMPK-α2 was statistically associated with an undifferentiated cellular phenotype and poor patient prognosis. Loss of AMPK-α2 in HCC cells rendered them more tumorigenic than control cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ectopic expression of AMPK enhanced the acetylation and stability of p53 in HCC cells. The p53 deacetylase, SIRT1, was phosphorylated and inactivated by AMPK at Thr344, promoting p53 acetylation and apoptosis of HCC cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that underexpression of AMPK is frequently observed in HCC, and that inactivation of AMPK promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by destabilizing p53 in a SIRT1-dependent manner. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4394–404. ©2012 AACR.