bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genome during Productive and Quiescent Infection of Neuronal and Nonneuronal Cells
Authors: Harkness Justine M. , Kader Muhamuda , DeLuca Neal A.
Published: April 2014

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can undergo a productive infection in nonneuronal and neuronal cells such that the genes of the virus are transcribed in an ordered cascade. HSV-1 can also establish a more quiescent or latent infection in peripheral neurons, where gene expression is substantially reduced relative to that in productive infection. HSV mutants defective in multiple immediate early (IE) gene functions are highly defective for later gene expression and model some aspects of latency
in vivo
. We compared the expression of wild-type (wt) virus and IE gene mutants in nonneuronal cells (MRC5) and adult murine trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons using the Illumina platform for cDNA sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq analysis of wild-type virus revealed that expression of the genome mostly followed the previously established kinetics, validating the method, while highlighting variations in gene expression within individual kinetic classes. The accumulation of immediate early transcripts differed between MRC5 cells and neurons, with a greater abundance in neurons. Analysis of a mutant defective in all five IE genes (d109) showed dysregulated genome-wide low-level transcription that was more highly attenuated in MRC5 cells than in TG neurons. Furthermore, a subset of genes in d109 was more abundantly expressed over time in neurons. While the majority of the viral genome became relatively quiescent, the latency-associated transcript was specifically upregulated. Unexpectedly, other genes within repeat regions of the genome, as well as the unique genes just adjacent the repeat regions, also remained relatively active in neurons. The relative permissiveness of TG neurons to viral gene expression near the joint region is likely significant during the establishment and reactivation of latency.

IMPORTANCE
During productive infection, the genes of HSV-1 are transcribed in an ordered cascade. HSV can also establish a more quiescent or latent infection in peripheral neurons. HSV mutants defective in multiple immediate early (IE) genes establish a quiescent infection that models aspects of latency
in vivo
. We simultaneously quantified the expression of all the HSV genes in nonneuronal and neuronal cells by RNA-seq analysis. The results for productive infection shed further light on the nature of genes and promoters of different kinetic classes. In quiescent infection, there was greater transcription across the genome in neurons than in nonneuronal cells. In particular, the transcription of the latency-associated transcript (LAT), IE genes, and genes in the unique regions adjacent to the repeats persisted in neurons. The relative activity of this region of the genome in the absence of viral activators suggests a more dynamic state for quiescent genomes persisting in neurons.
Delayed onset of rotatory self-motion perception, dysdiadochokinesia and disturbed eye pursuit caused by low-dose pregabalin
Authors: Hounnou Patrice , Nicoucar Keyvan
Published: April 2014

A 30-year-old woman with chronic foot pain after an orthopaedic surgery and chronic neck pain presented to the emergency department (ED) with a history of self-rotatory vertigo with unsteadiness. She had started low-dose pregabalin, 25 mg two times a day 9 months before experiencing symptoms with the dose gradually increased to 150 mg two times a day over this period. Clinical examination revealed difficulty performing eye pursuit with left eye and dysdiadochokinesia of the left arm. Owing to a suspicion of multiple sclerosis she underwent cerebral MRI, which was normal. Pregabalin was tapered over 2 months with a complete disappearance of the symptoms. We concluded that symptoms were due to pregabalin treatment.
Adenomyosis in pregnancy mimicking morbidly adherent placenta
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Khunamornpong Surapan , Sirikunalai Panarat , Jatavan Thanate
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to illustrate a false-positive diagnosis of adherent placenta due to underlying adenomyosis. A 34-year-old woman was diagnosed for placenta previa totalis with adherent placenta at 33 weeks, based on the findings of loss of clear space or distinguishing outline separating the placenta and uterine wall, presence of intraplacental lacunae and densely atypical vessels in the lesion. Caesarean hysterectomy was performed at 35 weeks. Pathological findings revealed placenta previa totalis with adenomyosis beneath the placenta at the lower segment, with no adherent placenta. In conclusion, this report underlines the importance of possible false-positive test of prenatal ultrasound and MRI findings of adherent placenta caused by underlying adenomyosis which could obliterate the outline distinguishing the placenta and myometrium and atypical vessels secondary to decidualisation and hypervascularity from pregnancy. This case may probably encourage physician to beware of false-positive test of adherent placenta due to adenomyosis.
Parasitic infection of the male breast
Authors: Lobaz J , Millican-Slater R , Rengabashyam B , Turton P
Published: April 2014

Breast lumps are commonly seen in clinical practice, yet deeper exploration of this particular case presented an unusual diagnostic challenge.
A rare obstetric emergency: acute uterine torsion in a 32-week pregnancy
Authors: Moores Karen Louise , Wood Matthew G , Foon Richard P
Published: April 2014

Uterine torsion is rare in pregnancy and the cause in most cases is unknown. It is associated with fetal compromise, with perinatal mortality reported to be around 12%. Our case describes an acute torsion, presenting in pregnancy with severe abdominal pain and vomiting with a viable 32-week gestation. Emergency caesarean section was performed and the 180° uterine torsion was diagnosed intraoperatively. Posterior hysterotomy was required for delivery prior to detorsion of the uterus. This report describes that prompt recognition and intraoperative vigilance can achieve a successful maternal and fetal outcome in this rare and difficult obstetric scenario.
Coexistence of giant cell fibroblastoma and encephalocele
Authors: Afroz Nishat , Shamim Nida , Jain Anshu , Soni Mayank
Published: April 2014

Giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) is a rare soft tissue tumour that occurs almost exclusively in children younger than 10 years of age and is mostly located in the superficial soft tissues of the back and thighs. We present a rare case of GCF with encephalocele in a 1.5-year-old boy who presented with a swelling in the occipital area of the scalp since birth. CT scan suggested encephalocele without any suspicion of a mass lesion. On histopathology, an ill-defined proliferation of fibroblasts in a heavily collagenised and focally myxoid stroma was seen containing numerous multinucleated cells having a floret-like appearance along with mature glial tissue bordering a cystic space. Immunohistochemically, the stromal cells were positive for both, vimentin (diffuse) and CD34 (focal) thereby confirming the histological diagnosis of GCF. This case highlights the unusual coexistence of GCF with congenital defects and its histogenetic resemblance to dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos: never seen before in hypernatraemic dehydration
Authors: Rai Birendra , Moka Sudha , Sharif Farhana
Published: April 2014

We present two cases in which a 10-month-old male infant and another 15-month-old female child presented with symptoms of sleeping with their eyes wide open (lagophthalmos) with features of gastroenteritis (GE) and dehydration. The first child had been seen and discharged the previous day from the paediatric emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of GE. He presented the following day with sleeping discomfort with his eyes wide open and ongoing symptoms of GE. The second child presented to the ED with features of GE. She was found to be sleeping in the ED with her eyes wide open. Investigations of both children revealed hypernatraemic dehydration. Correction of the electrolyte imbalance in both cases over a period of 48 h led to the resolution of symptoms.
Shaky drawing: what is the rate of decline during prospective follow-up of essential tremor?
Authors: Louis Elan D , Michalec Monica , Gillman Art
Published: April 2014

Objective

Few studies have attempted to estimate the rate of decline over time in essential tremor (ET). The study objectives were to: (1) measure change, deriving a single summary measure for the entire group, and relate it to a commonly used clinical rating scale (ie, yearly change in points on that scale); (2) to assess change as a function of baseline clinical characteristics and (3) to answer the basic clinical question—is change perceptible/obvious during the follow-up of ET cases?

Setting

Prospective collection of longitudinal data on ET cases enrolled in a study of the environmental epidemiology of ET at Columbia University Medical Center (2000–2008).

Participants

116 unselected ET cases.

Interventions

Each case underwent the same evaluation at baseline and during one follow-up visit (mean follow-up interval (range)=5.8 (1.4–12.4) years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We assessed tremor during a commonly affected daily activity—drawing (ie, spirography), quantifying tremor using a simple, standardised 10-point rating scale developed by Bain and Findley.

Results

The Bain and Findley spiral score increased at an average rate of 0.12±0.23 points per year (maximum=1 point/year). In cases who had been followed for ≥5 years, the change was obvious—a blinded neurologist was able to correctly order their spirals (baseline vs follow-up) in three-fourth of cases. The rate of change was higher in cases with versus without familial ET (p=0.01).

Conclusions

Tremor in ET is slowly progressive; yet in the majority of cases, a clear difference in handwritten spirals was visible with a follow-up interval of five or more years. There may be differences between familial and non-familial ET in the rate of progression. These clinical data are intended to aid in the prognostic discussions that treating physicians have with their patients with ET.
Intervention Now To Eliminate Repeat Unintended Pregnancy in Teenagers (INTERUPT): a systematic review of intervention effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, qualitative and realist synthesis of implementation factors and user engagement
Authors: Whitaker Rh , Hendry M , Booth A , Carter B , Charles J , Craine N , Edwards R T , Lyons M , Noyes J , Pasterfield D , Rycroft-Malone J , Williams N
Published: April 2014

Background

The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe, a fifth are repeat pregnancies. Unintended conceptions can result in emotional, psychological and educational harm to teenage girls, often with enduring implications for their life chances. Babies of teenage mothers have increased mortality in their first year and increased risk of poverty, educational underachievement and unemployment later in life, with associated societal costs.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a streamed, mixed-methods systematic review to find and evaluate interventions designed to reduce repeat unintended teen pregnancies.

Our aims are to identify

 Who is at greater risk of repeat unintended pregnancies? Which interventions are effective, cost-effective, how they work, in what setting and for whom? What are the barriers and facilitators to intervention uptake? Traditional electronic database searches will be augmented by targeted searches for evidence ‘clusters’ and guided by an advisory group of experts and stakeholders. To address the topic's inherent complexities, we will use a highly structured, innovative and iterative approach combining methodological techniques tailored to each stream of evidence. Quantitative data will be synthesised with reference to Cochrane guidelines for public health interventions. Qualitative evidence addressing facilitators and barriers to the uptake of interventions, experience and acceptability of interventions will be synthesised thematically. We will apply the principles of realist synthesis to uncover theories and mechanisms underpinning interventions. We will conduct an integration and overarching narrative of findings authenticated by client group feedback.

Ethics and dissemination

We will publish the complete review in ‘Health Technology Assessment’ and sections in specialist peer-reviewed journals. We will present at national and international conferences in the fields of public health, reproductive medicine and review methodology. Findings will be fed back to service users and practitioners via workshops run by the partner collaborators.

Trail registration number

PROSPERO CRD42012003168.

Cochrane registration number

i=fertility/0068.
Tailoring platelet inhibition according to multiple electrode aggregometry decreases the rate of thrombotic complications after intracranial flow-diverting stent implantation
Authors: Oran Ismail , Cinar Celal , Bozkaya Halil , Korkmaz Mehmet
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Pretreatment with dual antiaggregant drugs is accepted as a standard step in intracranial stent implantation. The aim of this study was to determine whether tailored antiaggregant medication based on platelet reactivity testing with multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate) yields superior outcomes after intracranial flow-diverting stent (FDS) implantation compared with standard clopidogrel treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the following data from 100 consecutive patients: endovascular procedure characteristics, antiaggregant medications, procedural variables, and perioperative complications after FDS implantation for intracranial aneurysm. Patients were divided into two groups: uniform treatment with clopidogrel (untailored, early phase) and tailored treatment based on the results of aggregometry (late phase). Statistical comparisons included the Fisher exact test to compare categorical variables between the standard and aggregometry groups and the Mann–Whitney U test to compare ADP test values within the aggregometry group between groups receiving tailored or untailored treatment.

Results

In the aggregometry group (68 patients, 71 procedures) there were 17 (25%) clopidogrel-resistant patients, according to a cut-off value of 468 area under the aggregation curve; 12 underwent FDS implantation under tailored antiaggregant medication. In the standard treatment group (32 patients, 33 procedures) there were 3 (9.1%) spontaneous thrombotic events and 1 (3.3%) technical hemorrhagic complication. In the aggregometry group there were 2 (2.8%) spontaneous hemorrhagic events and 1 (1.4%) technical ischemic complication. In the aggregometry group, thrombotic complications and morbidity were lower than in the standard (no test) group (p<0.03).

Conclusions

Tailoring platelet reactivity according to multiple electrode aggregometry decreases the rate of thrombotic complications after intracranial FDS implantation.
Modifying flow in the ACA–ACoA complex: endovascular treatment option for wide-neck internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms
Authors: Nossek Erez , Chalif David J , Levine Mitchell , Setton Avi
Published: April 2014

Background

Treatment of selected wide-neck internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysms remains challenging for clip reconstruction and for endovascular options.

Objective

To describe a new endovascular treatment technique for wide-neck ICA bifurcation (ICAb) aneurysms.

Methods

We have employed a treatment approach that uses both complete proximal occlusion and reversal of flow in the ipsilateral A1 segment, using different endovascular modalities such as coils, stent-assisted coiling, or flow diverters (FDs) plus coiling concomitantly. This endovascular technique may overcome the challenges of current treatments and high recanalization rates for coiled ICAb aneurysms.

Results

We treated four patients in whom we redirected the pre-existing flow in the supraclinoid ICA into the ipsilateral A1 and M1 segments, to a new unilateral, linear flow from the supraclinoid ICA solely into the ipsilateral M1 segment. This resulted in the establishment of flow from the contralateral A1 segment into the ipsilateral A1 segment, allowing supply of only demanding perforating arteries on this specific (ipsilateral) segment. This technique was not associated with any new neurological deficits or radiographic ischemia. The four patients reviewed were all treated using coils. One was treated with a standard stent. The other two were treated with a FD.

Conclusions

We found that the proposed technique of flow modification can allow for hemodynamic conversion of ICAb to ‘side-wall’ aneurysm. In patients with good collateral flow through the anterior communicating complex, this treatment paradigm is safe and effective.
Kinetics and mechanism for chlorine-initiated atmospheric oxidation of ethyl formate
Authors: Zhao Yan , Sun Xiaomin , Wang Wenxing , Xu Laixiang
Published: April 2014

The chlorine-initiated reaction mechanism of ethyl formate in the atmosphere was investigated using the density functional theory method. The geometry parameters and frequencies of all of the stationary points were calculated at the B3LYP/ 6-31G(d,p) level. The single-point energy calculations were carried out at different levels, including MP2/6-31G(d), MP2/6-311++G(d,p), and CCSD(T)/6-31G(d). A detailed oxidation mechanism is provided and discussed. Present results show that α-ester rearrangement reaction and the O2 direct abstraction from IM6 (HC(O)OCH(O)CH3) are the more favorable pathway and are competitive. The 1,4-H shift isomerization of IM6 proved to be feasible under general atmospheric conditions. The decomposition of IM18 (CH3CH2OC(O)O) is favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically. Canonical variational transition theory with small-curvature tunneling correction was employed to predict the rate constants. The overall rate constant of ethyl formate at 298 K is 8.63 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The Arrhenius equations of rate constants at the temperature range of 200–380 K were fitted.
Control of growth process for obtaining high-quality a-SiO:H
Authors: Sobajima Yasushi , Kinoshita Shota , Kakimoto Shinnosuke , Okumoto Ryoji , Sada Chitose , Matsuda Akihisa , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: April 2014

Film-growth process of hydrogenated amorphous silicon–oxygen alloys (a-SiO:H) from CO2/(CO2 + SiH4) plasma has been investigated to control the optoelectronic properties in the resulting materials. Optical emission spectroscopy results and simple simulation results for steady-state density of chemical species in the plasma indicate that main film-growth precursors for a-SiO:H are SiH3, OH, and O. Si dangling-bond defect density is drastically increased in a-SiO:H when increasing the CO2 gas ratio in CO2/(CO2 + SiH4) plasma, being caused by the increase in the contribution ratio of Si-related short-lifetime species (SiHx, x < 2) to film growth owing to a severe SiH4-molecule depletion because of high-rate consumption reaction of SiH4 with O produced from CO2 in the plasma. Considering the primary electron impact dissociation reactions of source gas molecules and several secondary chemical reactions in the plasma, the guiding principle for obtaining high quality a-SiO:H has been proposed.
Comparative study of helical-cut notch–coil magnets for fast-field-cycling nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Kruber S. , Farrher G.D. , Anoardo E.
Published: April 2014

In this manuscript we describe an α-helical-cut notch–coil magnet system designed for fast switching of the magnetic field. An attempt was made to determine the extent to which such a magnet configuration can be efficiently used for fast-field-cycling (FFC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instruments. In addition to the typical technical requirements (high field-to-power ratio, adequate electric performance for fast-switching of the magnetic field and NMR-compatible magnetic field homogeneity), a tunable homogeneity within the sample volume and more uniform heat dissipation along the magnet body are included. A helical-cut notch–coil machined in metallic cylinders with external movable pieces was found to fit these requirements very well. A key factor for the optimization of the magnet parameters is the use of a novel calculation procedure based on a more realistic model that consider a magnet geometry with broken azimuthal symmetry. The aim of this paper is to theoretically compare the proposed geometry with other existing designs. No particular prototype is presented here. A clear understanding of the notch–coil performance was found to be an essential step for its further consideration as a potential autoadaptive (electronically controlled) magnet system for FFC applications.
Charged current quasi-elastic cross-section measurements in MiniBooNE
Authors: Grange Joseph , Katori Teppei
Published: April 2014

The neutrino-induced charged-current quasi-elastic (CCQE, νl + n → l- + p or [Formula: see text]) interaction is the most abundant interaction around 1 GeV, and it is the most fundamental channel to study neutrino oscillations. Recently, MiniBooNE published both muon neutrino1 and muon anti-neutrino2 double differential cross-sections on carbon. In this review, we describe the details of these analyses and include some historical remarks.
Zero texture lepton mass matrices and near tribimaximal mixing in the SO(10) theory
Authors: Bhatti A. Aziz , Fritzsch Harald
Published: April 2014

We have described the quark and lepton masses and mixings in context of non-SUSY SO(10) and "four-zero-texture" (FZT). In the FZT case, the fermion masses and the mixing angles can be related. We predict the neutrino masses using the near tribimaximal (TBM) mixing and the triminimal mixing. Our results show that under TBM, the neutrinos have a normal, but weak hierarchy. Variations of the neutrino masses under the "Near TBM-scenario" are also discussed.
Light nuclei formation in 12CC collisions at 4.2A GeV/c
Authors: Khan Kamal Hussain , Suleymanov M. K. , Ajaz M. , Zaman Ali , Khalilova Sh.
Published: April 2014

Some properties: average multiplicity, average momentum and average transverse momentum of light nuclei (without identification), produced in 12 CC collisions at 4.2 A GeV /c are studied as a function of centrality. An unexpected change in the behavior of these properties is observed within the same region of centrality, where the multiplicity of the produced light nuclei is increased. These measurements are compared with models, Cascade and Fritiof predictions, which fail to account for the observed effect. It is suggested that the inclusion of nuclear coalescence effect may explain the difference between the measurements and the predictions.
Isomorphic Hilbert spaces associated with different complex contours of the $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric (-x4) theory
Authors: Shalaby Abouzeid M.
Published: April 2014

In this work, we stress the existence of isomorphisms which map complex contours from the upper half to contours in the lower half of the complex plane. The metric operator is found to depend on the chosen contour but the maps connecting different contours are norm-preserving. To elucidate these features, we parametrized the contour [Formula: see text] considered in Phys. Rev. D 73, 085002 (2006) for the study of wrong sign x4 theory. For the parametrized contour of the form [Formula: see text], we found that there exists an equivalent Hermitian Hamiltonian provided that a2c is taken to be real. The equivalent Hamiltonian is b-independent but the metric operator is found to depend on all the parameters a, b and c. Different values of these parameters generate different metric operators which define different Hilbert spaces. All these Hilbert spaces are isomorphic to each other even for the parameter values that define contours with ends in two adjacent wedges. As an example, we showed that the transition amplitudes associated with the contour [Formula: see text] are exactly the same as those calculated using the contour [Formula: see text], which is not [Formula: see text]-symmetric and has ends in two adjacent wedges in the complex plane.
Holographic cold nuclear matter and neutron star
Authors: Ghoroku Kazuo , Kubo Kouki , Tachibana Motoi , Toyoda Fumihiko
Published: April 2014

We have previously found a new phase of cold nuclear matter based on a holographic gauge theory, where baryons are introduced as instanton gas in the probe [Formula: see text] branes. In our model, we could obtain the equation of state (EOS) of our nuclear matter by introducing Fermi momentum. Then, here we apply this model to the neutron star and study its mass and radius by solving the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations in terms of the EOS given here. We give some comments for our holographic model from a viewpoint of the other field theoretical approaches.
Enhancing betweenness algorithm for detecting communities in complex networks
Authors: Chen Benyan , Xiang Ju , Hu Ke , Tang Yi
Published: April 2014

Community structure is an important topological property common to many social, biological and technological networks. First, by using the concept of the structural weight, we introduced an improved version of the betweenness algorithm of Girvan and Newman to detect communities in networks without (intrinsic) edge weight and then extended it to networks with (intrinsic) edge weight. The improved algorithm was tested on both artificial and real-world networks, and the results show that it can more effectively detect communities in networks both with and without (intrinsic) edge weight. Moreover, the technique for improving the betweenness algorithm in the paper may be directly applied to other community detection algorithms.
Mott transition in the dynamic Hubbard model within slave boson mean-field approach
Authors: Le Duc-Anh
Published: April 2014

At zero temperature, the Kotliar–Ruckenstein slave boson mean-field approach is applied to the dynamic Hubbard model. In this paper, the influences of the dynamics of the auxiliary boson field on the Mott transition are investigated. At finite boson frequency, the Mott-type features of the Hubbard model is found to be enhanced by increasing the pseudospin coupling parameter g. For sufficiently large pseudospin coupling g, the Mott transition occurs even for modest values of the bare Hubbard interaction U. The lack of electron–hole symmetry is highlighted through the quasiparticle weight. Our results are in good agreement with the ones obtained by two-site dynamical mean-field theory and determinant quantum Monte Carlo simulation.
General Model for an Entanglement-Enhanced Composed Quantum Game on a Two-Dimensional Lattice
Authors: Miszczak Jarosław Adam , Pawela Łukasz , Sładkowski Jan
Published: April 2014

We introduce a method of analyzing entanglement-enhanced quantum games on regular lattices of agents. Our method is valid for setups with periodic and non-periodic boundary conditions. To demonstrate our approach we study two different types games, namely the Prisoner's dilemma game and a cooperative Parrondo's game. In both cases we obtain results showing, that entanglement is a crucial resource necessary for the agents to achieve positive capital gain.
Entropy-Based Technical Analysis Indicators Selection for International Stock Markets Fluctuations Prediction Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Lahmiri Salim
Published: April 2014

Most of works on stock price forecasting are concerned with the problem of predicting its future value. However, forecasting stock price future fluctuation trend could be easier and interesting for traders and investors to maximize profits. The purpose of this study is to predict CAC40, FTSE, NASDAQ and S&P500 price index up and down fluctuations. In particular, it aims to propose a methodology to forecast regime switches in these markets time series to assist traders and investors in decision making. In the first stage, a large set composed of twenty five technical analysis indicators is formed. They fall into four broad categories namely oscillators, stochastic measures, indexes and indicators. Entropy statistic is employed to rank the initial technical analysis indicators. Finally, in the third stage, polynomial-based kernel support vector machines (SVM) are used for predicting CAC40, FTSE, NASDAQ and S&P500 future upward and downward fluctuations. The forecasting results show that the choice of technical analysis indicators used to predict CAC40 and NASDAQ fluctuations depend on the type of risk-aversion and risk-appetite of the investor. For the S&P500 and FTSE, technical analysis indicators used in our study can detect future downshifts with high accuracy. Thus, they are suitable for market analysis and trading by risk-averse investors on these markets.
Commutativity of Near-rings with Derivations
Authors: Kamal Ahmed A. M. , Al-Shaalan Khalid H.
Published: April 2014

In this paper we first prove that a near-ring admits a derivation if and only if it is zero-symmetric. Also, we prove some commutativity theorems for a non-necessarily 3-prime near-ring R with a suitably-constrained derivation d satisfying the condition that d(a) is not a left zero-divisor in R for some a ∈ R. As consequences, we generalize several commutativity theorems for 3-prime near-rings admitting derivations.
(∗, ~)-Good Congruences on Regular Ortho-lc-monoids
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Gong Chunmei , Kong Xiangzhi
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to characterize the (∗, ~)-good congruences on regular ortho-lc-monoids by making use of the compatible congruence systems on the semi-spined product components of regular ortho-lc-monoids.
The Classification of the Annihilating-Ideal Graphs of Commutative Rings
Authors: Aalipour G. , Akbari S. , Behboodi M. , Nikandish R. , Nikmehr M. J. , Shaveisi F.
Published: April 2014

Let R be a commutative ring and 𝔸(R) be the set of ideals with non-zero annihilators. The annihilating-ideal graph of R is defined as the graph 𝔸𝔾(R) with the vertex set 𝔸(R)* = 𝔸(R)\{(0)} and two distinct vertices I and J are adjacent if and only if IJ = (0). Here, we present some results on the clique number and the chromatic number of the annihilating-ideal graph of a commutative ring. It is shown that if R is an Artinian ring and ω (𝔸𝔾(R)) = 2, then R is Gorenstein. Also, we investigate commutative rings whose annihilating-ideal graphs are complete or bipartite.
A Note on TI-Subgroups of a Finite Group
Authors: Shi Jiangtao , Zhang Cui
Published: April 2014

Let G be a finite group and H a subgroup of G. Recall that H is said to be a TI-subgroup of G if Hg∩ H = 1 or H for each g ∈ G. In this note, we prove that if all non-nilpotent subgroups of a finite non-nilpotent group G are TI-subgroups, then G is soluble, and all non-nilpotent subgroups of G are normal.
Existence and global asymptotic stability of positive almost periodic solutions of a two-species competitive system
Authors: Wang Qinglong , Liu Zhijun , Li Zuxiong , Cheke Robert A.
Published: April 2014

The asymptotic behavior of an almost periodic competitive system is investigated. By using differential inequality, the module containment theorem and the Lyapunov function, a good understanding of the existence and global asymptotic stability of positive almost periodic solutions is obtained. Finally, an example and numerical simulations are performed for justifying the theoretical results.
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase promotes gut bacterial growth by reducing the concentration of luminal nucleotide triphosphates
Authors: Malo Madhu S. , Moaven Omeed , Muhammad Nur , Biswas Brishti , Alam Sayeda N. , Economopoulos Konstantinos P. , Gul Sarah Shireen , Hamarneh Sulaiman R. , Malo Nondita S. , Teshager Abeba , Mohamed Mussa M. Rafat , Tao Qingsong , Narisawa Sonoko , Millán José Luis , Hohmann Elizabeth L. , Warren H. Shaw , Robson Simon C. , Hodin Richard A.
Published: April 2014

The intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining human health and well-being. Previously, we have shown that mice deficient in the brush-border enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) suffer from dysbiosis and that oral IAP supplementation normalizes the gut flora. Here we aimed to decipher the molecular mechanism by which IAP promotes bacterial growth. We used an isolated mouse intestinal loop model to directly examine the effect of exogenous IAP on the growth of specific intestinal bacterial species. We studied the effects of various IAP targets on the growth of stool aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as on a few specific gut organisms. We determined the effects of ATP and other nucleotides on bacterial growth. Furthermore, we examined the effects of IAP on reversing the inhibitory effects of nucleotides on bacterial growth. We have confirmed that local IAP bioactivity creates a luminal environment that promotes the growth of a wide range of commensal organisms. IAP promotes the growth of stool aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and appears to exert its growth promoting effects by inactivating (dephosphorylating) luminal ATP and other luminal nucleotide triphosphates. We observed that compared with wild-type mice, IAP-knockout mice have more ATP in their luminal contents, and exogenous IAP can reverse the ATP-mediated inhibition of bacterial growth in the isolated intestinal loop. In conclusion, IAP appears to promote the growth of intestinal commensal bacteria by inhibiting the concentration of luminal nucleotide triphosphates.
Endostatin and kidney fibrosis in aging: a case for antagonistic pleiotropy?
Authors: Lin Chi Hua Sarah , Chen Jun , Ziman Bruce , Marshall Shannon , Maizel Julien , Goligorsky Michael S.
Published: April 2014

A recurring theme of a host of gerontologic studies conducted in either experimental animals or in humans is related to documenting the functional decline with age. We hypothesize that elevated circulating levels of a powerful antiangiogenic peptide, endostatin, represent one of the potent systemic causes for multiorgan microvascular rarefaction and functional decline due to fibrosis. It is possible that during the life span of an organism there is an accumulation of dormant transformed cells producing antiangiogenic substances (endostatin) that maintain the dormancy of such scattered malignant cells. The proof of this postulate cannot be obtained by physically documenting these scattered cells, and it rests exclusively on the detection of sequelae of shifted pro- and antiangiogenic balance toward the latter. Here we compared circulating levels of endostatin in young and aging mice of two different strains and showed that endostatin levels are elevated in the latter. Renal expression of endostatin increased ∼5.6-fold in aging animals. This was associated with microvascular rarefaction and progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In parallel, the levels of sirtuins 1 and 3 were significantly suppressed in aging mice in conjunction with the expression of markers of senescence. Treating young mice with endostatin for 28 days showed delayed recovery of circulation after femoral artery ligation and reduced patency of renal microvasculature but no fibrosis. In conclusion, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis on elevation of endostatin levels and parallel microvascular rarefaction and induction of renal fibrosis in aging mice.
Spontaneous voiding by mice reveals strain-specific lower urinary tract function to be a quantitative genetic trait
Authors: Yu Weiqun , Ackert-Bicknell Cheryl , Larigakis John D. , MacIver Bryce , Steers William D. , Churchill Gary A. , Hill Warren G. , Zeidel Mark L.
Published: April 2014

Lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms become prevalent with aging and affect millions; however, therapy is often ineffective because the etiology is unknown. Existing assays of LUT function in animal models are often invasive; however, a noninvasive assay is required to study symptom progression and determine genetic correlates. Here, we present a spontaneous voiding assay that is simple, reproducible, quantitative, and noninvasive. Young female mice from eight inbred mouse strains (129S1/SvImJ, A/J, C57BL/6J, NOD/ShiLtJ, NZO/H1LtJ, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ) were tested for urination patterns on filter paper. Repeat testing at different times of the day showed minimal within-individual and within-strain variations, but all parameters (spot number, total volume, percent area in primary void, corner voiding, and center voiding) exhibited significant variations between strains. Calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient, an estimate of broad-sense heritability, for each time of day and for each voiding parameter revealed highly significant heritability [spot number: 61%, percent urine in primary void: 90%, and total volume: 94% (afternoon data)]. Cystometrograms confirmed strong strain-specific urodynamic characteristics. Behavior-voiding correlation analysis showed no correlation with anxiety phenotypes. Diagnostically, the assay revealed LUT symptoms in several systems, including a demonstration of voiding abnormalities in older C57BL/6J mice (18–24 mo), in a model of protamine sulfate-induced urothelial damage and in a model of sucrose-induced diuresis. This assay may be used to derive pathophysiological LUT readouts from mouse models. Voiding characteristics are heritable traits, opening the way for genetic studies of LUT symptoms using outbred mouse populations.
Detection of Food Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria Based on Ligation Detection Reaction Coupled to Flow-Through Hybridization on Membranes
Authors: Böhme K. , Cremonesi P. , Severgnini M. , Villa Tomás G. , Fernández-No I. C. , Barros-Velázquez J. , Castiglioni B. , Calo-Mata P.
Published: April 2014

Traditional culturing methods are still commonly applied for bacterial identification in the food control sector, despite being time and labor intensive. Microarray technologies represent an interesting alternative. However, they require higher costs and technical expertise, making them still inappropriate for microbial routine analysis. The present study describes the development of an efficient method for bacterial identification based on flow-through reverse dot-blot (FT-RDB) hybridization on membranes, coupled to the high specific ligation detection reaction (LDR). First, the methodology was optimized by testing different types of ligase enzymes, labeling, and membranes. Furthermore, specific oligonucleotide probes were designed based on the 16S rRNA gene, using the bioinformatic tool Oligonucleotide Retrieving for Molecular Applications (ORMA). Four probes were selected and synthesized, being specific forAeromonasspp.,Pseudomonasspp.,Shewanellaspp., andMorganella morganii, respectively. For the validation of the probes, 16 reference strains from type culture collections were tested by LDR and FT-RDB hybridization using universal arrays spotted onto membranes. In conclusion, the described methodology could be applied for the rapid, accurate, and cost-effective identification of bacterial species, exhibiting special relevance in food safety and quality.
Identification of V-Formations and Circular and Doughnut Formations in a Set of Moving Entities with Outliers
Authors: Moreno Arboleda Francisco Javier , Guzmán Luna Jaime Alberto , Gomez Arias Sebastian Alonso
Published: April 2014

Diverse movement patterns may be identified when we study a set of moving entities. One of these patterns is known as a V-formation for it is shaped like the letter V. Informally, a set of entities shows a V-formation if the entities are located on one of their two characteristic lines. These lines meet in a position where there is just one entity considered the leader of the formation. Another movement pattern is known as a circular formation for it is shaped like a circle. Informally, circular formations present a set of entities grouped around a center in which the distance from these entities to the center is less than a given threshold. In this paper we present a model to identify V-formations and circular formations with outliers. An outlier is an entity which is part of a formation but is away from it. We also present a model to identify doughnut formations, which are an extension of circular formations. We present formal rules for our models and an algorithm for detecting outliers. The model was validated with NetLogo, a programming and modeling environment for the simulation of natural and social phenomena.
Expression Pattern of Myogenic Regulatory Transcription Factor mRNAs in the Embryo and AdultLabeo rohita(Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Sengupta Archya , Mukherjee Sandip , Bhattacharya Shelley , Saha Samar Kumar , Chattopadhyay Ansuman
Published: April 2014

Understanding the regulation of skeletal muscle development is important to meet the increasing demand of Indian major carpLabeo rohita. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) along with myocyte specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) play the pivotal role in the determination and differentiation of skeletal muscle. The majority of skeletal muscle genes require both MRFs and MEF2 family members to activate their transcription. In this study, the expression pattern of MyoD, myf-5, myogenin, and MEF2A was observed from 6 h after fertilization to 12 months of age using semiquantitative RT-PCR as well as real-time PCR method. MyoD and myf-5 mRNAs were expressed at high level at the early embryonic stages. Myogenin and MEF2A were expressed after MyoD and myf-5 and remained active up to adult stage. Expression of MyoD was lower than that of Myf-5 after the 5th month. Partial sequencing of MyoD, myf-5, and MEF2A was done to draw phylogeny. In phylogenetic study,LabeoMyoD, MEF2A and myf-5 were found to be closely related to those of common carp. The present investigation suggests that the four transcription factors play pivotal role in the regulation of muscle growth ofLabeo rohitain an overlapping and interconnected way.
On the Growth of Solutions of a Class of Higher Order Linear Differential Equations with Extremal Coefficients
Authors: Long Jianren , Qiu Chunhui , Wu Pengcheng
Published: April 2014

We consider that the linear differential equationsf(k)+Ak-1(z)f(k-1)+⋯+A1(z)f′+A0(z)f=0, whereAj  (j=0,1,…,k-1), are entire functions. Assume that there existsl∈{1,2,…,k-1}, such thatAlis extremal forYang'sinequality; then we will give some conditions on other coefficients which can guarantee that every solutionf(≢0)of the equation is of infinite order. More specifically, we estimate the lower bound of hyperorder offif every solutionf(≢0)of the equation is of infinite order.
Contiguous Function Relations for k-Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Mubeen Shahid , Rahman Gauhar , Rehman Abdur , Naz Mammona
Published: April 2014

In this research work, our aim is to determine the contiguous function relations for k-hypergeometric functions with one parameter corresponding to Gauss fifteen contiguous function relations for hypergeometric functions and also obtain contiguous function relations for two parameters. Throughout in this research paper, we find out the contiguous function relations for both the cases in terms of a new parameter k>0. Obviously if k→1, then the contiguous function relations for k-hypergeometric functions are Gauss contiguous function relations.
Assessment of the Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Silty Clay Using Triaxial Shear Tests
Authors: Wu Yankai , Li Yanbin , Niu Bin
Published: April 2014

Fiber reinforcement is widely used in construction engineering to improve the mechanical properties of soil because it increases the soil’s strength and improves the soil’s mechanical properties. However, the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced soils remain controversial. The present study investigated the mechanical properties of silty clay reinforced with discrete, randomly distributed sisal fibers using triaxial shear tests. The sisal fibers were cut to different lengths, randomly mixed with silty clay in varying percentages, and compacted to the maximum dry density at the optimum moisture content. The results indicate that with a fiber length of 10 mm and content of 1.0%, sisal fiber-reinforced silty clay is 20% stronger than nonreinforced silty clay. The fiber-reinforced silty clay exhibited crack fracture and surface shear fracture failure modes, implying that sisal fiber is a good earth reinforcement material with potential applications in civil engineering, dam foundation, roadbed engineering, and ground treatment.
A Grammar-Based Semantic Similarity Algorithm for Natural Language Sentences
Authors: Lee Ming Che , Chang Jia Wei , Hsieh Tung Cheng
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a grammar and semantic corpus based similarity algorithm for natural language sentences. Natural language, in opposition to “artificial language”, such as computer programming languages, is the language used by the general public for daily communication. Traditional information retrieval approaches, such as vector models, LSA, HAL, or even the ontology-based approaches that extend to include concept similarity comparison instead of cooccurrence terms/words, may not always determine the perfect matching while there is no obvious relation or concept overlap between two natural language sentences. This paper proposes a sentence similarity algorithm that takes advantage of corpus-based ontology and grammatical rules to overcome the addressed problems. Experiments on two famous benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has a significant performance improvement in sentences/short-texts with arbitrary syntax and structure.
Local Fractional Variational Iteration Method for Local Fractional Poisson Equations in Two Independent Variables
Authors: Chen Li , Zhao Yang , Jafari Hossein , Tenreiro Machado J. A. , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2014

The local fractional Poisson equations in two independent variables that appear in mathematical physics involving the local fractional derivatives are investigated in this paper. The approximate solutions with the nondifferentiable functions are obtained by using the local fractional variational iteration method.
Student Engagement in After-School Programs, Academic Skills, and Social Competence among Elementary School Students
Authors: Grogan Kathryn E. , Henrich Christopher C. , Malikina Mariya V.
Published: April 2014

Research on the relationship between after-school program participation and student outcomes has been mixed, and beneficial effects have been small. More recent studies suggest that participation is best characterized as a multidimensional concept that includes enrollment, attendance, and engagement, which help explain differences in student outcomes. The present study uses data from a longitudinal study of after-school programs in elementary schools to examine staff ratings of student engagement in after-school activities and the association between engagement and school outcomes. The factor structure of the staff-rated measure of student engagement was examined by exploratory factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses found that student engagement in academic, youth development, and arts after-school program activities was significantly related to changes in teacher ratings of academic skills and social competence over the course of the school year and that students with the greatest increase in academic skills both were highly engaged in activities and attended the after-school program regularly. The results of this study provide additional evidence regarding the benefits of after-school programs and the importance of student engagement when assessing student outcomes.