bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospray tandem mass spectrometric measurements of organotin compounds
Authors: Banoub Joseph H. , Miller-Banoub Judith , Sheppard George V. , Hodder Howard J.
Published: March 2012

Electrospray mass spectrometry of a series of organotin compounds in solutions of methanol are reported. Low energy collision‒induced dissociation MS/MS analysis of diagnostic precursor ions confirmed the characteristic fingerprint patterns obtained in the conventional electrospray spectra and proved to be a specific and very sensitive method for quantification of the (R3Sn)2O and the series of RnSnX4–n compounds in environmental matrices. Concentrations of butyltin compounds (TBTX, DBTX2 and MBTX3) in sediment reference materials PACS‐1 and PACS‐2 and butyltin and phenyltin compounds (TBTX, DBTX2, MBTX3, TPTX, DPTX2 and DPTX3) in Quasimeme II biota reference material (QSP001BT) were determined. The organotin compounds were extracted from the reference materials with 1‐butanol followed by dilution with methanol containing 1 mM ammonium acetate. The extracts were introduced directly into the electrospray source by a continuous flow of MeOH : H2O (60 :40). Quantitation of TBTX, DBTX2, TPTX, DPTX2 and DPTX3 was achieved by low energy CID tandem mass spectrometry using the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) analysis with the appropriate MS/MS transitions (positive ion electrospray ionization). Quantitation of MBTX3 was achieved using a negative ion electrospray CID tandem mass spectrometry method. For all samples quantitation was achieved by use of the method of standard addition, relative extraction recoveries were determined spiking with internal standards of mono‒, di‒ and triorganotin compounds separately to different samples.
Recent developments in Raman and infrared spectroscopy and imaging of bone tissue
Authors: Morris Michael D. , Finney William F.
Published: March 2012

Vibrational spectroscopy is an important tool in mineralized tissue research. This review focuses on recent applications of Raman and IR spectroscopies as contrast enhancement agents, tools for studying the chemical nature of changes in bone tissue with age and disease and understanding the molecular nature of changes in bone tissue during mechanical loading and fracture.
High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy‐guided mutagenesis for characterization of membrane‐bound proteins: Experimental designs and applications
Authors: Ruan Ke-He
Published: March 2012

High resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for determining the solution structures of peptides and small proteins, and their ligand binding functions. Molecular biology mutagenesis is a widely used and powerful approach for identification of the protein functions. We have developed a strategy integrating NMR experiments with mutagenesis studies to advance and extend the approaches used for structure/function relationship studies of proteins, especially for membrane‐bound proteins, which play important roles in physiopathological processes. The procedures include the design of the functional protein domain, identification of the solution structure and intermolecular contacts between the protein segment and its ligand. These determinations are resolved by high‐resolution 2D NMR spectroscopy, and followed by site‐directed mutagenesis of the residues suggested from the NMR experiment for the membrane‐bound proteins. The residues important to the protein functions, identified by the mutagenesis, were further used to re‐assign the NMR spectra and finalize the docking of the protein with its ligand. A structural model of the protein/ligand interaction can be constructed at an atomic level based on the NMR spectroscopy and mutagenesis results. As an application, the strategy has enhanced our knowledge in the understanding of the structure/function relationship for a membrane‐bound G protein coupling receptor, the thromboxane A2 receptor (TP receptor), interacting with its ligand, and a microsomal P450, prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), docking with its substrate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. In this review, we have summarized the principles and applications for this newly developed technique.
Molecular spectroscopy analysis of the substitution of bone tissue by HAp/PLLA composite biomaterial
Authors: Ignjatovic Nenad , Uskokovic Dragan
Published: March 2012

Due to its pronounced osteoinductive properties, calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been widely used in medicine. Bioresorptive poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA) as a polymer biomaterial has been also used extensively in medicine for its non‐toxicity and biocompatibility. To combine the advantages exhibited by each of these materials, a HAp/PLLA composite biomaterial has been synthesized and used for reconstruction and repair of bone defects. Hydroxyapatite/poly‐L‐lactide (HAp/PLLA) composite biomaterial with PLLA of 50,000 and 430,000 g/mole molecular weight was studied in vivo. The biocomposite with PLLA of both molecular weights was implanted into mice, then removed from their organisms and analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathologic analysis. Characteristic absorption bands, registered and defined by FT‐IR spectroscopy, confirm the formation of new functional groups and compounds during the bone repair process using HAp/PLLA biocomposite with PLLA of 50,000 and 430,000 molecular weights. Analysis of the microstructures of the sample surfaces by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after implantation revealed bioresorption of the PLLA polymer phase in the system with PLLA of lower molecular weight and generation of collagen fibers at the sites of implanted bioresorptive PLLA. As the studied synthetic materials behave as the natural bone, i.e., they are phagocytosed and resorpable, they can be considered as biocompatible.
α and β Conformational preferences in fibril forming peptides characterised using NMR and CD techniques
Authors: Pertinhez Thelma A. , Sherwood Amanda K. , Fraceto Leonardo F. , Bouchard Mario , Pitkeathly Maureen , Smith Lorna J.
Published: March 2012

Peptide fragments taken from residues 18‒54 of short consensus repeat 3 (SCR3) from the human complement receptor CR1 have been found in aqueous solution to slowly aggregate and form fibrils. NMR studies of the monomeric form of these peptides show that they are essentially unfolded in aqueous solution and that they all have an increased helicity in TFE solutions. The behaviour of residues 28‒31 from SCR3 is particularly interesting. These residues have a high β‐sheet propensity in the native protein and a seven peptide containing their sequence is found to form fibrils despite its short length. However, NMR studies show that these residues adopt a well‐defined α‐helix in 80% TFE and under these conditions fibril formation has not been observed. These data demonstrate the strong dependence of conformational propensities on environment.
Raman spectroscopy for diagnosis of calcification in human heart valves
Authors: Otero Enrique Uceda , Sathaiah Sokki , Silveira Landulfo , Pomerantzeff Pablo Maria Alberto , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto Gonçalves
Published: March 2012

Near‐Infrared Raman Spectroscopy (NIRS) has an excellent potential for a rapid, a less invasive and real time diagnosis of various human diseases. The objective of the present study was to apply NIRS for diagnosis of human heart valves and to develop a feasible algorithm to classify the valvular lesions. For Raman studies, a Ti:sapphire laser pumped by an argon laser provided 830 nm excitation. A spectrograph in conjunction with a liquid N2‐cooled CCD detected Raman spectra. A total of 97 fragments of human heart valves were scanned and Raman results were compared with histopathology. Spectra were randomly separated into training and prospective groups. Raman data along with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Mahalanobis distance were used to model an algorithm for tissue classification, into two categories: normal (N), and calcified (C) heart valves. It has been found that, for N valves, the algorithm has sensitivities of 95%, 100% and specificities of 100%, 100% for training and prospective groups, respectively. For C valves the algorithm provided sensitivities of 100 and 100% and specificities of 95 and 100% for training and prospective groups, respectively. In conclusion, an algorithm has been developed and successfully applied for NIRS diagnosis of human heart valves with high sensitivities and specificities.
Clinical NIRS of the urinary bladder – A demonstration case report
Authors: Macnab A. J. , Gagnon R. E. , Stothers L.
Published: March 2012

Urinary incontinence is a common affliction among people of all ages throughout the world. There are many causes of incontinence, treatment options are determined by the cause, and current diagnostic methods require urodynamic assessment, which involves urethral and rectal catheterization, which are uncomfortable and distasteful for patients. Since clinical near infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) is a non‐invasive, rapid means of measuring tissue oxygenation status at the bedside, we examined whether NIRS could be useful as a diagnostic tool for bladder dysfunction. An adult patient attending an incontinence clinic for routine urodynamic testing also had NIRS data collection during the standard bladder filling regimen. NIRS optodes were placed on the skin of the intact abdomen over the supra pubic region. Changes in oxy and de‐oxy hemoglobin concentration and changes in cytochrome c oxidase net redox status via NIRS were collected at 6 Hz. The magnitudes of change that occurred during NIRS data collection are on the order of 0.5 µmol/l and the moments of change correspond to the subject′s reported sensations of bladder filling and emptying, and with conventional urodynamics. These observations suggest that NIRS may be a disruptive technology with a role to play in non‐invasive evaluation of bladder dysfunction in humans.
Near Infrared Raman Spectroscopy (NIRS): A technique for doping control
Authors: Guimarães A. E. , Pacheco M. T. T. , Silveira L. , Barsottini D. , Duarte J. , Villaverde A. B. , Zângaro R. A.
Published: March 2012

This paper reports the application of near‐infrared Raman spectroscopy to detect ephedrine in biological medium. At present time, the doping control for ephedrine in athletes uses the urinalysis by the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, with main disadvantage the need of collecting urine and the time delay to obtain results. This work aims to develop a noninvasive technique that will allow to evaluate the concentration of the ephedrine in a real time diagnosis. A Raman system composed by a Ti:Saphire laser pumped by an Argon laser was used, operating at the wavelength of 785 nm, with a laser power of 70 mW at sample position. Raman scattered photons were collected by a f/l.8 spectrometer and a N2‐cooled CCD detector. Ephedrine Raman peaks at 1002 and 1603 cm−1 were studied, opening possibility for the identification and quantification of ephedrine. Raman spectra of ephedrine with different concentrations in human urine were taken, and the intensity of the ephedrine peak at 1002 cm−1 was measured as a function of its concentration. It was also studied the Raman spectrum of an urine sample from a Wistar rat, after a subcutaneous inoculation of an ephedrine solution in physiologic serum, at the concentration of 5 mg/ml. It was found that Raman spectroscopy could detect ephedrine in urine at concentrations lower than the doping limit legally permitted by the International Olympic Committee.
Biomedical applications of Raman and infrared spectroscopy to diagnose tissues
Authors: Krafft C. , Sergo V.
Published: March 2012

The objective of the article is to review biomedical applications which became possible after the development of sensitive and high throughput Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers in the past decade. Technical aspects of the instrumentation are briefly described. Then the broad range of vibrational spectroscopic applications with the focus on imaging and fiber‐optical methods are discussed to study mineralized tissue (bone, teeth), skin, brain, the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, colon), breast, arteries, cartilage, cervix uteri, the urinary tract (prostate, bladder), lung, ocular tissue, liver, heart and spleen. Experimental studies are summarized demonstrating the possibilities and prospects of these methods in various fields of biodiagnostics to detect and characterize diseases, tumors and other pathologies.
Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy: New beamlines and new applications in biology
Authors: Miles Andrew J. , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Tao Ye , Janes Robert W. , Wallace B. A.
Published: March 2012

New advances in instrumentation, demonstration of proof‐of‐principle studies, and development of new tools and methods for data analysis and interpretation have enabled the technique of Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy to become a useful tool for structural and functional biology. This paper discusses the characterisation of two new SRCD beamlines, CD1 at the Institute for Storage Rings (ISA), Denmark and 4B8 at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF), China, and new applications of the method for examining biological systems.
Surface enhanced Raman optical activity as an ultra sensitive tool for ligand binding analysis
Authors: Johannessen Christian , Abdali Salim
Published: March 2012

The Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering (SERRS) and Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Optical Activity (SERROA) spectra of myoglobin and the myoglobin‐azide complex were measured on very dilute samples (100 nM protein) in order to analyze the sensitivity of SERROA spectroscopy when inducing small structural changes. While the SERRS spectra of the two compounds were virtually identical, comparison of the SERROA spectra revealed several differences, including frequency shifts and changes in signal intensity, consistent with structural change in the porphyrin prosthetic group of the protein upon azide complexation. Application of this method allows for rapid analysis of ligand binding in metalloproteins in dilute aqueous solution and could in the future, when combined with theoretical studies, increase the obtainable structural resolution of proteins beyond that of X‐ray analysis.
Active Referral Intervention following Fragility Fractures Leads to Enhanced Osteoporosis Follow-Up Care
Authors: Sugi Michelle T. , Sheridan Kent , Lewis Laura , Huang Mei-Hua , Nattiv Aurelia , Kado Deborah M. , Bengs Benjamin
Published: March 2012

At one major urban academic medical center, patients aged 50 years and older with fragility fractures were identified and scheduled or assisted in referral into osteoporosis medical management appointments. We evaluated the efficacy of an active intervention program at overcoming the logistical barriers and improving proper osteoporosis follow-up for persons who have sustained a fragility fracture. Of 681 patients treated for defined fractures, 168 were eligible and consented for the study of fragility fractures. Of those enrolled, 91 (54.2%) had appropriate osteoporosis follow-up on initial interview, and overall 120 (71.4%) had successful osteoporosis follow-up following our active intervention. Seventy patients (41.7%) were deemed to have no osteoporosis follow-up, and, of these, 48 were successfully referred to a scheduling coordinator. The scheduling coordinator was able to contact 37 (77%) patients to schedule proper follow-up, and, of these, 29 (78.4%) confirmed receiving an appropriate follow-up appointment. Active intervention and assisted scheduling for patients with recent fragility fractures improved the self-reported rate of osteoporosis follow-up from 54.2% to 71.4%.
A Key Role for NF-κB Transcription Factor c-Rel in T-Lymphocyte-Differentiation and Effector Functions
Authors: Visekruna Alexander , Volkov Anton , Steinhoff Ulrich
Published: March 2012

The transcription factors of the Rel/NF-κB family function as key regulators of innate and adoptive immunity. Tightly and temporally controlled activation of NF-κB-signalling pathways ensures prevention of harmful immune cell dysregulation, whereas a loss of control leads to pathological conditions such as severe inflammation, autoimmune disease, and inflammation-associated oncogenesis. Five family members have been identified in mammals: RelA (p65), c-Rel, RelB, and the precursor proteins NF-κB1 (p105) and NF-κB2 (p100), that are processed into p50 and p52, respectively. While RelA-containing dimers are present in most cell types, c-Rel complexes are predominately found in cells of hematopoietic origin. In T-cell lymphocytes, certain genes essential for immune function such asIl2andFoxp3are directly regulated by c-Rel. Additionally, c-Rel-dependent IL-12 and IL-23 transcription by macrophages and dendritic cells is crucial for T-cell differentiation and effector functions. Accordingly, c-Rel expression in T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) controls a delicate balance between tolerance and immunity. This review gives a selective overview on recent progress in understanding of diverse roles of c-Rel in regulating adaptive immunity.
Exploiting Mobile Ad Hoc Networking and Knowledge Generation to Achieve Ambient Intelligence
Authors: Lekova Anna
Published: March 2012

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) joins together the fields of ubiquitous computing and communications, context awareness, and intelligent user interfaces. Energy, fault-tolerance, and mobility are newly added dimensions of AmI. Within the context of AmI the concept of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) for “anytime and anywhere” is likely to play larger roles in the future in which people are surrounded and supported by small context-aware, cooperative, and nonobtrusive devices that will aid our everyday life. The connection between knowledge generation and communication ad hoc networking is symbiotic—knowledge generation utilizes ad hoc networking to perform their communication needs, and MANETs will utilize the knowledge generation to enhance their network services. The contribution of the present study is a distributed evolving fuzzy modeling framework (EFMF) to observe and categorize relationships and activities in the user and application level and based on that social context to take intelligent decisions about MANETs service management. EFMF employs unsupervised online one-pass fuzzy clustering method to recognize nodes' mobility context from social scenario traces and ubiquitously learn “friends” and “strangers” indirectly and anonymously.
Therapy of Chagas Disease: Implications for Levels of Prevention
Authors: Sosa-Estani Sergio , Colantonio Lisandro , Segura Elsa Leonor
Published: March 2012

This paper reviews the evidence supporting the use of etiological treatment for Chagas disease that has changed the standard of care for patients withTrypanosoma cruziinfection in the last decades. Implications of this evidence on different levels of prevention as well as gaps in current knowledge are also discussed. In this regard, etiological treatment has shown to be beneficial as an intervention for secondary prevention to successfully cure the infection or to delay, reduce, or prevent the progression to disease, and as primary disease prevention by breaking the chain of transmission. Timely diagnosis during initial stages would allow for the prescription of appropriate therapies mainly in the primary health care system thus improving chances for a better quality of life. Based on current evidence, etiological treatment has to be considered as an essential public health strategy useful to reduce disease burden and to eliminate Chagas disease altogether.
Therapeutic Effects and Biomarkers in Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Review
Authors: Fujimura Takashi , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Taniguchi Masaru
Published: March 2012

Immunotherapy is considered to be the only curative treatment for allergic diseases such as pollinosis, perennial rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy. The sublingual route is widely applied for immunotherapy for allergy, instead of the conventional administration by subcutaneous route. A recent meta-analysis of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has shown that this approach is safe, has positive clinical effects, and provides prolonged therapeutic effects after discontinuation of treatment. However, the mechanism of SLIT and associated biomarkers are not fully understood. Biomarkers that change after or during SLIT have been reported and may be useful for response monitoring or as prognostic indicators for SLIT. In this review, we focus on the safety, therapeutic effects, including prolonged effects after treatment, and new methods of SLIT. We also discuss response monitoring and prognostic biomarkers for SLIT. Finally, we discuss immunological mechanisms of SLIT with a focus on oral dendritic cells and facilitated antigen presentation.
Bounded Approximate Identities in Ternary Banach Algebras
Authors: Eshaghi Gordji Madjid , Jabbari Ali , Kim Gwang Hui
Published: March 2012

Let A be a ternary Banach algebra. We prove that if A has a left‐bounded approximating set, then A has a left‐bounded approximate identity. Moreover, we show that if A has bounded left and right approximate identities, then A has a bounded approximate identity. Hence, we prove Altman’s Theorem and Dixon’s Theorem for ternary Banach algebras.
Changes in the Loop Current's Eddy Shedding in the Period 2001–2010
Authors: Vukovich Fred M.
Published: March 2012

A major change in the Loop Current's eddy shedding was found in the decade 2001–2010. Sixteen (16) rings separated from the Loop Current in that decade, whereas in two previous decades, 11 rings separated in each decade. More than half the rings (i.e., 56%) that separated from the Loop Current in the decade 2001–2010 had separation periods ≤8 months. In the period prior to 2001, only 26% of the rings had separation periods ≤8 months. Furthermore, the dataset average period for ring separation for the period prior to 2001, an average over a 29-year period, was about 11 months, and the dataset average Loop Current's westward tilt angle—a factor that indicates whether the Loop Current will soon shed an eddy or not—was about 16°. After the year 2000, the dataset average period for ring separation, an average over a 39-year period, decreased by about 1 month and was about 10 months. The average ring-separation period in the decade 2001–2010 was about 9 months. The dataset average of the Loop Current's westward tilt angle increased by about 5° in the period 1998–2008 and was about 20° in 2010. Potential causes for these changes are discussed.
Effect of Strain Hardening on Elastic-Plastic Contact of a Deformable Sphere against a Rigid Flat under Full Stick Contact Condition
Authors: Chatterjee Biplab , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: March 2012

The present study considers the effect of strain hardening on elastic-plastic contact of a deformable sphere with a rigid flat under full stick contact condition using commercial finite element software ANSYS. Different values of tangent modulus are considered to study the effect of strain hardening. It is found that under a full stick contact condition, strain hardening greatly influences the contact parameters. Comparison has also been made between perfect slip and full stick contact conditions. It is observed that the contact conditions have negligible effect on contact parameters. Studies on isotropic and kinematic hardening models reveal that the material with isotropic hardening has the higher load carrying capacity than that of kinematic hardening particularly for higher strain hardening.
Troglitazone Induces Extracellular Matrix and Cytoskeleton Remodeling in Mouse Collecting Duct Cells
Authors: Corinaldi Jaime , Nasrallah Rania , Clark Jordan , Paris Geneviève , Miura Pedro , Jasmin Bernard J. , Hébert Richard L.
Published: March 2012

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) has been shown to have a protective role in the nephron through its ability to inhibit a transforming growth factor- (TGF-β) mediated fibrotic response. In contrast, PPARγwas also shown to induce a mesenchymal transformation in epithelial intestinal cells. A fibrotic response in the collecting duct has only recently been established; however, the entire collecting duct has not been fully examined. Inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD-K2) and mouse cortical collecting duct cells (M1), representing the cortical and medullary collecting duct, were exposed to 5–10 μM troglitazone for 24 hours. Troglitazone resulted in an elongated morphology, 60% decreases in E-cadherin andβ-catenin, a 35% decrease inα-catenin, and a 1.5-fold increase in fibronectin. These effects were not reversed with PPARγantagonists or affected with PPARγoverexpression. Our results indicate that troglitazone induced a mesenchymal-like transformation in M1 and IMCD-K2 epithelial cells independently of PPARγ.
Advances in Virus-Directed Therapeutics against Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Malignancies
Authors: Ghosh Sajal K. , Perrine Susan P. , Faller Douglas V.
Published: March 2012

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causal agent in the etiology of Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is also associated with multiple human malignancies, including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease, as well as sporadic cancers of other tissues. A causal relationship of EBV to these latter malignancies remains controversial, although the episomic EBV genome in most of these cancers is clonal, suggesting infection very early in the development of the tumor and a possible role for EBV in the genesis of these diseases. Furthermore, the prognosis of these tumors is invariably poor when EBV is present, compared to their EBV-negative counterparts. The physical presence of EBV in these tumors represents a potential “tumor-specific” target for therapeutic approaches. While treatment options for other types of herpesvirus infections have evolved and improved over the last two decades, however, therapies directed at EBV have lagged. A major constraint to pharmacological intervention is the shift from lytic infection to a latent pattern of gene expression, which persists in those tumors associated with the virus. In this paper we provide a brief account of new virus-targeted therapeutic approaches against EBV-associated malignancies.
Thermal Energetic Reactor with High Reproduction of Fission Materials
Authors: Kotov Vladimir M.
Published: March 2012

Existing thermal reactors are energy production scale limited because of low portion of raw uranium usage. Fast reactors are limited by reprocessing need of huge mass of raw uranium at the initial stage of development. The possibility of development of thermal reactors with high fission materials reproduction, which solves the problem, is discussed here. Neutron losses are decreased, uranium-thorium fuel with artificial fission materials equilibrium regime is used, additional in-core and out-core neutron sources are used for supplying of high fission materials reproduction. Liquid salt reactors can use dynamic loading regime for this purpose. Preferable construction is channel type reactor with heavy water moderator. Good materials for fuel element shells and channel walls are zirconium alloys enriched by90Zr. Water cooled reactors with usage 12% of raw uranium and liquid metal cooled reactors with usage 25% of raw uranium are discussed. Reactors with additional neutron sources obtain full usage of raw uranium with small additional energy expenses. On the base of thermal reactors with high fission materials reproduction world atomic power engineering development supplying higher power and requiring smaller speed of raw uranium mining, than in the variant with fast reactors, is possible.
Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Sodium Oxalate by TiO2/Ti Thin Film Electrode
Authors: Chang Chen-Yu , Hsieh Yung-Hsu , Chen Yu-Ying
Published: March 2012

The photocatalytically active TiO2thin film was deposited on the titanium substrate plate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of sodium oxalate was investigated by TiO2thin film reactor prepared in this study with additional electric potential at 365 nm irradiation. The batch system was chosen in this experiment, and the controlled parameters were pH, different supporting electrolytes, applied additional potential, and different electrolyte solutions that were examined and discussed. The experimental results revealed that the additional applied potential in photocatalytic reaction could prohibit recombination of electron/hole pairs, but the photoelectrocatalytic effect was decreased when the applied electric potential was over 0.25 V. Among the electrolyte solutions added, sodium sulfate improved the photoelectrocatalytic effect most significantly. At last, the better photoelectrocatalytic degradation of sodium oxalate occurred at pH 3 when comparing the pH influence.
An Efficient Time-Varying Filter for Detrending and Bandwidth Limiting the Heart Rate Variability Tachogram without Resampling: MATLAB Open-Source Code and Internet Web-Based Implementation
Authors: Eleuteri A. , Fisher A. C. , Groves D. , Dewhurst C. J.
Published: March 2012

The heart rate variability (HRV) signal derived from the ECG is a beat-to-beat record of RR intervals and is, as a time series, irregularly sampled. It is common engineering practice to resample this record, typically at 4 Hz, onto a regular time axis for analysis in advance of time domain filtering and spectral analysis based on the DFT. However, it is recognised that resampling introduces noise and frequency bias. The present work describes the implementation of a time-varying filter using a smoothing priors approach based on a Gaussian process model, which does not require data to be regular in time. Its output is directly compatible with the Lomb-Scargle algorithm for power density estimation. A web-based demonstration is available over the Internet for exemplar data. The MATLAB (MathWorks Inc.) code can be downloaded as open source.
Neurological Disorders in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Tobón Gabriel J. , Pers Jacques-Olivier , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Youinou Pierre
Published: March 2012

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by an autoimmune exocrinopathy involving mainly salivary and lacrimal glands. The histopathological hallmark is periductal lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, resulting in loss of their secretory function. Several systemic manifestations may be found in patients with Sjögren's syndrome including neurological disorders. Neurological involvement ranges from 0 to 70% among various series and may present with central nervous system and/or peripheral nervous system involvement. This paper endeavors to review the main clinical neurological manifestations in Sjögren syndrome, the physiopathology, and their therapeutic response.
Multifractals Properties on the Near Infrared Spectroscopy of Human Brain Hemodynamic
Authors: Quang Dang Khoa Truong , Van Toi Vo
Published: March 2012

Nonlinear physics presents us with a perplexing variety of complicated fractal objects and strange sets. Naturally one wishes to characterize the objects and describe the events occurring on them. Moreover, most time series found in “real‐life” applications appear quite noisy. Therefore, at almost every point in time, they cannot be approximated either by the Taylor series or by the Fourier series of just a few terms. Many experimental time series have fractal features and display singular behavior, the so‐called singularities.
The multifractal spectrum quantifies the degree of fractals in the processes generating the time series. A novel definition is proposed called full‐width Hölder exponents that indicate maximum expansion of multifractal spectrum.
The obtained results have demonstrated the multifractal structure of near‐infrared spectroscopy time series and the evidence for brain imagery activities.
Posterior Mediastinal Hematoma after a Fall from Standing Height: A Case Report
Authors: Josse J. M. , Ameer A. , Alzaid S. , Arrowaili A. , Ben-Ely M. , Decklebaum D. L. , Fata P. , Razek T. , Khwaja K.
Published: March 2012

Posterior Mediastinal Hematomas (PMHs) secondary to a fall from standing height are uncommon, with only one previous case reported in the literature. We describe a case of a 78-year-old male with multiple medical comorbidities, who was transferred to Montreal General Hospital (MGH) with a posterior mediastinal hematoma (PMH) after sustaining a fall from standing height. On initial assessment, the patient was hemodynamically stable and complained of mild chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and diaphoresis. The patient's airway was secured via endotracheal intubation fearing impending respiratory compromise secondary to an enlarging PMH. The patient was admitted to ICU where over the next 3 days he was managed conservatively via careful monitoring of his hemodynamic and hematologic indices. Repeat CT scanning indicated reduction in size of the PMH. The patient was discharged on hospital day eight. This case describes the assessment, evaluation, and conservative management of PMH in a complicated patient receiving prior anticoagulation. A review of the literature regarding the epidemiology of PMH and the management of both unstable and stable PMHs is also presented.
A Review of the Studies and Interactions ofPseudomonas syringaePathovars on Wheat
Authors: Valencia-Botín Alberto J. , Cisneros-López María E.
Published: March 2012

Wheat is affected by some pathovars ofPseudomonas syringaeand by otherPseudomonasspecies. Of these,P. syringaepv.syringaeis the major one responsible for reduction. Recent studies have been made to characterize and identify the pathogen and to determine its aggressiveness and the pattern of colonization in seed and its effects on seed yield, yield components, and source-sink relationships during postanthesis. It was found that the reduction in the aerial biomass production is the best way to evaluate the aggressiveness of this bacterium, and the spray inoculation is good tool to make evaluations at seedling stage. The characterization of bacteria fingerprintings with molecular markers such as RAPD-PCR, ERIC, and REP-PCR is available. Genomic evolution has been elucidated with next-generation genome sequencing. Also, the colonization pattern shows that, early on, microcolonies are frequently detected in the aleurone layer, later in the endosperm and finally close to the crease and even in some cells of the embryo itself. In the wheat cultivars Seri M82 and Rebeca F2000 seed yield and its components are negatively affected. In general,P. syringaepv.syringaereduces the plant height, seed yield, and yield components, as well as the growth of most organs. When this bacterium attacks, the stems are the predominant sink organs and the leaf laminae and panicles are the predominant source organs.
Superoxide Dismutase 3 Limits Collagen-Induced Arthritis in the Absence of Phagocyte Oxidative Burst
Authors: Kelkka Tiina , Laurila Juha Petteri , Sareila Outi , Olofsson Peter , Laukkanen Mikko Olavi , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: March 2012

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), an enzyme mediating dismutation of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide, has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting macrophage migration into injured tissues. In inflamed tissues, superoxide is produced by the phagocytic NOX2 complex, which consists of the catalytic subunit NOX2 and several regulatory subunits (e.g., NCF1). To analyze whether SOD3 can regulate inflammation in the absence of functional NOX2 complex, we injected an adenoviral vector overexpressing SOD3 directly into the arthritic paws ofNcf1*/*mice with collagen-induced arthritis. SOD3 reduced arthritis severity in both oxidative burst-deficientNcf1*/*mice and also in wild-type mice. The NOX2 complex independent anti-inflammatory effect of SOD3 was further characterized in peritonitis, and SOD3 was found to reduce macrophage infiltration independently of NOX2 complex functionality. We conclude that the SOD3-mediated anti-inflammatory effect on arthritis and peritonitis operates independently of NOX2 complex derived oxidative burst.
Quasiparticle Swarm Optimization for Cross‐Section Linear Profile Error Evaluation of Variation Elliptical Piston Skirt
Authors: Wen Xiulan , Zhao Yibing , Xu Youxiong , Sheng Danghong
Published: March 2012

Variation elliptical piston skirt has better mechanical and thermodynamic properties and it is widely applied in internal combustion engine in recent years. Because of its complex form, its geometrical precision evaluation is a difficult problem. In this paper, quasi‐particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is proposed to calculate the minimum zone error and ellipticity of cross‐section linear profile, where initial positions and initial velocities of all particles are generated by using quasi‐random Halton sequences which sample points have good distribution properties and the particles’ velocities are modified by constriction factor approach. Then, the design formula and mathematical model of the cross‐section linear profile of variation elliptical piston skirt are set up and its objective function calculation approach using QPSO to solve the minimum zone cross‐section linear profile error is developed which conforms to the ISO/1101 standard. Finally, the experimental results evaluated by QPSO, particle swarm optimization (PSO), improved genetic algorithm (IGA) and the least square method (LSM) confirm the effectiveness of the proposed QPSO and it improves the linear profile error evaluation accuracy and efficiency. This method can be extended to other complex curve form error evaluation such as cam curve profile.
An Enhanced Genetic Algorithm to Solve the Static and Multistage Transmission Network Expansion Planning
Authors: Gallego Luis A. , Rider Marcos J. , Lavorato Marina , Paldilha-Feltrin Antonio
Published: March 2012

An enhanced genetic algorithm (EGA) is applied to solve the long‐term transmission expansion planning (LTTEP) problem. The following characteristics of the proposed EGA to solve the static and multistage LTTEP problem are presented, (1) generation of an initial population using fast, efficient heuristic algorithms, (2) better implementation of the local improvement phase and (3) efficient solution of linear programming problems (LPs). Critical comparative analysis is made between the proposed genetic algorithm and traditional genetic algorithms. Results using some known systems show that the proposed EGA presented higher efficiency in solving the static and multistage LTTEP problem, solving a smaller number of linear programming problems to find the optimal solutions and thus finding a better solution to the multistage LTTEP problem.
Detecting Epileptic Seizure from Scalp EEG Using Lyapunov Spectrum
Authors: Khoa Truong Quang Dang , Thi Minh Huong Nguyen , Toi Vo Van
Published: March 2012

One of the inherent weaknesses of the EEG signal processing is noises and artifacts. To overcome it, some methods for prediction of epilepsy recently reported in the literature are based on the evaluation of chaotic behavior of intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. These methods reduced noises, but they were hazardous to patients. In this study, we propose using Lyapunov spectrum to filter noise and detect epilepsy on scalp EEG signals only. We determined that the Lyapunov spectrum can be considered as the most expected method to evaluate chaotic behavior of scalp EEG recordings and to be robust within noises. Obtained results are compared to the independent component analysis (ICA) and largest Lyapunov exponent. The results of detecting epilepsy are compared to diagnosis from medical doctors in case of typical general epilepsy.
Current Trends in Targeted Therapies for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Ohka Fumiharu , Natsume Atsushi , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: March 2012

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most frequently occurring tumors in the central nervous system and the most malignant tumor among gliomas. Despite aggressive treatment including surgery, adjuvant TMZ-based chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, GBM still has a dismal prognosis: the median survival is 14.6 months from diagnosis. To date, many studies report several determinants of resistance to this aggressive therapy: (1)O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), (2) the complexity of several altered signaling pathways in GBM, (3) the existence of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), and (4) the blood-brain barrier. Many studies aim to overcome these determinants of resistance to conventional therapy by using various approaches to improve the dismal prognosis of GBM such as modifying TMZ administration and combining TMZ with other agents, developing novel molecular-targeting agents, and novel strategies targeting GSCs. In this paper, we review up-to-date clinical trials of GBM treatments in order to overcome these 4 hurdles and to aim at more therapeutical effect than conventional therapies that are ongoing or are about to launch in clinical settings and discuss future perspectives.
High-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Coupling to Small Antennae in a Rectangular Resonator
Authors: Tkachenko Sergey , Nitsch Jürgen , Al-Hamid Moawia
Published: March 2012

The integral-differential equation for the current of an electrically small antenna, inside a resonator, which is induced by given sources, is approximately solved by the so-called “Method of Small Antenna,” both for dipole and loop antennas. The current induced in the antenna is evaluated using the scattering characteristics of small antennas in free space and regularized Green’s function of resonator. As example of application of the theory, a transfer function (“external field→induced voltage”) for the coupling through aperture is calculated.
Adsorption and Desorption of Bioactive Proteins on Hydroxyapatite for Protein Delivery Systems
Authors: Kojima Chie , Watanabe Kenji
Published: March 2012

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a precursor of bone and has been studied as a biomaterial. We attempted HA to apply to protein delivery systems. In this study, the association and dissociation properties of two types of bioactive proteins, cytochrom c and insulin, to HA were investigated. Cytochrom c was less associated with HA than insulin, which was easily released from it. However, the release of insulin from HA was slow. Insulin was released from HA at pH 7.4 more rapidly than at pH 3. The association and dissociation properties might be influenced by the size, solubility and net charge of protein. HA is a potential protein carrier with controlled release.
Simplicial Approach to Fractal Structures
Authors: Cattani Carlo , Laserra Ettore , Bochicchio Ivana
Published: March 2012

A fractal lattice is defined by iterative maps on a simplex. In particular, Sierpinski gasket and von Koch flake are explicitly obtained by simplex transformations.
Double Down for a Double Win
Authors: Huang Pearl S.
Published: March 2012

The rationale for using multiple inhibitors between and within the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK pathways is scientifically compelling, and a limited number of experimental agents are currently being tested in phase I combinations. Patient subpopulations, whose tumors are defined by genetic lesions, are showing promising responses to this approach. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2124–6. ©2012 AACR.
Challenge of Isolated Sputum Cells Supports in vivo Origin of Intolerance Reaction to Aspirin/Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Asthma
Authors: Higashi Ai , Kumlin Maria , Higashi Noritaka , Daham Kameran , Gaber Flora , Lindeberg Agneta , James Anna , Skedinger Maria , Delin Ingrid , Gyllfors Pär , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Dahlén Barbro
Published: March 2012

Background: There is no in vitro test to diagnose aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA). The aim of this study was to test if challenge with aspirin of sputum cells from subjects with AIA triggers the release of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), known to be mediators of bronchoconstriction in AIA. Methods: Sputum induction was performed at baseline and at another visit 2 h after a lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation in 10 subjects with AIA and 9 subjects with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA). The isolated sputum cells were incubated for ex vivo challenge. Results: Release of CysLTs by sputum cells from patients with AIA was not induced by lysine-aspirin ex vivo, neither when cells were collected at baseline nor in sputum cells recovered after lysine-aspirin-induced bronchoconstriction, whereas release of CysLTs from sputum cells was triggered by an ionophore on both occasions. However, the CysLT levels elicited by the ionophore were higher in the AIA group both at baseline (AIA vs. ATA: 3.3 vs. 1.6 ng/million cells; p < 0.05) and after the lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation (3.9 vs. 1.7 ng/million cells; p < 0.05). This difference in the amount of CysLTs released between the groups appeared to be related to the number of eosinophils. Conclusions: Intolerance to aspirin could not be triggered in sputum cells isolated from subjects with AIA. Together with the previous inability to demonstrate intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in isolated blood cells, these results support the requirement of tissue-resident cells in the adverse reaction. However, ex vivo stimulation of sputum cells may be developed into a new test of capacity for LT release in inflammatory cells recovered from airways.
The Phenotypic Characterization of A13/BACii, a Novel Bovine Chondrocytic Cell Line with Differentiation Potential
Authors: Qusous Ala , Kaneva Magdalena , Can Vedia C. , Getting Stephen J. , Kerrigan Mark J.P.
Published: March 2012

In cartilage research bovine articular cartilage is used as an alternative to human tissue. However, animal material is subject to availability and primary cultures undergo senescence, limiting their use. Here we report the immortalization of primary bovine chondrocytes, which could be used as a surrogate for freshly isolated chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage explants and immortalized using 1.0 µg/ml benzo[alpha]pyrene. For 3-dimensional culture, chondrocytes were resuspended in 0.5% low-melt agarose at high density (HD) and cultured for 24 h prior to determining changes in expression profile and morphology. A13/BACii chondrocytes acquired a ‘flat’ irregular morphology and a foetal-like cell volume (1,509.59 ± 182.04 µm3). The human cell line C-20/A4 showed a statistically similar volume and length to A13/BACii. Two-dimensional-cultured A13/BACii expressed elevated levels of type I collagen (col1), reduced levels of type II collagen (col2) compared to freshly isolated chondrocytes and an overall col2 to col1 expression ratio (col2:col1) of 0.11 ± 0.01. Upon 3-dimensional encapsulation, there was a significant rise in col2 expression in both A13/BACii and C-20/A4, suggesting a capacity for redifferentiation in both cell lines with a return of col2:col1 values of A13/BACii to values previously observed in primary chondrocytes. A13/BACii chondrocytes expressed aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13, further supporting indications of the differentiated phenotype. Here we report the creation of a novel chondrocytic cell line and demonstrate its strong potential for redifferentiation upon HD 3-dimensional encapsulation, providing an alternative to conventional dedifferentiated cell lines and primary culture.