bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting the Apoptotic Activity of c-Jun
Authors: Andrianantoandro Ernesto
Published: November 2012

AATF (apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor) promotes activation of c-Jun to drive apoptosis.
4(1H)-Quinolones with Liver Stage Activity against Plasmodium berghei
Authors: LaCrue Alexis N. , Sáenz Fabián E. , Cross R. Matthew , Udenze Kenneth O. , Monastyrskyi Andrii , Stein Steven , Mutka Tina S. , Manetsch Roman , Kyle Dennis E.
Published: November 2012

With the exception of primaquine, tafenoquine, and atovaquone, there are very few antimalarials that target liver stage parasites. In this study, a transgenicPlasmodium bergheiparasite (1052Cl1;PbGFP-Luccon) that expresses luciferase was used to assess the anti-liver stage parasite activity of ICI 56,780, a 7-(2-phenoxyethoxy)-4(1H)-quinolone (PEQ), as well as two 3-phenyl-4(1H)-quinolones (P4Q), P4Q-146 and P4Q-158, by using bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Results showed that all of the compounds were active against liver stage parasites; however, ICI 56,780 and P4Q-158 were the most active, with low nanomolar activityin vitroand causal prophylactic activityin vivo. This potent activity makes these compounds ideal candidates for advancement as novel antimalarials.
A Class of Tricyclic Compounds Blocking Malaria Parasite Oocyst Development and Transmission
Authors: Eastman Richard T. , Pattaradilokrat Sittiporn , Raj Dipak K. , Dixit Saurabh , Deng Bingbing , Miura Kazutoyo , Yuan Jing , Tanaka Takeshi Q. , Johnson Ronald L. , Jiang Hongying , Huang Ruili , Williamson Kim C. , Lambert Lynn E. , Long Carole , Austin Christopher P. , Wu Yimin , Su Xin-zhuan
Published: November 2012

Malaria is a deadly infectious disease in many tropical and subtropical countries. Previous efforts to eradicate malaria have failed, largely due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites, insecticide-resistant mosquitoes and, in particular, the lack of drugs or vaccines to block parasite transmission. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are known to play a role in drug transport, metabolism, and resistance in many organisms, including malaria parasites. To investigate whether a
Plasmodium falciparum
ABC transporter (Pf14_0244 or PfABCG2) modulates parasite susceptibility to chemical compounds or plays a role in drug resistance, we disrupted the gene encoding PfABCG2, screened the recombinant and the wild-type 3D7 parasites against a library containing 2,816 drugs approved for human or animal use, and identified an antihistamine (ketotifen) that became less active against the PfABCG2-disrupted parasite in culture. In addition to some activity against asexual stages and gametocytes, ketotifen was highly potent in blocking oocyst development of
P. falciparum
and the rodent parasite
Plasmodium yoelii
in mosquitoes. Tests of structurally related tricyclic compounds identified additional compounds with similar activities in inhibiting transmission. Additionally, ketotifen appeared to have some activity against relapse of
Plasmodium cynomolgi
infection in rhesus monkeys. Further clinical evaluation of ketotifen and related compounds, including synthetic new derivatives, in blocking malaria transmission may provide new weapons for the current effort of malaria eradication.
Targeting Organic Anion Transporter 3 with Probenecid as a Novel Anti-Influenza A Virus Strategy
Authors: Perwitasari Olivia , Yan Xiuzhen , Johnson Scott , White Caleb , Brooks Paula , Tompkins S. Mark , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: November 2012

Influenza A virus infection is a major global health concern causing significant mortality, morbidity, and economic loss. Antiviral chemotherapeutics that target influenza A virus are available; however, rapid emergence of drug-resistant strains has been reported. Consequently, there is a burgeoning need to identify novel anti-influenza A drugs, particularly those that target host gene products required for virus replication, to reduce the likelihood of drug resistance. In this study, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen was performed to identify host druggable gene targets for anti-influenza A virus therapy. The host organic anion transporter-3 gene (OAT3), a member of the SLC22 family of transporters, was validated as being required to support influenza A virus replication. Probenecid, a prototypical uricosuric agent and chemical inhibitor of organic anion transporters known to target OAT3, was shown to be effective in limiting influenza A virus infection
in vitro
(50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] of 5.0 × 10
−5
to 5.0 × 10
−4
μM;
P
< 0.005) and
in vivo
(
P
< 0.05). Probenecid is widely used for treatment of gout and related hyperuricemic disorders, has been extensively studied for pharmacokinetics and safety, and represents an excellent candidate for drug repositioning as a novel anti-influenza A chemotherapeutic.
Clinical Application of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Legionella Species, Legionella pneumophila, and Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1
Authors: Benitez Alvaro J. , Winchell Jonas M.
Published: November 2012

We developed a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay capable of simultaneously detecting and discriminating
Legionella
spp.,
Legionella pneumophila
, and
Legionella pneumophila
serogroup 1 in primary specimens. Evaluation of 21 clinical specimens and 115 clinical isolates demonstrated this assay to be a rapid, high-throughput diagnostic test with 100% specificity that may aid during legionellosis outbreaks and epidemiologic investigations.
Repeated exposure to modern volatile anaesthetics may cause chronic hepatitis as well as acute liver injury
Authors: Nicoll Amanda , Moore David , Njoku Dolores , Hockey Brad
Published: November 2012

Volatile anaesthetic agents are known to cause acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure in susceptible individuals. Four patients were identified with prolonged liver injury due to volatile anaesthetic-induced hepatitis. Three had liver biopsy confirmation and all gave blood for specific diagnostic tests (TFA and CYP 2E1 IgG4 antibodies). The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) drug causality scale was used to determine the likelihood of volatile anaesthetics causing the chronic liver injury. We describe four cases of volatile anaesthetic hepatitis in which three evolved into chronic hepatitis. The fourth followed a more typical pattern of acute hepatitis; however, resolution took a few months. These cases all occurred with modern volatile anaesthetics, predominantly sevoflurane, and all cases were proven with specific antibody tests, liver histology and a drug causality scale. This is the first report of chronic liver injury due to volatile anaesthetic exposure.
Clinical effectiveness of a patient decision aid to improve decision quality and glycaemic control in people with diabetes making treatment choices: a cluster randomised controlled trial (PANDAs) in general practice
Authors: Mathers Nigel , Ng Chirk Jenn , Campbell Michael Joseph , Colwell Brigitte , Brown Ian , Bradley Alastair
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of a patient decision aid (PDA) to improve decision quality and glycaemic control in people with diabetes making treatment choices using a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Design

A cluster RCT.

Setting

49 general practices in UK randomised into intervention (n=25) and control (n=24).

Participants

General practicesInclusion criteria: >4 medical partners; list size >7000; and a diabetes register with >1% of practice population. 191 practices assessed for eligibility, and 49 practices randomised and completed the study.PatientsPeople with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) taking at least two oral glucose-lowering drugs with maximum tolerated dose with a glycosolated haemoglobin (HbA1c) greater than 7.4% (IFCC HbA1c >57 mmol/mol) or advised in the preceeding 6 months to add or consider changing to insulin therapy. Exclusion criteria: currently using insulin therapy; difficulty reading or understanding English; difficulty in understanding the purpose of the study; visual or cognitive impairment or mentally ill. A total of 182 assessed for eligibility, 175 randomised to 95 intervention and 80 controls, and 167 completion and analysis.

Intervention

Brief training of clinicians and use of PDA with patients in single consultation.

Primary outcomes

Decision quality (Decisional Conflict Scores, knowledge, realistic expectations and autonomy) and glycaemic control (glycosolated haemoglobin, HbA1c).

Secondary outcomes

Knowledge and realistic expectations of the risks and benefits of insulin therapy and diabetic complications.

Results

Intervention group: lower total Decisional Conflict Scores (17.4 vs 25.2, p<0.001); better knowledge (51.6% vs 28.8%, p<0.001); realistic expectations (risk of ‘hypo’, ‘weight gain’, ‘complications’; 81.0% vs 5.2%, 70.5% vs 5.3%, 26.3% vs 5.0% respectively, p<0.001); and were more autonomous in decision-making (64.1% vs 42.9%, p=0.012). No significant difference in the glycaemic control between the two groups.

Conclusions

Use of the PANDAs decision aid reduces decisional conflict, improves knowledge, promotes realistic expectations and autonomy in people with diabetes making treatment choices in general practice.

ISRCTN Trials Register Number

14842077.
Blood pressure in different ethnic groups (BP-Eth): a mixed methods study
Authors: Wood Sally , Martin Una , Gill Paramjit , Greenfield Sheila M , Haque M Sayeed , Mant Jonathan , Mohammed Mohammed A , Heer Gurdip , Johal Amanpreet , Kaur Ramandeep , Schwartz Claire , McManus Richard J
Published: November 2012

Introduction

People of South Asian, African-Caribbean and Irish ethnicity are known to have worse cardiovascular outcomes than those from the white British group. While the reasons underpinning this are complex, the effect of hypertension is both significant and modifiable. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in and uptake of ‘out-of-office’ methods for blood pressure (BP) monitoring. However, guidance in this area has been largely based on research among the white population. This study aims to answer the following questions: (1) How often and in what ways does blood pressure (BP) monitoring occur and how does this differ between white and the above minority ethnic populations. (2) Are the thresholds for diagnosis of hypertension, and treatment targets in hypertension comparable for white British and minority ethnic populations using different measurement modalities: office blood pressure, ambulatory BP monitoring and home monitoring? (3) What preferences for BP measurement do people from white and minority ethnic populations have?

Methods and analysis

A mixed methods approach will be used including the following: (1) A postal survey sent to 8000 hypertensive and not-known-to-be-hypertensive people from all four ethnic groups will determine current patterns of BP monitoring. (2) A validation study will compare BP measurement by ambulatory monitoring with office standard measurement, office research measurement and home monitoring in 200 people from each of the ethnic groups concerned. (3) Focus groups organised by ethnicity and gender will gather qualitative data regarding patient preferences for and experiences of BP measurement in each of the given modalities.

The data collected from these phases will be analysed appropriately in order to answer the above research questions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been gained from the Black Country Research Ethics Committee: Ref 09/H1202/114. The results of this work will be disseminated via journal publication and conference presentation.
Restless legs syndrome and all-cause mortality in four prospective cohort studies
Authors: Szentkirályi András , Winter Anke C , Schürks Markus , Völzke Henry , Hoffmann Wolfgang , E Buring Julie , Gaziano J Michael , Kurth Tobias , Berger Klaus
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and all-cause mortality.

Design

Four prospective cohort studies.

Setting

The Dortmund Health Study (DHS) and the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) from Germany. The Women's Health Study (WHS) and the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) from the USA.

Participants

In DHS: a random sample (n=1 299) from the population of Dortmund; in SHIP: a sample (n=4 291) from residents living in West Pomerania were drawn by multistage random sampling design; in WHS: female healthcare professionals (n=31 370); in PHS: male physicians (n=22 926)

Main outcome measures

All-cause mortality.

Results

The prevalence of RLS ranged between 7.4% and 11.9% at baseline. During follow-up (ranging between 6 and 11 years) RLS was not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in any of the four cohorts. The multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for all-cause mortality ranged from 0.21 (0.03 to 1.53) to 1.07 (0.93 to 1.23) across the four studies. The HRs for all-cause mortality did not differ according to gender.

Conclusions

In these four independently conducted large prospective cohort studies from Germany and the USA, RLS did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality. These findings do not support the hypothesis that RLS is a risk factor for mortality of any cause.
Perpetual bodily trauma: wounding and memory in the Middle English romances
Authors: McKinstry Jamie
Published: November 2012

In the 21st century, the concept of trauma is deeply ingrained in psychological discourse despite the term's origins in literal, physical wounding and affecting experience. However, to understand the sources or causes of trauma, psychologists recognise the paramount importance of somatic evidence. The body provides corporeal systems for inputs that might trigger a later remembrance which might be auditory, visual, even tactile. The same body will continue to experience the trauma throughout its life, only alleviated, perhaps, by an appropriate therapeutic or chemical treatment. The body is therefore an important source of the trauma as an affected entity inscribed with experience, but the corporeal form also offers a way in which to identify and understand traumatic suffering itself. In the medieval period, trauma or violent experiences were similarly viewed as corporeal inscriptions which may fade but, metaphorically, remain immediately wounding. This paper explores the presentation of trauma in medieval romances, narratives strewn with injured bodies and correspondingly altered personalities and reputations, and compares this with contemporary research relating to trauma and the neurobiology of consciousness. The core issue is one of experience and expression: how an individual feels and continues to suffer trauma, and the ways in which that suffering can be communicated to those around. Through considering this issue, the paper argues for a relationship between the human experience of trauma across the centuries, and with this the combination of corporeal symbol and affect, and the dynamic interaction of a wounded body with time and its later life.
Firefighters muscular recovery after a heavy work bout in the heat
Authors: Oksa Juha , Rintamäki Hannu , Takatalo Kaisa , Mäkinen Tero , Lusa Sirpa , Lindholm Harri , Rissanen Sirkka
Published: November 2012

Occasionally firefighters need to perform very heavy bouts of work, such as smoke diving or clearing an accident site, which induce significant muscle fatigue. The time span for muscular recovery from such heavy work is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate firefighters' force-, neural-, metabolic-, and structural-related recovery after task-specific heavy work in the heat. Fifteen healthy firefighters (14 males and 1 female) performed a 20-min heavy work bout that simulated smoke diving and the clearance of an accident site at 35 °C. After the work, muscular recovery was evaluated by wrist flexion maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), average electromyography during MVC and during 10%MVC, rate of force production, motor response and stretch reflex responses, muscle oxygen consumption and oxygenation level, and wrist flexor muscle pennation angle. Recovery was followed for 4 h. Each of the 12 measured parameters changed significantly (p < 0.05) from those at baseline during the follow-up. Muscle oxygen consumption and the wrist flexor pennation angle remained elevated throughout the follow-up (oxygen consumption baseline, 12.9 ± 1.7 mL O2·min−1·(100 g)−1; 4-h value, 17.5 ± 1.6 mL O2·min−1·(100 g)−1; p < 0.05 and pennation angle baseline, 15.7 ± 0.8°; 4-h value, 17.8 ± 0.8°; p < 0.05). Muscle reoxygenation rate was elevated for up to 2 h (baseline, 2.3 ± 0.4 μmol·L−1·min−1; 2-h value, 3.4 ± 0.4 μmol·L−1·min−1; p < 0.05). The other 9 parameters recovered (were no longer significantly different from baseline) after 20 to 60 min. We concluded that the recovery order in main components of muscle function from fastest to slowest was force, neural, metabolic, and structural.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific to hydrogen-sulfide-producing bacteria
Authors: Gong Chao , Heringa Spencer , Singh Randhir , Kim Jinkyung , Jiang Xiuping
Published: November 2012

The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize bacteriophages specific to hydrogen-sulfide-producing bacteria (SPB) from raw animal materials, and to develop a SPB-specific bacteriophage cocktail for rendering application. Meat, chicken offal, and feather samples collected from local supermarkets and rendering processing plants were used to isolate SPB (n = 142). Bacteriophages (n = 52) specific to SPB were isolated and purified from the above samples using 18 of those isolated SPB strains as hosts. The host ranges of bacteriophages against 5 selected SPB strains (Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, and Hafnia alvei) were determined. Electron microscopy observation of 9 phages selected for the phage cocktail revealed that 6 phages belonged to the family of Siphoviridae and 3 belonged to the Myoviridae family. Restriction enzyme digestion analysis with endonuclease DraI detected 6 distinguished patterns among the 9 phages. Phage treatment prevented the growth of SPB for up to 10 h with multiplicity of infection ratios of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 in tryptic soy broth at 30 °C, and extended the lag phase of SPB growth for 2 h at 22 °C with multiplicities of infection of 10, 100, and 1000. These results suggest that the selected bacteriophage cocktail has a high potential for phage application to control SPB in raw animal materials destined for the rendering process.
Archaeal characterization of bioaerosols from cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations
Authors: Just Natasha , Blais Lecours Pascale , Marcoux-Voiselle Mélissa , Kirychuk Shelley , Veillette Marc , Singh Baljit , Duchaine Caroline
Published: November 2012

Although bioaerosols from both cage-housed (CH) and floor-housed (FH) poultry operations are highly concentrated, the concentrations of dust, endotoxin, and bacteria are significantly higher in FH bioaerosols. Workers from CH operations have reported a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms. To date, archaea have been examined in swine and dairy bioaerosols but not in poultry bioaerosols. The objective of this study was to directly compare methanogenic archaea concentrations in bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry facilities. Bioaerosols were collected from 15 CH and 15 FH poultry operations, using stationary area samplers as well as personal sampling devices. Archaea were quantified and their diversity was investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and band sequencing. Archaea were significantly higher in area and personal bioaerosols of CH poultry operations than in those from FH poultry operations (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and did not differ significantly between area and personal samples within each barn type. Sequences matching Methanobrevibacter woesei, an archaea previously found in poultry samples, were detected in bioaerosol samples from CH operations. Methanogenic archaea concentrations are significantly different between bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry operations.
Comparative analysis of the biological and physical properties of Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage vB_EfaS_GEC-EfS_3 and Streptococcus mitis bacteriophage vB_SmM_GEC-SmitisM_2
Authors: Rigvava Sophio , Tchgkonia Irina , Jgenti Darejan , Dvalidze Teona , Carpino James , Goderdzishvili Marina
Published: November 2012

Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mitis are common commensal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. However, both species can be opportunistic pathogens and cause disease in nosocomial settings. These infections can be difficult to treat because of the frequency of antibiotic resistance among these strains. Bacteriophages are often suggested as an alternative therapeutic agent against these infections. In this study, E. faecalis and S. mitis strains were isolated from female patients with urinary tract infections. Bacteriophages active against these strains were isolated from sewage water from the Mtkvari River. Two phages, designated vB_EfaS_GEC-EfS_3 (Syphoviridae) and vB_SmM_GEC-SmitisM_2 (Myoviridae), were specific for E. faecalis and S. mitis, respectively. Each phage's growth patterns and adsorption rates were quantified. Sensitivity to ultraviolet light and temperature was determined, as was host range and serology. The S. mitis bacteriophage was found to be more resistant to ultraviolet light and exposure to high temperatures than the E. faecalis bacteriophage, despite having a much greater rate of replication. While each phage was able to infect a broad range of strains of the same species as the host species from which they were isolated, they were unable to infect other host species tested.
Role of the Vps9-domain protein RgfA inDictyosteliumchemotaxis and development
Authors: Hadwiger Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2012

Proteins with a Vps9 domain function as guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rab proteins and can mediate the uptake of cell surface receptors or other molecules through endocytosis. However, genes encoding these proteins have not been previously studied in cells with robust chemotactic capabilities. Several genes encoding Vps9 domains were identified in the genome of Dictyostelium discoideum, and one of the genes, designated as rgfA (DDB_G0272038), was examined for functions in cell growth, development, and chemotaxis. The rgfA gene was expressed during vegetative growth and throughout development, but disruption of this gene resulted in no major alterations in cell growth, macropinocytosis, developmental morphology, or chemotactic movement. However, heterologous expression of RgfA resulted in a delay of developmental morphogenesis and impaired chemotaxis of cells to folate but did not affect macropinocytosis. These results suggest that RgfA might share redundant functions with other Dictyostelium Vps9-domain proteins and that heterologous expression of this protein can alter processes that depend on the reception of external signals.
Differential occurrence of chromosome inversion polymorphisms among Muller's elements in three species of thetripunctatagroup ofDrosophila, including a species with fast chromosomal evolution
Authors: Brianti Mitsue T. , Ananina Galina , Klaczko Louis B.
Published: November 2012

Detailed chromosome maps with reliable homologies among chromosomes of different species are the first step to study the evolution of the genetic architecture in any set of species. Here, we present detailed photo maps of the polytene chromosomes of three closely related species of the tripunctata group (subgenus Drosophila): Drosophila mediopunctata, D. roehrae, and D. unipunctata. We identified Muller's elements in each species, using FISH, establishing reliable chromosome homologies among species and D. melanogaster. The simultaneous analysis of chromosome inversions revealed a distribution pattern for the inversion polymorphisms among Muller's elements in the three species. Element E is the most polymorphic, with many inversions in each species. Element C follows; while the least polymorphic elements are B and D. While interesting, it remains to be determined how general this pattern is among species of the tripunctata group. Despite previous studies showing that D. mediopunctata and D. unipunctata are phylogenetically closer to each other than to D. roehrae, D. unipunctata shows rare karyotypic changes. It has two chromosome fusions: an additional heterochromatic chromosome pair and a pericentric inversion in the X chromosome. This especial conformation suggests a fast chromosomal evolution that deserves further study.
COMPLETELY POSITIVE MULTIPLIERS OF QUANTUM GROUPS
Authors: DAWS MATTHEW
Published: November 2012

We show that any completely positive multiplier of the convolution algebra of the dual of an operator algebraic quantum group 𝔾 (either a locally compact quantum group, or a quantum group coming from a modular or manageable multiplicative unitary) is induced in a canonical fashion by a unitary corepresentation of 𝔾. It follows that there is an order bijection between the completely positive multipliers of L1(𝔾) and the positive functionals on the universal quantum group [Formula: see text]. We provide a direct link between the Junge, Neufang, Ruan representation result and the representing element of a multiplier, and use this to show that their representation map is always weak*–weak*-continuous.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MIXING TIMES IN MARKOV CHAINS
Authors: HUNTER JEFFREY J.
Published: November 2012

The distribution of the "mixing time" or the "time to stationarity" in a discrete time irreducible Markov chain, starting in state i, can be defined as the number of trials to reach a state sampled from the stationary distribution of the Markov chain. Expressions for the probability generating function, and hence the probability distribution of the mixing time, starting in state i, are derived and special cases explored. This extends the results of the author regarding the expected time to mixing [Hunter, JJ (2006). Mixing times with applications to perturbed Markov chains. Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 417, 108–123] and the variance of the times to mixing, [Hunter, JJ (2008). Variances of first passage times in a Markov chain with applications to mixing times. Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 429, 1135–1162]. Some new results for the distribution of the recurrence and the first passage times in a general irreducible three-state Markov chain are also presented.
WAVES OF MAGNETIC MOMENT AND GENERATION OF WAVES BY NEUTRON BEAM IN QUANTUM MAGNETIZED PLASMA
Authors: ANDREEV P. A. , KUZ'MENKOV L. S.
Published: November 2012

This paper is devoted to studying of dispersion of waves in the magnetized plasma with the spin and exploring of new methods of the generation wave in the plasma. We consider the dispersion of waves, existed in the plasma in consequence of dynamic of the magnetic moments. It is shown there are nine new waves in the magnetized plasma because of the magnetic moments dynamic. We show there are instabilities at propagation of the neutron beam through the plasma. Increments of instabilities caused by neutron beam are calculated. For studying of this effects we generalize and use the method of the many-particle quantum hydrodynamics. Described processes can play important role at calculation of the stability and the safeness of the nuclear reactors and the studying of the processes in the atmosphere of the neutron stars.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF CHAOS AND THE TRANSITION TO WAVE TURBULENCE
Authors: VIANA R. L. , LOPES S. R. , SZEZECH J. D. , CALDAS I. L.
Published: November 2012

We investigated the transition to wave turbulence in a spatially extended three-wave interacting model, where a spatially homogeneous state undergoing chaotic dynamics undergoes spatial mode excitation. The transition to this weakly turbulent state can be regarded as the loss of synchronization of chaos of mode oscillators describing the spatial dynamics.
DETECTING EMERGENT BEHAVIOR IN DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS USING SCENARIO-BASED SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: MOSHIRPOUR MOHAMMAD , MOUSAVI ABDOLMAJID , FAR BEHROUZ H.
Published: November 2012

Emergent behavior is an important issue in distributed systems' design. Detecting and removing emergent behavior during the design phase will lead to huge savings in deployment costs of such systems. An effective approach for the design of distributed systems is to describe system requirements using scenarios. A scenario, commonly known as a message sequence chart or a sequence diagram, is a temporal sequence of messages sent between system components. However, scenario-based specifications are prone to subtle deficiencies with respect to analysis and validation known as incompleteness and partial description. In this research, a method for detecting emergent behavior of scenario-based specification is proposed. The method is demonstrated and verified using a mine-sweeping robot as an example. Furthermore it has been demonstrated in this paper that scenario-based specifications can be used in agile software development and that the proposed methodologies in this research can be utilized effectively in agile approaches.
DEFECT PREDICTION USING CASE-BASED REASONING: AN ATTRIBUTE WEIGHTING TECHNIQUE BASED UPON SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS IN NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: PAIKARI ELHAM , RICHTER MICHAEL M. , RUHE GUENTHER
Published: November 2012

Software defect prediction is an acknowledged approach used to achieve better product quality and to better utilize resources needed for that purpose. One known method for predicting the number of defects is to apply case-based reasoning (CBR). In this paper, different attribute weighting techniques for CBR-based defect prediction are analyzed. One of the weighting techniques used in this work, Sensitivity Analysis based on Neural Networks (SANN), is based on sensitivity analysis of the impact of attributes as part of neural network analysis. Neural networks are applicable when there are non-linear and complicated relationships among the attributes. Since weighting plays a key role in the CBR model, using an efficient weight calculation method can change the results. The results of SANN are compared with applying uniform weights and weights gained from Multiple Linear Regression (MLR).

Evaluation of the accuracy of the overall method for applying the three different weighting techniques is done over five data sets, comprising about 5000 modules from NASA. Two quality measures are applied: Average Absolute Error (AAE) and Average Relative Error (ARE). In addition to the variation of weighting techniques, the impact of varying the number of nearest neighbors is studied.

The three main results of the empirical analysis are: (i) In the majority of cases, SANN achieves the most accurate results; (ii) uniform weighting performs better than the MLR-based weighting heuristic; and (iii) there is no significant preference pattern for defining the number of similar objects used for prediction in CBR.
TOWARDS A HYBRID APPROACH FOR ADAPTING WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES TO HETEROGENEOUS DEVICES USING CONTEXT
Authors: CIRILO CARLOS E. , PRADO ANTONIO F. , SOUZA WANDERLEY L. , ZAINA LUCIANA A. M. , RODRIGUES JOSE F.
Published: November 2012

Ubiquitous Computing promises seamless access to a wide range of applications and Internet-based services from anywhere, at anytime, and using any device. In this scenario, new challenges for the practice of software development arise: Applications and services must keep a coherent behavior, a proper appearance, and must adapt to a plenty of contextual usage requirements and hardware aspects. Especially, due to its interactive nature, the interface content of Web applications must adapt to a large diversity of devices and contexts. In order to overcome such obstacles, this work introduces an innovative methodology for content adaptation of Web 2.0 interfaces. The basis of our work is to combine static adaption — the implementation of static Web interfaces; and dynamic adaptation — the alteration, during execution time, of static interfaces so as for adapting to different contexts of use. In hybrid fashion, our methodology benefits from the advantages of both adaptation strategies — static and dynamic. In this line, we designed and implemented UbiCon, a framework over which we tested our concepts through a case study and through a development experiment. Our results show that the hybrid methodology over UbiCon leads to broader and more accessible interfaces, and to faster and less costly software development. We believe that the UbiCon hybrid methodology can foster more efficient and accurate interface engineering in the industry and in the academy.
THE EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION ON STRUCTURE, INTRAMOLECULAR HYDROGEN BONDING STRENGTH, ELECTRON DENSITY AND RESONANCE IN 3-AMINO 2-IMINOMETHYL ACRYL ALDEHYDE
Authors: RAISSI HEIDAR , YOOSEFIAN MAHDI , MOLLANIA FARIBA , FARZAD FARZANEH
Published: November 2012

B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations have been carried out to simulate the influence of substitutions in position R1and R2of 3-amino 2-iminomethyl acryl aldehyde on intramolecular hydrogen bond strength. The following substituents are taken into considerations: CN, NO2, Cl, F, CH3, CHO, NH2, C2H5, SH, SCH3, CF3and CH3CO and their vibrational frequencies are calculated at the same level of theory. Quantum theory of "Atoms in Molecules" and Natural Bond Orbitals method were applied to analyzed H-bond interactions. The electron density (ρ) and Laplacian (∇2ρ) properties, estimated by AIM calculations, indicate that N⋯H bond possesses low ρ and positive ∇2ρ values which are in agreement with electrostatic character of the HBs, whereas N–H bonds have covalent character (∇2ρ < 0). Natural population analysis data, the electron density and Laplacian properties, as well as, ν(N-H)and γ(N-H)have been used to evaluate the hydrogen bonding interactions.
STABILITIES AND FRAGMENTATION BEHAVIORS OF Agn CLUSTERS (n = 2–34)
Authors: ZHANG WEI , YAN SHU-YAO , ZHAO ZENG-XIA , ZHANG HONG-XING
Published: November 2012

A global search on the lowest-energy structures of the medium-sized silver clusters Ag n(n = 21–34) was performed by using a genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with a tight-binding (TB) method. Structures, binding energies per atom, second differences in energies, the energy gaps between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO), and fragmentation behaviors of Ag n(n = 21–34) are investigated by using DFT method. The calculated results show that the neutral silver clusters prefer to decay by evaporation of a monomer except a small sized silver cluster ( Ag 4), which favors a dimmer evaporation. For the collision induced dissociation of cationic silver clusters, decaying a silver atom is found to be the dominant fragmentation channel. But for some small sized cationic silver clusters, a neutral dimmer evaporation is found to be energetically favorable. Our calculated results are consistent with previous studies.
EVOLUTIONARY DISCOVERY OF TRANSITION STATES IN WATER CLUSTERS
Authors: ELLABAAN MOSTAFA M. H. , ONG YEW SOON , NGUYEN Q. C. , KUO JER-LAI
Published: November 2012

As a basic Aristotle element, water is the most abundant and more importantly crucial substance on earth. Without water, there would not be any form of life as we know. Understanding many phenomena in water such as water evaporation and ice melting and formation requires a deep understanding of hydrogen bond breaking and formation. In particular transition states play a key role in the understanding of such hydrogen bond behavior. Transition states, unlike other metastable states, are energy maxima along the minimum energy path connecting two isomers of molecular clusters. Geometry optimization of transition state structures, however, is a difficult task, and becomes even more arduous, especially when dealing with complex biochemical systems using first-principles calculations. In this paper, a novel molecular memetic algorithm (MOL-MA) composing of specially designed molecular-based water evolutionary operators coupled with a transition-state-local search solver and valley adaptive clearing scheme for the discovery of multiple precise transition states structures is proposed. The transition states of water clusters up to four water molecules uncovered using MOL-MA are reported. MOL-MA is shown not only to reproduce previously found transition states in water clusters, but also established newly discovered transition states for sizes 2–4 water molecules. The search performance of MOL-MA is also shown to outperform its compeers when pitted against those reported in the literature for finding transition states as well as recent advances in niching algorithms in terms of solution precision, computational effort, and number of transition states uncovered.
THE INCLUSION INSIGHT OF –CH3 AND –CH2OH MODIFIED β-CYCLODEXTRINS WITH ONE TRANS-RESVERATROL MOLECULE: A THEORETICAL STUDY
Authors: ZHOU MEIJUAN , TIAN CHUNHUA , CHEN XIAOHUA , WANG SUNA , LIU JIFENG , HU HAIQUAN , ZHANG CHONG
Published: November 2012

The geometries of the –CH3 and –CH2OH modified β-cyclodextrin {i.e. (β- CD(R) m ( R = –CH3, –CH2OH ; m = 0, 1, …, 7)} and the energetical behaviors of one trans-Resveratrol (TR) molecule including inside their cavities were studied by using ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31G*:PM3) method. The most outstanding geometrical characteristic of the β- CD(R) m is that their inside radius (r) are varied with different chemical modifications. The released energies for one TR molecule passing through or rotating inside the cavities of β- CD(R) m are predicted to be related with the inclusion schemes (from narrow side or wide side of the cavity), the values of the inside radius r, and the types (– CH 3 or – CH 2 OH ) and number (m) of the substituted R groups. Our calculations also suggest that the formation of H-bonds in the inclusion interaction is the main factor to stabilize the formed inclusion complexes, i.e. the TR @β- CD(R) m( R = –CH3, –CH2OH ; m = 0, 1, …, 7).
RKPM MESHLESS ANALYSIS OF BRITTLE-TO-DUCTILE FAILURE
Authors: WANG H.
Published: November 2012

We study the failure mode transition in double-notched and single-notched steel plates under impact loading. For low impact velocities, brittle crack growths is observed while shear bands occur when the speed of the impactor is increased. We employ the meshless reproducing Kernel particle method (RKPM) that is well suited for problems involving large deformation and localization. The key feature of the proposed methodology is that it (1) treats brittle and ductile failure in the same manner and (2) employs the same constitutive model and failure criterion for both brittle and ductile failure. Therefore, cracks and shear bands are both treated as strong discontinuity in the context of the RKPM. Material stability analysis performed at every sampling point determines automatically the failure mode. We demonstrate the validity of the method by comparison to experimental data.
EUCLIDEAN TOTALLY DEFINITE QUATERNION FIELDS OVER THE RATIONAL FIELD AND OVER QUADRATIC NUMBER FIELDS
Authors: CERRI JEAN-PAUL , CHAUBERT JÉRÔME , LEZOWSKI PIERRE
Published: November 2012

In this paper we study totally definite quaternion fields over the rational field and over quadratic number fields. We establish a complete list of all such fields which are Euclidean. Moreover, we prove that every field in this list is in fact norm-Euclidean. The proofs are both theoretical and algorithmic.
HECKE-TYPE CONGRUENCES FOR TWO SMALLEST PARTS FUNCTIONS
Authors: ANDERSEN NICKOLAS
Published: November 2012

We prove infinitely many congruences modulo 3, 5, and powers of 2 for the overpartition function [Formula: see text] and two smallest parts functions: [Formula: see text] for overpartitions and M2spt(n) for partitions without repeated odd parts. These resemble the Hecke-type congruences found by Atkin for the partition function p(n) in 1966 and Garvan for the smallest parts function spt(n) in 2010. The proofs depend on congruences between the generating functions for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and M2spt(n) and eigenforms for the half-integral weight Hecke operator T(ℓ2).
EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES ON PROGRESSIVE FAILURE ANALYSIS OF NOTCHED CROSS-PLY CFRP COMPOSITE
Authors: PHAM DINH CHI , SUN XIUSHAN
Published: November 2012

This work presents experimental and computational studies on progressive failure analysis of notched cross-ply carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite. The carbon/epoxy composite laminated with [90/0]s layup is tested using double-notched specimens loaded in tension. The load-displacement curve, failure load and damage patterns of all tested specimens are discussed. In addition, a numerical analysis approach based on material property degradation method (MPDM) and cohesive elements (CE) is illustrated to capture complex failure mechanisms and damage progression as observed in the tested specimens. The MPDM is used to model the in-plane failure of 90° plies and 0° plies while the cohesive elements are used to account for the delamination at the [90/0] interfaces. Different progressive failure models employing fracture mechanics, continuum mechanics and micromechanics of failure are presented based on the MPDM-CE approach. The failure analyses by these progressive models are performed and their predictions are compared with the experimental results of notched [90/0]s CFRP composite. Reasonably good agreement between experimental results and simulation results is obtained and it is shown that the MPDM-CE approach can effectively predict the progressive failure of double-notched [90/0]s composite laminate.
A Multiplayer Pursuit Differential Game on a Closed Convex Set with Integral Constraints
Authors: Ibragimov Gafurjan , Satimov Nu′man
Published: November 2012

We study a simple motion pursuit differential game of many pursuers and many evaders on a nonempty convex subset of ℝn. In process of the game, all players must not leave the given set. Control functions of players are subjected to integral constraints. Pursuit is said to be completed if the position of each evader yj, j ∈ {1, 2, …k}, coincides with the position of a pursuer xi, i ∈ {1, …, m}, at some time tj, that is, xi(tj) = yj(tj). We show that if the total resource of the pursuers is greater than that of the evaders, then pursuit can be completed. Moreover, we construct strategies for the pursuers. According to these strategies, we define a finite number of time intervals [θi−1, θi] and on each interval only one of the pursuers pursues an evader, and other pursuers do not move. We derive inequalities for the resources of these pursuer and evader and, moreover, show that the total resource of the pursuers remains greater than that of the evaders.
Clinical Studies Applying Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells for the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jäkel Clara E. , Hauser Stefan , Rogenhofer Sebastian , Müller Stefan C. , Brossart P. , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G. H.
Published: November 2012

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) seems to be resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy and the general treatment regimen of cytokine therapy produces only modest responses while inducing severe side effects. Nowadays standard of care is the treatment with VEGF-inhibiting agents or mTOR inhibition; nevertheless, immunotherapy can induce complete remissions and long-term survival in selected patients. Among different adoptive lymphocyte therapies, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have a particularly advantageous profile as these cells are easily available, have a high proliferative rate, and exhibit a high antitumor activity. Here, we reviewed clinical studies applying CIK cells, either alone or with standard therapies, for the treatment of RCC. The adverse events in all studies were mild, transient, and easily controllable.In vitrostudies revealed an increased antitumor activity of peripheral lymphocytes of participants after CIK cell treatment and CIK cell therapy was able to induce complete clinical responses in RCC patients. The combination of CIK cell therapy and standard therapy was superior to standard therapy alone. These studies suggest that CIK cell immunotherapy is a safe and competent treatment strategy for RCC patients and further studies should investigate different treatment combinations and schedules for optimal application of CIK cells.
Large Right Atrial Thrombus Associated with Central Venous Catheter Requiring Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Shattuck Paul Eric , Senussi Mourad Hussein , Velasquez Kho Erwin , Mohammedabdul Mubeenkhan , Sanghavi Devang K. , Mustafa Usman , Balavenkataraman Arvind , Obradovic Dragic M.
Published: November 2012

Central venous catheters (CVC) are used commonly in clinical practice. Incidences of CVC-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT) are variable, but, when right atrial thrombus is present, it carries a mortality risk of 18% in hemodialysis patients and greater than 40% risk in nonhemodialysis patients. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been postulated for the development of CRAT, which includes mechanical irritation of the myocardial wall, propagation of intraluminal clot, hypercoagulability, and hemodynamics of right atria. Presentation of CRAT may be asymptomatic or may be associated with one of the complications of CRAT like pulmonary embolism, systemic embolism, infected thrombi, or hemodynamic compromise. There are no established treatment guidelines for CRAT. We describe an interesting case of a 59-year-old asymptomatic male successfully treated with open heart surgery after failure of medical treatment for a large CRAT discovered during a preoperative evaluation for a kidney transplant. Our case underscores that early detection of CRAT may carry a favorable prognosis as opposed to waiting until catastrophic complications arise. It also underscores the importance of transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of thrombus and perhaps guides clinicians on which treatment modality to be used according to the size of the thrombus.
Engineering Molecular Beacons for Intracellular Imaging
Authors: Wu Cuichen Sam , Peng Lu , You Mingxu , Han Da , Chen Tao , Williams Kathryn R. , Yang Chaoyong James , Tan Weihong
Published: November 2012

Molecular beacons (MBs) represent a class of nucleic acid probes with unique DNA hairpin structures that specifically target complementary DNA or RNA. The inherent “OFF” to “ON” signal transduction mechanism of MBs makes them promising molecular probes for real-time imaging of DNA/RNA in living cells. However, conventional MBs have been challenged with such issues as false-positive signals and poor biostability in complex cellular matrices. This paper describes the novel engineering steps used to improve the fluorescence signal and reduce to background fluorescence, as well as the incorporation of unnatural nucleotide bases to increase the resistance of MBs to nuclease degradation for application in such fields as chemical analysis, biotechnology, and clinical medicine. The applications of these de novo MBs for single-cell imaging will be also discussed.
Pseudomonas Necrotizing Fasciitis in an Otherwise Healthy Infant
Authors: Ahmed Shakeel , Ali Syed Rehan , Samani Zahra Aziz
Published: November 2012

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon rapidly progressing infection of soft tissue characterized by a severe inflammation of the fascia and soft tissue. The disease is associated with necrosis and subcutaneous gangrene of the inflamed tissue with systemic toxicity that carries a significant mortality unless timely diagnosed and aggressively treated. Monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis caused byPseudomonas aeruginosais an exceptionally uncommon condition with only few cases reported in the literature so far. We are reporting a six-month-old female infant who was previously healthy and who presented with necrotizing fasciitis and isolatesPseudomonas aeruginosaboth from the blood and tissue. The child improved after the intensive treatment.