bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoproteomic analysis of chromoplasts from sweet orange during fruit ripening
Authors: Zeng Yunliu , Pan Zhiyong , Wang Lun , Ding Yuduan , Xu Qiang , Xiao Shunyuan , Deng Xiuxin
Published: June 2013

Like other types of plastids, chromoplasts have essential biosynthetic and metabolic activities which may be regulated via post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, of their resident proteins. We here report a proteome‐wide mapping of in vivo phosphorylation sites in chromoplast‐enriched samples prepared from sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] at different ripening stages by titanium dioxide‐based affinity chromatography for phosphoprotein enrichment with LC‐MS/MS. A total of 109 plastid‐localized phosphoprotein candidates were identified that correspond to 179 unique phosphorylation sites in 135 phosphopeptides. On the basis of Motif‐X analysis, two distinct types of phosphorylation sites, one as proline‐directed phosphorylation motif and the other as casein kinase II motif, can be generalized from these identified phosphopeptides. While most identified phosphoproteins show high homology to those already identified in plastids, approximately 22% of them are novel based on BLAST search using the public databases PhosPhAt and P3DB. A close comparative analysis showed that approximately 50% of the phosphoproteins identified in citrus chromoplasts find obvious counterparts in the chloroplast phosphoproteome, suggesting a rather high‐level of conservation in basic metabolic activities in these two types of plastids. Not surprisingly, the phosphoproteome of citrus chromoplasts is also characterized by the lack of phosphoproteins involved in photosynthesis and by the presence of more phosphoproteins implicated in stress/redox responses. This study presents the first comprehensive phosphoproteomic analysis of chromoplasts and may help to understand how phosphorylation regulates differentiation of citrus chromoplasts during fruit ripening.
The Political Economy of “Food Security” and Trade: Uneven and Combined Dependency
Authors: Otero Gerardo , Pechlaner Gabriela , Gürcan Efe Can
Published: June 2013

This article critiques the notion of food security through trade promoted by suprastate organizations like theUnitedNationsFood andAgricultureOrganization, theWorldBank, and theWorldTradeOrganization. We use and refine the food‐regime perspective to contest this unwritten rule of the neoliberal food regime. Rather than “mutual dependency” in food between “North” and “South,” as argued byPhilipMcMichael, however, we show that food dependency has been stronger on basic foods in developing countries, while advanced capitalist countries' dependency has been mostly on luxury foods. Also, the more that developing countries become dependent on food imports and exports, the more they will be importing the “world food price” for the relevant commodities. Food‐price inflation will more adversely affect their working classes, which spend larger shares of their household budgets on food. Our empirical focus is on food dependency in emerging nations—Brazil,China,India,Mexico, andTurkey—in comparison with long‐standing agricultural exporting powerhouses, theUnitedStates andCanada. Using longitudinal data fromFAOSTAT, we show that food security in the neoliberal food regime can best be characterized as “uneven and combined dependency.”
Localized surface plasmon of Ag nanoparticles affected by annealing and its coupling with the excitons of Rhodamine 6G
Authors: Fang Ying-cui , Hong Liu , Wan Lei , Zhang Kuan-xiang , Lu Xin , Wang Chun-mei , Yang Jun , Xu Xiao-liang
Published: June 2013

Clean and uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are deposited on glass substrates using a vacuum evaporation process. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of these AgNPs is successfully tuned from 420 to 780 nm by changing the evaporation time from 20 to 180 s. Further, it is found that the LSPR can be shifted to shorter wavelength in the range of 410 to 478 nm by annealing in flowing nitrogen at 200 °C for 10 min. The blueshift is correlated with the changes in microscopic features of the AgNPs, as revealed by SEM and AFM images. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was chosen as the probe molecule to explore its coupling with AgNPs before and after annealing. Analysis of extinction spectra suggests that strong coupling takes place when the LSPR is close to the absorption of R6G.
Quantum Coherent Energy Transfer over Varying Pathways in Single Light-Harvesting Complexes
Authors: Hildner Richard , Brinks Daan , Nieder Jana B. , Cogdell Richard J. , van Hulst Niek F.
Published: June 2013

Coherence in Photosynthesis

It is unclear how energy absorbed by pigments in antenna proteins is transferred to the central site of chemical catalysis during photosynthesis.

Hildner
et al.

(p.
1448
) observed coherence—prolonged persistence of a quantum mechanical phase relationship—at the single-molecule level in light-harvesting complexes from purple bacteria. The results bolster conclusions from past ensemble measurements that coherence plays a pivotal role in photosynthetic energy transfer.

Hayes
et al.

(p.
1431
, published online 18 April) examined a series of small molecules comprised of bridged chromophores that also manifest prolonged coherence.
Controlling the Polarity of Silicon Nanowire Transistors
Authors: Ernst Thomas
Published: June 2013

Additional electrodes allow for the selection of the charge-carrier type in silicon nanowire 3D transistors and the creation of highly compact logic gates.
Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant Antigens as Tools for Serodiagnosis of Human Toxoplasmosis: Current Status of Studies
Authors: Holec-Gąsior Lucyna
Published: June 2013

Toxoplasma gondiiis a parasitic protozoan which is the cause of toxoplasmosis. Although human toxoplasmosis in healthy adults is usually asymptomatic, serious disease can occur in the case of congenital infections and immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, despite the exact recognition of its etiology, it still presents a diagnostic problem. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is mainly based on the results of serological tests detecting anti-T. gondii-specific antibodies in the patient's serum sample. The specificities and sensitivities of serology tests depend mostly on the diagnostic antigen(s) used. Most of the commercial serological kits currently available are based onToxoplasmalysate antigens (TLAs). In recent years, many studies showed that recombinant antigenic proteins ofT. gondiimay be an alternative source of antigens which are very useful for the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis. This article presents a review of current studies on the application and usefulness of differentT. gondiirecombinant antigens in serological tests for the diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis.
Prediction of Treatment Efficacy and Telaprevir-Resistant Variants after Triple Therapy in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1
Authors: Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Fukushima Taito , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Hara Tasuku , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: June 2013

It is often difficult to predict the response to telaprevir-pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-ribavirin triple therapy and the appearance of telaprevir-resistant variants. The present study determined the predictive factors of a sustained virological response (SVR) to 12- or 24-week triple therapy (T12PR12 or T12PR24, respectively) in 194 Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV-1b). The study also evaluated whether ultradeep sequencing technology can predict at baseline the emergence of resistant variants after the start of therapy. Analysis of the data of the entire group indicated that an SVR was achieved in 78% of the patients. Multivariate analysis identified
IL28B
rs8099917 (genotype TT), the substitution of amino acid (aa) 70 (Arg70), response to prior treatment (naive or relapse), PEG-IFN dose (≥1.3 μg/kg of body weight), and treatment regimen (T12PR24) as significant determinants of SVR. Among patients of the T12PR24 group, 92% with genotype TT achieved an SVR, irrespective of a substitution at aa 70. In patients with the non-TT genotype, an SVR was achieved in 76% of those with Arg70, while only 14% of patients with the non-TT genotype, Gln70(His70), and nonresponse to ribavirin combination therapy achieved an SVR. Ultradeep sequencing was conducted for 17 patients who did not achieve an SVR to determine the emergence of resistant variants during therapy.
De novo
resistant variants were detected in 16 of 17 patients (94%), regardless of the variant frequencies detected at baseline. In conclusion, the results indicate that the response to triple therapy can be predicted by the combination of host, viral, and treatment factors and that it is difficult to predict at baseline the telaprevir-resistant variants that emerge during triple therapy, even with the use of ultradeep sequencing.
Service use following attendance at an emergency department with an head injury: a 6-month survey
Authors: Seeley Helen , Maimaris Chris , Allanson Judith , Pickard John , Hutchinson Peter
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To survey the attendance of patients presenting with a head injury (HI) at a UK emergency department (ED), identifying numbers, types of service and referral routes; to survey subsequent service use and to highlight the challenges in service planning and identifying which patients may potentially benefit from follow-up/rehabilitation input.

Design

A retrospective population-based case series study using multiple prospective and retrospective data sources.

Methods

Adults from the National Health Service (NHS) Cambridgeshire catchment area attending an ED over a 6-month period with a HI were identified from detailed ED reports, and any service use within the hospital after injury was tracked using a number of data sources.

Results

1036 patients presented on 1081 occasions with a HI during the 6 months. Of the 1081 HIs, 979 (91%) were mild (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 13–15), 70 (6%) were moderate (GCS score 9–12), and 32 (3%) were severe (GCS score <9). A number of types of referral routes and systems were identified and analysed: 873 (81%) patients were discharged directly from ED, with four offered HI-specific follow-up. Of 208 admissions, 27 (2%) were to neurosurgical care, and 35 (3%) patients were offered HI-specific follow-up, 24 of these being in a specialist neurotrauma clinic. Follow-up started between 1 and 18 months after injury. At 24 months after injury, follow-up for 10 of these was still ongoing.

Conclusions

These study findings highlight the difficulties in identifying patients who would benefit from follow-up, in particular after mild HI. Our study findings will form the basis of a long-term follow-up study.
Effects of resistance training associated with whey protein supplementation on liver and kidney biomarkers in rats
Authors: Nunes Ramiro , Silva Priscila , Alves Jadson , Stefani Giuseppe , Petry Marcelo , Rhoden Cláudia , Dal Lago Pedro , Schneider Claudia Dornelles
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of whey protein (WP) supplementation and resistance training (RT) on liver and kidney biomarkers. The sedentary + WP group showed higher levels of plasma liver and kidney dysfunction markers compared with the other groups. In addition, WP supplementation associated with RT resulted in physiologic cardiac hypertrophy. WP supplementation without RT affected liver and kidney function.
Fueling Vehicles with Sun and Water
Authors: Ayers Katherine E. , Anderson Everett B. , Dreier Ken , Harrison Kevin W.
Published: June 2013

As the world transitions away from fossil fuel based energy sources and towards renewable sources of energy in order to mitigate the global energy and environmental crisis, a major part of the energy solution lies in transitioning away from fossil fuels as transportation fuels. Scalable energy storage systems for peak capture, load leveling, and load shifting are also becoming critically important. As discussed in this talk, generation of chemical fuels from renewable power input such as wind or solar is an attractive option vs. other energy storage technologies. Specifically, the case for hydrogen via electrolysis as deployed by Proton OnSite, and application to fueling and energy storage, will be presented.
Unified Metrical Common Fixed Point Theorems in 2-Metric Spaces via an Implicit Relation
Authors: Chauhan Sunny , Imdad Mohammad , Vetro Calogero
Published: June 2013

We prove some common fixed point theorems for two pairs of weakly compatible mappings in 2-metric spaces via an implicit relation. As an application to our main result, we derive Bryant's type generalized fixed point theorem for four finite families of self-mappings which can be utilized to derive common fixed point theorems involving any finite number of mappings. Our results improve and extend a host of previously known results. Moreover, we study the existence of solutions of a nonlinear integral equation.
Two-Dimension Hydrodynamic Dispersion Equation with Seepage Velocity and Dispersion Coefficient as Function of Space and Time
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Oukouomi Noutchie S. C.
Published: June 2013

The contamination through the geological formation cannot move and disperse with the same speed and dispersion coefficient, respectively, due to the variability of the geological formation. This paper is therefore first devoted to the description of the hydrodynamic advection dispersion equation with the seepage velocity and dispersion coefficient as function of space and time. Secondly the equation is solved via two analytical techniques: the homotopy decomposition method and the differential transform method. The numerical simulations of the approximated solutions are presented.
Protective Efficacy of the Calicivirus Valency of the Leucofeligen Vaccine against a Virulent Heterologous Challenge in Kittens
Authors: Lesbros Cynthia , Martin Virginie , Najbar Wojciech , Sanquer Annaele , Mcgahie David , Eun Hyone-Myong , Gueguen Sylvie
Published: June 2013

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common feline pathogen with a potential for antigenic diversity. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize the protective efficacy of the FCV-F9 valency of a tetravalent vaccine, Leucofeligen, against challenge with an unrelated strain. Ten 9-week-old kittens were vaccinated while 10 remained as unvaccinated controls. The vaccinated cats received Leucofeligen twice subcutaneously with a 3-week interval. Four weeks after the second vaccination, all cats were challenged with virulent heterologous FCV and followed up for 21 days, monitoring their general condition, clinical signs, and immunological responses. During the vaccination phase, rectal temperatures and body weights were indistinguishable between the two groups. Only vaccinated cats showed FCV-specific seroconversion (both total and neutralizing antibodies). In the first week after challenge, the vaccinated cats had an 82.6% reduction in median clinical score compared to controls. Leucofeligen was thus shown to provide a significant clinical protection to kittens challenged with heterologous virulent FCV. This protection was similar whether the cats had neutralizing antibody or not, indicating a key role for cellular immunity in the overall protection. This also suggests that previously reported seroneutralisation studies may underestimate the level of cross-protection against field strains obtained with this modified live FCV-F9 vaccine.
Mathematical Programming Approach to the Optimality of the Solution for Deterministic Inventory Models with Partial Backordering
Authors: Stojkovska Irena
Published: June 2013

We give an alternative proof of the optimality of the solution for the deterministic EPQ with partial backordering (EPQ-PBO) [Omega, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 624–636, 2009]. Our proof is based on the mathematical programming theory. We also demonstrate the determination of the optimal decision policy through solving the corresponding mathematical programming problem. We indicate that the same approach can be used within other inventory models with partial backordering, and we consider additional models.
An Ionospheric Es Layer Clutter Model and Suppression in HF Surfacewave Radar
Authors: Li Yajun , Wei Yinsheng , Xu Rongqing , Wang Zhuoqun , Chu Tianqi
Published: June 2013

This paper based on a fast implemented multiphase screen method using DFT puts forward an ionospheric Es layer clutter model and uses the newly developed dimensionality reduction space-time adaptive processing- (STAP-) JDL algorithm to suppress Es layer clutter, which proves the validity of the proposed model. Firstly, the multiphase screen method was analyzed, and a fast algorithm using DFT was proposed. Then, based on the multiphase screen method and thorough simulation, we reached a conclusion of the high-frequency radio wave propagation’s fluctuation characteristics in the ionosphere. According to the results of the analysis, a new Es layer ionospheric clutter model was established and was compared with the measured data and verification was made. Finally, based on the built clutter model, JDL algorithm was applied to the high-frequency surface wave radar ionospheric clutter suppression, using the measured data to verify the validity of the model and algorithm. The simulation results showed that the built model can show the characteristics of the ionospheric Es layer clutter and that the JDL algorithm can suppress ionospheric Es layer clutter quite effectively.
Secondary Bacterial Infections in Patients with Seasonal Influenza A and Pandemic H1N1
Authors: Liderot Karin , Ahl Marcus , Özenci Volkan
Published: June 2013

The aim of the present study is to analyse the secondary bacterial infections in a large group of patients with seasonal influenza A and influenza A(H1N1) pdm09. Patients diagnosed with seasonal influenza A and influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 between 2005 and 2009 were enrolled in the study. Data was retrieved from medical records and laboratory information systems (LIS). In total, 1094 patients with laboratory confirmed influenza were studied. There were 352 patients with seasonal influenza A and 742 patients with influenza A(H1N1) pdm09. The patients with influenza A were older and had higher comorbidity than patients with influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 (P<0.001andP<0.05, resp.). Hospital admission was higher in influenza A group (P=0.01). In contrast, ICU admission was higher in patients with influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 than influenza A patients (P<0.05). There were higher numbers of bacterial samples taken and culture positivity in patients with influenza A than patients with influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 (P<0.0001andP=0.01, resp.). In both groups, the majority of the patients with positive bacterial cultures had underlying diseases. The present study shows that the patient characteristics and the frequency of secondary bacterial infections were different in patients with seasonal influenza A and in patients with influenza A(H1N1) pdm09.
Review on Methods to Fix Number of Hidden Neurons in Neural Networks
Authors: Sheela K. Gnana , Deepa S. N.
Published: June 2013

This paper reviews methods to fix a number of hidden neurons in neural networks for the past 20 years. And it also proposes a new method to fix the hidden neurons in Elman networks for wind speed prediction in renewable energy systems. The random selection of a number of hidden neurons might cause either overfitting or underfitting problems. This paper proposes the solution of these problems. To fix hidden neurons, 101 various criteria are tested based on the statistical errors. The results show that proposed model improves the accuracy and minimal error. The perfect design of the neural network based on the selection criteria is substantiated using convergence theorem. To verify the effectiveness of the model, simulations were conducted on real-time wind data. The experimental results show that with minimum errors the proposed approach can be used for wind speed prediction. The survey has been made for the fixation of hidden neurons in neural networks. The proposed model is simple, with minimal error, and efficient for fixation of hidden neurons in Elman networks.
Dynamic Reconfigurable Hub as a Stationary Node in a Hybrid Sensor Network
Authors: Jeong Seol Young , Woo Dong Kyun , Kang Soon Ju
Published: June 2013

Sensor network systems are being expanded with the development of technology for the design of a low-power chips and for operating sensor networks. However, it is difficult to modify or change an application for a stationary sensor node after installation in the field. Furthermore, there is a limit to installation after developing and testing a new sensor node if it needs to reconfigure the software and hardware of the existing sensor node. Therefore, not only is software reconfiguration needed but also dynamic hardware reconfiguration for various changes in requirements, such as sensor type, communication bandwidth, quality of service, or reduced power consumption depending on the changing environment and requirements of users. This paper proposes a specially designed stationary node called a SMART (system management architecture for reconfigurable technology) node, which is capable of dynamic reconfiguration of the various sensing functions or communication protocols. The SMART node can provide suitable service and change the communication protocol according to various surroundings and user requirements.
Microglia Play a Major Role in Direct Viral-Induced Demyelination
Authors: Chatterjee Dhriti , Biswas Kaushiki , Nag Soma , Ramachandra S. G. , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: June 2013

Microglia are the resident macrophage-like populations in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia remain quiescent, unable to perform effector and antigen presentation (APC) functions until activated by injury or infection, and have been suggested to represent the first line of defence for the CNS. Previous studies demonstrated that microglia can be persistently infected by neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) which causes meningoencephalitis, myelitis with subsequent axonal loss, and demyelination and serve as a virus-induced model of human neurological disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Current studies revealed that MHV infection is associated with the pronounced activation of microglia during acute inflammation, as evidenced by characteristic changes in cellular morphology and increased expression of microglia-specific proteins, Iba1 (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1), which is a macrophage/microglia-specific novel calcium-binding protein and involved in membrane ruffling and phagocytosis. During chronic inflammation (day 30 postinfection), microglia were still present within areas of demyelination. Experiments performed inex vivospinal cord slice culture andin vitroneonatal microglial culture confirmed direct microglial infection. Our results suggest that MHV can directly infect and activate microglia during acute inflammation, which in turn during chronic inflammation stage causes phagocytosis of myelin sheath leading to chronic inflammatory demyelination.
Hemin and Zinc Protoporphyrin IX Affect Granisetron Constipating Effects In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zigrino Addolorata , Leo Valentina , Renna Giuseppe , Montagnani Monica , De Salvia Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2013

Granisetron is a 5-HT3 receptors antagonist used in the management of emesis associated with anticancer chemotherapy. It affects intestinal motility with constipating effect. Since the pathway heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide (HO/CO) is involved in gastrointestinal motility, we evaluated the possible interplay between granisetron and agents affecting HO/CO pathways such as zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), an HO inhibitor, or hemin, an HO-1 inducer. ZnPPIX (10 µM) or hemin (10 µM), but not granisetron (0.1, 0.3, 1 µM), affected spontaneous basal activity recorded in rat duodenal strips, in noncholinergic nonadrenergic conditions. Granisetron restored spontaneous basal activity after ZnPPIX, but not after hemin. ZnPPIX decreased and hemin increased the inhibition of activity after electrical field stimulation (EFS), but they did not affect the contraction that follows the relaxation induced by EFS called off contraction. Granisetron did not alter the response to EFS per se but abolished both ZnPPIX and hemin effect when coadministered. In vivo study showed constipating effect of granisetron (25, 50, 75 µg/kg/sc) but no effect of either ZnPPIX (50 µg/kg/i.p.) or hemin (50 µM/kg/i.p.). When coadministered, granisetron effect was abolished by ZnPPIX and increased by hemin. Specimens from rats treated in vivo with hemin (50 µM/kg/i.p.) showed increased HO-1 protein levels. In conclusion, granisetron seems to interact with agents affecting HO/CO pathway both in vitro and in vivo.
Dengue in the United States of America: A Worsening Scenario?
Authors: Añez Germán , Rios Maria
Published: June 2013

Dengue is a febrile illness caused by any of the four dengue virus types (DENV-1 to -4, genusFlavivirus, family Flaviviridae) mainly transmitted by the mosquitoAedes aegypti. DENV can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Dengue has been historically present in the continental United States (US), in the state of Hawaii, and in the US insular territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific. During the second half of the 20th century, most of the cases reported in the US were imported cases brought to the country by travelers. Since 2009, cases of autochthonous dengue have been recognized in the state of Florida after 75 years of absence, followed by intensification of transmission in endemic places including the US territories of US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which experienced a large dengue epidemic in 2010. The widespread distribution of dengue mosquito vectors, deficient mosquito control measures and increased frequency of DENV-infected visitors to the US coming from dengue-endemic locations or places experiencing epidemics appear to be jointly responsible for the emergence and reemergence of dengue in the US and its territories.
Planktonic Rotifers in a Subtropical Shallow Lake: Succession, Relationship to Environmental Factors, and Use as Bioindicators
Authors: Ji Gaohua , Wang Xianyun , Wang Liqing
Published: June 2013

Changes in the density and species composition of planktonic rotifers as well as their relationship to several environmental variables were studied at Dadian Lake, a shallow subtropical lake, which was completely dredged and reconstructed. Samples were taken monthly (2006–2009) at five stations. The total rotifer abundance exponentially declined and reached a relatively stable stage in 2009. Polyarthra dolichoptera and Trichocerca pusilla dominated the rotifer community in most seasons. TN, TP, and CODMn went down at the beginning of the monitoring period, rebounded in the second winter, and then decreased and reached a stable state in 2009. CCA showed that the most significant variations were caused by fluctuations in temperature, CODMn, SRP, and NO2‐N. The rotifer community experienced a two‐stage succession and the difference of species between the stages was exhibited during warm seasons. GAMs indicated that the selected factors were responsible for 64.8% of the total rotifer abundance variance and 16.5~64.3% of the variances of individual species abundance. Most of the environmental parameters had effects on rotifer abundance that could only be described by complicated curves, characterised by unimodality and bimodality instead of linearity. Our study highlighted the temperature influence on rotifer species composition and total abundance in subtropical lakes.
Hopf Bifurcation Control in a Delayed Predator-Prey System with Prey Infection and Modified Leslie-Gower Scheme
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Yang Huizhong
Published: June 2013

Hopf bifurcation of a delayed predator-prey system with prey infection and the modified Leslie-Gower scheme is investigated. The conditions for the stability and existence of Hopf bifurcation of the system are obtained. The state feedback and parameter perturbation are used for controlling Hopf bifurcation in the system. In addition, direction of Hopf bifurcation and stability of the bifurcated periodic solutions of the controlled system are obtained by using normal form and center manifold theory. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to show that the hybrid controller is efficient in controlling Hopf bifurcation.
Self‐Assembly and Intermolecular Forces When Cellulose and Water Interact Using Molecular Modeling
Authors: Chami Khazraji Ali , Robert Sylvain
Published: June 2013

Cellulose chains are linear and aggregation occurs via both intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Cellulose has a strong affinity to itself and toward materials containing hydroxyls groups. Based on the preponderance of hydroxyl functional groups, cellulose is very reactive with water. At room temperature, cellulose chains will have at least a monomolecular layer of water associated to it. The formation of hydrogen bonds at the cellulose/water interface is shown to depend essentially on the adsorption site, for example, the equatorial hydroxyls or OH moieties pointing outward from the cellulose chains. The vdW forces also contribute significantly to the adsorption energy. They are a considerable cohesive energy into the cellulose network. At the surface of the cellulose chains, many intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the cellulose chains are lost. However, they are compensated by hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Electronic clouds can be distorted and create electrostatic dipoles. The large antibonding electron cloud that exists around the glucosidic bonds produces an induced polarization at the approach of water molecules. The electron cloud can be distorted and create an electrostatic dipole. It applies to the total displacement of the atoms within the material. Orbitals play a special role in reaction mechanism. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of cellulose is based on its structural anisotropy. Cellulose‐water interactions are exothermic reactions. These interactions may occur spontaneously and result in higher randomness of the system. They are denoted by a negative heat flow (heat is lost to the surroundings). Energy does not need to be inputted in order for cellulose‐water interactions to occur.
Baicalein, Ethyl Acetate, and Chloroform Extracts ofScutellaria baicalensisInhibit the Neuraminidase Activity of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Hour Mann-Jen , Huang Su-Hua , Chang Ching-Yao , Lin Yen-Kuan , Wang Ching-Ying , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: June 2013

This study rated antiviral activity ofScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi (S. baicalensis) extracts against influenza A virus subtypes, for example, pandemic 2009 H1N1, seasonal H1N1 and H3N2. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and chloroform extracts inhibitedin vitroneuraminidase (NA) enzymatic activity and viral replication more than methanol (MeOH) extract. EtOAc extract demonstrated NA inhibition IC50values ranging from 73.16 to 487.40 μg/mL and plaque reduction IC50values ranging from 23.7 to 27.4 μg/mL. Chloroform extract showed antiviral activities with plaque reduction IC50values ranging from 14.16 to 41.49 μg/mL Time-of-addition assay indicated that EtOAc and chloroform extracts also significantly inhibited virus yields after infection. HPLC analysis demonstrated that baicalin was dominant in the MeOH extract; baicalein and chrysin were rich in the EtOAc and chloroform extracts. Molecular simulation revealed baicalein hydrogen bonding with Glu277 as well as hydrophobic and Van der Waals interactions with Ile222, Arg224, Ser246, and Tyr347 in NA1 active sites of NA1. Baicalein inhibited in vitro replication of influenza A viruses pandemic 2009 H1N1 (IC50 = 0.018 μM) and seasonal 2007 H1N1 using plaque reduction assays. A combination of low-dose baicalein with other anti-influenza agents could be applicable for development of alternative remedies treating influenza A virus infection.
Assessment of Hemodynamics in a Rat Model of Liver Cirrhosis with Precancerous Lesions Using Multislice Spiral CT Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Ma Guolin , Bai Rongjie , Jiang Huijie , Hao Xuejia , Ling Zaisheng , Li Kefeng
Published: June 2013

Rationale and Objectives. To develop an optimal scanning protocol for multislice spiral CT perfusion (CTP) imaging to evaluate hemodynamic changes in liver cirrhosis with diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced precancerous lesions.Materials and Methods. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group (n=80) and the precancerous liver cirrhosis group (n=40). The control group received saline injection and the liver cirrhosis group received 50 mg/kg DENi.p.twice a week for 12 weeks. All animals underwent plain CT scanning, CTP, and contrast-enhanced CT scanning. Scanning parameters were optimized by adjusting the diatrizoate concentration, the flow rate, and the delivery time. The hemodynamics of both groups was further compared using optimized multislice spiral CTP imaging.Results. High-quality CTP images were obtained with following parameters: 150 kV; 150 mAs; 5 mm thickness, 5 mm interval; pitch, 1; matrix,512×512; and FOV, 9.6 cm. Compared to the control group, the liver cirrhosis group had a significantly increased value of the hepatic arterial fraction and the hepatic artery perfusion (P<0.05) but significantly decreased hepatic portal perfusion and mean transit time (P<0.05).Conclusion. Multislice spiral CTP imaging can be used to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the rat model of liver cirrhosis with precancerous lesions.
Liquid‐Liquid Equilibrium of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) 6000 + Sodium Succinate + Water System at Different Temperatures
Authors: Raja Selvaraj , Murty Vytla Ramachandra
Published: June 2013

Phase diagrams and the compositions of coexisting phases of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 6000 + sodium succinate + water system have been determined experimentally at 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15 K. The effects of temperature on the binodal curve and tie lines have been studied. The binodal curves were successfully fitted to a nonlinear equation relating the concentrations of PEG 6000 and sodium succinate, and the coefficients were estimated for the formentioned systems (low AARD, high R2, and low SD). Tie‐line compositions were estimated and correlated using Othmer‐Tobias and Bancroft equations, and the parameters were reported. The effect of temperature on the phase‐forming ability has been studied by fitting the binodal data to a Setschenow‐type equation for each temperature. The effective excluded volume (EEV) values were also calculated from the binodal data, and it was found out that the values increased with an increase in the temperature. Furthermore, the effect of MW of PEG on the phase diagram has been studied and verified.
Detection of Minimal Residual Disease by Flow Cytometry for Patients with Multiple Myeloma Submitted to Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Dal Bó Suzane , Pezzi Annelise , Amorin Bruna , Valim Vanessa , Isabel Bittencourt Rosane , Silla Lucia
Published: June 2013

The treatment strategy in multiple myeloma (MM) is to get complete remission followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). Neoplastic Plasma Cells (NPCs) areCD45-/dim,CD38+high, CD138+, CD19−, and  CD56+highin most cases. The description of this immunophenotype is of major importance as it leads to the correct identification of minimal residual disease (MRD). Samples from 44 Patients were analyzed prospectively in this study. We analyzed if the presence of MRD at three months after HSCT was predictive of relapse or death. There were 40 evaluable patients of whom 16/40 patients had MRD at three moths after HSCT and there were none in cytological relapse. The mean overall survival (OS) was 34 months and disease-free survival (RFS) was 28 months after HSCT. There was no significant difference in the log rank analysis comparing OS and the presence of MRD (P=0,611) and RFS (P=0,3106). Here, we demonstrate that three color flow cytometry (FCM) is more sensitive for MDR evaluation than cytological analyzes. However, based in our data we can not affirm that MRD is a good predictor of MM relapse or death. In conclusion, our results could be attributed to a short followup, small sample size, and over most to the inability of a three-color FCM to detect the NPC population.
A Fourth-Order Block-Grid Method for Solving Laplace's Equation on a Staircase Polygon with Boundary Functions in
Authors: Dosiyev A. A. , Cival Buranay S.
Published: June 2013

The integral representations of the solution around the vertices of the interior reentered angles (on the “singular” parts) are approximated by the composite midpoint rule when the boundary functions are from These approximations are connected with the 9-point approximation of Laplace's equation on each rectangular grid on the “nonsingular” part of the polygon by the fourth-order gluing operator. It is proved that the uniform error is of order where and is the mesh step. For the -order derivatives () of the difference between the approximate and the exact solutions, in each “ singular” part order is obtained; here is the distance from the current point to the vertex in question and is the value of the interior angle of the th vertex. Numerical results are given in the last section to support the theoretical results.
Cardiovascular Profile of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum
Authors: Dey Anupam , Aggarwal Ramesh , Dwivedi Shridhar
Published: June 2013

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) are yellow plaques that occur most commonly near the inner canthus of the eyelid and are often associated with atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery disease. This study was planned to address the issue of associated cardiovascular morbidity in xanthelasma patients attending our cardiac clinic.Materials and Methods. A total of 61 patients were detected to be having xanthelasma and constituted the study group. The control group constituted of 130 apparently normal individuals. Each patient underwent detailed history, examination, and investigations.Results and Discussion. The most prevalent age group was 40 to 60 years. Males outnumbered females. A percentage of 39.3% of cases had concomitant nicotine addiction. Dyslipidemia was present in 60% of cases, hypertension in 37.7%, prehypertension in 8.77%, diabetes mellitus in 18.03%, and prediabetes in 26.3%. Smokers and obese patients with xanthelasma had a higher prevalence of hypertension. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 6.56% of XP cases. The waist circumference and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in XP patients.Conclusion. A significant number of cases of xanthelasma palpebrarum are combined with smoking, central obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia which are the major risk factors for CAD. Efforts should be made to rule out the same in high-risk xanthelasma subjects.
Analysis of Novel Variable Reluctance Resolver with Asymmetric Teeth on the Stator
Authors: Liu Chengjun , QI Ming , Zhao Meng
Published: June 2013

The variable reluctance (VR) resolver is usually used to measure the shaft angle of motor. A novel VR resolver with asymmetric teeth on the stator is proposed to achieve the minimal number of active teeth and eliminate the amplitude imbalance of the output voltages of SIN and COS coils by bringing the fifth compensating tooth. The structure and the total output voltages of signal windings are explicated theoretically in detail. The topology of such a machine just requires 2D finite element analysis (FEA) to accurately predict the machine performance. Results of FEA and principle of VR resolver with asymmetric teeth are in good agreement, and several special relevant problems are studied. Finally, experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and FEA of the proposed VR resolver.
Gene Profiling of Canine B-Cell Lymphoma Reveals Germinal Center and Postgerminal Center Subtypes with Different Survival Times, Modeling Human DLBCL
Authors: Richards Kristy L. , Motsinger-Reif Alison A. , Chen Hsiao-Wei , Fedoriw Yuri , Fan Cheng , Nielsen Dahlia M. , Small George W. , Thomas Rachael , Smith Chris , Dave Sandeep S. , Perou Charles M. , Breen Matthew , Borst Luke B. , Suter Steven E.
Published: June 2013

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma subtype, and fewer than half of patients are cured with standard first-line therapy. To improve therapeutic options, better animal models that accurately mimic human DLBCL (hDLBCL) are needed. Canine DLBCL, one of the most common cancers in veterinary oncology, is morphologically similar to hDLBCL and is treated using similar chemotherapeutic protocols. With genomic technologies, it is now possible to molecularly evaluate dogs as a potential large-animal model for hDLBCL. We evaluated canine B-cell lymphomas (cBCL) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene expression profiling. cBCL expression profiles were similar in many ways to hDLBCLs. For instance, a subset had increased expression of NF-κB pathway genes, mirroring human activated B-cell (ABC)–type DLBCL. Furthermore, immunoglobulin heavy chain ongoing mutation status, which is correlated with ABC/germinal center B-cell cell of origin in hDLBCL, separated cBCL into two groups with statistically different progression-free and overall survival times. In contrast with hDLBCL, cBCL rarely expressed BCL6 and MUM1/IRF4 by IHC. Collectively, these studies identify molecular similarities to hDLBCL that introduce pet dogs as a representative model of hDLBCL for future studies, including therapeutic clinical trials. Cancer Res; 73(16); 5029–39. ©2013 AACR.
Comparison of calibrated dilute thrombin time and aPTT tests with LC-MS/MS for the therapeutic monitoring of patients treated with dabigatran etexilate
Authors: Dogné Jean-Michel , Mullier François , Chatelain Bernard , Rönquist-Nii Yuko , Malmström Rickard E. , Hjemdahl Paul , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: June 2013

Ways to monitor dabigatran etexilate (DE) therapy would be useful in certain situations. Functional assays such as aPTT or Hemoclot® Thrombin Inhibitor (HTI) have been proposed to evaluate dabigatran concentrations, but previous findings are based on in vitro studies and results must be confirmed in clinical samples. The aim of this study was to compare aPTT and HTI measurements with liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements of dabigatran in plasma samples from DE treated patients. Seventy-one plasma samples were included. aPTT was performed using STA-CKPrest® and SynthASil®. HTI was performed according to instructions from the manufacturer. The LC-MS/MS method utilised dabigatran- d3 as internal standard. The plasma concentration range was 0 to 645 ng/ml as measured by LC-MS/MS. Overall, the HTI and LC-MS/ MS analyses correlated well (r2=0.97). The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 9 ng/ml (SD: 20 ng/ml). However, the HTI performed poorly at concentrations <50 ng/ml. LC-MS/MS was sensitive (limit of quantification 1.1 ng/ml) and specific for dabigatran. The aPTT methods did not correlate well with plasma concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS (r2 = 0.59 with SynthASil® and 0.50 with STACKPrest ®). In conclusion, the poor sensitivity, the important inter-individual variability, and the poor correlation with LC-MS/MS preclude the use of aPTT to estimate dabigatran concentrations. Due to its small inter-individual variability and good agreement with LC-MS/MS measurements, we recommend the use of HTI assays to rather accurately estimate concentrations of dabigatran <50 ng/ml. Quantification of lower dabigatran levels in DE-treated patients requires the “reference” LC-MS/MS method.
Negotiating Wifely Virtues
Authors: Huang Martin W.
Published: June 2013

This article attempts to examine how three seventeenth-century literati husbands mourned and wrote about their late wives. It argues that when the biographer of a deceased woman and her grieving husband coincided in the same person, the biographical narrative could be complicated considerably with Confucian biographical conventions of the “exemplary” becoming more likely to be challenged in moments of intensely private grief and, especially,deep personal guilt. The overlap between the biographical (private memories of a man’s deceased spouse) and the autobiographical (his own self-redemption agenda) adds to a husband’s need to re/negotiate and redefine wifely virtues in order to accommodate the personal feeling of his roles as husband/biographer, who, in the moment of mourning, may be more interested in the unique than the typical as memory tends to be retained better if a deceased person is remembered as an individual distinctly different from others.
Exclusion Law and International Law: Sui Generis or Overlap?
Authors: Rikhof Joseph
Published: June 2013

There exists a strong synergy between the regulation at the international level of minority rights, asylum and criminal prosecutions of violations of human rights. The aspirations of minorities as a human right are recognised in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights while the violation of such a right can confer on a victim the status of refugee in a third country. As well, persons who are responsible for causing very serious disruptions to the rights of minorities and other groups can be brought to justice for the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity, particularly persecution. While in general there has been a clear distinction between the granting of asylum or refugee status to victims of persecution one hand and the prosecution of perpetrators of persecution on the other, these two notions have been brought together into the concept of exclusion in order to address the phenomenon of persons with a criminal background being part of the refugee stream arriving in a third country. Exclusion is an essential part of refugee law to ensure that persons who have committed criminal acts will not benefit from the benefits set out in the Refugee Convention. This article will discuss the parameters of exclusion as determined by the jurisprudence in six countries in North America and Europe where this issue has been at the forefront in the last decade.
A remarkable new species of Paraclius Loew from Brazil (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)
Authors: CAPELLARI RENATO SOARES
Published: June 2013

The dolichopodine genus Paraclius Loew (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) presently includes over 150 described species worldwide and about 60 from the Neotropics (Yang et al. 2006; Capellari & Amorim 2009). Nevertheless, the genus was recovered as a polyphyletic assemblage of different lineages by Brooks (2005), and splitting of Paraclius into new genera will probably be required in the future to accommodate these groups. Particularly, some Neotropical species of Paraclius seem to be closely related to the genus Cheiromyia Dyte, based on the possession of an enlarged sperm pump that is folded back on itself (Brooks 2005; Brooks et al. 2010; Capellari & Amorim 2009), a character regarded by Brooks (2005) as a uniquely derived feature among the dolichopodines. Further studies of those species of Paraclius are needed to verify if they evolved as a grade within a group including Cheiromyia, or if establishment of a new genus for them is warranted.