bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardware-software collaboration for secure coexistence with kernel extensions
Authors: Oliveira Daniela , Wetzel Nicholas , Bucci Max , Navarro Jesus , Sullivan Dean , Jin Yier
Published: September 2014

Our society is dependent upon computer systems that are the target of a never-ending siege against their resources. One powerful avenue for exploitation is the operating system kernel, which has complete control of a computer system's resources. The current methodology for kernel design, which involves loadable extensions from third parties, facilitates compromises. Most of these extensions are benign, but in general they pose a threat to system trustworthiness: they run as part of the kernel and some of them can be vulnerable or malicious. This situation is paradoxical from a security point of view: modern OSes depend, and must co-exist, with untrustworthy but
needed
extensions. Similarly, the immune system is continuously at war against various types of invaders and, through evolution, has developed highly successful defense mechanisms. Collaboration is one of these mechanisms, where many players throughout the body effectively communicate to share attack intelligence. Another mechanism is foreign body co-existence with its microbiota. Remarkably, these properties are not leveraged in kernel defense approaches. Security approaches at the OS and virtual machine layers do not cooperate with each other or with the hardware. This paper advocates a new paradigm for OS defense based on close collaboration between an OS and the hardware infrastructure, and describes a hardware-software architecture realizing this vision. It also discusses the architecture design at the OS and hardware levels, including experimental results from an emulator-based prototype, and aspects of an ongoing hardware implementation. The emulator-based proof-of-concept prototype, Ianus, uses Linux as the OS and the Bochs x86 emulator as the architecture layer. It successfully minimized kernel extensions interactions with the original kernel. Its security was evaluated with real rootkits and benign extensions. Ianus' performance was analyzed with system and CPU benchmarks and it caused a small overhead to the system (approximately 12%).
Deployment and activation of faulty components at runtime for testing self-recovery mechanisms
Authors: Gama Kiev , Donsez Didier
Published: September 2014

The hypotheses on potential sources of error in an application can be specified in a fault model, which helps testing scenarios that are likely to be buggy. Based on a fault model, we developed custom fault detection mechanisms for providing self-recovery behavior in a component platform when third-party components behave inappropriately. In order to perform the tests for validating such mechanisms, it would be necessary to use a technique for fault injection so we could simulate faulty behavior. However such a technique may not be appropriate for a component-based approach. The behavior of systems tested with faults injected in the interface level (e.g., passing invalid parameters) would not represent actual application usage, thus significantly differing from cases where faults are injected in the component level (e.g. emulation of internal component errors). This paper presents our approach for testing self-adaptive mechanism, involving a general model for fault deployment and fault activation. Faulty components deployed at runtime represent faulty behaviors specified in the fault model. These faults are remotely activated through test probes that help testing the effectiveness of the platform's self-adaptive mechanisms that are fired upon the detection of the specified faulty behavior.
HLA‐DPAI aND HLA‐DPBl in Rheumatoid Arthritis And Its Subsets
Authors: Hutchlngs C. J. , Hillarby M. C. , Mcmahon M. J. , Ollier W. E. R. , Grennan D. M.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between HLA‐DP and susceptibility to articular and extra‐articular features (Felty′s syndrome and vasculitis) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The possible association of DP types with severity of articular disease was also analysed. No statistically significant associations were observed between HLA‐DP alleles and articular or extra‐articular features of RA, or to the severity of the arthritis when p was corrected for the number of alleles tested.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of a Breast Cancer‐Associated Glycoprotein
Authors: Rye P. D. , Walker R. A.
Published: September 2014

The tissue distribution and specificity of a glycoprotein of Mr 230 OOOkDa which has previously been identified from breast carcinomas in culture and shown to be tumour‐associated, has been assessed using a polyclonal antiserum. A wide range of tissues has been examined immunohistochemically. The tissue distribution of the glycoprotein show differences between normal, benign and malignant breast and other epithelial tissues, and are clearly specific for epithelial cells. This glycoprotein as detected by the polyclonal antiserum P5252‐2, was either absent or showed a minimal presence in normal breast tissues. Evidence of the expression of the glycoprotein in hyperplastic breast was observed but was considerably less than that seen for carcinomas, for which 70% had greater than 50% of cells exhibiting reactivity with P5252‐2. There was no relationship with grade or node status. Similar striking differences in glycoprotein expression between non‐neoplastic and neoplastic tissue were observed for stomach, large intestine, thyroid and to lesser extent ovary. The di fferences in the expression of this glycoprotein between normal and malignant tissues is of obvious clinical and pathological potential.
Lack of Association between an Interleukin‐I Receptor Antagonist Gene Polymorphism and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Danis Victor A. , Millington Michelle , Huang Qirong , Hyland Valentine , Grennan David
Published: September 2014

Non‐MHC linked genes may contribute to genetic predisposition to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. The possibility that cytokine genes may be involved was raised by the observation of increased frequency in expression of an uncommon allele of an interleukin‐I receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and SLE in a recent U.K. study. We have not been able to show any significant differences in expression of this allele in SLE patients as a whole or in any patient subgroups. Our results actually show a slight decrease in the expression of this allele in SLE patients compared with healthy controls and in SLE patients with malar rash compared with SLE patients without malar rash.
Prognostic Value of a 90Kd Subunit Containing Glycoprotein Tumor‐Associated Antigen Specific Immune Complexes in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Gupta Rishab K. , Morton Donald L.
Published: September 2014

An ELISA to detect a glycoprotein T AA‐specific immune complexe (lC) has been developed utili zing a murine monoclonal antibody, AD1‐40F4. that recognizes a 90kD subunit ofthe antigen. In this study we determined the applicability of the assay to assess the presence of the glycoprotein TAA‐IC in lung cancer patients. The incidence of glycoprotein TAA‐IC was 63% (33/89), significantly higher (p <0.05) than normal controls (3.2%; 8/250). Comparative analyses of preand post‐operative sera of non‐small cell lung cancer patients revealed that in 30% (20/66) of patients. the ELISA va lue for the marker did not become negative, i.e., decrease below the cut‐off level (0.410 ODnm) after surgical resection of the tumor. It is postulated that these patients either had ex tensive disease or microscopic metastases that were not resectable. Evaluation of post‐operative glycoprotein TAA‐IC results in relation to disease recurrence revealed a significant association between the presence of the antigen in serum and disease recurrence. There did not appear to be any association between the glycoprotein TAA‐IC and the other conventional marker, CEA; however, using more than one marker increases the incidence of detection of the disease.
Monoclonal Antibodies Recognising Sialyl‐Tn: Production and Application to Immunochemistry
Authors: Devine Peter L. , Birrell Geoffrey W. , Quin Rachel J. , Shield Paul W.
Published: September 2014

In order to develop reagents that can detect the exposed sialyl‐Tn antigen (NeuAcα2,6GaINAcα 1‐O‐Ser/Thr) on tumour‐associated mucins, we have prepared monoclonal antibodies (mabs 3C2 and 301, both IgM) against ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM; >98% of glycans as sialyl‐Tn). These mabs showed strong reactivity with OSM and bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM; 50% of glycans as sialyl‐Tn) but did not react with desialylated OSM or BSM. Sialic acid at I mg/ml did not significantly inhibit mab binding to OSM, suggesting that the linkage to GalNAc may be important for mab binding. 3C2 and 3D I also showed similar reactivity to sialyl‐Tn reactive mab Bn.3, and detected Bn.3 capturedOSM in a sandwich ELISA. In Western blotting of mucus from a patient with a mucinous ovarian tumour, the mabs reacted with high molecular weight (>200 kDa) species. In immunohistochemistry, these mabs showed strong reactivity with most cancers of the colon, lung, and stomach, and also some tumours of the ovary and breast. There was only limited reactivity in normal tissue from these sites. The antibodies should be useful reagents for the detection of the sialyl‐Tn antigen in human cancers.
Phosphotyrosine‐Protein‐Phosphatases and Human Reproduction: An Association between Low Molecular Weight Acid Phosphatase (ACPl) and Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Gloria-Bottini F. , Nicotra M. , Lucarini N. , Borgiani P. , La Torre M. , Amante A. , Gimelfarb A. , Bottini E.
Published: September 2014

ACP1 (low molecular weight acid phosphatase) genetic polymorphism has been studied in 173 women with a history of two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions and in 1508 control subjects, including 482 normal pregnant women. The proportion of carriers of ACP1 *C allele (* A/ *C, *B/*C) in women with a history of repeated spontaneous abortion is lower than in normal pregnant women and other control groups, Women with repeated spontaneous abortion show a specific decrease of ACPI S isoform concentration as compared to normal pregnant women, The other component of ACP I activity, the F isoform, does not show a significant difference between the two groups. The data suggest that women with ACP1 genotypes showing a high concentration of S isoform are relatively ′protected′ against spontaneous abortion, Preliminary analysis of a sample of 352 normal puerperae along with their newborn babies supports this hypothesis,
A Simple Route for Purifying Extracellular Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-depolymerase from Penicillium pinophilum
Authors: Panagiotidou Elpiniki , Konidaris Constantinos , Baklavaridis Apostolos , Zuburtikudis Ioannis , Achilias Dimitris , Mitlianga Paraskevi
Published: September 2014

This work proposes the purification of an active and efficient enzyme, extracellular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-depolymerase, suitable for industrial applications. This is achieved by the application of an easy, fast, and cheap route, skipping the chromatography step. Chromatography with one or two columns is a common step in the purification procedure, which however renders the isolation of the enzyme a time consuming and an expensive process. A strain of the fungus Penicillium pinophilum (ATCC 9644) is used for the isolation of extracellular PHB-depolymerase. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme is about 35 kDa and is estimated by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, 12% polyacrylamide). The enzymatic activity of the isolated enzyme is determined to be 3.56-fold similar to that found by other researchers that have used chromatography for the isolation. The as-isolated enzyme disintegrates the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) films successfully, as it is demonstrated by the biodegradation test results provided here.
Community Based HIV Prevention Intervention in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ibrahim Sarah , Sidani Souraya
Published: September 2014

Aim. To describe the features and examine effects of community based HIV prevention interventions implemented in developing countries on HIV-related knowledge and self-reported risk behavior. Background. The HIV epidemic has a significant impact on developing countries, increasing the prevalence of HIV among young persons. Community-based HIV prevention interventions have been designed to improve HIV-related knowledge and decrease engagement in risk behavior. Variations in the design and implementation of these interventions have been reported, which may influence their effectiveness. Design. Systematic review. Method. Data were extracted on the characteristics of the study and interventions and effects of the interventions on knowledge and self-report of risk behavior. Results. In total, 10 studies were included in the review. Overall, the results showed variability in theoretical underpinning, dose, and mode of delivery of the interventions. Multicomponent interventions that used mixed teaching methods produced beneficial effects on knowledge and self-reported risk behavior. Conclusion. Examining the characteristics of HIV-prevention interventions provides direction for researchers in developing efficient interventions to improve knowledge and reduce engagement in self-reported risk behavior and, in turn, decrease transmission of HIV.
Assessment of the Mandibular Incisive Canal by Panoramic Radiograph and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Raitz Ricardo , Shimura Elisabeth , Chilvarquer Israel , Fenyo-Pereira Marlene
Published: September 2014

Objectives.The region between mental foramens is considered as a zone of choice for implants. However, complications may arise due to an extension anterior to the mental foramen that forms the mandible incisive canal [MIC]. Our goal is to evaluate identification of MIC by both panoramic radiograph [PAN] and cone-beam computed tomography [CBCT].Methods.150 cases with bilateral MIC were analyzed. Images of a radiolucent canal, within the trabecular bone, surrounded by a radiopaque cortical bone representing the canal walls, and extending to the anterior portion beyond the mental foramen, were considered by two independent radiologists as being images of MIC. PAN and CBCT of these cases were evaluated by 2 other radiologists at different times. Agreement between results of examination methods was assessed by the Kappa coefficient. The interexaminer and intramethod rates for detection of MIC were analyzed by the McNemar test. Gender, mandible side, examiner, and type of method were analyzed by the generalized estimating equations [GEE] model.Results.significant difference between examiners [PAN: P=0.146; CBCT:P=0.749] was not observed. Analysis by GEE model showed no significant difference between genders[P=0.411]and examiners[P=0.183]. However, significant difference was observed for identification in both mandible right side[P=0.001], where the identification frequency was higher, and CBCT method[P<0.001].Conclusions.PAN was not shown to be a safe examination to identify MIC. CBCT should always be used in preoperative planning and to reduce the number of complications in implant surgeries.
Health Implications of Electromagnetic Fields, Mechanisms of Action, and Research Needs
Authors: Singh Sarika , Kapoor Neeru
Published: September 2014

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been implicated to influence a range of bodily functions. Given their ubiquitous nature, widespread applications, and capability to produce deleterious effects, conclusive investigations of the health risks are critical. Accordingly, this paper has been constructed to weigh the bioeffects, possible biointeraction mechanisms, and research areas in bioelectromagnetics seeking immediate attention. The several gaps in the existing knowledge do not permit one to reach a concrete conclusion but possibility for harmful effects cannot be underestimated in absence of consistent findings and causal mechanisms. Several studies with appropriate methodologies reflect the capacity of electromagnetic radiations to cause adverse health effects and there are several credible mechanisms that can account for the observed effects. Hence, need of the hour is to activate comprehensive well-coordinated blind scientific investigations, overcoming all limitations and demerits of previous investigations especially replication studies to concretize the earlier findings. Furthermore, appropriate exposure assessment is crucial for identification of dose-response relation if any, and the elucidation of biological interaction mechanism. For the time being, the public should follow the precautionary principle and limit their exposure as much as possible.
Material Removal Rate, Electrode Wear Rate, and Surface Roughness Evaluation in Die Sinking EDM with Hollow Tool through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sultan Teepu , Kumar Anish , Gupta Rahul Dev
Published: September 2014

Electrical discharge machining is one of the earliest nontraditional machining, extensively used in industry for processing of parts having unusual profiles with reasonable precision. In the present work, an attempt has been made to model material removal rate, electrode wear rate, and surface roughness through response surface methodology in a die sinking EDM process. The optimization was performed in two steps using one factor at a time for preliminary evaluation and a Box-Behnken design involving three variables with three levels for determination of the critical experimental conditions. Pulse on time, pulse off time, and peak current were changed during the tests, while a copper electrode having tubular cross section was employed to machine through holes on EN 353 steel alloy workpiece. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the proposed mathematical models obtained can adequately describe the performances within the limits of factors being studied. The experimental and predicted values were in a good agreement. Surface topography is revealed with the help of scanning electron microscope micrographs.
Efficacy of Two Irrigants Used with Self-Adjusting File System on Smear Layer: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Genç Şen Özgür , Kaya Sadullah , Er Özgür , Alaçam Tayfun
Published: September 2014

Mechanical instrumentation of root canals produces a smear layer that adversely affects the root canal seal. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of MTAD and citric acid solutions used with self-adjusting file (SAF) system on smear layer. Twenty-three single-rooted human teeth were used for the study. Canals were instrumented manually up to a number 20 K file size. SAF was used to prepare the root canals. The following groups were studied: Group 1: MTAD + 5.25% NaOCl, Group 2: 20% citric acid + 5.25% NaOCl, and Group 3: Control (5.25% NaOCl). All roots were split longitudinally and subjected to scanning electron microscopy. The presence of smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds was evaluated using a five-score evaluation system. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-WhitneyUtests were used for statistical analysis. In the coronal third, Group 2 exhibited the best results and was statistically different froms the other groups(P<0.05). There was not a significant difference among the three thirds of groups according to in-group comparisons(P>0.05). The solutions used in Group 1 and 2 could effectively remove smear layer in most of the specimens. However, citric acid was more effective than MTAD in the three thirds of the canal.
Inhibition of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase (Ex Vivo) byMorus indica(Mulberry)
Authors: Reddy Palvai Vanitha , Urooj Asna
Published: September 2014

Phytochemicals are the bioactive components that contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases. Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase would be an effective means of lowering plasma cholesterol in humans. The present study explores the HMG CoA reductase inhibitory effect of extracts from leaves ofMorus indicavarieties, M5, V1, and S36, compared with the statin, using anex vivomethod. The assay is based on the stoichiometric formation of coenzyme A during the reduction of microsomal HMG CoA to mevalonate. Dechlorophyllised extract of three varieties was studied at 300 µg. The coenzyme A released at the end of assay in control (100.31 nmoles) and statins (94.46 nm) was higher than the dechlorphyllised extracts of the samples. The coenzyme A released during the reduction of HMG CoA to mevalonate in dechlorophyllised extracts of the samples was as follows: S36<M5<V1. The results indicated that the samples were highly effective in inhibiting the enzyme compared to statins (standard drug). The results indicate the role ofMorusvarieties extracts in modulating the cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting the activity of HMG CoA reductase. These results provide scope for designingin vivoanimal studies to confirm their effect.
Levels of Heavy Metals in Adolescents Living in the Industrialised Area of Milazzo-Valle del Mela (Northern Sicily)
Authors: Interdonato Monica , Bitto Alessandra , Pizzino Gabriele , Irrera Natasha , Pallio Giovanni , Mecchio Anna , Cuspilici Antonino , Minutoli Letteria , Altavilla Domenica , Squadrito Francesco
Published: September 2014

In the Milazzo-Valle del Mela area, the presence of industrial plants and the oil refinery make local residents concerned for their health. For this reason, we evaluated the levels of heavy metals in 226 children aged 12–14 years, living in the 7 municipalities of the area. A control age-matched population(n=29)living 45 km far from the industrial site was also enrolled. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, and vanadium were analysed in 24 h urine samples, while lead concentration was evaluated in blood samples. A questionnaire regarding life style and risk perception was also administered. Adolescents from Milazzo-Valle del Mela had cadmium levels significantly higher compared to either controls  (P<0.0001)or the reference values of the European Germany Environmental Survey (GerES-IV) and the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Furthermore, children had higher perception of living in a high-risk environment. The present data, for the first time, clearly indicate that adolescents living in Milazzo-Valle del Mela have increased body concentration of cadmium, which may be harmful to human health. These results deserve particular attention by the local and regional government to initiate prevention programmes in this susceptible population.
Object Tracking with Adaptive Multicue Incremental Visual Tracker
Authors: Wang Jiang-tao , Chen De-bao , Zhang Jing-ai , Li Su-wen , Wang Xing-jun
Published: September 2014

Generally, subspace learning based methods such as the Incremental Visual Tracker (IVT) have been shown to be quite effective for visual tracking problem. However, it may fail to follow the target when it undergoes drastic pose or illumination changes. In this work, we present a novel tracker to enhance the IVT algorithm by employing a multicue based adaptive appearance model. First, we carry out the integration of cues both in feature space and in geometric space. Second, the integration directly depends on the dynamically-changing reliabilities of visual cues. These two aspects of our method allow the tracker to easily adapt itself to the changes in the context and accordingly improve the tracking accuracy by resolving the ambiguities. Experimental results demonstrate that subspace-based tracking is strongly improved by exploiting the multiple cues through the proposed algorithm.
On Improving Ratio/Product Estimator by Ratio/Product-cum-Mean-per-Unit Estimator Targeting More Efficient Use of Auxiliary Information
Authors: Shirley Angela , Sahai Ashok , Dialsingh Isaac
Published: September 2014

To achieve a more efficient use of auxiliary information we propose single-parameter ratio/product-cum-mean-per-unit estimators for a finite population mean in a simple random sample without replacement when the magnitude of the correlation coefficient is not very high (less than or equal to 0.7). The first order large sample approximation to the bias and the mean square error of our proposed estimators are obtained. We use simulation to compare our estimators with the well-known sample mean, ratio, and product estimators, as well as the classical linear regression estimator for efficient use of auxiliary information. The results are conforming to our motivating aim behind our proposition.
Application of Nanoscaffolds in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy
Authors: Ghoraishizadeh Saman , Ghorishizadeh Afsoon , Ghoraishizadeh Peyman , Daneshvar Nasibeh , Boroojerdi Mohadese Hashem
Published: September 2014

Regenerative medicine is an alternative solution for organ transplantation. Stem cells and nanoscaffolds are two essential components in regenerative medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as primary adult stem cells with high proliferation capacity, wide differentiation potential, and immunosuppression properties which make them unique for regenerative medicine and cell therapy. Scaffolds are engineered nanofibers that provide suitable microenvironment for cell signalling which has a great influence on cell proliferation, differentiation, and biology. Recently, application of scaffolds and MSCs is being utilized in obtaining more homogenous population of MSCs with higher cell proliferation rate and greater differentiation potential, which are crucial factors in regenerative medicine. In this review, the definition, biology, source, characterization, and isolation of MSCs and current report of application of nanofibers in regenerative medicine in different lesions are discussed.
Damage Identification for Prestressed Adjacent Box-Beam Bridges
Authors: Walsh Kenneth K. , Kelly Brendan T. , Steinberg Eric P.
Published: September 2014

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has gained considerable attention as a tool for monitoring the health of civil infrastructure. For bridge infrastructure, previous methods have focused on the detection of localized damage through modal parameters extracted from the longitudinal direction of the structure. This paper investigates a new damage detection method based on the change in the first vertical mode extracted from the transverse direction of the bridge. The mode is determined through application of modal curve fitting to frequency response functions (FRFs) that are formed using vertical response data obtained in the direction perpendicular to the bridge’s longitudinal axis. Using this method, both local damage and global damage in the bridge reveal themselves as having a localized effect on the bridge response. Furthermore, damage is revealed in such a way that it enables differentiation of the damage types. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, modal parameters were extracted from acceleration data obtained from a finite element model of a full bridge. Analysis of the modal parameters showed that the proposed approach could not only detect both local and global bridge damage, but could also differentiate between damage types using only one mode shape. The proposed method was compared to a previously developed SHM method.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Marchiafava-Bignami Syndrome: A Cornerstone in Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Paidipati Gopalkishna Murthy Kathyayini
Published: September 2014

Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome is a rare condition. However, with the advent of MRI, more and more of these cases are being diagnosed. Thus, it becomes essential for a radiologist to be familiar with its imaging features as well as clinical presentation. A 50-year-old chronic alcoholic presented to the emergency room with history of 3 episodes of seizures 2 days earlier. The patient had gait disturbances for the last few days. On examination, the patient was in a state of stupor. No neck rigidity was elicited. On MRI, the corpus callosum appeared diffusely hypointense on T1 weighted images and hyperintense on T2 weighted sequences without any evident enhancement after intravenous administration of Gadolinium. On fluid attenuation and inversion recovery images, central hypointensity with surrounding hyperintense rim involving the genu, body, and splenium of corpus callosum was noted. Additionally, cortical-subcortical signal intensity changes were also noted predominantly involving the right frontal lobe. On diffusion weighted imaging, all the above mentioned lesions showed restriction of diffusion. I am presenting here a case of Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome highlighting the role of MR imaging in diagnosing, prognosticating as well as in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of this rare clinical entity.
Effects ofMATAS HopscotchTechnique in the Teaching of Fractions and Error Patterns Made by Year 5 Pupils
Authors: Periasamy Devaki , Abu Bakar Kamariah , Mohd Ayub Ahmad Fauzi
Published: September 2014

MATAS Hopscotchtechnique was created to solve the subtraction of three types of fractions. The study involved 56 pupils from two Year 5 classes. A quasi-experimental, nonrandomized control group, pretest-posttest delayed post-test was conducted on two intact groups, randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. A pretest was administered at the early stage of this study. The study described types of error made by the pupils in solving the subtraction of fractions. Rubrics, Hodes and Notling (1998), were used to describe types of error made by the pupils in the pretest and posttest. The findings in the pretest showed both groups made concept, directions, and careless errors. However, in the posttest, the experimental group made careless errors while the control group made concept, directions, and careless errors. The number of errors made by the control group was higher than that made by the experimental group.
Dermatofibroma Arising within a Black Tattoo
Authors: Lobato-Berezo Alejandro , Churruca-Grijelmo Micaela , Martínez-Pérez Marcela , Imbernón-Moya Adrián , Vargas-Laguna María Elena , Fernández-Cogolludo Eva , Aguilar-Martínez Antonio , Gallego-Valdés Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2014

Many complications have been reported over tattoos, some of which are tumours, such as dermatofibromas. It is important to establish a differential diagnosis because they can resemble other malignant lesions as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. We report the development of a dermatofibroma in a 21-year-old man with a tattoo painted two years ago.
The Prevalence of Dental Caries in Primary Dentition in 4- to 5-Year-Old Preschool Children in Northern Palestine
Authors: Azizi Zafer
Published: September 2014

Aim.To determine the prevalence of dental caries among a representative sample of preschool children (4-5 years old) who were accompanied by their parents to the dental centre of the Arab American University in Jenin whether they come seeking dental treatment or as visitors with adult patients.Materials and Methods.1376 children of both sexes were investigated by three calibrated and trained examiners for dental caries using the dmft index according to the WHO method.Results.76% of the studied children have already experienced dental caries at the age of 4-5 years (1046 children). The mean dmft score was found to be 2.46 while the other 24% of children were caries-free. There was no significant difference in caries prevalence between boys and girls (77.2% versus 74.6%). Children of highly educated and college graduated mothers were found to have more fillings (restored teeth) in comparison to those who belong to mothers who did not finish their secondary (high school) education.Conclusion.The number of caries-free children in northern Palestine is still far from numbers found in developed countries. There is a real need to make improvements at the level of parents dental health education, application of preventive measures, and dietary habits among preschool children.
Regulation of TGF-βSignal Transduction
Authors: Zhao Bing , Chen Ye-Guang
Published: September 2014

Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) signaling regulates diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell plasticity, and migration. TGF-βsignaling can be mediated by Smad proteins or other signaling proteins such as MAP kinases and Akt. TGF-βsignaling is tightly regulated at different levels along the pathways to ensure its proper physiological functions in different cells and tissues. Deregulation of TGF-βsignaling has been associated with various kinds of diseases, such as cancer and tissue fibrosis. This paper focuses on our recent work on regulation of TGF-βsignaling.
Sclerosing Xanthofibroma of the Rib That Mimics a Very Aggressive Malignant Tumor of the Thoracic Wall
Authors: Caushi F. , Xhemalaj D. , Bani I. , Skenduli I. , Gega B. , Hafizi H. , Mezini A.
Published: September 2014

Sclerosing xanthofibroma is a benign lesion generally of flat bones that is thought to be caused by a reactive response to intramedullary hemorrhage following chest wall trauma. We are reporting a case of a 56-year-old man that was complaining of a dump pain on the right back and a swelling right in this place for several weeks. The radiology was suggesting an aggressive malignant tumor of the chest wall and probably metastasis in both lungs meanwhile the patient was in good state and very active. The surgery was decisive for the diagnosis that, to the fortune of the patient, it was sclerosing xanthofibroma.
Honokiol Inhibits Lung Tumorigenesis through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Pan Jing , Zhang Qi , Liu Qian , Komas Steven M. , Kalyanaraman Balaraman , Lubet Ronald A. , Wang Yian , You Ming
Published: September 2014

Honokiol is an important bioactive compound found in the bark of Magnolia tree. It is a nonadipogenic PPARγ agonist and capable of inhibiting the growth of a variety of tumor types both in vitro and in xenograft models. However, to fully appreciate the potential chemopreventive activity of honokiol, a less artificial model system is required. To that end, this study examined the chemopreventive efficacy of honokiol in an initiation model of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This model system uses the carcinogen N-nitroso-trischloroethylurea (NTCU), which is applied topically, reliably triggering the development of SCC within 24 to 26 weeks. Administration of honokiol significantly reduced the percentage of bronchial that exhibit abnormal lung SCC histology from 24.4% bronchial in control to 11.0% bronchial in honokiol-treated group (P = 0.01) while protecting normal bronchial histology (present in 20.5% of bronchial in control group and 38.5% of bronchial in honokiol-treated group. P = 0.004). P63 staining at the SCC site confirmed the lung SCCs phenotype. In vitro studies revealed that honokiol inhibited lung SCC cells proliferation, arrested cells at the G1–S cell-cycle checkpoint, while also leading to increased apoptosis. Our study showed that interfering with mitochondrial respiration is a novel mechanism by which honokiol changed redox status in the mitochondria, triggered apoptosis, and finally leads to the inhibition of lung SCC. This novel mechanism of targeting mitochondrial suggests honokiol as a potential lung SCC chemopreventive agent. Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1149–59. ©2014 AACR.
Cancer Immunoprevention—The Next Frontier
Authors: Smit Marie-Anne D. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Lutz Eric R.
Published: September 2014

Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field, but limited in its success by a high tumor burden and immune tolerance. In contrast, immunoprevention has the potential to prevent cancer before the development of immune tolerance, and to prevent cancer recurrence in the setting of minimal residual disease. Although immunoprevention for viral-induced cancers has been successful in the setting of hepatitis B and human papillomavirus vaccination, primary prevention of nonviral-induced cancers is in its infancy. In contrast, prevention of cancer recurrence after adjuvant treatment (secondary prevention) is gaining steam. This review provides an overview of the scope of research in cancer immunoprevention over the last three years and directions for future research.

See all articles in this Cancer Prevention Research collection, “Cancer Immunoprevention Series.”

Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1072–80. ©2014 AACR.
11C-Hydroxyephedrine Positron Emission Tomography in the Postoperative Management of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Yamamoto Shinji , Wassberg Cecilia , Hellman Per , Sundin Anders
Published: September 2014

Aim: Accurate detection of recurrent disease and restaging are essential in the postoperative surveillance of many patients with pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs). In this study, the impact of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) with 11C-hydroxyephedrine (HED) was evaluated for the postoperative surveillance and diagnosis of recurrent disease and for functional monitoring of locoregional and systemic therapy. Methods: One hundred and eleven HED-PET and PET/CT examinations performed in 48 patients after surgical intervention for PHEO/PGL were analyzed retrospectively. In a subgroup of 16 patients who underwent systemic and locoregional therapies, the tracer uptake in tumors was also measured as the functional volume (FV), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean) and as the total catecholamine transporter tumor volume (TCTTV) calculated as TCTTV = FV × SUVmean. The PET imaging results were correlated with CT/magnetic resonance imaging findings and biochemical and clinical follow-up data. Results: In the first postoperative examination, HED-PET was positive in 24/48 and negative in 24/48 patients with no false-positive results, yielding 92.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity. For the 16 patients, there was a significant correlation between FV and SUVmax and SUVmax and TCTTV. TCTTV correlated significantly with plasma and urinary catecholamines. In 11/16 patients, SUVmax and TCTTV increased/decreased in parallel but not in the remaining 5 patients. Conclusion: HED-PET and PET/CT were found to be valuable in the postoperative follow-up in detecting recurrent and metastatic disease. In a subgroup of patients, functional monitoring of systemic and locoregional therapies was feasible by assessing the changes of the TCTTV, and therefore warrants further prospective evaluation.
Clinical Effects of Vitamin D in Children with Asthma
Authors: Dogru Mahmut , Kirmizibekmez Heves , Yesiltepe Mutlu Rahime Gul , Aktas Alev , Ozturkmen Seda
Published: September 2014

Objective: Both asthma and vitamin D deficiency are common among children. The results from studies examining the relationship between them are contradictory. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the clinical parameters of asthma and vitamin D status in children. Methods: One hundred and twenty children diagnosed with asthma and followed-up in our hospital were included in the study. The control group included 74 children with no evidence of allergic disease. The eosinophil counts, IgE levels and serum 25 OH cholecalciferol [25(OH)D] levels were measured. Results: The patient group consisted of 73 (60.8%) males and 47 (39.2%) females with a mean age of 4.4 ± 1.2 years. There was no significant difference between the patient and control groups with respect to gender and age. The mean 25(OH)D level was 21.49 ± 7.74 ng/ml in the study group and 23.94 ± 8.97 ng/ml in the control group, and this difference was not significant (p = 0.094). The patients with asthma were grouped according to their vitamin D status as ‘deficient' (group 1), ‘insufficient' (group 2) and ‘normal' (group 3). The sociodemographic features, duration of illness, number of hospitalizations, number of sensitivities to allergens, eosinophil count and serum IgE levels were not found to be different between the groups. However, the total number of exacerbations, asthma severity and systemic glucocorticoid need in the previous year were significantly higher in the deficiency group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D levels were not significantly different in patients with asthma. Vitamin D deficiency was common in the study group as well as in the control group. The clinical severity of disease, the number of exacerbations and the systemic glucocorticoid need were related to vitamin D level. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Influence of the Oral Dissolution Time on the Absorption Rate of Locally Administered Solid Formulations for Oromucosal Use: The Flurbiprofen Lozenges Paradigm
Authors: Imberti Roberto , De Gregori Simona , Lisi Lucia , Navarra Pierluigi
Published: September 2014

Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent preferentially used for local oromucosal treatment of painful and/or inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx such as gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. In this study, we have investigated the bioavailability of a new generic formulation of flurbiprofen lozenges developed by Epifarma Srl, compared to the originator Benactiv Gola® taken as reference. Within the framework of a formal bioequivalence study, we investigated in particular the putative influence of oral dissolution time (i.e. the time spent suckling the lozenge from its intake to complete dissolution) on the absorption rate, and the contribution of this factor to the total variability of plasma flurbiprofen during absorption. We found that the amount of flurbiprofen absorbed into the systemic circulation is not significantly higher for the test drug compared to that of the reference product. We observed that the length of oral dissolution time is inversely correlated to 10-min flurbiprofen plasma levels in the test but not in the reference formulation. We estimated that oral dissolution time accounts for about 14% of overall variability in flurbiprofen plasma 10 min after test drug administration.
Impact of Genetic Variants in Human Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I (
SCARB1
) on Plasma Lipid Traits
Authors: Niemsiri Vipavee , Wang Xingbin , Pirim Dilek , Radwan Zaheda H. , Hokanson John E. , Hamman Richard F. , Barmada M. Michael , Demirci F. Yesim , Kamboh M. Ilyas
Published: September 2014

Background—

Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (
SCARB1
) plays an important role in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism in selective cholesteryl ester uptake and in free cholesterol cellular efflux.

Methods and Results—

This study aims to identify common (minor allele frequency ≥5%) and low-frequency/rare (minor allele frequency <5%) variants, using resequencing all 13 exons and exon-intron boundaries of
SCARB1
in 95 individuals with extreme HDL-C levels selected from a population-based sample of 623 US non-Hispanic whites. The sequencing step identified 44 variants, of which 11 were novel with minor allele frequency <1%. Seventy-six variants (40 sequence variants, 32 common HapMap tag single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 4 relevant variants) were selected for genotyping in the total sample of 623 subjects followed by association analyses with lipid traits. Seven variants were nominally associated with apolipoprotein B (apoB; n=4) or HDL-C (n=3;
P
<0.05). Three variants associated with apoB remained significant after controlling false discovery rate. The most significant association was observed between rs4765615 and apoB (
P
=0.0059), while rs11057844 showed the strongest association with HDL-C (
P
=0.0035). A set of 17 rare variants (minor allele frequency ≤1%) showed significant association with apoB (
P
=0.0284). Haplotype analysis revealed 4 regions significantly associated with either apoB or HDL-C.

Conclusions—

Our findings provide new information about the genetic role of
SCARB1
in affecting plasma apoB levels in addition to its established role in HDL-C metabolism.
Potentially Spurious Correlations Between Arterial Size, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Shear Rate
Authors: Veglia Fabrizio , Amato Mauro , Giovannardi Marta , Ravani Alessio , Tedesco Calogero C. , Frigerio Beatrice , Sansaro Daniela , Tremoli Elena , Baldassarre Damiano
Published: September 2014

The use of indices formed from the ratio of 2 variables often generates spurious correlations with other variables that are mathematically coupled. In this context, we examined the correlations between percent flow-mediated dilation, baseline diameter, and shear rate. In a sample of 315 participants, with and without substantial vascular risk factors, the observed correlation coefficients between the variables were of a similar magnitude to those reported in the literature. We then applied a Monte Carlo procedure based on random permutations to remove any physical or physiological explanation for these correlations. We found that the median residual correlation coefficients were comparable with those observed in our original sample. When the confounding influence of artery size was adjusted for, the mean difference in percent flow-mediated dilation between high-risk and low-risk samples was halved. These findings indicate that the widely reported correlations between flow-mediated dilation, basal artery diameter, and shear rate have a substantial spurious component. This is because percent flow-mediated dilation and shear rate are mathematically coupled to artery size.
Prognostic Value of Microalbuminuria During Antihypertensive Treatment in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Pascual Jose Maria , Rodilla Enrique , Costa Jose Antonio , Garcia-Escrich Miguel , Gonzalez Carmen , Redon Josep
Published: September 2014

Whether changes over time of urinary albumin excretion have prognostic value is a matter of discussion. The objective was to assess the prognostic value of changes in urinary albumin excretion over time in cardiovascular risk during antihypertensive treatment. Follow-up study of 2835 hypertensives in the absence of previous cardiovascular disease (mean age 55 years, 47% men, BP 138/80 mm Hg, 19.1% diabetics, and calibrated systemic coronary risk estimation 5 or >10.6%). Usual-care of antihypertensive treatment was implemented to maintain blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg. Urinary albumin excretion was assessed yearly, and the values were expressed as the creatinine ratio. Incidence of cardiovascular events, fatal and nonfatal, was recorded during the follow-up. During a median follow-up of 4.7 years (17 028 patients-year), 294 fatal and first nonfatal cardiovascular events were recorded (1.73 CVD per 100 patients/year). Independently of blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, level of cardiovascular risk, and antihypertensive treatment, microalbuminuria at baseline and at any time during the follow-up resulted in higher risk for events, hazard ratio (HR) 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.79) and HR 1.49 (95% CI, 1.14–1.94), respectively. Likewise, development of microalbuminuria (HR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46) or persistence from the beginning (1.53; 95% CI, 1.13–2.06) had a significantly higher rate of events than if remained normoalbuminuric (HR 1) or regress to normoalbuminuria (HR 1.37; 95% CI, 0.92–2.06) with an 18%, 18%, 8%, and 11% events, respectively,
P
<0.001. The study supports the value of urinary albumin excretion assessment as a prognostic factor for cardiovascular risk, but also opens the way to consider it as an intermediate objective in hypertension.