bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between 2 extracellular loops influences the activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel
Authors: Broadbent Steven D. , Wang Wuyang , Linsdell Paul
Published: August 2014

Activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel is thought to be controlled by cytoplasmic factors. However, recent evidence has shown that overall channel activity is also influenced by extracellular anions that interact directly with the extracellular loops (ECLs) of the CFTR protein. Very little is known about the structure of the ECLs or how substances interacting with these ECLs might affect CFTR function. We used patch-clamp recording to investigate the accessibility of cysteine-reactive reagents to cysteines introduced throughout ECL1 and 2 key sites in ECL4. Furthermore, interactions between ECL1 and ECL4 were investigated by the formation of disulfide crosslinks between cysteines introduced into these 2 regions. Crosslinks could be formed between R899C (in ECL4) and a number of sites in ECL1 in a manner that was dependent on channel activity, suggesting that the relative orientation of these 2 loops changes on activation. Formation of these crosslinks inhibited channel function, suggesting that relative movement of these ECLs is important to normal channel function. Implications of these findings for the effects of mutations in the ECLs that are associated with cystic fibrosis and interactions with extracellular substances that influence channel activity are discussed.
Real valuations and the limits of multivariate rational functions
Authors: Xiao Shuijing , Zeng Xiaoning , Zeng Guangxing
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the limits of multivariate rational functions with the aid of the theory of real valuations. The following is one of our main results. For two nonzero polynomials f, g ∈ ℝ[x1,…,xn] and (a1,…,an) ∈ ℝn, the (finite) limit of the rational function [Formula: see text] at (a1,…,an) does not exist if and only if (1) there exists a sequence u1(x),…,un(x) of polynomials over ℝ in one variable x such that ui(0) = ai for i = 1,…,n, g(u1(x),…,un(x)) ≠ 0, but [Formula: see text]; or (2) there exist two sequences u1(x),…,un(x) and w1(x),…,wn(x) of polynomials over ℝ in one variable x such that ui(0) = wi(0) = ai for i = 1,…,n, g(u1(x),…,un(x)) ⋅ g(w1(x),…,wn(x)) ≠ 0, but [Formula: see text].
pg-Extensions and p-Extensions with applications to C(X)
Authors: Bhattacharjee Papiya , Knox Michelle L.
Published: August 2014

Essential extensions and p-extensions have been studied for commutative rings with identity in various papers, such as [P. Bhattacharjee, M. L. Knox and W. Wm. McGovern, p-Extensions, Proceedings for the OSU-Denison Conference, AMS series Contemporary Mathematics Series (to appear); p-Embeddings, Topology Appl. 160(13) (2013) 1566–1576; R. M. Raphael, Algebraic Extensions of Commutative Regular Rings, Canad. J. Math. 22(6) (1970) 1133–1155]. The present paper applies these concepts to certain subrings of C(X). Moreover, the paper introduces a new ring extension, called a pg-extension, and determines its relation to both essential extension and p-extension. It turns out that the pg-extension R ↪ S induces a well-defined contraction map between principal ideals [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
On the graphic realization of certain monomial sequences
Authors: Imbesi Maurizio , La Barbiera Monica , Tang Zhongming
Published: August 2014

d-sequences and s-sequences are important monomial sequences. In this paper, graphs that have edge ideals with generators forming d-sequences or s-sequences are examined. Two equivalent conditions are given.
On the structure and some numerical properties of subgroups and factor-groups defined by automorphism groups
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid A. , Otal Javier , Pypka Alexander A.
Published: August 2014

A group of automorphisms A of a group G defines the A-center CG(A) of G and the A-commutator subgroup [G, A] of G that naturally extend the ordinary center and the commutator subgroup of G. In this paper we study the relationship between the factor group G/CG(A) and the subgroup [G, A] when A has finite special rank and Inn (G) ≤ A.
On Borel complexity of the isomorphism problems for graph related classes of Lie algebras and finite p-groups
Authors: Lipyanski Ruvim , Vanetik Natalia
Published: August 2014

We reduce the isomorphism problem for undirected graphs without loops to the isomorphism problems for some class of finite-dimensional 2-step nilpotent Lie algebras over a field and for some class of finite p-groups. We show that the isomorphism problem for graphs is harder than the two latter isomorphism problems in the sense of Borel reducibility. A computable analogue of Borel reducibility was introduced by S. Coskey, J. D. Hamkins, and R. Miller (2012). A relation of the isomorphism problem for undirected graphs to the well-known problem of classifying pairs of matrices over a field (up to similarity) is also studied.
A new efficient algorithm for inferring explicit hybridization networks following the Neighbor-Joining principle
Authors: Willems Matthieu , Tahiri Nadia , Makarenkov Vladimir
Published: August 2014

Several algorithms and software have been developed for inferring phylogenetic trees. However, there exist some biological phenomena such as hybridization, recombination, or horizontal gene transfer which cannot be represented by a tree topology. We need to use phylogenetic networks to adequately represent these important evolutionary mechanisms. In this article, we present a new efficient heuristic algorithm for inferring hybridization networks from evolutionary distance matrices between species. The famous Neighbor-Joining concept and the least-squares criterion are used for building networks. At each step of the algorithm, before joining two given nodes, we check if a hybridization event could be related to one of them or to both of them. The proposed algorithm finds the exact tree solution when the considered distance matrix is a tree metric (i.e. it is representable by a unique phylogenetic tree). It also provides very good hybrids recovery rates for large trees (with 32 and 64 leaves in our simulations) for both distance and sequence types of data. The results yielded by the new algorithm for real and simulated datasets are illustrated and discussed in detail.
Evaluating predictive performance of network biomarkers with network structures
Authors: Gao Shang , Karakira Ibrahim , Afra Salim , Naji Ghada , Alhajj Reda , Zeng Jia , Demetrick Douglas
Published: August 2014

Network is a powerful structure which reveals valuable characteristics of the underlying data. However, previous work on evaluating the predictive performance of network-based biomarkers does not take nodal connectedness into account. We argue that it is necessary to maximize the benefit from the network structure by employing appropriate techniques. To address this, we aim to learn a weight coefficient for each node in the network from the quantitative measure such as gene expression data. The weight coefficients are computed from an optimization problem which minimizes the total weighted difference between nodes in a network structure; this can be expressed in terms of graph Laplacian. After obtaining the coefficient vector for the network markers, we can then compute the corresponding network predictor. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by conducting experiments using published breast cancer biomarkers with three patient cohorts. Network markers are first grouped based on GO terms related to cancer hallmarks. We compare the predictive performance of each network marker group across gene expression datasets. We also evaluate the network predictor against the average method for feature aggregation. The reported results show that the predictive performance of network markers is generally not consistent across patient cohorts.
Rule-based integration of RNA-Seq analyses tools for identification of novel transcripts
Authors: Inamdar Harshal , Datta Avik , Manjari K Sunitha , Joshi Rajendra
Published: August 2014

Recent evidences suggest that a substantial amount of genome is transcribed more than that was anticipated, giving rise to a large number of unknown or novel transcripts. Identification of novel transcripts can provide key insights into understanding important cellular functions as well as molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases like cancer. RNA-Seq has emerged as a powerful tool to detect novel transcripts, which previous profiling techniques failed to identify. A number of tools are available for enabling identification of novel transcripts at different levels. Read mappers such as TopHat, MapSplice, and SOAPsplice predict novel junctions, which are the indicators of novel transcripts. Cufflinks assembles novel transcripts based on alignment information and Oases performs de novo construction of transcripts. A common limitation of all these tools is prediction of sizable number of spurious or false positive (FP) novel transcripts. An approach that integrates information from all above sources and simultaneously scrutinizes FPs to correctly identify authentic novel transcripts of high confidence is proposed.
Hopf algebroids associated to Jacobi algebras
Authors: Rovi Ana
Published: August 2014

We give examples of Lie–Rinehart algebras whose universal enveloping algebra is not a Hopf algebroid either in the sense of Böhm and Szlachányi or in the sense of Lu. These examples are constructed as quotients of a canonical Lie–Rinehart algebra over a Jacobi algebra which does admit an antipode.
EFFECT OF MACROMOLECULAR COUPLING AGENT PMMA-b-PVTES ON STABILIZING NANO-Si3N4
Authors: ZHU HUI , CHEN PENG , XIA RU , QIAN JIASHENG , MIAO JIBIN , YANG BIN , SU LIFEN
Published: August 2014

Poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(vinyltriethoxysilane) (PMMA-b-PVTES) are synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and used as macromolecular coupling agents to modify silicon nitride nanoparticles (nano- Si 3 N 4). The chemical composition of copolymers PMMA-b-PVTES and modified nano- Si 3 N 4 are confirmed by various characterization techniques. The modified nano- Si 3 N 4 shows excellent hydrophobic nature, which make nanoparticles (NPs) stably disperse in organic solvent. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), particle size testing, contact angle measuring and sedimentation experiment are employed to examine the dispersion of modified nano- Si 3 N 4 in chloroform. By comparing the effects of copolymers with varied number-average molecular weight (Mn) and block length ratio on stabilizing nano- Si 3 N 4, we discussed the mechanism of macromolecular coupling agent stabilizing NPs. In our experiments, the copolymer PMMA88-b-PVTES17 is found to be the most effective macromolecular coupling agent for stabilizing nano- Si 3 N 4.
A randomized sorting algorithm on the BSP model
Authors: Gerbessiotis Alexandros V. , Siniolakis Constantinos J.
Published: August 2014

An oversampling-based randomized algorithm is introduced for sorting n keys of any abstract data type on the p processors of a latency-tolerant parallel system such as a bulk-synchronous parallel computer. The algorithm is asymptotically, for large n, optimal in computation and communication compared to the best available sequential sorting algorithm, even when constant factors are taken into consideration. Its parallel time is within a (1 + o(1))/p multiplicative factor of the corresponding sequential method for sorting, improving upon other approaches for a wider range of values of p relative to n. It also improves upon other randomized sorting algorithms that have been developed for latency-tolerant models of computation on the amount of parallel slack (ratio n over p) required to achieve optimal speedup and also, on the associated failure probability. For values of p closer to n than other latency-tolerant randomized approaches, it can be turned into a PRAM-like algorithm but for such cases a speedup of O(p) rather than p/(1 + o(1)) is then achievable. Although the general framework of the proposed algorithm relies on the well-established prior idea of sample-based sorting, there are some novel features in its design such as the choice of splitter size, the way keys are split, and the handling of the base case of the recursive sorting algorithm that contribute to its performance.
THE BEAR MARKET IN CHINA: WHICH TRADES PUSH THE STOCK PRICES DOWN?
Authors: CAI JINGHAN , OUYANG HONGBING , WONG MICHAEL CHAK SHAM
Published: August 2014

This paper considers informed traders' trading strategy in a bear market. Known as stealth trading, informed traders use medium-size trades, which tend to contain more information than small and large trades, and have stronger impact on stock price movement. Using the transaction data provided by CSMAR database, we document the strong pattern of stealth trading in the Chinese stock market from June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2005, which is: (1) an order-driven market; (2) a market that has only limit orders; (3) a bear market; (4) a market with no corresponding derivative market and (5) a market with short-sale constraint. The empirical results add further evidence on stealth trading, in which informed traders tend to use medium-size trades, supported by the evidence that price movements are mainly due to medium-size trades. We find that the pattern in a bear market is highly consistent with that in a bull market. It is further documented that there is strong interaction between the stealth trading hypothesis and the order imbalance hypothesis, suggesting that the order imbalance effect should be considered when confirming the existence of stealth trading, or the levels of stealth trading.
Tidal Dissipation in Stars and Giant Planets
Authors: Ogilvie Gordon I.
Published: August 2014

Astrophysical fluid bodies that orbit close to one another induce tidal distortions and flows that are subject to dissipative processes. The spin and orbital motions undergo a coupled evolution over astronomical timescales, which is relevant for many types of binary star, short-period extrasolar planetary systems, and the satellites of the giant planets in the Solar System. I review the principal mechanisms that have been discussed for tidal dissipation in stars and giant planets in both linear and nonlinear regimes. I also compare the expectations based on theoretical models with recent observational findings.
Detection of insulin granule exocytosis by an electrophysiology method with high temporal resolution reveals enlarged insulin granule pool in BIG3-knockout mice
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Hongyu , Gounko Natalia V. , Zhou Zhuan , Xu Aimin , Hong Wanjin , Han Weiping
Published: August 2014

We recently identified BIG3 as a negative regulator of insulin granule biogenesis and reported increased insulin secretion in BIG3-knockout (BKO) mice. To pinpoint the site of action for BIG3, we investigated whether BIG3 regulates quantal insulin granule exocytosis. We established an assay to detect insulin granule exocytosis by recording ATP-elicited currents at high temporal resolution by patch clamp. Similarly to insulin, ATP release was increased in BKO β-cells. Although the frequency of insulin granule exocytosis was increased in BKO β-cells, quantal size or release kinetics remained unchanged. Electron microscopy studies showed that the number of insulin granules was increased by >60% in BKO β-cells. However, the number of morphologically docked granules was unaltered. The number of insulin granules having significant distances away from plasma membrane was greatly increased in BKO β-cells. Thus, BIG3 negatively regulates insulin granule exocytosis by restricting insulin granule biogenesis without the release kinetics of individual granules at the final exocytotic steps being affected. Depletion of BIG3 leads to an enlarged releasable pool of insulin granules, which accounts for increased release frequency and consequently increased insulin secretion.
Duifhuis pitch: neuromagnetic representation and auditory modeling
Authors: Andermann Martin , Patterson Roy D. , Geldhauser Michael , Sieroka Norman , Rupp André
Published: August 2014

When a high harmonic is removed from a cosine-phase harmonic complex, we hear a sine tone pop out of the perception; the sine tone has the pitch of the high harmonic, while the tone complex has the pitch of its fundamental frequency, f0. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as Duifhuis Pitch (DP). This paper describes, for the first time, the cortical representation of DP observed with magnetoencephalography. In experiment 1, conditions that produce the perception of a DP were observed to elicit a classic onset response in auditory cortex (P1m, N1m, P2m), and an increment in the sustained field (SF) established in response to the tone complex. Experiment 2 examined the effect of the phase spectrum of the complex tone on the DP activity: Schroeder-phase negative waves elicited a transient DP complex with a similar shape to that observed with cosine-phase waves but with much longer latencies. Following the transient DP activity, the responses of the negative and positive Schroeder-phase waves converged, and the increment in the SF slowly died away. In the absence of DP, the two Schroeder-phase conditions with low peak factors both produced larger SFs than cosine-phase waves with large peak factors. A model of the auditory periphery that includes coupling between adjacent frequency channels is used to explain the early neuromagnetic activity observed in auditory cortex.
A Hybrid Subgradient Algorithm for Finding a Common Solution of an Equilibrium Problem and a Family of Strict Pseudocontraction Mappings
Authors: Thailert Ekkarath , Wangkeeree Rabian , Khantree Chanoksuda
Published: August 2014

We propose a new strongly convergent algorithm for finding a common point in the solution set of a class of pseudomonotone equilibrium problems and the set of common fixed points of a family of strict pseudocontraction mappings in a real Hilbert space. The strong convergence theorem of proposed algorithms is investigated without the Lipschitz condition for the bifunctions. Our results complement many known recent results in the literature.
The Protective Effects of Curcumin on Experimental Acute Liver Lesion Induced by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion through Inhibiting the Pathway of NF-κB in a Rat Model
Authors: Fan Zhe , Jing Huirong , Yao Jihong , Li Yang , Hu Xiaowei , Shao Huizhu , Shen Gang , Pan Jiyong , Luo Fuwen , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: August 2014

Objective.In this study, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of curcumin on a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which induces an acute liver lesion.Methods.Curcumin was injected into rats in the curcumin groups through left femoral vein. The same volume of vehicle (0.9% normal saline) was injected into sham and I/R groups. Blood and liver tissue were gathered for serological and histopathological determination.Results.Intestinal I/R led to severe liver injury manifested as a significant increase in serum AST and ALT levels; all of those were reduced by treatment with curcumin. Simultaneously, the activity of SOD in liver decreased after intestinal I/R, which was increased by curcumin treatment. On the other hand, curcumin reduced MPO activity of liver tissue, as well as serum IL-6 and TNF-αlevels observably. This is in parallel with the decreased level of liver intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression.Conclusion.Our findings suggest that curcumin treatment attenuates liver lesion induced by intestinal I/R, attributable to the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
QKSpaces on the Unit Circle
Authors: Zhou Jizhen
Published: August 2014

We introduce a new spaceQK(∂D)of Lebesgue measurable functions on the unit circle connecting closely with the Sobolev space. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition onKsuch thatQK(∂D)=BMO(∂D), as well as a general criterion on weight functionsK1andK2,K1≤K2, such thatQK1(∂D)QK2(∂D). We also prove that a measurable function belongs toQK(∂D)if and only if it is Möbius bounded in the Sobolev spaceLK2(∂D). Finally, we obtain a dyadic characterization of functions inQK(∂D)spaces in terms of dyadic arcs on the unit circle.
Space-Time Fractional Diffusion-Advection Equation with Caputo Derivative
Authors: Aguilar José Francisco Gómez , Hernández Margarita Miranda
Published: August 2014

An alternative construction for the space-time fractional diffusion-advection equation for the sedimentation phenomena is presented. The order of the derivative is considered as0<β,γ≤1for the space and time domain, respectively. The fractional derivative of Caputo type is considered. In the spatial case we obtain the fractional solution for the underdamped, undamped, and overdamped case. In the temporal case we show that the concentration has amplitude which exhibits an algebraic decay at asymptotically large times and also shows numerical simulations where both derivatives are taken in simultaneous form. In order that the equation preserves the physical units of the system two auxiliary parametersσxandσtare introduced characterizing the existence of fractional space and time components, respectively. A physical relation between these parameters is reported and the solutions in space-time are given in terms of the Mittag-Leffler function depending on the parametersβandγ. The generalization of the fractional diffusion-advection equation in space-time exhibits anomalous behavior.
A Note on the Rate of Strong Convergence for Weighted Sums of Arrays of Rowwise Negatively Orthant Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Zhang Qingxia , Wang Dingcheng
Published: August 2014

Let{Xni;i≥1,n≥1}be an array of rowwise negatively orthant dependent (NOD) random variables. The authors discuss the rate of strong convergence for weighted sums of arrays of rowwise NOD random variables and solve an open problem posed by Huang and Wang (2012).
MRILDU: An Improvement to ILUT Based on Incomplete LDU Factorization and Dropping in Multiple Rows
Authors: Wu Jian-Ping , Ma Huai-Fa
Published: August 2014

We provide an improvement MRILDU to ILUT for general sparse linear systems in the paper. The improvement is based on the consideration that relatively large elements should be kept down as much as possible. To do so, two schemes are used. Firstly, incomplete LDU factorization is used instead of incomplete LU. Besides, multiple rows are computed at a time, and then dropping is applied to these rows to extract the relatively large elements in magnitude. Incomplete LDU is not only fairer when there are large differences between the elements of factorsLandU, but also more natural for the latter dropping in multiple rows. And the dropping in multiple rows is more profitable, for there may be large differences between elements in different rows in each factor. The provided MRILDU is comparable to ILUT in storage requirement and computational complexity. And the experiments for spare linear systems from UF Sparse Matrix Collection, inertial constrained fusion simulation, numerical weather prediction, and concrete sample simulation show that it is more effective than ILUT in most cases and is not as sensitive as ILUT to the parameterp, the maximum number of nonzeros allowed in each row of a factor.
Oral Health Status and Oromucosal Lesions in Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in India: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Mishra Prashant , Warhekar Shilpa , Airen Bhuvnesh , Jain Deepika , Godha Shaijal
Published: August 2014

Oral health status of HIV positive individuals is in poor condition which may be a sequela of variety of factors. This study was aimed at assessing and comparing the oral health status and oromucosal lesions between HIV positive and negative individuals in India. A total of 126 HIV positive and 532 HIV negative individuals were recruited for the study. Oral health status and oromucosal lesions were recorded using WHO oral health assessment form (1997). Data was analyzed using chi-square and independent sample student’sttest. Majority (85.7%) of people suffering from HIV belonged to lower socioeconomic status. The mean for DMFT score was found to be significantly higher in HIV positive individuals (12.83±9.6) as compared to HIV negative individuals (8.34±7.6) (Pvalue<0.0001). Nearly 75% of HIV positive individuals showed oromucosal lesions with candidiasis (36%) being the most common. Nearly 50% of HIV positive individuals had community periodontal index (CPI) and loss of attachment (LOA) score >2. In conclusion HIV positive individuals have poor oral health status and poor periodontal status compared to control group. Effective policies need to be drafted to take care of the oral health of this high risk group.
Clinical Features and Outcome of Mucormycosis
Authors: Camara-Lemarroy Carlos Rodrigo , González-Moreno Emmanuel Irineo , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René , Rendón-Ramírez Erick Joel , Ayala-Cortés Ana Sofía , Fraga-Hernández Martha Lizeth , García-Labastida Laura , Galarza-Delgado Dionicio Ángel
Published: August 2014

Mucormycosis (MCM) is a life-threatening infection that carries high mortality rates despite recent advances in its diagnosis and treatment. The objective was to report 14 cases of mucormycosis infection and review the relevant literature. We retrospectively analyzed the demographic and clinical data of 14 consecutive patients that presented with MCM in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in northern Mexico. The mean age of the patients was 39.9 (range 5–65). Nine of the patients were male. Ten patients had diabetes mellitus as the underlying disease, and 6 patients had a hematological malignancy (acute leukemia). Of the diabetic patients, 3 had chronic renal failure and 4 presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. All patients had rhinocerebral involvement. In-hospital mortality was 50%. All patients received medical therapy with polyene antifungals and 11 patients underwent surgical therapy. Survivors were significantly younger and less likely to have diabetes than nonsurvivors, and had higher levels of serum albumin on admission. The clinical outcome of patients with MCM is poor. Uncontrolled diabetes and age are negative prognostic factors.
How Much Asymmetry of Colliding Pair Affects Nuclear Dynamics at Balance Point?
Authors: Goyal Supriya
Published: August 2014

Using the quantum molecular dynamics model, we study the nuclear dynamics at the balance energy of mass asymmetric colliding nuclei by keeping the total mass of the system fixed and by varying the mass asymmetry (η = (AT-AP)/(AT+AP), where AT and AP are the masses of the target and projectile, resp.) of the reaction. In particular, we study the various quantities like average and maximum density and temperature, collision rate, participant-spectator matter, anisotropic ratio, relative momentum, and their mass asymmetry and mass dependence. Our results indicate sizeable effect of mass asymmetry on these quantities.
Clinical Features and Genetic Analysis of 20 Chinese Patients with X-Linked Hyper-IgM Syndrome
Authors: Wang Lin-Lin , Zhou Wei , Zhao Wei , Tian Zhi-Qing , Wang Wei-Fan , Wang Xiao-Fang , Chen Tong-Xin
Published: August 2014

X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is one type of primary immunodeficiency diseases, resulting from defects in the CD40 ligand/CD40 signaling pathways. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and molecular features of 20 Chinese patients diagnosed and followed up in hospitals affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 1999 to 2013. The median onset age of these patients was 8.5 months (range: 20 days–21 months). Half of them had positive family histories, with a shorter diagnosis lag. The most common symptoms were recurrent sinopulmonary infections (18 patients, 90%), neutropenia (14 patients, 70%), oral ulcer (13 patients, 65%), and protracted diarrhea (13 patients, 65%). Six patients had BCGitis. Six patients received hematopoietic stem cell transplantations and four of them had immune reconstructions and clinical remissions. Eighteen unique mutations inCD40Lgene were identified in these 20 patients from 19 unrelated families, with 12 novel mutations. We compared with reported mutation results and used bioinformatics software to predict the effects of mutations on the target protein. These mutations reflected the heterogeneity ofCD40Lgene and expanded our understanding of XHIGM.
The Effects of Soothing Techniques and Rough-and-Tumble Play on the Early Development of Temperament: A Longitudinal Study of Infants
Authors: Nakagawa Atsuko , Sukigara Masune
Published: August 2014

A total of 189 infants (93 girls, 96 boys) were investigated longitudinally at ages 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months to examine the effects of soothing techniques (i.e., distracting infants by presenting novel objects) and rough-and-tumble play on the early development of temperament, particularly the emergence of Effortful Control. We used questionnaires to examine the frequency of use of soothing techniques and rough-and-tumble play. The Infant Behavior Questionnaire Revised (IBQ-R) and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ) were used to assess temperament. A strong relationship was found between parental ratings of their infant's Orienting/Regulation and later Effortful Control. Caregivers’ use of distracting as a soothing technique during infancy was associated with higher Negative Affect in toddlers at 24 months. More surgent infants were involved in more rough-and-tumble play, with rough-and-tumble play frequencies positively correlated with surgency scores at 24 months.
The Model of Distributor Chain Financing Based on Buy Back Guarantee Contract
Authors: Chen Jian-xin , Chen Jia-yin
Published: August 2014

This paper considers the strategy employed by a buy back guarantee contract with a capital-constrained distributor and a core enterprise. The distributor faces a nonnegative random demand, and the core enterprise applies buy back guarantee contract in order to interact with the capital-constrained distributor. Mathematical model is built to get the optimal ordering quantity of the distributor and the optimal wholesale price of the core enterprise. Then sensitivity analysis of optimal ordering quantity is obtained about the wholesale price, the initial funds, and the salvage of the product. On that basis, the comparison is made between two financing modes—trade credit contract and buy back guarantee contract. In the end, a numerical analysis is illustrated. The results show that the different financing modes bring the different expected profits to supply chain system with the different initial funds, finding that the financing modes, buy back guarantee contract discussed in the paper, can create more value for supply chain system than trade credit contract.
Metformin Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis through Reciprocal Regulation of Th17/Treg Balance and Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Son Hye-Jin , Lee Jennifer , Lee Seon-Yeong , Kim Eun-Kyung , Park Min-Jung , Kim Kyoung-Woon , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: August 2014

Metformin is widely used to suppress certain functions of the cells found in diseases including diabetes and obesity. In this study, the effects of metformin on downregulating IL-17-producing T (Th17) cells, activating and upregulating regulatory T (Treg) cells, suppressing osteoclastogenesis, and clinically scoring collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were investigated. To evaluate the effect of metformin on CIA, mice were orally fed with either metformin or saline as control three times a week for nine weeks. Histological analysis of the joints was performed using immunohistochemistry and Th17 cells and Treg cells of the spleen tissue were examined by confocal microscopy staining. Metformin mitigated the severity of CIA, reduced serum immunoglobulin concentrations, and reciprocally regulated Th17/Treg axis. Also, metformin treatment of normal cells cultured in Th17 conditions decreased the number of Th17 cells and increased the number of Treg cells. Metformin decreased gene expression and osteoclastogenic activity in CIA and normal mice. These results indicate that metformin had immunomodulatory actions influencing anti-inflammatory action on CIA through the inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation and the upregulation of Treg cell differentiation along with the suppression of osteoclast differentiation. Our results suggest that metformin may be a potential therapeutic for rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparison of Mammographic Density Assessed as Volumes and Areas among Women Undergoing Diagnostic Image-Guided Breast Biopsy
Authors: Gierach Gretchen L. , Geller Berta M. , Shepherd John A. , Patel Deesha A. , Vacek Pamela M. , Weaver Donald L. , Chicoine Rachael E. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Fan Bo , Mahmoudzadeh Amir Pasha , Wang Jeff , Johnson Jason M. , Herschorn Sally D. , Brinton Louise A. , Sherman Mark E.
Published: August 2014

Background: Mammographic density (MD), the area of non–fatty-appearing tissue divided by total breast area, is a strong breast cancer risk factor. Most MD analyses have used visual categorizations or computer-assisted quantification, which ignore breast thickness. We explored MD volume and area, using a volumetric approach previously validated as predictive of breast cancer risk, in relation to risk factors among women undergoing breast biopsy.

Methods: Among 413 primarily white women, ages 40 to 65 years, undergoing diagnostic breast biopsies between 2007 and 2010 at an academic facility in Vermont, MD volume (cm3) was quantified in craniocaudal views of the breast contralateral to the biopsy target using a density phantom, whereas MD area (cm2) was measured on the same digital mammograms using thresholding software. Risk factor associations with continuous MD measurements were evaluated using linear regression.

Results: Percent MD volume and area were correlated (r = 0.81) and strongly and inversely associated with age, body mass index (BMI), and menopause. Both measures were inversely associated with smoking and positively associated with breast biopsy history. Absolute MD measures were correlated (r = 0.46) and inversely related to age and menopause. Whereas absolute dense area was inversely associated with BMI, absolute dense volume was positively associated.

Conclusions: Volume and area MD measures exhibit some overlap in risk factor associations, but divergence as well, particularly for BMI.

Impact: Findings suggest that volume and area density measures differ in subsets of women; notably, among obese women, absolute density was higher with volumetric methods, suggesting that breast cancer risk assessments may vary for these techniques. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2338–48. ©2014 AACR.
Biomarkers for Personalizing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dosing
Authors: Jiang Yan , Djuric Zora , Sen Ananda , Ren Jianwei , Kuklev Dmitry , Waters Ian , Zhao Lili , Uhlson Charis L. , Hong Yu H. , Murphy Robert C. , Normolle Daniel P. , Smith William L. , Brenner Dean E.
Published: August 2014

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. PGE2 in colon tissue can be reduced by increasing dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The dose-dependent relationships between dietary EPA, serum EPA:arachidonate (AA) ratio, urinary PGE2 metabolites, and colonic eicosanoids were evaluated to develop biomarkers for prediction of colonic PGE2. Male rats were fed diets containing EPA:ω6 fatty acid ratios of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 for 5 weeks. Increasing the dietary EPA:ω6 fatty acid ratio increased EPA:AA ratios in serum and in the proximal, transverse, and distal colon (P < 0.001). The urinary PGE2 metabolite was reduced (P = 0.006). EPA-rich diets reduced colonic tissue PGE2 concentrations by 58% to 66% and increased PGE3 by 19- to 28-fold. Other AA–derived eicosanoids were reduced by 35% to 83%. The changes were not linear, with the largest changes in eicosanoids observed with the lower doses. A mathematical model predicts colonic tissue eicosanoids from the EPA:AA ratio in serum and the EPA dose. Every 10% increase in serum EPA:AA was associated with a 2% decrease in the (geometric) mean of PGE2 in the distal colon. These mathematical relationships can now be applied to individualized EPA dosing in clinical trials. Cancer Prev Res; 7(10); 1011–22. ©2014 AACR.
Using Modified RECIST and Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels to Assess Treatment Benefit in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Raoul Jean-Luc , Park Joong-Won , Kang Yoon-Koo , Finn Richard S , Kim Jun Suk , Yeo Winnie , Polite Blasé N , Chao Yee , Walters Ian , Baudelet Christine , Lencioni Riccardo
Published: August 2014

Background and Aims: Assessing treatment responses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging, and alternative radiologic methods of measuring treatment response are required. Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) for HCC and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were assessed in a post hoc analysis of a phase II study of brivanib, a selective dual inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Methods: HCC patients were treated with first-line (cohort A; n = 55) or second-line (cohort B; n = 46) brivanib alaninate 800 mg once daily. Outcomes were compared between World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and (retrospectively by) mRECIST by independent review. The relationship between on-study AFP changes and outcome was analyzed in patients with elevated AFP at baseline. Results: Response rates were higher with mRECIST versus WHO criteria in cohorts A (25.5% vs. 7.3%) and B (10.9% vs. 4.3%). Progressive disease (PD) as assessed by mRECIST was associated with a very short median overall survival (OS; cohort A, 2.8 months; cohort B, 5.3 months); PD as assessed by WHO criteria reflected a mixed population of patients with better outcomes. mRECIST responders tended to have a>50% AFP decrease during therapy. In cohorts A and B pooled, an early AFP response (>20%or >50% decline from baseline within the first 4 weeks) was not associated with longer median OS. Conclusions: Tumor response as assessed by mRECIST differed from that by WHO criteria, with mRECIST possibly identifying true nonresponders with a poor prognosis. Many patients had AFP decreases correlating with tumor shrinkage, yet an association with long-term benefit was unclear. mRECIST and on-treatment AFP levels are being explored further with brivanib in HCC.
The Impact of the Reference Imaging Modality, Registration Method and Intraoperative Flat-Panel Computed Tomography on the Accuracy of the ROSA® Stereotactic Robot
Authors: Lefranc Michel , Capel Cyril , Pruvot Anne Sophie , Fichten Anthony , Desenclos Christine , Toussaint Patrick , Le Gars Daniel , Peltier Johan
Published: August 2014

Objective: To establish the impact of the imaging modality, registration method and use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan on the accuracy of the ROSA® stereotactic robot. Methods: Using a dedicated phantom device, we measured the accuracy of the stereotactic robot for 20 targets as a function of the registration method (frameless, FL, or frame-based, FB) and the reference imaging modality (3T magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, CT scanner or flat-panel CT, fpCT). We performed a retrospective study of the accuracy of the first 26 FB and 31 FL robotized stereotactic surgeries performed in our department. Results: In a phantom study, the mean target accuracy was 1.59 mm for 3T MRI-guided FL surgery, 0.3 mm for fpCT-guided FL surgery and 0.3 mm for CT-guided FB surgery. In our retrospective series, the mean accuracy was 0.81 mm for FB stereotactic surgery, 1.22 mm for our 24 stereotactic surgery procedures with FL (surface recognition) registration and 0.7 mm for our 7 stereotactic surgery procedures with FL fiducial marker registration. Intraoperative fpCT fully corrected all the registration errors. Conclusions: The ROSA stereotactic robot is highly accurate. Robotized FB stereotactic surgery is more accurate than robotized FL stereotactic surgery.
Safety and Efficacy of Retropubic or Transobturator Midurethral Slings in a Randomized Cohort of Turkish Women
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Mangir Naside , Sahan Ahmet , Tanidir Yiloren , Sulukaya Muhammed , İlker Yalcin
Published: August 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retropubic (RP) or transobturator (TO) midurethral slings (MUS) in a prospective randomized cohort of Turkish women. Patients and Methods: A total of 54 women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were randomized to undergo either RP or TO MUS between August 2006 and February 2013 in a tertiary referral center by a single surgeon. All patients had history, physical examination, urodynamic evaluation and quality of life assessments. The validated Turkish versions of the SEAPI, ICIQ-SF and OAB-V8 questionnaires were used. The Advantage® RP and the Obtryx® TO MUS Systems were used for all RP and TO procedures. Results: Twenty-seven patients were randomized to each group. The median follow-up was 48.5 ± 21.8 months. The median hospital stay was 24.0 ± 4.8 h and median operative time was 35.0 ± 19.9 min. The overall objective and subjective cure rates were 92.6 and 79.6%, respectively. The quality of life of all patients significantly increased after the operation compared to their preoperative status. Patients with a poorer subjective cure rate were those with mixed urinary incontinence, whose preoperative SEAPI and OAB-V8 scores were significantly higher. Conclusion: MUS surgery is highly effective and could safely be performed in a cohort of Turkish women with SUI in subspecialty centers by experienced surgeons. There is no significant difference between RP or TO applications in terms of safety and efficacy. Further studies with long-term follow-up data are required.
45,X Karyotype in an Infertile Man: How Is This Possible?
Authors: Amaro Aline , Mafra Fernanda Abani , Valada Pane Caio Eduardo , Kulikowski Leslie D. , Bianco Bianca , Barbosa Caio Parente , Christofolini Denise Maria
Published: August 2014

The case was male, 32 years old, with a nonobstructive azoospermia diagnosis and an initial 45,X karyotype. We evaluated by classical cytogenetic methods, C and NOR banding, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction investigations. After investigation, we found the following karyotype: 45,X,dic(Y;22)(q11.223;p11.2). This investigation contributes to our understanding of how chromosome rearrangements can influence fertility processes and how important it is to perform a cytogenetic analysis in infertility cases.
Clinical Outcome of Patients with Lymph Node-Positive Prostate Cancer following Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Muck Alexander , Langesberg Christian , Mugler Michael , Rahnenführer Jörg , Wullich Bernd , Schafhauser Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcome after extended sentinel lymph node dissection (eSLND) and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Subjects and Methods: From August 2002 until February 2011, a total of 819 patients with clinically localized PCa, confirmed by biopsy, were treated with RRP plus eSLND. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Various histopathological parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Lymph node (LN) metastases occurred in 140 patients. We removed an average of 10.9 LNs via eSLND from patients with pN1 PCa. Postoperatively, 121 pN1 patients temporarily received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. The mean survival periods for RFS, RFS after secondary treatment, CSS, and OS were 4.7, 7.0, 8.8, and 8.1 years, respectively. The cancer-specific death rate of the 140 pN1 patients was 13.6%. RFS, CSS, and OS were significantly correlated with pathological margin status, LN density, the total diameter of evident metastases, and membership in the subgroup ‘micrometastases only'. Conclusion: Despite the presence of LN metastases, patients with a low nodal tumor burden demonstrate a remarkable clinical outcome after undergoing eSLND and RRP, thus suggesting a potential curative therapeutic approach.
An Unusually Severe Case of Dermatosis Neglecta: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Irma Margarita , Muñoz-Garza Fania Zamantta , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge
Published: August 2014

Dermatosis neglecta is a condition secondary to lack of cleanliness, characterized by the formation of hyperkeratotic plaques located in a particular region of the body, usually due to a disability, and it is considered a diagnostic challenge because it can mimic other entities. We present the case of an 18-year-old woman with a 2-month history of progressive brown verrucous plaque in her face. Our first impression was seborrheic dermatitis and she was treated with facial cleanser soap and topic hydrocortisone 1%. One month later, she arrived with new lesions. Because of this our diagnosis changed to Darier's disease versus seborrheic pemphigus versus foliaceus pemphigus. Histopathology and immunofluorescence studies were compatible with seborrheic dermatitis. The patient complained of depression and social withdrawal and denied facial cleansing. Facial cleansing was performed during consultation presenting resolution of the lesions, which confirmed the diagnosis of dermatosis neglecta. Dermatosis neglecta is a disease that can be frequently misdiagnosed, since it has many differential diagnoses, such as hyperkeratotic syndromes. It should be recognized early and aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic methods should be avoided.
Prognostic Implications of the Systolic to Diastolic Duration Ratio in Children With Idiopathic or Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mondal Tapas , Slorach Cameron , Manlhiot Cedric , Hui Wei , Kantor Paul F. , McCrindle Brian W. , Mertens Luc , Friedberg Mark K.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Childhood dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) carries high morbidity and mortality. The echocardiographic systolic to diastolic (S:D) duration ratio, an indicator of global cardiac performance, is elevated in DCM; however, its prognostic implications have not been investigated in this population.

Methods and Results—

We investigated systolic and diastolic durations and the resultant S:D ratio using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in children with idiopathic or familial DCM. We studied serial echocardiograms from presentation until the last follow-up echo. Results were compared with heart rate–matched controls and between DCM subgroups based on an acute or insidious presentation. The association between S:D ratio and death or need for transplant was analyzed. All analyses were adjusted for repeated measures per patient. We studied 200 serial echocardiograms of 48 children with DCM (7.0±6.0 years) and 25 controls. Adjusted for repeated measures through a compound symmetry covariance structure, the S:D ratio was higher in DCM patients (−0.425 [0.072];
P
<0.001) because of shortened diastole. A S:D ratio >1.2 at presentation and on serial evaluation was associated with a hazard ratio of 10.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.9–27.8;
P
<0.001) for death or transplant. In combined multivariable analysis, a S:D ratio >1.2 remained significantly associated with hazard of death/transplant (hazard ratio, 9.1;
P
=0.04) after adjustment for ejection fraction (hazard ratio: 2.2 per −10%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

A high S:D ratio is associated with increased risk for death or need for transplant in children with DCM across the spectrum of heart rates and may be a useful prognostic index for serial evaluation of children with DCM.