bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iranian Women’s Sports Fandom
Authors: Toffoletti Kim
Published: December 2012

As sport enters new global territories, attending to questions of cultural difference is increasingly important to studies of women’s sports fanship. This article draws on theories of transnational feminism and feminist sports scholarship to contemplate the cinematic portrayal of the non-Western female football supporter. Women sports fans rarely appear as film protagonists, with the notable exception of the 2006 movie Offside, which tells the story of Iranian women soccer fans attending a World Cup qualifying match. By focusing on the ways that women fans negotiate their marginal status in the sporting arena, I argue that the film unsettles cultural associations between masculinity and football in Iran, and confounds the oppositional construction of the “other” woman as a passive victim of, or freedom fighter against, Islam.
Cognitive Responses in Advice Planning
Authors: Shi Xiaowei
Published: December 2012

This study reports a cognitive-response-based analysis of advice planning. Through an examination of full-time employees’ thought generation pattern when they plan to offer suggestions to their supervisor (Study I), this study identifies five distinct types of thoughts involved in advice planning and provides evidence of the association between thoughts (e.g., assessment, goal-oriented, and caution) and message qualities. These results are replicated in Study II when the same data collection procedure is used to examine advice planning in a friendship context. While advice message qualities are determined to a certain extent by advice givers’ thought content, results from Studies I and II also suggest that such a process is further moderated by people’s cognitive elaboration. That is, heightened degree of effortful thinking in deciding how to give advice, as compared with low effortful thinking, results in a greater number of caution thoughts and advice messages that contain a larger number and more diverse set of reasons.
The Biomechanical Stability of Distal Clavicle Excision Versus Symmetric Acromioclavicular Joint Resection
Authors: Pandhi Nikhil G. , Esquivel Amanda O. , Hanna Jason D. , Lemos David W. , Staron Jeffrey S. , Lemos Stephen E.
Published: December 2012

Background:

Treatment for acromioclavicular (AC) joint pain may include distal clavicle excision (DCE). It is possible that DCE can disrupt the surrounding ligaments, leading to increased AC joint laxity.

Purpose:

To determine the load to failure and stiffness of the AC joint after DCE and symmetric acromioclavicular joint resection (ACJR).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Specimens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: 1-cm DCE (n = 10) or symmetric (5-mm excision of acromion and distal clavicle) ACJR (n = 10). The specimens were loaded intact in the anterior-posterior plane to determine anteroposterior translation. This was repeated after surgery and compared. The specimens were loaded at 2 mm/s until clinical failure. Force and displacement were recorded, and stiffness was calculated.

Results:

The peak load to failure for the DCE group was 387.8 N (standard error of the mean [SEM], 31.4 N) and for the ACJR group was 468.5 N (SEM, 30.9 N) ( P = .035). The average stiffness for the DCE group was 35.2 N/mm (SEM, 2.5 N/mm) and for the ACJR group was 37.4 N/mm (SEM, 2.3 N/mm) ( P = .11). There was no significant difference in the anteroposterior translation before and after resection for either group ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

This cadaveric study demonstrates that the anterior-posterior load to clinical failure of the AC joint after 5 mm of resection from the distal clavicle and medial acromion is significantly greater than 1 cm of the resected distal clavicle alone.

Clinical Relevance:

Performing ACJR may improve joint stability, leading to fewer complications when compared with DCE.
Making tea in India
Authors: Lutgendorf Philip
Published: December 2012

This essay examines the process by which tea, a plant and product introduced into the Indian subcontinent in the early 19th century as a colonial cash crop, became indigenized and popularized as chai, often regarded today as India’s ‘national drink’. This process mainly occurred during the 20th century and involved aggressive and innovative marketing by both British and Indian commercial interests, advances in the technology of processing Assam tea, and changes in social space and practice, especially in urban areas.
Online Narratives by Adults With ADHD Who Were Diagnosed in Adulthood
Authors: Fleischmann Amos , Miller Erez C.
Published: December 2012

This study systematically analyzed life stories of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were diagnosed in adulthood, using an adapted version of Labov’s textual-analysis method. These life stories provided an opportunity to examine the processes experienced by these individuals before and after the diagnosis of ADHD, from their perspective. The results indicate that the narrators experienced repeated failures in many aspects of life. Many of them internalized negative views to which they have been subjected to in their social environment. Consequently, they developed self-blame that subsequently further hampered their functioning. Once diagnosed with ADHD, these adults were able to construct a more coherent view of their life and of their difficulties, move beyond guilt, and understand that they could overcome their challenges. Consequently, many of them began to take a more positive view of themselves and of the course of their lives, and to admit to some positive aspects of having ADHD.
Quantitative Assessment of Brain Networks in Children With Sturge-Weber Syndrome Using Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Jeong Jeong-Won , Chugani Harry T. , Behen Michael E. , Guy William , Juhász Csaba
Published: December 2012

In this study, we examined whether topologic network analysis, using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can detect abnormalities of functional brain connectivity in children with unilateral brain injury due to Sturge-Weber syndrome. Three children with Sturge-Weber syndrome (ages 1, 3, and 10 years) underwent structural and resting state functional MRI, glucose metabolism positron emission tomography (PET), and neurocognitive evaluation. Eight different resting state networks were compared between the affected and unaffected hemispheres by quantitatively accessing communication efficiency measures. Significantly reduced efficiency values were found in all 3 patients. Visual network deficiency was present in both children with a visual field defect; frontal network abnormalities were associated with fine motor impairment. Location of network abnormalities corresponded to and, in some cases, extended beyond structural MRI and glucose PET abnormalities. The presented approach can detect early functional abnormalities of specific brain networks in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Functionalization of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold with heparin and vascular endothelial growth factors for potential application as vascular grafts
Authors: Wang Zhexiang , Sun Bin , Zhang Min , Ou Lailiang , Che Yongzhe , Zhang Jun , Kong Deling
Published: December 2012

In this study, a heparin-conjugated poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun fiber was constructed to develop a functional scaffold for controlled release of vascular endothelial growth factors. The immobilization of vascular endothelial growth factor was achieved through affinity binding between heparin and vascular endothelial growth factor molecules. The sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor from the scaffold was followed for up to 15 days. The endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation assay demonstrated that immobilized vascular endothelial growth factor maintained its activity. The blood compatibility of the scaffold was evaluated by activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet adhesion test, and arteriovenous shunt, and the functionalized scaffold showed improved anticoagulation properties. The biocompatibility was evaluated by subcutaneous implantation. Results showed that this vascular endothelial growth factor–releasing scaffold stimulated neovascularization with minimum immunological rejection compared to the unmodified poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold. The present study demonstrated a new strategy of building bioactive scaffolds for the development of small-diameter vascular graft.
Spousal Loss and Health in Late Life
Authors: Das Aniruddha
Published: December 2012

Objectives: This study queries the linkage of older adults’ spousal loss to multiple dimensions of their health. Methods: Data are from the 2005-2006 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, nationally representative of U.S. adults ages 57 to 85. Analyses examine associations of spousal loss and time since loss with multiple health dimensions. Results: Spousal loss is linked to a system of mental, social, behavioral, and biological issues, consistent with a stress-induced weathering process. Biological problems are more uniformly associated with women’s than men’s loss. While emotional sequelae may partially subside with time, a range of other outcomes remain worse even among individuals a decade or more past loss, than those with current partners. Discussion: Older adults’ spousal loss influences multiple dimensions of their health. Gender differences in biological linkages suggest women’s greater physiological vulnerability to this weathering event. Effects of loss are long term rather than transient, especially with biological conditions.
Islamic banking in Pakistan: A history of emergent accountability and regulation
Authors: Rammal Hussain G , Parker Lee D
Published: December 2012

This study presents a history of the Islamic banking sector, its accountability and regulation in Pakistan, set in its contexts of the rise of Islamic banking internationally in a global finance marketplace alongside the localized Islamization of Pakistan’s economy. The historical analysis is informed by the Economic Theory of the State and the principles of Islamic theocracy, and examines the events leading to the establishment of the Islamic banking system in Pakistan, government accountability and regulatory strategies, and the market response. The findings reveal the complexity of attempts to reform Pakistan’s banking sector into a purely Islamic-based system and the contests between government, the central bank and religious authorities for the sector’s accountability, regulation and control. The re-emergence of a dual banking system and its accountability and regulation for both economic management and theocratic purposes illustrates the ongoing compromise and accommodation between national religious culture and a global financial environment.
Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality of Patients With Advanced Cancer Using the Chuang Prognostic Score
Authors: Al-Zahrani Abdullah S. , El-Kashif Amr T. , Mohammad Amrallah A. , Elsamany Shereef , Alsirafy Samy A.
Published: December 2012

The prediction of in-hospital mortality may help in improving end-of-life care for patients dying of cancer. The Chuang Prognostic Score (CPS) was developed to predict survival of terminally ill patients with cancer. The CPS was assessed in 61 hospitalized adult patients with advanced cancer. Using a CPS cutoff point of ≥6, in-hospital mortality was predicted with 71% positive predictive value, 91% negative predictive value, 75% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 85% overall accuracy. The patients were divided according to the CPS score into 3 groups (Group 1: CPS < 3.5, Group 2: CPS ≥ 3.5-<6, and Group 3: CPS ≥ 6) with a median survival of not reached, 118 days, and 16 days, respectively ( P < .001). The CPS may be useful in predicting in-hospital mortality of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.
Criteria of Career Success Among Chinese Employees
Authors: Zhou Wenxia , Sun Jianmin , Guan Yanjun , Li Yuhui , Pan Jingzhou
Published: December 2012

The current research aimed to develop a multidimensional measure on the criteria of career success in a Chinese context. Items on the criteria of career success were obtained using a qualitative approach among 30 Chinese employees; exploratory factor analysis was conducted to select items and determine the factor structure among a new sample of Chinese employees ( N = 550); confirmatory factor analysis was conducted among another sample of Chinese employees ( N = 199). The results showed that Chinese employees regard intrinsic fulfillment, external compensation, and work–life balance as the major components of career success. The developed scale showed good reliability and structure validity. Implications for future research on career success were discussed.
Implementing Evidence-Based Programs
Authors: Tomioka Michiyo , Braun Kathryn L.
Published: December 2012

Health care providers are challenged to replicate evidence-based programs in their communities. These programs may be adapted to fit new communities, but the key components must be delivered with fidelity. This article describes a four-step fidelity assurance protocol developed by the Hawai‘i’s Healthy Aging Partnership as it adapted and replicated evidence-based health promotion programs for Hawai‘i’s older adults. The four steps are the following: (a) deconstruct the program into its components and prepare a step-by-step plan for program replication; (b) identify agencies ready to replicate the program, and sponsor excellent training to local staff who will deliver and coordinate it; (c) monitor the fidelity of program delivery using standardized checklists; and (d) track participant outcomes to assure achievement of expected outcomes. The protocol is illustrated with examples from Hawai‘i’s Healthy Aging Partnership’s experience replicating EnhanceFitness, a senior exercise program. This protocol is transferrable to other communities wanting to adapt and replicate evidence-based, public health programs.
Effect of Reflective Practice on Student Recall of Acoustics for Speech Science
Authors: Walden Patrick R. , Bell-Berti Fredericka
Published: December 2012

Researchers have developed models of learning through experience; however, these models are rarely named as a conceptual frame for educational research in the sciences. This study examined the effect of reflective learning responses on student recall of speech acoustics concepts. Two groups of undergraduate students enrolled in a speech science course completed a course taught using predominately face-to-face lecture with in-class discussion or a course taught using laboratory activities focused on facilitating students’ reflective learning responses. A pretest, posttest design was used to determine the amount of student recall for seven sections relating to speech acoustics. Statistical analysis revealed that the reflective learning group recalled more information than the control group for course sections covering Frequency and Intensity, Nasality, and Speech Articulation. Results support the facilitation of students’ reflective learning responses to improve recall in these areas. Potential explanations for lack of improvement of recall for other areas are explored.
Does General Manager Networking Affect Choice of Trade Partners in Major League Baseball?
Authors: Hersch Philip L. , Pelkowski Jodi E.
Published: December 2012

It is not unusual for baseball general managers (GMs) to have network ties to their potential trading partners, either to the other teams’ GMs or to the teams themselves. This article investigates whether these connections affect the degree of trading activity between specific team pairs. Estimates indicate that connections between GMs and commonalities between GMs enhance trade, although in absolute terms the effects are small. However, a GM simply having a professional tie to another team does not have any statistically significant effect. On the whole, our results are consistent with those found in the socioeconomic networking literature.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Reveals White Matter Changes Associated With Cognitive Status in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Deng Bingmei , Zhang Yuhu , Wang Lijuan , Peng Kairun , Han Lixin , Nie Kun , Yang Hongjun , Zhang Li , Wang Jun
Published: December 2012

Objective

: Cognitive deficit and white matter alteration relationships in Parkinson’s disease (PD) were investigated.

Methods

: Comparison of 64 patients with PD (M:F, 34:30; 64.4 ± 10.4 years) classified as cognitively normal (PD-CogNL, n = 24), mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI, n = 30), and dementia (PD-D, n = 10) with 21 healthy participants (M:F, 10:11; 60.1 ± 13.6 years) was conducted using white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), region-of-interest analysis, and diffusion tensor imaging.

Results

: The PD-D and PD-MCI exhibited higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores ( P < .001; P < .01) and Hoehn-Yahr stages ( P < .001; P < .05) and FA reductions in left frontal/right temporal white matter and bilateral anterior cingulated bundles. Largest FA reductions occurred in PD-D left anterior cingulated bundle and corpus callosum splenium. Disease durations of PD-D = 6.8 ± 6.86, PD-MCI = 5.1 ± 2.9, and PD-CogNL = 4.7 ± 3.4 years, suggesting progressive deterioration.

Conclusions

: Cerebral white matter deterioration may underlie progressive cognitive impairment in PD.
The effect of hydrochemical conditions and pH of the environment on phyllosilicate transformations in the weathering zone of pyrite-bearing schists in Wieściszowice (SW Poland)
Authors: Uzarowicz Ł. , Šegvic B. , Michalik M. , Bylina P.
Published: December 2012

The influence of hydrological conditions and the pH of the environment on chlorite and mica transformations in the acidic weathering zone of pyrite-bearing schists was studied. Phyllosilicate transformations were investigated in the area of the abandoned pyrite open-pit mine in Wieściszowice (Lower Silesia, SW Poland) using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemical methods. (Mg, Fe)-chlorite, micas (muscovite and paragonite), quartz, feldspars and pyrite were reported to be the most abundant minerals occurring in pyrite-bearing schists. Phyllosilicate transformations were significantly stronger in dry conditions than in wet ones. This conclusion was supported by the fact that the inherited phyllosilicates predominated in the clay mineral fraction of waterlogged saprolites, whereas the secondary swelling minerals were minor components. In dry and extremely acidic saprolites (pH < 3), trioctahedral chlorite was dissolved and transformed into clay minerals (e.g. smectite and kaolinite), whereas swelling clays (smectite mainly) were formed at the expense of dioctahedral micas. The pH of water is an important factor influencing phyllosilicate transformations in waterlogged conditions. The phyllosilicate alterations under the influence of extremely acidic waters (pH < 3) were more advanced than in moderately acidic ones (pH of 4.6), as the secondary clay minerals seemed to be represented exclusively by smectite in the former, whereas HIMs and mixed-layer minerals such as R0 I-S-Ch, R0 I-S, as well as R1 Ch-V and/or R1 Ch-S occurred in the latter.
Clay mineralogy and rock strength of a mid-German diabase: implications for improved quality control
Authors: Kaufhold S. , Dill H. G. , Dohrmann R.
Published: December 2012

Basalts and related magmatic rocks such as diabase are frequently used as raw materials in the building and construction industry as dimension stones or as aggregates, where they may form the sub-bases of roads or railway embankments. A major characteristic controlling the quality of the raw materials is the rock strength, which can be affected by the presence of swellable clay minerals (smectites). Increasing smectite content is generally considered to increasingly affect rock integrity. Industrial practice, in which the smectite content is monitored via cation exchange capacity (CEC) methods, on the other hand, showed that both mechanically stable smectite-rich and unstable smectite-poor materials exist. We therefore studied the CEC–strength relation based on twelve samples from a German diabase quarry.

As could be expected, the sample with the highest CEC was the least stable. However, the comparison of the rock strength with the CEC of the other samples was less clear. Comparing the CEC of powders and of the 1–2 mm fraction of the same sample provided additional information. In the case of samples which are relatively stable (in spite of high CEC values), the CEC values of the powders were significantly higher than those of the 1–2 mm fraction. Samples with less rock strength, on the other hand, showed equal CEC values of the powder and the 1–2 mm fraction. This difference may be explained by different accessibilities of the smectites for CEC exchange solutions during typical experiments.

In conclusion, the application of the CEC method for quality control considering both powdered and 1–2 mm samples allows a more precise estimation of the rock strength to be made, particularly for the comparison of different materials. Although measurement of two CEC values (after both sieving and grinding) would complicate quality control, the present study indicates that valuable additional information, i.e. semi-quantitative information on the accessibility of smectites, is gained.
Certification and quality criteria of peloids used for therapeutic purposes
Authors: Quintela A. , Terroso D. , Ferreira da Silva E. , Rocha F.
Published: December 2012

The empirical application of muds for therapeutic purposes is widely known. This is called pelotherapy and consists of the local or generalized application of a mixture of a solid phase and a liquid phase (peloid) for the recovery of arthro-rheumatic issues, bone-muscle traumatic damage and dermatological pathologies. During the time of mixing (maturation process) the mud is progressively colonized by thermophilic microorganisms that contribute to improvements in the peloid quality and endow the mud with organic substances. Several studies report diatoms as the main agent of thermal muds capable of producing anti-inflammatory sulphoglycolipid which renders the mud suitable for this use. The effect of the temperature is also considered important for therapeutic purposes.

Recent studies assessed physical, chemical and technological properties of some peloids in use at spa centres. Some maturation surveys have also been performed in recent years. The need for quality criteria establishment and certification of clayey products intended to be used currently is evident, especially for peloids which have therapeutic action. Consequently, this study aims at the compilation and analysis of some characteristics of peloids from the literature in order to contribute to a major database that allows the establishment of regulations and quality criteria for suitable applications of peloids.
Micromilieu-controlled glauconitization in fecal pellets at Oker (Central Germany)
Authors: Baldermann A. , Grathoff G. H. , Nickel C.
Published: December 2012

Although numerous models for the formation of glauconite have been presented, the precise process and micro-environment of glauconitization are still poorly constrained. We characterize the special micromilieu of glauconitization developed during early diagenesis and present a model for glauconite formation in fecal pellets.

Glauconitization at Oker (Central Germany) occurred predominantly in fecal pellets deposited in a shallow marine-lagoonal environment during the Kimmeridgian. Within the fecal pellets, rapid oxidation of organic matter provides the post-depositional, physicochemical conditions favourable for glauconitization. Replacements of matrix calcite, dissolution of detrital quartz, K-feldspar, and clay minerals, and Fe redox reactions were observed within the early micro-environment, followed by the precipitation of euhedral pyrite, matrix-replacive dolomite, and megaquartz accompanied by I-S formation as thin section analyses and SEM observations show. Carbonate geochemical compositions based on ICP-OES and stable oxygen and carbon isotope signatures demonstrate that glauconite formation started in a suboxic environment at a pH of 7–8 and a temperature of 22±3°C to 37±2°C at maximum.

TEM-EDX-SAED and XRD analyses on separated glauconite fecal pellets and on the <2 μm clay mineral fraction reveal the predominance of authigenic 1Md-glauconite, 1Md-glauconite-smectite, and 1Mdcis-vacant I-S, besides accessory detrital 2M1-illite and montmorillonite. Kinetic modelling of the glauconite (93–94% Fe-illite layers and 6–7% Fe-smectite layers, R3) and of I-S (66–68% Al-illite layers and 32–34% Al-smectite layers, R1) leads us to conclude that the I-S formed solely by slow burial diagenesis, whereas the glauconite formed close to the seafloor, suggesting significantly faster kinetics of the glauconitization reaction compared with smectite-illitization related to burial diagenesis. Thermodynamically, the substitution of octahedral Al3+ for Fe3+ and Mg2+ during the Fe-Mg-smectite to glauconite reaction via the formation of glauconite-smectite mixed-layered clay minerals may have resulted in a higher reaction rate for this low-temperature glauconitization process.
Mineralogical and sulphur isotopic evidence for the influence of sulphatereducing and -disproportionating bacteria on pyrite and marcasite formation in the Georgia kaolins
Authors: Cheshire M. C. , Bish D. L.
Published: December 2012

The Georgia, USA, kaolins contain three major occurrences of Fe-sulphide minerals, namely (1) in burrow structures, (2) as nodules associated with lignite and (3) as finely disseminated material. We have used sulphur isotope analysis and X-ray powder diffraction to understand these three occurrences in order to gain insight into the diagenetic conditions and microbial influences affecting the kaolin mineralogy. Burrows and nodules are dominated by corroded marcasite with thin pyrite overgrowths. The δ34S composition of each sulphide sample has internal fractionations (δ34Shigh – δ34Slow) ranging from 22‰ to 67‰. The secondary pyrite phase tends to be the most 34S depleted, with a low δ34S value of –47‰, whereas marcasite displays a δ34S range from 30‰ to +33‰. Early acidic environments from organic acids could have facilitated the initial marcasite crystallization, with a pH increase during later diagenesis producing pyrite overgrowths. Sulphide formation would have continued until burial restricted the diffusion of sea-water sulphate. At this point, the metabolism of sulphate-reducing bacteria would have been retarded, producing δ34S values ranging from –30‰ (open sulphate supply) to +40‰ (highly restricted sulphate supply). Under the nutrient-starved conditions of later-diagenesis, disproportionate sulphur-reducing bacteria would likely have become more dominant, yielding additional δ34Ssulphide fractionation and producing the observed fractionation (δ34Ssulphate – δ34Ssulphide) values of +67‰.
A viscosity hybrid steepest-descent method for a system of equilibrium and fixed point problems for an infinite family of strictly pseudo-contractive mappings
Authors: Witthayarat Uamporn , Kim Jong Kyu , Kumam Poom
Published: December 2012

Based on a viscosity hybrid steepest-descent method, in this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of a system of equilibrium and fixed point problems of an infinite family of strictly pseudo-contractive mappings which solves the variational inequality

〈
(
γ
f
−
μ
F
)
q
,
p
−
q
〉
≤
0

for

p
∈

⋂

i
=
1

∞

F
(

T
i

)

. Furthermore, we also prove the strong convergence theorems for the proposed iterative scheme and give a numerical example to support and illustrate our main theorem.

MSC:46C05, 47D03, 47H05,47H09, 47H10, 47H20.
Cytokine profile, proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in circulating mononuclear cells from individuals during the chronic intestinal phase of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection
Authors: Oliveira-Prado Roberta , Caldas Iramaya Rodrigues , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Andrade Marcus Vinicius , Fares Rafaelle Christine Gomes , Portugal Laís Maroni , Gazzinelli Andréa , Corrêa-Oliveira Rodrigo , Cunha-Melo José Renan
Published: December 2012

Background

The immune response toSchistosoma mansoniis characterized by a granulomatous reaction around the parasite eggs that are trapped in the host liver, and this reaction modulates the immune response during the chronic phase of the disease. The typical peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) response of patients during the chronic intestinal phase of infection is characterized by a decreased response to anS. mansonisoluble egg antigen. To obtain a greater understanding ofSchistosomainfections, this study investigated the effects of the soluble egg antigen (SEA) and soluble adult worm antigen (SWAP) ofS. mansonion cellular proliferation, cytokine production, and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in PBMCs from infected (XTO) and egg-negative (NI) individuals living in the same endemic area.

Methods

The activation status was evaluated by cell immunophenotypic staining (cytometry). The cell proliferation assay was by CFSE method. Cytokine detection assay (Th1 and Th2) was by Cytometric Bead and Array phosphorylation status was by ELISA.

Results

The XTO, NI and BD (blood donor) individuals from an area not endemic for schistosomiasis were compared. The CD4+T lymphocyte proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group, but not the NI group, after SEA stimulation compared to the BD group. The CD8+T cell proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group in the unstimulated cultures and after both SEA and SWAP stimulation compared to the BD group. Cytokine analysis after either SEA or SWAP stimulation showed a balanced cytokine pattern in the XTO and NI groups. ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were only marginally detected in all groups; however, a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was observed in the SWAP-stimulated XTO group compared to both the NI and BD groups.

Conclusions

The data indicate that SEA-stimulated CD4+T cells from infected patients have a lower proliferation rate than the same cells from the NI group. Furthermore, we observed that SWAP stimulation influences ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the XTO group.
Genetic diversity and drug resistance among newly diagnosed and antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-infected individuals in western Yunnan: a hot area of viral recombination in China
Authors: Chen Min , Ma Yanling , Duan Song , Xing Hui , Yao Shitang , Su Yingzhen , Luo Hongbing , Yang Li , Chen Huichao , Fu Liru , Qu Aijuan , Ou Chin-Yih , Jia Manhong , Lu Lin
Published: December 2012

Background

The emergence of an HIV-1 epidemic in China was first recognized in Dehong, western Yunnan. Due to its geographic location, Dehong contributed greatly in bridging HIV-1 epidemics in Southeast Asia and China through drug trafficking and injection drug use; and also extensively to the HIV genetic diversity in Yunnan and China. We attempt to monitor HIV-1 in this area by studying the HIV-1 genetic distribution and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in various at-risk populations.

Methods

Blood samples from a total of 320 newly HIV-1 diagnosed individuals, who were antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive, were collected from January 2009 to December 2010 in 2 counties in Dehong. HIV-1 subtypes andpolgene drug resistance (DR) mutations were genotyped.

Results

Among 299polsequences successfully genotyped (93.4%), subtype C accounted for 43.1% (n=129), unique recombinant forms (URFs) for 18.4% (n=55), CRF01_AE for 17.7% (n=54), B for 10.7% (n=32), CRF08_BC for 8.4% (n=25) and CRF07_BC for 1.7% (n=5). Subtype distribution in patients infected by different transmission routes varied. In contract to the previous finding of CRF01_AE predominance in 2002-2006, subtype C predominated in both injecting drug users (IDUs) and heterosexually transmitted populations in this study. Furthermore, we found a high level of BC, CRF01_AE/C and CRF01_AE/B/C recombinants suggesting the presence of active viral recombination in the area. TDR associated mutations were identified in 4.3% (n=13) individuals. A total of 1.3% of DR were related to protease inhibitors (PIs), including I85IV, M46I and L90M; 0.3% to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), including M184I; and 2.7% to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including K103N/S, Y181C, K101E and G190A.

Conclusion

Our work revealed diverse HIV-1 subtype distributions and intersubtype recombinations. We also identified a low but significant TDR mutation rate among ART-naive patients. These findings enhance our understanding of HIV-1 evolution and are valuable for the development and implementation of a comprehensive public health approach to HIV-1 DR prevention and treatment in the region.
Elevated levels of circulating microRNA-200 family members correlate with serous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Kan Casina WS , Hahn Michael A , Gard Gregory B , Maidens Jayne , Huh Jung Yoon , Marsh Deborah J , Howell Viive M
Published: December 2012

Background

There is a critical need for improved diagnostic markers for high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (SEOC). MicroRNAs are stable in the circulation and may have utility as biomarkers of malignancy. We investigated whether levels of serum microRNA could discriminate women with high-grade SEOC from age matched healthy volunteers.

Methods

To identify microRNA of interest, microRNA expression profiling was performed on 4 SEOC cell lines and normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells. Total RNA was extracted from 500 μL aliquots of serum collected from patients with SEOC (n = 28) and age-matched healthy donors (n = 28). Serum microRNA levels were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR following preamplification.

Results

microRNA (miR)-182, miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c were highly overexpressed in the SEOC cell lines relative to normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells and were assessed in RNA extracted from serum as candidate biomarkers. miR-103, miR-92a and miR -638 had relatively invariant expression across all ovarian cell lines, and with small-nucleolar C/D box 48 (RNU48) were assessed in RNA extracted from serum as candidate endogenous normalizers. No correlation between serum levels and age were observed (age range 30-79 years) for any of these microRNA or RNU48. Individually, miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c normalized to serum volume and miR-103 were significantly higher in serum of the SEOC cohort (P < 0.05; 0.05; 0.0005 respectively) and in combination, miR-200b + miR-200c normalized to serum volume and miR-103 was the best predictive classifier of SEOC (ROC-AUC = 0.784). This predictive model (miR-200b + miR-200c) was further confirmed by leave one out cross validation (AUC = 0.784).

Conclusions

We identified serum microRNAs able to discriminate patients with high grade SEOC from age-matched healthy controls. The addition of these microRNAs to current testing regimes may improve diagnosis for women with SEOC.
Biocatalytic potential of laccase-like multicopper oxidases from Aspergillus niger
Authors: Tamayo-Ramos JuanAntonio , van Berkel Willem JH , de Graaff Leo H
Published: December 2012

Background

Laccase-like multicopper oxidases have been reported in several Aspergillus species but they remain uncharacterized. The biocatalytic potential of the Aspergillus niger fungal pigment multicopper oxidases McoA and McoB and ascomycete laccase McoG was investigated.

Results

The laccase-like multicopper oxidases McoA, McoB and McoG from the commonly used cell factory Aspergillus niger were homologously expressed, purified and analyzed for their biocatalytic potential. All three recombinant enzymes were monomers with apparent molecular masses ranging from 80 to 110 kDa. McoA and McoG resulted to be blue, whereas McoB was yellow. The newly obtained oxidases displayed strongly different activities towards aromatic compounds and synthetic dyes. McoB exhibited high catalytic efficiency with N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPPDA) and 2,2-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline) sulfonic acid (ABTS), and appeared to be a promising biocatalyst. Besides oxidizing a variety of phenolic compounds, McoB catalyzed successfully the decolorization and detoxification of the widely used textile dye malachite green.

Conclusions

The A. niger McoA, McoB, and McoG enzymes showed clearly different catalytic properties. Yellow McoB showed broad substrate specificity, catalyzing the oxidation of several phenolic compounds commonly present in different industrial effluents. It also harbored high decolorization and detoxification activity with the synthetic dye malachite green, showing to have an interesting potential as a new industrial biocatalyst.
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene -493G/T polymorphism and its association with serum lipid levels in Bama Zhuang long-living families in China
Authors: Pan Shang-Ling , Luo Xiao-Qiu , Lu Ze-Ping , Lu Shao-Hua , Luo Huan , Liu Cheng-Wu , Hu Cai-You , Yang Ming , Du Li-Li , Song Zhen , Pang Guo-Fang , Wu Hua-Yu , Huang Jin-Bo , Peng Jun-Hua , Yin Rui-Xing
Published: December 2012

Background

The -493G/T polymorphism in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) gene is associated with lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels and longevity in several populations, but the results are inconsistent in different racial/ethnic groups. The current study was to investigate the plausible association of MTP -493G/T polymorphism with serum lipid levels and longevity in Zhuang long-lived families residing in Bama area, a famous home of longevity in Guangxi, China.

Methods

The MTP -493G/T was genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 391 Bama Zhuang long-lived families (BLF, n = 1467, age 56.60 ± 29.43 years) and four control groups recruited from Bama and out-of-Bama area with or without a familial history of exceptional longevity: Bama non-long-lived families (BNLF, n = 586, age 44.81 ± 26.83 years), Bama non-Zhuang long-lived families (BNZLF, n = 444, age 52.09 ± 31.91 years), Pingguo long-lived families (PLF, n = 658, age 50.83 ± 30.30 years), and Pingguo non-long-lived families (PNLF, n = 539, age 38.74 ± 24.69 years). Correlation analyses between genotypes and serum lipid levels and longevity were then performed.

Results

No particularly favorable lipoprotein and clinical phenotypes were seen in BLF as compared to general families in the same area. Instead, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL-C, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia were significantly higher in the three Bama families as compared to the two non-Bama families (P < 0.01 for all). There were no differences in the allelic and genotypic frequencies among the tested cohorts (P > 0.05 for all), but the TT genotype tended to enrich in the three long-lived cohorts from both areas. In addition, the individuals harboring TT genotype exhibited lower LDL-C and TC levels in the overall populations and Bama populations with a region- and sex-specific pattern. Multiple linear regression analyses unraveled that LDL-C levels were correlated with genotypes in Bama combined population, BNLF, and the total population (P < 0.05 for each) but not in Pingguo populations; TC and HDL-C levels were correlated with genotypes in Bama combined population and BLF, respectively (P < 0.05 for each).

Conclusions

MTP -493G/T polymorphism may play an important role in fashioning the serum lipid profiles of Bama populations, despite no direct association between MTP -493G/T and longevity was detected.
Motion of left atrial appendage as a determinant of thrombus formation in patients with a low CHADS2 score receiving warfarin for persistent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ono Koji , Iwama Makoto , Kawasaki Masanori , Tanaka Ryuhei , Watanabe Takatomo , Onishi Noriyuki , Warita Shunichiro , Kojima Tai , Kato Takashi , Goto Yoshiaki , Arai Masazumi , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Takemura Genzou , Noda Toshiyuki , Watanabe Sachiro , Minatoguchi Shinya
Published: December 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to define the independent determinants of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus among various echocardiographic parameters measured by Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving warfarin, particularly in patients with a low CHADS2 score.

Methods

LAA emptying fraction (EF) and LAA peak longitudinal strain were measured by VVI using transesophageal echocardiography in 260 consecutive patients with nonvalvular persistent AF receiving warfarin. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n=43) or absence (n=217) of LAA thrombus. Moreover, the patients within each group were further divided into subgroups according to a CHADS2 score ≤1.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAAEF was an independent determinant of LAA thrombus in the subgroup of 140 with a low CHADS2 score. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that an LAAEF of 21% was the optimal cutoff value for predicting LAA thrombus.

Conclusions

LAA thrombus formation depended on LAA contractility. AF patients with reduced LAA contractile fraction (LAAEF ≤21%) require strong anticoagulant therapy to avoid thromboembolic events regardless of a low CHADS2 score (≤1).
Adenovirus-mediated delivery of interferon-γ gene inhibits the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Ran-yi , Zhu Ying-hui , Zhou Ling , Zhao Peng , Li Hong-li , Zhu Lan-cai , Han Hong-yu , Lin Huan-xin , Kang Liang , Wu Jiang-xue , Huang Wenlin
Published: December 2012

Background

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is regarded as a potent antitumor agent, but its clinical application is limited by its short half-life and significant side effects. In this paper, we tried to develop IFN-γ gene therapy by a replication defective adenovirus encoding the human IFN-γ (Ad-IFNγ), and evaluate the antitumoral effects of Ad-IFNγ on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines in vitro and in xenografts model.

Methods

The mRNA levels of human IFN-γ in Ad-IFNγ-infected NPC cells were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and IFN-γ protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the culture supernatants of NPC cells and tumor tissues and bloods of nude mice treated with Ad-IFNγ. The effects of Ad-IFNγ on NPC cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry analysis for DNA content, and cells apoptosis were analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD binding assay and hoechst 33342/PI double staining. The anti-tumor effects and toxicity of Ad-IFNγ were evaluated in BALB/c nude mice carrying NPC xenografts.

Results

The results demonstrated that Ad-IFNγ efficiently expressed human IFN-γ protein in NPC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Ad-IFNγ infection resulted in antiproliferative effects on NPC cells by inducing G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Intratumoral administration of Ad-IFNγ significantly inhibited the growth of CNE-2 and C666-1 cell xenografts in nude mice, while no significant toxicity was observed.

Conclusions

These findings indicate IFN-γ gene therapy mediated by replication defective adenoviral vector is likely a promising approach in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Doxorubicin-loaded cholic acid-polyethyleneimine micelles for targeted delivery of antitumor drugs: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity
Authors: Amjad Muhammad Wahab , Amin Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd , Katas Haliza , Butt Adeel Masood
Published: December 2012

Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared from a copolymer comprising cholic acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for the delivery of antitumor drugs. The CA-PEI copolymer was synthesized via pairing mediated by N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide using dichloromethane as a solvent. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses were performed to verify the formation of an amide linkage between CA and PEI and doxorubicin localization into the copolymer. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the copolymer could self-assemble into micelles with a spherical morphology and an average diameter of <200 nm. The CA-PEI copolymer was also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared by dialysis method. A drug release study showed reduced drug release with escalating drug content. In a cytotoxicity assay using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells, the doxorubicin-loaded CA-PEI micelles exhibited better antitumor activity than that shown by doxorubicin. This is the first study on CA-PEI micelles as doxorubicin carriers, and this study demonstrated that they are promising candidates as carriers for sustained targeted antitumor drug delivery system.
On vector matrix game and symmetric dual vector optimization problem
Authors: Hong Jeong Min , Kim Moon Hee , Lee Gue Myung
Published: December 2012

A vector matrix game with more than two skew symmetric matrices, which is an extension of the matrix game, is defined and the symmetric dual problem for a nonlinear vector optimization problem is considered. Using the Kakutani fixed point theorem, we prove an existence theorem for a vector matrix game. We establish equivalent relations between the symmetric dual problem and its related vector matrix game. Moreover, we give an example illustrating the equivalent relations.
On a delay population model with quadratic nonlinearity
Authors: Berezansky Leonid , Baštinec Jaromír , Diblík Josef , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: December 2012

A nonlinear delay differential equation with quadratic nonlinearity,

x˙(t)=r(t)[∑k=1mαkx(hk(t))−βx2(t)],t≥0,

is considered, whereαkandβare positive constants,hk:[0,∞)→Rare continuous functions such thatt−τ≤hk(t)≤t,τ=const,τ>0, for anyt>0the inequalityhk(t)0. It is proved that the positive equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable without any further limitations on the parameters of this equation.
Conservation laws for a generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system
Authors: Mogorosi Edward Tshepo , Muatjetjeja Ben , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the conservation laws for a generalized Ito-type coupled Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) system are constructed by increasing the order of the partial differential equations. The generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system is a third-order system of two partial differential equations and does not have a Lagrangian. The transformation

u
=

U
x

,

v
=

V
x

converts the generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system into a system of fourth-order partial differential equations in U and V variables, which has a Lagrangian. Noether’s approach is then used to construct the conservation laws. Finally, the conservation laws are expressed in the original variables u and v. Some local and infinitely many nonlocal conserved quantities are found for the generalized Ito-typed coupled KdV system.
A tutorial in estimating the prevalence of disease in humans and animals in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic
Authors: Lewis Fraser I , Torgerson Paul R
Published: December 2012

Epidemiological methods for estimating disease prevalence in humans and other animals in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test are well established. Despite this, reporting apparent prevalence is still standard practice in public health studies and disease control programmes, even though apparent prevalence may differ greatly from the true prevalence of disease. Methods for estimating true prevalence are summarized and reviewed. A computing appendix is also provided which contains a brief guide in how to easily implement some of the methods presented using freely available software.