bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapeseed Oil and Ginseng Saponins Work Synergistically To Enhance Th1 and Th2 Immune Responses Induced by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine
Authors: Zhang Cenrong , Wang Yuemin , Wang Meng , Su Xiaoyan , Lu Yisong , Su Fei , Hu Songhua
Published: June 2014

Previous investigations demonstrated that saponins isolated from the root ofPanax ginsengC. A. Meyer (i.e., ginseng root saponin [GS-R]) had adjuvant activity. In the present study, the combined effects of rapeseed oil (RO) and GS-R on the immune responses elicited by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine were investigated by measuring FMD virus (FMDV)-specific antibody levels, cytokine levels, lymphocyte proliferation, and long-lived IgG-secreting plasma cells from bone marrow in a mouse model. The results indicated that RO in combination with GS-R significantly enhanced serum IgG and isotype concentrations, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 5 (IL-5) levels, splenocyte proliferative responses to stimulations with concanavalin A (ConA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and FMDV antigen, and the numbers of IgG-secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow, suggesting that RO/GS-R enhanced both Th1 and Th2 immune responses. In addition, no significant difference was found between RO/GS-R and the commercial adjuvant oil ISA 206 in the promotion of FMD vaccine-induced immune responses. Considering the vegetable origin of RO and GS-R and the potent adjuvant activity, RO/GS-R should be studied further for the development of veterinary vaccines, especially for use in food animals in order to promote food safety.
Tonsils of the Soft Palate Do Not Mediate the Response of Pigs to Oral Vaccination with Heat-Inactivated Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Beltrán-Beck Beatriz , Romero Beatriz , Boadella Mariana , Casal Carmen , Bezos Javier , Mazariegos María , Martín MariPaz , Galindo Ruth C. , Pérez de la Lastra José M. , Villar Margarita , Garrido Joseba M. , Sevilla Iker A. , Asensio Fernando , Sicilia Javier , Lyashchenko Konstantin P. , Domínguez Lucas , Juste Ramón A. , de la Fuente José , Gortázar Christian
Published: June 2014

Mycobacterium boviscauses animal tuberculosis (TB) in cattle, humans, and other mammalian species, including pigs. The goal of this study was to experimentally assess the responses of pigs with and without a history of tonsillectomy to oral vaccination with heat-inactivatedM. bovisand challenge with a virulentM. bovisfield strain, to compare pig and wild boar responses using the same vaccination model as previously used in the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), to evaluate the use of several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and lateral flow tests forin vivoTB diagnosis in pigs, and to verify if these tests are influenced by oral vaccination with inactivatedM. bovis. At necropsy, the lesion and culture scores were 20% to 43% higher in the controls than those in the vaccinated pigs. MassiveM. bovisgrowth from thoracic tissue samples was observed in 4 out of 9 controls but in none of the 10 vaccinated pigs. No effect of the presence or absence of tonsils was observed on these scores, suggesting that tonsils are not involved in the protective response to this vaccine in pigs. The serum antibody levels increased significantly only after challenge. At necropsy, the estimated sensitivities of the ELISAs and dual path platform (DPP) assays ranged from 89% to 94%. In the oral mucosa, no differences in gene expression were observed in the control group between the pigs with and without tonsils. In the vaccinated group, the mRNA levels for chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7), interferon beta (IFN-β), and methylmalonyl coenzyme A mutase (MUT) were higher in pigs with tonsils. Complement component 3 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increased with vaccination and decreased afterM. bovischallenge. This information is relevant for pig production in regions that are endemic forM. bovisand for TB vaccine research.
Vacuolating Cytotoxin Genotypes Are Strong Markers of Gastric Cancer and Duodenal Ulcer-Associated Helicobacter pylori Strains: a Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Memon Ameer A. , Hussein Nawfal R. , Miendje Deyi Véronique Y. , Burette Alain , Atherton John C.
Published: June 2014

The
Helicobacter pylori
virulence gene,
cagA
, and active forms of the vacuolating cytotoxin gene,
vacA
, are major determinants of pathogenesis. However, previous studies linking these factors to disease risk have often included patients using aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) or acid-suppressing drugs, both of which may confound results. Also, particularly for gastric cancer (GC), controls have often been of quite different ages. Here, we performed a careful study in a “clean” Belgian population with gastric cancer cases age and sex matched to 4 controls and with a parallel duodenal ulcer (DU) group. As in other populations, there was a close association between the presence of
cagA
and the
vacA
s1 genotype. For GC, associations were found for
vacA
s1-positive (
P
= 0.01, odds ratio [OR], 9.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 201.89), i1-positive (
P
= 0.003; OR, 12.08; 95% CI, 1.50 to 259.64), and
cagA
-positive status (
P
< 0.05; OR, infinity; 95% CI, 0.76 to infinity). For DU, associations were found with
vacA
s1 (
P
= 0.002; OR, 6.04; 95% CI, 1.52 to 27.87) and i1 (
P
= 0.004; OR, 4.35; 95% CI, 1.36 to 14.78) status but not with
cagA
status. Neither condition showed independent associations with the
vacA
m1 allele or with more biologically active forms of
cagA
with longer 3′ variable regions. In this Belgian population, the best markers of gastric cancer- and duodenal ulcer-associated strains are the
vacA
s1 and i1 genotypes. This fits with experimental data showing that the s and i regions are the key determinants of vacuolating cytotoxin activity.
New Sensitive One-Step Real-Time Duplex PCR Method for Group A and B HIV-2 RNA Load
Authors: Avettand-Fenoel Véronique , Damond Florence , Gueudin Marie , Matheron Sophie , Mélard Adeline , Collin Gilles , Descamps Diane , Chaix Marie-Laure , Rouzioux Christine , Plantier Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2014

The Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS) previously developed a widely used method for HIV-1 RNA quantification (Biocentric). Here, we report the development of a new specific and sensitive method for HIV-2 RNA quantification, based on an adaptation of the existing HIV-1 protocol. The new test is based on TaqMan one-step reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) targeting two conserved consensus regions of HIV-2 (long terminal repeat [LTR] andgag). Analytic performances were determined in three laboratories. Clinical performances were evaluated on 100 plasma samples from HIV-2-infected patients (groups A, B, and H) by comparison with the assay currently used for the ANRS HIV-2 cohort. The specificity was 100%. Sensitivity was 50 copies/ml (cp/ml) and was optimized to 10 cp/ml. The within-run coefficients of variation in the three laboratories varied from 0.54% to 1.61% at 4 log10copies/ml and from 7.24% to 14.32% at 2 log10cp/ml. The between-run coefficients of variation varied from 2.28% to 6.43%. Of the 39 clinical samples below 2 log10in the current assay, the new test improved the detection or quantification of 17 samples, including eight group B samples. For quantifiable samples, similar loads were obtained with the two assays for group A samples. The median difference between the two assays for group B samples was +0.18 but with greater heterogeneity than for group A. The HIV-2 group H sample had similar results with the two assays. This new assay is highly sensitive and accurately quantifies the most prevalent HIV-2 groups. This test will be useful for monitoring low viral loads in HIV-2-infected patients.
Prostatitis, Steatitis, and Diarrhea in a Dog following Presumptive Flea-Borne Transmission of Bartonella henselae
Authors: Balakrishnan Nandhakumar , Pritchard Jessica , Ericson Marna , Grindem Carol , Phillips Kathryn , Jennings Samuel , Mathews Kyle , Tran Huy , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: June 2014

Bartonella henselae
is increasingly associated with a variety of pathological entities, which are often similar in dogs and human patients. Following an acute flea infestation, a dog developed an unusual clinical presentation for canine bartonellosis. Comprehensive medical, microbiological, and surgical interventions were required for diagnosis and to achieve a full recovery.
Planctomycetes DNA in Febrile Aplastic Patients with Leukemia, Rash, Diarrhea, and Micronodular Pneumonia
Authors: Drancourt M. , Prebet T. , Aghnatios R. , Edouard S. , Cayrou C. , Henry M. , Blaise D. , Raoult D.
Published: June 2014

We found
Planctomycetes
DNA in 2 out of 100 blood samples from patients suffering from leukemia with neutropenia induced by chemotherapy, as well as fever, rash, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Antibiotic-resisting
Planctomycetes
may be pathogenic in these patients.
Novel Strategy for Typing Mycoplasma pneumoniae Isolates by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Coupled with ClinProTools
Authors: Xiao Di , Zhao Fei , Zhang Huifang , Meng Fanliang , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: June 2014

The typing of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
mainly relies on the detection of nucleic acid, which is limited by the use of a single gene target, complex operation procedures, and a lengthy assay time. Here, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) coupled to ClinProTools was used to discover MALDI-TOF MS biomarker peaks and to generate a classification model based on a genetic algorithm (GA) to differentiate between type 1 and type 2
M. pneumoniae
isolates. Twenty-five
M. pneumoniae
strains were used to construct an analysis model, and 43
Mycoplasma
strains were used for validation. For the GA typing model, the cross-validation values, which reflect the ability of the model to handle variability among the test spectra and the recognition capability value, which reflects the model's ability to correctly identify its component spectra, were all 100%. This model contained 7 biomarker peaks (
m
/
z
3,318.8, 3,215.0, 5,091.8, 5,766.8, 6,337.1, 6,431.1, and 6,979.9) used to correctly identify 31 type 1 and 7 type 2
M. pneumoniae
isolates from 43
Mycoplasma
strains with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The strain distribution map and principle component analysis based on the GA classification model also clearly showed that the type 1 and type 2
M. pneumoniae
isolates can be divided into two categories based on their peptide mass fingerprints. With the obvious advantages of being rapid, highly accurate, and highly sensitive and having a low cost and high throughput, MALDI-TOF MS ClinProTools is a powerful and reliable tool for
M. pneumoniae
typing.
Effect of HIV-1 Integrase Resistance Mutations When Introduced into SIVmac239 on Susceptibility to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
Authors: Hassounah Said A. , Mesplède Thibault , Quashie Peter K. , Oliveira Maureen , Sandstrom Paul A. , Wainberg Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Studies on the
in vitro
susceptibility of SIV to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) have been rare. In order to determine the susceptibility of SIVmac239 to INSTIs and characterize the genetic pathways that might lead to drug resistance, we inserted various integrase (IN) mutations that had been selected with HIV under drug pressure with raltegravir (RAL), elvitegravir (EVG), and dolutegravir (DTG) into the IN gene of SIV. We evaluated the effects of these mutations on SIV susceptibility to INSTIs and on viral infectivity. Sequence alignments of SIVmac239 IN with various HIV-1 isolates showed a high degree of homology and conservation of each of the catalytic triad and the key residues involved in drug resistance. Each of the G118R, Y143R, Q148R, R263K, and G140S/Q148R mutations, when introduced into SIV, impaired infectiousness and replication fitness compared to wild-type virus. Using TZM-bl cells, we demonstrated that the Q148R and N155H mutational pathways conferred resistance to EVG (36- and 62-fold, respectively), whereas R263K also displayed moderate resistance to EVG (12-fold). In contrast, Y143R, Q148R, and N155H all yielded low levels of resistance to RAL. The combination of G140S/Q148R conferred high-level resistance to both RAL and EVG (>300- and 286-fold, respectively). DTG remained fully effective against all site-directed mutants except G118R and R263K. Thus, HIV INSTI mutations, when inserted into SIV, resulted in a similar phenotype. These findings suggest that SIV and HIV may share similar resistance pathways profiles and that SIVmac239 could be a useful nonhuman primate model for studies of HIV resistance to INSTIs.

IMPORTANCE
The goal of our project was to establish whether drug resistance against integrase inhibitors in SIV are likely to be the same as those responsible for drug resistance in HIV. Our data answer this question in the affirmative and show that SIV can probably serve as a good animal model for studies of INSTIs and as an early indicator for possible emergent mutations that may cause treatment failure. An SIV-primate model remains an invaluable tool for investigating questions related to the potential role of INSTIs in HIV therapy, transmission, and pathogenesis, and the present study will facilitate each of the above.
Outcomes after corrective surgery for congenital dextro-transposition of the great arteries using the arterial switch technique: a protocol for a scoping systematic review
Authors: Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Forlemu-Kamwa Doris , Chu Angela , Thabane Lehana , Dillenberg Rejane
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) is a life-threatening congenital health defect that requires rapid surgery. The most widely used approach is the arterial switch operation (ASO) developed by Jatene in the 1970s. The first set of children who received this intervention are now adults. The objective of this scoping review of the literature was to document the short-term (less than 1 year), medium-term (1–20 years) and long-term (more than 20 years) outcomes in children who underwent the ASO. Our primary income is survival, but we will explore other secondary surgical, cardiovascular, reproductive and quality-of-life outcomes.

Methods and analyses

Using a systematic scoping review approach, we will conduct a systematic search of the published literature for experimental and observational studies published on children who received the ASO intervention for classic d-TGA. We will search MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) from 1973 (date of the first successful ASO) to February 2014. Identified articles will be screened in duplicate and full text for selected articles will be retrieved. Data extraction will be carried out in duplicate. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or by consulting a third author. Where possible, proportions will be pooled using the inverse variance method. Our findings will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this paper will be disseminated as peer-reviewed publications, at conferences and at clinical rounds. Our findings may answer important questions for surgeons who perform the ASO intervention and for clinicians who take care of patients after surgery and throughout their lifespans.

Trial Registration number

Prospero/CRD42014007590.
A daily huddle facilitates patient transports from a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Hughes Driscoll Colleen , El Metwally Dina
Published: June 2014

To improve hospital access for expectant women and newborns in the state of Maryland, a quality improvement team reviewed the patient flow characteristics of our neonatal intensive care unit. We identified inefficiencies in patient discharges, including delays in patient transports. Several patient transport delays were caused by late preparation and delivery of the patient transfer summary.

Baseline data collection revealed that transfer summaries were prepared on-time by the resident or nurse practitioner only 41% of the time on average, while the same transfer summaries were signed on-time by the neonatologist 5% of the time on average. Our aim was to improve the rate of on-time transfer summaries to 50% over a four month time period.

We performed two PDSA cycles based on feedback from our quality improvement team. In the first cycle, we instituted a daily huddle to increase opportunities for communication about patient transports. In the second cycle, we increased computer access for residents and nurse practitioners preparing the transfer summaries. The on-time summary preparation by residents/nurse practitioners improved to an average of 72% over a nine month period. The same summaries were signed on-time by a neonatologist 26% of the time on average over a nine month period.

In conclusion, institution of a daily huddle combined with augmented computer resources significantly increased the percentage of on-time transfer summaries. Current data show a trend toward improved ability to accept patient referrals. Further data collection and analysis is needed to determine the impact of these interventions on access to hospital care for expectant women and newborns in our state.
Improving patient care over weekends by reducing on-call work load and better time management
Authors: Gardezi Syed Anjum Ali
Published: June 2014

The Royal College of Physicians states that "handover, particularly of temporary ‘on-call’ responsibility, has been identified as a point at which errors are likely to occur."[1] Working a weekend on-call covering medical wards is often busy and stressful for all junior doctors. The

high volume of routine and unplanned tasks make the situation even worse. In Nevill Hall hospital Abergavenny, we measured the workload on a junior doctor for medical ward cover on weekends by counting the number of times he/she was bleeped for routine tasks. Initial study demonstrated that on average 30-40% of time on a long day shift was spent on jobs which could have been done on the preceding Friday. The ''FRIDAYS'' checklist was introduced for clinical staff (particularly junior doctors) to identify these jobs.

According to this model, all the junior doctors were encouraged to review:

F: Phlebotomy

R: Rewriting drug charts

I: IV fluids

D: discharge summaries

A: Antibiotic review

Y: Yellow book/Warfarin dose

S: Status of resuscitation and escalation plans before leaving the wards on Friday afternoon.

This implementation successfully showed reduction in weekend workload, allowing the ward cover to be focused on care and safety of comparatively sick patients while at the same time reducing the stress for the on-call team.
A critical assessment of two real-time PCR assays targeting the (SSU) rRNA and gdh genes for the molecular identification ofGiardia intestinalisin a clinical laboratory
Authors: Boadi Samuel , Polley Spencer D , Kilburn Sally , Mills Graham A , Chiodini Peter L
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Giardiasis is an intestinal diarrhoeal illness caused by the flagellate protozoan parasiteGiardia intestinalis. Molecular techniques for the identification ofG. intestinalishave generally been shown to offer a better detection rate of the parasite than the traditional faecal concentration and microscopy techniques.

Aim

The aim of this study was to critically assess the performance of a commercial and a published real-time PCR assay for their potential use as frontline tests for the diagnosis of giardiasis.

Methods

A composite reference standard of enzyme immunoassay and rapid membrane test was used in a diagnostic accuracy study to assess the performance of Primerdesign's, and Verweijet alG. intestinalisreal-time PCR assays, comparing them with the traditional ova, cysts and parasite microscopy test (OCP-M).

Results

The Verweij real-time PCR used primers for the (SSU) rRNA gene, and produced a diagnostic sensitivity of 93.4% (95% CI 88.30% to 98.50%) and an efficiency of 100%. Primerdesign's real-time PCR used primers for the glutamate dehydrogenase gene and produced a diagnostic sensitivity of 61.5% (95% CI 51.50% to 71.50%) and an efficiency of 203%. The OCP-M sensitivity was 83.5% (95% CI 75.87% to 91.13%).

Conclusions

The Verweij real-time PCR was robust and the most sensitive assay suited for use as a first-line diagnostic test for giardiasis.
Hesperidin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulation of PPARγ and abrogation of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: June 2014

The most important reason for the non-approval and withdrawal of drugs by the Food and Drug Administration is hepatotoxicity. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of hesperidin against cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. The rats received a single intraperitoneal dose of CYP of 200 mg/kg body mass, followed by treatment with hesperidin, orally, at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg for 11 consecutive days. CYP induced hepatic damage, as evidenced by the significantly elevated levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, serum transaminases, liver lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide. As a consequence, there was reduced glutathione content, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were markedly reduced. In addition, CYP administration induced a considerable downregulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and upregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. Hesperidin, in a dose-dependent manner, rejuvenated the altered markers to an almost normal state. In conclusion, hesperidin showed a potent protective effect against CYP-induced oxidative stress and inflammation leading to hepatotoxicity. The study suggests that hesperidin exerts its protective effect against CYP-induced hepatotoxicity through upregulation of hepatic PPARγ expression and abrogation of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Equivalence of curvature and noncommutativity in a physical space: Harmonic oscillator on sphere
Authors: Ghorashi S. A. A. , Mahdifar A. , Roknizadeh R.
Published: June 2014

We study the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator on a noncommutative plane. We show that by introducing appropriate Bopp shifts, one can obtain the Hamiltonian of a two-dimensional harmonic oscillator on a sphere according to the Higgs model. By calculating the commutation relations, we show that this noncommutativity is strictly dependent on the curvature of the background space. In other words, we introduce a kind of duality between noncommutativity and curvature by introducing noncommutativity parameters as functions of curvature. Also, it is shown that the physical realization of such model is a charged harmonic oscillator in the presence of electromagnetic field.
Constant community discovery in network based on consensus clustering
Authors: Liang Zongwen , Petropulu Athina , Yang Fan , Li Jianping
Published: June 2014

Community detection is a fundamental work to analyze the structural and functional properties of complex networks. There are many algorithms proposed to find the optimal communities of network. In this paper, we focus on how vertex order influences the results of community detection. By using consensus clustering, we discover communities and get a consensus matrix under different vertex orders. Based on the consensus matrix, we study the phenomenon that some nodes are always allocated in the same community even with different vertex permutations. We call this group of nodes as constant community and propose a constant community detection algorithm (CCDA) to find constant communities in network. We also further study the internal properties of constant communities and find constant communities play a guiding role in community detection. Finally, a discussion of constant communities is given in the hope of being useful to others working in this field.
On the Artal–Carmona–Cogolludo construction
Authors: Degtyarev Alex
Published: June 2014

We derive explicit defining equations for a number of irreducible maximizing plane sextics with double singular points only. For most real curves, we also compute the fundamental group of the complement; all groups found are abelian, which suffices to complete the computation of the groups of all non-maximizing irreducible sextics. As a by-product, examples of Zariski pairs in the strongest possible sense are constructed.
Time Reversal for Elastic Wave Refocusing and Scatterer Location Recovery
Authors: Levi Izhak , Turkel Eli , Givoli Dan
Published: June 2014

Time reversal is a powerful procedure in application fields involving wave propagation. It is based on the invariance of the wave equations, in the absence of dissipation, in the time direction. This allows going backward in time to recover past events. We use time reversal to recover the location of a source applied at the initial time based on measurements at a later time. We generalize the procedure previously developed for the scalar wave equation1to elastodynamics. We show that the technique is quite robust, sometimes even in the presence of very high noise levels. Also it is not very sensitive to the medium characterizations, when a sufficient amount of measurement data is available. We extend previous work to get good refocusing for multiple sources. We introduce a new score to assess the quality of the numerical solution for the refocusing problem which produces good results. Furthermore, we use the refocusing technique as a basis for scatterer location recovery. By adding noise in a controlled manner we improve the scheme of finding the location of the scatterer.
Fuzzy-Model-Based Adaptive Control for a Kind of Discrete-Time Systems with Time-Delay and Disturbances
Authors: Li Yi-Min , Li Yuan-Yuan
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the stability analysis of discrete-time fuzzy-model-based adaptive control systems with time-delay, parameter uncertainties and external disturbance. To facilitate the stability analysis, the T-S fuzzy model is employed to represent the discretetime nonlinear system. A fuzzy observer is used to estimate the state of the fuzzy system, by using the estimations of states and nonlinear functions, and sufficient conditions for designing observer-based fuzzy controllers are proposed. The control and observer matrices involved can be determined by solving a set of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, the numerical example carried out also demonstrate the feasibility of the design method.
Disclosure-Derived Financial Statement Adjustments in Equity Valuation
Authors: Batta George , Ganguly Ananda , Rosett Joshua George
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we assess the equity value relevance of disclosure-derived financial statement adjustments. In price levels and returns tests, we find that reported financial numbers have relatively superior explanatory power over adjusted numbers. Only when adjustments are included along with reported numbers in pricing regressions do adjustments retain significant explanatory power. Our results suggest that for summary valuation inputs like operating profitability, assets, and liabilities, analysts should not substitute adjusted numbers for reported numbers; rather, the information in a subset of adjustments should be used along with reported numbers to produce more accurate valuations.
The Determinants of Bankruptcy for Chinese Firms
Authors: Ni Jinlan , Kwak Wikil , Cheng Xiaoyan , Gong Guan
Published: June 2014

The global financial crisis in 2008 increased the number of business failures in the U.S. as well as in China. The Chinese economy has also been affected by the recent global financial crisis given the fact that the Chinese economy depends heavily on international trade. Our study tries to find the determinants of bankruptcy in Chinese firms. Both logit and survival model analyses provide consistent results on the determinants in predicting distressed firms in China. Our results suggest that firms with liquidity problems and firms experiencing a decline in profits are more likely to file for bankruptcy. In addition, we find that, compared to state-owned enterprises (SOEs), collectively-owned enterprises, private-owned enterprises, and foreign-owned businesses are more likely to file for bankruptcy. This conclusion is robust after controlling for regional differences. The findings of this study show that the financial variables developed by Altman [Financial ratios, discriminant analysis and the prediction of corporate bankruptcy. Journal of Finance, 23(3), 589–609] and Ohlson [Financial ratios and probabilistic prediction of bankruptcy. Journal of Accounting Research, 18(1), 109–131] perform reasonably well in determining business failures of Chinese firms even though SOEs and shadow financing exist in China.
On catalecticant perfect ideals of codimension 2
Authors: Ramos Zaqueu , Simis Aron
Published: June 2014

One deals with catalectic codimension two perfect ideals and certain degenerations thereof, with a view toward the nature of their symbolic powers. In the spirit of [Z. Ramos and A. Simis, Symbolic powers of perfect ideals of codimension 2 and birational maps, J. Algebra413 (2014) 153–197] one considers linearly presented such ideals, only now in the situation where the number of variables is sufficiently larger than the size of the matrix, yet still stays within reasonable bounds.
Algebra endomorphisms and derivations of some localized down-up algebras
Authors: Tang Xin
Published: June 2014

We study algebra endomorphisms and derivations of some localized down-up algebras A𝕊(r + s, -rs). First, we determine all the algebra endomorphisms of A𝕊(r + s, -rs) under some conditions on r and s. We show that each algebra endomorphism of A𝕊(r + s, -rs) is an algebra automorphism if rmsn = 1 implies m = n = 0. When r = s-1 = q is not a root of unity, we give a criterion for an algebra endomorphism of A𝕊(r + s, -rs) to be an algebra automorphism. In either case, we are able to determine the algebra automorphism group for A𝕊(r + s, -rs). We also show that each surjective algebra endomorphism of the down-up algebra A(r + s, -rs) is an algebra automorphism in either case. Second, we determine all the derivations of A𝕊(r + s, -rs) and calculate its first degree Hochschild cohomology group.
Hilbert coefficients of Schubert varieties in Grassmannians
Authors: Nanduri Ramakrishna
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we give combinatorial formulas for the Hilbert coefficients, h-polynomial and the Cohen–Macaulay type of Schubert varieties in Grassmannians in terms of the posets associated with them. As a consequence, necessary conditions for a Schubert variety to be a complete intersection and combinatorial criteria are given for a Schubert variety to be Gorenstein and almost Gorenstein, respectively.
Left principally quasi-Baer and left APP-rings of skew generalized power series
Authors: Mazurek Ryszard
Published: June 2014

Let R be a ring, S a strictly ordered monoid, and ω : S → End (R) a monoid homomorphism. The skew generalized power series ring R[[S, ω]] is a common generalization of (skew) polynomial rings, (skew) Laurent polynomial rings, (skew) power series rings, (skew) Laurent series rings, and (skew) monoid rings. We characterize when a skew generalized power series ring R[[S, ω]] is left principally quasi-Baer and under various finiteness conditions on R we characterize when the ring R[[S, ω]] is left APP. As immediate corollaries we obtain characterizations for all aforementioned classical ring constructions to be left principally quasi-Baer or left APP. Such a general approach not only gives new results for several constructions simultaneously, but also serves the unification of already known results.
SWIRLING FLOW CAN SUPPRESS MONOCYTES ADHESION IN END-TO-END ARTERIAL ANASTOMOSIS
Authors: ZHAN FAN , CHEN ZENGSHENG , DENG XIAOYAN
Published: June 2014

To test the hypothesis that the monocytes adhesion would be suppressed by intentionally inducing swirling flow in end-to-end arterial anastomosis to inhibit the flow disturbance, the comparing experimental and numerical investigation under both normal flow condition and swirling flow condition were executed, in which the sudden expanded tube and U-937 cells were used. The numerical results reveal that, comparing to normal flow, the swirling flow could reduce the size of flow disturbed zones and enhance the wall shear stress (WSS) in the closed downstream of sudden expanded tube. The experimental results show that there are disturbed flow zones in the sudden expanded tube, where the adhesion number of U-937 cells is larger than other zones. More importantly, comparing to the normal flow, the swirling flow could reduce the adhesion of U-937 cells, in which the adhesion number become smaller with the increasing of the swirling intensity. Therefore, the present study suggests that intentionally introducing swirling flow in end-to-end arterial anastomosis may be a solution to solve the problem of intimal hyperplasia (IH) by suppressing the flow disturbance and restraining the adhesion of monocytes to keep the favorably unimpeded flow.
Anomaly and topology change
Authors: Tanaka Izumi
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of topology change on anomaly in the initial universe. G-cobordism is introduced to argue about the topology change accompanied by gauge group. Our results revealed that change of anomalies results from topology change.
INCORPORATING NETWORK ANALYSIS INTO EVALUATION OF 'BIG SCIENCE' PROJECTS: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE SYNCHROTRON
Authors: RYAN CAMILLE D. , ST. LOUIS MICHAEL , PHILLIPS PETER W. B.
Published: June 2014

Major investments in science and technology are designed to generate something beyond the science itself. Government-funded big science infrastructure, exemplified by the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron (CLS), offers places for scientists both to conduct their scientific investigations and to do things that more directly add economic and social value. Scientists, however, do not work in isolation. They are usually part of larger networks or communities that can generate bigger net effects for the affiliated individuals and institutions. Understanding the structure and scale of these scientific networks provides insights into the impacts of big science on the scientific community (locally and globally) and the potential opportunities that may be realised. This study applies the social network analysis (SNA) methodology and combines it with a survey and statistical analysis to assess the network of scholars attached to the CLS, to explore the evolution of collaborative behaviour over time and to explore the relationships between the network and specific output and outcome variables. The study concludes that the CLS has generated a large and growing scholarly community; at the core of the network is a group of highly linked and engaged scholars who have the aptitude and experience to extend their research results into application and use.
𝔽ζ-geometry, Tate motives, and the Habiro ring
Authors: Lo Catharine Wing Kwan , Marcolli Matilde
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we propose different notions of 𝔽ζ-geometry, for ζ a root of unity, generalizing notions of 𝔽1-geometry (geometry over the "field with one element") based on the behavior of the counting functions of points over finite fields, the Grothendieck class, and the notion of torification. We relate 𝔽ζ-geometry to formal roots of Tate motives, and to functions in the Habiro ring, seen as counting functions of certain ind-varieties. We investigate the existence of 𝔽ζ-structures in examples arising from general linear groups, matrix equations over finite fields, and some quantum modular forms.
SELF-ASSEMBLY OF GOLD NANORODS ON WRINKLED TEMPLATE
Authors: LIANG YUJIA , XIE YONG , ZHU ZHENING , JI YINGLU , WU XIAOCHUN , LIU QIAN
Published: June 2014

Self-assembly of nanoparticles has attracted more attention in the last decade due to their potential applications in many fields, such as sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate and optical/plasmonic components. Wrinkles, as one kind of common natural surface, are used to be a template/substrate in microfluidic sieves and solar cells. In this work, a wrinkled template with depth of about 200 nm and period of 1.64 μm is used for modulating the self-assembly process of gold nanorods (GNRs) to obtain patterned self-assemblies for potential application. In order to fully reflect the role of the wrinkled template in the self-assembly, the templates are placed uprightly in the GNRs solution to intensify the interplay between the wrinkled surface and nanorods. The self-assembly process is carried out in a climate chamber, where the temperature and humidity can be controlled programmingly to modulate the self-assembly conditions. The experimental results show that for the fixed wrinkled template, an obvious effect on the self-assembly is at the temperature range from 30°C to 50°C. Nematic, curved (mostly are end-to-end) and transition mode can be obtained. According to humidity, GNRs tend to form the nematic fashion in humidity lower than 60%, and the curved fashion in a higher humidity.
An optimal control model of mosquito reduction management in a dengue endemic region
Authors: Wijaya Karunia Putra , Götz Thomas , Soewono Edy
Published: June 2014

Aedes aegypti is known as the responsible vector in transmitting dengue flavivirus. Unavailability of medication to cure the transmission in human blood becomes a global health issue in recent decades. World epidemiologists are encouraged to focus on investigation toward an effective and inexpensive way to prevent dengue transmission, i.e. mosquito control. In this paper, we present a model depicting the dynamics of mosquito population based on indoor–outdoor life cycle classification. The basic mosquito offspring number is obtained and analysis of equilibria is shown. We bring along a discussion on application of optimal control model which engineers two simultaneous schemes. The first scheme is done by disseminating chemical like Temephos in spots where eggs and larvae develop, meanwhile the second scheme is done by conducting fumigation through areas where adult mosquitoes prevalently nest, indoor as well as outdoor. A version of gradient-based method is presented to set down a workflow in minimizing the objective functional with respect to control variable. Numerical results from analysis of the basic mosquito offspring number with constant control and from optimal control suggest that one has to enhance the usage of fumigation rather than Temephos. It is also suggested that applying both control schemes simultaneously gives the most significant reduction to the population.
WHAT DOES THE 2°C TARGET IMPLY FOR A GLOBAL CLIMATE AGREEMENT IN 2020? THE LIMITS STUDY ON DURBAN PLATFORM SCENARIOS
Authors: KRIEGLER ELMAR , TAVONI MASSIMO , ABOUMAHBOUB TINO , LUDERER GUNNAR , CALVIN KATHERINE , DEMAERE GAUTHIER , KREY VOLKER , RIAHI KEYWAN , RÖSLER HILKE , SCHAEFFER MICHIEL , VAN VUUREN DETLEF P.
Published: June 2014

This paper provides a novel and comprehensive model-based assessment of possible outcomes of the Durban Platform negotiations with a focus on emissions reduction requirements, the consistency with the 2°C target and global economic impacts. The Durban Platform scenarios investigated in the LIMITS study — all assuming the implementation of comprehensive global emission reductions after 2020, but assuming different 2020 emission reduction levels as well as different long-term concentration targets — exhibit a probability of exceeding the 2°C limit of 22–41% when reaching 450 (450–480) ppm CO2e , and 35–59% when reaching 500 (480–520) ppm CO2e in 2100. Forcing and temperature show a peak and decline pattern for both targets. Consistency of the resulting temperature trajectory with the 2°C target is a societal choice, and may be based on the maximum exceedance probability at the time of the peak and the long run exceedance probability, e.g., in the year 2100. The challenges of implementing a long-term target after a period of fragmented near-term climate policy can be significant as reflected in steep reductions of emissions intensity and transitional and long-term economic impacts. In particular, the challenges of adopting the target are significantly higher in 2030 than in 2020, both in terms of required emissions intensity decline rates and economic impacts. We conclude that an agreement on comprehensive emissions reductions to be implemented from 2020 onwards has particular significance for meeting long-term climate policy objectives.
A MULTI-MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE REGIONAL AND SECTORAL ROLES OF BIOENERGY IN NEAR- AND LONG-TERM CO2 EMISSIONS REDUCTION
Authors: CALVIN KATHERINE , WISE MARSHALL , KLEIN DAVID , McCOLLUM DAVID , TAVONI MASSIMO , VAN DER ZWAAN BOB , VAN VUUREN DETLEF P.
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the near- and the long-term contribution of regional and sectoral bioenergy use in response to both regionally diverse near-term policies and longer-term global climate change mitigation policies. The use of several models provides a source of heterogeneity in terms of incorporating uncertain assumptions about future socioeconomics and technology, as well as different paradigms for how different regions and major economies of the world may respond to climate policies. The results highlight the heterogeneity and versatility of bioenergy itself, with different types of resources and applications in several energy sectors. In large part due to this versatility, the contribution of bioenergy to climate mitigation is a robust response across all models. Regional differences in bioenergy consumption, however, highlight the importance of assumptions about trade in bioenergy feedstocks and the influence of energy and climate policies. When global trade in bioenergy is possible, regional patterns of bioenergy use follow global patterns. When trade is assumed not to be feasible, regions with high bioenergy supply potential tend to consume more bioenergy than other regions. Energy and climate policies, such as renewable energy targets, can incentivize bioenergy use, but specifics of the policies will dictate the degree to which this is true. For example, renewable final energy targets, which include electric and non-electric renewable sources, increase bioenergy use in all models, while electric-only renewable targets have a mixed effect on bioenergy use across models.
Exposure of mice to chronic hypoxia attenuates pulmonary arterial contractile responses to acute hypoxia by increases in extracellular hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Patel Dhara , Alhawaj Raed , Wolin Michael S.
Published: June 2014

Exposing mice to a chronic hypoxic treatment (10% oxygen, 21 days) that promotes pulmonary hypertension was observed to attenuate the pulmonary vasoconstriction response to acute hypoxia (HPV) both in vivo and in isolated pulmonary arteries. Since catalase restored the HPV response in isolated arteries, it appeared to be attenuated by extracellular hydrogen peroxide. Chronic hypoxia promoted the detection of elevated lung superoxide, extracellular peroxide, extracellular SOD expression, and protein kinase G (PKG) activation [based on PKG dimerization and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation], suggesting increased generation of extracellular peroxide and PKG activation may contribute to the suppression of HPV. Aorta from mice exposed to 21 days of hypoxia also showed evidence for extracellular hydrogen peroxide, suppressing the relaxation response to acute hypoxia. Peroxide appeared to partially suppress contractions to phenylephrine used in the study of in vitro hypoxic responses. Treatment of mice with the heme precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA; 50 mg·kg−1·day−1) during exposure to chronic hypoxia was examined as a pulmonary hypertension therapy because it could potentially activate beneficial cGMP-mediated effects through promoting a prolonged protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-elicited activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. ALA attenuated pulmonary hypertension, increases in both superoxide and peroxide, and the suppression of in vitro and in vivo HPV responses. ALA generated prolonged detectible increases in PpIX and PKG-associated phosphorylation of VASP, suggesting PKG activation may contribute to suppression of pulmonary hypertension and prevention of alterations in extracellular peroxide that appear to be attenuating HPV responses caused by chronic hypoxia.
Renal blood flow and oxygenation drive nephron progenitor differentiation
Authors: Rymer Christopher , Paredes Jose , Halt Kimmo , Schaefer Caitlin , Wiersch John , Zhang Guangfeng , Potoka Douglas , Vainio Seppo , Gittes George K. , Bates Carlton M. , Sims-Lucas Sunder
Published: June 2014

During kidney development, the vasculature develops via both angiogenesis (branching from major vessels) and vasculogenesis (de novo vessel formation). The formation and perfusion of renal blood vessels are vastly understudied. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory role of renal blood flow and O2 concentration on nephron progenitor differentiation during ontogeny. To elucidate the presence of blood flow, ultrasound-guided intracardiac microinjection was performed, and FITC-tagged tomato lectin was perfused through the embryo. Kidneys were costained for the vasculature, ureteric epithelium, nephron progenitors, and nephron structures. We also analyzed nephron differentiation in normoxia compared with hypoxia. At embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), the major vascular branches were perfused; however, smaller-caliber peripheral vessels remained unperfused. By E15.5, peripheral vessels started to be perfused as well as glomeruli. While the interior kidney vessels were perfused, the peripheral vessels (nephrogenic zone) remained unperfused. Directly adjacent and internal to the nephrogenic zone, we found differentiated nephron structures surrounded and infiltrated by perfused vessels. Furthermore, we determined that at low O2 concentration, little nephron progenitor differentiation was observed; at higher O2 concentrations, more differentiation of the nephron progenitors was induced. The formation of the developing renal vessels occurs before the onset of blood flow. Furthermore, renal blood flow and oxygenation are critical for nephron progenitor differentiation.