bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of MicroRNA transfections on global patterns of gene expression in ovarian cancer cells are functionally coordinated
Authors: Shahab Shubin W , Matyunina Lilya V , Hill Christopher G , Wang Lijuan , Mezencev Roman , Walker L DeEtte , McDonald John F
Published: August 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that have been linked to a number of diseases including cancer. The potential application of miRNAs in the diagnostics and therapeutics of ovarian and other cancers is an area of intense interest. A current challenge is the inability to accurately predict the functional consequences of exogenous modulations in the levels of potentially therapeutic miRNAs.

Methods

In an initial effort to systematically address this issue, we conducted miRNA transfection experiments using two miRNAs (miR-7, miR-128). We monitored the consequent changes in global patterns of gene expression by microarray and quantitative (real-time) polymerase chain reaction. Network analysis of the expression data was used to predict the consequence of each transfection on cellular function and these predictions were experimentally tested.

Results

While ~20% of the changes in expression patterns of hundreds to thousands of genes could be attributed to direct miRNA-mRNA interactions, the majority of the changes are indirect, involving the downstream consequences of miRNA-mediated changes in regulatory gene expression. The changes in gene expression induced by individual miRNAs are functionally coordinated but distinct between the two miRNAs. MiR-7 transfection into ovarian cancer cells induces changes in cell adhesion and other developmental networks previously associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) and other processes linked with metastasis. In contrast, miR-128 transfection induces changes in cell cycle control and other processes commonly linked with cellular replication.

Conclusions

The functionally coordinated patterns of gene expression displayed by different families of miRNAs have the potential to provide clinicians with a strategy to treat cancers from a systems rather than a single gene perspective.
Evolutionary patterns of RNA-based gene duplicates in Caenorhabditis nematodes coincide with their genomic features
Authors: Zou Ming , Wang Guoxiu , He Shunping
Published: August 2012

Background

RNA-based gene duplicates (retrocopies) played pivotal roles in many physiological processes. Nowadays, functional retrocopies have been systematically identified in several mammals, fruit flies, plants, zebrafish and other chordates, etc. However, studies about this kind of duplication in Caenorhabditis nematodes have not been reported.

Findings

We identified 43, 48, 43, 9, and 42 retrocopies, of which 6, 15, 18, 3, and 13 formed chimeric genes in C. brenneri, C. briggsae, C. elegans, C. japonica, and C. remanei, respectively. At least 5 chimeric types exist in Caenorhabditis species, of which retrocopy recruiting both N and C terminus is the commonest one. Evidences from different analyses demonstrate many retrocopies and almost all chimeric genes may be functional in these species. About half of retrocopies in each species has coordinates in other species, and we suggest that retrocopies in closely related species may be helpful in identifying retrocopies for one certain species.

Conclusions

A number of retrocopies and chimeric genes exist in Caenorhabditis genomes, and some of them may be functional. The evolutionary patterns of these genes may correlate with their genomic features, such as the activity of retroelements, the high rate of mutation and deletion rate, and a large proportion of genes subject to trans-splicing.
Splenomegaly in myelofibrosis—new options for therapy and the therapeutic potential of Janus kinase 2 inhibitors
Authors: Randhawa Jasleen , Ostojic Alen , Vrhovac Radovan , Atallah Ehab , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: August 2012

Splenomegaly is a common sign of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (post-PV MF), and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (post-ET MF) that is associated with bothersome symptoms, which have a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. It may also be present in patients with advanced polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET). Until recently, none of the therapies used to treat MF were particularly effective in reducing splenomegaly. The discovery of an activating Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) activating mutation (JAK2V617F) that is present in almost all patients with PV and in about 50-60 % of patients with ET and PMF led to the initiation of several trials investigating the clinical effectiveness of various JAK2 (or JAK1/JAK2) inhibitors for the treatment of patients with ET, PV, and MF. Some of these trials have documented significant clinical benefit of JAK inhibitors, particularly in terms of regression of splenomegaly. In November 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the JAK1- and JAK2-selective inhibitor ruxolitinib for the treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including PMF, post-PV MF, and post-ET MF. This review discusses current therapeutic options for splenomegaly associated with primary or secondary MF and the treatment potential of the JAK inhibitors in this setting.
Percutaneous unilateral placement of biliary covered metallic stent in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction and contralateral portal vein occlusion
Authors: Yi Rang , Gwon Dong Il , Ko Gi-Young , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Kim Jin Hyoung , Shin Ji Hoon , Sung Kyu-Bo
Published: August 2012

Background

Unilateral biliary metallic stent placement in the lobe with patent portal vein seemed to be a safe and effective palliative treatment of patients with contralateral portal vein occlusion caused by advanced hilar malignancy, obviating bilateral stent placement in these patients, because the hepatic lobe with portal vein occlusion ceases to produce bile due to interruption of enterohepatic circulation.

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous unilateral expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stent placement in malignant hilar biliary obstruction with contralateral portal vein occlusion.

Material and Methods

From February 2008 to March 2011, 24 consecutive patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction and unilobar portal vein occlusion were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were treated by percutaneous placement of ePTFE-covered stents.

Results

Stent deployment was technically successful in all patients. Two (8%) patients experienced minor self-limiting hemobilia. No major complication was noted. Successful internal drainage was achieved in 22 (91.6%) patients. Mean serum bilirubin level, which was 12.5 mg/dl ± 8.4 before drainage, decreased significantly to 2.7 mg/dl ± 3.4, 1 month after stent placement ( P < 0.001). Median survival was 191 days (95% CI, 94–288 days) and cumulative stent patency rates at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 100%, 95%, 95%, 95%, and 71%, respectively. Two (8%) patients presented with stent occlusion due to sludge incrustation. Aside from two patients who had died within 30 days after stent placement, the other 22 patients demonstrated slight decrease in diameter of undrained lobe and did not experience cholangitis nor jaundice.

Conclusion

Unilateral placement of ePTFE-covered stent in the lobe with patent portal vein seems to be a safe and effective method for palliative treatment of patients with contralateral portal vein occlusion. In addition, ePTFE-covered stent placement can prevent tumor ingrowth without functional occlusion of segmental bile ducts.
Can you believe all that you read in the medical journals?
Authors: Marcovitch H.
Published: August 2012

By and large, physicians and surgeons trust what they read, even if they take authors’ conclusions with a pinch of salt. There is a world of difference between being cautious about the implications of what you read and being defrauded by dishonest researchers. Fraud and scientific research are incompatible bedfellows and yet are an unhappy part of our research existence. All subspecialties are to blame and orthopaedics is no exception.
Can the BBC live to be 100? Public service broadcasting after digital switchover
Authors: Starks Michael
Published: August 2012

The trend towards pluralism and a super-abundance of TV channels and radio stations has in general posed a risk for public service broadcasting (PSB) organizations whose roots lie in conditions of spectrum scarcity. The increased number of broadcasting outlets means that public service
broadcasters’ audience share is almost inevitably set to decline, and raises questions about the residual purposes of public service programming when so many other choices are available without any form of tax funding. However, perhaps unexpectedly, the era of digital television switchover
has proved a good one for many PSBs, since governments value their role in facilitating the change. Once analogue terrestrial switch-off is complete, and the distinctiveness of television is further eroded by its convergence with the Internet, the prospects are different. This article examines
the challenge of the all-digital broadcasting environment for the BBC in the United Kingdom, asking whether the 1986 Peacock Report’s long-term vision was quite wrong or just premature – and finding in the BBC’s history the underlying values that can provide the basis for
its survival. The analysis draws out points applicable to PSBs in other countries within the constraint that no two PSBs, and no two national broadcasting markets, are ever quite the same.
Getting ready for digital broadcasting: Factors contributing to consumer readiness
Authors: MA WENJUAN , WILDMAN STEVEN S. , GREENBERG BRADLEY S. , PEER LIMOR
Published: August 2012

With few exceptions, United States television stations had completed a mandatory transition from analogue to digital broadcasting by the statutory deadline of 12 June 2009. To limit the disruption to viewers who had been receiving their television over the-air (OTA) during a period
leading up to the switchover, broadcasters and govern-ment officials sponsored several initiatives to make consumers aware of the impending transition and to inform those reliant on OTA reception of what they needed to do to continue watching television after analogue service was terminated.
This article presents an empirical analysis of factors that contributed to cross-market variation in the rates and ways OTA viewers prepared themselves for the switchover.
European Union State Aid, public subsidies and analogue switch-off/digital switchover
Authors: WHEELER MARK
Published: August 2012

This article considers the European Union's (EU) role in the media and communications field concerning analogue switch-off/digital switchover. It focuses on the EU Competition Directorate's approach concerning the application of the State Aid mechanism with regard to those Member States
who have used public subsidies for digital switchover. Therefore, this analysis considers how the Directorate has sought to balance its market-driven set of rules with the need to be adaptable to the Member States' specific requirements. In turn, this account will discuss how the demand to
achieve the 2012 completion deadline, alongside the requirement to release analogue spectrum to realize a digital dividend, impacted upon the EU's principles of competition. Finally, this analysis will reflect on how the employment of State Aid in relation to digital switchover refers to a
wider debate concerning the EU's neo-liberal agendas against Member States' interests to promote their national cultures.
DTT switchover accomplished in most areas of Japan
Authors: KUMABE NORIO
Published: August 2012

Digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting in Japan began in 2003. It was planned to accomplish total switchover on 24 July 2011, simultaneously throughout the country. DTT broadcasts have come to cover nearly 100 per cent of households in a rather short time, but the penetration
of DTT receivers was very slow in the beginning. The Government then introduced various assistance systems to promote the sale of DTT receivers and the installation of aerials, and the prices of DTT receivers have dropped considerably. The penetration rate of DTT receivers was improved, but
on 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake added a last hazard to the total switchover, and in the most affected three prefectures the switchover was postponed. In the other areas of the country switchover has been accomplished as scheduled without any major trouble.
REVIEWS
Authors: McDowell Stephen D. , Evens Tom , Tanner Giles
Published: August 2012

RELOCATING TELEVISION: TELEVISION IN THE DIGITAL CONTEXT, JOSTEIN GRIPSRUD (ED.) (2010) London and New York: Routledge, 275+xxi pp., ISBN 978-0-415-56453-3, p/bk, $42.95, ISBN 978-0-415-56452-6, h/bk, $135.00

DIGITAL DIVIDES IN EUROPE. CULTURE, POLITICS AND THE WESTERN-SOUTHERN
DIVIDE, PANAYIOTA TSATSOU (2011) Bern: Peter Lang, 286 pp., ISBN 978-3-0343-0189-3, p/bk, £37.50

FACE THE FUTURE: TOOLS FOR THE MODERN MEDIA AGE – THE INTERNET AND JOURNALISM TODAY, JOHN MAIR AND RICHARD LANCE KEEBLE (EDS) (2011) UK: Abramis Academic Publishing, 341 pp., ISBN
978 1 84549 483 4, p/bk, £17.95
Digital TV switchover in Portugal: What is in it for the viewer?
Authors: Quico Célia
Published: August 2012

The implications and impact of the transition process from the analogue terrestrial TV to digital terrestrial TV on the Portuguese TV viewers will be addressed in this article. We start with an overview of the switchover process in Portugal from 2001 to early 2012, after which we outline
the research project ADOPT-DTV from Universidade Lusfona, whose major goal was to understand the most significant factors for the Portuguese population in adopting or rejecting digital TV in the switchover context. Then, we present a selection of the main results of this project, focusing
on the free-to-air and pay-TV penetration rates, as well as awareness and knowledge about the digital TV switchover process, intentions to adopt digital TV and, finally, the socio-economic profiles of pay-TV viewers compared with free-to-air TV viewers. With switchover concluded in April 2012,
just after this article has been written, we can say that the transition process has so far hardly brought any tangible benefits to Portuguese viewers: no increase of free TV channels, no high-definition channels, less coverage by the digital terrestrial television (DTT) network than by the
analogue network, no new interactive services besides the electronic programme guide, and the improvement in picture and sound quality is debatable. In short, all things considered, what is in it for the Portuguese viewer?
Evaluating programme-embedded advertising format for Interactive Digital Television
Authors: Vennou Paraskevi , Mantzari Evangelia , Lekakos George
Published: August 2012

In this article we examine the effectiveness of a new format of interactive advertising with respect to the user's interest and preference for a product while watching a TV programme of relative importance. More specifically, our objective was to test a new ad format for interactive
digital television in comparison to an established one, and to examine how the differences in the programme flow and in the degree of user attendance would affect his or her preferences and satisfaction. The design of ads was based on Adobe Director and a usability evaluation was conducted,
before the production of the ad prototypes for the research on their effectiveness. Additionally, the technical limitations of current business practice and the European legal framework for the audio-visual interactive media environment have been taken into consideration, in order to provide
a feasible and applicable system. Empirical findings suggest that the new ad format (Selectable Item Ad – SIA) is highly effective for people's interest and participation. Our research provides insight for advertisers and producers, because it establishes that the design of a suitable
ad depends significantly on the ad's objectives, on the viewer's specific interest for the promoted product, and on the relative importance of the TV programme for the viewer.
Audience measurement and digitalization: Integrating TV and Internet?
Authors: Jennes Iris , Pierson Jo
Published: August 2012

The article fits in the broader context of how digitalization affects the television value network and the changing roles of different actors. The focus is on how audiences or users might (or might not) challenge the power relations between these actors. For this we discuss the role
of audience measurement in the television business model as well as the challenges for accurate audience measurement due to digitalization. The article begins by describing digitalization and the main consequences for the media environment in general. This overview helps to contextualize the
changes and challenges in the television industry. Next we briefly situate some key actors in the television industry (distributors, broadcasters and advertisers) and changes to their position in the value network due to digitalization of television. We relate the latter to changes in audience
behaviour in general. Finally we explore the potential challenges in digital TV audience measurement and compare these to the practices and challenges of Internet audience measurement. This way, possibilities and obstructions for audience measurement in the future can be assessed.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Wheeler Mark , Hart Jeffrey A. , Starks Michael
Published: August 2012

GLOBAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION POLICY, PETROS IOSIFIDIS (2011) Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 288 pp., ISBN: 978-0-230-21879-6, h/bk, 55

WATCHING THE INTERNET: THE FUTURE OF TV?, JOSE MARIA ALVAREZ-MONZONCILLO (2011) Oporto, Portugal: Media XXI, 240 pp., ISBN: 9789898143839, p/bk,
17 euros

THE RISE AND FALL OF TELEVISION JOURNALISM, STEVEN BARNETT (2011) London: Bloomsbury Academic, 286 pp., ISBN 978-1-84966-611-4, p/bk 19.99 (also available as ebook)
Polygalacturonases of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500: A Kinetic Analysis of Batch Culture Systems Based on Unstructured Models
Authors: Martinez Trujillo Maria Aurora , Aranda Barradas Juan S. , Aguilar Osorio Guillermo
Published: August 2012

Pectin is a widespread complex heteropolysaccharide contained in plants cell wall. The hydrolysis of this natural-occurring polymer is an important process both in food industry and pectin-rich wastewater treatment. Although pectin-degrading enzymes have been produced classically by microbial mold strains, production kinetics of the involved endo- and exo- pectinolytic enzymes is still a challenge in industrial microbiology. In order to assess the pectinases production kinetics, the strain Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 was grown in batch cultures using pectin, glucose or galacturonic acid as limiting substrates. Unstructured models were useful for describing the experimental behavior, and for estimating the kinetic parameters associated to the Logistic, Monod and Luedeking-Piret models. Our results pointed out that the exopolygalacturonases production is basically non-growth associated, suggesting an inducible nature for some exo- isoenzymes and endopolygalacturonases, even if some constitutive activity is postulated. Besides, to identify the combined effect of carbon source and pH on polygalacturonases production, several experiments were developed at different pH culture conditions. Exopectinases produced on glucose were inhibited by culture media acidification, while on galacturonic acid these enzymes are produced mainly at pH values of 5.0 or higher. Exopectinases production on pectin was not importantly affected by the established pH values during the culture. Endopectinases were produced basically at acidic conditions on pectin, but growth on galacturonic acid showed a strong inducing effect on endopectinases at pH 5.0
Study on Black Liquor Low-temperature Gasification in Fluidized Bed by Eulerian Multiphase Computationally Fluid Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Li Weiling , Zhong Wenqi , Jin Baosheng , Xiao Rui , Shao Yingjuan , Liu Hao
Published: August 2012

A three-dimensional Eulerian multiphase based computational model was developed to simulate the black liquor gasification processes in a fluidized bed gasifier (FBG) at low temperature. The standard k-e model and kinetic theory of granular model were used to simulate the gas phase and solid phase, respectively. Black liquor pyrolysis, homogeneous reactions and heterogeneous reactions were taken into account in chemical model. The reaction rates of homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction were determined by ArrheniusEddy dissipation reaction rate and kinetic reaction rate. Simulations were carried out at four different operating conditions, i.e. reactor temperature was kept at 550 degree centigrade or 600 degree centigrade, and nitrogen or air was used as fluidizing medium. The calculated results were in well agreement with the experiment used as calibration. Base on the simulation, gas-sold flow patterns and gas species molar fraction distributions were obtained, the relationship of gas composition profiles with the temperature and the fluidizing media were discussed.
Identifying the Optimum Process Parameters for Ultrasonic Cellular Disruption of E. Coli
Authors: Al-Juboori Raed A. , Yusaf Talal
Published: August 2012

The aim of this work is to identify the optimum process parameters of sonication, manosonication and thermosonication for deactivating E. coli ATCC 25922 in water-based suspension. The influence of ultrasonic intensity, frequency, pressure, temperature and treatment time on the efficiency of ultrasonic treatments was investigated in this study theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical part of this study involved solving the Rayleigh-Plesset equation with different parameters and evaluating their effects on the collapse pressure of a bubble with initial radius of 0.01mm. The experimental part of the work was conducted using ultrasonic horn reactor at three levels of intensities; low (17.56 W/cm2), intermediate (21.49 W/cm2) and high (24.17 W/cm2) with fixed frequency. Thermosonication and manosonication experiments were conducted at the sub-lethal temperatures of E. coli; 45, 50, 55 and 60°C and pressures of 2, 3 and 4 bars. The optimum treatment conditions of sonication, manosonication and thermosonication were evaluated through calculating the specific energy required to obtain 5 log reduction of E. coli in each treatment. Thermosonication treatment at 21.49W/cm2 and 45°C for 4 minutes was found to be the optimum treatment conditions to deactivate E. coli in water-based suspension.
Comment on Leamer: Do Nominal Shocks Still Matter?
Authors: Sumner Scott
Published: August 2012

Ed Leamer's recent column in this journal is illustrative of a puzzling trend in macroeconomics — the seeming denial of the long-held Keynesian and monetarist view that nominal shocks have real effects.
Comparison of Levenberg-Marquardt Method and Path Following Interior Point Method for the Solution of Optimal Power Flow Problem
Authors: Li Xue , Cao Jia , Du Dajun
Published: August 2012

The Levenberg-Marquardt (L-M) method and the path following interior point (PFIP) method are two most popular methods to solve the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. The performance comparison between the L-M method and the PFIP method applied to solve the OPF problem has not been made so far. The main objective of this paper provides a more comprehensive reference for researcher by analysing, comparing and evaluating the performances of the two methods. The L-M method is employed to solve the OPF problem formulated by the nonlinear complementarity problem (NCP). After the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions of OPF model are represented in term of a set of semismooth equations by introducing the NCP function, the semismooth equations are solved by the L-M method. The PFIP method, combined logarithmic barrier function with Newton-Raphson method, has been then applied to solve the OPF problem. Finally, the two methods are tested on the 5-bus, the IEEE 30-bus and the IEEE 118-bus system, respectively. Simulation results show that the two methods get the same optimal value of the objective function under the convergent criterion, while the L-M method has higher computation precision and faster convergence speed than the PFIP method.
Extracting External Features of Sweet Peppers Using Machine Vision System on Mobile Fruits Grading Robot
Authors: Jun Qiao , Sasao Akira , Shibusawa Sakai , Kondo Naoshi
Published: August 2012

Algorithms to extract the external features of sweet peppers were developed using the machine vision system. The objectives were to sort color, estimate size, classify shape, detect bruises and predict mass of sweet peppers. A test was performed using 372 samples of sweet pepper variety âTosahikariDâ. The results showed that the three main unacceptable colors were recognized and their percentages were calculated by the distribution of hue by saturation. The size of each sample was estimated by three parameters: Feretâs V, maximum diameter and equivalent diameter, and they ranged from 55.3mm to 116.7 mm, 23.2mm to 61.6mm and 21.8mm to 73.1mm, respectively. Five parameters were selected and a neural network model was developed to classify the shape of sweet peppers. Test results indicated that the agreement rate for Shapes A, B, and total samples was 95.12, 100 and 95.70%, respectively. All 11 samples with bruises were successfully detected. The fruit mass was predicted using projection areas; the determination and correlation coefficient was 0.93 and 0.96, respectively.
Effect of Starter Cultures on Several Chemical, Sensory and Textural Attributes of Turkish Fermented Sausage
Authors: Ergönül Bülent , Kundakçi Akif
Published: August 2012

Two different probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus) were used in the formulation of dry fermented Turkish sausages. Proximate compositions, TBA values, residue nitrite contents, fatty acid profiles, textural and sensorial scores of sausages were determined. As results of sensorial and statistical analyses, it was concluded that the most preferred sample was the one fermented by using probiotic Lactobacillus casei strains. Also suggestions for further industrial practices were given in the text.
Protein and Sugar Extraction from Rice Bran and De-Oiled Rice Bran using Subcritical Water in a Semi-Continuous Reactor: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sunphorka Sasithorn , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Oshima Yoshito , Ngamprasertsith Somkiat
Published: August 2012

The extraction of protein and sugar from rice bran and de-oiled rice bran using subcritical water was evaluated in a 30-ml semi-continuous reactor. The effects of the three main factors, operating temperature, time and pressure, on the total sugar and protein yields obtained were investigated using analysis of variance and response surface methodology. A central composite design was performed in order to determine the most likely optimum conditions for the extraction process for both substrates individually and together. The developed models had a very high regression coefficient (R2) value (0.94 – 0.98), and demonstrated that the three main factors investigated had a significant effect on the sugar yield, whilst only time and its interaction with temperature were significant factors controlling the extracted protein yield. Based on the response surface and contour plots, the optimum conditions were evaluated for maximal extracted sugar and protein yields, which reached 100% for protein, from the two materials.
Kinetics of bioactive compounds in functional spice Jiangpo during thermal processing
Authors: Dai Xiaoyan , Yu Chenhuan , Wu Qiaofeng
Published: August 2012

Jiangpo is an increasingly popular East Asian spice which is made from Mangnolia officinalis bark and ginger juice. Since it induces bioactive compounds decomposition and has influence on final flavor and fragrance, cooking is regarded as the key operation in preparation of Jiangpo. To evaluate the bioactive compounds content changes of Jiangpo during thermal processing, kinetic parameters including reaction order, rate constant, T1/2 and activation energy of bioactive markers namely honokiol, magnolol and curcumin were determined. Cooking was set at temperatures 60, 90 and 120 °C for selected time intervals. Results displayed the thermal kinetic characteristics of the three compounds. Thermal degradation of Honokiol and magnolol both followed first order kinetic model and the loss of curcumin fitted second order. A mathematical model based on the obtained kinetic parameters has also been developed to predict the degradation of honokiol, magnolol and curcumin in non-isothermal state. All the information in this paper could contribute necessary information for optimizing the existing heat processing of Jiangpo.
Hot Air Drying and Vacuum Drying Characteristics of Scarlet Runner Beans
Authors: Muramatsu Yoshiki , Sakaguchi Eiichiro , Orikasa Takahiro , Tagawa Akio
Published: August 2012

The drying characteristics and volume changes of scarlet runner beans were measured under various conditions to obtain useful basic information for the optimum drying method and conditions. The sample was dried using two drying methods: hot air drying and vacuum drying. The measured changes in moisture content of the sample with the hot air drying process were in good agreement with the exact solution of the infinite plane sheet model. The estimated diffusion coefficients were 3.8×10 -7 -7.4×10 -7 (m 2 h -1) for hot air drying and were related to absolute temperature by an Arrhenius-type equation. The hull of the scarlet runner bean is hard and thick, and the drying rate of the sample was much slower than that of other beans. To establish an efficient drying method without the quality loss, the vacuum drying characteristics of the sample were measured at several levels for temperature and initial moisture content. For the vacuum drying process, an exponential model could be used to estimate the changes in moisture content of the sample. The values of diffusion coefficient for vacuum drying were approximately twice as much as the values of diffusion coefficient for hot air drying at the same temperature. The effects of drying method, temperature, and initial moisture content on the sample quality were investigated, and the optimum drying method and conditions for scarlet runner beans were proposed. Volumetric changes in the sample were determined by measuring particle density. The specific volume of the sample was represented as a linear function of moisture content.
The influence of glucocorticoids on neuronal survival and synaptic function
Authors: Numakawa Tadahiro , Adachi Naoki , Richards Misty , Chiba Shuichi , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: August 2012

Glucocorticoids, recognized as stress-related steroid hormones secreted from adrenal glands, have multiple roles in brain function. The concentration of glucocorticoids is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and chronically elevated levels of glucocorticoids are putatively involved in the pathophysiology of mental disorders, such as depression. As corticosteroids are also widely used as medical drugs (e.g., for chronic lung disease in infants), the developmental influence of glucocorticoids on neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity is a critical concern. Although many reports suggest a biological effect of glucocorticoids on neuronal populations of the central nervous system (CNS), some reports suggest a possibility that glial responses (including regulation of neurotrophic factor expression) to glucocorticoids are different from that of neurons. In the present review, we show an overview of the current knowledge concerning the impact of glucocorticoids on behavior in animal models of depression, and on cell survival and function in the CNS.
A study of situation-bound utterances in Modern Chinese
Authors: Zhou, Hong-hui
Published: August 2012

Situation-Bound Utterances (SBUs), as a typical kind of idiomatic expression, have been well studied mainly in English, but to date have been little studied in Mandarin. What are the unique characteristics of Mandarin SBUs? What lies behind this uniqueness? To answer these questions requires uncovering the psychological reality of SBUs among Mandarin speakers and filtering out samples based on a clear definition. In this study, the socio-cognitive approach is taken. This approach synthesizes the advantages of a pragmatic and cognitive view of language communication in which concept and lexicon are viewed as two inter-related but mutually independent entities. SBUs act as an appropriate tangent point to illustrate the relationship between concepts and linguistic forms. Under such a perspective, the study of Mandarin SBUs in this paper will reinforce and complement the cognition of this unique linguistic phenomenon. This paper first defines SBUs according to certain maxims and then demonstrates various kinds of idiomatic expressions in Mandarin and clarifies the relationships among these expressions and SBUs. Thirty samples are filtered out through three approaches: individual reflection, collective contribution and reference consulting. The paper then sets three tests to confirm and reconfirm the selected thirty quasi-SBUs. Finally, following a discussion of Mandarin SBUs vis-à-vis linguistic form, language policy and social-cultural factors, conclusions are posited as to why Mandarin SBUs are somewhat different from their English counterparts.
汉语二语习得中介词的词类属性及其认知机制
Authors: 方, 环海
Published: August 2012

提要

对外汉语教学的语法体系中，介词与动词的关系问题一直是争论的焦点，以往研究者对动词与介词的词类属性关系研究取得很大进展，但是介词能否成为一个独立的词类范畴，争议很大。文章从韵律句法学和轻动词理论的视角进行探讨，认为动词后的介词需要并入前面的动词，句子才会合法，动词前面的介词基本都具有实现轻动词的句法功能，从而在语言学理论上实现对介词的词类属性的词法与句法的解释。为了在语言的内在认知心理加工上说明介词的加工机制，文章还从认知科学角度设计了认知科学实验，实验研究发现动词与介词无论在语义还是语法上均没有显著差异，显示大脑的认知加工没有显著差异。通过理论与实验两个方面的分析，文章认为介词仍应处理为动词的一个次类，对汉语作为二语的教学与研究领域而言，语言科学的理论推演与认知科学的实验验证，二者缺一不可。
An internal validation approach and quality control on hematopoietic chimerism testing after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Waterhouse Miguel , Kunzmann Regina , Torres Marta , Bertz Hartmut , Finke Juergen
Published: August 2012

Background: Hematopoietic chimerism analysis is important in the follow-up of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. PCR of short tandem repeats is mainly used for monitoring chimerism after transplantation. Validation studies and precision of assay’s performance with respect to different mixed chimerism stages is not fully addressed. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of several microsatellite analytical parameters in the quantification of hematopoietic chimerism after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to analyze the overall analytical process through the application of internal quality control procedures.

Methods: Artificial DNA mixtures prepared in known proportions and patients samples were analyzed using three microsatellites, together with amplification of amelogenin gene and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for X and Y chromosomes. Limit of detection, analytical and clinical sensitivity, stochastic threshold and precision profiling was established. Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rules were applied for quality control evaluation.

Results: Analytical and clinical sensitivity of the microsatellite markers was between 0.5% and 1.6%. Amelogenin detection and FISH for X and Y chromosomes showed a similar sensitivity. Severe allelic imbalance resulted in up to 50% difference between the calculated and corrected mixed chimerism. Systematic errors were identified using Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rules.

Conclusions: Analysis of hematopoietic chimerism performance is a critical step to better understand potential intrinsic errors that may impact the final hematopoietic chimerism results. Implementing quality control tools, such as Levey-Jennings charts together with Westgard rules can identify systematic and random errors so corrective actions can be performed.
Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs): a gene family of novel cancer biomarkers
Authors: Kontos Christos K. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: August 2012

Early diagnosis of cancer and early detection of relapse following surgery are critical for the effective treatment of the disease and for a positive clinical outcome. Identification of novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers will contribute utmost to clinical decision-making. The human tissue kallikrein and kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs), encoded by the largest contiguous cluster of protease genes in the human genome, are secreted serine proteases with diverse expression patterns and physiological roles. The aberrant expression of KLKs in various malignancies as well as their involvement in many cancer-related processes, such as cell growth regulation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, has prompted scientists to investigate their potential as cancer biomarkers. Expression of distinct KLKs is associated with clinicopathological parameters of cancer patients. Moreover, several KLKs possess significant favorable or unfavorable prognostic value in various malignancies, with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) being the most widely used biomarker in clinical practice, today. KLKs are also considered as very promising biomarkers for cancer personalized medicine, especially for prediction and monitoring of patients’ response to chemotherapy, therefore opening up new horizons towards effective patient monitoring post-treatment. This review describes the current status of KLKs as tumor biomarkers.
Position paper on laboratory testing for patients taking new oral anticoagulants. Consensus document of FCSA, SIMeL, SIBioC and CISMEL1)
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Di Iorio Giancarlo , Lippi Giuseppe , Testa Sophie , Manotti Cesare
Published: August 2012

At variance with vitamin K antagonists, the new oral anticoagulants (NOAs) can be prescribed at fixed dosage without adjustment by laboratory testing. However, this does not necessarily mean that the laboratory does not play a role for their management. This position paper represents the consensus document of three Italian scientific societies dealing with laboratory issues in thrombosis and hemostasis. It is aimed at reviewing: 1) which test(s) should be used to evaluate the anticoagulant effect of each of the NOAs presently available (i.e., dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban); 2) the patients to be investigated; and 3) the timing of investigation.
Alternation-based generalizations are stored in the mental grammar: Evidence from a sorting task experiment
Authors: Perek, Florent
Published: August 2012

According to constructional approaches, grammar consists of an inventory of symbolic pairings of a syntactic form with an abstract meaning. Many of such so-called constructions can be perceived as having highly similar meanings: such pairs have been discussed under the name of alternations, especially in the domain of argument structure, for example the widely documented dative alternation (e.g. John gave Mary a book vs. John gave a book to Mary). This paper explores what status such pairs of constructions can be given in construction grammar, on the basis of a sorting task experiment.

Construction grammar traditionally recognizes generalizations of a common syntactic form over semantically similar sentences, but the status of higher-level generalizations of a common meaning over syntactically different forms is rarely discussed. In our study, we devised a sorting task that subjects could resolve by relying on generalizations of either of these two kinds. We find that subjects rely on alternation-based generalizations more often than purely constructional ones in their sorting behavior. We suggest these results show that generalizations of a common meaning between formally different constructions are plausible categories stored by speakers and should be given more attention in construction grammar research.
A Hybrid Deterministic-Stochastic Propagation Model for Short-Range MIMO-UWB Communication Systems
Authors: Janson Malgorzata , Pontes Juan , Fügen Thomas , Zwick Thomas
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a computationally effective approach for including dense multipath components in ray tracing simulations of ultra wideband (UWB) channels. Through a combination of a standard ray tracing model with a simple geometric-stochastic model realistic scenario-specific simulations are possible. The frequency and direction selectivity of the channel are reproduced accurately by the model. The structure and parameters of the stochastic part of the model are derived from measurements in the FCC-UWB frequency range. Compared to conventional ray tracing simulations the proposed model reduces considerably the differences between simulated and measured channel characteristics.
The effect of gabapentin on oxidative stress in a model of toxic demyelination in rat brain
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M.E. , Khadrawy Yasser Ashry , Mohammed Nadia A. , Youness Eman R.
Published: August 2012

Background: Gabapentin, a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This study investigated the effect of gabapentin on oxidative stress in a model of brain demyelination evoked by intracerebral injection (i.c.i) of ethidium bromide (10 μL of 0.1%). Rats received saline (control) or gabapentin at 100 or 300 mg/kg orally daily for 10 days prior to injection of ethidium bromide. Rats were euthanized 1 day later, and then the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), nitrite, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and paraoxonase activities were assessed in the brain cortex in different treatment groups.

Results: Ethidium bromide resulted in increased oxidative stress in the cortex 1 day after its injection. Malondialdehyde increased by 30.2%, whereas GSH decreased by 17.6%. GPx activity was inhibited by 78.6%. Brain nitrite increased by 55.4%, AChE activity decreased by 33.4% and paraoxonase activity decreased by 27.5%. In ethidium bromide treated rats, gabapentin administered at 300 mg/kg increased cortical MDA by 66%. GSH was unaltered by gabapentin, but GPx activity decreased by 54.3% by the higher dose of gabapentin. Nitrite decreased by 21.4% and 29.2% after 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively. AChE activity increased by 28.6% and 69.3% by 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively. Paraoxonase activity showed 83.3% and 73% decreases by 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively.

Conclusions: These results suggest that gabapentin increases brain lipid peroxidation and decreases brain antioxidant enzymes in this model of chemical demyelination.
Hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) in diabetic rats
Authors: Javad Hosseini , Seyed-Mostafa Hosseini-zijoud , Farhad Oubari , Mehdi Mahmoodi , Ebrahim Abbasi Oshaghi , Nader Rajabi Gilan , Ramin Ghasemi Seyed , Behrooz Hashemi
Published: August 2012

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is dramatically increasing worldwide. Prospective studies have reported that high levels of hepatic enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are associated with later development of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) on the level of liver enzymes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups of eight. The diabetic groups received 100 and 300 mg/kg Persian shallot extract, the diabetic control and non-diabetic control groups received 0.9% saline for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, fasting blood samples were collected, and enzymes levels were measured.

Results: Our findings showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Persian shallot can significantly decrease serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) in treated groups in a dose-dependent fashion (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Antioxidant micronutrients in the extract of Persian shallot may rehabilitate liver damages caused by free radicals in diabetic rats.
Data regularization using Gaussian beams decomposition and sparse norms
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Liu Peng , Li Zhenhua , Sun Tao , Yang Changchun , Zheng Qingsheng
Published: August 2012

We consider seismic data regularization problems in this paper. Gaussian beam decomposition model is proposed for seismic data representation. To solve the representation problem, an l0
quasi-norm minimization model with different smooth approximations is proposed. To solve the l0
quasi-norm minimization problem, a projected gradient method with nonmonotone choice of iterative steps is developed. Numerical simulations on one-dimensional and two-dimensional seismic imaging problems
are performed to verify the feasibility of our methods.
Therapeutic management of fetal anemia: review of standard practice and alternative treatment options
Authors: Papantoniou Nikos , Sifakis Stavros , Antsaklis Aris
Published: August 2012

Fetal anemia, mainly due to red cell alloimmunization, is still a significant cause of fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The focus of current clinical research has shifted from an invasive approach to non-invasive management and treatment of affected pregnancies, and the progress in this field is associated with a major improvement in perinatal outcome. During the last 50 years, intrauterine red cells transfusion (IUT), first via the intraperitoneal route and later directly to fetal circulation, is the standard practice in most centers, with survival rates that exceed 90%, particularly if anemia is diagnosed early and treated in a timely manner. In addition, plasmapheresis and intravenous administration of high-dose immunoglobulin have been implicated in the treatment of pregnancies complicated with early-onset severe red cell alloimmunization, alone or in combination with IUTs before the 20th week of pregnancy, but there are still issues to be clarified further. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current standard therapeutic management and alternative treatment modalities in pregnancies complicated by fetal anemia.
Polystyrene–organoclay nanocomposites produced by in situ activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah , Haddadi-Asl Vahid , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: August 2012

A newly developed initiation system, activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET), was employed to synthesize polystyrene-organoclay nanocomposites via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ARGET ATRP was applied since it is carried out at significantly low concentrations of the catalyst and environmentally acceptable reducing agents. Conversion and molecular weight evaluations were performed using gravimetry and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), respectively. According to the findings, addition of clay content resulted in a decrease in conversion and molecular weight of nanocomposites. However, an increase of polydispersity index is observed by increasing nanoclay loading. The living nature of the polymerization is revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and extracted data from the SEC traces. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that organoclay layers are disordered and delaminated in the polymer matrix and exfoliated morphology is obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that thermal stability of the nanocomposites is higher than the neat polystyrene. A decrease in glass transition temperature of the samples by increasing organoclay content is observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that clay layers are partially exfoliated in the polymer matrix containing 2 wt% of organomodified montmorillonite (PSON 2) and a dispersion of partially exfoliated clay stacks is formed.