bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of blood-borne viruses in elevated cancer risk among opioid-dependent people: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Swart Alexander , Burns Lucinda , Mao Limin , Grulich Andrew E , Amin Janaki , O'Connell Dianne L , Meagher Nicola S , Randall Deborah A , Degenhardt Louisa , Vajdic Claire M
Published: October 2012

Objective

To quantify cancer risk in opioid dependence and the association with infection by the oncogenic blood-borne viruses (BBVs) hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

All 45 412 adults aged 16 years or over registered for opioid substitution therapy (OST) between 1985 and 2007. Notifications of cancer, death and infection with HCV, HBV and HIV were ascertained by record linkage with registries.

Main outcome measures

The ratios of observed to expected number of cancers, standardised incidence ratios (SIRs), and the average annual per cent change (AAPC) in overall age and sex-standardised cancer incidence.

Results

Overall cancer risk was modestly increased compared to the general population (SIR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.23). Excess risk was observed for 11 cancers, particularly lung (4.02, 95% CI 3.32 to 4.82), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (1.51, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.88) and liver (8.04, 95% CI 6.18 to 10.3). Reduced risk was observed for six cancers, including prostate (0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.32) and breast (0.48, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.62). Individuals notified with HCV or HBV had a markedly increased risk of liver cancer; lung cancer risk was also increased in those with HCV. HIV was associated with an elevated risk of liver, anus and kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma. Cancer risk was not increased in individuals without a BBV notification, apart from pancreatic cancer (3.92, 95% CI 1.07 to 10.0). Cancer incidence increased significantly over time (AAPC 9.4%, 4.2% to 15%, p=0.001).

Conclusions

BBVs play a major role in the cancer risk profile of opioid-dependent individuals registered for OST. To address the dramatic increasing trend in cancer incidence, the OST setting could be utilised for cancer prevention strategies.
Modelling national HIV/AIDS epidemics: revised approach in the UNAIDS Estimation and Projection Package 2011
Authors: Bao Le , Salomon Joshua A , Brown Tim , Raftery Adrian E , Hogan Daniel R
Published: October 2012

Objective

United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS reports regularly on estimated levels and trends in HIV/AIDS epidemics, which are evaluated using an epidemiological model within the Estimation and Projection Package (EPP). The relatively simple four-parameter model of HIV incidence used in EPP through the previous round of estimates has encountered challenges when attempting to fit certain data series on prevalence over time, particularly in settings with long running epidemics where prevalence has increased recently. To address this, the most recent version of the modelling package (EPP 2011) includes a more flexible epidemiological model that allows HIV infection risk to vary over time. This paper describes the technical details of this flexible approach to modelling HIV transmission dynamics within EPP 2011.

Methodology

For the flexible modelling approach, the force of infection parameter, r, is allowed to vary over time through a random walk formulation, and an informative prior distribution is used to improve short-term projections beyond the last year of data. Model parameters are estimated using a Bayesian estimation approach in which models are fit to HIV seroprevalence data from surveillance sites.

Results

This flexible model can yield better estimates of HIV prevalence over time in situations where the classic EPP model has difficulties, such as in Uganda, where prevalence is no longer falling. Based on formal out-of-sample projection tests, the flexible modelling approach also improves predictions and CIs for extrapolations beyond the last observed data point.

Conclusions

We recommend use of a flexible modelling approach where data are sufficient (eg, where at least 5 years of observations are available), and particularly where an epidemic is beyond its peak.
EFFICACY OF A NEW CHARGE-BALANCED BIPHASIC ELECTRICAL STIMULUS IN THE ISOLATED SCIATIC NERVE AND THE HIPPOCAMPAL SLICE
Authors: CAPPAERT NATALIE L. M. , RAMEKERS DYAN , MARTENS HUBERT C. F. , WADMAN WYTSE J.
Published: October 2012

Most deep brain stimulators apply rectangular monophasic voltage pulses. By modifying the stimulus shape, it is possible to optimize stimulus efficacy and find the best compromise between clinical effect, minimal side effects and power consumption of the stimulus generator. In this study, we compared the efficacy of three types of charge-balanced biphasic pulses (CBBPs, nominal duration 100 μs) in isolated sciatic nerves and in in vitro hippocampal brain slices of the rat. Using these two models, we tested the efficacy of several stimulus shapes exclusively on axons (in the sciatic nerve) and compared the effect with that of stimuli in the more complex neuronal network of the hippocampal slice by considering the stimulus-response relation. We showed that (i) adding an interphase gap (IPG, range 100–500 μs) to the CBBP enhances stimulus efficacy in the rat sciatic nerve and (ii) that this type of stimuli (CBBP with IPG) is also more effective in hippocampal slices. This benefit was similar for both models of voltage and current stimulation. In our two models, asymmetric CBBPs were less beneficial. Therefore, CBBPs with IPG appear to be well suited for application to DBS, since they enhance efficacy, extend battery life and potentially reduce harmful side effects.
PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION OF NEURONAL NOISE IN MOUSE HIPPOCAMPAL EPILEPTIFORM DYNAMICS
Authors: SERLETIS DEMITRE , CARLEN PETER L. , VALIANTE TAUFIK A. , BARDAKJIAN BERJ L.
Published: October 2012

Organized brain activity is the result of dynamical, segregated neuronal signals that may be used to investigate synchronization effects using sophisticated neuroengineering techniques. Phase synchrony analysis, in particular, has emerged as a promising methodology to study transient and frequency-specific coupling effects across multi-site signals. In this study, we investigated phase synchronization in intracellular recordings of interictal and ictal epileptiform events recorded from pairs of cells in the whole (intact) mouse hippocampus. In particular, we focused our analysis on the background noise-like activity (NLA), previously reported to exhibit complex neurodynamical properties. Our results show evidence for increased linear and nonlinear phase coupling in NLA across three frequency bands [theta (4–10 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz) and gamma (30–80 Hz)] in the ictal compared to interictal state dynamics. We also present qualitative and statistical evidence for increased phase synchronization in the theta, beta and gamma frequency bands from paired recordings of ictal NLA. Overall, our results validate the use of background NLA in the neurodynamical study of epileptiform transitions and suggest that what is considered "neuronal noise" is amenable to synchronization effects in the spatiotemporal domain.
A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE WITH DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSY
Authors: VONCK KRISTL , SPRENGERS MATHIEU , CARRETTE EVELIEN , DAUWE INE , MIATTON MARIJKE , MEURS ALFRED , GOOSSENS LUT , DE HERDT VEERLE , ACHTEN RIK , THIERY EVERT , RAEDT ROBRECHT , VAN ROOST DIRK , BOON PAUL
Published: October 2012

In this study, we present long-term results from patients with medial temporal lobe (MTL) epilepsy treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Since 2001, 11 patients (8M) with refractory MTL epilepsy underwent MTL DBS. When unilateral DBS failed to decrease seizures by > 90%, a switch to bilateral MTL DBS was proposed. After a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (range: 67–120 months), 6/11 patients had a ≥ 90% seizure frequency reduction with 3/6 seizure-free for > 3 years; three patients had a 40%–70% reduction and two had a < 30% reduction. In 3/5 patients switching to bilateral DBS further improved outcome. Uni- or bilateral MTL DBS did not affect neuropsychological functioning. This open study with an extended long-term follow-up demonstrates maintained efficacy of DBS for MTL epilepsy. In more than half of the patients, a seizure frequency reduction of at least 90% was reached. Bilateral MTL DBS may herald superior efficacy in unilateral MTL epilepsy.
TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) MODULATES EPILEPTIFORM DISCHARGES IN PATIENTS WITH FRONTAL LOBE EPILEPSY: A PRELIMINARY EEG-TMS STUDY
Authors: KIMISKIDIS VASILIOS K. , KUGIUMTZIS DIMITRIS , PAPAGIANNOPOULOS SOTIRIOS , VLAIKIDIS NIKOLAOS
Published: October 2012

Background: TMS is being increasingly used as a noninvasive brain stimulation technique for the therapeutic management of partial epilepsies. However, the acute effects of TMS on epileptiform discharges (EDs, i.e. interictal epileptiform activity and subclinical electrographic seizure patterns) remain unexplored. Objective: To investigate whether TMS can modulate EDs in partial epilepsy. Methods: In Experiment Set 1, the safety of the TMS protocol was investigated in 10 well-controlled by anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) epileptic patients. In Experiment Set 2, the effects of TMS on EDs were studied in three subjects with intractable frontal lobe epilepsies, characterized by particularly frequent EDs. TMS was applied over the electrographic focus with a circular and a figure of eight coil while recording EEG with a 60-channel TMS-compatible EEG system. The effectiveness of TMS in aborting EDs was investigated using survival analysis and brain connectivity analysis. Results: The TMS protocol was well-tolerated. TMS was an effective method to abort EDs even when adjusting for its latency with respect to ED onset (CMH test, p < 0.0001). While the effective brain connectivity around the epileptic focus increased significantly during EDs (p < 0.01), with TMS administration the increase was not statistically significant. Conclusion: TMS can modulate EDs in patients with epileptogenic foci in the cortical convexity and is associated with reversal of ED-induced changes in brain connectivity.
DATA TAKING STRATEGY FOR THE PHASE STUDY IN ψ′→K+K-
Authors: WANG B. Q. , MO X. H. , YUAN C. Z. , BAN Y.
Published: October 2012

The study of the relative phase between strong and electromagnetic amplitudes is of great importance for understanding the dynamics of charmonium decays. The information of the phase can be obtained model-independently by fitting the scan data of some special decay channels, one of which is ψ′ →K+K-. To find out the optimal data taking strategy for a scan experiment in the measurement of the phase in ψ′ →K+ K-, the minimization process is analyzed from a theoretical point of view. The result indicates that for one-parameter fit, only one data taking point in the vicinity of a resonance peak is sufficient to acquire the optimal precision. Numerical results are obtained by fitting simulated scan data. Besides the results related to the relative phase between strong and electromagnetic amplitudes, the method is extended to analyze the fits of other resonant parameters, such as the mass and the total decay width of ψ′.
AN INCREMENTAL GRAY RELATIONAL ANALYSIS ALGORITHM FOR MULTI-CLASS CLASSIFICATION AND OUTLIER DETECTION
Authors: XU XIN , WANG WEI
Published: October 2012

The incremental classifier is superior in saving significant computational cost by incremental learning on continuously increasing training data. However, existing classification algorithms are problematic when applied for incremental learning for multi-class classification. First, some algorithms, such as neural network and SVM, are not inexpensive for incremental learning due to their complex architectures. When applied for multi-class classification, the computational cost would rise dramatically when the class number increases. Second, existing incremental classification algorithms are usually based on a heuristic scheme and sensitive to the training data input order. In addition, in case the test instance is an outlier and belongs to none of the existing classes, few classification algorithms is able to detect it. Finally, the feature selection and weighing schemes being utilized are generally risky for a "siren pitfall" for multi-class classification tasks. To address the above problems, we bring forward an incremental gray relational analysis algorithm (IGRA). Experimental results showed that, when applied for incremental multi-class classification, IGRA is stable in output, robust to training data input order, superior in computational efficiency, and also capable of detecting outliers and alleviating the "siren pitfall".
LEFT ORDERINGS AND QUOTIENTS OF THE BRAID GROUPS
Authors: CLAY ADAM
Published: October 2012

In this note, we show that a homomorphism from the braid group Bn into an arbitrary group is injective if and only if its image can be left ordered in a particular way. It follows from this criterion that the image of Bn (n ≥ 2) under any homomorphism is bi-orderable if and only if it is infinite cyclic. As a second application, this criterion also provides a new proof that the Artin representation of Bn into Aut (Fn) is injective.
KNOTTED HAMILTONIAN CYCLES IN LINEAR EMBEDDING OF K7 INTO ℝ3
Authors: HUH YOUNGSIK
Published: October 2012

In 1983 Conway and Gordon proved that any embedding of the complete graph K7 into ℝ3 contains at least one nontrivial knot as its Hamiltonian cycle. After their work knots (also links) are considered as intrinsic properties of abstract graphs, and numerous subsequent works have been continued until recently. In this paper, we are interested in knotted Hamiltonian cycles in linear embedding of K7. Concretely it is shown that any linear embedding of K7 contains at most three figure-8 knots.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE HIGH-SPIN "Fe-PROXIMAL OXYGEN" CATALYTIC MECHANISM OF RAT CYSTEINE DIOXYGENASE
Authors: CHE XIN , GAO JUN , DU LIKAI , LIU CHENGBU
Published: October 2012

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) catalyzes the oxidation of cysteine to cysteine sulfinate, which has crucial roles in the metabolism and bioconversion. The catalyzed reaction mechanism of CDO is currently disputed. Herein, a high-spin " Fe -proximal oxygen" catalytic mechanism of rat CDO is theoretically investigated with an energy barrier of 15.7 kcal⋅mol-1. In the mechanism, the Fe -proximal oxygen atom firstly attacks the sulfur atom of cysteine by the swing of O (1)– O (2) bond, and this makes the Fe -proximal oxygen atom O (1) accessible to S and Fe -terminal oxygen atom O (2) be closed to Fe . Then the generated seven-membered ring intermediate has smaller tension and could help the reaction take place easily. The reaction ends in the formation of the product cysteine sulfinic acid with the second oxygen atom O (2) transferred to S. This study gives an additional insight of the reaction mechanism of CDO, where the " Fe -proximal oxygen" and " Fe -terminal oxygen" mechanisms are both favorable in the catalytic process.
COMMENT ON "STABILITY OF (α, β, γ)-DERIVATIONS ON LIE C*-ALGEBRAS" [M. ESHAGHI GORDJI AND N. GHOBADIPOUR, INT. J. GEOM.METHODS MOD. PHYS. 7(7) (2010) 1–10]
Authors: PARK CHOONKIL , LEE JUNG RYE , SHIN DONG YUN , ESHAGHI GORDJI MADJID
Published: October 2012

Eshaghi Gordji and Ghobadipour proved the Hyers–Ulam stability of (α, β, γ)-derivations on Lie C*-algebras associated with the following functional equation [Formula: see text] Under the conditions in the main theorems, we can show that the related mappings must be zero. In this paper, we correct the conditions and prove the corrected theorems.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN QUANTUM INSPIRED BACTERIAL FORAGING ALGORITHM AND GA-LIKE ALGORITHM FOR GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION
Authors: HUANG SHARINA , ZHAO GUOLIANG
Published: October 2012

Bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) is a population-based stochastic search technique for solving various scientific and engineering problems. However, it is inefficient in some practical situations. In order to improve the performance of the BFA, we propose a novel optimization algorithm, named quantum inspired bacterial foraging algorithm (QBFA), which applies several quantum computing principles, and a new mechanism is proposed to encode and observe the population. The algorithm has been evaluated on the standard high-dimensional benchmark functions in comparison with GA, PSO, GSO and FBSA, respectively. The proposed algorithm is then used to tune a PID controller of an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system. Simulation results clearly illustrate that the proposed approach is very efficient and could be easily extended to 300 or higher-dimensional problems.
COLLABORATIVE CLUSTERING USING PROTOTYPE-BASED TECHNIQUES
Authors: GHASSANY MOHAMAD , GROZAVU NISTOR , BENNANI YOUNES
Published: October 2012

The aim of collaborative clustering is to reveal the common structure of data distributed on different sites. In this paper, we present a formalism of topological collaborative clustering using prototype-based clustering techniques; in particular we formulate our approach using Kohonen's Self-Organizing Maps. Maps representing different sites could collaborate without recourse to the original data, preserving their privacy. We present two different approaches of collaborative clustering: horizontal and vertical. The strength of collaboration (confidence exchange) between each pair of datasets is determined by a parameter, we call coefficient of collaboration, to be estimated iteratively during the collaboration phase using a gradient-based optimization, for both the approaches. The proposed approaches have been validated on several datasets and experimental results have shown very promising performance.
SVM-DSmT COMBINATION FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS VERIFICATION OF OFF-LINE AND ON-LINE HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURES
Authors: ABBAS NASSIM , CHIBANI YOUCEF
Published: October 2012

A combination handwritten signature verification system is proposed for managing conflicts provided from each individual off-line and on-line support vector machine (SVM), respectively. Basically, the system is divided into three parts: (i) Off-line verification system, (ii) on-line verification system and (iii) combination module using belief function theory. The proposed framework allows combining the normalized SVM outputs and uses an estimation technique based on the dissonant model of Appriou to compute the belief assignments. Combination is performed using belief models such as Dempster-Shafer (DS) rule and proportional conflict redistribution (PCR) rule followed by the likelihood ratio-based decision making. Experiments are conducted on the well-known NISDCC signature collection using false rejection and false acceptance criteria. The obtained results show that the proposed combination framework using Dezert-Smarandache (DSm) theory yields the best verification accuracy even when individual off-line and on-line classifications provide conflicting results.
Geochemistry and tectonic significance of ophiolites along the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan Suture Zone in northeastern Anatolia
Authors: Parlak Osman , Çolakoğlu Aydin , Dönmez Cahit , Sayak Hüseyin , Yildirim Nail , Türkel Aytekin , Odabaşi İlhan
Published: October 2012

The Ankara–Erzincan suture zone includes large bodies of ophiolite and ophiolitic melange in northeastern Anatolia. The ophiolitic bodies are (1) Refahiye (Erzincan), (2) Şahvelet (Erzurum), (3) Karadağ (Erzurum) and (4) Kırdağ (Erzurum). The ophiolite-related units include well-preserved sections of oceanic lithospheric and accretionary melanges with local blueschist assemblages. The ophiolite-related units in NE Anatolia are unconformably overlain by Campanian–Maastrichtian-aged sediments that were later imbricated with the ophiolitic rocks. Geochemical data for the individual ophiolite sections indicate a tholeiitic composition, depletion in Nb, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements, parallel to slightly depleted high field strength element patterns (compared with normal-mid ocean ridge basalt), and slightly light rare earth element-depleted to parallel rare earth element trends. These features suggest progressive source depletion towards island arc tholeiites and finally boninites. A fore-arc setting is proposed for the generation of the ophiolites. In contrast, the volcanic rocks from the mélange units exhibit tholeiitic to alkaline compositions and either depletion or enrichment of rare earth element and high field strength elements. Seamount-type alkaline and subduction-related tholeiitic basaltic rocks were apparently juxtaposed during subduction/accretion. Models involving either a single north-dipping subduction zone or two north-dipping subduction zones may be applicable. Both models involve the generation of supra-subduction zone-type ophiolites in a forearc setting, an accretionary prism (with blueschists) and a volcanic arc during the Late Cretaceous. The ophiolites, ophiolitic melange and related blueschists were emplaced either northwards onto the Pontide margin or southwards over the passive margin of the Tauride platform.
Glioblastoma: Molecular Analysis and Clinical Implications
Authors: Huse Jason T. , Holland Eric , DeAngelis Lisa M.
Published: October 2012

Glioblastoma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor, carries an invariably poor prognosis. Targeting underlying biological foundations of the disease will be crucial to developing more effective treatment strategies. Although increasing evidence clearly indicates that glioblastoma is a molecularly heterogeneous disorder, recent large-scale expression profiling has provided a framework for categorizing the tumor into 3 to 4 distinct subclasses, each with its own characteristic genomic alterations. As such, there remains the enticing possibility that glioblastoma subclasses themselves might represent predictive biomarkers, particularly in the context of specific targeted agents. This review focuses on how best to ascertain the functional relevance of molecular subclass in glioblastoma through both preclinical and clinical investigations. The availability of appropriate mouse modeling systems along with expanded molecular profiling capabilities in the clinical setting should aid such efforts. However, significant systematic challenges remain, particularly in the setting of clinical trials.
Creating Order from Chaos: Cellular Regulation by Kinase Anchoring
Authors: Scott John D. , Dessauer Carmen W. , Taskén Kjetil
Published: October 2012

Second messenger responses rely on where and when the enzymes that propagate these signals become active. Spatial and temporal organization of certain signaling enzymes is controlled in part by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). This family of regulatory proteins was originally classified on the basis of their ability to compartmentalize the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (also known as protein kinase A, or PKA). However, it is now recognized that AKAPs position G protein–coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases, G proteins, and their effector proteins in relation to protein kinases and signal termination enzymes such as phosphodiesterases and protein phosphatases. This arrangement offers a simple and efficient means to limit the scope, duration, and directional flow of information to sites deep within the cell. This review focuses on the pros and cons of reagents that define the biological role of kinase anchoring inside cells and discusses recent advances in our understanding of anchored second messenger signaling in the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Platelets in Lung Biology
Authors: Weyrich Andrew S. , Zimmerman Guy A.
Published: October 2012

Platelets and the lungs have an intimate relationship. Platelets are anucleate mammalian blood cells that continuously circulate through pulmonary vessels and that have major effector activities in hemostasis and inflammation. The lungs are reservoirs for megakaryocytes, the requisite precursor cell in thrombopoiesis, which is the intricate process by which platelets are generated. Platelets contribute to basal barrier integrity of the alveolar capillaries, which selectively restricts the transfer of water, proteins, and red blood cells out of the vessels. Platelets also contribute to pulmonary vascular repair. Although platelets bolster hemostatic and inflammatory defense of the healthy lung, experimental evidence and clinical evidence indicate that these blood cells are effectors of injury in a variety of pulmonary disorders and syndromes. Newly discovered biological capacities of platelets are being explored in the context of lung defense, disease, and remodeling.
On the Barnes′ Type Related to Multiple Genocchi Polynomials on ℤp
Authors: Kang J. Y. , Lee H. Y. , Jung N. S. , Ryoo C. S.
Published: October 2012

Using fermionic p‐adic invariant integral on ℤp, we construct the Barnes′ type multiple Genocchi numbers and polynomials. From those numbers and polynomials,
we derive the twisted Barnes′ type multiple Genocchi numbers and polynomials. Moreover,
we will find the Barnes′ type multiple Genocchi zeta function.
CXCL1-Triggered Interaction of LFA1 and ICAM1 Control Glucose-Induced Leukocyte Recruitment during InflammationIn Vivo
Authors: Buschmann Kirsten , Koch Lutz , Braach Natascha , Mueller Hanna , Frommhold David , Poeschl Johannes , Ruef Peter
Published: October 2012

It is well acknowledged that proinflammatory stimulation during acute hyperglycemia is able to aggravate inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms of proinflammatory effects of glucose are controversially discussed. We investigated leukocyte recruitment after intravenous injection of glucose in different inflammatory models using intravital microscopy. Flow chamber experiments, expression analysis, functional depletion, and knockout of key adhesion molecules gave mechanistic insight in involved pathways. We demonstrated that a single injection of glucose rapidly increased blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, during tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-induced inflammation leukocyte recruitment was not further enhanced by glucose administration, whereas glucose injection profoundly augmented leukocyte adhesion and transmigration into inflamed tissue in the trauma model, indicating that proinflammatory properties of glucose are stimulus dependent. Experiments with functional or genetic inhibition of the chemokine receptor CXCR2, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and lymphocyte function antigen 1 (LFA1) suggest that keratino-derived-chemokine CXCL1-triggered interactions of ICAM1 and LFA1 are crucially involved in the trauma model of inflammation. The lacking effect of glucose onβ2integrin expression and on leukocyte adhesion in dynamic flow chamber experiments argues against leukocyte-driven underlying mechanisms and favours an endothelial pathway since endothelial ICAM1 expression was significantly upregulated in response to glucose.
Age-Related Grade Inflation Expectancies in a University Environment
Authors: Loffredo Donald A. , Harrington Rick
Published: October 2012

Grade inflation is a recognized problem in higher education in the United States. Age, gender, and ethnic differences in discrepancies between student reports of their expected grade in each course and their expectations for general university grading practices were explored in a survey of 166 (mostly female) participants at a small upper-division university. Results revealed that while a small minority of students agreed that grading systems in college should only include A or B grades, a large majority of students expected A or B grades. Thus, student discrepancies between their expectations for grading systems and their expected class grades were in line with expectations that they should receive inflated grades. Results also revealed statistically significant age differences in grade expectation with students older than the age of 55 expecting lower grades relative to their younger counterparts.
Doping Silicon Nanocrystals with Boron and Phosphorus
Authors: Pi Xiaodong
Published: October 2012

The properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) that are usually a few nanometers in size can be exquisitely tuned by boron (B) and phosphorus (P) doping. Recent progress in the simulation of B‐ and P‐doped Si NCs has led to improved explanation for B‐ and P‐doping‐induced changes in the optical properties of Si NCs. This is mainly enabled by comprehensive investigation on the locations of B and P in Si NCs and the electronic properties of B‐ and P‐doped Si NCs. I remarks on the implications of newly gained insights on B‐ and P‐doped Si NCs. Continuous research to advance the understanding of the doping of Si NCs with B and P is envisioned.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Iodine-Doped Nanoplates with Enhanced Visible and Ultraviolet-Induced Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Huang Zheng-Hong , Xu Yong , Kang Feiyu
Published: October 2012

The iodine-doped Bi2WO6(I-BWO) photocatalyst was prepared via a hydrothermal method using potassium iodide as the source of iodine. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of I-BWO for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) was higher than that of pure BWO and I2-BWO regardless of visible light (>420 nm) or ultraviolet light (<400 nm) irradiation. The results of DRS analysis showed that the I-BWO and I2-BWO catalysts had narrower band gaps. XPS analysis proved that the multivalent iodine species including I0and were coadsorbed on the defect surface of Bi2WO6in I-BWO. The enhanced PL intensity revealed that a large number of defects of oxygen vacancies were formed by the doping of iodine. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of I-BWO for degradation of RhB was caused by the synergetic effect of a small crystalline size, a narrow band gap, and plenty of oxygen vacancies.
Wireless Multiple Access and Analog Oscillation Analysis in Microgrids: A Prony Approach
Authors: Gong Shuping , Li Husheng
Published: October 2012

A key challenge in smart grid is to monitor the system modal characteristics of disturbance over a microgrid for system stability and diagnosis. The measurements at different phasor measurement units (PMUs) need to be reported to a processing center. Therefore, a multiple access scheme for wireless transmission is necessary to collect the measurements from PMUs. An analog oscillation analysis is carried out without demodulating the received signal. Both schemes of time-division multiple access (TDMA) and code-division multiple access (CDMA) are discussed. In both schemes, the Prony-based algorithms using the received signal to estimate the system modal characteristics, including the eigenvalues of the linear system and the amplitudes of different response modes, are proposed and analyzed. Two countermeasures, max-min ratio measure (MMRM) and variance measure (VM), are also proposed to prevent possible attacks of false reports. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of Prony-based algorithms and the two countermeasures.
Modification of Nanoclinoptilolite Zeolite with Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Surfactant as an Active Ingredient of Chromate‐Selective Membrane Electrode
Authors: Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh Alireza , Raja Gholamhosein
Published: October 2012

A novel chromate selective PVC membrane electrode was constructed using a hexadecyltrimethylammonium‐surfactant modified zeolite (SMZ). Nano particles of an Iranian clinoptilolite zeolite were prepared by a ball‐mill mechanical method and characterized by FT‐IR, SEM and XRD. Best performance was exhibited at the membrane composition of SMZ : PVC : dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in the ratio of 4 : 32 : 64. This membrane worked well over a wide concentration range from 5 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 of with a Nernstian slope of −29.38 ± 0.29 mv per decade of concentration with detection limit of 2 × 10−6 mol L−1 in a wide pH range of 6.8–10.7. The response time of the sensor is 5–10 s over a period of 2 months with good reproducibility. The selectivity coefficients of the proposed electrode towards various interfering ions were determined by FIM and SSM methods. The sensor was successfully used as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of against Pb(II) and determination of chromium in an electroplating wastewater sample.
Synthesis of 2‐(1‐Benzofuran‐2‐yl)‐4‐(1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl/ 1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl) Quinolines as Blue Green Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Bodke Yadav D. , Shankerrao Sheelavanth , Harishkumar Hosanagara N.
Published: October 2012

A series of novel 2‐(1‐benzofuran‐2‐yl)‐4‐(1,3 benzoxazol‐2‐yl/1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl) quinoline derivatives 4(a–d) were synthesized in one step by the reaction of 2‐(1‐benzofuran‐2‐yl) quinoline‐4‐carboxylic acids 3(a-b) with o‐aminophenol and o‐amino thiophenol, respectively, using polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as a cyclizing agent. The fluorescent properties of newly synthesized compounds were investigated in three different organic solvents like chloroform (CHCl3), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The photophysical constants such as quantum yield and stokes shift were determined. From the results of fluorescence study, it is evident that all synthesized compounds are fluorescent in solution. Compound 4a emitted green light (490.4 nm, 518.2 nm, and 522.4 nm) with high quantum yield in all the three solvents, while compounds 4b, 4c, and 4d emitted green light (512 nm, 499 nm, 510 nm) only in polar solvent DMSO. All fluorescent probes exhibited a bathochromic shift on increase in polarity of the solvent.
Prospero Homeobox 1 Promotes Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Colon Cancer Cells by Inhibiting E-cadherin via miR-9
Authors: Lu Mei-Hsuan , Huang Chao-Cheng , Pan Mei-Ren , Chen Hong-Hwa , Hung Wen-Chun
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor in various types of cancer. However, it promotes colon cancer progression. The aim of this study is to clarify the underlying mechanism by which PROX1 regulates tumorigenicity of colon cancer.

Experimental Design: Association of PROX1 and clinicopathological features was studied by immunohistochemical staining. Pri-miR-9-2 and miR-9 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Assays of cell invasion, adhesion, and matrix metalloproteinase activity were used to study PROX1-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Results: PROX1 was overexpressed in 43% (59/136) of colon cancer tissues and its expression was correlated with E-cadherin downregulation (P = 0.00005), advanced tumor staging (P = 0.005), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000009). Enforced expression of PROX1 in DLD-1 cells caused downregulation of E-cadherin and integrins and attenuated cell adhesion. These cells showed increase of matrix metalloproteinase activity and invasive ability. Conversely, knockdown of PROX1 in SW620 cells restored E-cadherin protein expression and reduced invasiveness. Unexpectedly, repression of E-cadherin by PROX1 was not mediated by transcriptional inhibition. We found that PROX1 bound to miR-9-2 promoter and triggered its expression to suppress E-cadherin 3′UTR reporter activity and protein expression. Anti–miR-9 restored E-cadherin in SW620 cells, whereas precursor miR-9 inhibited E-cadherin in PROX1-knockdown cells. The miR-9 level was higher in tumor tissues with high PROX1/low E-cadherin than that of tumor tissues with low PROX1/high E-cadherin.

Conclusions: Our results provide mechanistic insights by which PROX1 promotes EMT and colon cancer progression. Targeting of PROX1-mediated oncogenic activity may be helpful for the treatment of colon cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(23); 6416–25. ©2012 AACR.
Efficacy of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Biopsy for Diagnosis of Retroperitoneal Tumor of Unknown Origin
Authors: Nozaki Tetsuo , Iida Hiroaki , Morii Akihiro , Fujiuchi Yasuyoshi , Komiya Akira , Fuse Hideki
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose: When percutaneous image-guided biopsies are not possible for retroperitoneal tumor of unknown origin (RTUO), surgical tissue diagnosis becomes necessary. Laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery are current standard treatments; however, the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach offers many potential benefits. We describe our technique for LESS biopsy of RTUO. Patients and Methods: Five patients underwent LESS biopsy for diagnosis of RTUO. A multichannel port was inserted into the peritoneal or retroperitoneal space through a 3-cm skin incision, which adequately exposed the retroperitoneal tumor. The specimen was grasped and isolated circumferentially from the surrounding tissue. Results: LESS surgery was performed successfully without any complications such as open conversion. Mean operative time was 183 min and estimated blood loss was negligible. The diagnoses were IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (n = 4) and lymphoma (n = 1). Sufficient specimens were safely obtained not only for pathological diagnosis but also for further examinations such as immunophenotyping or DNA analysis. Convalescence was satisfactory. All patients were treated appropriately according to the resulting diagnosis. Conclusions: LESS biopsy for RTUO is a safe and effective alternative to open surgical and standard laparoscopic biopsies. Further studies of clinical experiences are needed to confirm the benefits of this new technique.
Electrical and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Facial Nerve: Diagnostic Relevance in Acute Isolated Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Happe Svenja , Bunten Sabine
Published: October 2012

Unilateral facial weakness is common. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows identification of a conduction failure at the level of the canalicular portion of the facial nerve and may help to confirm the diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 216 patients with the diagnosis of peripheral facial palsy. The electrophysiological investigations included the blink reflex, preauricular electrical stimulation and the response to TMS at the labyrinthine part of the canalicular proportion of the facial nerve within 3 days after symptom onset. Results: A similar reduction or loss of the TMS amplitude (p < 0.005) of the affected side was seen in each patient group. Of the 216 patients (107 female, mean age 49.7 ± 18.0 years), 193 were diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. Test results of the remaining patients led to the diagnosis of infectious [including herpes simplex, varicella zoster infection and borreliosis (n = 13)] and noninfectious [including diabetes and neoplasma (n = 10)] etiology. Conclusions: A conduction block in TMS supports the diagnosis of peripheral facial palsy without being specific for Bell’s palsy. Significance: These data shed light on the TMS-based diagnosis of peripheral facial palsy, an ability to localize the site of lesion within the Fallopian channel regardless of the underlying pathology.
Safety and Efficacy of Secondary Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Residual Gastric Carcinoma after Primary Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Kikuchi Daisuke , Iizuka Toshiro , Hoteya Shu , Yamada Akihiro , Furuhata Tsukasa , Yamashita Satoshi , Domon Kaoru , Nakamura Masanori , Matsui Akira , Mitani Toshifumi , Ogawa Osamu , Watanabe Sumio , Yahagi Naohisa , Kaise Mitsuru
Published: October 2012

Background/Aims: In endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), misdiagnosis of the tumor margin may lead to residual carcinoma, which we treat by secondary ESD (sESD) for local control. Methods: 1,458 lesions of early gastric carcinoma were treated by ESD between July 2006 and November 2011. 33 lesions were resected with positive lateral margins. Among them, 13 patients were treated by surgery, 12 patients were followed up, and 8 patients were treated by sESD. sESD was defined as resection of residual carcinoma surrounding the ulcer of primary ESD (pESD). Safety and efficacy of sESD were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Mean interval between two ESDs was 8.4 days. The mean specimen area was 14.9 cm2 in pESD and 23.9 cm2 in sESD. The mean procedure time was 107.3 and 193.0 min, and mean dissection area was 15.9 and 11.6 mm2/min, respectively. There were no significant differences and no serious complications occurred during sESD. There was no local recurrence after a mean follow-up period of 896 days. Meanwhile, 4 cases of local recurrence were detected after ESD with a positive lateral margin. Conclusion: The results suggest that sESD may be technically feasible and favorable for local control of residual gastric carcinoma.
A Meta-Analysis of Tea Consumption and the Risk of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiao , Lin Yi-Wei , Wang Shuai , Wu Jian , Mao Qi-Qi , Zheng Xiang-Yi , Xie Li-Ping
Published: October 2012

Objective: Previous studies on the association between tea consumption and bladder cancer risk have only illustrated contradictory results. The role of tea in bladder carcinogenesis still remains conflicting. In order to illustrate the potential relationship between tea consumption and bladder cancer, a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies was conducted. Methods: Eligible studies were retrieved via both computerized searches and review of references. Stratified analyses on types of tea, gender, study design, ethnicity and smoking status were performed. Fixed- or random-effect models were used to summarize the estimates of OR with 95% CIs. Results: Seventeen studies were eligible for our analysis. No statistical significance was detected between tea consumption and bladder cancer risk when comparing the highest with the lowest intake of tea (OR = 0.825, 95% CI 0.652–1.043). In the subgroup of green tea, we observed it illustrated a protective effect on bladder cancer (OR = 0.814, 95% CI 0.678–0.976). Conclusion: Our analysis indicated that green tea may have a protective effect on bladder cancer in Asian people. Further studies need to be conducted to better clarify the biological mechanisms.
Impact of Exercise Training on Preeclampsia
Authors: Genest Dominique S. , Falcao Stéphanie , Gutkowska Jolanta , Lavoie Julie L.
Published: October 2012

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and de novo proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the developed world, and to date, the only means of treating the disease is by inducing delivery. Many studies have shown the benefits of exercise training on normal pregnancy. Conversely, because the impact of exercise on reducing the risk of preeclampsia has long been debated, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has yet to support the prescription of exercise training to women at risk of developing the disease. There is, however, a significant body of evidence in support of the protective role of exercise training against preeclampsia. A recent animal study demonstrated that many preeclampsia features can be eliminated with prenatal followed by gestational exercise training. Hence, the present article reviews the literature on the impact of exercise training on preeclampsia risk, as well as the mechanisms that may be involved.
Increasing Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity by Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Deletion Improves Control of Blood Pressure in Obesity
Authors: de Chantemèle Eric J. Belin , Ali Mohammed Irfan , Mintz James D. , Rainey William E. , Tremblay Michel L. , Fulton David J. , Stepp David W.
Published: October 2012

Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension. The copresentation of hypertension and insulin resistance (IR) suggests a role for IR in blood pressure (BP) dysregulation. To test this hypothesis, peripheral IR has been genetically subtracted in a model of obesity by crossing leptin receptor mutant mice (K
db
H
PTP
) with mice lacking protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (insulin desensitizer, H
db
K
PTP
) to generate obese insulin-sensitive mice (K
db
K
PTP
). BP was recorded in lean (H
db
H
PTP
, H
db
K
PTP
) and obese (K
db
H
PTP
, K
db
K
PTP
) mice via telemetry, and a frequency analysis of the recording was performed to determine BP variability. Correction of IR in obese mice normalized BP values to baseline levels (H
db
H
PTP
: 116±2 mm Hg; K
db
H
PTP
: 129±4 mm Hg; K
db
K
PTP
: 114±5 mm Hg) and restored BP variability by decreasing its standard deviation and the frequency of BP values over the upper autoregulatory limit of the kidneys. However, although IR-induced increases in proteinuria (versus 53±13 μg/d, H
db
H
PTP
) were corrected in K
db
K
PTP
(112±39 versus 422±159 μg/d, K
db
H
PTP
), glomerular hypertrophy was not. IR reduced plasma aldosterone levels ruling out a role for mineralocorticoids in the development of hypertension. Taken together, these data indicate that correction of IR prevents hypertension, BP variability, and microalbuminuria in obese mice. Although the mechanism remains to be fully determined, increases in aldosterone or sympathoactivation of the cardiovascular system seem to be less likely contributors.
Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor and Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Authors: Watanabe Noriyoshi , Bokuda Kanako , Fujiwara Takeo , Suzuki Tomo , Mito Asako , Morimoto Satoshi , Jwa Seung Chik , Egawa Makiko , Arai Yoshie , Suzuki Fumiaki , Sago Haruhiko , Ichihara Atsuhiro
Published: October 2012

The renin–angiotensin system is believed to influence blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, but the associations between BP during pregnancy and the soluble form of the (pro)renin receptor (s[P]RR), a new component of the tissue renin–angiotensin system, remain undetermined. In this prospective cohort study of 437 pregnant women with normal BP (systolic <140 mm Hg and diastolic <90 mm Hg) during early pregnancy (<16 weeks of gestation) regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between plasma s(P)RR concentrations and BP in 3 gestational stages (20–24, 28–32, and 36–40 weeks of gestation) and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the incidence of preeclampsia. Plasma s(P)RR concentrations at early, middle (16–28 weeks), and late pregnancy (>28 weeks) and at delivery averaged 29.7 ± 10.0, 31.3 ± 12.0, 39.2 ± 8.9, and 40.4 ± 10.2 ng/mL (mean±SD), respectively. A 1-ng/mL increase in plasma s(P)RR concentration in early pregnancy predicted systolic/diastolic BP elevation in the later 3 gestational stages: 0.11 (95% CI, 0.014–0.20)/0.093 (0.027–0.16) mm Hg for 20 to 24 weeks, 0.11 (0.029–0.19)/0.088 (0.027–0.15) mm Hg for 28 to 32 weeks, and 0.16 (0.058–0.26)/0.12 (0.043–0.19]) mm Hg for 36 to 40 weeks, respectively. Plasma s(P)RR concentrations in middle and late pregnancy were not associated with BP. Adjusted models revealed that women with plasma s(P)RR concentrations above the 75th percentile at delivery had a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio, 22.5 [95% CI, 1.8–279.9]). In conclusion, high circulating levels of s(P)RR at early pregnancy predicted a subsequent elevation in BP, and high concentrations at delivery were significantly associated with preeclampsia.