bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A regional haemovigilance retrospective study of four types of therapeutic plasma in a ten‐year survey period in France
Authors: Bost V. , Odent‐Malaure H. , Chavarin P. , Benamara H. , Fabrigli P. , Garraud O.
Published: January 2013

Background and objectives

Our objective was to compare the frequency of adverse events (AEs) due to any of the 4 types of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) prepared and delivered by the French Blood Establishment (EFS) over a 10‐year period. Surveillance of AEs and vigilance was performed according to a homogeneous policy. The four types of FFP comprised of one type (methylene blue [MB) that was stopped since then and of another type [amotosalen (AI)] that was recently introduced, along with two conventional products [quarantine (Q) and solvent–detergent (SD)].

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study based on the national AE reporting database and on the regional database system for deliveries. AEs recorded after the delivery of 1 of the 4 types of FFP were pairwise compared, with appropriate statistical corrections.

Results

105 964 FFP units were delivered (38·4% Q, 17·9% SD, 9·7% MB and 34% AI).

Statistical comparisons of AEs identified only a difference in AE rates between quarantine and solvent–detergent plasma.

Conclusions

FFP was confirmed to be extremely safe in general, especially if one considers ‘severe’ AEs. All types of FFP were associated with extremely low occurrences of AEs. Q, SD, MB and AI led, respectively, to 7·14, 4·86, 1·05 and 4·16 AEs per 10 000 deliveries.
On the completeness of sets of complex exponentials
Authors: Smith Kevin
Published: January 2013

The completeness of sets of complex exponentials {eiλf(n)⋅:f∈ℤ} in Lp(−π,π), 1<p≤2, is considered under Levinson’s sufficient condition in the non-trivial case λ≥1−(1/p). All such sets are determined explicitly.
Decomposition matrices ford-Harish-Chandra series: the exceptional rank two cases
Authors: Chlouveraki Maria , Miyachi Hyohe
Published: January 2013

We calculate all decomposition matrices of the cyclotomic Hecke algebras of the rank two exceptional complex reflection groups in characteristic zero. We prove the existence of canonical basic sets in the sense of Geck–Rouquier and show that all modular irreducible representations can be lifted to the ordinary ones.
An Algorithm for Solution of an Interval Valued EOQ Model
Authors: CHAKRABORTTY Susovan , PAL Madhumangal , NAYAK Prasun Kumar
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the problem of determining the economic order quantity (EOQ)in the interval sense. A purchasing inventory model with shortages and lead time, whose carryingcost, shortage cost, setup cost, demand quantity and lead time are considered as interval numbers,instead of real numbers. First, a brief survey of the existing works on comparing and ranking anytwo interval numbers on the real line is presented. A common algorithm for the optimum productionquantity (Economic lot-size) per cycle of a single product (so as to minimize the total average cost) isdeveloped which works well on interval number optimization under consideration. A numerical exampleis presented for better understanding the solution procedure. Finally a sensitive analysis of the optimalsolution with respect to the parameters of the model is examined.
Influence of Length Scale on the Transition From Interface Defeat to Penetration in Unconfined Ceramic Targets
Authors: Lundberg Patrik , Renström René , Andersson Olof
Published: January 2013

One observation from interface defeat experiments with thick ceramic targets is that confinement and prestress becomes less important if the test scale is reduced. A small unconfined target can show similar transition velocity as a large and heavily confined target. A possible explanation for this behavior is that the transition velocity depends on the formation and growth of macro cracks. Since the crack resistance increases with decreasing length scale, the extension of a crack in a small-scale target will need a stronger stress field, viz., a higher impact velocity, in order to propagate. An analytical model for the relation between projectile load, corresponding stress field, and the propagation of a cone-shaped crack under a state of interface defeat has been formulated. It is based on the assumption that the transition from interface defeat to penetration is controlled by the growth of the cone crack to a critical length. The model is compared to experimentally determined transition velocities for ceramic targets in different sizes, representing a linear scale factor of ten. The model shows that the projectile pressure at transition is proportional to one over the square root of the length scale. The experiments with small targets follow this relation as long as the projectile pressure at transition exceeds the bound of tensile failure of the ceramic. For larger targets, the transition will become independent of length scale and only depend on the tensile strength of the ceramic material. Both the experiments and the model indicate that scaling of interface defeat needs to be done with caution and that experimental data from one length scale needs to be examined carefully before extrapolating to another.
Normal electrocardiographic findings: recognising physiological adaptations in athletes
Authors: Drezner Jonathan A , Fischbach Peter , Froelicher Victor , Marek Joseph , Pelliccia Antonio , Prutkin Jordan M , Schmied Christian M , Sharma Sanjay , Wilson Mathew G , Ackerman Michael John , Anderson Jeffrey , Ashley Euan , Asplund Chad A , Baggish Aaron L , Börjesson Mats , Cannon Bryan C , Corrado Domenico , DiFiori John P , Harmon Kimberly G , Heidbuchel Hein , Owens David S , Paul Stephen , Salerno Jack C , Stein Ricardo , Vetter Victoria L
Published: January 2013

Electrocardiographic changes in athletes are common and usually reflect benign structural and electrical remodelling of the heart as a physiological adaptation to regular and sustained physical training (athlete's heart). The ability to identify an abnormality on the 12-lead ECG, suggestive of underlying cardiac disease associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD), is based on a sound working knowledge of the normal ECG characteristics within the athletic population. This document will assist physicians in identifying normal ECG patterns commonly found in athletes. The ECG findings presented as normal in athletes were established by an international consensus panel of experts in sports cardiology and sports medicine.
Determinants of breastfeeding indicators among children less than 24 months of age in Tanzania: a secondary analysis of the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Victor Rose , Baines Surinder K , Agho Kingsley E , Dibley Michael J
Published: January 2013

Objective

To examine the prevalence of key WHO breastfeeding indicators and identify determinants of suboptimal breastfeeding practices among children aged less than 24 months in Tanzania.

Design, setting and participants

Secondary analyses of cross-sectional data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. The survey used a stratified two-stage cluster sample of 10 312 households from eight geographical zones of Tanzania. The sample consisted of 3112 children aged 0–23 months.

Main outcome measures

Outcome measures were factors significantly associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding, non-exclusive breastfeeding and predominant breastfeeding in the first 6 months.

Results

Breastfeeding was initiated within the first hour of birth in 46.1% of mothers. In infants aged less than 6 months, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 49.9% but only 22.9% were exclusively breastfed at 4–5 months. Seventeen per cent of infants, less than 6 months of age, were ‘predominantly breastfed’. At 12–15 months, 94.0% of infants were still breastfed but the proportion decreased to 51.1% at 20–23 months of age. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of delayed initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h after birth was significantly higher among young mothers aged <24 years, uneducated and employed mothers from rural areas who delivered by caesarean section and those who delivered at home and were assisted by traditional birth attendants or relatives. The risk factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding, during the first 6 months, were lack of professional assistance at birth and residence in urban areas. The risk of predominant breastfeeding was significantly higher among infants from the Zanzibar geographical zone.

Conclusions

Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding indicators were unsatisfactory and are below the national targets for Tanzania. To improve breastfeeding practices, national level programmes will be required, but with a focus on the target groups with suboptimal breastfeeding practices.
Expression of transforming growth factor β receptor II in mesenchymal stem cells from systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Vanneaux Valérie , Farge-Bancel Dominique , Lecourt Séverine , Baraut Julie , Cras Audrey , Jean-Louis Francette , Brun Cécilia , Verrecchia Franck , Larghero Jérôme , Michel Laurence
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The present work aimed to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptors on bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the consequences of TGF-β activation in these cells, since MSC have potential therapeutic interest for SSc patients and knowing that TGF-β plays a critical role during the development of fibrosis in SSc.

Design

This is a prospective research study using MSC samples obtained from SSc patients and compared with MSC from healthy donors.

Setting

One medical hospital involving collaboration between an internal medicine department for initial patient recruitment, a clinical biotherapeutic unit for MSC preparation and an academic laboratory for research.

Participants

9 patients with diffuse SSc for which bone marrow (BM) aspiration was prescribed by sternum aspiration before haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, versus nine healthy donors for normal BM.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

TGF-β, TGF-β receptor types I (TBRI) and II (TBRII) mRNA and protein expression were assessed by quantitative PCR and flow cytometry, respectively, in MSC from both SSc patients and healthy donors. MSC were exposed to TGF-β and assessed for collagen 1α2 synthesis and Smad expression. As positive controls, primary cultures of dermal fibroblasts were also analysed.

Results

Compared with nine controls, MSC from nine SSc patients showed significant increase in mRNA levels (p<0.002) and in membrane expression (p<0.0001) of TBRII. In response to TGF-β activation, a significant increase in collagen 1α synthesis (p<0.05) and Smad-3 phosphorylation was upregulated in SSc MSC. Similar results were obtained on eight SSc-derived dermal fibroblasts compared to six healthy controls.

Conclusions

TBRII gene and protein expression defect in MSC derived from SSc patients may have pathological significance. These findings should be taken into account when considering the use of MSC-based therapies in an autologous setting.
Trends in the prevalence of antipsychotic drug use among patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias including those treated with antidementia drugs in the community in the UK: a cohort study
Authors: Martinez Carlos , Jones Roy W , Rietbrock Stephan
Published: January 2013

Objective

To investigate the pattern and trends of use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, hypnotics and anxiolytics in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and in patients treated with antidementia medications.

Design

Cohort study with dementia patients formed in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants Patients with incident dementia, between 1995 and 2011 and a reference non-dementia cohort matched on age, gender and date of dementia diagnosis. Two subcohorts included new users of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine. The study endpoint was use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, hypnotics and anxiolytics up to 10 years before and 4 years after dementia diagnosis, and for up to 5 years before and 1 year after first use of AChEI or memantine.

Results

50 349 patients with incident dementia diagnosis and 50 349 matched controls, 10 794 first-time users of AChEI and 669 of memantine. The mean prevalence of antipsychotic use from 1995 to 2011 on diagnosis of dementia was 12.5%, decreasing from 19.9% in 1995 to 7.4% in 2011. There was an increase in antidepressant use (10.7–26.3%) and a small increase in anxiolytic use. The matched cohort showed a lower use of antipsychotics and anxiolytics but a rise in antidepressants (5.9–13.4%). Both groups showed a decrease in hypnotic use. 10.6% of AChEI and 26.3% of memantine users were prescribed antipsychotics, 34.1% and 26.3% antidepressants, 13.2% and 4.1% anxiolytics and 18.4% and 8.3% hypnotics. The slopes for monthly use of antipsychotics were positive in the year leading up to AChEI and memantine use; after treatment initiation the slope for AChEI users continued to increase but at a reduced rate whereas antipsychotic use declined for memantine users.

Conclusions

The marked reduction in antipsychotic use in dementia is to be welcomed while there was a steady increase in antidepressant use. There was a decline in antipsychotic use after the initiation of memantine.
Impact of UK Medical Eligibility Criteria implementation on prescribing of combined hormonal contraceptives
Authors: Briggs Paula Elizabeth , Praet Cecile Aude , Humphreys Samantha Charlotte , Zhao Changgeng
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are the most widely prescribed contraceptive methods in the UK; however, their use is associated with significant cardiovascular risk for women with some medical conditions and risk factors. The objective of this study was to assess the potential change in CHC prescribing among higher-risk women following publication of theUK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use(UKMEC) in 2006.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the General Practice Research Database to analyse UK women aged 15–49 years who were prescribed CHCs during the period 2004–2010. Of women prescribed CHCs, those at higher risk of cardiovascular events (with UKMEC Category 3 or 4 risk factors) were identified. The percentage of higher-risk CHC users, among all CHC users, in 2005 (pre-UKMEC) was compared to that in 2010 (post-UKMEC).

Results

The percentage of higher-risk CHC users significantly decreased by 0.8% (95% CI 0.68% to 1.02%) following publication of UKMEC [8.1% (95% CI 7.98% to 8.22%) in 2005 vs 7.3% (95% CI 7.14% to 7.38%) in 2010;p<0.001]. However, an estimated 1 74 472 women in the UK were prescribed CHCs in 2010 despite having Category 3 or 4 risk factors. The most common Category 3 or 4 risk factors were body mass index ≥35 kg/m2, hypertension and smoking in women aged ≥35 years.

Conclusions

Despite the observed reduction in prescribing of CHCs to higher-risk women after publication of UKMEC, a large number of women with Category 3 or 4 risk factors are still prescribed CHCs. The increased risk of cardiovascular events is unnecessary for many of these women given the availability of alternative contraceptive methods.
Condoms for prisoners: no evidence that they increase sex in prison, but they increase safe sex
Authors: Butler Tony , Richters Juliet , Yap Lorraine , Donovan Basil
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To determine if the provision of condoms to prisoners in two Australian state prison systems with different policies affects sexual behaviour. In New South Wales’ (NSW) prisons, condoms are freely distributed, while in Queensland prisons none are distributed.

Methods

We used a computer-assisted telephone interview to survey randomly selected prisoners in both states about their sexual behaviour in prison.

Results

Two thousand and eighteen male prisoners participated. The proportion of prisoners reporting anal sex in prison was equally low in NSW (3.3%) and Queensland (3.6%; p=0.8). A much higher proportion of prisoners who engaged in anal sex in NSW (56.8%) than Queensland (3.1%; p<0.0001) reported they had used a condom if they had had anal sex in prison. Sexual coercion was equally rare in both prison systems.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that condom provision to prisoners increased consensual or non-consensual sexual activity in prison. If available, condoms were much more likely to be used during anal sex. Condoms should be made available to prisoners as a basic human right.
Bovine tuberculosis trends in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, 1995–2010
Authors: Abernethy D. A. , Upton P. , Higgins I. M. , McGrath G. , Goodchild A. V. , Rolfe S. J. , Broughan J. M. , Downs S. H. , Clifton‐Hadley R. , Menzies F. D. , de la Rua‐Domenech R. , Blissitt M. J. , Duignan A. , More S. J.
Published: January 2013

Selected demographic features and trends in bovine tuberculosis (BTB) from 1995 to 2010 are described for the countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, using standardised definitions and measures. All countries experienced a reduction in the number of cattle and herds and in the proportion of dairy herds, while average herd size increased. In general, the trends indicate a stable situation of very low BTB prevalence in Scotland and, over most of the period, a rising prevalence in England and Wales. The prevalence in the Republic of Ireland declined while Northern Ireland experienced both a rise and fall. Differences in demography, BTB programme structure and test results were noted, particularly between the island of Ireland and Great Britain. Further investigation of these differences may provide valuable insights into risk factors for BTB and optimisation of existing BTB programmes.
Experiments and numerical modeling of baffle configuration effects on the performance of sedimentation tanks
Authors: Razmi A.M. , Bakhtyar R. , Firoozabadi B. , Barry D.A.
Published: January 2013

The hydraulic efficiency of sedimentation basins is reduced by short-circuiting, circulation zones and bottom particle-laden jets. Baffles are used to improve the sediment tank performance. In this study, laboratory experiments were used to examine the hydrodynamics of several baffle configurations. An accompanying numerical analysis was performed based on the 2-D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations along with the k-ε turbulence closure model. The numerical model was supplemented with the volume-of-fluid technique, and the advection–diffusion equation to simulate the dynamics of particle-laden flow. Model predictions compared well with the experimental data. An empirical function was constructed to indicate the location and amount of sediment collected in the tank. Hydraulic performance was determined for given baffle locations and heights. The results revealed that, for the laboratory setup, a baffle half way along its length decreases its performance, while a baffle much closer to its inlet and with height 25∼30% of water depth improves efficiency.
Assessing the changing effects of forest harvesting on nature-based tourism: a case of sport-fishing tourism in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hunt Len M. , Kolman Brian , Boxall Peter
Published: January 2013

Forest harvesting can negatively affect nature-based tourism operations. Using observable and interpretable indicators of operating tourism establishments and associated prices charged for fishing packages, we illustrate how one can assess these forest harvesting effects. From a case of floatplane-accessible tourism in Ontario, Canada, we found no evidence to implicate recent (less than 10 years) forest harvests in decisions by tourism operators to close their establishments between 2000 and 2010. Using a hedonic price analysis, we found a significantly reduced effect of forest harvests on prices charged by these tourism operators between 2000 and 2010. These conclusions were robust to different specifications of forest harvesting. On the one hand, the results suggest that changes to forest management planning, policies, and practices in Ontario appear to have mitigated the negative effects from forest harvesting on nature-based tourism. On the other hand, the results show a method that other researchers and policy analysts can adopt to monitor the changing effects of forest management on economic activities such as nature-based tourism.
THE FAILURES OF THE STANDARD MODEL OF COSMOLOGY REQUIRE A NEW PARADIGM
Authors: KROUPA PAVEL , PAWLOWSKI MARCEL , MILGROM MORDEHAI
Published: January 2013

Cosmological models that invoke warm or cold dark matter cannot explain observed regularities in the properties of dwarf galaxies, their highly anisotropic spatial distributions, nor the correlation between observed mass discrepancies and acceleration. These problems with the standard model of cosmology have deep implications, in particular in combination with the observation that the data are excellently described by Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). MOND is a classical dynamics theory which explains the mass discrepancies in galactic systems, and in the universe at large, without invoking 'dark' entities. MOND introduces a new universal constant of nature with the dimensions of acceleration, a0, such that the pre-MONDian dynamics is valid for accelerations a ≫ a0, and the deep MONDian regime is obtained for a ≪ a0, where spacetime scale invariance is invoked. Remaining challenges for MOND are (i) explaining fully the observed mass discrepancies in galaxy clusters, and (ii) the development of a relativistic theory of MOND that will satisfactorily account for cosmology. The universal constant a0 turns out to have an intriguing connection with cosmology: ā0 ≡ 2πa0 ≈ cH0 ≈ c2(Λ/3)1/2. This may point to a deep connection between cosmology and internal dynamics of local systems.
ATTAINABLE CONTINGENT CLAIMS IN A MARKOVIAN REGIME-SWITCHING MARKET
Authors: ELLIOTT ROBERT J. , SIU TAK KUEN
Published: January 2013

It is known that the market in a Markovian regime-switching model is, in general, incomplete, so not all contingent claims can be perfectly hedged. We show, in this paper, how certain contingent claims are attainable in the regime-switching market using a money market account, a share and a zero-coupon bond. General contingent claims with payoffs depending on both the share price and the state of the regime-switching process are considered. We apply a martingale representation result to show the attainability of a European-style contingent claim. We also extend our analysis to Asian-style and American-style contingent claims.
Regioselective fabrications of a Möbius aromatic [28]hexaphyrin palladium(II) complex
Authors: Yoneda Tomoki , Aratani Naoki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: January 2013

Regioselective nucleophilic chlorination and bromination of [26]hexaphyrin to produce a [28]Möbius aromatic hexaphyrin Pd ( II ) complex were accomplished upon treatment of [26]hexaphyrin 2 with chloride and bromide ions in the presence of an acid with concurrent molecular topology change from Hückel to Möbius. Stille coupling reaction of the resultant 3-brominated complex 4 with ethynylstannanes afforded β-ethynylated derivatives in moderate to high yields.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REAL-TIME PHYSICS SIMULATION ENGINE FOR e-ENTERTAINMENT
Authors: BAE MYUNGSOO , KIM YOUNG J.
Published: January 2013

We present our recent research results regarding the designing and implementation of real-time physics simulation engines, which aim at developing physics-inspired e-entertainment such as computer games, mobile applications, interactive TV and other smart media in Korea. Our real-time physics engine consists of three functional components: rigid body dynamics simulation, deformable body simulation, and data-driven physics simulation. The core simulation techniques to realize these simulation components include real-time collision detection and response, large-scale model simulation, and character model control. In this paper, we highlight these features and demonstrate their performances. We also showcase some of the gaming applications that we have integrated our physics engine into.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COLLOCATION METHOD FOR INITIAL VALUE PROBLEMS
Authors: CAMPOS RAFAEL G. , MOTA FRANCISCO DOMÍNGUEZ
Published: January 2013

An implementation of the standard collocation method based on polynomial interpolation is presented in a matrix framework in this paper. The underlying differentiation matrix can be partitioned to yield a superconvergent implicit multistep-like method to solve the initial value problem numerically. The first- and second-order versions of this method are L-stable.
Genetic Risk Prediction: Individualized Variability in Susceptibility to Toxicants
Authors: Nebert Daniel W. , Zhang Ge , Vesell Elliot S.
Published: January 2013

Genetic risk prediction uses genetic data to individualize prediction of outcome or effect from a known harmful toxicant. Several examples of toxicogenetics (usually binary traits) are discussed, reflecting largely Mendelian traits before the Human Genome Project began in 1990. Numerous complexities of the genome and what constitutes “a gene” have emerged during these past two decades. Examples of toxicogenomics (continuous outcomes, gradients) are examined. Most xenobiotic-induced environmental diseases resemble human complex diseases or other multifactorial traits such as height; these traits result from hundreds of low-effect genes. Consequently, uncovering an association between a trait and a genetic variant in a large cohort can provide important information about underlying biology; however, screening for a specific variant in an individual worker or patient has poor predictive value and little clinical utility. Individualized risk assessment for toxicants that cause environmental diseases, although a lofty goal, remains to be achieved.
Discovering Mountain Passes via Torchlight: Methods for the Definition of Reaction Coordinates and Pathways in Complex Macromolecular Reactions
Authors: Rohrdanz Mary A. , Zheng Wenwei , Clementi Cecilia
Published: January 2013

The long-timescale dynamics of macromolecular systems can be oftentimes viewed as a reaction connecting metastable states of the system. In the past decade, various approaches have been developed to discover the collective motions associated with this dynamics. The corresponding collective variables are used in many applications, e.g., to understand the reaction mechanism, to quantify the system's free energy landscape, to enhance the sampling of the reaction path, and to determine the reaction rate. In this review we focus on a number of key developments in this field, providing an overview of several methods along with their relative regimes of applicability.
Proteins and Small Molecules for Cellular Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Green Eric M. , Lee Richard T.
Published: January 2013

Regenerative medicine seeks to understand tissue development and homeostasis and build on that knowledge to enhance regeneration of injured tissues. By replenishing lost functional tissues and cells, regenerative medicine could change the treatment paradigm for a broad range of degenerative and ischemic diseases. Multipotent cells hold promise as potential building blocks for regenerating lost tissues, but successful tissue regeneration will depend on comprehensive control of multipotent cells–differentiation into a target cell type, delivery to a desired tissue, and integration into a durable functional structure. At each step of this process, proteins and small molecules provide essential signals and, in some cases, may themselves act as effective therapies. Identifying these signals is thus a fundamental goal of regenerative medicine. In this review we discuss current progress using proteins and small molecules to regulate tissue regeneration, both in combination with cellular therapies and as monotherapy.
Metabolism and the Circadian Clock Converge
Authors: Eckel-Mahan Kristin , Sassone-Corsi Paolo
Published: January 2013

Circadian rhythms occur in almost all species and control vital aspects of our physiology, from sleeping and waking to neurotransmitter secretion and cellular metabolism. Epidemiological studies from recent decades have supported a unique role for circadian rhythm in metabolism. As evidenced by individuals working night or rotating shifts, but also by rodent models of circadian arrhythmia, disruption of the circadian cycle is strongly associated with metabolic imbalance. Some genetically engineered mouse models of circadian rhythmicity are obese and show hallmark signs of the metabolic syndrome. Whether these phenotypes are due to the loss of distinct circadian clock genes within a specific tissue versus the disruption of rhythmic physiological activities (such as eating and sleeping) remains a cynosure within the fields of chronobiology and metabolism. Becoming more apparent is that from metabolites to transcription factors, the circadian clock interfaces with metabolism in numerous ways that are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
Influenza A Virus Entry: Implications in Virulence and Future Therapeutics
Authors: Rumschlag-Booms Emily , Rong Lijun
Published: January 2013

Influenza A viruses have broad host tropism, being able to infect a range of hosts from wild fowl to swine to humans. This broad tropism makes highly pathogenic influenza A strains, such as H5N1, potentially dangerous to humans if they gain the ability to jump from an animal reservoir to humans. How influenza A viruses are able to jump the species barrier is incompletely understood due to the complex genetic nature of the viral surface glycoprotein, hemagglutinin, which mediates entry, combined with the virus's ability to use various receptor linkages. Current therapeutics against influenza A include those that target the uncoating process after entry as well as those that prevent viral budding. While there are therapeutics in development that target entry, currently there are none clinically available. We review here the genetics of influenza A viruses that contribute to entry tropism, how these genetic alterations may contribute to receptor usage and species tropism, as well as how novel therapeutics can be developed that target the major surface glycoprotein, hemagglutinin.
New Generalized Hyperbolic Functions to Find New Exact Solutions of the Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Pandir Yusuf , Ulusoy Halime
Published: January 2013

We firstly give some new functions called generalized hyperbolic functions. By the using of the generalized hyperbolic functions, new kinds of transformations are defined to discover the exact approximate solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations. Based on the generalized hyperbolic function transformation of the generalized KdV equation and the coupled equal width wave equations (CEWE), we find new exact solutions of two equations and analyze the properties of them by taking different parameter values of the generalized hyperbolic functions. We think that these solutions are very important to explain some physical phenomena.
Workflow Systems for Science: Concepts and Tools
Authors: Talia Domenico
Published: January 2013

The wide availability of high-performance computing systems, Grids and Clouds, allowed scientists and engineers to implement more and more complex applications to access and process large data repositories and run scientific experiments in silico on distributed computing platforms. Most of these applications are designed as workflows that include data analysis, scientific computation methods, and complex simulation techniques. Scientific applications require tools and high-level mechanisms for designing and executing complex workflows. For this reason, in the past years, many efforts have been devoted towards the development of distributed workflow management systems for scientific applications. This paper discusses basic concepts of scientific workflows and presents workflow system tools and frameworks used today for the implementation of application in science and engineering on high-performance computers and distributed systems. In particular, the paper reports on a selection of workflow systems largely used for solving scientific problems and discusses some open issues and research challenges in the area.
Recent Advances in the Surgical Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Venkat Raghunandan , Guerrero Marlon A.
Published: January 2013

Differentiated thyroid cancers have become one of the fastest growing malignancies in the world. While surgery has remained the cornerstone of management of these tumors, the surgical approach has seen numerous innovations over the past few decades. The use of video‐assistance and robotics has revolutionized thyroid surgery. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the different approaches to thyroid surgery, the utility of prophylactic and therapeutic lymph node dissection, and evidence‐based guidelines in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers. Minimally invasive video‐ssisted thyroidectomy is both safe and effective in the hands of the trained surgeon and, in selected patient populations, has comparative perioperative morbidity and better cosmesis as compared to conventional open thyroidectomy. It is universally accepted that therapeutic central lymph node dissection should be performed when metastatic lymph nodes are identified on physical exam, ultrasound, or intraoperatively. In the absence of overt nodal metastasis, the role of elective prophylactic central lymph node dissection remains a matter of debate and prospective, randomized studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of this procedure.
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae with Atypical Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Yachoui Ralph , Kolasinski Sharon L. , Feinstein David E.
Published: January 2013

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) classically involves a targetoid skin rash and the association of the oral mucosa, genitals, and conjunctivae. Recently, there have been several documentations of an incomplete presentation of this syndrome, without the typical rash, usually associated with the mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Our case illustrates that this important clinical diagnosis should not be missed due to its atypical presentation.
Bullous Skin Diseases: Classical Types of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Damoiseaux Jan
Published: January 2013

The prototypic bullous skin diseases, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and bullous pemphigoid, are characterized by the blister formation in the skin and/or oral mucosa in combination with circulating and deposited autoantibodies reactive with (hemi)desmosomes. Koch’s postulates, adapted for autoimmune diseases, were applied on these skin diseases. It appears that all adapted Koch’s postulates are fulfilled, and, therefore, these bullous skin diseases are to be considered classical autoimmune diseases within the wide and expanding spectrum of autoimmune diseases.
Class of Multivalent Analytic Functions Defined by a Linear Operator
Authors: Frasin B. A.
Published: January 2013

Making use of the linear operator defined in (Prajapat, 2012), we introduce the class of analytic and -valent functions in the open unit disk . Furthermore, we obtain some sufficient conditions for starlikeness and close-to-convexity and some angular properties for functions belonging to this class. Several corollaries and consequences
of the main results are also considered.
The Missing Evaluation at the End of GP’s Consultation
Authors: Kuusela Maisa , Vainiomäki Paula , Kiviranta Anni , Rautava Päivi
Published: January 2013

Evaluation at the end of a consultation is an element of a successful encounter. The doctor should inquire if patient’s expectations were fulfilled and sum up the information given, the examinations performed, and the decisions made with the patient. This way the patient would be fully aware of what has been decided and that the problems and expectations of the patient had been taken into account. Twenty consultations of four general practitioners (GPs) in Finland were videotaped. The doctors were men and women, two of them had a long experience and two were trainees in general practice. The data (videotapes, questionnaires, and interviews) were analysed by multiple research methods with investigator and methodological triangulation. MAAS-Global Rating List was used as an assessment tool. The evaluation of the consultation was often missing or having shortages; only one-third was assessed to be better than doubtful. The assessments done by experienced GPs and the medical student were similar. According to the result of this study as well as the information in the current literature, doctors in all periods of their career should repeatedly be reminded about the importance of the evaluation at the end of the consultation.
Global Molecular Epidemiology ofCryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattii: An Atlas of the Molecular Types
Authors: Cogliati Massimo
Published: January 2013

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease affecting more than one million people per year worldwide. The main etiological agents of cryptococcosis are the two sibling speciesCryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattiithat present numerous differences in geographical distribution, ecological niches, epidemiology, pathobiology, clinical presentation and molecular characters. Genotyping of the twoCryptococcusspecies at subspecies level supplies relevant information to understand how this fungus has spread worldwide, the nature of its population structure, and how it evolved to be a deadly pathogen. At present, nine major molecular types have been recognized: VNI, VNII, VNB, VNIII, and VNIV amongC. neoformansisolates, and VGI, VGII, VGIII, and VGIV amongC. gattiiisolates. In this paper all the information available in the literature concerning the isolation of the twoCryptococcusspecies has been collected and analyzed on the basis of their geographical origin, source of isolation, level of identification, species, and molecular type. A detailed analysis of the geographical distribution of the major molecular types in each continent has been described and represented on thematic maps. This study represents a useful tool to start new epidemiological surveys on the basis of the present knowledge.
Modified Sinc-Galerkin Method for Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Hajji M. A. , Al-Mdallal Q. M.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a modified Galerkin method based on sinc basis functions to numerically solve nonlinear boundary value problems. The modifications allow for the accurate approximation of the solution with accurate derivatives at the endpoints. The algorithm is applied to well-known problems: Bratu and Thomas-Fermi problems. Numerical results demonstrate the clear advantage of the suggested modifications in obtaining accurate numerical solutions as well as accurate derivatives at the endpoints.
A Novel and Sensitive Method for the Determination of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) in Urine and Pharmaceutical Samples Using an Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction
Authors: Shiri Sabah , Khezeli Tahere , Sajjadifar Sami , Delpisheh Ali , Avazpour Moayed , Abbasi Alimohammad
Published: January 2013

A novel, simple, and more sensitive spectrophotometric procedure has been developed for the determination of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) by an aqueous two‐phase extraction (ATPE). An ATPE is formed mostly by water and does not require an organic solvent. Other ATPE components used in this study were the polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and some salts such as Na2SO4 and Na2CO3. The method is based on the interaction between vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) in an acidic medium (pH 6.4). The influences of effective parameters such as salt (type and concentration), polyethylene glycol (molecular weight and concentration), temperature, centrifuging time, and pH of the sample solution were studied and optimized. The linear range was 1.3–320 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9991; n = 10) with the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 60 ng/mL 3.68%. The limit of detection (LOD) calculated from three times of standard deviation of blank were 0.2 ng/mL and recoveries from analysis of real samples between 94.82% and 103.98% were obtained for the determination of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in urine and pharmaceutical samples.
Subclass of Multivalent -Uniformly Functions with Varying Arguments
Authors: El-Ashwah R. M. , Aouf M. K. , Hassan A. A. M. , Hassan A. H.
Published: January 2013

We introduce a class of multivalent -uniformly functions with varying arguments, give some properties of functions in this class, and obtain sharp results including coefficient estimates and distortion theorems. Finally, we give the extreme points for this class.
Case of the Diffuse Form of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis
Authors: Yoshino Tateki , Moriyama Hiroyuki
Published: January 2013

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare entity and constitutes less than 1% of chronic pyelonephritis. A 71-year-old male was introduced to our department with general malaise and abnormal findings of computed tomography (CT). Abnormal findings of complete blood count and laboratory examination included an elevated WBC count and C-reactive protein. Urinalysis showed combined hematuria and pyuria, andEscherichia coliwas detected in urine culture. Abdominal CT revealed left hydronephrosis with staghorn renal calculi and thin cortex of the left kidney. Because of poor condition, the patient underwent construction of the left nephrostomy. After that, the remission of the inflammation was achieved. Several months after the construction, frequent obstructions of nephrostomy catheter because of turbid urine and intermittent fever elevation were observed. The patient and his family desired left nephrectomy despite his poor condition in general. Surgical dissection was very difficult due to fixed mass. Not long after that the patient died due to sepsis and cardiovascular failure. Microscopic findings of the left kidney revealed infiltration of lymphocytes and lipid-laden macrophages (xanthoma cells) corresponding to XGP.
Synthesis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Chromenopyridones
Authors: Singh Balwinder , Sharma Vishal , Singh Gagandeep , Kumar Rakesh , Arora Saroj , Ishar Mohan Paul Singh
Published: January 2013

Novel substituted chromenopyridones (3a–j and 6a–d) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for the cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines such as prostate (PC-3), breast (MCF-7), CNS (IMR-32), cervix (Hela), and liver (Hep-G2). preliminary cytotoxic screening showed that all the compounds possess a good to moderate inhibitory activity against various cancer cell lines. Particularly, compound 6b bearing allyl moiety displayed a significant cytotoxic potential in comparison to standard drugs.
Vitamin D Receptor Genotype rs731236 (Taq1) and Breast Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Perna Laura , Butterbach Katja , Haug Ulrike , Schöttker Ben , Müller Heiko , Arndt Volker , Holleczek Bernd , Burwinkel Barbara , Brenner Hermann
Published: January 2013

Several studies have suggested that the anticancerogenous effects of vitamin D might be modulated by genetic variants in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. The association of VDR polymorphisms with breast cancer–specific and all-cause mortality after a breast cancer diagnosis remains, however, largely unexplored. We assessed the association of genetic variants in VDR (rs731236, rs1989969, rs2228570, and 11568820) with breast cancer survival in a sample of 498 patients with breast cancer with a mean age at diagnosis of 61 years from Saarland, Germany, who were followed for up to 5 years with respect to total and breast cancer–specific mortality (56 and 48 events, respectively). Adjusted HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by Cox regression models. We found that patients with breast cancer homozygous for the rare allele of rs731236 (15% of the women in our cohort) had a tendency toward an increased risk for breast cancer–specific mortality. The HR (95% CI) adjusted for age and breast cancer stage was 2.8 (1.1–7.2) for breast cancer–specific mortality and 2.1 (0.9–4.9) for total mortality. Additional adjustment for family history of breast cancer, radical mastectomy, and body mass index only marginally changed the estimates. No association was found for rs1989969, rs2228570, and rs11568820. Our analysis suggests that VDR polymorphism rs731236 might be associated with breast cancer–specific mortality, and if our findings are confirmed in future bigger studies rs731236 might deserve consideration as a prognostic factor in clinical care of patients with breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 437–42. ©2012 AACR.
Enzalutamide: A Novel Antiandrogen for Patients with Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hoffman-Censits Jean , Kelly Wm. Kevin
Published: January 2013

Enzalutamide (MDV3100, Xtandi, Medivation\Astellas) is an oral inhibitor of androgen receptor signaling that blocks androgen receptor interaction, inhibits translocation of the androgen receptor to the nucleus, impairs androgen receptor binding to DNA, and inhibits coactivator recruitment and receptor-mediated DNA transcription. In a phase III randomized study comparing enzalutamide with placebo in men with progressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who were previously treated with docetaxel, enzalutamide showed an improvement in overall survival (18.4 vs. 13.6 months, HR, 0.63; P < 0.001). In addition, all secondary endpoints including proportion of patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline, soft-tissue response, quality-of-life response, time to PSA progression, radiographic progression-free survival, and the time to the first radiographic skeletal event all significantly favored patients treated with enzalutamide. Fatigue, diarrhea, and hot flashes were common in patients treated with enzalutamide, with seizures reported in 5 (0.6%) of the patients. Enzalutamide is a novel therapy that very potently blocks the androgen signaling pathway, which is unregulated during the development of CRPC. The preclinical studies along with the pivotal trials that led to its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2012 will be reviewed. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1335–9. ©2012 AACR.
Genome and Molecular Characterization of a CSFV Strain Isolated from a CSF Outbreak in South China
Authors: Shen Hai-Yan , Wang Jia-Ying , Dong Xiao-Ying , Zhao Ming-Qiu , Kang Yanmei , Li Yin-Guang , Pei Jing-Jing , Liao Ming , Ju Chun-Mei , Yi Lin , Hu Yongming , Chen Jin-Ding
Published: January 2013

In the present study, the full-length nucleotide sequences of the CSFV-GZ-2009 strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolated from a hog pen in Guangdong province in China was determined. Results demonstrated that the genome of CSFV-GZ-2009 is 12,298 nucleotides (nt) in length, is composed of a 373-nt 5′-untranslated region (UTR), has an 11,697-nt open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3,898 amino acids, and has a 228-nt 3′-UTR. Genome comparison of the CSFV-GZ-2009 isolate (GenBank accession No. HQ380231) with other CSFV strains was also analyzed. Gene regions from CSFV-GZ-2009 and other known strains were shown to share 92.7–96.7% identity at the nucleotide level and 94.7–99.2% identity at the amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length genome and the following regions Erns, E2 and NS5B revealed that the CSFV-GZ-2009 isolate was classified within subgroup 1.1 of group I and closely related to the highly virulent strain JL1 (06), cF114, Shimen and SWH with pairwise distances of 0.0037, 0.0043, 0.0058 and 0.0107, respectively. Analysis of recombination with the SimPlot program demonstrated that strain CSFV-GZ-2009 was not a naturally homologous recombinant. Furthermore, the change of clinical signs of pigs after infection of CSFV-GZ-2009 isolates showed typical symptoms such as diarrhea, persistent fever, and mononuclear lymphocytopenia after CSFV infection. Based on phylogenetic analysis and an animal infection test, we could conclude that the CSFV-GZ-2009 isolate belonged to subgroup 1.1 of group I and was of high virulence.