bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY FOR BONE METASTASES FROM HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Authors: Hoshi Manabu , Takada Jun , Oebisu Naoto , Ieguchi Makoto , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastases to bone. Methods: The clinical records of 15 patients diagnosed with HCC metastases to bone were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' mean age was 70.8 years. Patients were followed for an average period of 333 days. Clinical features, treatments and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Extrahepatic metastases, except to bone, were detectable in the lymph nodes of three patients (20.0%), the lungs of two patients (13.3%) and the adrenal glands of two patients (13.3%). Radiation therapy was carried out at 31 sites in 13 patients and its efficacy was calculated to be 80.6%. Orthopedic surgery was undertaken at 15 sites in 10 patients. Unexpected mortality due to bleeding occurred suddenly in two patients soon after surgery. Conclusions: Radiation therapy may be the first-choice palliative treatment for bone metastases from HCC. If the condition allows for residual liver function and a coagulative pattern, surgery must be considered for the treatment of some severe pain symptoms, including those caused by pathological fractures of long bones and increased symptoms due to nerve compression caused by spinal metastases. Surgical planning, such as preoperative transarterial embolization or intraoperative cementing, may play an important role in reducing intraoperative bleeding, which can lead to liver failure and death.
SOME LINEAR SPDEs DRIVEN BY A FRACTIONAL NOISE WITH HURST INDEX GREATER THAN 1/2
Authors: BALAN RALUCA M.
Published: November 2012

In this article, we identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a random field solution for some linear stochastic partial differential equations (spde's) of parabolic and hyperbolic type. These equations rely on a spatial operator [Formula: see text] given by the L2-generator of a d-dimensional Lévy process X = (Xt)t≥0, and are driven by a spatially-homogeneous Gaussian noise, which is fractional in time with Hurst index H > 1/2. As an application, we consider the case when X is a β-stable process, with β ∈ (0, 2]. In the parabolic case, we develop a connection with the potential theory of the Markov process [Formula: see text] (defined as the symmetrization of X), and we show that the existence of the solution is related to the existence of a "weighted" intersection local time of two independent copies of [Formula: see text].
STOCHASTIC HEAT EQUATION ON ALGEBRA OF GENERALIZED FUNCTIONS
Authors: BARHOUMI ABDESSATAR , OUERDIANE HABIB , RGUIGUI HAFEDH
Published: November 2012

The main objective of this paper is to investigate an extension [Formula: see text] of the "Volterra-Gross" Laplacian on nuclear algebra of generalized functions. In so doing, without using the renormalization procedure, this extension provides a continuous nuclear realization of the square white noise Lie algebra obtained by Accardi–Franz–Skeide in Ref. 2. An extended-Gross diffusion process driven by a class of Itô stochastic equations is studied, and solution of the related Poisson equations is derived in terms of a suitable λ-potential.
LÉVY–LAPLACIAN AND THE GAUGE FIELDS
Authors: VOLKOV BORIS O.
Published: November 2012

The following statement is proved for the Lévy–Laplacian defined as the Cesàro mean of second-order directional derivatives: a connection form on a base Riemannian C3-smooth manifold satisfies the Yang–Mills equations if and only if the parallel transport associated with the connection is Lévy harmonic. This statement is an improvement of the well-known result of L. Accardi, P. Gibilisco and I. V. Volovich2 (see also Ref. 1).
A NOTE ON AN INTEGRATION BY PARTS FORMULA FOR THE GENERATORS OF UNIFORM TRANSLATIONS ON CONFIGURATION SPACE
Authors: CONRAD FLORIAN , KUNA TOBIAS
Published: November 2012

An integration by parts formula is derived for the first-order differential operator corresponding to the action of translations on the space of locally finite simple configurations of infinitely many points on ℝd. As reference measures, tempered grand canonical Gibbs measures are considered corresponding to a non-constant non-smooth intensity (one-body potential) and translation invariant potentials fulfilling the usual conditions. It is proven that such Gibbs measures fulfill the intuitive integration by parts formula if and only if the action of the translation is not broken for this particular measure. The latter is automatically fulfilled in the high temperature and low intensity regime.
ON THE IDEMPOTENT GRAPH OF A RING
Authors: AKBARI S. , HABIBI M. , MAJIDINYA A. , MANAVIYAT R.
Published: November 2012

The idempotent graph of a ring R, denoted by I(R), is a graph whose vertices are all nontrivial idempotents of R and two distinct vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if xy = yx = 0. In this paper we show if D is a division ring, then the clique number of I(Mn(D))(n ≥ 2) is n and for any commutative Artinian ring R the clique number and the chromatic number of I(R) are equal to the number of maximal ideals of R. We prove that for every left Noetherian ring R, the clique number of I(R) is finite. For every finite field F, we also determine an independent set of I(Mn(F)) with maximum size. If F is an infinite field, then we prove that the domination number of I(Mn(F)) is infinite. We show that the idempotent graph of every reduced ring is connected and if n ≥ 3 and D is a division ring, then I(Mn(D)) is connected and moreover diam(I(Mn(D))) ≤ 5.
A SURVEY ON FREE SUBGROUPS IN THE GROUP OF UNITS OF GROUP RINGS
Authors: GONÇALVES JAIRO Z. , DEL RÍO ÁNGEL
Published: November 2012

In this survey we revise the methods and results on the existence and construction of free groups of units in group rings, with special emphasis in integral group rings over finite groups and group algebras. We also survey results on constructions of free groups generated by elements which are either symmetric or unitary with respect to some involution and other results on which integral group rings have large subgroups which can be constructed with free subgroups and natural group operations.
ON THE NOTION OF STRONG IRREDUCIBILITY AND ITS DUAL
Authors: ABUHLAIL JAWAD , LOMP CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2012

This note gives a unifying characterization and exposition of strongly irreducible elements and their duals in lattices. The interest in the study of strong irreducibility stems from commutative ring theory, while the dual concept of strong irreducibility had been used to define Zariski-like topologies on specific lattices of submodules of a given module over an associative ring. Based on our lattice theoretical approach, we give a unifying treatment of strong irreducibility, dualize results on strongly irreducible submodules, examine its behavior under central localization and apply our theory to the frame of hereditary torsion theories.
ANALYTIC REGULARITY AND POLYNOMIAL APPROXIMATION OF STOCHASTIC, PARAMETRIC ELLIPTIC MULTISCALE PDEs
Authors: HOANG V. H. , SCHWAB CH.
Published: November 2012

A class of second order, elliptic PDEs in divergence form with stochastic and anisotropic conductivity coefficients and n known, separated microscopic length scales εi, i = 1, …, n in a bounded domain D ⊂ ℝd is considered. Neither stationarity nor ergodicity of these coefficients is assumed. Sufficient conditions are given for the random solution to converge ℙ-a.s, as εi → 0, to a stochastic, elliptic one-scale limit problem in a tensorized domain of dimension (n + 1)d. It is shown that this stochastic limit problem admits best N-term "polynomial chaos" type approximations which converge at a rate σ > 0 that is determined by the summability of the random inputs' Karhúnen–Loève expansion. The convergence of the polynomial chaos expansion is shown to hold ℙ-a.s. and uniformly with respect to the scale parameters εi. Regularity results for the stochastic, one-scale limiting problem are established. An error bound for the approximation of the random solution at finite, positive values of the scale parameters εi is established in the case of two scales, and in the case of n > 2, scales convergence is shown, albeit without giving a convergence rate in this case.
ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF THE MOTION OF A VISCOUS HEAT-CONDUCTING ONE-DIMENSIONAL GAS WITH RADIATION: THE PURE SCATTERING CASE
Authors: DUCOMET BERNARD , NEČASOVÁ ŠÁRKA
Published: November 2012

We study the large-time behavior of the solution of an initial-boundary value problem for the equations of 1D motions of a compressible viscous heat-conducting gas coupled with radiation through a radiative transfer equation.

Assuming only scattering processes between matter and photons (neglecting absorption and emission) and suitable hypotheses on the transport coefficients, we prove that the unique weak solution of the problem converges toward the static state.
ANALYSIS OF DIRECT SEGREGATED BOUNDARY-DOMAIN INTEGRAL EQUATIONS FOR VARIABLE-COEFFICIENT MIXED BVPs IN EXTERIOR DOMAINS
Authors: CHKADUA O. , MIKHAILOV S. E. , NATROSHVILI D.
Published: November 2012

Direct segregated systems of boundary-domain integral equations are formulated for the mixed (Dirichlet–Neumann) boundary value problems for a scalar second-order divergent elliptic partial differential equation with a variable coefficient in an exterior three-dimensional domain. The boundary-domain integral equation system equivalence to the original boundary value problems and the Fredholm properties and invertibility of the corresponding boundary-domain integral operators are analyzed in weighted Sobolev spaces suitable for infinite domains. This analysis is based on the corresponding properties of the BVPs in weighted Sobolev spaces that are proved as well.
EXPLICIT DERIVATION OF RETURN MAPS FOR PLANAR VECTOR FIELDS WITH NILPOTENT LINEAR PART WITH A CENTER OR A FOCUS
Authors: COSTIN RODICA D.
Published: November 2012

For planar vector fields with nilpotent linear part with a center or a focus it is shown that, remarkably, there exist substitutions after which the equations become regular perturbations of Hamiltonian systems. The return map is then obtained as a convergent series by iterating a contractive map, yielding formulas suitable for numerical calculations and estimates for the errors.
CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYNOMIALS
Authors: SZABÓ V. E. SÁNDOR
Published: November 2012

In 1954, it was proved that if f is infinitely differentiable in the interval I and some derivatives (of order depending on x) vanish at each x, then f is a polynomial. Later, it was generalized for the multivariable case. A further extension for distributions is possible. If Ω ⊆ Rn is a non-empty connected open set, [Formula: see text] and for every [Formula: see text], there exists m(φ) ∈ N such that (Dαu)(φ) = 0 for all multi-indices α satisfying ‖α‖ = m(φ), then u is a polynomial (in distributional sense).
COOPETITION: PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT ANTECEDENTS
Authors: BOUNCKEN RICARDA B. , FREDRICH VIKTOR
Published: November 2012

This study contributes to the better understanding of coopetition. First, we research the performance of coopetition and its management antecedents. Second, we study the relational context by analyzing different mixtures of trust and dependency. Our results of 469 firms indicate that (a) coopetition requires different facets of an alliance-management system depending on the mix of trust and dependency, and (b) most surprisingly, a high trust/high dependency environment fosters the relationship of coopetition and performance outcomes the most. We contribute to the understanding of coopetition as a strategy associated with different mixes of trust and dependency.
Microbial Interactions in Food Fermentations
Authors: Ivey Melissa , Massel Mara , Phister Trevor G.
Published: November 2012

Microbial interactions are important for the success and safety of food fermentations. Although much indispensable work has described the microbial succession in various fermentations, little is known about how the microbes present interact. Here, we discuss the various mechanisms of microbial interaction from trophic interactions to cell signaling. We also examine the role these interactions play in the dominant microbiota associated with various food fermentations.
Potential Application of Pectinase in Developing Functional Foods
Authors: Khan Mahejibin , Nakkeeran Ekambaram , Umesh-Kumar Sukumaran
Published: November 2012

The understanding that enzymatic degradation of fruit pectin can clarify juices and improve juice yields resulted in the search for microbial pectinases and application in vegetable- and fruit-processing industries. Identified enzymes were classified on the basis of their catalytic activity to pectin or its derivatives and in terms of industrial use. Discovery of gene sequences that coded the enzymes, protein engineering, and molecular biology tools resulted in defined microbial strains that over-produced the enzymes for cost-effective technologies. Recent perspectives on the use of pectin and its derivatives as dietary fibers suggest enzymatic synthesis of the right oligomers from pectin for use in human nutrition. While summarizing the activities of pectin-degrading enzymes, their industrial applications, and gene sources, this review projects another application for pectinases, which is the use of enzymatically derived pectin moieties in functional food preparation.
Myoglobin Chemistry and Meat Color
Authors: Suman Surendranath P. , Joseph Poulson
Published: November 2012

Consumers rely heavily on fresh meat color as an indicator of wholesomeness at the point of sale, whereas cooked color is exploited as an indicator of doneness at the point of consumption. Deviations from the bright cherry-red color of fresh meat lead to product rejection and revenue loss. Myoglobin is the sarcoplasmic heme protein primarily responsible for the meat color, and the chemistry of myoglobin is species specific. The mechanistic interactions between myoglobin and multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors govern the color of raw as well as cooked meats. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the current research in meat color and how the findings are applied in the meat industry. Characterizing the fundamental basis of myoglobin's interactions with biomolecules in postmortem skeletal muscles is necessary to interpret the chemistry of meat color phenomena and to engineer innovative processing strategies to minimize meat discoloration–induced revenue loss to the agricultural economy.
Treating the Developing Brain: Implications from Human Imaging and Mouse Genetics
Authors: Casey B.J. , Pattwell Siobhan S. , Glatt Charles E. , Lee Francis S.
Published: November 2012

A fundamental issue in psychiatric medicine is the lack of empirical evidence indicating when, during development, a treatment will be most effective for a patient. We review behavioral and brain changes that occur across development, focusing on the period of adolescence, when there is a peak in diagnosis of many psychiatric disorders. We use anxiety disorders as an example because of their high prevalence in youth (affecting as many as 1 in 10). Basic forms of fear learning, which are at the core of anxiety disorders and are the targets of behavioral therapeutics, are examined as a function of age. We also discuss how fear learning has been genetically modulated in mice and humans. Based on these findings, we provide future directions for determining the efficacy of innovative therapies and preventive strategies for anxiety disorders as a function of age and potential genetic effects inferred from mice and humans.
Quality Measurement in Healthcare
Authors: Lazar Eliot J. , Fleischut Peter , Regan Brian K.
Published: November 2012

Measurement is the basis for assessing potential improvements in healthcare quality. Measures may be classified into four categories: volume, structure, outcome, and process (VSOP). Measures of each type should be used with a full understanding of their cost and benefit. Although volume and structure measures are easily collected, impact on healthcare results is not always clear. Process measures are generally more difficult and expensive to collect, and the relationship between process and outcomes is only recently being explored. Knowledge of measure types and relationships among them, as well as emerging evidence on the role of patient satisfaction, must be used to guide improvements and ultimately for demonstrating value in healthcare.
Sickle Cell Disease, Vasculopathy, and Therapeutics
Authors: Kassim Adetola A. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: November 2012

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation in both beta globin genes, resulting in chronic hemolysis and multiorgan disease that ultimately leads to premature death. Although hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization and vaso-occlusion are central to the pathogenesis of SCD, overlapping pathways implicated in SCD-related endothelial dysfunction include hemolysis, defects in nitric oxide metabolism, ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, increased cell-to-cell adhesion, and proinflammatory and coagulation mediators. Progression of organ-specific vasculopathy often precedes organ dysfunction and may provide targets for therapeutic intervention. SCD-related vasculopathies include, but are not limited to, moyamoya that often precedes cerebral infarcts or hemorrhage, proliferative retinopathy prior to loss of eyesight, pulmonary vasculopathy associated with pulmonary hypertension, and renal vasculopathy prior to the onset of chronic renal disease. This review evaluates evidence that SCD vasculopathy is a harbinger for organ dysfunction and reviews the potential for targeted antivasculopathy therapies.
microRNAs as Mediators of Drug Toxicity
Authors: Yokoi Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Miki
Published: November 2012

microRNAs (miRNAs) represent the most abundant class of gene expression regulators that bind complementarily to transcripts to repress their translation or mRNA degradation. These small ( 21 , 22 , 23 nucleotides in length) noncoding RNAs are derived through a multistep process by miRNA genes located in genomic DNA. Because miRNAs regulate fundamental cellular functions, their dysregulation affects a large range of physiological processes, such as development, immune responses, metabolism, and diseases as well as toxicological outcomes. Cancer-related miRNAs have been extensively studied; however, the roles of miRNAs in xenobiotic metabolism and in toxicology have only recently been explored. This review focuses on the current knowledge of miRNA-dependent regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and nuclear receptors and the associated potential toxicological implications. The potential modulation of toxicology-related changes in miRNA expression, the role of miRNA in immune-mediated drug-induced liver injuries, the use of circulating miRNAs in body fluids as potential toxicological biomarkers, and the link between miRNA-related pharmacogenomics and adverse drug reactions are highlighted.
The Impact of Adult Neurogenesis on Olfactory Bulb Circuits and Computations
Authors: Lepousez Gabriel , Valley Matthew T. , Lledo Pierre-Marie
Published: November 2012

Modern neuroscience has demonstrated how the adult brain has the ability to profoundly remodel its neurons in response to changes in external stimuli or internal states. However, adult brain plasticity, although possible throughout life, remains restricted mostly to subcellular levels rather than affecting the entire cell. New neurons are continuously generated in only a few areas of the adult brain—the olfactory bulb and the dentate gyrus—where they integrate into already functioning circuitry. In these regions, adult neurogenesis adds another dimension of plasticity that either complements or is redundant to the classical molecular and cellular mechanisms of plasticity. This review extracts clues regarding the contribution of adult-born neurons to the different circuits of the olfactory bulb and specifically how new neurons participate in existing computations and enable new computational functions.
Notch in the Intestine: Regulation of Homeostasis and Pathogenesis
Authors: Noah Taeko K. , Shroyer Noah F.
Published: November 2012

The small and large intestines are tubular organs composed of several tissue types. The columnar epithelium that lines the inner surface of the intestines distinguishes the digestive physiology of each region of the intestine and consists of several distinct cell types that are rapidly and continually renewed by intestinal stem cells that reside near the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. Notch signaling controls the fate of intestinal stem cells by regulating the expression of Hes genes and by repressing Atoh1. Alternate models of Notch pathway control of cell fate determination are presented. Roles for Notch signaling in development of the intestine, including mesenchymal and neural cells, are discussed. The oncogenic activities of Notch in colorectal cancer, as well as the tumor suppressive activities of Atoh1, are reviewed. Therapeutic targeting of the Notch pathway in colorectal cancers is discussed, along with potential caveats.
Genetic polymorphisms associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness and coronary artery calcification in women of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study
Authors: Miller Virginia M. , Petterson Tanya M. , Jeavons Elysia N. , Lnu Abhinita S. , Rider David N. , Heit John A. , Cunningham Julie M. , Huggins Gordon S. , Hodis Howard N. , Budoff Matthew J. , Santoro Nanette , Hopkins Paul N. , Lobo Rogerio A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Naftolin Frederick , Taylor Hugh S. , Harman S. Mitchell , de Andrade Mariza
Published: November 2012

Menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) may limit progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but poses a thrombosis risk. To test targeted candidate gene variation for association with subclinical CVD defined by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and coronary artery calcification (CAC), 610 women participating in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), a clinical trial of MHT to prevent progression of CVD, were genotyped for 13,229 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 764 genes from anticoagulant, procoagulant, fibrinolytic, or innate immunity pathways. According to linear regression, proportion of European ancestry correlated negatively, but age at enrollment and pulse pressure correlated positively with CIMT. Adjusting for these variables, two SNPs, one on chromosome 2 for MAP4K4 gene (rs2236935, β = 0.037, P value = 2.36 × 10−06) and one on chromosome 5 for IL5 gene (rs739318, β = 0.051, P value = 5.02 × 10−05), associated positively with CIMT; two SNPs on chromosome 17 for CCL5 (rs4796119, β = −0.043, P value = 3.59 × 10−05; rs2291299, β = −0.032, P value = 5.59 × 10−05) correlated negatively with CIMT; only rs2236935 remained significant after correcting for multiple testing. Using logistic regression, when we adjusted for waist circumference, two SNPs (rs11465886, IRAK2, chromosome 3, OR = 3.91, P value = 1.10 × 10−04; and rs17751769, SERPINA1, chromosome 14, OR = 1.96, P value = 2.42 × 10−04) associated positively with a CAC score of >0 Agatston unit; one SNP (rs630014, ABO, OR = 0.51, P value = 2.51 × 10−04) associated negatively; none remained significant after correcting for multiple testing. Whether these SNPs associate with CIMT and CAC in women randomized to MHT remains to be determined.
A Spatial Index for Identifying Opportunity Zones for Woody Cellulosic Conversion Facilities
Authors: Huang Xia , Perdue James H. , Young Timothy M.
Published: November 2012

A challenge in the development of renewable energy is the ability to spatially assess the risk of feedstock supply to conversion facilities. Policy makers and investors need improved methods to identify the interactions associated with landscape features, socioeconomic conditions, and ownership patterns, and the influence these variables have on the geographic location of potential conversion facilities. This study estimated opportunity zones for woody cellulosic feedstocks based on landscape suitability and market competition for the resource. The study covered 13 Southern States which was a segment of a broader study that covered 33 Eastern United States which also included agricultural biomass. All spatial data were organized at the 5-digit zip code tabulation area (ZCTA). A landscape index was developed using factors such as forest land cover area, net forest growth, ownership type, population density, median family income, and farm income. A competition index was developed based on the annual growth-to-removal ratio and capacities of existing woody cellulosic conversion facilities. Combining the indices resulted in the identification of 592 ZCTAs that were considered highly desirable zones for woody cellulosic conversion facilities. These highly desirable zones were located in Central Mississippi, Northern Arkansas, South central Alabama, Southwest Georgia, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Kentucky, and Northwest Tennessee.
Gastric Trichobezoar: An Enduring Intrigue
Authors: Mewa Kinoo S. , Singh B.
Published: November 2012

Trichobezoar is a rare condition that may pose a diagnostic challenge. Patients with this condition often have an underlying psychiatric illness, and history may not be easily forthcoming. The condition should be entertained especially in young females. Delay in diagnosis may lead to futile complications. We report a classic case of trichobezoar in terms of patient profile, presentation, and investigative findings.
Increased Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Lesions of DiabeticAkita-LDLr−/−Mice Compared to NondiabeticLDLr−/−Mice
Authors: Engelbertsen Daniel , To Fong , Dunér Pontus , Kotova Olga , Söderberg Ingrid , Alm Ragnar , Gomez Maria F. , Nilsson Jan , Bengtsson Eva
Published: November 2012

Background. Diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular disease, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. One proposed mechanism is that diabetes aggravates atherosclerosis by enhancing plaque inflammation. TheAkitamouse has recently been adopted as a relevant model for microvascular complications of diabetes. Here we investigate the development of atherosclerosis and inflammation in vessels ofAkitamice onLDLr−/−background.Methods and Results.Akita-LDLr−/−andLDLr−/−mice were fed high-fat diet from 6 to 24 weeks of age. Blood glucose levels were higher in both male and femaleAkita-LDLr−/−mice (137% and 70%, resp.). MaleAkita-LDLr−/−mice had markedly increased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a three-fold increase in atherosclerosis, and enhanced accumulation of macrophages and T-cells in plaques. In contrast, femaleAkita-LDLr−/−mice demonstrated a modest 29% increase in plasma cholesterol and no significant increase in triglycerides, atherosclerosis, or inflammatory cells in lesions. MaleAkita-LDLr−/−mice had increased levels of plasma IL-1βcompared to nondiabetic mice, whereas no such difference was seen between female diabetic and nondiabetic mice.Conclusion.Akita-LDLr−/−mice display considerable gender differences in the development of diabetic atherosclerosis. In addition, the increased atherosclerosis in maleAkita-LDLr−/−mice is associated with an increase in inflammatory cells in lesions.
Double‐Framed Soft Sets with Applications in BCK/BCI‐Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin
Published: November 2012

In order to lay a foundation for providing a soft algebraic tool in considering many problems that contain uncertainties, the notion of double‐framed soft sets is introduced, and applications in BCK/BCI‐algebras are discussed. The notions of double‐framed soft algebras in BCK/BCI‐algebras are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterizations of double‐framed soft algebras are considered. Product and int‐uni structure of double‐framed soft algebras are discussed, and several examples are provided.
Metastasis of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma to the Thyroid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Goatman C. , Goldsmith P. J. , Antonopoulos V. , Ali B.
Published: November 2012

Purpose. We present a rare case of colorectal metastasis to the thyroid five years following primary colonic resection. This case highlights the need to be cognisant of unusual sites of metastasis from colorectal neoplasms.Case Report. An 82-year-old male patient had a panproctocolectomy for synchronous colorectal tumours. Five years later he was found to have lung and thyroid metastases found incidentally on imaging for an acute presentation with small bowel obstruction.Conclusion. Metastases to the thyroid should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the thyroid lesion with any history of malignancy, particularly with increasing patient age and when renal cell carcinoma or lung, colon, or breast primaries are involved.
Ameloblastoma of the Sinonasal Tract: Report of a Case with Clinicopathologic Considerations
Authors: Tranchina Maria Grazia , Amico Paolo , Galia Antonio , Emmanuele Carmela , Saita Vincenzo , Fraggetta Filippo
Published: November 2012

Ameloblastomas are locally aggressive jaw tumours with a high propensity for recurrence and are believed to arise from remnants of dental lamina or odontogenic epithelium. Extragnathic ameloblastomas are unusual, and primary sinonasal tract origin is very uncommon with few cases reported in the literature. We herein report a case of primary sinonasal ameloblastoma presented in a 74-year-old male with nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, and sinusitis. Nasal endoscopy showed the right nasal cavity completely obstructed by a polypoid lesion attached to the lateral nasal wall. A preoperative CT scan was performed showing a solid lesion, measuring 2 cm in the maximum diameter, extending from the nasopharynx area with obstruction of the ostiomeatal unit and sphenoethmoidal recess into the lateral pharyngeal space, laterally to the parotid, without continuity with maxillary alveola and antrum. The tumour was completely excised endoscopically, and a final diagnosis of ameloblastoma was rendered. At the 12-month followup, there was no evidence of recurrence.
Occupationally Acquired American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Felinto de Brito Maria Edileuza , Andrade Maria Sandra , de Almeida Éricka Lima , Medeiros Ângela Cristina Rapela , Werkhäuser Roberto Pereira , Araújo Ana Isabele Freitas de , Brandão-Filho Sinval Pinto , Paiva de Almeida Alzira Maria , Gomes Rodrigues Eduardo Henrique
Published: November 2012

We report two occupationally acquired cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL): one accidental laboratory autoinoculation by contaminated needlestick while handling an ACL lesion sample, and one acquired during field studies on bird biology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of patient lesions were positive forLeishmania, subgenusViannia. One isolate was obtained by culture (from patient 2 biopsy samples) and characterized asLeishmania(Viannia)naiffithrough an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with species-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE). Patients were successfully treated with N-methyl-glucamine. These two cases highlight the potential risks of laboratory and field work and the need to comply with strict biosafety procedures in daily routines. The swab collection method, coupled with PCR detection, has greatly improved ACL laboratory diagnosis.
A New Subclass of Harmonic Univalent Functions Associated with Dziok-Srivastava Operator
Authors: Pathak A. L. , Dixit K. K. , Agarwal R.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the present paper is to study a certain subclass of harmonic univalent functions associated with Dziok-Srivastava operator. We obtain coefficient conditions, distortion bounds, and extreme points for the above class of harmonic univalent functions belonging to this class and discuss a class preserving integral operator. We also show that class studied in this paper is closed under convolution and convex combination. The results obtained for the class reduced to the corresponding results for several known classes in the literature are briefly indicated.
Environmental Determinants of Bicycling Injuries in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Romanow Nicole T. R. , Couperthwaite Amy B. , McCormack Gavin R. , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Rowe Brian H. , Hagel Brent E.
Published: November 2012

This study examined environmental risk factors for bicycling injuries, by combining data on bicyclist injuries collected by interviews in the emergency department (ED) with street-level environmental audits of injury locations, capturing path, roadway, safety, land use, and aesthetic characteristics. Cases were bicyclists struck by a motor vehicle (MV) or with severe injuries (hospitalized). Controls were bicyclists who were not hit by a car or those seen and discharged from the ED, matched on time and day of injury. Logistic regression odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, sex, peak time, and bicyclist speed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to relate injury risk to environmental characteristics. Factors contributing to MV events included greater traffic volume (OR 5.13; 95% CI [1.44, 18.27]), intersections (OR 6.89; 95% CI [1.48, 32.14]), retail establishments (OR 5.56; 95% CI [1.72, 17.98]), and path obstructions (OR 3.83; 95% CI [1.03, 14.25]). Locations where the road was in good condition (OR 0.25; 95% CI [0.07, 0.96]) and where there was high surveillance from surrounding buildings (OR 0.32; 95% CI [0.13, 0.82]) were associated with less severe injuries. These findings could be used by bicyclists and transportation planners to improve safety.
Physicians’ Perceptions and Adherence to Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension: A National, Multicentre, Prospective Study
Authors: Theodorou Mamas , Stafylas Panagiotis , Kourlaba Georgia , Kaitelidou Daphne , Maniadakis Nikos , Papademetriou Vasilios
Published: November 2012

Background. The aim of the current study was to investigate physicians’ perceptions and adherence to the European guidelines for the management of hypertension.Methods. This is a national, multicentre, prospective, observational study, conducted between November 2007 and June 2008, in Cyprus. Consecutive hypertensive patients have been recruited by a random sample of physicians. The physicians’ recommendations for every single patient have been recorded and compared with the 2007 ESH/ESC guidelines.Results. Of the total of 654 patients, 477 (72.9%) were correctly advised by their physician to receive antihypertensive treatment to control their blood pressure, while 396 (60.5%) correctly got advices to adopt only lifestyle changes. The overall adherence of physicians to the European guidelines (overall agreement rate) was 70.4% (k=0.258,P<0.001). Of the total of 68 physicians, 65 (95.6%) reported that they were aware of some guidelines. There was no statistically significant effect of specific physicians’ characteristics on the overall adherence to guidelines, but there was in the percentage of patients achieving medication guidelines.Conclusions. The study demonstrated that although Cypriot physicians declared that they were aware of the clinical guidelines for the management of hypertension, more than one-fourth of high risk hypertensive patients remained untreated and 40% of low risk patients received inappropriate medication.
Duality of (h, φ)‐Multiobjective Programming Involving Generalized Invex Functions
Authors: Yu GuoLin
Published: November 2012

In the setting of Ben‐Tal′s generalized algebraic operations, this paper deals with Mond‐Weir type dual theorems of multiobjective programming problems involving generalized invex functions. Two classes of functions, namely, (h, φ)‐pseudoinvex and (h, φ)‐quasi‐invex, are defined for a vector function. By utilizing these two classes of functions, some dual theorems are established for conditionally proper
efficient solution in (h, φ)‐multiobjective programming problems.
Bisphenol A and Metabolic Syndrome: Results from NHANES
Authors: Teppala Srinivas , Madhavan Suresh , Shankar Anoop
Published: November 2012

Background. Bisphenol A (BPA) is detected in the urine of>95% of US adults. Recent evidence from population-based studies suggests that BPA is associated with individual components for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, no previous study has examined the direct association between BPA and MetS.Methods. We examined 2,104 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2008. The main outcome was the presence of MetS (n=741).Results. Increasing levels of urinary BPA were positively associated with MetS, independent of confounders such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and urinary creatinine. Compared to tertile 1 (referent), the multivariable adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of MetS in tertile 3 was 1.51 (1.07–2.12);P-trend was 0.02.Conclusions. Urinary BPA levels are positively associated with MetS, in a representative sample of US adults and independent of traditional risk factors for MetS. Future, prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Approximation of the Summation‐Integral‐Type q‐Szász‐Mirakjan Operators
Authors: Ren Mei-Ying , Zeng Xiao-Ming
Published: November 2012

We introduce summation‐integral‐type q‐Szász‐Mirakjan operators and study approximation properties of these operators. We establish local approximation theorem. We give weighted approximation theorem. Also we estimate the rate of convergence of these operators for functions of polynomial growth on the interval [0, ∞).
Structural Configuration of Myelin Figures Using Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Tayebi Lobat , Mozafari Masoud , Vashaee Daryoosh , Parikh Atul N.
Published: November 2012

Using epifluorescence microscopy, the configuration of myelin figures that are formed upon hydration of lipid stack was studied qualitatively. Little knowledge is currently available for conditions that determine the diameter of myelin figures and their degree of multilamellarity. Examining more than 300 samples, we realized that there are distinct populations of myelin figures protruding from discrete regions of lipid stack. Each population contains myelin figures with similar diameters. This indicates a direct relationship between local characteristics of parent lipid stack and the diameter of myelin figures. Evidenced by fluorescent images, we classified all the observed myelin figures into three major groups of (1) solid tubes, (2) thin tethers, and (3) hollow tubes. Solid tubes are the most common structure of myelin figures which appeared as dense shiny cylinders. Thin tethers, with long hair-shaped structure, were observed protruding from part of lipid plaque which is likely to be under tension. Hollow tubes were protruded from the parts that are unpinned from the substrate and possibly under low or no tension. The abrupt change in the configuration of myelin figures from solid tubes to hollow ones was described in a reproducible experiment where the pinned region of the parent stack became unpinned. Our observations can indicate a relation between the membrane tension of the source material and the diameter of the myelin figures.
Fixed Monthly versus Less Frequent Ranibizumab Dosing and Predictors of Visual Response in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Hariprasad Seenu M. , Morse Lawrence S. , Shapiro Howard , Wong Pamela , Tuomi Lisa
Published: November 2012

Purpose. To examine temporal patterns of visual acuity (VA) response to pooled 0.3 mg/0.5 mg ranibizumab treatment in patients with age-related macular degeneration and identify potential baseline predictors of response.Design. Retrospective analysis.Methods. Results from 1824 ranibizumab-treated patients receiving fixed monthly, quarterly, or as-needed dosing after three monthly loading doses in four phase III/IIIb trials (ANCHOR, MARINA, PIER, and SAILOR) were analyzed.Results. At month 3, 14.9% to 29.4% of patients had gained ≥15 letters. Not all patients achieved peak gains at month 3; many continued to have VA increases throughout treatment. After three monthly loading doses, continued monthly dosing resulted in further gains, as there were more delayed 15-letter responders at month 12 (14.7–16.1%) than with less frequent dosing (5.0–6.0%). Monthly dosing also resulted in more patients maintaining VA gains at later time points. Early 15-letter responders had lower baseline mean VA than delayed 15-letter responders in ANCHOR and MARINA; no other differences in baseline characteristics were noted.Conclusions. Although some patients have rapid improvements in VA, others do not experience peak VA until later during treatment. Continued monthly dosing resulted in a greater percentage of patients gaining ≥15 letters than with switching to less frequent dosing regimens.
Intrasplenic Transplantation of Bioencapsulated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Recovery Rates of 90% Partial Hepatectomized Rats
Authors: Liu Zun Chang , Chang Thomas Ming Swi
Published: November 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow can secrete cytokines and growth factors and can transdifferentiate into liver cells. We transplanted polymeric membrane bioencapsulated MSCs into the spleens of 90% partial hepatectomized rats. This resulted in 91.6% recovery rates. This is compared to a recovery rate of 21.4% in the 90% hepatectomized rats and 25% in the 90% hepatectomized rats receiving intrasplenic transplantation of free MSCs. After 14 days, the remnant livers in the bioencapsulated MSCs group are not significantly different in weight when compared to the sham control group. From day 1 to day 3 after surgery, in the bioencapsulated MSCs group, the plasma HGF and IL-6 were significantly higher than those in the free MSCs group and control group (P<0.01); plasma TNF-αwas significantly lower (P<0.001). We concluded that the intrasplenic transplantation of bioencapsulated MSCs significantly increases the recovery rates of 90% hepatectomized rats. It is likely that the initial effect is from proliver regeneration factors followed later by the transdifferentiated hepatocyte-like cells. However, histopathological analysis and hepatocyte proliferation study will be needed to better understand the regenerative mechanisms of this result. This study has implications in improving the survival and recovery of patients with very severe liver failure due to hepatitis, trauma, or extensive surgical resection.
Estimating Network Kinetics of the MAPK/ERK Pathway Using Biochemical Data
Authors: Purutçuoğlu Vilda , Wit Ernst
Published: November 2012

The MAPK/ERK pathway is a major signal transduction system
which regulates many fundamental cellular processes including the
growth control and the cell death. As a result of these roles, it has
a crucial importance in cancer as well as normal developmental processes.
Therefore, it has been intensively studied resulting in a wealth
of knowledge about its activation. It is also well documented that
the activation kinetics of the pathway is crucial to determine the nature
of the biological response. However, while individual biochemical
steps are well characterized, it is still difficult to predict or even understand
how the activation kinetics works. The aim of this paper is to
estimate the stochastic rate constants of the MAPK/ERK network dynamics.
Accordingly, taking a Bayesian approach, we combined underlying
qualitative biological knowledge in several competing dynamic
models via sets of quasireactions and estimated the stochastic rate constants
of these reactions. Comparing the resulting estimates via the
BIC and DIC criteria, we chose a biological model which includes
EGFR degradation—Raf‐MEK‐ERK cascade without the involvement
of RKIPs.
Correlation between Agar Plate Screening and Solid-State Fermentation for the Prediction of Cellulase Production by Trichoderma Strains
Authors: Florencio Camila , Couri Sonia , Farinas Cristiane Sanchez
Published: November 2012

The viability of converting biomass into biofuels and chemicals still requires further development towards the reduction of the enzyme production costs. Thus, there is a growing demand for the development of efficient procedures for selection of cellulase-producing microorganisms. This work correlates qualitative screening using agar plate assays with quantitative measurements of cellulase production during cultivation under solid-state fermentation (SSF). The initial screening step consisted of observation of the growth of 78 preselected strains of the genus Trichoderma on plates, using microcrystalline cellulose as carbon source. The 49 strains that were able to grow on this substrate were then subjected to a second screening step using the Congo red test. From this test it was possible to select 10 strains that presented the highest enzymatic indices (EI), with values ranging from 1.51 to 1.90. SSF cultivations using sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran as substrates were performed using selected strains. The CG 104NH strain presented the highest EGase activity (25.93 UI·g−1). The EI results obtained in the screening procedure using plates were compared with cellulase production under SSF. A correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.977 was obtained between the Congo red test and SSF, demonstrating that the two methodologies were in good agreement.
Interrupting Short-Circuit Direct Current Using an AC Circuit Breaker in Series with a Reactor
Authors: Kulkarni Saurabh , Santoso Surya
Published: November 2012

This paper describes and demonstrates the principle and efficacy of a novel direct current fault interruption scheme using a reactor in series with a controlled rectifier and a conventional AC circuit breaker. The presence of the series reactor limits the capacitive discharge current from the DC filter capacitor at the output terminals of the phase-controlled rectifier. In addition, the series reactor along with the filter capacitor forms an underdamped series RLC circuit which forces the fault current to oscillate about zero. This synthetic alternating current can then be interrupted using a conventional AC circuit breaker. The selection criteria for the series reactor and overcurrent protection are presented as well. Using the proposed scheme for an example case, a DC fault current magnitude is reduced from 56 kA to 14 kA, while the interruption time is reduced from 44 ms to 25 ms.
Biocompatible Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids: Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cho Yeoungjee , Badve Sunil V. , Hawley Carmel M. , Wiggins Kathryn , Johnson David W.
Published: November 2012

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a preferred home dialysis modality and has a number of added advantages including improved initial patient survival and cost effectiveness over haemodialysis. Despite these benefits, uptake of PD remains relatively low, especially in developed countries. Wider implementation of PD is compromised by higher technique failure from infections (e.g., PD peritonitis) and ultrafiltration failure. These are inevitable consequences of peritoneal injury, which is thought to result primarily from continuous exposure to PD fluids that are characterised by their “unphysiologic” composition. In order to overcome these barriers, a number of more biocompatible PD fluids, with neutral pH, low glucose degradation product content, and bicarbonate buffer have been manufactured over the past two decades. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated their benefit in terms of improvement in host cell defence, peritoneal membrane integrity, and cytokine profile. This paper aims to review randomised controlled trials assessing the use of biocompatible PD fluids and their effect on clinical outcomes.