bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNCERTAINTY-BASED TRUST ESTIMATION IN A MULTI-VALUED TRUST ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HONARI SINA , JAUMARD BRIGITTE , BENTAHAR JAMAL
Published: October 2013

Despite the widespread usage of the evaluation mediums for online services by the clients, there is a requirement for a trust evaluation tool that provides the clients with the degree of trustworthiness of the service providers. Such a tool can provide increased familiarity with unknown third party entities, e.g. service providers, especially when those entities neither project completely trustworthy nor totally untrustworthy behaviour. Indeed, developing some metrics for trust evaluation under uncertainty can come handy, e.g., for customers interested in evaluating the trustworthiness of an unknown service provider throughout queries to other customers of unknown reliability.

In this research, we propose an evaluation metric to estimate the degree of trustworthiness of an unknown agent, say aD, through the information acquired through a group of agents who have interacted with agent aD. This group of agents is assumed to have an unknown degree of reliability. In order to tackle the uncertainty associated with the trust of these set of unknown agents, we suggest to use possibility distributions. Later, we introduce a new certainty metric to measure the degree of agreement in the information reported by the group of agents in A on agent aD. Fusion rules are then used to measure an estimation of the agent aD’s degree of trustworthiness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that estimates trust, out of empirical data, subject to some uncertainty, in a discrete multi-valued trust domain. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to validate the proposed tools and metrics.
TOPICVIEW: VISUAL ANALYSIS OF TOPIC MODELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON DOCUMENT CLUSTERING
Authors: CROSSNO PATRICIA J. , WILSON ANDREW T. , SHEAD TIMOTHY M. , DAVIS WARREN L. , DUNLAVY DANIEL M.
Published: October 2013

We present a new approach for analyzing topic models using visual analytics. We have developed TopicView, an application for visually comparing and exploring multiple models of text corpora, as a prototype for this type of analysis tool. TopicView uses multiple linked views to visually analyze conceptual and topical content, document relationships identified by models, and the impact of models on the results of document clustering. As case studies, we examine models created using two standard approaches: Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). Conceptual content is compared through the combination of (i) a bipartite graph matching LSA concepts with LDA topics based on the cosine similarities of model factors and (ii) a table containing the terms for each LSA concept and LDA topic listed in decreasing order of importance. Document relationships are examined through the combination of (i) side-by-side document similarity graphs, (ii) a table listing the weights for each document's contribution to each concept/topic, and (iii) a full text reader for documents selected in either of the graphs or the table. The impact of LSA and LDA models on document clustering applications is explored through similar means, using proximities between documents and cluster exemplars for graph layout edge weighting and table entries. We demonstrate the utility of TopicView's visual approach to model assessment by comparing LSA and LDA models of several example corpora.
A STUDY OF SOFTWARE METRIC SELECTION TECHNIQUES: STABILITY ANALYSIS AND DEFECT PREDICTION MODEL PERFORMANCE
Authors: WANG HUANJING , KHOSHGOFTAAR TAGHI M. , LIANG QIANHUI (ALTHEA)
Published: October 2013

Software metrics (features or attributes) are collected during the software development cycle. Metric selection is one of the most important preprocessing steps in the process of building defect prediction models and may improve the final prediction result. However, the addition or removal of program modules (instances or samples) can alter the subsets chosen by a feature selection technique, rendering the previously-selected feature sets invalid. Very limited research have been done considering both stability (or robustness) and defect prediction model performance together in the software engineering domain, despite the importance of both aspects when choosing a feature selection technique. In this paper, we test the stability and classification model performance of eighteen feature selection techniques as the magnitude of change to the datasets and the size of the selected feature subsets are varied. All experiments were conducted on sixteen datasets from three real-world software projects. The experimental results demonstrate that Gain Ratio shows the least stability while two different versions of ReliefF show the most stability, followed by the PRC- and AUC-based threshold-based feature selection techniques. Results also show that the signal-to-noise ranker performed moderately in terms of robustness and was the best ranker in terms of model performance. Finally, we conclude that while for some rankers, stability and classification performance are correlated, this is not true for other rankers, and therefore performance according to one scheme (stability or model performance) cannot be used to predict performance according to the other.
BIOABSORBABLE FIXATION OF SCAPHOID FRACTURES AND NON-UNIONS; ANALYSIS OF EARLY CLINICAL OUTCOMES
Authors: Ya'ish F. , Bailey C. A. , Kelly C. P. , Craigen M. A.
Published: October 2013

The vast majority of devices used for internal fixation of the scaphoid are metallic. This two-center study aimed to report the results of scaphoid fixation using a cannulated, bioabsorbable device made from a hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactide composite in 29 consecutive patients. Fixation was performed for seven acute fractures and twenty-two established non-unions. Union was achieved in 72.4% of patients. Six of the acute fractures and fifteen of the non-unions united successfully. Modified Mayo Wrist Score ranged between good to excellent in all patients who successfully united, whereas patients who failed to unite ranged between poor to excellent, with one poor and two moderate scores. No adverse biocompatibility reactions were seen. Two failures with broken screws were re-explored and one of these was thought to be due to screw mal-placement. The device used is an alternative to conventional metal implants and produces comparable union rates to metallic devices in the short term.
FIVE TO EIGHT YEARS FOLLOW-UP FOR TRAPEZIECTOMY AND WEILBY LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF TRAPEZIOMETACARPAL OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Bidwai A. S. C. , Marlow W. J. , Khan Y. , Waseem M.
Published: October 2013

Trapeziectomy and Weilby ligament reconstruction is a recognized treatment for osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Studies published using this procedure have limited follow-up post-surgery. In this series of 24 cases assessed objectively and 36 subjectively with a minimum follow-up of five years, patients continue to have pain relief and function comparable to the opposite non-operated hand. Patient satisfaction is high at 92% and the rate of complications is low. Despite these encouraging results the need for interposition arthroplasty and/or ligament reconstruction in addition to trapeziectomy alone is discussed.
NON-UNION OF ISOLATED RADIAL NECK FRACTURE USING A BONE GRAFT AND TEMPORARY K-WIRE FIXATION: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Cha Soo-Min , Shin Hyun-Dae , Kim Kyung-Cheon , Song Jae-Hwang
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Non-union of radial neck fractures is not common in adults, and surgical treatment is rarely required. This case report documents non-union of the radial neck with persistent pain around the elbow joint and tenderness over the neck of the radius, limited range of motion for 12 months. The authors performed an iliac bone graft and temporary K-wire fixation for non-union of the radial neck after an isolated radial neck fracture.

Case presentation: A 54-year-old woman slipped with her hand outstretched 12 months prior to presentation. She was diagnosed with a radial neck fracture, but her injury was eventually diagnosed as a non-union fracture, and she was transferred to our hospital. The patient had tenderness of the radial head and neck and an increasing tendency of pain in the forearm during external rotation with resistance. Flexion was a maximum of 80°, extension was limited to 20°, and internal rotation and external rotation were decreased to 60°. On plain radiographs, a clear radiolucent shadow was present between the bone fragment and radius. After the autogenous iliac bone graft, a temporary K-wire was fixed, and at eight weeks postoperatively, the bone was united. The patient is in the month 24 of postoperative follow-up and is able to perform daily activities without tenderness.

Conclusion: If elbow joint pain, tenderness, and limitation of range of motion are present in non-union of radial neck fracture, surgical treatment is necessary. If there is no injury to the ligament around the elbow or instability, the authors consider bone graft and temporary K-wire fixation as an excellent treatment option for bony union and early exercise of the joint.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN PATIENT WITH HEMIHYPERTROPHY: CASE REPORT
Authors: Shimoe Takashi , Taniguchi Yasunori , Yoshida Munehito
Published: October 2013

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition; however, it has not been previously reported in patients with hemihypertrophy. A 67-year-old woman with left-sided hemihypertrophy presented with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of the median nerve proximal to the transverse carpal ligament. Carpal tunnel decompression was performed, and pain was immediately relieved by decompression of the carpal tunnel. At the six-month follow-up examination, the patient experienced relief from numbness and improvement in thenar muscle atrophy was noted.
METALLOSIS OF A SILASTIC METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHROPLASTY — A CASE REPORT
Authors: Measuria H. D. , McBride T. J. , Talwalkar S. C.
Published: October 2013

Metallosis is a well-documented phenomenon in hip and knee arthroplasty from metal on metal bearing joint replacements. However, few cases of metallosis of metacarpophalangeal joint replacements have been reported.

We present the case of a 49-year-old lady with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously undergone MCP joint replacements over 20 years ago. The decision was taken to revise her middle MCP joint after she developed pain and ulnar drift. At revision, the joint exhibited severe metallosis presumably arising from the grommet component of the replacement. This required considerable debridement and removal of the components and revision to a new upsized implant without grommets. It is of note that there were no external signs of metallosis with full flexion of the finger and a good roll up.
RETIFORM HEMANGIOENDOTHELIOMA OF THE FINGER: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Couceiro Jose , Sanders Sara , Cobb Mahoney , Manon-Matos Yorell , Banegas Rodrigo
Published: October 2013

Retiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare, intermediate-grade, locally aggressive vascular tumour that involves the skin and soft tissues of the trunk and extremities (1–10). Macroscopically it appears as a plaque or an exophytic lesion. Involvement of the hand or upper extremity is rare, with only Three cases reported in the literature (2, 3, 9). Treatment usually involves surgical excision or amputation (2). We present the case of a middle-aged woman with a retiform hemangioendothelioma of the small finger, successfully treated with surgical excision with no signs of recurrence at 4 years of follow-up.
EVOLUTION OF ATOM-FIELD PROBABILITY IN A COUPLED CAVITY SYSTEM
Authors: PRIYESH K. V. , THAYYULLATHIL RAMESH BABU
Published: October 2013

In this paper we have investigated the dynamics of two cavities each with a two-level atom, coupled together with photon hopping. The coupled cavity system is studied in single excitation subspace and the evolution of the atom (field) states probabilities are obtained analytically. The probability amplitude of states executes oscillations with different modes and amplitudes, determined by the coupling strengths. The evolution is examined in detail for different atom field coupling strength, g and field–field hopping strength, A. It is noticed that the exact atomic probability amplitude transfer occurs when g ≪ A with minimal field excitation probability and the period of probability transfer is calculated. In the limit g ≫ A there exists periodic exchange of probability between atom and field inside each cavity and also between cavity 1 and cavity 2. Periodicity of each exchange in this limit also obtained.
STEPWISE OPTICAL PHASE SHIFT IN NONLINEAR FIBER BRAGG GRATING
Authors: KUMBHAJ SHUBHADA , PAWAR SANTOSH , SEN PRATIMA , SEN PRANAY KUMAR
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the optical phase shift introduced by the fiber Bragg grating is investigated analytically using coupled mode theory. A simple expression for intensity dependent transmittivity as well as optical phase shift has been obtained by incorporating the Kerr effect in nonlinear coupled equations. The behavior is studied as a function of the incident intensity at various detuning wavelengths. It has been found that the nonlinear phase shift increases stepwise with increasing input intensity and such phase modulation of the beam distorts the transmittivity of the grating.
Retrogression of eclogite-facies shear zones by short-lived fluid infiltration during the Caledonian orogeny, Lofoten islands, Norway
Authors: Fournier H. W. , Lee J. K. W. , Camacho A. , Creaser R. A.
Published: October 2013

Norwegian eclogite-facies shear zones in the Lofoten islands served as major pathways for short-lived pulses of both
40
Ar-rich and
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Ar-poor hot fluids during eclogitization and retrogression events related to the Caledonian orogeny. The open system for Ar affected most of the minerals leading to old
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages, particularly in trioctahedral micas.
40
Ar concentration in the fluids appears to decrease during the amphibolite-facies retrogression and Ca-rich amphiboles yield
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages of
c.
415 Ma (Scandian event). Late- and post-Caledonian
40
Ar/
39
Ar muscovite and K-feldspar ages and Rb/Sr biotite ages coincide with multiple extensional events, fluid infiltration and thermal activity during the final exhumation of the crustal rocks, potentially reflecting major tectonic episodes such as rifting of Pangaea and seafloor spreading between Europe and North America.

Supplementary material:

Sample coordinates from all the rocks, analytical methods, complete
40
Ar/
39
Ar step-heating descriptions and electron microprobe results are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18687
.
Palaeontological evidence for defining the Anthropocene
Authors: Barnosky Anthony D.
Published: October 2013

Palaeontology formed the basis for defining most of the geological eras, periods, epochs and ages that are commonly recognized. By the same token, the Anthropocene can be defined by diverse palaeontological criteria, in accordance with commonly accepted biostratigraphic practice. The most useful Anthropocene biostratigraphic zones will be assemblage and abundance zones based on mixes of native and non-native species in both the marine and terrestrial realms, although lineage zones based on evolution of crop plants may also have utility. Also useful are human-produced trace fossils, which have resulted in prominent biohorizons that can mark the onset of the Anthropocene, especially the paved road system, widespread through terrestrial regions, and microplastics, ubiquitous in near-shore and deep-water marine sediments. Most of these palaeontological criteria support placing the Holocene–Anthropocene boundary near 1950. Continuation of current extinction rates would produce an extinction biohorizon on the scale of the Big Five mass extinctions within a few centuries, but enhanced conservation measures could prevent making mass extinction an Anthropocene signature. A grand challenge for palaeontologists now is to define Anthropocene biostratigraphic zones rigorously, not only as a necessary precursor to formalizing the epoch, but also to more fully understand how humans have restructured the biosphere.
Cattle Production Systems: Ecology of Existing and EmergingEscherichia coliTypes Related to Foodborne Illness
Authors: Smith David R.
Published: October 2013

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly STEC O157, cause rare but potentially serious human infections. Infection with STEC occurs by fecal-oral transmission, most commonly through food. Cattle are the most important reservoir for human STEC exposure, and efforts to control the flow of STEC through beef processing have reduced rates of human illness. However, further reduction in human incidence of STEC may require control of the pathogen in cattle populations. The ecology of STEC in cattle production systems is complex and explained by factors that favor (a) colonization in the gut, (b) survival in the environment, and (c) ingestion by another cattle host. Although nature creates seasonal environmental conditions that do not favor STEC transmission in cattle, human efforts to control STEC by environmental manipulation have not succeeded. Vaccines and direct-fed microbial products have reduced the carriage of STEC by cattle, and other interventions are under investigation.
Malignant Catarrhal Fever: Inching Toward Understanding
Authors: Li Hong , Cunha Cristina W. , Taus Naomi S. , Knowles Donald P.
Published: October 2013

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an often lethal infection of many species in the order Artiodactyla. It is caused by members of the MCF virus group within Gammaherpesvirinae. MCF is a worldwide problem and has a significant economic impact on highly disease-susceptible hosts, such as cattle, bison, and deer. Several epidemiologic forms of MCF, defined by the reservoir ruminant species from which the causative virus arises, are recognized. Wildebeest-associated MCF (WA-MCF) and sheep-associated MCF (SA-MCF) are the most prevalent and well-studied forms of the disease. Historical understanding of MCF is largely based on WA-MCF, in which the causative virus can be propagated in vitro. Characterization of SA-MCF has been constrained because the causative agent has never been successfully propagated in vitro. Development of molecular tools has enabled more definitive studies on SA-MCF. The current understanding of MCF, including its etiological agents, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention, is the subject of the present review.
The Suckling Piglet as an Agrimedical Model for the Study of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism
Authors: Odle Jack , Lin Xi , Jacobi Sheila K. , Kim Sung Woo , Stahl Chad H.
Published: October 2013

The neonatal pig ranks among the most prominent research models for the study of pediatric nutrition and metabolism. Its precocial development at birth affords ready adaptation to artificial rearing systems, and research using this model spans a wide array of nutrients. Sophisticated in vitro and in vivo methodologies supporting both invasive, reduction-science research as well as whole-animal preclinical investigations have been developed. Potential applications may dually benefit both agricultural and medical sciences (e.g., “agrimedical research”). The broad scope of this review is to outline the fundamental elements of the piglet model and to highlight key aspects of relevance to various macronutrients, including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins/amino acids, and calcium/phosphorus. The review examines similarities between piglets and infants and also piglet idiosyncrasies, concluding that, overall, the piglet represents an adaptable and robust model for pediatric nutrition and metabolism research.
The Evolutionary Genomics of Birds
Authors: Ellegren Hans
Published: October 2013

Rapidly accumulating genome sequence information in birds, which show several unique genomic features, provides novel insights into evolutionary genomics. The avian karyotype with numerous microchromosomes has remained stable during evolution, although frequent intrachromosomal inversions have occurred. Avian sex chromosome evolution, representing the best characterized ZW system to date, follows patterns seen in other organisms but has the notable exception of incomplete dosage compensation. Recombination is unevenly distributed in the avian genome; it occurs at very high rates in microchromosomes, a consequence of an obligate crossing over in even small chromosomes, and has highly elevated rates near chromosome ends. Moreover, a heterogeneous landscape of recombination feeds significant heterogeneity in base composition via GC-biased gene conversion. A uniform molecular clock is not applicable to birds, and ample evidence for substitution rate heterogeneity both among lineages and within genomes exists. Observed genome-wide levels of nucleotide diversity in birds are in the range of 10−2–10−3.
Behavioral Assays for Studies of Host Plant Choice and Adaptation in Herbivorous Insects
Authors: Knolhoff Lisa M. , Heckel David G.
Published: October 2013

The association of insect herbivores with their host plants is influenced by behaviors governing acceptance of those plants for feeding and oviposition. Behavioral changes accompany and may even precede host range expansion. Characterization and quantification of specific behaviors often form the basis of studies on host plant adaptation and chemical ecology. Behavioral assays of insects are usually designed to measure attraction for feeding or oviposition in relation to their host plants or specific chemistry. We review behavioral assays of insect herbivores with host plants or the volatiles they emit, with special consideration given to design, analysis, and interpretation to maximize ecological relevance. A toolkit of robust assays can help address fundamental issues at the intersection of ecology and evolution, such as the underpinnings of plant-insect interactions and the identification of genes involved in host race formation.
Genetic Control of Mosquitoes
Authors: Alphey Luke
Published: October 2013

Genetics can potentially provide new, species-specific, environmentally friendly methods for mosquito control. Genetic control strategies aim either to suppress target populations or to introduce a harm-reducing novel trait. Different approaches differ considerably in their properties, especially between self-limiting strategies, where the modification has limited persistence, and self-sustaining strategies, which are intended to persist indefinitely in the target population and may invade other populations. Several methods with different molecular biology are under development and the first field trials have been completed successfully.
Organization and Functional Roles of the Central Complex in the Insect Brain
Authors: Pfeiffer Keram , Homberg Uwe
Published: October 2013

The central complex is a group of modular neuropils across the midline of the insect brain. Hallmarks of its anatomical organization are discrete layers, an organization into arrays of 16 slices along the right-left axis, and precise inter-hemispheric connections via chiasmata. The central complex is connected most prominently with the adjacent lateral complex and the superior protocerebrum. Its developmental appearance corresponds with the appearance of compound eyes and walking legs. Distinct dopaminergic neurons control various forms of arousal. Electrophysiological studies provide evidence for roles in polarized light vision, sky compass orientation, and integration of spatial information for locomotor control. Behavioral studies on mutant and transgenic flies indicate roles in spatial representation of visual cues, spatial visual memory, directional control of walking and flight, and place learning. The data suggest that spatial azimuthal directions (i.e., where) are represented in the slices, and cue information (i.e., what) are represented in different layers of the central complex.
Death Valley,Drosophila, and the Devonian Toolkit
Authors: Dickinson Michael H.
Published: October 2013

Most experiments on the flight behavior of Drosophila melanogaster have been performed within confined laboratory chambers, yet the natural history of these animals involves dispersal that takes place on a much larger spatial scale. Thirty years ago, a group of population geneticists performed a series of mark-and-recapture experiments on Drosophila flies, which demonstrated that even cosmopolitan species are capable of covering 10 km of open desert, probably in just a few hours and without the possibility of feeding along the way. In this review I revisit these fascinating and informative experiments and attempt to explain how—from takeoff to landing—the flies might have made these journeys based on our current knowledge of flight behavior. This exercise provides insight into how animals generate long behavioral sequences using sensory-motor modules that may have an ancient evolutionary origin.
Traumatic Insemination in Terrestrial Arthropods
Authors: Tatarnic Nikolai J. , Cassis Gerasimos , Siva-Jothy Michael T.
Published: October 2013

Traumatic insemination is a bizarre form of mating practiced by some invertebrates in which males use hypodermic genitalia to penetrate their partner's body wall during copulation, frequently bypassing the female genital tract and ejaculating into their blood system. The requirements for traumatic insemination to evolve are stringent, yet surprisingly it has arisen multiple times within invertebrates. In terrestrial arthropods traumatic insemination is most prevalent in the true bug infraorder Cimicomorpha, where it has evolved independently at least three times. Traumatic insemination is thought to occur in the Strepsiptera and has recently been recorded in fruit fly and spider lineages. We review the putative selective pressures that may have led to the evolution of traumatic insemination across these lineages, as well as the pressures that continue to drive divergence in male and female reproductive morphology and behavior. Traumatic insemination mechanisms and attributes are compared across independent lineages.
Learning to Program the Liver
Authors: Klaassen Curtis D.
Published: October 2013

Half a century ago, people were learning to program computers. Similarly, we have been trying to learn how to program the liver to protect us from chemicals. We have given various chemicals that activate transcription factors such as the nuclear receptors: These ligand-activated nuclear receptors enter the nucleus of liver cells (hepatocytes) and bind to their specific motifs in DNA to increase the transcription of various genes that protect against chemical-induced injury. Several examples from our laboratory are given to demonstrate this detoxification process: (a) a steroid chemical that increases the expression of a hepatic transporter to enhance the elimination of other chemicals and thus decrease their toxicity, (b) a metal that decreases its own toxicity by increasing the production of a protein to which it binds, and (c) an herbal chemical that activates a transcription factor that serves as a sensor of oxidative stress and electrophiles to protect against cytotoxicity by increasing the expression of numerous antioxidant proteins. In addition, at the present time, we are investigating which bile acids that are synthesized in the liver and altered by bacteria in the intestine may be used to alter the programming of the liver, as well as how the liver reprograms itself after birth in the transition from a hematopoietic organ to one that decreases the toxicity of chemicals.
Systems Approach to Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Lausted Christopher , Lee Inyoul , Zhou Yong , Qin Shizhen , Sung Jaeyun , Price Nathan D. , Hood Leroy , Wang Kai
Published: October 2013

Biomarkers are essential for performing early diagnosis, monitoring neurodegenerative disease progression, gauging responses to therapies, and stratifying neurodegenerative diseases into their different subtypes. A wide range of molecular markers are under investigation in tissues and biofluids as well as through imaging; moreover, many are prominent proteins present in cerebrospinal fluid. However, in more frequently and easily collected fluids such as plasma, these proteins show only a modest correlation with disease and thus lack the necessary sensitivity or specificity for clinical use. High-throughput and quantitative proteomic technologies and systems-driven approaches to biofluid analysis are now being utilized in the search for better biomarkers. Biomarker discovery involves many critical steps including study design, sample preparation, protein and peptide separation and identification, and bioinformatics and data integration issues that must be carefully controlled before independent confirmation and validation. In this review, we summarize current proteomic and nucleic acid technologies involved in the discovery of biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and prion diseases.
Targeting Protein-Protein Interaction by Small Molecules
Authors: Jin Lingyan , Wang Weiru , Fang Guowei
Published: October 2013

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are critical regulatory events in physiology and pathology, and they represent an important target space for pharmacological intervention. However, targeting PPIs with small molecules is challenging owing to the large surface area involved in protein-protein binding and the lack of obvious small-molecule-binding pockets at many protein-protein interfaces. Nonetheless, successful examples of small-molecule modulators of PPIs have been growing in recent years. This article reviews some of the recent advances in the discovery of small-molecule regulators of PPIs that involve key oncogenic proteins. Our discussion focuses on the three key modes of action for these small-molecule modulators: orthosteric inhibition, allosteric regulation, and interfacial binding/stabilization. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of these diverse mechanisms will help guide future efforts in developing small-molecule modulators against PPIs.
Perinatal hyperoxic exposure reconfigures the central respiratory network contributing to intolerance to anoxia in newborn rat pups
Authors: Bierman Alexis M. , Tankersley Clarke G. , Wilson Christopher G. , Chavez-Valdez Raul , Gauda Estelle B.
Published: October 2013

Perinatal exposure to hyperoxia (30–60% O2) alters the respiratory control system via modulation of peripheral arterial chemoreceptor development and function. Furthermore, hyperoxic exposure during the first two postnatal weeks of life can alternatively modulate the different phases of the hypoxic ventilatory response. Given the effects of perinatal hyperoxia, the aims of our study were 1) to determine the effect on survival time in response to lethal anoxic stimuli in rat pups and 2) to characterize the output of the isolated central respiratory network in response to acute hypoxic stimuli. We hypothesized that perinatal hyperoxic exposure would modify the neonatal rat ventilatory response to anoxia by affecting a central component of the respiratory network in addition to the maturation of the carotid body chemoreceptors. We found that animals continuously exposed to 60% oxygen up to age 5 days after parturition (P5) have reduced breathing frequency at baseline and within the first 10 min of a fatal anoxic challenge. Hyperoxic rat pups also have a shortened time to last gasp in response to anoxia that is not associated with lung injury or inflammation. This study is the first to demonstrate that these in vivo findings correlate with reduced phrenic burst frequency from the isolated brainstem ex vivo. Thus hyperoxic exposure reduced the phrenic burst frequency at baseline and in response to ex vivo anoxia. Importantly, our data suggest that perinatal hyperoxia alters ventilation and the response to anoxia at P5 in part by altering the frequency of phrenic bursts generated by the central respiratory network.
Near-Optimal Diagnosis System Deployment in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lian Shuo , Zhao Jizhong , Zhao Xu
Published: October 2013

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been extensively applied in many important fields with larger scale and more complex structure. The applications of WSNs are regarded as a sustainable solution to provide ongoing and efficient monitoring services in the real world. When such an application of WSNs faces poor performance or unexpected condition, the administrator needs to deploy a diagnosis system to diagnose the task. One possible way is to transform some original motes as diagnosis motes by using reprogramming technique. However, the challenge is how to achieve best efficiency in the diagnosis nodes selection processing. Moreover, the required network evidence is always distributed in multidimensional data spaces. The existing approaches fail to consider this multidimensional feature of evidence in diagnosis nodes selection problem. To address the above issues, we propose a solution for the multidimensional diagnosis nodes selection problem and give the corresponding upper bound. Lastly our experimental results demonstrated that our approach is scalable and applicable for real WSNs.
Phytic Acid Inhibits Lipid PeroxidationIn Vitro
Authors: Zajdel Alicja , Wilczok Adam , Węglarz Ludmiła , Dzierżewicz Zofia
Published: October 2013

Phytic acid (PA) has been recognized as a potent antioxidant and inhibitor of iron-catalyzed hydroxyl radical formation underin vitroandin vivoconditions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate, with the use of HPLC/MS/MS, whether PA is capable of inhibiting linoleic acid autoxidation and Fe(II)/ascorbate-induced peroxidation, as well as Fe(II)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in human colonic epithelial cells. PA at 100 μM and 500 μM effectively inhibited the decay of linoleic acid, both in the absence and presence of Fe(II)/ascorbate. The observed inhibitory effect of PA on Fe(II)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was lower (10–20%) compared to that of autoxidation. PA did not change linoleic acid hydroperoxides concentration levels after 24 hours of Fe(II)/ascorbate-induced peroxidation. In the absence of Fe(II)/ascorbate, PA at 100 μM and 500 μM significantly suppressed decomposition of linoleic acid hydroperoxides. Moreover, PA at the tested nontoxic concentrations (100 μM and 500 μM) significantly decreased 4-hydroxyalkenal levels in Caco-2 cells which structurally and functionally resemble the small intestinal epithelium. It is concluded that PA inhibits linoleic acid oxidation and reduces the formation of 4-hydroxyalkenals. Acting as an antioxidant it may help to prevent intestinal diseases induced by oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation products.
FinFET Based Tunable Analog Circuit: Design and Analysis at 45 nm Technology
Authors: Kushwah Ravindra Singh , Akashe Shyam
Published: October 2013

We included a designing of low power tunable analog circuits built using independently driven FinFETs devices, where the controlling of the back gate provide the output on the front gate. We show that this could be an effective solution to conveniently tune the output of bulk CMOS analog circuits particularly for Schmitt trigger and operational transconductance amplifier circuits. FinFET devices can be used to increase the performance by reducing the leakage current and power dissipation, because front and back gates both are independently controlled. FinFET device has a higher controllability, resulting relatively high
Ion/Ioff ratio. In this paper, we proposed a tunable analog circuit such as CMOS amplifier circuit, Schmitt trigger circuit, and operational transconductance amplifier circuit, these circuit blocks are necessary for low noise high performance ICs for analog applications. Gain, phase, group delay, and output response of analog tunable circuits have been discussed in this paper. The proposed FinFET based analog tunable circuits have been designed using Cadence Virtuoso tool at 45 nm.
An Efficient One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of 4‐Aza‐Podophyllotoxin Derivatives in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Rashid Zahra , Zarnani Amir Hassan , Ghahremanzadeh Ramin
Published: October 2013

A simple, green, and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 4‐aza‐podophyllotoxin derivatives by using a one‐pot three‐component reaction of benzaldehydes, 1,3‐cyclohexanediones, and anilinolactones in the presence of catalytic amount of alum in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium triflate as green media is described. This reaction proceeded under mild conditions with the use of an inexpensive and readily available catalyst, high to excellent yields, and simple workup procedure.
Destroy and Exploit: Catalyzed Removal of Hydroperoxides from the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Ramming Thomas , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian
Published: October 2013

Peroxidases are enzymes that reduce hydroperoxide substrates. In many cases, hydroperoxide reduction is coupled to the formation of a disulfide bond, which is transferred onto specific acceptor molecules, the so-called reducing substrates. As such, peroxidases control the spatiotemporal distribution of diffusible second messengers such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and generate new disulfides. Members of two families of peroxidases, peroxiredoxins (Prxs) and glutathione peroxidases (GPxs), reside in different subcellular compartments or are secreted from cells. This review discusses the properties and physiological roles of PrxIV, GPx7, and GPx8 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of higher eukaryotic cells where H2O2and—possibly—lipid hydroperoxides are regularly produced. Different peroxide sources and reducing substrates for ER peroxidases are critically evaluated. Peroxidase-catalyzed detoxification of hydroperoxides coupled to the productive use of disulfides, for instance, in the ER-associated process of oxidative protein folding, appears to emerge as a common theme. Nonetheless,in vitroandin vivostudies have demonstrated that individual peroxidases serve specific, nonoverlapping roles in ER physiology.
Prostaglandin Analogous and Antioxidant Activity Mediated Gastroprotective Action ofTabernaemontana divaricata(L.) R. Br. Flower Methanolic Extract against Chemically Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats
Authors: Ali Khan Mohammed Safwan , Mat Jais Abdul Manan , Afreen Adiba
Published: October 2013

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect and recognize the basic mechanism of action ofTabernaemontana divaricata(L.) R. Br. flowers.T. divaricataflower methanolic extract (TDFME) was screened for antiulcer activity versus aspirin and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses—125, 250, and 500 mg/kg—orally using misoprostol as a standard. Besides histopathological examination, seven parameters, that is, ulcer index, total protein, nonprotein sulphhydryls, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, were estimated. In addition to HPLC profiling, GC-MS analysis and electrospray ionization—high resolution mass spectral (ESI-HRMS) analysis of crude TDFME were carried out in an attempt to identify known phytochemicals present in the extract on the basis ofm/zvalue. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, mucin, and nonprotein sulphhydryls, while they revealed a reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also demonstrated the protective effect. Though all the doses of TDFME exhibited gastroprotective function, higher doses were found to be more effective. Mass spectral analysis gave a few characteristicm/zvalues suggesting the presence of a few known indole alkaloids, while HPLC profiling highlighted the complexity of the extract. TDFME was found to exhibit its gastroprotective effect through antioxidant mechanism and by enhancing the production of gastric mucous.
Circulating microRNAs: A Potential Role in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sayed Ali Sheikh Md , Xia Ke , Yang Tian-Lun , Peng Jun
Published: October 2013

Rapid and correct diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) plays a crucial role in saving patients' life. Although some biomarkers (such as cardiac troponin and creatine kinase) are available for AMI diagnosis so far, there is still a clinical need for novel biomarkers, which can reliably rule in or rule out AMI immediately on admission. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are a potential choice for novel biomarkers in AMI diagnosis and prognosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Circulating microRNAs are endogenous miRNAs that are detectable in whole blood, serum, or plasma in a highly stable form. Until now, around 20 circulating miRNAs were reported to be closely associated with AMI. In this minireview, we summarized recent available data on the correlation between circulating miRNAs and AMI. Some miRNAs, such as miR-208, miR-499, miR-133, and miR-1, were given special attention, since they may have a potential prospect in diagnosis and prognosis of AMI.
A Qualitative Study of Residual Pesticides on Cotton Fibers
Authors: Zameer Ul Hassan Syed , Militky Jiri , Krejci Jan
Published: October 2013

Two different methods are utilized for this study. The first method covers the measurement of bioelectrical signals caused by enzymatic inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) for the detection of pesticides. Biosensor toxicity analyzer (BTA) was used for the testing and the monitoring of changes in bioelectrical signals caused by the interaction of biological substances, and residues were evaluated. The second method is based on measurement of the oxygen level caused by photosynthetic inhibition of residual pesticides by the interaction with green algae, Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta). Algae growth analyzer (AGA) equipped with miniature sensitive oxygen electrode, a light source and cover to model light and dark phases was used enabling us to follow the lifecycle of algae producing oxygen. The test, conducted under the guideline of faster analogy of DIN 863 toxicity test, alga growth inhibition test (OECD TG 201) was and ISO standard (ISO: 8692). Two samples of cotton were analyzed. Cryogenic homogenization was carried out for sample pretreatment. Soxhlet extraction method (SOX) and ultrasound assisted extraction (USE) were used for extraction. Both methods show reasonable results and can successfully be utilized for the detection of residual pesticides on different types of cotton and especially to compare the classical conventional and organic cotton.
Immunosenescence, Aging, and Systemic Lupus Erythematous
Authors: Montoya-Ortiz Gladis
Published: October 2013

Senescence is a normal biological process that occurs in all organisms and involves a decline in cell functions. This process is caused by molecular regulatory machinery alterations, and it is closely related to telomere erosion in chromosomes. In the context of the immune system, this phenomenon is known as immunosenescence and refers to the immune function deregulation. Therefore, functions of several cells involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses are severely compromised with age progression (e.g., changes in lymphocyte subsets, decreased proliferative responses, chronic inflammatory states, etc.). These alterations make elderly individuals prone to not only infectious diseases but also to malignancy and autoimmunity. This review will explore the molecular aspects of processes related to cell aging, their importance in the context of the immune system, and their participation in elderly SLE patients.
Multiple Solutions for a Singular Quasilinear Elliptic System
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Caisheng , Xiu Zonghu
Published: October 2013

We consider the multiplicity of nontrivial solutions of the following quasilinear elliptic system −div(|x|−ap|∇u|p−2∇u) + f1(x)|u|p−2u = (α/(α + β))g(x)|u|α−2u|v|β + λh1(x)|u|γ−2u + l1(x), −div(|x|−ap|∇v|p−2∇v) + f2(x)|v|p−2v = (β/(α + β))g(x)|v|β−2v|u|α + μh2(x)|v|γ−2v + l2(x), u(x) > 0, v(x) > 0, x ∈ ℝN, where λ, μ > 0, 1 < p < N, 1 < γ < p < α + β < p* = Np/(N − pd), 0 ≤ a < (N − p)/p, a ≤ b < a + 1, d = a + 1 − b > 0. The functions f1(x), f2(x), g(x), h1(x), h2(x), l1(x), and
l2(x) satisfy some suitable conditions. We will prove that the problem has at least two nontrivial solutions by using Mountain Pass Theorem and Ekeland′s variational principle.
Effect of Socks on the Assessment of Vibration Sensation
Authors: Meral R. C. , Matur Z. , Dertsiz B. , Öge A. E.
Published: October 2013

Objective. To investigate the difference between the measurement of vibration sensation without and with socks. Material and Methods. Fifty healthy volunteers (H group) and 19 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP group) were included. The sites of measurement were the great toe (GT) and medial malleolus (MM). A standard 128 Hz tuning fork was used in the measurements. Results. Mean duration of vibration sensations without and with socks was as follows: in the H group, 19.4 ± 4.2 and 19.5 ± 4.2 s at GT and 15.1 ± 3.3 and 14.6 ± 3.3 s at MM; in the PNP group, 13.4 ± 3.8 and 12.7 ± 4.1 s at GT and 11.9 ± 3.8 and 11.7 ± 3.4 s at MM. No significant difference was found between the measurements without and with socks, except those found at the MM in group H (). This significant difference was further analyzed in terms of effect size which was concluded to be practically insignificant (Cohen’s ). Shorter mean vibration duration was measured at MM as compared to GT that could be explained by the damping effect. Conclusions. Wearing socks of moderate thickness does not have any important effect on the duration of vibration sensation. This might be considered as a reflection of the remarkable properties of vibration sensation.
Decision Making Processes and Outcomes
Authors: Hicks Patrick Julie , Steele Jenessa C. , Spencer S. Melinda
Published: October 2013

The primary aim of this study was to examine the contributions of individual characteristics and strategic processing to the prediction of decision quality. Data were provided by 176 adults, ages 18 to 93 years, who completed computerized decision-making vignettes and a battery of demographic and cognitive measures. We examined the relations among age, domain-specific experience, working memory, and three measures of strategic information search to the prediction of solution quality using a 4-step hierarchical linear regression analysis. Working memory and two measures of strategic processing uniquely contributed to the variance explained. Results are discussed in terms of potential advances to both theory and intervention efforts.
Propagation and Introduction of Arnica montana L. into Cultivation: A Step to Reduce the Pressure on Endangered and High‐Valued Medicinal Plant Species
Authors: Sugier Danuta , Sugier Piotr , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula
Published: October 2013

Arnica montana (L.) is an endangered and endemic medicinal plant species in Europe. The pressure on natural sources of this plant is alleviated by a suitable use of arnica resources in the European region and introduction into cultivation. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of different ways of plant propagation and introduction on the growth and reproduction mode of this species. During the six consecutive years of the field experiment, the vegetative and reproductive traits were monitored, and survival time was assessed. The particular ways of arnica plant propagation and introduction determined all the intrinsic species traits and plant survival. The values of the characteristics studied indicated good acclimatization of the arnica ecotype to the climatic conditions of eastern Poland. Practical implications from the data presented here include the possibility of using the presented modes of arnica propagation and introduction in the short‐ and long‐term perspective of arnica cultivation, which can give a possibility of better adjustment of raw material production.