bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROXIMAL SARTORIUS TENDON RUPTURE AS A CAUSE OF TRAUMATIC ANTERIOR HIP PAIN-A CASE REPORT OF A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER
Authors: Kumar Bhavesh , Sirisena Dinesh , Rayner Mike
Published: June 2013

Background

Sartorius injuries are seldom mentioned in medical literature. Thus developing an evidence-based management plan for sartorius muscle and tendon injuries can be challenging. In this case a grade 3 tear of the proximal sartorius tendon was identified in a player following a high-velocity contact injury to the pelvis during a professional match.

Methods

The athlete was able to continue playing for a further 30 minutes following the injury, but ultimately increasing pain and restriction in hip movements forced him to limp off. Examination revealed localised swelling, bruising and tenderness at the site of contact to the left anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS), and painful muscle contraction. This was managed to good effect as a presumed muscle contusion, but with recurrence of symptoms, further swelling, bruising and limping by half time in the subsequent match one week later. The presumed contusion was thought to have deteriorated forming a suspected 10cm muscle haematoma. The merits of blind and sonography-guided aspiration were considered, and the latter option was chosen.

Results

Ultrasonography revealed soft tissue oedema and injury to the proximal sartorius tendon, and aspiration was therefore not attempted. A subsequent MRI scan demonstrated a grade 3 sartorius tendon tear at its insertion to the ASIS with 3cm separation. With no specific guidance available in the medical literature, consensus of opinion was to continue with conservative management. Rehabilitation methods were modified according to the new findings.

Given importance of this player in the team and the next match being a cup final a week later, a pragmatic approach was taken to allowing him to play; he played effectively for one hour before he showed signs of limping.

He went on to have three, weekly Prolotherapy injections into the site of the tear in order to facilitate healing in the off-season. Progressive rehabilitation of his thigh resulted in return to uninhibited play within six weeks.

Discussion/ Conclusions

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The history and physical examination findings, as well as initial good response to conservative treatment of a presumed simple contusion provided our medical team false assurance and a small delay in the diagnosis of this rare injury.

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Attaining the exact diagnosis allowed a more hands-on and bespoke rehabilitation program, as well as informed decision-making as to suitability to play in a crucial match.

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The rarity of this injury and negligible functional deficit that results from a ruptured proximal sartorius tendon following good rehabilitation perhaps accounts for the paucity of medical literature available.

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We ask the audience to consider a sartorius tendon rupture in the differential diagnosis of acute anterior hip pain.
BDNF protects human vascular endothelial cells from TNFα-induced apoptosis
Authors: Takeda Katsuhiro , Kermani Pouneh , Anastasia Agustin , Obinata Yusuke , Hempstead Barbara L. , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: June 2013

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances periodontal tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration is characterized by inflammation that directs the quality of tissue repair. In this study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of BDNF against the toxicity of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), which is known for its pro-apoptotic action in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). We demonstrate that BDNF attenuates TNFα-increased Annexin V–positive cells, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and cleaved caspase-3 expression. In addition, biochemical analyses indicate that TNFα increases phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression; however, it decreases phosphorylated PTEN. BDNF did not affect PTEN expression, but it did increase the phosphorylation of PTEN. BDNF-induced Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by TNFα. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed that the PTEN inhibitor bpV(pic) rescues HMVECs from TNFα-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, BDNF protects HMVECs from toxicity of TNFα through the regulation of the PTEN/Akt pathway.
DYNAMIC RANGE EXTENSION OF CMOS IMAGE SENSORS USING MULTI-INTEGRATION TECHNIQUE WITH COMPACT READOUT
Authors: GAO ZHIYUAN , YAO SUYING , XU JIANGTAO , XU CHAO
Published: June 2013

A multi-integration technology with compact readout method to extend CMOS image sensor's dynamic range is presented. Compared with the timing of rolling readout, compact readout extends the available pixel readout time by adjusting the time-domain offset between two adjacent rows and each integration time in one frame. Thus the column readout bus is working continuously rather than intermittently, which makes good use of the whole integration time and the available readout time can be extended. This dynamic range extension technology was implemented on a prototype chip with a 128 × 128 pixel array. The pixel readout time with compact readout method is almost as 3 times long as the one with rolling readout method while 39 dB dynamic range extension is achieved at 120 fps.
HEAD-ON COLLISION AND MERGING ENTROPY OF BLACK HOLES: RECONSIDERATION OF HAWKING'S INEQUALITY
Authors: SIINO MASARU
Published: June 2013

We evaluate the amount of energy that can be converted into gravitational radiation in head-on collision of black holes. We estimate it by the area theorem of black hole horizon incorporating merging entropy of colliding black holes from a viewpoint of black hole thermodynamics. Then we obtain an upper bound of energy ratio of the gravitational radiation which is smaller than the upper bound originally derived by Hawking. The fact that this estimation is not inconsistent with the results of both numerical investigations in low- and high-energy head-on collision implies that thermodynamics of coalescing black holes requires the contribution of the merging entropy.
THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN EUROPEAN PUT PRICE AND ITS PAYOFF FUNCTION
Authors: ZHANG JIN E. , HUANG SHOUJUN , LI TIECHENG
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study the intersection between the price of a European put and its payoff function. We derive asymptotic expansion formulas for the intersection near expiration date for three different cases of risk-free rate r and dividend yield q, i.e. r > q, r = q, and r < q. The comparison with those of the critical stock price of an American option enhances our understanding on the convergence of the asymptotic expansion near a singular point.
COMPLEX INTERPOLATION ON BESOV-TYPE AND TRIEBEL–LIZORKIN-TYPE SPACES
Authors: YANG DACHUN , YUAN WEN , ZHUO CIQIANG
Published: June 2013

Let θ ∈ (0, 1), s0, s1 ∈ ℝ, τ0, τ1 ∈ [0, ∞), p0, p1 ∈ (0, ∞), q0, q1 ∈ (0, ∞], s = s0(1 - θ) + s1θ, τ = τ0(1-θ) + τ1θ, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, under the restriction [Formula: see text], the authors establish the complex interpolation, on Triebel–Lizorkin-type spaces, that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the closure of the Schwartz functions in [Formula: see text]. Similar results on Besov-type spaces and Besov–Morrey spaces are also presented. As a corollary, the authors obtain the complex interpolation for Morrey spaces that, for all 1 < p0 ≤ u0 < ∞, 1 < p1 ≤ u1 < ∞ and 1 < p ≤ u < ∞ such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and p0u1 = p1u0, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the closure of the Schwartz space in [Formula: see text]. It is known that, if p0u1 ≠ p1u0, these conclusions on Morrey spaces may not be true.
A GENERALIZATION OF THE OSTROWSKI–GRUSS INEQUALITY
Authors: MASJED-JAMEI MOHAMMAD , DRAGOMIR SEVER S.
Published: June 2013

A new generalization of the Ostrowski–Gruss inequality is introduced in three different cases for functions in L1[a, b] and L∞[a, b] spaces and its application is given for deriving error bounds of some quadrature rules.
THE SPECTRA AND OPTICAL BISTABILITY OF CAVITY FIELD COUPLED TO A MECHANICAL MIRROR
Authors: TENG J. H. , MA J. , WANG W.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the effect of Kerr nonlinearity and optomechanical couplings on cavity field spectra in an optomechanical system driven by a pump field. In the mean-field approximation, the system exhibits optical bistability for a wide range of parameters. The spectra are numerically calculated for different initial states, which show that a single peak in the spectrum splits because of the presence of the optomechanical coupling and the increase of the number of phonon. In addition, the peak position in the cavity field spectra changes due to the Kerr nonlinearity, while the cavity detuning is modified. The strength of spectra determines the size of the photon-phonon conversion capabilities. These results provides a theoretical basis for optical communication.
INSTANTANEOUS FREQUENCY-BASED ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LASER GENERATED DROPLET SEQUENCE DYNAMICS
Authors: KRESE BLAŽ , GOVEKAR EDVARD
Published: June 2013

In the laser droplet generation process three different dripping regimes are experimentally observed in dependence on the detachment pulse power. Besides being nonlinear, the process is also inherently nonstationary. In order to consistently analyze all the dripping scenarios based on an experimental time series, time-frequency analysis by means of instantaneous frequency is used. For the calculation of instantaneous frequency, the most recent developments of the Hilbert–Huang transform are applied, i.e. ensemble empirical mode decomposition, empirical amplitude/frequency modulation decomposition, and direct quadrature. In time-frequency spectra specific patterns are associated with corresponding dripping regimes. By means of a detailed inspection of patterns, the influence of the detachment pulse power on dripping dynamics is characterized.
Money and power in academic publishing
Authors: Talgam-Cohen Inbal , Kinnaird Peter
Published: June 2013

We continue our conversation on open access ("Information Wants to be Free"
XRDS
Spring 2013) by taking a closer look at a few recent developments, which highlight some of the conflicting interests fueling the debate over academic publishing.
The well-programmed clavier
Authors: Cope David
Published: June 2013

A look into the workings of the Emmy and Emily Howell programs, including musical examples with pointers to where they can be heard as well as seen.
Modeling online creative collaborations
Authors: Dow Steven , Settles Burr
Published: June 2013

A study of the online music writing community FAWM.ORG reveals that people who collaborate share less in common than you might think.
Estimating the Thickness of Sedimentation within Lower Benue Basin and Upper Anambra Basin, Nigeria, Using Both Spectral Depth Determination and Source Parameter Imaging
Authors: Abbass Adetona A. , Mallam Abu
Published: June 2013

The Total Aeromagnetic Data covering the study area was subjected to First Vertical Derivative, Spectral Depth Analysis, and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI). The result from the First Vertical Derivative shows that the Northern part of the area is covered by the young biotite granite of Precambrian origin, and the western edge is covered by the old granite, gneisses, and migmatite of Western Nigeria, while the remaining area is covered by the cretaceous sedimentary deposits. The entire area was divided into forty-eight sections. Spectral Depth Analysis was run for each of these forty-eight sections; the result shows that a maximum depth above 7 km was obtained within the cretaceous sediments of Idah, Ankpa, and below Udegi at the middle of the study area. Minimum depth estimates between 188.0 and 452 meters were observed around the basement regions. Results from Source Parameter Imaging show a minimum depth of 76.983 meters and a maximum thickness of sedimentation of 9.847 km, which also occur within Idah, Ankpa, and Udegi axis. The disparity observed in depth obtained by each method is discussed based on the merit and demerit of each method, and the depths obtained were compared with results from previous researchers. Geophysical implication of the result to oil and gas exploration in the area is briefly discussed.
O3/UV Synergistic Aging of Polyester Polyurethane Film Modified by Composite UV Absorber
Authors: Wang Yanzhi , Wang Haiyan , Li Xuesong , Liu Dongxu , Jiang Yifan , Sun Zonghui
Published: June 2013

The pure polyester polyurethane (TPU) film and the modified TPU (M‐TPU) film containing 2.0 wt.% inorganic UV absorbers mixture (nano‐ZnO/CeO2 with weight ratio of 3 : 2) and 0.5 wt.% organic UV absorbers mixture (UV‐531/UV‐327 with weight ratio of 1 : 1) were prepared by spin‐coating technique. The accelerated aging tests of the films exposed to constant UV radiation of 400 ± 20 µW/cm2 (313 nm) with an ozone atmosphere of 100 ± 2 ppm were carried out by using a self‐designed aging equipment at ambient temperature and relative humidity of 20%. The aging resistance properties of the films were evaluated by UV‐Vis spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), photooxidation index, and carbonyl index analysis. The results show that the composite UV absorber has better protection for TPU system, which reduces distinctly the degradation of TPU film. O3/UV aging of the films increases with incremental exposure time. PI and CI of TPU and M‐TPU films increase with increasing exposure time, respectively. PI and CI of M‐TPU films are much lower than that of TPU film after the same time of exposure, respectively. Distinct synergistic aging effect exists between ozone aging and UV aging when PI and CI are used as evaluation index, respectively. Of course, the formula of these additives needs further improvement for industrial application.
Prevalence of Three-Rooted Mandibular First Molars among Indians Using SCT
Authors: Garg Amit Kumar , Tewari Rajendra Kumar , Agrawal Neha
Published: June 2013

Undetected extra roots or root canals are a major reason for failure of endodontic treatment. Failure to recognize an extra distolingual (DL) root in mandibular first molar may lead to incomplete debridement of the root canal system and eventually treatment failure. Therefore, it is crucial that atypical anatomy is identified before and during dental treatment. Spiral computed tomography (SCT) images can show 3D images, and therefore much detail can be used when traditional methods prevent adequate endodontic treatment. The overall incidence of DL roots on the mandibular first molars was 6.40% for all patients and 5.00% for all teeth, respectively. The occurrence of DL roots on the right side and on the left side showed a statistically significant difference. The bilateral incidence of symmetrical distribution of DL roots was 56.25%. The DL root canal orifice was separated from DB canal orifice by2.79±0.34 mm, from the MB canal orifice by4.23±0.81 mm, and from the ML canal orifice by3.29±0.52 mm. The high prevalence of the DL root in permanent mandibular first molars among the Indian population by using SCT and estimations of the interorifice distance of such teeth might be useful for successful endodontic treatments.
Interfacing PMDC Motor to Data Port of Personal Computer
Authors: Ramakrishna Laxmikant , Mohamed Ali Abdulfattah , Baniodeh Hani
Published: June 2013

Procedures and techniques of hardware interfacing to personal computer system through parallel data port to control permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motor and create LabVIEW integrated-development-environments (IDEs) based Virtual Instrument (VI) software are discussed. To test the designed VI software diagram, authors constructed interface hardware without taking support of any commercially available DAQ boards. Hardware resource utilization and performance optimization by creating VI are discussed. Testing the design (Hardware and VI) by varying the set point speed of the motor is concluded. It is observed that the motor speed gradually approaches and locks to the desired or set speed.
Predicting Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity by Artificial Intelligence and Regression Models
Authors: Arshad R. Rezaei , Sayyad Gh. , Mosaddeghi M. , Gharabaghi B.
Published: June 2013

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), among other soil hydraulic properties, is important and necessary in water and mass transport models and irrigation and drainage studies. Although this property can be measured directly, its measurement is difficult and very variable in space and time. Thus pedotransfer functions (PTFs) provide an alternative way to predict the Ks from easily available soil data. This study was done to predict the Ks in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. Three Intelligence models including (radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN), multi layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN)), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and multiple-linear regression (MLR) to predict the Ks were used. Input variable included sand, silt, and clay percents and bulk density. The total of 175 soil samples was divided into two groups as 130 for the training and 45 for the testing of PTFs. The results indicated that ANFIS and RBFNN are effective methods for Ks prediction and have better accuracy compared with the MLPNN and MLR models. The correlation between predicted and measured Ks values using ANFIS was better than artificial neural network (ANN). Mean square error values for ANFIS, ANN, and MLR were 0.005, 0.02, and 0.17, respectively, which shows that ANFIS model is a powerful tool and has better performance than ANN and MLR in prediction of Ks.
Global Solvability of a Continuous Model for Nonlocal Fragmentation Dynamics in a Moving Medium
Authors: Oukouomi Noutchie S. C. , Doungmo Goufo E. F.
Published: June 2013

Existence of global solutions to continuous nonlocal convection-fragmentation equations is investigated in spaces of distributions with finite higher moments. Under the assumption that the velocity field is divergence-free, we make use of the method of characteristics and Friedrichs's lemma (Mizohata, 1973) to show that the transport operator generates a stochastic dynamical system. This allows for the use of substochastic methods and Kato-Voigt perturbation theorem (Banasiak and Arlotti, 2006) to ensure that the combined transport-fragmentation operator is the infinitesimal generator of a strongly continuous semigroup. In particular, we show that the solution represented by this semigroup is conservative.
Targeting of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Bremer Edwin
Published: June 2013

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and cognate TNF receptor superfamilies constitute an important regulatory axis that is pivotal for immune homeostasis and correct execution of immune responses. TNF ligands and receptors are involved in diverse biological processes ranging from the selective induction of cell death in potentially dangerous and superfluous cells to providing costimulatory signals that help mount an effective immune response. This diverse and important regulatory role in immunity has sparked great interest in the development of TNFL/TNFR-targeted cancer immunotherapeutics. In this review, I will discuss the biology of the most prominent proapoptotic and co-stimulatory TNF ligands and review their current status in cancer immunotherapy.
Influence of Scleral Buckling Surgery with Encircling Band on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Long-Term Observations
Authors: Odrobina Dominik , Laudańska-Olszewska Iwona , Gozdek Piotr , Maroszyński Mariusz , Amon Michael
Published: June 2013

Purpose. The aim of this study is the presentation of subfoveal choroidal thickness with enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) several months after scleral buckling with encircling band surgery.Methods. 48 patients who underwent scleral buckling with encircling band surgery for unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included in the retrospective observational study. The mean time from scleral buckling surgery to the final EDI-OCT examination was months. We compare choroidal thickness between operated and fellow eyes.Results. In all patients, the macula was detached before the surgery. The subfoveal choroidal thickness in 48 treated eyes was  µm (range 155–383 µm) and in the fellow eyes was  µm (range 98–326 µm). The subfoveal choroidal thickness of eyes after scleral buckling surgery in long-term EDI-OCT examination was significantly thicker () than in fellow eyes.Conclusions. The subfoveal choroid in eyes undergoing encircling band surgery was significantly thicker than in fellow eyes. We suspect that this may be the result of reduced choroidal blood flow. It also seems that the width and size of the material used in scleral buckling surgery may affect a change in the choroid circulation and increase subfoveal choroidal thickness.
The Low Temperature Induced Physiological Responses of Avena nuda L., a Cold‐Tolerant Plant Species
Authors: Liu Wenying , Yu Kenming , He Tengfei , Li Feifei , Zhang Dongxu , Liu Jianxia
Published: June 2013

The paperaim of the was to study the effect of low temperature stress on Avena nuda L. seedlings. Cold stress leads to many changes of physiological indices, such as membrane permeability, free proline content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and chlorophyll content. Cold stress also leads to changes of some protected enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). We have measured and compared these indices of seedling leaves under low temperature and normal temperature. The proline and MDA contents were increased compared with control; the chlorophyll content gradually decreased with the prolongation of low temperature stress. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT were increased under low temperature. The study was designated to explore the physiological mechanism of cold tolerance in naked oats for the first time and also provided theoretical basis for cultivation and antibiotic breeding in Avena nuda L.
Adult Ewing Sarcoma: Survival and Local Control Outcomes in 102 Patients with Localized Disease
Authors: Ahmed Safia K. , Robinson Steven I. , Okuno Scott H. , Rose Peter S. , Laack Nadia N. Issa
Published: June 2013

Objectives. To assess the clinical features and local control (LC) outcomes in adult patients with localized Ewing Sarcoma (ES).Methods. The records of 102 ES patients with localized disease ≥18 years of age seen from 1977 to 2007 were reviewed. Factors relevant to prognosis, survival, and LC were analyzed.Results.The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 60% and 52%, respectively, for the entire cohort. Treatment era (1977–1992 versus 1993–2007) remained an independent prognostic factor for OS on multivariate analysis, with improved outcomes observed in the 1993–2007 era (P=0.02). The 5-year OS and EFS for the 1993–2007 era were 73% and 60%, respectively. Ifosfamide and etoposide based chemotherapy and surgery were more routinely used in the 1993–2007 era (P<0.01). The 5-year local failure rate (LFR) was 14%, with a 5-year LFR of 18% for surgery, 33% for radiation, and 0% for combined surgery and radiation in the 1993–2007 era (P=0.17).Conclusion. Modern survival outcomes for adults with localized ES are similar to multi-institutional results in children. This improvement over time is associated with treatment intensification with chemotherapy and increased use of surgery. Aggressive LC (combined surgery and radiation) may improve outcomes in poor prognosis patients.
Hepatitis B Virus-Encoded X Protein Downregulates EGFR Expression via Inducing MicroRNA-7 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Yun-Ju , Chien Pei-Hsuan , Chen Wen-Shu , Chien Yu-Fong , Hsu Ya-Ying , Wang Li-Yun , Chen Jhen-Yu , Lin Chih-Wen , Huang Tzung-Chi , Yu Yung-Luen , Huang Wei-Chien
Published: June 2013

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for over a half of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent malignant tumor of the liver. HBV-encoded X (HBx) plays critical roles in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. However, it is unclear whether and how HBx regulates the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), an important gene for cell growth. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the association between HBx and EGFR expression. In this study, we found that HBx upregulates miR-7 expression to target 3′UTR of EGFR mRNA, which in turn results in the reduction of EGFR protein expression in HCC cells. HBx-mediated EGFR suppression renders HCC cells a slow-growth behavior. Deprivation of HBx or miR-7 expression or restoration of EGFR expression can increase the growth rate of HCC cells. Our data showed the miR-7-dependent EGFR suppression by HBx, supporting an inhibitory role of HBx in the cell growth of HCC. These findings not only identify miR-7 as a novel regulatory target of HBx, but also suggest HBx-miR-7-EGFR as a critical signaling in controlling the growth rate of HCC cells.
Incidence of Tuberculosis and Associations with Indicators of Alcohol Consumption in Three Regions of Northwest Russia in 1975–2009: A Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Kuznetsov V. N. , Shelygin K. V. , Grjibovski A. M. , Mariandyshev A. O. , Johansson E. , Bjune G. A.
Published: June 2013

Background. Alcohol has several social consequences that are associated with increased risk of tuberculosis. However, there have been no studies assessing the links between tuberculosis and alcohol consumption in northwest Russia. The aim of this study was to assess associations between the incidence of tuberculosis and indicators of alcohol consumption in three regions of northwest Russia.Methods. The study was performed in Arkhangelsk, Murmansk and Vologda regions using the data from 1975 to 2009. Deaths from alcohol poisoning and the incidence of alcohol psychoses were used as indicators of alcohol consumption. Associations between the incidence of tuberculosis and the above mentioned indicators were studied using time-series analysis.Results. We identified significant positive associations between the incidence of tuberculosis and the incidence of alcohol psychoses in the same year in Arkhangelsk region (β=0.24, 95% CI: 0.10–0.37) and in Vologda region (β=0.18, 95% CI: 0.10–0.25), but not in Murmansk region.Conclusions. We found an association between the incidence of alcohol psychoses and the incidence of tuberculosis in the same year in Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions suggesting an indirect link between excessive levels of alcohol consumption and the incidence of tuberculosis in Russia.
Characterizations of Hemirings Based on Probability Spaces
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhan Jianming
Published: June 2013

The notion of falling fuzzyh-ideals of a hemiring is introduced on the basis of the theory of falling shadows and fuzzy sets. Then the relations between fuzzyh-ideals and falling fuzzyh-ideals are described. In particular, by means of falling fuzzyh-ideals, the charac-terizations ofh-hemiregular hemirings are investigated based on independent (prefect positive correlation) probability spaces.
Proactive Communicating Process with Asymmetry in Multiagent Systems
Authors: Wang Jiafang , Feng Zhiyong , Xu Chao
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a formalized communicating process for dealing with information asymmetry between agents. A proactive process can improve the efficiency of dealing with asymmetry by allowing agents to take the initiative of communication in a goal-oriented way. In the process, by reasoning on belief and intention about the world and figuring out the information needed, the agent proactively requests information from another agent when asymmetry exists between them. Considering that agents may take advantage of information asymmetry by hiding information, the process also includes a model based on game theory to restrict the hiding behaviour. The work presented here not only introduces a definition of information asymmetry from cognitive perspective but also proposes a way to deal with it by communication in MAS. In addition, this paper presents some basic ideas on designing proactive mechanisms in cooperation between agents.
A Preclinical Evaluation of Antimycin A as a Potential Antilung Cancer Stem Cell Agent
Authors: Yeh Chi-Tai , Su Chun-Li , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Lin Justin Kung-Yi , Lee Wei-Hwa , Chang Peter M.-H. , Kuo Yu-Lun , Liu Yu-Wen , Wang Liang-Shun , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Shieh Yi-Shing , Jan Yi-Hua , Chuang Yung-Jen , Hsiao Michael , Wu Alexander T. H.
Published: June 2013

Drug resistance and tumor recurrence are major obstacles in treating lung cancer patients. Accumulating evidence considers lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) as the major contributor to these clinical challenges. Agents that can target lung CSCs could potentially provide a more effective treatment than traditional chemotherapy. Here, we utilized the side-population (SP) method to isolate lung CSCs from A549 and PC-9 cell lines. Subsequently, a high throughput platform, connectivity maps (CMAPs), was used to identify potential anti-CSC agents. An antibiotic, antimycin A (AMA), was identified as a top candidate. SP A549 cells exhibited an elevated stemness profile, including Nanog,β-catenin, Sox2, and CD133, and increased self-renewal ability. AMA treatment was found to suppressβ-catenin signaling components and tumor sphere formation. Furthermore, AMA treatment decreased the proliferation of gefitinib-resistant PC-9/GR cells and percentage of SP population. AMA demonstrated synergistic suppression of PC-9/GR cell viability when combined with gefitinib. Finally, AMA treatment suppressed tumorigenesis in mice inoculated with A549 SP cells. Collectively, we have identified AMA using CMAP as a novel antilung CSC agent, which acts to downregulateβ-catenin signaling. The combination of AMA and targeted therapeutic agents could be considered for overcoming drug resistance and relapse in lung cancer patients.
Precursor B Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Involving the Stomach
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Kawai Yoshinari , Yamawaki Yasuhide , Takata Katsuyoshi , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: June 2013

Precursor B lymphoblastic lymphoma is a high-grade neoplasm arising from precursor lymphocytes of B-cell lineage. Extranodal sites such as the skin and bone are often involved, but gastrointestinal lesions of this disease are rarely encountered. Due to the infrequency, macroscopic forms of the gastrointestinal lesions have not been fully described. In this report, we present a case of precursor B lymphoblastic lymphoma involving the stomach, pancreas, bone, and bone marrow. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed multiple flat elevated lesions with irregular mucosa in the stomach.
Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of PhytolIn VivoandIn VitroModels
Authors: Santos Camila Carolina de Menezes Patrício , Salvadori Mirian Stiebbe , Mota Vanine Gomes , Costa Luciana Muratori , de Almeida Antonia Amanda Cardoso , de Oliveira Guilherme Antônio Lopes , Costa Jéssica Pereira , de Sousa Damião Pergentino , de Freitas Rivelilson Mendes , de Almeida Reinaldo Nóbrega
Published: June 2013

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of phytol using chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice and to assess its antioxidant effectsin vitro. Phytol was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to mice at doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, phytol significantly reduced the number of contortions compared to the control group (P<0.001). In the formalin test, phytol reduced significantly the amount of time spent in paw licking in both phases (the neurogenic and inflammatory phases), this effect being more pronounced in the second phase (P<0.001). Phytol also provoked a significant increase in latency in the hot plate test. These antinociceptive effects did not impaire the motor performance, as shown in the rotarod test. Phytol demonstrated a strong antioxidant effectin vitroin its capacity to remove hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide as well as to prevent the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Taken as a whole, these results show the pronounced antinociceptive effects of phytol in the nociception models used, both through its central and peripheral actions, but also its antioxidant properties demonstrated in thein vitromethods used.
The Jacobian Consistency of a One-Parametric Class of Smoothing Functions for SOCCP
Authors: Chi Xiaoni , Wan Zhongping , Hao Zijun
Published: June 2013

Second-order cone (SOC) complementarity functions and their smoothing functions have been much studied in the solution of second-order cone complementarity problems (SOCCP). In this paper, we study the directional derivative and B-subdifferential of the one-parametric class of SOC complementarity functions, propose its smoothing function, and derive the computable formula for the Jacobian of the smoothing function. Based on these results, we prove the Jacobian consistency of the one-parametric class of smoothing functions, which will play an important role for achieving the rapid convergence of smoothing methods. Moreover, we estimate the distance between the subgradient of the one-parametric class of the SOC complementarity functions and the gradient of its smoothing function, which will help to adjust a parameter appropriately in smoothing methods.
Comparison of Single-Port, Two-Port and Four-Port Laparoscopic Surgery for Cyst Enucleation in Benign Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Kim Mi-La , Song Taejong , Seong Seok Ju , Yoon Bo Sung , Joo Won-Deok , Jung Yong-Wook , Kang Jin Hee , Jun Hye Sun
Published: June 2013

Objective: To compare the perioperative outcomes of three laparoscopic approaches for performing ovarian cyst enucleation. Methods: A total of 148 patients underwent laparoscopic cyst enucleation at the CHA Gangnam Medical Center between September 2010 and May 2011. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records including patient demographics, operative outcomes and complications. Results: We assigned the 148 patients into three groups: single-port (group A: 40), 2-port (group B: 30) and 4-port (group C: 78). There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics. The operation times were 90.4 ± 43.6, 74.7 ± 22.0 and 63.8 ± 30.5 min, and the estimated blood loss was 179.3 ± 253.9, 73 ± 75.2 and 89.9 ± 106.7 ml, respectively. Mean operation time was longer (p < 0.001) and estimated blood loss was higher (p = 0.005) in group A than in the other groups. There was no statistical difference in perioperative complications among the three groups. In group A, additional port insertion rate was higher than in groups B and C (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Single-port surgery required longer operation time, had a higher estimated blood loss and used additional ports more frequently during the operation than the other groups. However, 2-port surgery had no significant differences from 4-port surgery in the surgical outcomes. Therefore, 2-port surgery can be an alternative surgical option for 4-port surgery in ovarian cyst enucleation.
Role and Value of Luminex®-Detected HLA Antibodies before and after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Süsal Caner , Opelz Gerhard , Morath Christian
Published: June 2013

The complement-dependent lymphocytotoxicity (CDC) method has been the classical technique to detect human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in sera of patients who are listed for kidney transplantation. Because of the drawbacks of CDC, such as low sensitivity and low resolution in characterizing antibody specificities, the more specific ELISA technology was introduced in the 1990s which utilizes solubilized HLA molecules instead of lymphocytes. During the last 10 years, the introduction of the Luminex-based single antigen bead (L-SAB) technology, which uses recombinant single HLA molecules, allows detection and characterization of HLA antibodies at greater sensitivity than CDC and ELISA. A drawback associated with this technique is that the interpretation of results is demanding and requires comprehensive experience in HLA antibody diagnostics. Herein we discuss the current role and value of L-SAB technology in the clinical management of sensitized kidney transplant recipients.
Differences in Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Childhood in Preterm Children Born with Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Sepúlveda Carolina , Urquidi Cinthya , Pittaluga Enrica , Iñiguez Germán , Ávila Alejandra , Carrasco Fernando , Mericq Verónica
Published: June 2013

Background: Rapid early ponderal growth is associated with adverse metabolic risks in young adults born at term. Aim: To determine whether there are differences in body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE) and metabolic variables between preterm children born with very low birth weight (VLBW) either appropriate (AGA) or small (SGA) for gestational age and whether these differences are related to an early period of weight gain. Methods: 67 VLBW preterm (40 AGA, 27 SGA). Body composition by DEXA, REE by indirect calorimetry and blood sampling at age 6.7 ± 0.5 years. Results: VLBW SGA children were lighter, shorter, had a lower waist and hip circumference, HDL cholesterol and lipid oxidation rates than their AGA counterparts (adjusted for age, sex and BMI). Birth weight correlated negatively with total body and trunk fat mass. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, we found a positive association between weight gain in the first 3 months of life and total and trunk fat at age 6 years and a reciprocal association with REE at age 6 years. In contrast, the weight gain rate at 6-9 months of life was associated with higher REE and lipid oxidation rates at 6 years. A higher weight gain rate at 9-12 months was associated with a higher lean mass at 6 years. Conclusion: An early fast-pace weight gain in VLBW infants may have detrimental consequences for metabolic health later on.
Development of Anti-G, Anti-C and Anti-Jk(b) in a 22-Year-Old Mother during Her Fourth Pregnancy
Authors: Schulze Torsten J. , Goebel Meike , Scharberg Erwin A. , Bugert Peter , Janetzko Karin
Published: June 2013

Background: Anti-G antibodies are rarely found since anti-D, in combination with anti-C, are difficult to discriminate from anti-G antibodies in routine testing. Case Report: A 22-year-old, gravida-3, para-1, woman with blood group A Rh D neg ccddee and known antibody anti-Jk(b), gave birth to her second child. While anti-Jk(b) could not be detected at birth, a new anti-C was found. Antibody screening tests (IAT) were performed using gel cards and rare G positive rGr erythrocytes. Genotyping for RHD and RHCE was performed using PCR-SSP. Results: The child's blood group was A Rh D neg Ccddee. Genotyping revealed Cde/cde haplotypes. The erythrocytes of the new-born showed a positive direct antiglobulin test with IgG; anti-D and anti-C could be eluted. Erythrocytes with the rare phenotype rGr were reactive with the serum of the mother. Conclusion: The presence of anti-D and anti-C in the eluate from then new-born's Ccddee erythrocytes proved anti-G or anti-G in combination with anti-D. When anti-C and anti-D are seen during a pregnancy, possibly anti-G is present. This observation is of relevance since women with anti-G can still develop anti-D and require rhesus prophylaxis.
HO-1 Induction Improves The Type-1 Cardiorenal Syndrome in Mice With Impaired Angiotensin II–Induced Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Monu Sumit R. , Pesce Paola , Sodhi Komal , Boldrin Massimo , Puri Nitin , Fedorova Larisa , Sacerdoti David , Peterson Stephen J. , Abraham Nader G. , Kappas Attallah
Published: June 2013

Type-1 cardiorenal syndrome, characterized by acute kidney dysfunction secondary to cardiac failure and renal arteriolar vasoconstriction, is mediated by the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis and sympathetic nervous system activation. Previous reports indicate that angiotensin II modulates immune function and causes recruitment and activation of T-lymphocytes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of postischemic heart failure on renal morphology and circulation and the beneficial effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in T-lymphocyte–suppressed severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice. Mice were divided into 4 groups: sham, myocardial infarction (MI), MI treated with an HO-1 inducer, cobalt protoporphyrin, and with or without stannous mesoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO activity. Heart and kidney function were studied 30 days after surgery. Fractional area change was reduced 30 days after surgery in both the C57 and SCID MI–groups as compared with their respective controls (
P
<0.01). Renal Pulsatility Index and renal injury were increased in C57 and SCID MI–groups compared with the sham group. HO-1 induction improved renal vasoconstriction as well as ameliorated renal injury in both the SCID and C57 MI–groups (
P
<0.01). However, improvement was more evident in SCID mice. In addition, our results showed that plasma creatinine, angiotensin II, and renin were significantly increased in the C57 and SCID MI–groups as compared with their respective controls. HO-1 induction decreased these parameters in both MI groups. Stannous mesoporphyrin reversed the beneficial effect of cobalt protoporphyrin in both mouse strains. The study demonstrates that T-lymphocyte suppression facilitated the HO-1–dependent improvement in the attenuation of type-1 cardiorenal syndrome.
Cardiovascular Complications Associated With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Savard Sébastien , Amar Laurence , Plouin Pierre-François , Steichen Olivier
Published: June 2013

A higher risk of cardiovascular events has been reported in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) than in otherwise similar patients with essential hypertension (EH). However, the evidence is limited by small sample size and potential confounding factors. We, therefore, compared the prevalence of cardiovascular events in 459 patients with PA diagnosed in our hypertension unit from 2001 to 2006 and 1290 controls with EH. PA cases and EH controls were individually matched for sex, age (±2 years), and office systolic blood pressure (±10 mm Hg). Patients with PA and EH differed significantly in duration of hypertension, serum potassium, plasma aldosterone and plasma renin concentrations, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, and urinary aldosterone concentration (P<0.001 for all comparisons). The prevalence of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy was about twice higher in patients with PA even after adjustment for hypertension duration. PA patients also had a significantly higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9), nonfatal myocardial infarction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6), heart failure (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9), and atrial fibrillation (adjusted odds ratio, 5.0). The risks associated with PA were similar across levels of serum potassium and plasma aldosterone. To conclude, patients with PA are more likely to have had a cardiovascular complication at diagnosis than otherwise similar patients with EH. Target organ damage and complications disproportionate to blood pressure should be considered as an additional argument for suspecting PA in a given individual and possibly for broadening the scope of screening at the population level.
Increased homocysteine, homocysteine-thiolactone, protein homocysteinylation and oxidative stress in the circulation of patients with Eales’ disease
Authors: Bharathselvi Muthuvel , Biswas Jyothirmay , Selvi Radhakrishnan , Coral Karunakaran , Narayanasamy Angayarkanni , Ramakrishnan Sivaramakrishnan , Sulochana Konerirajapuram N
Published: June 2013

Background

Eales’ disease (ED) is an idiopathic retinal vascular disorder. It presents with inflammation and neovascularization in the retina. Adult men, aged between 15 and 40 years are more susceptible than women. Homocysteine has been implicated in other ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and optic neuropathy. The present study investigates the role of homocysteine in ED.

Methods

Forty male subjects, 20 with ED and 20 healthy controls, were recruited to the study. Their blood samples were used to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), homocysteine, homocysteine-thiolactone, extent of homocysteine conjugation with proteins and plasma copper concentration.

Results

In the ED group, plasma homocysteine (18.6 ± 1.77  µmol/L, P < 0.001) and homocysteine-thiolactone (45.3 ± 6.8 nmol/L, P < 0.0001) concentrations were significantly higher compared to homocysteine (11.2 ± 0.64  µmol/L) and homocysteine-thiolactone (7.1 ± 0.94 nmol/L) concentrations in control subjects. TBARS ( P < 0.011) and protein homocysteinylation ( P < 0.030) were higher in the ED group while GSH (5.9 ± 0.44  µmol/L, P < 0.01) and copper (6.6 ± 0.42  µmol/L, P < 0.001) were lower compared to GSH (8.1 ± 0.41  µmol/L) and copper (15.4 ± 0.73  µmol/L) concentrations in control subjects.

Conclusions

Increased homocysteine, and its metabolite thiolactone, is associated with the functional impairment of protein due to homocysteinylation in ED.
Invention of a Nation: The Druze in Israel
Authors: Halabi Rabah
Published: June 2013

Ethnic and national identities are shaped and evolve in the context of complex negotiations sustained among multiple players, each with its own and often contradicting interests. This study focuses on one unique cultural group, the Druze in Israel, and examines a multifaceted identity constructed as a direct result of policies and expectations of members and institutions of majority groups. My aim is to explore how this identity is defined within the complex intergroup context, the various components and their inter-relations (congruent or conflictual), and the way its boundaries are shaped through interaction with other identities in Israel. The analysis of the interviews conducted with 50 Druze university students in Israel yielded three major content categories: ‘Druze by blood;’ ‘Arab, but less so;’ and ‘Being Israeli.’ The Druze identity is constructed in primordialist terms, and a central role is assigned to the belief in reincarnation. The Arab identity is categorized primarily as a national one, and it is strongly affected by the negative attitude of Arabs toward the service of the Druze in the Israeli army. Three major aspects emerged in relation to the Israeli identity of the Druze: the fact of their being citizens of the State of Israel, the attitude of the state and of Jews toward them, and the army service. Our study portrays a highly complex and problematic constellation of group identities, shaped as a delicate adaptation to the unique position of a group subject to multiple political forces in the past and present.