bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anopheles punctulatus Group: Evolution, Distribution, and Control
Authors: Beebe Nigel W. , Russell Tanya , Burkot Thomas R. , Cooper Robert D.
Published: October 2014

The major malaria vectors of the Southwest Pacific belong to a group of closely related mosquitoes known as the Anopheles punctulatus group. The group comprises 13 co-occurring species that either are isomorphic or carry overlapping morphological features, and today several species remain informally named. The advent of species-diagnostic molecular tools in the 1990s permitted a new raft of studies into the newly differentiated mosquitoes of this group, and these have revealed five species as the region's primary malaria vectors: An. farauti, An. hinesorum, An. farauti 4, An. koliensis, and An. punctulatus. Species' distributions are now well established across Papua New Guinea, northern Australia, and the Solomon Archipelago, but little has been documented thus far in eastern Indonesia. As each species reveals significant differences in distribution and biology, the relative paucity of knowledge of their biology or ecology in relation to malaria transmission is brought into clearer focus. Only three of the species have undergone some form of spatial or population genetics analyses, and this has revealed striking differences in their genetic signatures throughout the region. This review compiles and dissects the key findings for this important mosquito group and points to where future research should focus to maximize the output of field studies in developing relevant knowledge on these malaria vectors.
Payout Policy
Authors: Farre-Mensa Joan , Michaely Roni , Schmalz Martin
Published: October 2014

We survey the literature on payout policy, with a particular emphasis on developments in the past two decades. The cross-sectional empirical evidence for the traditional motivations behind firms paying out (agency, signaling, and taxes) is most persuasive with regard to agency considerations. Studies centered on the May 2003 dividend tax cut confirm that differences in the taxation of dividends and capital gains have only a second-order impact on setting payout policy. None of the three traditional explanations can account for secular changes in how payouts have been made over the past 30 years, during which repurchases have replaced dividends as the prime vehicle for corporate payouts. Other payout motivations, such as changes in compensation practices and management incentives, are better able to explain the observed variation in payout patterns over time than the traditional motivations. The most recent evidence suggests that further insights can be gained from viewing payout decisions as an integral part of a firm’s larger financial ecosystem, with important implications for financing, investment, and risk management.
Insider Trading Controversies: A Literature Review
Authors: Bhattacharya Utpal
Published: October 2014

Using the artifice of a hypothetical trial, this article presents the cases for and against insider trading. Both sides in the trial produce as evidence the salient points made in more than 100 years of literature on insider trading. The initial days of the trial focus on the issues raised in the law literature such as fiduciary responsibility, the misappropriation theory, and the fairness and integrity of markets; however, the trial soon transfers focus to issues such as Pareto optimality, efficient contracting, market efficiency, and predictability raised in the financial economics literature. Open issues are then brought up. A jury finally hands down its verdict.
Financialization of Commodity Markets
Authors: Cheng Ing-Haw , Xiong Wei
Published: October 2014

The large inflow of investment capital to commodity futures markets in the past decade has generated a heated debate about whether financialization distorts commodity prices. Rather than focusing on the opposing views concerning whether investment flows caused a price bubble, we critically review academic studies through the perspective of how financial investors affect risk sharing and information discovery in commodity markets. We argue that financialization has substantially changed commodity markets through these mechanisms.
History of American Corporate Governance: Law, Institutions, and Politics
Authors: Hilt Eric
Published: October 2014

This article presents an overview of the history of corporate governance in the United States, emphasizing the period before the advent of federal securities laws and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Recent research has overturned many widely accepted beliefs about corporate governance during this period. In particular, the evolution of American corporate governance has not followed a simple, linear trajectory, beginning with small, well-governed firms and ending with large, poorly governed ones. Over time, economic and institutional changes have given rise to successive generations of corporations with their own governance problems and their own mechanisms to address those problems. When existing governance mechanisms failed, the United States experienced corporate governance crises—episodes that shattered investors’ faith in corporate management and the legal institutions intended to protect their rights. The resolutions of these crises have sometimes been found in legal innovations and, in other cases, in institutional or market-based solutions.
Suppletion: Some Theoretical Implications
Authors: Bobaljik Jonathan David
Published: October 2014

Suppletion (wholly unpredictable alternations such as good∼better or go∼went) stands as the epitome of morphological irregularity. In the formal theoretical tradition, with a few exceptions, suppletion has long languished in obscurity, widely considered unlikely to be informative of deeper properties of grammar. This article reviews recent studies that find, as it were, order in chaos—robust patterns of regularity that emerge as significant, arguably universal generalizations in large, cross-linguistic samples. These patterns are indicative of the nature of abstract grammatical representation and, in particular, of constraints that regulate the interaction among the atomic elements that build these representations. Far from sitting in an obscure corner of the grammar and representing nothing more than the detritus of history, suppletive alternations may yet shed light on the nature of the mental representations that constitute grammars, thus providing indirect evidence for aspects of Universal Grammar in the broad sense.
Synthetic Lethality and Cancer Therapy: Lessons Learned from the Development of PARP Inhibitors
Authors: Lord Christopher J. , Tutt Andrew N.J. , Ashworth Alan
Published: October 2014

The genetic concept of synthetic lethality, in which the combination or synthesis of mutations in multiple genes results in cell death, provides a framework to design novel therapeutic approaches to cancer. Already there are promising indications, from clinical trials exploiting this concept by using poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in patients with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, that this approach could be beneficial. We discuss the biological rationale for BRCA-PARP synthetic lethality, how the synthetic lethal approach is being assessed in the clinic, and how mechanisms of resistance are starting to be dissected. Applying the synthetic lethal concept to target non-BRCA-mutant cancers also has clear potential, and we discuss how some of the principles learned in developing PARP inhibitors might also drive the development of additional genetic approaches.
A Tale of Two Tumors: Treating Pancreatic and Extrapancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Halperin Daniel M. , Kulke Matthew H. , Yao James C.
Published: October 2014

Despite their perceived rarity, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are rising in incidence and prevalence. The biology, natural history, and therapeutic options for GEP-NETs are heterogeneous: NETs arising in the pancreas can be distinguished from those arising elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, and therapy is dichotomized between these two groups. Somatostatin analogues are the mainstay of oncologic management of bowel NETs; everolimus, streptozocin, and sunitinib are approved to treat pancreatic NETs. There are significant differences in molecular genetics between pancreatic and extrapancreatic NETs, and studies are evaluating whether additional NET patients may benefit from targeted agents. We discuss the distinguishing features of these two groups of tumors, as well as the therapeutic implications of the distinction. We also examine the evolving therapeutic landscape and discuss the likelihood that treatment will be developed independently for pancreatic and extrapancreatic gastrointestinal NETs, with novel therapeutics effective for newly identified pathologically or molecularly defined subgroups.
Driver and Passenger Mutations in Cancer
Authors: Pon Julia R. , Marra Marco A.
Published: October 2014

Next-generation sequencing has allowed identification of millions of somatic mutations and epigenetic changes in cancer cells. A key challenge in interpreting cancer genomes and epigenomes is distinguishing which genetic and epigenetic changes are drivers of cancer development. Frequency-based and function-based approaches have been developed to identify candidate drivers; we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these methods as well as their latest refinements. We focus particularly on identification of the types of drivers most likely to be missed, such as genes affected by copy number alterations, mutations in noncoding regions, dysregulation of microRNA, epigenetic changes, and mutations in chromatin modifiers.
Episodic and Electrical Nervous System Disorders Caused by Nonchannel Genes
Authors: Lee Hsien-yang , Fu Ying-Hui , Ptáček Louis J.
Published: October 2014

As noted in the separate introduction to this special topic section, episodic and electrical disorders can appear quite different clinically and yet share many overlapping features, including attack precipitants, therapeutic responses, natural history, and the types of genes that cause many of the genetic forms (i.e., ion channel genes). Thus, as we mapped and attempted to clone genes causing other episodic disorders, ion channels were always outstanding candidates when they mapped to the critical region of linkage in such a family. However, some of these disorders do not result from mutations in channels. This realization has opened up large and exciting new areas for the pathogenesis of these disorders. In some cases, the mutations occur in genes of unknown function or without understanding of molecular pathogenesis. Recently, emerging insights into a fascinating group of episodic movement disorders, the paroxysmal dyskinesias, and study of the causative genes and proteins are leading to the emerging concept of episodic electric disorders resulting from synaptic dysfunction. Much work remains to be done, but the field is evolving rapidly. As it does, we have come to realize that the molecular pathogenesis of electrical and episodic disorders is more complex than a scenario in which such disorders are simply due to mutations in the primary determinants of membrane excitability (channels).
PPARα autocrine regulation of Ca2+-regulated exocytosis in guinea pig antral mucous cells: NO and cGMP accumulation
Authors: Tanaka Saori , Sugiyama Nanae , Takahashi Yuko , Mantoku Daiki , Sawabe Yukinori , Kuwabara Hiroko , Nakano Takashi , Shimamoto Chikao , Matsumura Hitoshi , Marunaka Yoshinori , Nakahari Takashi
Published: October 2014

In antral mucous cells, acetylcholine (ACh, 1 μM) activates Ca2+-regulated exocytosis, consisting of a peak in exocytotic events that declines rapidly (initial phase) followed by a second slower decline (late phase) lasting during ACh stimulation. GW7647 [a peroxisome proliferation activation receptor α (PPARα) agonist] enhanced the ACh-stimulated initial phase, and GW6471 (a PPARα antagonist) abolished the GW7647-induced enhancement. However, GW6471 produced the delayed, but transient, increase in the ACh-stimulated late phase, and it also decreased the initial phase and produced the delayed increase in the late phase during stimulation with ACh alone. A similar delayed increase in the ACh-stimulated late phase is induced by an inhibitor of the PKG, Rp8BrPETcGMPS, suggesting that GW6471 inhibits cGMP accumulation. An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), N5-[imino(propylamino)methyl]-l-ornithine hydrochloride ( N-PLA), also abolished the GW7647-induced-enhancement of ACh-stimulated initial phase but produced the delayed increase in the late phase. However, in the presence of N-PLA, an NO donor or 8BrcGMP enhanced the ACh-stimulated initial phase and abolished the delayed increase in the late phase. Moreover, GW7647 and ACh stimulated NO production and cGMP accumulation in antral mucosae, which was inhibited by GW6471 or N-PLA. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that NOS1 and PPARα colocalize in antral mucous cells. In conclusion, during ACh stimulation, a PPARα autocrine mechanism, which accumulates NO via NOS1 leading to cGMP accumulation, modulates the Ca2+-regulated exocytosis in antral mucous cells.
Effects of chronic kidney disease on liver transport: quantitative intravital microscopy of fluorescein transport in the rat liver
Authors: Ryan Jennifer C. , Dunn Kenneth W. , Decker Brian S.
Published: October 2014

Clinical studies indicate that hepatic drug transport may be altered in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uremic solutes associated with CKD have been found to alter the expression and/or activity of hepatocyte transporters in experimental animals and in cultured cells. However, given the complexity and adaptability of hepatic transport, it is not clear whether these changes translate into significant alterations in hepatic transport in vivo. To directly measure the effect of CKD on hepatocyte transport in vivo, we conducted quantitative intravital microscopy of transport of the fluorescent organic anion fluorescein in the livers of rats following 5/6th nephrectomy, an established model of CKD. Our quantitative analysis of fluorescein transport showed that the rate of hepatocyte uptake was reduced by ∼20% in 5/6th nephrectomized rats, consistent with previous observations of Oatp downregulation. However, the overall rate of transport into bile canaliculi was unaffected, suggesting compensatory changes in Mrp2-mediated secretion. Our study suggests that uremia resulting from 5/6th nephrectomy does not significantly impact the overall hepatic clearance of an Oatp substrate.
Endothelial damage and vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Soriano Sagrario , Carmona Andrés , Triviño Francisco , Rodriguez Mariano , Alvarez-Benito Marina , Martín-Malo Alejandro , Alvarez-Lara Maria-Antonia , Ramírez Rafael , Aljama Pedro , Carracedo Julia
Published: October 2014

Vascular calcification (VC) is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we investigated the potential involvement of endothelial microparticles (MPs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the generation of VC in CKD patients. The number of circulating EMPs is greater in patients with VC than without VC (307 ± 167 vs. 99 ± 75 EMPs/μl, P < 0.001). The percentage of EPCs is significantly lower in patient with VC than in patients without VC (0.14 ± 0.11% vs. 0.25 ± 0.18%, P = 0.002). The number of EPCs expressing osteocalcin (OCN) was higher in VC patients (349 ± 63 cells/100,000) than in non-VC patients (139 ± 75 cells/100,000, P < 0.01). In vitro, MPs obtained from CKD patients were able to induce OCN expression in EPCs from healthy donors; the increase in OCN expression was more accentuated if MPs were obtained from CKD patients with VC. MPs from CKD patients also induced OCN expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. In CKD patients, the rise in endothelial MPs associated with a decrease in the number of EPCs, suggesting an imbalance in the processes of endothelial damage and repair in CKD patients, mainly those with VC. Our results suggest that EPCs, through OCN expression, may directly participate in the process of VC.
Somatomotor and sensory urethral control of micturition in female rats
Authors: Cruz Yolanda , Pastelín César , Balog Brian M. , Zaszczurynski Paul J. , Damaser Margot S.
Published: October 2014

In rats, axons of external urethral sphincter (EUS) motoneurons travel through the anastomotic branch of the pudendal nerve (ABPD) and anastomotic branch of the lumbosacral trunk (ABLT) and converge in the motor branch of the sacral plexus (MBSP). The aim of the present study was to determine in female rats the contribution of these somatomotor pathways and urethral sensory innervation from the dorsal nerve of the clitoris on urinary continence and voiding. EUS electromyographic (EMG) activity during cystometry, leak point pressure (LPP), and voiding efficiency (VE) were assessed in anesthetized virgin Sprague-Dawley female rats before and after transection of the above nerve branches. Transection of the MBSP eliminated EUS EMG, decreased LPP by 50%, and significantly reduced bladder contraction duration, peak pressure, intercontraction interval, and VE. Transection of the ABPD or ABLT decreased EUS EMG discharge and LPP by 25% but did not affect VE. Transection of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris did not affect LPP but reduced contraction duration, peak pressure, intercontraction interval, and VE. We conclude that somatomotor control of micturition is provided by the MBSP with axons travelling through the ABPD and ABLT. Partial somatomotor urethral denervation induces mild urinary incontinence, whereas partial afferent denervation induces voiding dysfunction. ABPD and ABLT pathways could represent a safeguard ensuring innervation to the EUS in case of upper nerve damage. Detailed knowledge of neuroanatomy and functional innervation of the urethra will enable more accurate animal models of neural development, disease, and dysfunction in the future.
Calcium spike-mediated digital signaling increases glutamate output at the visual threshold of retinal bipolar cells
Authors: Lipin Mikhail Y. , Vigh Jozsef
Published: October 2014

Most retinal bipolar cells (BCs) transmit visual input from photoreceptors to ganglion cells using graded potentials, but some also generate calcium or sodium spikes. Sodium spikes are thought to increase temporal precision of light-evoked BC signaling; however, the role of calcium spikes in BCs is not fully understood. Here we studied how calcium spikes and graded responses mediate neurotransmitter release from Mb-type BCs, known to produce both. In dark-adapted goldfish retinal slices, light induced spikes in 40% of the axon terminals of intact Mbs; in the rest, light generated graded responses. These light-evoked membrane potentials were used to depolarize axotomized Mb terminals where depolarization-evoked calcium current ( ICa) and consequent exocytosis-associated membrane capacitance increases (Δ Cm) could be precisely measured. When evoked by identical dim light intensities, spiking responses transferred more calcium (QCa) and triggered larger exocytosis with higher efficiency (Δ Cm/QCa) than graded potentials. QCa was translated into exocytosis linearly when transferred with spikes and supralinearly when transferred with graded responses. At the Mb output (Δ Cm), spiking responses coded light intensity with numbers and amplitude whereas graded responses coded with amplitude, duration, and steepness. Importantly, spiking responses saturated exocytosis within scotopic range but graded potentials did not. We propose that calcium spikes in Mbs increase signal input-output ratio by boosting Mb glutamate release at threshold intensities. Therefore, spiking Mb responses are suitable to transfer low-light-intensity signals to ganglion cells with higher gain, whereas graded potentials signal for light over a wider range of intensities at the Mb output.
A model of order-selectivity based on dynamic changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition produced by short-term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Goudar Vishwa , Buonomano Dean V.
Published: October 2014

Determining the order of sensory events separated by a few hundred milliseconds is critical to many forms of sensory processing, including vocalization and speech discrimination. Although many experimental studies have recorded from auditory order-sensitive and order-selective neurons, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that universal properties of cortical synapses—short-term synaptic plasticity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses—are well suited for the generation of order-selective neural responses. Using computational models of canonical disynaptic circuits, we show that the dynamic changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition imposed by short-term plasticity lead to the generation of order-selective responses. Parametric analyses predict that among the forms of short-term plasticity expressed at excitatory-to-excitatory, excitatory-to-inhibitory, and inhibitory-to-excitatory synapses, the single most important contributor to order-selectivity is the paired-pulse depression of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). A topographic model of the auditory cortex that incorporates short-term plasticity accounts for both context-dependent suppression and enhancement in response to paired tones. Together these results provide a framework to account for an important computational problem based on ubiquitous synaptic properties that did not yet have a clearly established computational function. Additionally, these studies suggest that disynaptic circuits represent a fundamental computational unit that is capable of processing both spatial and temporal information.
Oxidative Stress Markers and C-Reactive Protein Are Related to Severity of Heart Failure in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wojciechowska Celina , Romuk Ewa , Tomasik Andrzej , Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Birkner Ewa , Jacheć Wojciech
Published: October 2014

Background.The aim of study was to determine relationships between functional capacity (NYHA class), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), hemodynamic parameters, and biomarkers of redox state and inflammation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods. DCM patients (n=109, aged45.97±10.82years), NYHA class IIV, and LVEF2.94±7.1% were studied. Controls comprised age-matched healthy volunteers (n=28). Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed. Serum activities of superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (MnSOD and CuZnSOD), concentrations of uric acid (UA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured.Results. MnSOD, UA, hs-CRP, and MDA were significantly higher in DCM patients compared to controls. Except MDA concentration, above parameters were higher in patients in III-IV NYHA class or with lower LVEF. hsCRP correlated with of MnSOD (P<0.05) and CuZnSOD activity (P<0.01). Both isoenzymes positively correlated with mPAP and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (MnSOD, resp.,P<0.01andP<0.05and CuZnSODP<0.05;P<0.05). UA positively correlated with MnSOD (P<0.05), mPAP (P<0.05), and PVRI (P<0.05). The negative correlation between LVEF and UA (P<0.01) was detected.Conclusion. There are relationships among the severity of symptoms of heart failure, echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory activation. Increased MnSOD activity indicates the mitochondrial source of ROS in patients with advanced heart failure.
Dieulafoy Lesion in the Ascending Colon Presenting with Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Severe Anemia Complicated by a Coexisting Severe Resistant Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Eltawansy Sherif Ali , Thyagarajan Brag , Baig Nadeem
Published: October 2014

Background. GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding can be due to a variety of etiologies ranging from being common like bleeding peptic ulcer disease or esophageal varices. One of the rarely documented causes is the Dieulafoy lesion which is known as an abnormally large ectatic artery that penetrates the gut wall, occasionally eroding through the mucosa causing massive bleeding. In addition to that, we refer to the uncommon presentation of Dieulafoy lesion itself as it is well known to be found in the stomach, esophagus, duodenum, and jejunum but not the ascending colon as in our case. The patient had a coexisting ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) that was resistant to different therapies.Case Report. We report a case of a 48-year-old Egyptian female known for chronic ITP resistant to treatment. The patient presented with bright red bleeding per rectum and severe life threatening anemia. Endoscopic study showed a Dieulafoy lesion. Endoscopic clipping was successful in controlling the bleeding.Conclusion. Dieulafoy lesion is a rare reason for GI bleeding and can present in common or unexpected places. Also extreme caution should be used in patients with bleeding tendency due to different reasons, like ITP in our case.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Population
Authors: Vafaeimanesh Jamshid , Parham Mahmoud , Seyyedmajidi Mohammadreza , Bagherzadeh Mohammad
Published: October 2014

Helicobacter pylori(HP) is a common worldwide infection with known gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal complications. One of the gastrointestinal side effects posed for this organism is its role in diabetes and increased insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association betweenHPand insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients and nondiabetics. This cross-sectional study was carried out from May to December 2013 on 211 diabetic patients referred to diabetes clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Qom and 218 patients without diabetes.HPwas evaluated using serology method and insulin resistance was calculated using HOMA-IR. The prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was 55.8% and 44.2% in diabetics and nondiabetics(P=0.001). The study population was divided into twoHPpositive and negative groups. Among nondiabetics, insulin resistance degree was3.01±2.12and2.74±2.18inHP+ andHP− patients, respectivelyP=0.704. Oppositely, insulin resistance was significantly higher in diabeticHP+ patients rather than seronegative ones(4.484±2.781versus3.160±2.327,P=0.013). In diabetic patients, in addition to higher prevalence ofHP, it causes a higher degree of insulin resistance.
Prevalence ofSalmonellaInfection in Dogs in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Jajere Saleh Mohammed , Onyilokwu Samson Amali , Adamu Nuhu Bala , Atsanda Naphtali Nayamanda , Saidu Adamu Saleh , Adamu Shuaibu Gidado , Mustapha Fatima Bukar
Published: October 2014

The prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity ofSalmonellafrom dogs in Maiduguri Metropolis were determined using standard bacteriological methods to assess the risk of possible transmission ofSalmonellainfection from dogs to humans. Of 119 samples,Salmonellawas isolated from 52 (43.7%). Males had higher prevalence of 50.0% compared with 34.7% in females(P<0.05). Dogs older than 24 months had higher prevalence of 61.0% and the lowest was seen in dogs aged 13–24 months(P<0.05). The prevalence of 31.8%, 41.2%, and 58.8% was observed in dogs aged 3–6, 10–12, and 7–9 months, respectively. High prevalence of 49.5% was observed in Mongrels, while Terrier and Alsatian breeds had 30.0% and 8.3%, respectively.Salmonellaisolates from Alsatian and Terrier breeds showed about 100% susceptibility to all the tested antimicrobials. Higher percentage of theSalmonellaisolates from Mongrels also showed susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (89.7%), amoxicillin (87.6%), vancomycin (86.6%), and chloramphenicol (84.5%). However about 50% of these isolates showed resistance to ofloxacin. The carrier status ofSalmonellais high among dogs especially Mongrels. Therefore good environmental hygiene, discouraging straying coupled with feeding of dogs with properly cooked and uncontaminated feeds was recommended to mitigate risk of human salmonellosis.
Applications of Organic and Inorganic Amendments Induce Changes in the Mobility of Mercury and Macro- and Micronutrients of Soils
Authors: García-Sánchez Mercedes , Šípková Adéla , Száková Jiřina , Kaplan Lukáš , Ochecová Pavla , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: October 2014

Both soil organic matter and sulfur (S) can reduce or even suppress mercury (Hg) mobility and bioavailability in soil. A batch incubation experiment was conducted with a Chernozem and a Luvisol artificially contaminated by 440 mg·kg−1 Hg showing wide differences in their physicochemical properties and available nutrients. The individual treatments were (i) digestate from the anaerobic fermentation of biowaste; (ii) fly ash from wood chip combustion; and (iii) ammonium sulfate, and every treatment was added with the same amount of S. The mobile Hg portion in Chernozem was highly reduced by adding digestate, even after 1 day of incubation, compared to control. Meanwhile, the outcome of these treatments was a decrease of mobile Hg forms as a function of incubation time whereas the contents of magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and phosphorus (P) were stimulated by the addition of digestate in both soils. The available calcium (Ca) contents were not affected by the digestate addition. The experiment proved digestate application as the efficient measure for fast reduction of mobile Hg at extremely contaminated soils. Moreover, the decrease of the mobile mercury portion was followed by improvement of the nutrient status of the soils.
Exercise Training Preserves Ischemic Preconditioning in Aged Rat Hearts by Restoring the Myocardial Polyamine Pool
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhang Hao , Xue Guo , Zhang Li , Zhang Weihua , Wang Lina , Lu Fanghao , Li Hongzhu , Bai Shuzhi , Lin Yan , Lou Yu , Xu Changqing , Zhao Yajun
Published: October 2014

Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) strongly protects against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. However, IPC protection is ineffective in aged hearts. Exercise training reduces the incidence of age-related cardiovascular disease and upregulates the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC)/polyamine pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exercise can reestablish IPC protection in aged hearts and whether IPC protection is linked to restoration of the cardiac polyamine pool.Methods. Rats aging 3 or 18 months perform treadmill exercises with or without gradient respectively for 6 weeks. Isolated hearts and isolated cardiomyocytes were exposed to an IR and IPC protocol.Results. IPC induced an increase in myocardial polyamines by regulating ODC and spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase (SSAT) in young rat hearts, but IPC did not affect polyamine metabolism in aged hearts. Exercise training inhibited the loss of preconditioning protection and restored the polyamine pool by activating ODC and inhibiting SSAT in aged hearts. An ODC inhibitor,α-difluoromethylornithine, abolished the recovery of preconditioning protection mediated by exercise. Moreover, polyamines improved age-associated mitochondrial dysfunctionin vitro.Conclusion. Exercise appears to restore preconditioning protection in aged rat hearts, possibly due to an increase in intracellular polyamines and an improvement in mitochondrial function in response to a preconditioning stimulus.
On Types of Distance Fibonacci Numbers Generated by Number Decompositions
Authors: Szynal-Liana Anetta , Włoch Andrzej , Włoch Iwona
Published: October 2014

We introduce new types of distance Fibonacci numbers which are closely related with number decompositions. Using special decompositions of the numbernwe give a sequence of identities for them. Moreover, we give matrix generators for distance Fibonacci numbers and their direct formulas.
Some Propositions on Generalized Nevanlinna Functions of the ClassNk
Authors: Song Yan-Ping , Hao Hui-Feng , Hu Yong-Jian , Chen Gong-Ning
Published: October 2014

Some propositions on the generalized Nevanlinna functions are derived. We indicate mainly that (1) the negative inertia index of a Hermitian generalized Loewner matrix generated by a generalized Nevanlinna function in the classNκdoes not exceedκ. This leads to an equivalent definition of a generalized Nevanlinna function; (2) if a generalized Nevanlinna function in the classNκhas a uniform asymptotic expansion at a real pointαor at infinity, then the negative inertia index of the Hankel matrix constructed with the partial coefficients of that asymptotic expansion does not exceedκ. Also, an explicit formula for the negative index of a real rational function is given by using relations among Loewner, Bézout, and Hankel matrices. These results will provide first tools for the solution of the indefinite truncated moment problems together with the multiple Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problems in the classNκbased on the so-called Hankel vector approach.
Improvement of Moderately Loaded Transonic Axial Compressor Performance Using Low Porosity Bend Skewed Casing Treatment
Authors: Alone Dilipkumar Bhanudasji , Kumar S. Satish , Thimmaiah Shobhavathy M. , Mudipalli Janaki Rami Reddy , Pradeep A. M. , Ramamurthy Srinivasan , Iyengar Venkat S.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents experimental results of a single stage transonic axial flow compressor coupled with low porosity bend skewed casing treatment. The casing treatment has a plenum chamber above the bend slots. The depth of the plenum chamber is varied to understand its impact on the performance of compressor stage. The performance of the compressor stage is evaluated for casing treatment and plenum chamber configurations at two axial locations of 20% and 40%. Experimental results reveal that the stall margin of the compressor stage increases with increase in the plenum chamber volume. Hot-wire measurements show significant reduction in the turbulence intensity with increase in the plenum chamber volume compared to that with the solid casing at the stall condition. At higher operating speeds of 80% and at 20% axial coverage, the stall margin of the compressor increases by 20% with half and full plenum depth. The improvement in the peak stage efficiency observed is 4.6% with half plenum configuration and 3.34% with the full plenum configuration. The maximum improvement in the stall margin of 29.16% is obtained at 50% operating speed with full plenum configurations at 40% axial coverage.
Placental Evolution within the Supraordinal Clades of Eutheria with the Perspective of Alternative Animal Models for Human Placentation
Authors: Mess Andrea
Published: October 2014

Here a survey of placental evolution is conducted. Placentation is a key factor for the evolution of placental mammals that had evolved an astonishing diversity. As a temporary organ that does not allow easy access, it is still not well understood. The lack of data also is a restriction for better understanding of placental development, structure, and function in the human. Animal models are essential, because experimental access to the human placenta is naturally restricted. However, there is not a single ideal model that is entirely similar to humans. It is particularly important to establish other models than the mouse, which is characterised by a short gestation period and poorly developed neonates that may provide insights only for early human pregnancy. In conclusion, current evolutionary studies have contributed essentially to providing a pool of experimental models for recent and future approaches that may also meet the requirements of a long gestation period and advanced developmental status of the newborn in the human. Suitability and limitations of taxa as alternative animal models are discussed. However, further investigations especially in wildlife taxa should be conducted in order to learn more about the full evolutionary plasticity of the placenta system.
Based on Regular Expression Matching of Evaluation of the Task Performance in WSN: A Queue Theory Approach
Authors: Wang Jie , Cui Kai , Zhou Kuanjiu , Yu Yanshuo
Published: October 2014

Due to the limited resources of wireless sensor network, low efficiency of real-time communication scheduling, poor safety defects, and so forth, a queuing performance evaluation approach based on regular expression match is proposed, which is a method that consists of matching preprocessing phase, validation phase, and queuing model of performance evaluation phase. Firstly, the subset of related sequence is generated in preprocessing phase, guiding the validation phase distributed matching. Secondly, in the validation phase, the subset of features clustering, the compressed matching table is more convenient for distributed parallel matching. Finally, based on the queuing model, the sensor networks of task scheduling dynamic performance are evaluated. Experiments show that our approach ensures accurate matching and computational efficiency of more than 70%; it not only effectively detects data packets and access control, but also uses queuing method to determine the parameters of task scheduling in wireless sensor networks. The method for medium scale or large scale distributed wireless node has a good applicability.
A Novel Method Based on Oblique Projection Technology for Mixed Sources Estimation
Authors: Si Weijian , Li Xiaolin , Jiang Yilin , Wan Liangtian
Published: October 2014

Reducing the computational complexity of the near‐field sources and far‐field sources localization algorithms has been considered as a serious problem in the field of array signal processing. A novel algorithm caring for mixed sources location estimation based on oblique projection is proposed in this paper. The sources are estimated at two different stages and the sensor noise power is estimated and eliminated from the covariance which improve the accuracy of the estimation of mixed sources. Using the idea of compress, the range information of near‐field sources is obtained by searching the partial area instead of the whole Fresnel area which can reduce the processing time. Compared with the traditional algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the lower computation complexity and has the ability to solve the two closed‐spaced sources with high resolution and accuracy. The duplication of range estimation is also avoided. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Improving Vehicle Ride and Handling Using LQG CNF Fusion Control Strategy for an Active Antiroll Bar System
Authors: Zulkarnain N. , Zamzuri H. , Sam Y. M. , Mazlan S. A. , Zainal S. M. H. F.
Published: October 2014

This paper analyses a comparison of performance for an active antiroll bar (ARB) system using two types of control strategy. First of all, the LQG control strategy is investigated and then a novel LQG CNF fusion control method is developed to improve the performances on vehicle ride and handling for an active antiroll bar system. However, the ARB system has to balance the trade-off between ride and handling performance, where the CNF consists of a linear feedback law and a nonlinear feedback law. Typically, the linear feedback is designed to yield a quick response at the initial stage, while the nonlinear feedback law is used to smooth out overshoots in the system output when it approaches the target reference. The half car model is combined with a linear single track model with roll dynamics which are used for the analysis and simulation of ride and handling. The performances of the control strategies are compared and the simulation results show the LQG CNF fusion improves the performances in vehicle ride and handling.
A Case of Severe Carotid Stenosis in a Patient with Familial Hypercholesterolemia without Significant Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Barros Marcos Aurélio Lima , Ferreira-Fernandes Hygor , Barros Ingrid Cristina Rêgo , Barbosa Adriel Rêgo , Pinto Giovanny Rebouças
Published: October 2014

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood. In its heterozygous form, it occurs in 1 in 500 individuals in the general population. It is an important contributor to the early onset of coronary artery disease (CAD), accounting for 5–10% of cases of cardiovascular events in people younger than 50 years. Atherogenesis triggered by hypercholesterolemia generally progresses faster in the coronary arteries, followed by the subsequent involvement of other arteries such as the carotids. Thus, symptoms of CAD commonly appear before the onset of significant carotid stenosis. Herein, we report the case of a patient with untreated FH who had severe carotid atherosclerosis at the age of 46 years but had no evidence of significant CAD.
Imaging Findings of Gastric Diverticula
Authors: Schramm Dominik , Bach Andreas Gunter , Zipprich Alexander , Surov Alexey
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Gastric diverticula (GD) are very rare. Computer tomographic findings in GD have been reported only as case reports previously. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GD on computed tomography (CT) and to analyze their radiological appearances.Materials and Methods. From 2006 to 2013, a total of 14,428 patients were examined by abdominal/thoracic CT at our institution. GD were diagnosed in 18 (0.12%) patients (13 women and 5 men, median age, 64 years). In 9 patients, additional endoscopy and in 7 patients upper gastrointestinal investigation with contrast medium were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available for 3 cases.Results. In all patients GD were diagnosed incidentally during CT examination. The diverticula were located at the posterior wall of the gastric fundus below the esophagogastric junction. On CT, GD presented as cystic lesions with a thin wall and an air fluid level, located behind the stomach between spleen, adrenal gland, and crus of the left diaphragm.Conclusion. The prevalence of GD encountered in our CT series is 0.12%. GD demonstrate typical CT appearances, namely, cystic lesions located in the left paravertebral region. The radiologist should be familiar with this finding to avoid possible misinterpretations.
Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Adedipe Olubukola Deborah , Uwalaka Emmanuel Chibuike , Akinseye Victor Oluwatoyin , Adediran Oyeduntan Adejoju , Cadmus Simeon Idowu Babalola
Published: October 2014

As part of an ongoing project to investigate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths of cattle in Nigeria, we carried out a systematic random sampling of cattle slaughtered in a major abattoir in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria. Using sedimentation and floatation methods, we analyzed fecal samples from 397 animals between March and May 2013. Overall, 163 (41.6%) of the animals had at least one gastrointestinal helminth egg, comprising a total of eight helminths from different genera (i.e., four nematodes, three trematodes, and one cestode), with nematode infection being the highest (71.54%). In addition, eggs of four helminths of zoonotic importance were also obtained. Among the cattle examined, the Bunaji breed was the most infected (46%; 69/150). Furthermore, female animals (OR=1.1; 95% CI: 0.60–1.84) and animals with moderate body condition (OR=1.2; 95% CI: 0.80–1.79) are more likely to be positive to helminth infection. Our findings reveal that there were helminth infections of both zoonotic and socioeconomic importance among the cattle screened. Considering the impact of the infections on animal production and public health, we advocate that effective prophylactic measures be adopted as a first step to curtail helminth infections of cattle in Nigeria.
Identification and Classification of the Unique Features of Mass Housing Projects
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Fugar Frank , Adinyira Emmanuel , Ahadzie Divine Kwaku
Published: October 2014

Mass housing projects (MHPs) are said to differ significantly from the “one-off” traditional building projects often encountered in the construction industry and thus require unique management skills and approach in MHPs delivery. This unique nature of MHPs contributes to managerial inefficiencies that result in delivery failures when management approaches are not adapted to the project characteristics. However, understanding and knowledge of the unique attributes of MHPs are critical towards improving the organisation, planning, managerial effectiveness, and delivery success of mass housing projects. To date, extensive studies establishing the unique features of mass housing projects are lacking. This study is set out to identify what constitutes the unique features of mass housing projects by comparing mass housing projects to traditional “one-off” building projects. A questionnaire survey was used to establish mass housing practitioners’ perception of the unique characteristics of MHPs. Data analysis involving mean scores and ANOVA revealed 10 unique features of MHP. A clear and systematic understanding of these unique features of MHPs is crucial for evolving effective project management practices and critical competencies towards successful delivery of current and future MHPs.
A Note on Best Approximation in 0-Complete Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Demma Marta , Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem , Vetro Calogero
Published: October 2014

We study the existence and uniqueness of best proximity points in the setting of 0-complete partial metric spaces. We get our results by showing that the generalizations, which we have to consider, are obtained from the corresponding results in metric spaces. We introduce some new concepts and consider significant theorems to support this fact.
Differentiation and Loss of Malignant Character of Spontaneous Pulmonary Metastases in Patient-Derived Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Bockhorn Jessica , Prat Aleix , Chang Ya-Fang , Liu Xia , Huang Simo , Shang Meng , Nwachukwu Chika , Gomez-Vega Maria J. , Harrell J. Chuck , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Perou Charles M. , Liu Huiping
Published: October 2014

Patient-derived human-in-mouse xenograft models of breast cancer (PDX models) that exhibit spontaneous lung metastases offer a potentially powerful model of cancer metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the malignant character of lung micrometastases that emerge in such models after orthotopic implantation of human breast tumor cells into the mouse mammary fat pad. Interestingly, relative to the parental primary breast tumors, the lung metastasis (met)–derived mammary tumors exhibited a slower growth rate and a reduced metastatic potential with a more differentiated epithelial status. Epigenetic correlates were determined by gene array analyses. Lung met–derived tumors displayed differential expression of negative regulators of cell proliferation and metabolism and positive regulators of mammary epithelial differentiation. Clinically, this signature correlated with breast tumor subtypes. We identified hsa-miR-138 (miR-138) as a novel regulator of invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells, acting by directly targeting the polycomb epigenetic regulator EZH2. Mechanistic investigations showed that GATA3 transcriptionally controlled miR-138 levels in lung metastases. Notably, the miR-138 activity signature served as a novel independent prognostic marker for patient survival beyond traditional pathologic variables, intrinsic subtypes, or a proliferation gene signature. Our results highlight the loss of malignant character in some lung micrometastatic lesions and the epigenetic regulation of this phenotype. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7406–17. ©2014 AACR.