bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterile-α- and Armadillo Motif-Containing Protein Inhibits the TRIF-Dependent Downregulation of Signal Regulatory Protein α To Interfere with Intracellular Bacterial Elimination in Burkholderia pseudomallei-Infected Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Baral Pankaj , Utaisincharoen Pongsak
Published: July 2013

Burkholderia pseudomallei
, the causative agent of melioidosis, evades macrophage killing by suppressing the TRIF-dependent pathway, leading to inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. We previously demonstrated that virulent wild-type
B. pseudomallei
inhibits the TRIF-dependent pathway by upregulating sterile-α- and armadillo motif-containing protein (SARM) and by inhibiting downregulation of signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα); both molecules are negative regulators of Toll-like receptor signaling. In contrast, the less virulent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mutant of
B. pseudomallei
is unable to exhibit these features and is susceptible to macrophage killing. However, the functional relationship of these two negative regulators in the evasion of macrophage defense has not been elucidated. We demonstrated here that SIRPα downregulation was observed after inhibition of SARM expression by small interfering RNA in wild-type-infected macrophages, indicating that SIRPα downregulation is regulated by SARM. Furthermore, this downregulation requires activation of the TRIF signaling pathway, as we observed abrogation of SIRPα downregulation as well as restricted bacterial growth in LPS mutant-infected TRIF-depleted macrophages. Although inhibition of SARM expression is correlated to SIRPα downregulation and iNOS upregulation in gamma interferon-activated wild-type-infected macrophages, these phenomena appear to bypass the TRIF-dependent pathway. Similar to live bacteria, the wild-type LPS is able to upregulate SARM and to prevent SIRPα downregulation, implying that the LPS of
B. pseudomallei
may play a crucial role in regulating the expression of these two negative regulators. Altogether, our findings show a previously unrecognized role of
B. pseudomallei
-induced SARM in inhibiting SIRPα downregulation-mediated iNOS upregulation, facilitating the ability of the bacterium to multiply in macrophages.
SdiA Aids Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Carriage by Cattle Fed a Forage or Grain Diet
Authors: Sheng Haiqing , Nguyen Y. N. , Hovde Carolyn J. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: July 2013

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) causes hemorrhagic colitis and life-threatening complications. The main reservoirs for EHEC are healthy ruminants. We reported that SdiA senses acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) in the bovine rumen to activate expression of the glutamate acid resistance (
gad
) genes priming EHEC's acid resistance before they pass into the acidic abomasum. Conversely, SdiA represses expression of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes, whose expression is not required for bacterial survival in the rumen but is necessary for efficient colonization at the rectoanal junction (RAJ) mucosa. Our previous studies show that SdiA-dependent regulation was necessary for efficient EHEC colonization of cattle fed a grain diet. Here, we compared the SdiA role in EHEC colonization of cattle fed a forage hay diet. We detected AHLs in the rumen of cattle fed a hay diet, and these AHLs activated
gad
gene expression in an SdiA-dependent manner. The rumen fluid and fecal samples from hay-fed cattle were near neutrality, while the same digesta samples from grain-fed animals were acidic. Cattle fed either grain or hay and challenged with EHEC orally carried the bacteria similarly. EHEC was cleared from the rumen within days and from the RAJ mucosa after approximately one month. In competition trials, where animals were challenged with both wild-type and SdiA deletion mutant bacteria, diet did not affect the outcome that the wild-type strain was better able to persist and colonize. However, the wild-type strain had a greater advantage over the SdiA deletion mutant at the RAJ mucosa among cattle fed the grain diet.
Serine Lipids of Porphyromonas gingivalis Are Human and Mouse Toll-Like Receptor 2 Ligands
Authors: Clark Robert B. , Cervantes Jorge L. , Maciejewski Mark W. , Farrokhi Vahid , Nemati Reza , Yao Xudong , Anstadt Emily , Fujiwara Mai , Wright Kyle T. , Riddle Caroline , La Vake Carson J. , Salazar Juan C. , Finegold Sydney , Nichols Frank C.
Published: July 2013

The total cellular lipids of
Porphyromas gingivalis
, a known periodontal pathogen, were previously shown to promote dendritic cell activation and inhibition of osteoblasts through engagement of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). The purpose of the present investigation was to fractionate all lipids of
P. gingivalis
and define which lipid classes account for the TLR2 engagement, based on both
in vitro
human cell assays and
in vivo
studies in mice. Specific serine-containing lipids of
P. gingivalis
, called lipid 654 and lipid 430, were identified in specific high-performance liquid chromatography fractions as the TLR2-activating lipids. The structures of these lipids were defined using tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance methods.
In vitro
, both lipid 654 and lipid 430 activated TLR2-expressing HEK cells, and this activation was inhibited by anti-TLR2 antibody. In contrast, TLR4-expressing HEK cells failed to be activated by either lipid 654 or lipid 430. Wild-type (WT) or TLR2-deficient (TLR2
−/−
) mice were injected with either lipid 654 or lipid 430, and the effects on serum levels of the chemokine CCL2 were measured 4 h later. Administration of either lipid 654 or lipid 430 to WT mice resulted in a significant increase in serum CCL2 levels; in contrast, the administration of lipid 654 or lipid 430 to TLR2
−/−
mice resulted in no increase in serum CCL2. These results thus identify a new class of TLR2 ligands that are produced by
P. gingivalis
that likely play a significant role in mediating inflammatory responses both at periodontal sites and, potentially, in other tissues where these lipids might accumulate.
Shrinking the FadE Proteome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Insights into Cholesterol Metabolism through Identification of an α
2
β
2
Heterotetrameric Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Family
Authors: Wipperman Matthew F. , Yang Meng , Thomas Suzanne T. , Sampson Nicole S.
Published: July 2013

The ability of the pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to metabolize steroids like cholesterol and the roles that these compounds play in the virulence and pathogenesis of this organism are increasingly evident. Here, we demonstrate through experiments and bioinformatic analysis the existence of an architecturally distinct subfamily of acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) dehydrogenase (ACAD) enzymes that are α
2
β
2
heterotetramers with two active sites. These enzymes are encoded by two adjacent ACAD (
fadE
) genes that are regulated by cholesterol. FadE26-FadE27 catalyzes the dehydrogenation of 3β-hydroxy-chol-5-en-24-oyl-CoA, an analog of the 5-carbon side chain cholesterol degradation intermediate. Genes encoding the α
2
β
2
heterotetrameric ACAD structures are present in multiple regions of the
M. tuberculosis
genome, and subsets of these genes are regulated by four different transcriptional repressors or activators: KstR1 (also known as KstR), KstR2, Mce3R, and SigE. Homologous ACAD gene pairs are found in other
Actinobacteria
, as well as
Proteobacteria
. Their structures and genomic locations suggest that the α
2
β
2
heterotetrameric structural motif has evolved to enable catalysis of dehydrogenation of steroid- or polycyclic-CoA substrates and that they function in four subpathways of cholesterol metabolism.
Multiyear assessment of the sedimentological impacts of the removal of the Munroe Falls Dam on the middle Cuyahoga River, Ohio
Authors: Peck John A. , Kasper Nicholas R.
Published: July 2013

The 2005 removal of the 3.6-m-high Munroe Falls Dam from the middle Cuyahoga River, Ohio, provided an opportunity to assess dam removal channel-evolution models and to anticipate impacts from additional dam removals on the Cuyahoga River. Preremoval geomorphic and sedimentologic conditions were characterized. Monitoring of the river response to dam removal has continued for 5 yr. The dam removal lowered base level and increased flow velocity upstream of the former dam site. Postremoval, the initial channel response was rapid incision to the predam substrate, followed by rapid lateral erosion of the exposed impoundment fill. Four to nine months after removal, dewatering and vegetation of the exposed impoundment fill greatly reduced the rate of lateral erosion. For 2.5 yr post -removal, sandy bar forms were present upstream of the former dam, and sand was transported under all flow conditions of the year. Subsequently, the bed has become armored with gravel. Downstream of the former dam site, the channel aggraded with sand, causing flow to occupy meander bend chutes that had formerly only been active during high flow. A sandy deltaic feature has accumulated 3.3 km downstream in the impoundment created by the Le Fever Dam. The impacts of the Munroe Falls Dam removal are generally well described by published channel-evolution models with minor exceptions due to local geology and hydrology. The similarities between the Munroe Falls and Le Fever Dam impoundments suggest that this study can aid in understanding the impacts of the possible future removal of the Le Fever Dam.
Engineering Seismology
Authors: Neumann Frank
Published: July 2013

Engineering seismology consists of those branches of seismology that have application to the aseismic design of structures. The expression "earthquake engineering" applies primarily to the design problem itself, but the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Engineering semismology experienced its most rapid development in Japan, and present practices in aseismic design are based largely on Japanese research. In recent years the Coast and Geodetic Survey filled a serious void in all such programs by establishing a network of strong-motion seismograph stations in the Pacific Coast area to register damaging ground and building vibrations. This yielded new information on the nature and magnitude of such motions and inaugurated new approaches to the aseismic-design problem.

Former efforts to associate various grades of earthquake intensity with acceleration alone are giving way to more logical relationships involving the frequencies and energies of seismic waves. The wide ranges of intensity and ground motion measured on different types of geological formations (under otherwise similar conditions) are more than substantiating earlier findings pointing to the importance of the foundation factor in earthquake-engineering problems. New interpretations are being made of intensity-distribution maps, and isoseismal lines may be replaced by efforts to evaluate basement rock and surface intensities quantitatively using both instrumental and noninstrumental data. Other phases of the seismic-risk problem are also discussed.

Steady progress is being made in determining the maximum lateral forces that specific earthquake motions impress on structures and in overcoming the mathematical bottlenecks associated with the problem. The so-called "earthquake spectrum" appears to be the engineer's answer to the former problem, but effort is still required to derive the maximum benefit from this analytical tool. A spectrum shows the maximum theoretical responses of multi-period oscillators to a recorded earthquake motion. Some examples are cited of the use of seismological techniques in solving other types of vibration problems including blast vibrations.
Geology And Pedology in Highway Soil Engineering
Authors: Thornburn Thomas H.
Published: July 2013

There has been a close historical connection between developments in geology and civil engineering. Highway engineers, in particular, not only design and build heavy structures covering relatively small areas of earth material, but they also construct lightly loaded pavement structures covering large areas. In both cases, information is needed about the soil conditions. Detailed soil mechanics investigations can usually be justified for the design of heavy bridge and overpass structures; however, the engineer concerned with roadway design can seldom afford the time and money that are necessary for a detailed survey of a right-of-way, which is often 300 feet wide and several miles long. Proper roadway design, therefore, requires the use of every available aid in order to relate a small amount of test and pavement performance data to the largest possible mass of earth. The principal sources of such assistance are geologic and agricultural (pedologic) soil reports, which provide information on the distribution and character of surficial deposits, and vertical aerial photographs. Significant progress has been made in the correlation of geologic, pedologic, and air photo map units with engineering characteristics of soils. In the beginning, such correlations were based primarily on qualitative field observations; later, representative test data were included; and finally, through the use of statistical methods, some measure of the variability of natural soils was obtained. The statistical correlation of quantitative engineering data with map units is still in its infancy, but it gives promise of providing a rational basis for the design of highway pavements. This review is primarily a discussion of the development of procedures of engineering soil survey and classification which rely upon geology, pedology, and air photo interpretation for exploration, presentation of data, extrapolation of data, and formulation of design criteria. Particular emphasis is given to pedologic classification and its engineering applications.
Clay as a Canal Sealant
Authors: Dirmeyer R. D.
Published: July 2013

Conveyance losses in irrigation canals commonly range from 20 to 40 per cent: however, the high costs of construction of conventional canal linings, such as those of concrete, asphalt, and plastic, often prevent large-scale efforts to control seepage. Thus, the idea of lowering costs by utilizing flowing canal water for placement of sealing clays in the leaky zones of canals is an attractive one. This paper traces the development of water-borne clay sealants for canals, from natural silting to the recently developed methods of sediment-sealing with bentonite.

In general, the water-borne clays are best for sealing coarsely rocky to gravelly canal bed materials. Less favorable results are obtained when clays are used for sealing fine-grained silty to sandy canal materials. Lack of penetration and short life are the main problems with clays used for sealing fine-grained soils.

The cost of clay-sealing ranges from less than $.01/square yard of canal area to an extreme value of about $2.00/square yard. Concrete linings, which are usually considered the best answer to most seepage loss problems, seldom cost less than $2.00 per square yard.
Ileocecal lipohyperplasia presenting as a chronic sideropenic anaemia
Authors: Hamid Hytham K S , Ahmed Iftikhar , Mohamed Ahmed , O'Hanrahan Tim
Published: July 2013

Ileocecal lipohyperplasia is a relatively uncommon pathological entity characterised by submucosal infiltration of adipose tissue in the ileocecal valve (ICV). The majority of patients are asymptomatic, whereas, others present with serious complications. We report a 45-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of melena with secondary sideropenic anaemia for 6 years. Extensive radiological and endoscopic workup failed to detect the source of bleeding. During his last admission for abdominal pain, contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a fatty mass at the ICV. The patient underwent limited right hemicolectomy, and histology confirmed ileocecal lipohyperplasia. The patient remained well 18 months later. This case highlights the difficulties encountered by clinicians in diagnosing this unusual colonic pathology.
Severe neonatal complication of transverse lie after preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Van der Kaay D C M , Horsch S , Duvekot J J
Published: July 2013

Both transverse lie and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. We present a neonate born at 29 weeks gestation with severe birth trauma after PPROM and transverse lie. The patient had extensive swelling and areas of desquamated and necrotic skin of the right lower limb. Neonatal compartment syndrome (NCS) was suspected. Perfusion of the limb improved after decompressing subcutaneous incisions. A fetus in transverse lie may be mechanically damaged in the case of PPROM, especially at an early gestational age. Early recognition is of great interest in the management and prognosis of NCS.
Neonatal lupus with atypical cardiac and cutaneous manifestation
Authors: Morais Sofia , Santos Isabel Cristina , Pereira Dolores Faria , Mimoso Gabriela
Published: July 2013

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a rare, passively acquired autoimmune disease, caused by maternal autoantibodies. The most common manifestations are skin rash and congenital heart block. Cutaneous manifestations may be present at birth, but often develop within a few weeks after delivery. Congenital heart block may present as bradycardia in utero or during physical examination at birth. Approximately 40–60% of mothers are asymptomatic when the infants are diagnosed. We present a case of a child, born with erythematosus lesions in the face, scalp, trunk, limbs and nodules/papules on the palmar and plantar surfaces. He also had hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Echocardiography showed hyperechoic lesions on the anterior papilar muscle of the left ventricle and on the lateral cusp of the tricuspid valve. The mother had unexplained fever and vasculitic lesions in her hands and feet. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-SSa/Ro and anti-SSb/La were positive in the mother and child, making the diagnosis of neonatal lupus.
Acquired vascular malformation in ruptured caesarean section scar: a rare cause of life-threatening vaginal bleeding
Authors: Hilal Kiran , Masroor Imrana , Aziz Aliya , Sayani Raza
Published: July 2013

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare and potentially life-threatening lesions. Patients present with severe vaginal bleeding which usually does not respond to conservative management and on most of occasions requires radiological or surgical intervention. We report a case of acquired AVM in a ruptured caesarean section scar. The patient presented with life-threatening vaginal bleeding and was treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and subsequent angioembolisation coiling.
Ileal atresia secondary to antenatal strangulation of Littre's hernia in an exomphalos minor
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Khoo A Kate , De Coppi Paolo , Pierro Agostino
Published: July 2013

We describe an unusual case of ileal atresia, resulting from antenatal strangulation of a Meckel’s diverticulum in an exomphalos minor. This is a rare antenatal complication of Littre’s hernia, which has not been previously described. A small exomphalos minor at the base of umbilical cord and late onset vascular accident at the narrow defect leading to ileal atresia may be missed in the prenatal diagnosis. The triad of exomphalos minor, Meckel's diverticulum and terminal ileal atresia secondary to antenatal strangulation of Littre's hernia is very rare to find in the same patient. A small exomphalos minor at the base of the umbilical cord can be missed even in the postnatal period. Our case lends direct evidence of vascular accident as a cause of ileal atresia and supports vascular theory. Whenever possible umbilicus should be preserved naturally and exomphalos sac should be opened higher up for excellent cosmetic results.
Consent processes in cluster-randomised trials in residential facilities for older adults: a systematic review of reporting practices and proposed guidelines
Authors: DiazOrdaz Karla , Slowther Anne-Marie , Potter Rachel , Eldridge Sandra
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess the quality of reported consent processes of cluster-randomised trials conducted in residential facilities for older people and to explore whether the focus on improving the general conduct and reporting of cluster-randomised trials influenced the quality of conduct and reporting of ethical processes in these trials.

Design

Systematic review of cluster-randomised trials reports, published up to the end of 2010.

Data sources

National Library of Medicine (Medline) via PubMed, hand-searches ofBMJ,Journal of the American Medical Association,BMC Health Services Research,Age and Ageing and Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, reference search in Web of Knowledge and consultation with experts.

Eligibility for selecting studies

Published cluster-randomised trials where the unit of randomisation is a part or the whole of a residential facility for older people, without language or year of publication restrictions.

Results

We included 73 trials. Authors reported ethical approval in 59, obtaining individual consent in 51, and using proxies for this consent in 37, but the process to assess residents’ capacity to consent was clearly reported in only eight. We rated only six trials high for the quality of consent processes. We considered that individual informed consent could have been waived legitimately in 14  of 22 trials not reporting obtaining consent. The proportions reporting ethical approval and quality of consent processes were higher in recent trials.

Conclusions

Recently published international recommendations regarding ethical conduct in cluster-randomised trials are much needed. In relation to consent processes when cognitively impaired individuals are included in these trials, we provide a six-point checklist and recommend the minimum information to be reported. Those who lack capacity in trials with complex designs should be afforded the same care in relation to consent as competent adults in trials with simpler designs.
Research study of the hydraulic behaviour of the Po River embankments
Authors: Calabresi Giovanni , Colleselli Francesco , Danese Domenico , Giani Gianpaolo , Mancuso Claudio , Montrasio Lorella , Nocilla Alessandra , Pagano Luca , Reali Ernesto , Sciotti Alessandra
Published: July 2013

To investigate the hydraulic behaviour of the fine-grained embankments along the mid-course of the Po River, research was carried out on a full-scale physical model, built on the floodplain along the existing embankment and forming a pond. The pond was filled to reproduce historical floods. The prototype was built according to recommendations formulated by the Po River Management Authority. The engineering properties of the foundation soils were investigated by in situ tests and complemented by some suction-controlled laboratory tests. Pore-water pressure was measured in the embankment and in its foundation before, during, and after the experimental reproduction of two floods that occurred in 1976 and 2000. Atmospheric variables were monitored at the prototype site. Monitoring data refer to 6 months of experimental activities. Pore-water pressure measurements were first presented and subsequently interpreted through an isothermal two-dimensional flow approach where boundary flow rates express the evolution of atmospheric variables. The distribution of the pore water provided by this interpretation was used for stability analyses of the prototype. Results from the experimental activities and their interpretation indicate that the river embankment remains extensively unsaturated during floods. Typical suction trends within the embankment, suction-associated soil strength, and the resulting slope stability safety factors are also shown.
Internalization ofMycobacterium shottsiiandMycobacterium pseudoshottsiibyAcanthamoeba polyphaga
Authors: Gupta Tuhina , Fine-Coulson Kari , Karls Russell , Gauthier David , Quinn Frederick
Published: July 2013

Amoebae serve as environmental hosts to a variety of mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium marinum. Mycobacterium shottsii and Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii are waterborne species isolated from the spleens and dermal lesions of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from the Chesapeake Bay. The optimal growth temperature for these fish isolates is 25 °C. In the present study, amoebae were examined as a potential environmental reservoir for these fish pathogens. Several studies demonstrated that M. avium bacilli replicate within the trophozoite stage and reside in large numbers within the cytosol of the cyst of the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Results from the present study showed that M. shottsii, M. pseudoshottsii, and M. marinum bacilli were internalized by A. polyphaga trophozoites within 6 h but that intracellular viability decreased by 2 to 3 logs over 10 days. While an average of 25 M. marinum bacilli were identified by electron microscopy in the cytosol of the cyst, <5 M. pseudoshottsii and no M. shottsii bacilli were observed in this location. All Mycobacterium species examined remained viable but did not replicate after encystment and subsequent 48 h incubation in 4% HCl. This concentration of HCl will kill mycobacteria but will not enter amoebal cysts. Bacterial viability studies within stages of the amoeba life cycle indicate fewer M. shottsii and M. pseudoshottsii bacilli within the trophozoite and cyst stages relative to M. marinum.
SOME ASPECTS OF SPHERICAL SYMMETRIC EXTREMAL DYONIC BLACK HOLES IN 4D N = 1 SUPERGRAVITY
Authors: GUNARA BOBBY E. , ZEN FREDDY P. , AKBAR FIKI T. , SUROSO AGUS , ARIANTO
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we study several aspects of extremal spherical symmetric black hole solutions of four-dimensional N = 1 supergravity coupled to vector and chiral multiplets with the scalar potential turned on. In the asymptotic region, the complex scalars are fixed and regular which can be viewed as the critical points of the black hole and the scalar potentials with vanishing scalar charges. It follows that the asymptotic geometries are of a constant and nonzero scalar curvature which are generally not Einstein. These spaces could also correspond to the near horizon geometries which are the product spaces of a two anti-de Sitter surface and the two sphere if the value of the scalars in both regions coincide. In addition, we prove the local existence of nontrivial radius dependent complex scalar fields which interpolate between the horizon and the asymptotic region. We finally give some simple ℂn-models with both linear superpotential and gauge couplings.
FUNCTION PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE CHAOTIC SYSTEMS WITH PARAMETERS UNKNOWN
Authors: ZHAO JIAKUN , WU YING
Published: July 2013

This work is concerned with the general methods for the function projective synchronization (FPS) of chaotic (or hyperchaotic) systems. The aim is to investigate the FPS of different chaotic (hyper-chaotic) systems with unknown parameters. The adaptive control law and the parameter update law are derived to make the states of two different chaotic systems asymptotically synchronized up to a desired scaling function by Lyapunov stability theory. The general approach for FPS of Chen hyperchaotic system and Lü system is provided. Numerical simulations are also presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
IMPROVING CODEBOOK-BASED WRITER RECOGNITION
Authors: JEHANZEB MUHAMMED , SULONG GHAZALI BIN , SIDDIQI IMRAN
Published: July 2013

This paper presents an effective method for writer recognition from offline handwritten documents by extending the idea of codebook-based writer recognition. The study is based on generating two codebooks, primary and secondary. The writer of a handwritten document is characterized by the probability of occurrence of codebook patterns in his/her writing. The main contribution of this study is the proposition of a secondary codebook to capture information on connecting strokes in addition to the main strokes. The writing is divided into small windows and, for each window, four small adjacent windows are considered. The patterns in the main and adjacent windows are clustered separately to generate two codebooks. The proposed method evaluated on 650 writers of the IAM database reports an identification rate of 96% and validates the idea that complementing the primary codebook with a secondary codebook serves to enhance the recognition rates.
A NONEXTENSIVE STATISTICAL MODEL FOR THE NUCLEON STRUCTURE FUNCTION
Authors: TREVISAN LUIS AUGUSTO , MIREZ CARLOS
Published: July 2013

We studied an application of nonextensive thermodynamics to describe the structure function of nucleon, in a model where the usual Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein energy distribution were replaced by the equivalent functions of the q-statistical. The parameters of the model are given by an effective temperature T, the q parameter (from Tsallis statistics), and two chemical potentials given by the corresponding up (u) and down (d) quark normalizations in the nucleon.
AUTOMATED AVERAGING OF AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSE WAVEFORMS USING WAVELET ANALYSIS
Authors: IKAWA NOBUKO
Published: July 2013

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is widely used as an index to assist hearing and brain function diagnoses. In particular, in clinical applications, the rapid detection of ABR peak characteristics is required. One approach to improving the speed of detection is to decrease the number of signal averaging procedures while denoising during the detection of ABR waveforms; another approach is to extract the characteristics of ABR waveform components. In our previous study, to represent ABR waveform components, we obtained not only the frequency characteristics of an ABR but also the frequency characteristics of each component of the ABR based on the time (latency). Using a one-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (DWT) in this latency-frequency analysis, we described an approximate method of reproducing ABR signals with a low SNR from observed values obtained with a smaller number of averaging procedures. At the same time, using this multiple-level frequency decomposition of ABR signals according to the known frequency content of the ABR, we extracted the peak latency of the fast component of the ABR using fewer averagings of the ABR data. From these decomposition and reconstruction results for ABR signals, we proposed the optimal decomposition level of the ABR and explained how we used the waveform of the ABR reconstructed by the inverse DWT (IDWT). In this paper, we propose a method of automated averaging of the ABR using the waveform reconstructed by discrete wavelet multiresolution analysis (MRA). Our proposed method will be useful for the fast detection of ABR latency characteristics in hearing screening test.
Word sense and semantic relations in noun compounds
Authors: Kim Su Nam , Baldwin Timothy
Published: July 2013

In this article, we investigate word sense distributions in noun compounds (NCs). Our primary goal is to disambiguate the word sense of component words in NCs, based on investigation of “semantic collocation” between them. We use sense collocation and lexical substitution to build supervised and unsupervised word sense disambiguation (WSD) classifiers, and show our unsupervised learner to be superior to a benchmark WSD system. Further, we develop a word sense-based approach to interpreting the semantic relations in NCs.
An Analysis of Language-Level Support for Self-Adaptive Software
Authors: Salvaneschi Guido , Ghezzi Carlo , Pradella Matteo
Published: July 2013

Self-adaptive software has become increasingly important to address the new challenges of complex computing systems. To achieve adaptation, software must be designed and implemented by following suitable criteria, methods, and strategies. Past research has been mostly addressing adaptation by developing solutions at the software architecture level. This work, instead, focuses on finer-grain programming language-level solutions. We analyze three main linguistic approaches: metaprogramming, aspect-oriented programming, and context-oriented programming. The first two are general-purpose linguistic mechanisms, whereas the third is a specific and focused approach developed to support context-aware applications. This paradigm provides specialized language-level abstractions to implement dynamic adaptation and modularize behavioral variations in adaptive systems.

The article shows how the three approaches can support the implementation of adaptive systems and compares the pros and cons offered by each solution.
Systematic Review into Diagnostics for Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)
Authors: Adams Emily R. , Versteeg Inge , Leeflang Mariska M. G.
Published: July 2013

Identification of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is important due to the long and toxic treatment and the fact that PKDL patients may serve as a reservoir for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We summarized the published literature about the accuracy of diagnostic tests for PKDL. We searched Medline for eligible studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of any test for PKDL. Study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Data were extracted from 21 articles including 43 separate studies. Twenty-seven studies evaluated serological tests (rK39 dipstick, ELISA, DAT, and leishmanin tests), six studies molecular tests, eight microscopy, and two cultures. Only a few of these studies reported a valid estimate of diagnostic accuracy, as most were case-control designs or used a reference standard with low sensitivity. The included studies were very heterogeneous, for example, due to a large variety of reference standards used. Hence, no summary estimates of sensitivity or specificity could be made. We recommend well-designed diagnostic accuracy trials that evaluate, side-by-side, all currently available diagnostics, including clinical symptoms, serological, antigen, molecular, and parasitological tests and possible use of statistical modelling to evaluate diagnostics when there is no suitable gold standard.
Lipid-Based Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Miller Andrew D.
Published: July 2013

Today, researchers are constantly developing new nanomaterials, nanodevices, and nanoparticles to meet unmet needs in the delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging agents for cancer therapy and diagnosis, respectively. Of particular interest here are lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) that are genuine particles (approximately 100 nm in dimension) assembled from varieties of lipid and other chemical components that act collectively to overcome biological barriers (biobarriers), in order for LNPs to preferentially accumulate in or around disease-target cells for the functional delivery of therapeutic agents for treatment or of imaging agents for diagnosis. The capabilities of these LNPs will clearly vary depending on functional requirements, but the nanoscale allows for an impressive level of diversity in capabilities to enable corresponding LNPs to address an equally diverse range of functional requirements. Accordingly, LNPs should be considered appropriate vehicles to provide an integrated, personalized approach to cancer diagnosis and therapy in future cancer disease management.
On the Efficiency of Capacitively Loaded Frequency Reconfigurable Antennas
Authors: Caporal Del Barrio Samantha , Pedersen Gert F.
Published: July 2013

The design of a reconfigurable antenna that can be fine tuned to address future communication systems is proposed. The design consists of a capacitively loaded patch antenna for nowadays smartphone platforms. The antenna is narrowband and can be fine tuned over the range (700 MHz–960 MHz). Measurements at 700 MHz with fixed capacitors raise the challenge of the component insertion loss. Distribution of the tuning capacitance is investigated and shows 1 dB improvement in the antenna radiation efficiency.
A Neonate with Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis after Passive Cooling: Does Polycythemia Have an Effect?
Authors: Calisici Erhan , Oncel Mehmet Yekta , Degirmencioglu Halil , Sandal Gonca , Canpolat Fuat Emre , Erdeve Omer , Oguz Serife Suna , Dilmen Ugur
Published: July 2013

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is an inflammatory disorder of adipose tissue. The main risk factors for the development of SCFN are perinatal asphyxia and hypothermia. Presented here is a case of a newborn who developed SCFN in association with polycythemia and hypocalcemia following treatment by passive cooling. Neonates who undergo passive or whole body cooling therapy should be closely monitored for any signs of SCFN.
Autologous Serum Skin Test versus Autologous Plasma Skin Test in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Alpay Aysegul , Solak Tekin Nilgün , Tekin Ishak Özel , Altinyazar H. Cevdet , Koca Rafet , Çınar Saniye
Published: July 2013

Previous studies indicate that 25–45% of chronic urticaria patients have an autoimmune etiology. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) and autologous plasma skin test (APST) are simple tests for diagnosing chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU). However, there are still some questions about the specificity of these tests. This study consisted of 50 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and 50 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals aged 18 years, and older. A total of 31 (62%) patients and 5 (10%) control patients had positive ASST; 21 (42%) patients and 3 (6%) control patients had positive APST. Statistically significant differences were noted in ASST and APST positivity between the patient and control groups (ASSTP<0.001; APSTP<0.001). Thirteen (26%) patients and 5 (10%) control patients had antithyroglobulin antibodies or antithyroid peroxidase antibody positivity. No statistically significant differences were noted in thyroid autoantibodies between the patient and control groups (anti-TGP=0.317; anti-TPOP=0.269). We consider that the ASST and APST can both be used asin vivotests for the assessment of autoimmunity in the etiology of CSU and that thyroid autoantibodies should be checked even when thyroid function tests reveal normal results in patients with CSU.
Healthy Lifestyles of University Students in China and Influential Factors
Authors: Wang Dong , Xing Xiao-Hui , Wu Xian-Bo
Published: July 2013

This study was conducted to analyze to what extent university students exhibit healthy lifestyles and which sociodemographic variables influence healthy lifestyles. 4809 university students randomly selected were measured by use of the Healthy Lifestyle Scale for University Students questionnaire. When controlling for the other variables, the total healthy lifestyles score was predicted by gender, grade, father’s level of education, and type of institution; exercise behaviour was partially predicted by gender, grade, type of institution, and family monthly income; regular behaviour was modulated by gender, grade, type of institution, family monthly income, and father’s educational level; nutrition behaviour was partially affected by type of institution, family monthly income, and father’s educational level; health risk behaviour was modulated by gender, mother’s level of education, and family monthly income; health responsibility was modulated by gender, grade, type of institution, and father’s educational level; social support was modulated by gender, grade, and father’s educational level; stress management was modulated by gender, grade, type of institution, and mother’s education level; life appreciation was modulated by grade, type of institution, and mother’s educational level. These influences should be taken into account in designing interventions for specific socio‐demographic profiles that might be at higher risk for certain behaviours.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of O-[3-18F-fluoropropyl]-α-methyl Tyrosine in Mesothelioma-Bearing Rodents
Authors: Shih I-Hong , Kong Fan-Lin , Ali Mohammad S. , Zhang Yinhan , Yu Dong-Fang , Duan Xudong , Yang David J.
Published: July 2013

Radiolabeled tyrosine analogs enter cancer cells via upregulated amino acid transporter system and have been shown to be superior to18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) in differential diagnosis in cancers. In this study, we synthesized O-[3-19F-fluoropropyl]-α-methyl tyrosine (19F-FPAMT) and used manual and automated methods to synthesize O-[3-18F-fluoropropyl]-α-methyl tyrosine (18F-FPAMT) in three steps: nucleophilic substitution, deprotection of butoxycarbonyl, and deesterification. Manual and automated synthesis methods produced18F-FPAMT with a radiochemical purity >96%. The decay-corrected yield of18F-FPAMT by manual synthesis was 34% at end-of-synthesis (88 min). The decay-corrected yield of18F-FPAMT by automated synthesis was 15% at end-of-synthesis (110 min).18F-FDG and18F-FPAMT were used forin vitroandin vivostudies to evaluate the feasibility of18F-FPAMT for imaging rat mesothelioma (IL-45).In vitrostudies comparing18F-FPAMT with18F-FDG revealed that18F-FDG had higher uptake than that of18F-FPAMT, and the uptake ratio of18F-FPAMT reached the plateau after being incubated for 60 min. Biodistribution studies revealed that the accumulation of18F-FPAMT in the heart, lungs, thyroid, spleen, and brain was significantly lower than that of18F-FDG. There was poor bone uptake in18F-FPAMT for up to 3 hrs suggesting itsin vivostability. The imaging studies showed good visualization of tumors with18F-FPAMT. Together, these results suggest that18F-FPAMT can be successfully synthesized and has great potential in mesothelioma imaging.
Antireflux Endoluminal Therapies: Past and Present
Authors: Yew Kuo Chao , Chuah Seng-Kee
Published: July 2013

The basic principle of antireflux procedures employing endoscopic intervention aims to create a mechanical barrier to prevent primary pathophysiology in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We review, highlight, and discuss the past and present status of endoluminal therapy. Currently, there are 3 commonly employed anti-reflux endoluminal procedures: fundoplication or suturing techniques (EndoCinch, NDO, and EsophyX), intramural injection or implant techniques (enhancing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) volume and/or strengthening compliance of the LES-Enteryx and Gatekeeper), and radiofrequency ablation of LES and cardia. EndoCinch plication requires further study and modification of technique before it can be recommended because of durability issues. Esophynx, the transoral incisionless fundoplication, may reduce hiatal hernias and increase LES length. Preliminary studies have shown promising reduction in symptoms and medication use but evidence concerning safety and long-term durability is still pending. The safety issue with injection technique is the main concern as evident from the incidences of implant withdrawals after reported major adverse events. Future research with cautious monitoring is required before any new implant material can be recommended for commercial application. Radiofrequency ablation therapy is regaining popularity in treating refractory symptoms despite PPI use due to improved efficacy, durability, and safety after years of refinement of protocol.
A Nonuniform Sensor Distribution Strategy for Avoiding Energy Holes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ma Guoxi , Tao Zhengsu
Published: July 2013

The energy hole problem exerts great impact on the energy efficiency and lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) based on many-to-one communication model. Unequal cluster emerged in recent years is a good way to alleviate the energy hole problem by dispersing cluster heads' burden. However, it fails to address this problem fundamentally due to its inherent characteristics. The single non-uniform nodes distribution strategy can alleviate the energy hole problem well by setting more nodes in networks to achieve energy balance, yet it may result in low energy efficiency and high cost of the networks. In this paper, by analyzing and minimizing intra- and inter-cluster energy consumption, we construct a suboptimal unequal cluster for WSNs. We propose a non-uniform sensor distribution strategy based on the previous unequal cluster in accordance with the energy balance principle. Simulation results show that our proposed non-uniform sensor nodes distribution strategy can not only achieve good energy efficiency as the unequal cluster method, but also ensure the network energy consumption balance and resolve the energy hole problem completely as the non-uniform sensor distribution approach. Furthermore, our algorithm needs fewer sensors to be settled than single non-uniform node distribution.
Estimating Time-Varying Beta of Price Limits and Its Applications in China Stock Market
Authors: Bai Rongquan , Zhang Zuoquan , Li Menggang
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes an estimation method of time-varying beta of price limits. It uses China stock market trading data to estimate time-varying beta and researches on systemic risk in China stock market. By comparing prediction errors of market model, SS market model, and Censored-SS market model, it verifies the effectiveness of Censored-SS market model. Furthermore it has some meaningful conclusions in China stock market.
Molecular Characterization of BK and JC Viruses Circulating among Potential Kidney Donors in Kuwait
Authors: Chehadeh Wassim , Kurien Susan Silpi , Nampoory Mangalathillam Raman
Published: July 2013

BK and JC polyomaviruses can be associated with nephropathy following renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, load, and genotypes of BK and JC viruses circulated in potential kidney donors in Kuwait. The detection of polyomavirus DNA was carried out in serum and urine samples of 165 potential kidney donors. Seventy (42%) individuals were tested positive for polyomavirus DNA, of whom 20 (12%) had detectable polyomavirus DNA in their serum samples, 40 (24%) in their urine samples, and 10 (6%) in both serum and urine samples. In the group of polyomavirus-positive patients, JC DNA could be detected in 78% of urine samples and 11% of serum samples, whereas BK DNA could be detected in 7% of urine samples and 3% of serum samples. The median polyomaviral load was low. The detected BK sequences in Kuwaiti adults formed new clusters sharing common ancestor with subgroups Ib1 and IVc, which are prevalent in Asia and Europe. Additionally, around half of the detected JCV sequences in Kuwaiti adults formed new clusters within the African subtype 3. Our results suggest high rate of polyomavirus shedding among healthy adults in Kuwait that can jeopardize their suitability for kidney donation.
Understanding the Dengue Viruses and Progress towards Their Control
Authors: Rodriguez-Roche Rosmari , Gould Ernest A.
Published: July 2013

Traditionally, the four dengue virus serotypes have been associated with fever, rash, and the more severe forms, haemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. As our knowledge as well as understanding of these viruses increases, we now recognise not only that they are causing increasing numbers of human infections but also that they may cause neurological and other clinical complications, with sequelae or fatal consequences. In this review we attempt to highlight some of these features in the context of dengue virus pathogenesis. We also examine some of the efforts currently underway to control this “scourge” of the tropical and subtropical world.