bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following electroconvulsive therapy: an increasingly recognised phenomenon
Authors: Narayanan A , Russell M D , Sundararaman S , Shankar K K , Artman B
Published: November 2014

Treatment of patients with severe depressive illnesses requiring electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is challenging. This is compounded by the presence of physical comorbidities and potential complications. We report the case of a patient, on long-term bisoprolol, who developed acute epigastric pain and dyspnoea shortly after receiving ECT for treatment-refractory depression. An ECG showed new-onset ischaemic changes and a troponin-I level was elevated at 12 h. A diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was reached following angiography, which demonstrated left ventricular hypokinesia in the absence of coronary artery disease. With supportive treatment the patient made a good recovery. This report highlights the risk of developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following ECT despite β-adrenergic receptor blockade, and adds to a growing number of cases reporting this complication. Clinicians involved in the care of patients undergoing ECT must be aware of this complication and should consider Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in patients who develop atypical chest pain after ECT.
EQUIPT: protocol of a comparative effectiveness research study evaluating cross-context transferability of economic evidence on tobacco control
Authors: Pokhrel Subhash , Evers Silvia , Leidl Reiner , Trapero-Bertran Marta , Kalo Zoltan , Vries Hein de , Crossfield Andrea , Andrews Fiona , Rutter Ailsa , Coyle Kathryn , Lester-George Adam , West Robert , Owen Lesley , Jones Teresa , Vogl Matthias , Radu-Loghin Cornel , Voko Zoltan , Huic Mirjana , Coyle Doug
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Tobacco smoking claims 700 000 lives every year in Europe and the cost of tobacco smoking in the EU is estimated between €98 and €130 billion annually; direct medical care costs and indirect costs such as workday losses each represent half of this amount. Policymakers all across Europe are in need of bespoke information on the economic and wider returns of investing in evidence-based tobacco control, including smoking cessation agendas. EQUIPT is designed to test the transferability of one such economic evidence base—the English Tobacco Return on Investment (ROI) tool—to other EU member states.

Methods and analysis

EQUIPT is a multicentre, interdisciplinary comparative effectiveness research study in public health. The Tobacco ROI tool already developed in England by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will be adapted to meet the needs of European decision-makers, following transferability criteria. Stakeholders' needs and intention to use ROI tools in sample countries (Germany, Hungary, Spain and the Netherlands) will be analysed through interviews and surveys and complemented by secondary analysis of the contextual and other factors. Informed by this contextual analysis, the next phase will develop country-specific ROI tools in sample countries using a mix of economic modelling and Visual Basic programming. The results from the country-specific ROI models will then be compared to derive policy proposals that are transferable to other EU states, from which a centralised web tool will be developed. This will then be made available to stakeholders to cater for different decision-making contexts across Europe.

Ethics and dissemination

The Brunel University Ethics Committee and relevant authorities in each of the participating countries approved the protocol. EQUIPT has a dedicated work package on dissemination, focusing on stakeholders’ communication needs. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, e-learning resources and policy briefs.
Using a thin sand layer to ease spudcan extraction in clay
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Shazzad , Safinus Stefanus , Cassidy Mark J.
Published: November 2014

Difficulties are encountered, in soft clay and silt sediments, during extraction of the spudcan foundations of “mobile” jack-up rigs. This paper reports results from centrifuge model tests undertaken to provide a simple, effective, and practical means for easing spudcan extraction in soft normally consolidated and lightly overconsolidated clay. The tests were carried out on model spudcans of two different geometries typically used in the field. The spudcans were extracted from penetrations of 2∼3 diameters and after an operation period of ∼19 months. The measured pore pressure at the bottom face of the spudcan during extraction process provided insight into the development of suction at the interface between the spudcan base and the underlying soil. The tests were carried out with and without a sand layer placed locally in between the spudcan and the mudline at the onset of penetration. In the field, a gravel layer can be placed by means of a flexible fall pipe system. The presence of a sand layer (with a thickness less than the spudcan tip length) beneath the penetrated spudcan assisted in easing leg extraction difficulties allowing the base suction to be reduced by 73%∼83% and hence the breakout force by 31%∼32%. For a given penetration depth, the installation resistance was also increased by 24%∼26%. This yielded a 15%∼17% reduction of spudcan penetration depth under a given preload and hence the breakout force as much as 50%. Guidelines and cautions for using the proposed measure are provided. Additional advantages of the new recommended method in enhancing the efficiency of the conventional measures of lessening spudcan extraction difficulties are discussed.
The 11 years solar cycle as the manifestation of the dark Universe
Authors: Zioutas K. , Tsagri M. , Semertzidis Y. K. , Papaevangelou T. , Hoffmann D. H. H. , Anastassopoulos V.
Published: November 2014

Sun's luminosity in the visible changes at the 10-3 level, following the 11 years period. This variation increases with energy, and in X-rays, which should not even be there, the amplitude varies up to ~ 105 times stronger, making their mysterious origin since the discovery in 1938 even more puzzling, and inspiring. We suggest that the multifaceted mysterious solar cycle is due to some kind of dark matter streams hitting the Sun. Planetary gravitational lensing enhances (occasionally) slow moving flows of dark constituents toward the Sun, giving rise to the periodic behavior. Jupiter provides the driving oscillatory force, though its 11.8 years orbital period appears slightly decreased, just as 11 years, if the lensing impact of other planets is included. Then, the 11 years solar clock may help to decipher (overlooked) signatures from the dark sector in laboratory experiments or observations in space.
Absolute stability window and upper bound on the magnetic field strength in a strongly magnetized strange quark star
Authors: Isayev A. A.
Published: November 2014

Magnetized strange quark stars, composed of strange quark matter (SQM) and self-bound by strong interactions, can be formed if the energy per baryon of magnetized SQM is less than that of the most stable 56Fe nucleus under the zero external pressure and temperature. Utilizing the MIT bag model description of magnetized SQM under charge neutrality and beta equilibrium conditions, the corresponding absolute stability window in the parameter space of the theory is determined. It is shown that there exists the maximum magnetic field strength allowed by the condition of absolute stability of magnetized SQM. The value of this field, H ~ 3 × 1018 G , represents the upper bound on the magnetic field strength which can be reached in a strongly magnetized strange quark star.
Energy scaling and branched microstructures in a model for shape-memory alloys with SO(2) invariance
Authors: Chan Allan , Conti Sergio
Published: November 2014

Domain branching near the boundary appears in many singularly perturbed models for microstructure in materials and was first demonstrated mathematically by Kohn and Müller for a scalar problem representing the elastic behavior of shape-memory alloys. We study here a model for shape-memory alloys based on the full vectorial problem of nonlinear elasticity, including invariance under rotations, in the case of two wells in two dimensions. We show that, for two wells with two rank-one connections, the energy is proportional to the power 2/3 of the surface energy, in agreement with the scalar model. In a case where only one rank-one connection is present, we show that the energy exhibits a different behavior, proportional to the power 4/5 of the surface energy. This lower energy is achieved by a suitable interaction of the two components of the deformations and hence cannot be reproduced by the scalar model. Both scalings are proven by explicit constructions and matching lower bounds.
A Waveguide-Invariant-Based Warping Operator and Its Application to Passive Source Range Estimation
Authors: Qi Yu Bo , Zhou Shi Hong , Zhang Ren He , Ren Yun
Published: November 2014

A formula for the instantaneous phase of the cross-correlation function of two different modes using the relationship between the horizontal wavenumber difference and frequency described by the waveguide invariant is deduced in this paper. Based on the formula, a waveguide-invariant-based warping operator suitable for both reflected and refracted modes in shallow water at low frequency is presented, providing an effective tool to filter the cross-correlation function of modes from the signal autocorrelation function. Using the phase of the filtered cross-correlation component in the frequency domain, a passive source ranging method on a single hydrophone is proposed. Simulated and experimental data using impulsive signals verify the validity of the derived warping operator and source ranging method.
Environmental Role in Influenza Virus Outbreaks
Authors: Sooryanarain Harini , Elankumaran Subbiah
Published: November 2014

The environmental drivers of influenza outbreaks are largely unknown. Despite more than 50 years of research, there are conflicting lines of evidence on the role of the environment in influenza A virus (IAV) survival, stability, and transmissibility. With the increasing and looming threat of pandemic influenza, it is important to understand these factors for early intervention and long-term control strategies. The factors that dictate the severity and spread of influenza would include the virus, natural and acquired hosts, virus-host interactions, environmental persistence, virus stability and transmissibility, and anthropogenic interventions. Virus persistence in different environments is subject to minor variations in temperature, humidity, pH, salinity, air pollution, and solar radiations. Seasonality of influenza is largely dictated by temperature and humidity, with cool-dry conditions enhancing IAV survival and transmissibility in temperate climates in high latitudes, whereas humid-rainy conditions favor outbreaks in low latitudes, as seen in tropical and subtropical zones. In mid-latitudes, semiannual outbreaks result from alternating cool-dry and humid-rainy conditions. The mechanism of virus survival in the cool-dry or humid-rainy conditions is largely determined by the presence of salts and proteins in the respiratory droplets. Social determinants of heath, including health equity, vaccine acceptance, and age-related illness, may play a role in influenza occurrence and spread.
Understanding the Basis of Parasite Strain-Restricted Immunity toTheileria parva
Authors: Morrison W. Ivan , Connelley Timothy , Hemmink Johanneke D. , MacHugh Niall D.
Published: November 2014

Infection with Theileria parva is asymptomatic in African buffalo but results in severe disease in cattle. Currently, vaccination relies on infection and treatment, using a mixture of three parasite isolates to overcome the strain specificity of immunity. Genotypic analyses of field populations of T. parva indicate a panmictic population structure, reflecting frequent sexual recombination. Profound immunodominance of protective CD8 T cell responses, together with polymorphism of the target antigens and frequent genetic recombination, contribute to the strain-restricted immunity. The dominant CD8 target antigens are highly polymorphic, but the live vaccine appears to contain limited diversity. A model to explain the ability of the vaccine to confer immunity against highly diverse field parasite challenge is discussed. Parasites in cattle exhibit much more limited antigenic diversity than parasites in buffalo, consistent with other evidence that the cattle-maintained population represents a subset of T. parva recently adapted to cattle.
Green Algae as Model Organisms for Biological Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Goldstein Raymond E.
Published: November 2014

In the past decade, the volvocine green algae, spanning from the unicellular Chlamydomonas to multicellular Volvox, have emerged as model organisms for a number of problems in biological fluid dynamics. These include flagellar propulsion, nutrient uptake by swimming organisms, hydrodynamic interactions mediated by walls, collective dynamics and transport within suspensions of microswimmers, the mechanism of phototaxis, and the stochastic dynamics of flagellar synchronization. Green algae are well suited to the study of such problems because of their range of sizes (from 10 μm to several millimeters), their geometric regularity, the ease with which they can be cultured, and the availability of many mutants that allow for connections between molecular details and organism-level behavior. This review summarizes these recent developments and highlights promising future directions in the study of biological fluid dynamics, especially in the context of evolutionary biology, that can take advantage of these remarkable organisms.
Challenges and Solutions to Incorporation of Nutraceuticals in Foods
Authors: Augustin Mary Ann , Sanguansri Luz
Published: November 2014

Manufacturers often cannot simply add a nutraceutical to a food when formulating functional foods that have acceptable sensory appeal as well as the desired health benefits. The appropriate application of microencapsulation for stabilizing nutraceuticals enables their effective delivery through food. Careful design of the delivery system helps protect sensitive nutraceuticals from the environment and processing stresses encountered during food manufacture, and prevents undesirable interactions of the nutraceutical with components in the food matrix. Microencapsulation technologies overcome hurdles associated with the successful delivery of nutraceuticals in healthy foods if due consideration is given to challenges at all stages throughout the supply chain. This encompasses stabilizing and protecting nutraceuticals from degradation in ingredient formats, during processing, in the final food product, and during intestinal transit until they are released at the desired site in the gastrointestinal tract to impart their targeted health effects.
Self-Organization of Meiotic Recombination Initiation: General Principles and Molecular Pathways
Authors: Keeney Scott , Lange Julian , Mohibullah Neeman
Published: November 2014

Recombination in meiosis is a fascinating case study for the coordination of chromosomal duplication, repair, and segregation with each other and with progression through a cell-division cycle. Meiotic recombination initiates with formation of developmentally programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at many places across the genome. DSBs are important for successful meiosis but are also dangerous lesions that can mutate or kill, so cells ensure that DSBs are made only at the right times, places, and amounts. This review examines the complex web of pathways that accomplish this control. We explore how chromosome breakage is integrated with meiotic progression and how feedback mechanisms spatially pattern DSB formation and make it homeostatic, robust, and error correcting. Common regulatory themes recur in different organisms or in different contexts in the same organism. We review this evolutionary and mechanistic conservation but also highlight where control modules have diverged. The framework that emerges helps explain how meiotic chromosomes behave as a self-organizing system.
The DNA Damage Response: Implications for Tumor Responses to Radiation and Chemotherapy
Authors: Goldstein Michael , Kastan Michael B.
Published: November 2014

Cellular responses to DNA damage are important determinants of both cancer development and cancer outcome following radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Identification of molecular pathways governing DNA damage signaling and DNA repair in response to different types of DNA lesions allows for a better understanding of the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on normal and tumor cells. Although dysregulation of the DNA damage response (DDR) is associated with predisposition to cancer development, it can also result in hypersensitivity or resistance of tumors to therapy and can be exploited for improvement of cancer treatment. We highlight the DDR pathways that are activated after treatment with radiation and different classes of chemotherapeutic drugs and describe mechanisms determining tumor sensitivity and resistance to these agents. Further, we discuss approaches to enhance tumor sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy by modulating the DDR with a goal of enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
Pathobiology of Severe Asthma
Authors: Trejo Bittar Humberto E. , Yousem Samuel A. , Wenzel Sally E.
Published: November 2014

Severe asthma (SA) afflicts a heterogeneous group of asthma patients who exhibit poor responses to traditional asthma medications. SA patients likely represent 5–10% of all asthma patients; however, they have a higher economic burden when compared with milder asthmatics. Considerable research has been performed on pathological pathways and structural changes associated with SA. Although limitations of the pathological approaches, ranging from sampling, to quantitative assessments, to heterogeneity of disease, have prevented a more definitive understanding of the underlying pathobiology, studies linking pathology to molecular markers to targeted therapies are beginning to solidify the identification of select molecular phenotypes. This review addresses the pathobiology of SA and discusses the current limitations of studies, the inflammatory cells and pathways linked to emerging phenotypes, and the structural and remodeling changes associated with severe disease. In all cases, an effort is made to link pathological findings to specific clinical/molecular phenotypes.
Statistical Causality from a Decision-Theoretic Perspective
Authors: Dawid A. Philip
Published: November 2014

We present an overview of the decision-theoretic framework of statistical causality, which is well suited for formulating and solving problems of determining the effects of applied causes. The approach is described in detail, and it is related to and contrasted with other current formulations, such as structural equation models and potential responses. Topics and applications covered include confounding, the effect of treatment on the treated, instrumental variables, and dynamic treatment strategies.
Solid Waste Management Practices in the Informal Sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe
Authors: Jerie Steven , Tevera Daniel
Published: November 2014

This paper contributes to the debate on the role of the informal sector in solid waste management by examining the effectiveness of informal sector solid waste management practices in transforming waste into nonwaste in the city of Gweru in Zimbabwe. The study focused on 589 informal enterprises that were surveys using questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions with key informants. Analysis of solid waste management in the informal sector of Gweru has revealed that large amounts of waste are generated indicating poor material efficiency in the enterprises, especially in food market areas where huge amounts of biodegradable material and vegetable wastes are generated and disposed of haphazardly. Analysis of the key factors that include solid waste generation rates, collection frequencies and transportation, waste minimisation, and reduction practices showed that the current waste management system is unsustainable in the long run. The municipality of Gweru needs to provide more resources for financing, training, and manpower to enable effective provision of an environmentally friendly solid waste management system in the city, including the informal sector.
Feigning Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Authors: Elkhatib Rania , Idowu Modupe , Brown Gregory S. , Jaber Yasmeen M. , Reid Matthew B. , Person Cheryl
Published: November 2014

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant genetic defect in heme synthesis. Patients with this illness can have episodic life-threatening attacks characterized by abdominal pain, neurological deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. Feigning this illness has not been reported in the English language literature to date. Here, we report on a patient who presented to the hospital with an acute attack of porphyria requesting opiates. Diligent assessment of extensive prior treatment records revealed thirteen negative tests for AIP.
Diversity and Distribution of Archaea Community along a Stratigraphic Permafrost Profile from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Wei Shiping , Cui Hongpeng , He Hao , Hu Fei , Su Xin , Zhu Youhai
Published: November 2014

Accompanying the thawing permafrost expected to result from the climate change, microbial decomposition of the massive amounts of frozen organic carbon stored in permafrost is a potential emission source of greenhouse gases, possibly leading to positive feedbacks to the greenhouse effect. In this study, the community composition of archaea in stratigraphic soils from an alpine permafrost of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was investigated. Phylogenic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the community was predominantly constituted byCrenarchaeotaandEuryarchaeota. The active layer contained a proportion ofCrenarchaeotaat 51.2%, with the proportion ofEuryarchaeotaat 48.8%, whereas the permafrost contained 41.2%Crenarchaeotaand 58.8%Euryarchaeota, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. OTU1 and OTU11, affiliated to Group 1.3b/MCG-A withinCrenarchaeotaand the unclassified group withinEuryarchaeota, respectively, were widely distributed in all sediment layers. However, OTU5 affiliated to Group 1.3b/MCG-A was primarily distributed in the active layers. Sequence analysis of the DGGE bands from the 16S rRNAs of methanogenic archaea showed that the majority of methanogens belonged toMethanosarcinalesandMethanomicrobialesaffiliated toEuryarchaeotaand the uncultured ZC-I cluster affiliated toMethanosarcinalesdistributed in all the depths along the permafrost profile, which indicated a dominant group of methanogens occurring in the cold ecosystems.
Butterfly Diversity of Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Harsh Sprih
Published: November 2014

A study to find out the diversity of butterflies at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, was carried out over a period of six months from October 2013 to March 2014. A total of 55 butterfly species belonging to 5 families, namely, Hesperiidae (7 species), Papilionidae (4 species), Pieridae (10 species), Lycaenidae (13 species), and Nymphalidae (21 species), were recorded (with photographic record) during the study from three different habitats of campus: open scrub, dry deciduous, and urbanized habitat. Shannon diversity indices and Pielou’s evenness index were calculated for all the habitats. Shannon index was found to be highest for open scrub (3.76). Out of 54 species, Eurema brigitta was the most dominant species followed by Eurema hecabe, Junonia lemonias, and Phalanta phalantha. Dominance of these species can be explained by the presence of their larval and host plants in the campus.
Higher Order Sobolev-Type Spaces on the Real Line
Authors: Bojarski Bogdan , Kinnunen Juha , Zürcher Thomas
Published: November 2014

This paper gives a characterization of Sobolev functions on the real line by means of pointwise inequalities involving finite differences. This is also shown to apply to more general Orlicz-Sobolev, Lorentz-Sobolev, and Lorentz-Karamata-Sobolev spaces.
Plane Elastostatic Solution in an Infinite Functionally Graded Layer Weakened by a Crack Lying in the Middle of the Layer
Authors: Patra R. , Barik S. P. , Kundu M. , Chaudhuri P. K.
Published: November 2014

This paper is concerned with an internal crack problem in an infinite functionally graded elastic layer. The crack is opened by an internal uniform pressure p0 along its surface. The layer surfaces are supposed to be acted on by symmetrically applied concentrated forces of magnitude P/2 with respect to the centre of the crack. The applied concentrated force may be compressive or tensile in nature. Elastic parameters λ and μ are assumed to vary along the normal to the plane of crack. The problem is solved by using integral transform technique. The solution of the problem has been reduced to the solution of a Cauchy-type singular integral equation, which requires numerical treatment. The stress-intensity factors and the crack opening displacements are determined and the effects of graded parameters on them are shown graphically.
Contribution of Crk Adaptor Proteins to Host Cell and Bacteria Interactions
Authors: Martinez-Quiles Narcisa , Feuerbacher Leigh Ann , Benito-León María , Hardwidge Philip R.
Published: November 2014

The Crk adaptor family of proteins comprises the alternatively spliced CrkI and CrkII isoforms, as well as the paralog Crk-like (CrkL) protein, which is encoded by a different gene. Initially thought to be involved in signaling during apoptosis and cell adhesion, this ubiquitously expressed family of proteins is now known to play essential roles in integrating signals from a wide range of stimuli. In this review, we describe the structure and function of the different Crk proteins. We then focus on the emerging roles of Crk adaptors during Enterobacteriaceae pathogenesis, with special emphasis on the important human pathogensSalmonella,Shigella,Yersinia, and enteropathogenicEscherichia coli. Throughout, we remark on opportunities for future research into this intriguing family of proteins.
Off-Label Medicine Use in Pediatric Inpatients: A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Saiyed Mohd Masnoon , Lalwani Tarachand , Rana Devang
Published: November 2014

Background. In the absence of standard pediatric prescribing information, clinicians often use medicines in an off-label way. Many studies have been published across the globe reporting different rates of off-label use. There is currently no study based on Indian drug formulary.Methods. The prospective observational study included pediatric patients in ages between 0 and 12 years admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Off-label use was assessed using the National Formulary of India (NFI). Predictors of off-label use were determined by logistic regression.Results. Of the 1645 medications prescribed, 1152 (70%) were off-label based on 14 possible off-label categories. Off-label medicines were mainly due to dose difference and use in restricted age limits as indicated in NFI. Respiratory medicines (82%), anti-infectives (73%), and nervous system medicines (53%) had higher off-label use. Important predictors of off-label prescribing were pediatric patients in age of 0 to 2 years (OR 1.68, 95% CI;P<0.001) and hospital stay of six to 10 days (OR 1.91, 95% CI;P<0.001).Conclusion. Off-label prescribing is common among pediatric patients. There is need to generate more quality data on the safety and efficacy of off-label medicines to rationalize pediatric pharmacotherapy.
The Significance of Body Mass Index in Calculating the Cut-Off Points for Low Muscle Mass in the Elderly: Methodological Issues
Authors: Krzymińska-Siemaszko Roma , Czepulis Natasza , Suwalska Aleksandra , Dworak Lechoslaw B. , Fryzowicz Anna , Madej-Dziechciarow Beata , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna
Published: November 2014

Objectives. Cut-off points (COPs) for appendicular lean mass (ALM) index, essential to define low muscle mass (LMM) in the elderly, have never been officially defined for Poland. The aim of the study was to establish them. Additionally, the significance of body mass index (BMI) for correctly defining the COPs in a young, healthy reference group was assessed.Methods. The study was composed of reference group (n=1113) and the elderly group (n=200). In all subjects, body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis, and ALM index was calculated. Next, COPs (kg/m2) were set up for the whole reference group and for particular subgroups with different BMIs separately. They were used to diagnose sarcopenia in the elderly.Results. COP for all young females was 5.37 (COP-F), while it was equal to 5.52 (COP-F2) when only those with a recommended BMI (18.50–24.99 kg/m2) were taken into consideration. For males, it was 7.32 and 7.29, respectively. Only 7% of elderly females had LMM based on COP-F and 15% had LMM based on COP-F2P<0.05; for males, the percentages were 18% and 16%, respectively.Conclusions. COPs for LMM for Poland are 5.52 kg/m2(females) and 7.29 kg/m2(males). The reference group BMI is an important factor in establishing COPs for low muscle mass.
The Schur Multiplier of Pairs of Groups of Order p2q
Authors: Rashid S. , Nawi A. A. , Mohd Ali N. M. , Sarmin N. H.
Published: November 2014

Let (G, N) be a pair of groups where G is a group and N is a normal subgroup of G. Then the Schur multiplier of pairs of groups (G, N) is a functorial abelian group M(G, N). In this paper, M(G, N) for groups of order p2q where p and q are prime numbers are determined.
Prevention of Leptospirosis Infected Vector and Human Population by Multiple Control Variables
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Islam Saeed , Khan Sher Afzal , Khan Ilyas , Shafie Sharidan , Gul Taza
Published: November 2014

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that damages the liver and kidneys, found mainly in dogs and farm animals and caused by bacteria. In this paper, we present the optimal control problem applied to a dynamical leptospirosis infected vector and human population by using multiple control variables. First, we show the existence of the control problem and then use analytical and numerical techniques to investigate the existence cost effective control efforts for prevention of indirect and direct transmission of this disease. In order to do this, we consider three control functions two for human and one for vector population. We completely characterize the optimal control problem and compute the numerical solution of the optimality system using an iterative method.
Differentiation of Human Breast-Milk Stem Cells to Neural Stem Cells and Neurons
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba , Talaei-khozani Tahere , Sani Mahsa , Owrangi Bahareh
Published: November 2014

Objectives.Human breast milk contains a heterogeneous population of cells that have the potential to provide a noninvasive source of cells for cell therapy in many neurodegenerative diseases without any ethical concern. The objectives of this study were to differentiate the breast milk-derived stem cells (BMDSC) toward neural stem cells and then into the neurons and neuroglia.Materials and Methods.To do this, the BMDSC were isolated from human breast milk and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12) containing fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The cells were then characterized by evaluation of the embryonic and stem cell markers. Then, the cells were exposed to culture medium containing 1% B27 and 2% N2 for 7–10 days followed by medium supplemented with B27, N2, bFGF 10 µg/mL, and endothelial growth factor (EGF) 20 µg/mL. Then, the sphere-forming assay was performed. The spheres were then differentiated into three neural lineages by withdrawing growth factor in the presence of 5% FBS (fetal bovine serum). The immunofluorescence was done forβ-tubulin III, O4, and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein).Results.The results indicated that the cells expressed both embryonic and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers. They also showed neurospheres formation that was nestin-positive. The cells were also differentiated into all three neural lineages.Conclusion.The BMDSC can behave in the same way with neural stem cells. They were differentiated into oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes as well as neurons.
Morphoanatomical and Biochemical Changes in the Roots of Rice Plants Induced by Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms
Authors: Rêgo Marcela Cristiane Ferreira , Ilkiu-Borges Fernanda , Filippi Marta Cristina Corsi de , Gonçalves Letícia Almeida , Silva Gisele Barata da
Published: November 2014

The goal of the present study was to characterize anatomical and biochemical changes in rice plant roots in response to seed treatment with rhizobacteria (Burkholderia pyrrocinia(R-46) +Pseudomonas fluorescens(R-55)) andTrichoderma asperellum(Ta: mixture of strains T-06, T-09, T-12, and T-52). The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments (R-46, R-55, R-46 + R-55, Ta+ R-46 + R-55, Ta, and control) and ten replicates. Treatments Ta and R-46 + R-55 increased the root length and diameter as well as the cortex expansion and induced a 2% expansion of the aerenchymal space. Treatments Ta and R-46 increased the vascular cylinder diameter. The number of protoxylem poles and metaxylem vessel elements was increased by R-46 and R-55. The total phenol content increased with treatments Ta, R-46 + R-55, R-46, and R-55, and all the treatments increased the flavonoid content. The lignin content increased with the Ta and R-55 treatments. All the root architecture modifications resulting from the interaction between seedlings and bioagents (rhizobacteria andTrichodermaspp.) observed in the present study favored the root plasticity of rice seedlings.
Influence of Opening Locations on the Structural Response of Shear Wall
Authors: Muthukumar G. , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2014

Shear walls have been conferred as a major lateral load resisting element in a building in any seismic prone zone. It is essential to determine behavior of shear wall in the preelastic and postelastic stage. Shear walls may be provided with openings due to functional requirement of the building. The size and location of opening may play a significant role in the response of shear walls. Though it is a well known fact that size of openings affects the structural response of shear walls significantly, there is no clear consensus on the behavior of shear walls under different opening locations. The present study aims to study the dynamic behavior of shear walls under various opening locations using nonlinear finite element analysis using degenerated shell element with assumed strain approach. Only material nonlinearity has been considered using plasticity approach. A five-parameter Willam-Warnke failure criterion is considered to define the yielding/crushing of the concrete with tensile cutoff. The time history responses have been plotted for all opening cases with and without ductile detailing. The analysis has been done for different damping ratios. It has been observed that the large number of small openings resulted in better displacement response.
Uncertain Reasoning for Detection of Selling Stolen Goods in Online Auctions Using Contextual Information
Authors: Beranek Ladislav
Published: November 2014

This work describes the design of a decision support system for detection of fraudulent behavior of selling stolen goods in online auctions. In this system, each seller is associated with a type of certification, namely “proper seller,” “suspect seller,” and “selling stolen goods.” The certification level is determined on the basis of a seller’s behaviors and especially on the basis of contextual information whose origin is outside online auctions portals. In this paper, we focus on representing knowledge about sellers in online auctions, the influence of additional information available from other Internet source, and reasoning on bidders’ trustworthiness under uncertainties using Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. To demonstrate the practicability of our approach, we performed a case study using real auction data from Czech auction portal Aukro. The analysis results show that our approach can be used to detect selling stolen goods. By applying Dempster-Shafer theory to combine multiple sources of evidence for the detection of this fraudulent behavior, the proposed approach can reduce the number of false positive results in comparison to approaches using a single source of evidence.
CD206+ Cell Number Differentiates Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 from Seasonal Influenza A Virus in Fatal Cases
Authors: Rodriguez-Ramirez Heidi G. , Salinas-Carmona Mario C. , Barboza-Quintana Oralia , Melo-de la Garza Americo , Ceceñas-Falcon Luis Angel , Rangel-Martinez Lilia M. , Rosas-Taraco Adrian G.
Published: November 2014

In 2009, a new influenza A (H1N1) virus affected many persons around the world. There is an urgent need for finding biomarkers to distinguish between influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal influenza virus. We investigated these possible biomarkers in the lung of fatal cases of confirmed influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. Cytokines (inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) and cellular markers (macrophages and lymphocytes subpopulation markers) were analyzed in lung tissue from both influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal influenza virus. High levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α positive cells were identical in lung tissue from the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal cases when compared with healthy lung tissue (P<0.05). Increased IL-4+ cells, and CD4+ and CD14+ cells were also found in high levels in both influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal influenza virus (P<0.05). Low levels of CD206+ cells (marker of alternatively activated macrophages marker in lung) were found in influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 when compared with seasonal influenza virus (P<0.05), and the ratio of CD206/CD14+ cells was 2.5-fold higher in seasonal and noninfluenza group compared with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 (P<0.05). In conclusion, CD206+ cells differentiate between influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal influenza virus in lung tissue of fatal cases.
The Interplay between Usability and Aesthetics: More Evidence for the “What Is Usable Is Beautiful” Notion
Authors: Hamborg Kai-Christoph , Hülsmann Julia , Kaspar Kai
Published: November 2014

With respect to inconsistent findings on the interplay between usability and aesthetics, the current paper aimed to further examine the effect of these variables on perceived qualities of a mobile phone prototype. An experiment with four versions of the prototype varying on two factors, (1) usability (high versus low) and (2) aesthetics (high versus low), was conducted with perceived usability and perceived beauty, as well as hedonic experience and the system’s appeal as dependent variables. Participants of the experiment (N=88) were instructed to complete four typical tasks with the prototype before assessing its quality. Results showed that the mobile phone’s aesthetics does not affect its perceived usability, either directly or indirectly. Instead, results revealed an effect of usability on perceived beauty, which supports the “what is usable is beautiful” notion instead of “what is beautiful is usable.” Furthermore, effects of aesthetics and of usability on hedonic experience in terms of endowing identity and appeal were found, indicating that both instrumental (usability) and noninstrumental (beauty) qualities contribute to a positive user experience.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Chenopodium ambrosioides
Authors: Carrillo-López Luis M. , Zavaleta-Mancera Hilda A. , Vilchis-Nestor Alfredo , Soto-Hernández R. Marcos , Arenas-Alatorre Jesús , Trejo-Téllez Libia I. , Gómez-Merino Fernando
Published: November 2014

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides as a reducer and coating agent at room temperature (25°C). Two molar solutions of AgNO3 (1 mM and 10 mM) and five extract volumes (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mL) were used to assess quantity, shape, and size of the particles. The UV‐Vis spectra gave surface plasmon resonance at 434–436 nm of the NPs synthesized with AgNO3 10 mM and all extract volumes tested, showing a direct relationship between extract volumes and quantity of particles formed. In contrast, the concentration of silver ions was related negatively to particle size. The smallest (4.9 ± 3.4 nm) particles were obtained with 1 mL of extract in AgNO3 10 mM and the larger amount of particles were obtained with 2 mL and 5 mL of extract. TEM study indicated that the particles were polycrystalline and randomly oriented with a silver structure face centered cubic (fcc) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that disappearance of the –OH group band after bioreduction evidences its role in reducing silver ions.
Effect of UV Irradiation and Temperature on Free Radical Properties in Dehydrocholic and Ursodeoxycholic Acids: An EPR Study
Authors: Dołowy Małgorzata , Ramos Paweł , Pilawa Barbara
Published: November 2014

The effect of UV irradiation and temperature on the formation and properties of free radicals in two pharmaceutical important bile acids, such as dehydrocholic (DH) and ursodeoxycholic acids (UDC), was examined. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was applied to determine the paramagnetic character of UV irradiated and thermally sterilized drugs. Thermal and UV irradiation sterilizations of both compounds were carried out at different conditions according to pharmaceutical norms. The performed EPR measurements of UV irradiated and thermally sterilized DH and UDC samples proved the existence of the complex free radical systems in examined bile acids. Significant influence of UV irradiation in comparison with applied thermal sterilization on free radical concentrations in DH and UDC samples was observed. The results pointed out that thermal method is most suitable for bile acid sterilization. Therefore, this kind of sterilization should be applied in practice.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Arthroscopically Managed with Absorbable Knotless Anchors
Authors: Russo Raffaele , Cautiero Fabio , Della Rotonda Giuseppe
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical outcome and risk factors for recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic stabilization with absorbable knotless anchor. Methods. We treated 197 patients affected by anterior shoulder instability, either traumatic or atraumatic with the same arthroscopic suture technique. We recorded age at surgery and number and type of dislocations (traumatic/atraumatic). Of the 197 patients, 127 (65.4%) were examined with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (range: 25–108 months). Eighty-one shoulders were evaluated with the Rowe score and 48 with the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Results. The mean Rowe score was 90.8, while the mean SST score was 10.9. Recurrence occurred in 10 cases (7.7%) but only in 4 cases was atraumatic, which reduces the real recurrence rate to 3.1%. Patients with recurrence were significantly younger at surgery than patients who did not relapse (P=0.040). Moreover, neither the number (P=0.798) nor the type of shoulder instability (P=0.751), or the amount of glenoid bone loss (P=0.184) significantly affected the probability of recurrence. Conclusions. In a patient population with involuntary monodirectional anterior shoulder instability, use of absorbable knotless anchor was reliable and resulted in a good outcome. In this series the statistical significant risk factors for recurrent dislocation were age of patient.
Aberrant Glycosylation Promotes Lung Cancer Metastasis through Adhesion to Galectins in the Metastatic Niche
Authors: Reticker-Flynn Nathan E. , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: November 2014

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. Although dissemination of tumor cells likely occurs early in tumorigenesis, the constituents of the microenvironment play essential rate-limiting roles in determining whether these cells will form clinically relevant tumors. Recent studies have uncovered many molecular factors that contribute to the establishment of a protumorigenic metastatic niche. Here, we demonstrate that galectin-3, whose expression has clinical associations with advanced malignancy and poor outcome, contributes to metastatic niche formation by binding to carbohydrates on metastatic cells. We show that galectin-3 is expressed early during tumorigenesis by both CD11b+Gr-1+ and CD11b+Ly-6Chi leukocytes. Tumors mobilize these myeloid populations through secretion of soluble factors, including IL6. We find that metastatic cancer cells exhibit elevated presentation of the oncofetal galectin-3 carbohydrate ligand, the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen, on their surfaces as a result of altered C2GnT2 and St6GalNAc4 glycosyltransferase activity that inhibits further glycosylation of this carbohydrate motif and promotes metastasis.

Significance: Although clinical observations of elevated serum galectin-3 levels and altered glycosylation have been associated with malignancy, we identify novel roles for glycosyltransferases in promoting adhesion to galectins in the metastatic niche. This identification of a cytokine–leukocyte–glycosylation axis in metastasis provides mechanistic explanations for clinical associations between malignancy and aberrant glycosylation. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 168–81. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Arnal-Estapé and Nguyen, p. 109

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 97