bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ramalan Cirian Reologi Campuran Berasfalt Menggunakan Rangkaian Saraf Tiruan
Authors: Hamim Asmah , Hardwiyono Sentot , El-Shafie Ahmed , Md. Yusoff Nur Izzi , Hainin Mohd. Rosli
Published: January 2014

Objektif utama kajian ini ialah untuk membangunkan dua jenis model rangkaian saraf tiruan iaitu rangkaian saraf suap-depan pelbagai lapisan dan rangkaian fungsi asas jejarian bagi meramal sifat reologi campuran berasfalt daripada segi i) modulus kompleks, E* dan ii) sudut fasa, δ. Kajian juga dilakukan bertujuan untuk menilai ketepatan kedua-dua jenis model tersebut dengan penentuan nilai parameter-parameter statistik seperti pekali penentuan (R2), ralat mutlak min (MAE), ralat kuasa dua min (MSE) dan ralat punca kuasa dua min (RMSE) bagi setiap model yang dibangunkan. Model-model peramalan di dalam kajian ini dibangunkan dengan menggunakan data-data E* dan δ daripada kajian terdahulu oleh sekumpulan penyelidik dari Pusat Kejuruteraan Pengangkutan Nottingham. Berdasarkan kepada analisis model rangkaian saraf tiruan tersebut, didapati bahawa kedua-dua model mampu meramal sifat reologi campuran berasfalt dengan sangat baik dengan nilai R2 yang melebihi 0.99. Perbandingan antara kedua-dua jenis model menunjukkan bahawa model rangkaian fungsi asas jejarian mempunyai ketepatan yang lebih baik daripada model rangkaian saraf suap-depan pelbagai lapisan dengan nilai R2 yang lebih tinggi dan nilai MAE, MSE dan RMSE yang lebih rendah. Dapat disimpulkan bahawa model rangkaian saraf tiruan yang tidak menggunakan ungkapan matematik ini boleh digunakan sebagai satu kaedah alternatif untuk meramal sifat reologi sesuatu campuran berasfalt.
Transport Cost Analysis of City Bus and Private Car Usage in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Minhans Anil , Moghaddasi Ali
Published: January 2014

Researchers worldwide are engaged in the evaluation of the performance of urban travel modes. Economic cost comparison studies are commonly used as instruments to substantiate the most favored mode in urban transport. This paper attempts to provide a comparison of current usage of city buses and cars in the Johor Bahru town of Malaysia. Technical costs, social costs and environmental costs are compared in ensuring accessibility and mobility on one hand and reducing accidents and environmental losses on the other. The study relates to a stretch of 14.5 km of 6-lane divided carriageway road connecting Pontian in the North and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Singapore in the South. Traffic data and Transport costs were obtained via primary and secondary sources. When car usage is involved, vehicle operating costs (VOC) was found to be three fold (RM 2.05/ person-km) than the VOC of bus usage (RM 0.7/ person-km). Similarly, social costs, which mainly included the cost of accidents, amounted to 80 times the accident cost associated with buses. Environmental costs were modeled based on speed and total vehicle volumes for CO, NOx, SOx, and PM10 emissions and were expressed as total investment in pollution control. The environmental costs were then calculated in terms of medical costs believed to be caused by the pollution. These pollution costs amounted to 15 times the pollution cost associated with buses. The total transport costs were then obtained to provide comparative evaluation of the study modes. Furthermore, multiple future scenarios were created to provide cost analyses over time periods and modal split cases. In this regard, this paper provided a framework for a cost evaluation approach for an urban area. Results indicated that city buses are more cost-effective than cars, assuming equality in the number of passengers.
Factors Contributing to Crash Involvement of Unlicensed Motorcycle Riders in Malaysia
Authors: Md Isa Mohd Hafzi , Ariffin Aqbal Hafeez , Mohd Jawi Zulhaidi , Yeap Tan Choon
Published: January 2014

Despite the various interventions carried out to reduce the number of road crashes and injuries involving motorcycle riders, unlicensed riding remains a growing road safety concern in Malaysia. Thus, the current study was embarked upon to identify the general trends and to assess the factors contributing to the high involvement of unlicensed motorcycle riders who were fatally injured in road crashes. The results indicated that about one-fifth of the total casualties involved were unlicensed motorcycle riders and the proportion would be higher if the statistics of the unknown cases was included. The results also revealed that, when compared with licensed motorcycle riders, relatively high proportion of unlicensed motorcycle riders were young (69%), did not wear safety helmets (33%), involved in crashes which occurred at night (39%) and in rural areas (79.1%). These findings suggested that unlicensed motorcycle riders were predominantly young which can be considered as novice and inexperienced, and were more likely to engage in risky riding behaviors. Potential intervention activities and future research are discussed as well.
Concentration and Desalination of Protein Derived from Tuna Cooking Juice by Nanofiltration
Authors: Hajihama Muhammadameen , Youravong Wirote
Published: January 2014

Tuna cooking juice is a co-product of tuna canning industry. It riches in protein, currently used for production of feed meal as well as protein hydrolysate. The finish products are usually in the form of concentrate, produced by evaporation process. However, evaporation is energy consumable process and the salt content level of the concentrate is often over the standard, thus required additional process for lowering salt content e.g. crystallization. The use of membrane technology, therefore, is of interest, since it required less energy and footprint compared with evaporation and is also able to reduce salt content of the concentrate. The aim of this study were to employ and select the membrane filtration process, and optimize the operating condition for protein concentration and desalination of tuna cooking juice. The results indicated that nanofiltration (NF) was more suitable than the ultrafiltration (UF) process, regarding the ability in protein recovery and desalination. The NF performance was evaluated in terms of permeation flux and protein and salt retentions. The protein and salt rejections of NF were 96 % and 5 %, respectively. The permeate flux(J) increased as transmembrane pressure (TMP) or cross flow rate (CFR) increased and the highest flux was obtained at TMP of 10 bar and CFR of 800 L/h. Operating with batch mode, the permeate flux was found to decrease as protein concentration increased, and at volume concentration factor about 4, the protein concentration  about 10% while salt removal was aproximately 70 % of the initial value. This work clearly showed that NF was successfully employed for concentration and desalination of protein derived from tuna cooking juice.
PES Membrane Performance for Triethylene Glycol (TEG) Removal of Wastewater from Natural Gas Separation Process
Authors: Larpkiattaworn Siriporn , Eamchotchawalit Chutima , Pannoi Julaluk , Keawsupsak Kanungnuch , Rattanaudom Romchat
Published: January 2014

In the natural gas separation plant, triethylene glycol (TEG) is used as a liquid desiccant dehydrator to absorb water vapor from the gas stream. Even though TEG can be recovered and reused in the process by evaporation and distillation, some of TEG still remains in wastewater of this recovery process. In this work, the polyethersulfone (PES-NTR 7450) membrane was chosen to test for TEG removal capacity on both cross-flow filtration and pervaporation systems. The morphology of membrane and the content of TEG were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. The synthesis wastewater with average TEG content of 5%, 10%, and 20% were used as feed. The increase of feed concentration was trend to increase of TEG rejection (17.49%, 43.29%, and 62.22%). In case of industrial wastewater, the average TEG content of 10.7% was monitored for feed. The high effectiveness of PES-NTR 7450 membrane to remove TEG was performed in pervaporation system. TEG rejection of 99% was achieved at the operation condition of feed temperature 28ºC and applied pressure 1 kg/cm2.
The Effect of Polyethelene Glycol on The Performance of Polysulfone Membrane Blend with Silica From Rice Husk
Authors: Jamalludin Mohd Riduan , Harun Zawati , Basri Hatijah , Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Shohur Muhamad Fikri , Aminudin Nurul Nabilah , Rosman Nurafiqah
Published: January 2014

In the present work, the effect of rice husk silica (RHS) on the performance of polysulfone (PSf) blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG) membranes were investigated. The hybrid ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique. The membrane performance was analyzed by using pure water flux, humic acid for the rejection test and followed by the membrane characterization. Results showed that PEG increased membrane pure water flux to 621.212 LMH and rejection humic acid at and 98%. The analysis of SEM revealed that PEG obviously changed the microstructure of the membrane especially at the top and sub layer.
The Effect of Synthetic Silica on Ultrafiltration PSf Membrane
Authors: Harun Zawati , Jamalludin Mohd Riduan , Basri Hatijah , Shohur Muhamad Fikri , Rosman Nurafiqah , Yunos Muhamad Zaini
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the effects of synthetic silica(SiO2)with different weight percentage concentrations on the morphology and performance of the polysulfone (PSf) and polyethelene glycol (PEG) based membrane ultrafiltration (UF). Phase inversion method was used to prepare PSf/PEG ultrafiltration (UF) flatsheet membrane. SiO2 and N-Methyl 2 Pyrrolidone (NMP) were used as an additive and solvent respectively. The fabricated membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the performances of the membranes were measured in term of pure water flux by using distilled water and solute rejection at different wastewater concentration at 50%, 75% and 87.5%. The result showed that the addition of 2% silica in the dope solution increased the permeation in terms pure water flux and the best rejection with 62 Lm-2 h-1 and 89% (at 87.5 % waste water dilution) respectively
Does the Malaysian English Language Syllabus Cater to the Academic Vocabulary Needs of Secondary School Students Entering Universities?
Authors: Abd. Manan Amerrudin , Ali Nor Liza , Shamsudin Sarimah
Published: January 2014

More and more Malaysian upper secondary school students are doing well in their studies and entering colleges and universities for matriculation and diploma programmes immediately after school. Besides English for General Purposes (EGP), secondary school students should also be familiarized with the 570 academic words (in the Academic Word List) that may appear frequently in academic texts. At tertiary learning institutions, academic words are essential because students have to read more specialised and complex academic texts. This research was carried out to investigate whether the Malaysian secondary school English language syllabuses cater to the academic vocabulary needs of students who enter tertiary institutions. To investigate this, the researcher put all the 1,316 words listed in the word lists (for the lower and upper secondary school syllabuses found at the end of the syllabusesâ€™ booklets) into Range (Nation, 2005), a tool which separates words into General Service Word List (GSL) and Academic Word List (AWL). The results reveal that of the 1,316 words, only seven belong to AWL while the majority are GSL words. Although there are statements made in the syllabuses indicating that they also cater to the studentsâ€™ needs for their further education, the target words specified in the word lists suggest that they are meant mainly for EGP. The studentsâ€™ academic vocabulary need has apparently been neglected.
Assertiveness Among Undergraduates in a Malaysian Public University: Implications Towards Improved Employability
Authors: Haladin Nurâ€™ain Balqis , Ibrahim Noor Aireen , Rajab Azizah
Published: January 2014

Assertiveness began to gain scholarly interest in the 1940s but more recent research on assertiveness has pointed to the importance of assertiveness in English language teaching and learning as well as in developing studentâ€™s communicative competence. In the context of workplace communication also, assertiveness is regarded as an important skill which will improve an individualâ€™s interpersonal communication. However, previous cross-cultural studies have shown that Asians are less assertive than Westerners because the principles of assertiveness may be in conflict with the values of Asian society. As a result of this, Asians may be placed in a less favourable light in situations in which assertiveness is highly regarded.Â  Hence, this study aims to discover the level of assertiveness among undergraduates in a Malaysian public university. This paper will also report on two factors i.e. communicative competence and situations that may have a significant relationship on an individualâ€™s level of assertiveness. Respondents were chosen through proportionate stratified sampling to complete the Rathus Assertiveness Survey (RAS) used in this study. Findings indicate a high level of assertiveness but a significant difference in the level of assertiveness in different settings, while the relationship between assertiveness and communicative competence appears to contradict past research. Finally, the implication of the findings of this study with regard to employability is discussed.
Doctorsâ€™ Comunication Style: Impact on Patients Participation
Authors: Haron Nurul Nadia , Ibrahim Noor Aireen
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the findings of a study on doctorsâ€™ communication style and its implications on patientsâ€™ participation. The data for this study were gathered from audio recording of ten clinical consultations and interview with a doctor at the Hematology Clinic in a General Hospital in Malaysia. The data were transcribed and analysed based on the three components of patientsâ€™ participation proposed by Cegala (2011). Findings indicate doctors display two different styles of communication during the clinical consultations. Further investigation reveal that the sharing style consultation does indeed encourage more patientsâ€™ participation than the Directing style. The findings of this study have important implications for communication training for medical students. The paper concludes with a discussion of the directions for future studies.
Design Optimization of an Implantable Device Concept for Passive Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Marsh Jonathan , Pidaparti Ramana M.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an implantable device concept with applications for treating ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The design of a biodegradable drug delivery device concept consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shell with a fluid reservoir and micro/nanofluidic tubes that allow the drug to be stored and delivered at a specified rate is discussed. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were conducted through various tube configurations in order to obtain the drug diffusion characteristics. The results from the simulation studies revealed information related to drug transport under varying design parameters. The design simulations were conducted with a desired rate. Based on results from several simulations, an optimization study was conducted to achieve the required dosage for about 2 years. The results obtained from the optimization study shows that the device concept can be extended for different drugs to treat ocular diseases.
Heat-Induced Evolution of Phase Transformations in Tetrahydrofuran Hydrate-Bearing Sediment
Authors: Zhang X. H. , Lu X. B. , Zheng Z. M. , Zhang L. M.
Published: January 2014

Heat conduction and phase transformations are basic physical-chemical process and control the kinetics of dissociation, fluid flow and strata deformation during hydrate dissociation in sediments. This paper presents a simplified analysis of the thermal process by assuming that the heat-induced evolution can be decoupled from flow and deformation processes. Self-similar solutions for one-, two- and three-phase transformation fronts are obtained. A series of experiments on THF-hydrate-bearing sediments was conducted to test the theory. The theoretical, numerical and experimental results on the evolution of hydrate dissociation front in the sediment are in good agreement.
Mechanical and tribological properties of Sn-Cu-O films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Musil Jindřich , Hromádka Martin , Čerstvý Radomír , Soukup Zbyněk
Published: January 2014

Tin-copper-oxide (Sn-Cu-O) thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering in an argon-oxygen atmosphere. The effect of the substrate temperature Ts and the amount of Cu in the Sn-Cu-O film on its mechanical and tribological properties was investigated in detail. It was found out that (i) the Sn-Cu-O films prepared at Ts = 500 °C are more crystalline and exhibit a higher hardness H (up to 19.5 GPa) compared with the Sn-Cu-O films sputtered on unheated substrates at room temperature (H ≈ 11 GPa), (ii) the coefficient of friction μ of the Sn-Cu-O film is relatively high and decreases from ∼0.9 to ∼0.5 with a decreasing ratio H/E* of the hardness H and the effective Young's modulus E*; here E* = E/(1 − ν2), E is the Young's modulus and ν is the Poisson's ratio, (iii) the coefficient of friction μ strongly depends on the relative humidity RH and decreases with an increasing RH of air used in the tribological test, and (iv) the sputtered Sn-Cu-O films exhibit a very low wear rate k, less than ∼2 × 10−6 mm3/Nm. The most important result of the investigation reported is the finding that the knowledge of interrelationships between the mechanical and tribological properties of films makes it possible to optimize their tribological properties and to prepare Sn-Cu-O films with minimum values of the coefficient of friction and wear rate k.
COLLOIDAL STABILITY AND MONODISPERSIBLE MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
Authors: SHAMILI K. , RAJESH E. M. , RAJENDRAN R. , MADHAN SHANKAR S. R. , ELANGO M. , ABITHA DEVI N.
Published: January 2014

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are promising material for various biological applications. In the recent decades, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have great attention in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). This review focuses on the colloidal stability and monodispersity properties of MNPs, which pay more attention toward biomedical applications. The simplest and the most promising method for the synthesis of MNPs is co-precipitation. The biocompatible MNPs are more interested in MRI application. This review also apportions synthesis, characterization and applications of MNP in biological and biomedical as theranostics and imaging.
INTERACTION OF WATER-DISPERSIBLE, LIGAND-FREE NaYF4:Yb/Er UPCONVERSION NANOPARTICLES WITH BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN
Authors: GONG NINGQIANG , DENG YUNLONG , HE SHENZHI , QI YINGZHE , YE LING , GU WEI
Published: January 2014

The oleate capped NaYF 4: Yb / Er upconversion nanoparticles (OA-UCNPs) were firstly synthesized by the thermal decomposition method and subsequently converted to water-dispersible, ligand-free UCNPs (LF-UCNPs) via an easy acid treatment process. The interaction of LF-UCNPs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was then investigated. The binding of LF-UCNPs with BSA was confirmed by the static quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of BSA upon addition of LF-UCNPs. The spectra of synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) of BSA in the absence and presence of LF-UCNPs revealed that the presence of LF-UCNPs led to a slight conformational change of BSA, suggesting a minor nanotoxicity of LF-UCNPs toward BSA.
Phosphorescence, near-infrared absorption and nonlinear optical property of a new chiral organic crystal
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhao Yu-Mei , Yong Guo-Ping
Published: January 2014

A new enantiomerically pure compound was synthesized by the single step reduced reaction from 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-2-oxo- N -(pyridin-2-yl)acetamide via chiral induction with D-tartaric acid in good yield. Single crystal data confirm this compound crystallizes in chiral space group P21. Transmission spectrum reveals that the crystal has low UV cut-off of 372 nm and has a good transmittance in the entire visible and near-infrared (NIR)region to 1100 nm, indicating its optical application. Kurtz powder test shows a good second harmonic generation (SHG) which also demonstrates its chiral structure. Moreover, this material exhibits blue phosphorescence with quantum yield of 3.6% and unusually NIR absorption between 1500 nm and 2500 nm. Therefore, this new chiral crystal is a promising multifunctional material for the blue phosphorescence, NIR absorption and nonlinear optical (NLO) applications.
Growth and Characterization of Agar Gel Grown Brushite Crystals
Authors: Suryawanshi V. B. , Chaudhari R. T.
Published: January 2014

Brushite [CaHPO4·2H2O] or calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CHPD) also known as urinary crystal is a stable form of calcium phosphate. The brushite crystals were grown by single and double diffusion techniques in agar-agar gel at room temperature. Effects of different growth parameters were discussed in single diffusion and double diffusion techniques. Good quality star, needle, platy, rectangular, and prismatic shaped crystals in single diffusion and nuclei with dendritic growth were obtained in double diffusion. These grown nuclei were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM has shown the different morphologies of crystals; FTIR has confirmed the presence of functional groups; crystalline nature was supported by XRD, whereas the TGA indicates total 24.68% loss in weight and formation of stable calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7) at 500°C.
The CFTR M470V, Intron 8 Poly-T, and 8 TG-Repeats Detection in Chinese Males with Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens
Authors: Du Qiang , Li Zheng , Pan Yongfeng , Liu Xiaoliang , Pan Bochen , Wu Bin
Published: January 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the significance of molecular detection of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) M470V, intron 8 poly-T, and intron 8 TG-repeats in congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD).Methods. Eighty-nine male patients with CBAVD and 103 healthy males were included in this study. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the polymorphic regions using primers from conserved regions. M470V was genotyped using real-time PCR by cycling probe. The exon 9 DNA sequence was determined using an automated sequencer. TG-repeats and poly-T were identified by direct sequencing analysis.Results. The 5T allele distribution was 0.32, 0.66 for 7T, and 0.02 for 9T in CBAVD males, respectively. In contrast, the 5T allele distribution was 0.03, 0.96 for 7T, and 0.01 for 9T in healthy control. Study of the polymorphisms of the upstream of exon 9 revealed a higher frequency of 5T allele in the CBAVD males. All cases with TG13T5 haplotype and TG12T5 homozygous led to CBAVD. The CFTR TG12T5-V470 variant haplotype was associated with CBAVD.Conclusion. The 5T allele of intron 8 of CFTR has clinically significant association with CBAVD. TG13T5 and TG12T5 homozygously led to CBAVD, and TG12T5-V470 may also lead to CBAVD.
Smoking Out Reproductive Hormone Actions in Lung Cancer
Authors: Siegfried Jill M.
Published: January 2014

Experimental and population-based evidence has been steadily accumulating that steroid hormones are fundamentally involved in the biology of the lung. Both estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in normal and malignant lung tissue, and the reproductive hormones that bind these receptors have a role in lung development, lung inflammation, and lung cancer. The estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) was discovered in the 1990s as a novel form of ER that is transcribed from a gene distinct from ER-α, the receptor previously isolated from breast tissue. Interestingly, ER-β is the predominate ER expressed in normal and malignant lung tissue, whereas inflammatory cells that infiltrate the lung are known to express both ER-α and ER-β. Although there is evidence from animal models for the preferential effects of ER-β in the lungs of females, human lung tumors from males often contain comparable numbers of ER-β–positive cells and male-derived lung cancer cell lines respond to estrogens. Lung tumors from both males and females also express CYP19 (aromatase), the rate-limiting enzyme in estrogen synthesis that converts testosterone to estrone and β-estradiol. Thus, testosterone acts as a precursor for local estrogen production within lung tumors, independent of reproductive organs. This review discusses the recent literature findings about the biology of the ERs, aromatase, and the progesterone receptor in lung cancer and highlights the ongoing clinical trials and future therapeutic implications of these findings. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 24–31. ©2014 AACR.
Remarks on the deep-sea genus Chalarostylis (Cumacea: Lampropidae)
Authors: ALBERICO NATALIA A. , ROCCATAGLIATA DANIEL , MÜHLENHARDT-SIEGEL UTE
Published: January 2014

Chalarostylis is a deep-sea genus close to Hemilamprops but easily distinguished from the latter mainly by its robust first pereopod. However, this appendage is frequently broken off at the anterior margin of the basis, making the identification of the species of the genus difficult. Regarding Hemilamprops brenkei, both the adult male holotype and the additional specimens herein reported from the Weddell Sea and the Guinea, Argentine and Brazilian Basins exhibit a huge first pereopod. Thus, this species is transferred to Chalarostylis and its description completed. Two other species until now in Hemilamprops, H. canadensis and H. longisetae are also transferred to Chalarostylis. In addition, an unknown species of Chalarostylis from the Bay of Biscay for which no name is given is briefly described. The diagnosis of this genus is emended.
Natural history of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome associated with FAS gene mutations
Authors: Price Susan , Shaw Pamela A. , Seitz Amy , Joshi Gyan , Davis Joie , Niemela Julie E. , Perkins Katie , Hornung Ronald L. , Folio Les , Rosenberg Philip S. , Puck Jennifer M. , Hsu Amy P. , Lo Bernice , Pittaluga Stefania , Jaffe Elaine S. , Fleisher Thomas A. , Rao V. Koneti , Lenardo Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Less than 60% of individuals who inherit a FAS mutation have a clinical manifestation of ALPS, implying a high carrier rate. Major causes of morbidity and mortality in ALPS patients are sepsis following splenectomy and development of lymphoma.
Haemolytic uremic syndrome following fire ant bites
Authors: Lee Yi-Che , Wang Jyh-Seng , Shiang Jeng-Chuan , Tsai Ming-Kai , Deng Kai-Tai , Chang Min-Yu , Wang Hsi-Hao , Ho Li-Chun , Chen Yi-Ting , Hung Shih-Yuan
Published: January 2014

Background

Haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe, life-threatening disease with symptoms such as haemolytic anaemia, renal failure, and a low platelet count. Possible aetiology includes bacterial infections, medication, post-hematopoietic cell transplantation, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 21-year-old healthy man who developed acute renal failure caused by HUS. Typical symptoms of HUS combined with severe uraemia developed following a large local reaction after suspectedSolenopsis invicta(fire ant) bites. He was successfully treated with plasma exchange and achieved complete recovery of renal function.

Conclusion

This is the first case illustrating a serious systemic reaction of HUS to fire ant bites, and highlights this severe complication in patients who sustain fire ant bites.
A randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of a nurse-led Antenatal Asthma Management Service in South Australia (AAMS study)
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E , Dekker Gustaaf , Rivers Karen , Roberts-Thomson Kate , Roy Anil , Smith Brian , Bowden Jeffery , Bryce Robert , Davies Michael , Beilby Justin , Wilson Anne , Middleton Philippa , Ruffin Richard , Karnon Jonathan , Clifton Vicki L ,   the AAMS study group
Published: January 2014

Background

Pregnancy presents a unique situation for the management of asthma as it can alter the course of asthma severity and its treatment, which in turn can affect pregnancy outcomes. Despite awareness of the substantial adverse effects associated with asthma during pregnancy, little has been done to improve its management and reduce associated perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of an Antenatal Asthma Management Service.

Methods/design

Design:Multicentre, randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion criteria:Women with physician diagnosed asthma, which is not currently in remission, who are less than 20 weeks gestation with a singleton pregnancy and do not have a chronic medical condition.

Trial entry and randomization:Eligible women with asthma, stratified by treatment site, disease severity and parity, will be randomized into either the ‘Standard Care Group’ or the ‘Intervention Group’.

Study groups:Both groups will be followed prospectively throughout pregnancy. Women in the ‘Standard Care Group’ will receive routine obstetric care reflecting current clinical practice in Australian hospitals. Women in the ‘Intervention Group’ will receive additional care through the nurse-led Antenatal Asthma Management Service, based in the antenatal outpatient clinic. Women will receive asthma education with a full assessment of their asthma at 18, 24, 30 and 36 weeks gestation. Each antenatal visit will include a 60 min session where asthma management skills are assessed including: medication adherence and knowledge, inhaler device technique, recognition of asthma deterioration and possession of a written asthma action plan. Furthermore, subjects will receive education about asthma control and management skills including trigger avoidance and smoking cessation counseling when appropriate.

Primary study outcome:Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy.

Sample size:A sample size of 378 women will be sufficient to show an absolute reduction in asthma exacerbations during pregnancy of 20% (alpha 0.05 two-tailed, 90% power, 5% loss to follow-up).

Discussion

The integration of an asthma education program within the antenatal clinic setting has the significant potential to improve the participation of pregnant women in the self-management of their asthma, reduce asthma exacerbations and improve perinatal health outcomes.

Trial registration

ACTRN12613000244707
Assessing the optimal virulence of malaria‐targeting mosquito pathogens: a mathematical study of engineered Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Konrad Bernhard P , Lindstrom Michael , Gumpinger Anja , Zhu Jielin , Coombs Daniel
Published: January 2014

Background

Metarhizium anisopliaeis a naturally occurring fungal pathogen of mosquitoes. Recently,Metarhiziumhas been engineered to act against malaria by directly killing the disease agent within mosquito vectors and also effectively blocking onward transmission. It has been proposed that efforts should be made to minimize the virulence of the fungal pathogen, in order to slow the development of resistant mosquitoes following an actual deployment.

Results

Two mathematical models were developed and analysed to examine the efficacy of the fungal pathogen. It was found that, in many plausible scenarios, the best effects are achieved with a reduced or minimal pathogen virulence, even if the likelihood of resistance to the fungus is negligible. The results for both models depend on the interplay between two main effects: the ability of the fungus to reduce the mosquito population, and the ability of fungus‐infected mosquitoes to compete for resources with non‐fungus‐infected mosquitoes.

Conclusions

The results indicate that there is no obvious choice of virulence for engineeredMetarhiziumor similar pathogens, and that all available information regarding the population ecology of the combined mosquito‐fungus system should be carefully considered. The models provide a basic framework for examination of anti‐malarial mosquito pathogens that should be extended and improved as new laboratory and field data become available.
Enhancement of antireflection property of silicon using nanostructured surface combined with a polymer deposition
Authors: Ha Jun Mok , Yoo Sung Ho , Cho Jong Hoi , Cho Yong Hoon , Cho Sung Oh
Published: January 2014

Silicon (Si) nanostructures that exhibit a significantly low reflectance in ultraviolet (UV) and visible light wavelength regions are fabricated using a hydrogen etching process. The fabricated Si nanostructures have aperiodic subwavelength structures with pyramid-like morphologies. The detailed morphologies of the nanostructures can be controlled by changing the etching condition. The nanostructured Si exhibited much more reduced reflectance than a flat Si surface: an average reflectance of the nanostructured Si was approximately 6.8% in visible light region and a slight high reflectance of approximately 17% in UV region. The reflectance was further reduced in both UV and visible light region through the deposition of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) layer with a rough surface on the Si nanostructure: the reflectance can be decreased down to 2.5%. The enhancement of the antireflection properties was analyzed with a finite difference time domain simulation method.
Flexible context aware interface for ambient assisted living
Authors: McNaull James , Augusto Juan Carlos , Mulvenna Maurice , McCullagh Paul
Published: January 2014

A Multi Agent System that provides a (cared for) person, the subject, with assistance and support through an Ambient Assisted Living Flexible Interface (AALFI) during the day while complementing the night time assistance offered by NOCTURNAL with feedback assistance, is presented. It has been tailored to the subject’s requirements profile and takes into account factors associated with the time of day; hence it attempts to overcome shortcomings of current Ambient Assisted Living Systems. The subject is provided with feedback that highlights important criteria such as quality of sleep during the night and possible breeches of safety during the day. This may help the subject carry out corrective measures and/or seek further assistance. AALFI provides tailored interaction that is either visual or auditory so that the subject is able to understand the interactions and this process is driven by a Multi-Agent System. User feedback gathered from a relevant user group through a workshop validated the ideas underpinning the research, the Multi-agent system and the adaptable interface.
Inhibition of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Steroidogenic Factor-1 Inverse Agonists
Authors: Doghman Mabrouka , Cazareth Julie , Douguet Dominique , Madoux Franck , Hodder Peter , Lalli Enzo
Published: January 2014

Context:

Transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) plays a pivotal role in the control of adrenocortical cell steroidogenesis and proliferation. SF-1 amplification and overexpression are found in most cases of childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACTs).

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate the effect of SF-1 inverse agonists of the alkyloxyphenol and isoquinolinone classes on the proliferation of human adrenocortical cell lines expressing SF-1 (H295R), in conditions of basal and increased SF-1 expression, or negative for SF-1 expression (SW-13).

Main Outcome Measures:

Proliferation assays, immunoblots, flow cytometric analyses, steroid hormone assays, and real-time quantitative PCR were used.

Results:

SF-1 inhibitors of the alkyloxyphenol class displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on both SF-1-positive and -negative ACT cells, whereas SF-1 inverse agonists of the isoquinolinone class selectively inhibited cell proliferation elicited by SF-1 overexpression. These drugs also inhibited stimulated steroid hormone secretion and CYP21 and CYP17 mRNA expression.

Conclusion:

SF-1 inhibitors may represent a useful tool in the chemotherapy of ACTs.
MBX-102/JNJ39659100, a Novel Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ Ligand with Weak Transactivation Activity Retains Full Anti-Diabetic Properties in the Absence of Side Effects
Authors: Gregoire Francine M. , Zhang Fang , Clarke Holly J. , Gustafson Thomas A. , Sears Dorothy D. , Favelyukis Svetlana , Lenhard James , Rentzeperis Dennis , Clemens L. Edward , Mu Yi , Lavan Brian E.
Published: January 2014

MBX-102/JNJ39659100 (MBX-102) is in clinical development as an oral glucose lowering agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. MBX-102 is a non-thiazolidinedione (TZD) selective partial agonist of PPAR-γ that is differentiated from the TZDs structurally, mechanistically, pre-clinically and clinically. In diabetic rodent models, MBX-102 has insulin sensitizing and glucose lowering properties comparable to TZDs without dose-dependent increases in body weight. In vitro, in contrast with full PPAR-γ agonist treatment, MBX-102 fails to drive human and murine adipocyte differentiation and selectively modulates the expression of a subset of PPAR-γ target genes in mature adipocytes. Moreover, MBX-102 does not inhibit oteoblastogenesis of murine mesenchymal cells. Compared to full PPAR-γ agonists, MBX-102 displays differential interactions with the PPAR-γ ligand binding domain (LBD) and possesses reduced ability to recruit coactivators. Interestingly, in primary mouse macrophages, MBX-102 displays enhanced anti-inflammatory properties compared to other PPAR-γ or α/γ agonists suggesting that MBX-102 has more potent transrepression activity. In summary, MBX-102 is a selective PPAR-γ modulator with weak transactivation but robust transrepression activity. MBX-102 exhibits full therapeutic activity without the classical PPAR-γ side effects and may represent the next generation insulin sensitizer.
Resistance to Antiestrogen Arzoxifene Is Mediated by Overexpression of Cyclin D1
Authors: Zwart Wilbert , Rondaij Mariska , Jalink Kees , Sharp Z. Dave , Mancini Michael A. , Neefjes Jacques , Michalides Rob
Published: January 2014

Resistance to tamoxifen treatment occurs in approximately 50% of the estrogen receptor (ER)α-positive breast cancer patients. Resistant patients would benefit from treatment with other available antiestrogens. Arzoxifene is an effective growth inhibitor of ERα-positive breast cancer cells, including tamoxifen-resistant tumors. In this study, we show that overexpression of a regular component of the ERα transcription factor complex, cyclin D1, which occurs in approximately 40% of breast cancer patients, renders cells resistant to a new promising antiestrogen, arzoxifene. Overexpression of cyclin D1 alters the conformation of ERα in the presence of arzoxifene. In this altered conformation, ERα still recruits RNA polymerase II to an estrogen response element-containing promoter, inducing transcription of an ERα-dependent reporter gene and of endogenous pS2, and promoting arzoxifene-stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells. Arzoxifene is then converted from an ERα antagonist into an agonist. This can be explained by a stabilization of the ERα/steroid receptor coactivator-1 complex in the presence of arzoxifene, only when cyclin D1 is overexpressed. These results indicate that subtle changes in the conformation of ERα upon binding to antiestrogen are at the basis of resistance to antiestrogens.
FGF-2 Stimulation of RANK Ligand Expression in Paget’s Disease of Bone
Authors: Sundaram Kumaran , Senn Joseph , Yuvaraj Sambandam , Rao D. Sudhaker , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: January 2014

Receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a critical osteoclastogenic factor expressed in marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells is up-regulated in Paget’s disease of bone (PDB). We previously demonstrated that heat-shock factor-2 (HSF-2) is a downstream target of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) signaling to induce RANKL expression in bone marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells. In this study, we identified a 2.5-fold increase in serum FGF-2 levels in patients (n = 8) with PDB compared with normal subjects (n = 10). We showed that HSF-2 co-immunoprecipitates with heat-shock protein-27 (HSP-27) and that FGF-2 stimulation significantly increased phospho-HSP-27 levels in marrow stromal cells. Confocal microscopy revealed HSF-2 colocalization with HSP-27 in unstimulated cells and HSF-2 nuclear translocation upon FGF-2 stimulation. We further show that FGF-2 stimulation significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of the transcription (p-STAT-1) in these cells. Western blot analysis confirmed that small interfering RNA suppression of STAT-1 significantly decreased (3.2-fold) RANKL expression and promoter activity in FGF-2-stimulated cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed STAT-1 binding to a putative motif located far upstream (−8 kb) in the hRANKL gene promoter region. These results suggest STAT-1 is a downstream effector of FGF-2 signaling and that elevated levels of FGF-2 stimulates RANKL expression in PDB.
Opposite Clinical Phenotypes of “Glucokinase Disease”: Description of a Novel Activating Mutation and Contiguous Inactivating Mutations in Human Glucokinase Gene
Authors: Barbetti Fabrizio , Cobo-Vuilleumier Nadia , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Toni Sonia , Ciampalini Paolo , Massa Ornella , Rodriguez-Bada Pablo , Colombo Carlo , Lenzi Lorenzo , Garcia-Gimeno María A. , Bermudez Francisco J. , Rodriguez de Fonseca Fernando , Banin Patrizia , Aledo Juan C. , Baixeras Elena , Sanz Pascual , Cuesta-Muñoz Antonio L.
Published: January 2014

Glucokinase (GK) is essential for glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic β-cell, serving as glucose sensor in humans. Inactivating or activating mutations of glucokinase lead to different forms of “Glucokinase Disease”, i.e. Monogenic Diabetes of Youth (GCK-MDY), Permanent Neonatal Diabetes (inactivating mutations) and Congenital Hyperinsulinism, respectively. Here we present a novel GCK activating mutation (p.E442K) found in an infant with neonatal hypoglycemia (1.5 mmol/l) and in two other family members suffering from recurrent hypoglycemic episodes in their childhood and adult life. In contrast to the severe clinical presentation in the index case, functional studies showed only a slight activation of the protein (relative activity index of 3.3). We also report on functional studies of two inactivating mutations of the GCK (p.E440G and p.S441W), contiguous to the activating one, that lead to GCK-MDY. Interestingly, adult family members carrying the GCK pE440G mutation show an unusually “heterogeneous and progressive” diabetic phenotype, a feature not typical of MDY. In summary, we identified a novel activating GCK mutation that although being associated with severe neonatal hypoglycemia is characterized by the mildest activation of the glucokinase enzyme of all previously reported.
Heterozygous Orthodenticle Homeobox 2 Mutations Are Associated with Variable Pituitary Phenotype
Authors: Dateki Sumito , Kosaka Kitaro , Hasegawa Kosei , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Azuma Noriyuki , Yokoya Susumu , Muroya Koji , Adachi Masanori , Tajima Toshihiro , Motomura Katsuaki , Kinoshita Eiichi , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Sato Naoko , Fukami Maki , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: January 2014

Context

Although recent studies have suggested a positive role of OTX2 in pituitary as well as ocular development and function, detailed pituitary phenotypes in OTX2 mutations and OTX2 target genes for pituitary function other than HESX1 and POU1F1 remain to be determined.

Objective

We aimed to examine such unresolved issues.

Subjects

We studied 94 Japanese patients with various ocular or pituitary abnormalities.

Results

We identified heterozygous p.K74fsX103 in case 1, p.A72fsX86 in case 2, p.G188X in two unrelated cases (3 and 4), and a 2,860,561-bp microdeletion involving OTX2 in case 5. Clinical studies revealed isolated GH deficiency in cases 1 and 5; combined pituitary hormone deficiency in case 3; abnormal pituitary structures in cases 1, 3, and 5; and apparently normal pituitary function in cases 2 and 4, together with ocular anomalies in cases 1-5. The wild-type Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) protein transactivated the GNRH1 promoter as well as the HESX1, POU1F1, and IRBP (interstitial retinoid-binding protein) promoters, whereas the p.K74fsX103-OTX2 and p.A72fsX86-OTX2 proteins had no transactivation functions and the p.G188X-OTX2 protein had reduced (∼50%) transactivation functions for the four promoters, with no dominant-negative effect. cDNA screening identified positive OTX2 expression in the hypothalamus.

Conclusions

The results imply that OTX2 mutations are associated with variable pituitary phenotype, with no genotype-phenotype correlations, and that OTX2 can transactivate GNRH1 as well as HESX1 and POU1F1.
Dihydrotestosterone Suppresses Foam Cell Formation and Attenuates Atherosclerosis Development
Authors: Qiu Yang , Yanase Toshihiko , Hu Haidi , Tanaka Tomoko , Nishi Yoshihiro , Liu Min , Sueishi Katsuo , Sawamura Tatsuya , Nawata Hajime
Published: January 2014

The role of testosterone in atherosclerosis remains unclear because it is aromatized to estrogen. We investigated the effect of the nonaromatized natural androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the rabbit atherogenesis in relation to the proatherogenic molecule lectin-like oxidized-low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and its downstream molecules. Thirty-nine male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups: 1) noncastrated group with normal chow diet (n = 6); 2) noncastrated group with high-cholesterol diet (HCD) (n = 10); 3) castrated group with HCD plus sc placebo pellet (n = 11); and 4) castrated group with HCD plus sc 150 mg DHT pellet (n = 12). Implantation of sc DHT or placebo pellet was performed at the time of castration. After castration or sham operation, the rabbits were fed the HCD for 8 wk, and plaque areas were assessed in the entire aorta. The HCD-induced increase in plaque area, which was most aggravated in the castration plus placebo group, was attenuated in the castration plus DHT group. Microscopic examination of the proximal descending aorta revealed that DHT significantly reduced HCD-induced foam cell formation, which was mostly composed of macrophages in the intima layer, compared with the placebo group. The decreased accumulation of foam cells with DHT treatment was accompanied by a marked reduction in the expression of LOX-1 mRNA in these cells. In cultured macrophages prepared from male wild-type mice that express the androgen receptor (AR), 1 × 10−8m and 1 × 10−9m DHT inhibited the formation of foam cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Moreover, the expression of LOX-1 and inflammatory cytokines in the cultured macrophages was significantly suppressed by DHT. Such suppressive effects of DHT on foam cell formation and cytokine expression were not observed in cultured macrophages prepared from male AR-null mice, suggesting an involvement of AR in the mechanism. In conclusion, physiological levels of DHT attenuated the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits through the suppression of intimal foam cell formation of macrophage partly via the suppression of LOX-1 expression.