bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EGFRmutant-specific immunohistochemistry has high specificity and sensitivity for detecting targeted activatingEGFRmutations in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cooper W A , Yu B , Yip P Y , Ng C C , Lum T , Farzin M , Trent R J , Mercorella B , Clarkson A , Kohonen-Corish M R J , Horvath L G , Kench J G , McCaughan B , Gill A J , O'Toole S A
Published: June 2013

Aim

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-specific antibodies for detecting two common activatingEGFRmutations.

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression of mutation-specific antibodies againstEGFRexon 19 deletion E746-A750 ((c.2235_2249del15 or c.2236_2250del15, p. Glu746_Ala750del) and exon 21 L858R point mutation (c.2573T>G, p.Leu858Arg) were assessed in a cohort of 204 resected early stage node negative lung adenocarcinomas, and protein expression was compared with DNA analysis results from mass spectrometry analysis.

Results

Of seven cases with L858R point mutation, six were positive by immunohistochemistry (IHC). There were three false positive cases using L858R IHC (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 98.5%, positive predictive value 66.7%, negative predictive value 99.5%). All seven E746-A750 exon 19 deletions identified by mutation analysis were positive by IHC. Four additional cases were positive for exon 19 IHC but negative by mutation analysis. The sensitivity of exon 19 IHC for E746-A750 was 100%, specificity 98.0%, positive predictive value 63.6% and negative predictive value 100%.

Conclusions

Mutant-specific EGFR IHC has good specificity and sensitivity for identifying targeted activatingEGFRmutations. Although inferior to molecular genetic analysis of theEGFRgene, IHC is highly specific and sensitive for the targetedEGFRmutations. The antibodies are likely to be of clinical value in cases where limited tumour material is available, or in situations where molecular genetic analysis is not readily available.
Estimates of the size of key populations at risk for HIV infection: men who have sex with men, female sex workers and injecting drug users in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Okal Jerry , Geibel Scott , Muraguri Nicolas , Musyoki Helgar , Tun Waimar , Broz Dita , Kuria David , Kim Andrea , Oluoch Tom , Raymond H Fisher
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Size estimates of populations at higher risk for HIV infection are needed to help policy makers understand the scope of the epidemic and allocate appropriate resources. Population size estimates of men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and intravenous drug users (IDU) are few or non-existent in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

We integrated three population size estimation methods into a behavioural surveillance survey among MSM, FSW and IDU in Nairobi during 2010–2011. These methods included the multiplier method, ‘Wisdom of the Crowds’ and an approach that drew on published literature. The median of the three estimates was hypothesised to be the most plausible size estimate with the other results forming the upper and lower plausible bounds. Data were shared with community representatives and stakeholders to finalise ‘best’ point estimates and plausible bounds based on the data collected in Nairobi, a priori expectations from the global literature and stakeholder input.

Results

We estimate there are approximately 11 042 MSM with a plausible range of 10 000–22 222, 29 494 FSW with a plausible range of 10 000–54 467 FSW and approximately 6107 IDU and plausibly 5031–10 937 IDU living in Nairobi.

Conclusions

We employed multiple methods and used a wide range of data sources to estimate the size of three hidden populations in Nairobi, Kenya. These estimates may be useful to advocate for and to plan, implement and evaluate HIV prevention and care programmes for MSM, FSW and IDU. Surveillance activities should consider integrating population size estimation in their protocols.
Isotropic yielding of unsaturated cemented silty sand
Authors: Arroyo M. , Amaral M.F. , Romero E. , Viana da Fonseca A.
Published: June 2013

Unsaturated cemented soils are frequent both as designed materials and as naturally occurring layers. Both desiccation and cementation act separately as hardening mechanisms, but it is not clear how exactly their effects combine. Do they enhance one another? Are they mutually reinforcing? This study presents results from an experimental campaign aimed at answering these questions. Five different mixtures of soil (a granite saprolite) and cement (with cement contents in the range 0% to 7% on a dry weight basis) are tested in isotropic compression at four different water content levels. Initial void ratio is also controlled, using two initial compaction densities. Loading is performed at constant water content and suction is inferred from a set of water retention curves obtained from parallel psychrometric and pore-size distribution measurements. The range of yield stresses explored in this study covers almost two orders of magnitude and extends up to 7 MPa at suction values of up to 14 MPa. Both desiccation and cementation increase yield stress, but their effects are less marked when both act together, and therefore they are not mutually reinforcing.
THE LATERAL BUCKLING OF TIMBER ARCHES
Authors: RODMAN URBAN , SAJE MIRAN , PLANINC IGOR , ZUPAN DEJAN
Published: June 2013

This paper presents the stability analyses of glulam arches subjected to distributed vertical loading. The present analysis employs a strain-based formulation of a nonlinear geometrically exact three-dimensional beam theory. The influence of the relative height of the arch on the lateral buckling load is studied. The buckling load is determined by bisection method with observing the sign of the determinant of the tangent stiffness matrix. The post-critical load deflection path is traced by a modified arc–length method. Such influences are shown for arches with a constant cross-section or constant volume. After determining the most favorable height of the arch, the influence of the number and position of lateral supports is shown. We also compare the deflections, bending, and radial stresses at the lateral buckling states to the limit values which are recommended by European standards.
Zinc phthalocyanines with fluorinated substituents for direct sensing of carbamate and organophosphate pesticides in water
Authors: Erbahar Dilek D. , Harbeck Mika , Gürol Ilke , Gümüş Gülay , Musluoǧlu Emel , Öztürk Zafer Z. , Ahsen Vefa
Published: June 2013

Water pollution by pesticides as the result of intensive agriculture and horticulture has brought many negative consequences to humans and ecosystems. Among others, chemical sensor systems are under intense development for direct pesticide analysis in aqueous samples as a cost effective and simple alternative analytical method. In this work, a set of zinc phthalocyanines is studied in its liquid sensing properties using quartz crystal microbalances. Four different species selected from the two most common organophosphorus and carbamate classes of pesticides are used as test analytes. The phthalocyanines are chemically modified with different fluorinated substituents to increase sensor sensitivity and govern pesticide selectivity in order to create sensors with widely diverging analyte responses. By this means, sensors with a general high sensitivity and selectivity for the two pesticide classes were obtained and detection limits down to 0.03 mg.L-1 could be achieved. The response data of the sensors are analyzed in detail using exploratory multivariate data evaluation methods. The results show that phthalocyanine based sensors are a truly capable platform for chemical analysis systems of aqueous samples.
A Wasserstein-type Distance to Measure Deviation from Equilibrium of Quantum Markov Semigroups
Authors: Agredo Julián
Published: June 2013

In this paper we define a distance W between states in the non-commutative von Neumann algebra [Formula: see text] of bounded operators on a separable Hilbert space [Formula: see text], in order to measure deviations from equilibrium using a rate ep W(·). The restriction of W to the diagonal subalgebra of [Formula: see text] coincides with the Wasserstein distance used in optimal transport. Moreover, if ρ is a normal invariant state of a quantum Markov semigroup [Formula: see text], then ep W(ρ) = 0 if and only if a detailed balance condition holds.
Proterochampsia: an endemic archosauriform clade from South America
Authors: Trotteyn María Jimena , Arcucci Andrea B. , Raugust Tiago
Published: June 2013

Proterochampsia is a monophyletic group of crocodile-like archosauriforms currently endemic to the late Middle and early Late Triassic of South America considered as one of the potential successive sister-taxa of the crown group Archosauria. The proterochampsians come from the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin in the west of Argentina and the Parana Basin in the south of Brazil. The traditional composition of the group includes the genera
Cerritosaurus
Price 1946
,
Proterochampsa
Reig 1959
(with two species:
P
.
barrionuevoi
in Argentina and
P. nodosa
Barberena 1982
in Brazil),
Chanaresuchus
Romer (with two species from Argentina:
C. bonapartei
Romer and
C. ischigualastensis

Trotteyn
et al.
2012

),
Gualosuchus reigi
Romer 1971
and
Tropidosuchus romeri
Arcucci 1990
. After a precladistic history of confusion about their relationships with crocodilians, in the last 20 years new discoveries of taxa, and more systematic and phylogenetic studies, have clarified their position as non-archosaurian archosauriforms and their relationships with other Triassic archosaurs.
Early Crocodylomorpha
Authors: Irmis Randall B. , Nesbitt Sterling J. , Sues Hans-Dieter
Published: June 2013

Non-crocodyliform crocodylomorphs, often called ‘sphenosuchians’, were the earliest-diverging lineages of Crocodylomorpha, and document the stepwise acquisition of many of the features that characterize extant crocodylians. The first crocodylomorph fossils are approximately 230 million years old (upper Carnian, Late Triassic), and at least one of these early lineages persisted until at least 150 million years ago (Late Jurassic). These taxa occupied a wide variety of terrestrial environments from equatorial regions to high-paleolatitudes during the early Mesozoic. Despite a quarter-century of quantitative phylogenetic work, the interrelationships of early crocodylomorphs remain in a state of flux, though recent studies suggest that these lineages are paraphyletic with respect to Crocodyliformes, rather than forming a monophyletic early offshoot of Crocodylomorpha as some previously hypothesized. Nearly all early crocodylomorphs were upright quadrupedal small-bodied taxa, but lumping them all together as small cursorial faunivores masks ecological and morphological disparity in diet and limb functional morphology. With the accelerated pace of recent discovery of new specimens and taxa, future consensus on early crocodylomorph phylogeny will provide a solid framework for understanding their change in diversity and disparity through time, potential biogeographic patterns, and the morphological transformation leading to Crocodyliformes.
Crystal uptake into aphyric arc melts: insights from two-pyroxene pseudo-decompression paths, plagioclase hygrometry, and measurement of hydrogen in olivines from mafic volcanics of SW Japan
Authors: Zellmer Georg F. , Sakamoto Naoya , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Miyoshi Masaya , Tamura Yoshihiko , Hsieh Hui-Ho , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: June 2013

Minerals of mafic rocks from the SW Japan arc have been studied to deduce
P
–
T
–X
H2O
conditions and their variations in mafic arc magmas. Two-pyroxene thermobarometry of magmas from several volcanoes yields constant temperatures and variable pressures. MELTS fractional crystallization modelling is employed to show that such ‘pseudo-decompression paths’ (PDPs) are artefacts that derive from uptake of pyroxene antecrysts formed at a range of crustal levels by isobaric cooling of previously intruded mafic melts. It is shown that PDPs can be used to constrain oxygen fugacities and initial water contents of the intruded magmas. These constraints, and plagioclase hygrometry, indicate that initial melt H
2
O contents change systematically along the SW Japan arc. Direct determination of hydrogen in olivine by secondary ion mass spectrometry yields consistently low olivine H
2
O contents of 11±4 ppm (1σ), with little, if any, along-arc variations. MELTS modelling indicates that crystallization of calcic plagioclase and olivine dominantly occurs during upper crustal differentiation of mafic melts. The combined data indicate that aphyric melts are released from the mantle wedge, taking up most if not all crystals from previously intruded plutonic rocks during rapid magma ascent to the surface.
Reappraisal of uranium-series isotope data in Kamchatka lavas: implications for continental arc magma genesis
Authors: Dosseto Anthony , Turner Simon
Published: June 2013

Uranium-series isotopes can be used to determine constraints on the timescale of slab dehydration and melt production at subduction zones. However, interpretations of U–Th–Ra data suggest very different timescales of slab dehydration. Here, we present new U–Th–Ra data from Kamchatka along with a number of alternative models for production of radioactive disequilibrium. Variations in (
226
Ra/
230
Th) and (
231
Pa/
235
U) activity ratios are best explained by crystal fractionation with host rock assimilation for a duration of less than
c.
6000 years. The association of the largest
226
Ra excesses with high Sr/Th in the most primitive lavas suggests that Ra–Th fractionation is controlled by slab dehydration less than 10 ka ago. We show that U–Th data can be explained by dynamic melting of a recently (<10 ka) metasomatized mantle wedge. Dynamic melting of an oxidized source metasomatized several hundreds of thousands of years ago cannot produce significant
231
Pa excess. Because
238
U–
230
Th disequilibrium is inferred to be controlled by partial melting, there is no requirement for multi-stage slab dehydration commencing ∼150 ka. We suggest that Ra–Th disequilibria constrain the timing of slab dehydration, whilst U–Th fractionation is dominated by partial melting, at least at the Kamchatka arc.
Insights into crust formation and recycling in North Africa from combined U–Pb, Lu–Hf and O isotope data of detrital zircons from Devonian sandstone of southern Libya
Authors: Meinhold Guido , Morton Andrew C. , Fanning C. Mark , Howard James P. , Phillips Richard J. , Strogen Dominic , Whitham Andrew G.
Published: June 2013

Combined U–Pb, Lu–Hf and O isotope data of detrital zircons from the Devonian sandstone of southern Libya provide important new boundary parameters for reconstruction of palaeosource areas and sediment transport and may lead to novel approaches to test current plate tectonic models, with important implications for our understanding of the evolution of northern Gondwana (in present-day coordinates) during the Palaeozoic. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages from Devonian sandstone of the eastern margin of the Murzuq Basin show four main age populations: 2.7–2.5 Ga (13%), 2.1–1.9 Ga (10%), 1.1–0.9 Ga (25%) and 0.7–0.5 Ga (46%). The ubiquitous occurrence of
c.
1.0 Ga detrital zircons is characteristic of the Saharan Metacraton sedimentary cover sequence and provides new insights into palaeogeographic reconstructions of Gondwana-derived terranes in the Eastern Mediterranean and SW Europe. The Lu–Hf isotope data suggest that zircons crystallized within a narrow time interval from magmas with heterogeneous Hf isotope compositions. These magmas were derived by melting of pre-existing rocks, rather than being juvenile. The calculated Hf model ages range from 3.7 Ga to 1.3 Ga, with a major population between 2.8 Ga and 1.9 Ga, indicating prominent recycling of Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic crust.
Heavy mineral provenance of the Mesozoic succession in Andøya, northern Norway: implications for sand transport in the Vøring Basin
Authors: Morton Andrew , Fanning Mark , Berry John R.
Published: June 2013

A heavy mineral, mineral chemical and detrital zircon study of Jurassic–Cretaceous (Bathonian–Valanginian) sandstones of the Andøya B borehole, Lofoten–Vesterålen, northern Norway, has revealed the existence of significant differences within the succession. These are related partly to changes in source and partly to variations in the extent of weathering during alluvial storage. Three mineralogical units have been identified. The main change takes place within the Bathonian, and is interpreted as marking a switch from eastern (West Troms) to western (Andøya–Lofoten High) sourcing, consistent with previously published sedimentological models. U–Pb age data indicate that most of the zircons were derived from Palaeoproterozoic rocks (
c.
1750–1860 Ma), with a subordinate Archaean group (
c.
2600–2800 Ma) and a small early Palaeozoic group (mostly in the 435–446 Ma range). These groups can all be tied back to lithological components of the Lofoten–Vesterålen and West Troms regions, including Palaeozoic rocks hosted in Caledonian allochthons.

The provenance characteristics of the Andøya succession have no counterpart in Cretaceous and Paleocene sandstones of the Vøring Basin. This suggests that sediment fed into the basin from Lofoten–Vesterålen was of minor importance, and that prospective Cretaceous–Paleocene hydrocarbon reservoir sandstones in the Vøring Basin were mainly derived from either northern Nordland or northern East Greenland.

Supplementary material:

Zircon isotopic compositions and ages are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18616
.
Tracing provenance and pathways of late Holocene fluvio-deltaic sediments by heavy-metal spatial distribution (Po Plain–Northern Apennines system, Italy)
Authors: Amorosi Alessandro , Sammartino Irene
Published: June 2013

The bulk geochemistry of 435 near-surface sediment samples from the southern Po Plain was used to identify the major sources of sediment delivered through distinct tracts of the routing system, from the Apenninic catchments to the Po Delta and the Adriatic coast. Sediment composition from the downstream reaches of the Po River and 23 Apenninic channel-levee river systems is fingerprinted by distinctive heavy metal (chromium and nickel) concentrations, which vary primarily as a function of the local ultramafic rock contribution. For any constant provenance domain, fine-grained (floodplain) sediments are invariably enriched in trace metals relative to their coarser-sized, channel-related counterparts, thus reflecting hydraulic sorting by crevasse and overbank processes. Once the geochemical signatures of fluvial endmembers are established, the relative contribution of the individual detrital sources to the downstream segments of the system can be assessed. Using an example from a multisourced supplied system, we outline the reconstruction of source-rock lithology and sediment pathways by combined sedimentological and geochemical studies as the basis for reliable estimates of sediment budgets in a source-to-sink context.
Thrombospondin-1 regulates adiposity and metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced obesity enhancing adipose inflammation and stimulating adipocyte proliferation
Authors: Kong Ping , Gonzalez-Quesada Carlos , Li Na , Cavalera Michele , Lee Dong-Wook , Frangogiannis Nikolaos G
Published: June 2013

As a typical matricellular protein, thrombospondin (TSP)-1, binds to the structural matrix and regulates cellular behavior by modulating growth factor and cytokine signaling. Obesity and diabetes are associated with marked upregulation of TSP-1 in adipose tissue. We hypothesized that endogenous TSP-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Accordingly, we examined the effects of TSP-1 gene disruption on weight gain, adiposity, and adipose tissue inflammation in mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD: 60% fat, 20% carbohydrate) or a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet (HCLFD: 10% fat, 70% carbohydrate). HFD mice had significantly higher TSP-1 expression in perigonadal adipose tissue; TSP-1 was predominantly localized in the adipose interstitium. TSP-1 loss attenuated weight gain and fat accumulation in HFD and HCLFD groups. Compared with corresponding wild-type animals, TSP-1-null mice had decreased insulin levels but exhibited elevated free fatty acid and triglyceride levels, suggesting impaired fatty acid uptake. TSP-1 loss did not affect adipocyte size and had no effect on adipose vascular density. However, TSP-1-null mice exhibited attenuated tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression and reduced macrophage infiltration, suggesting a role for TSP-1 in mediating obesity-associated inflammation. In vitro, TSP-1 enhanced proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes but did not modulate inflammatory cytokine and chemokine synthesis. In conclusion, TSP-1 upregulation contributes to weight gain, adipose growth, and the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction. The effects of TSP-1 may involve stimulation of adipocyte proliferation, activation of inflammatory signaling, and facilitated fatty acid uptake by adipocytes.
Exercise training enhances white adipose tissue metabolism in rats selectively bred for low- or high-endurance running capacity
Authors: Stephenson Erin J. , Lessard Sarah J. , Rivas Donato A. , Watt Matthew J. , Yaspelkis Ben B. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Hawley John A.
Published: June 2013

Impaired visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several lifestyle-related disease states, with diminished expression of several WAT mitochondrial genes reported in both insulin-resistant humans and rodents. We have used rat models selectively bred for low- (LCR) or high-intrinsic running capacity (HCR) that present simultaneously with divergent metabolic phenotypes to test the hypothesis that oxidative enzyme expression is reduced in epididymal WAT from LCR animals. Based on this assumption, we further hypothesized that short-term exercise training (6 wk of treadmill running) would ameliorate this deficit. Approximately 22-wk-old rats (generation 22) were studied. In untrained rats, the abundance of mitochondrial respiratory complexes I–V, citrate synthase (CS), and PGC-1 was similar for both phenotypes, although CS activity was greater than 50% in HCR ( P = 0.09). Exercise training increased CS activity in both phenotypes but did not alter mitochondrial protein content. Training increased the expression and phosphorylation of proteins with roles in β-adrenergic signaling, including β3-adrenergic receptor (16% increase in LCR; P < 0.05), NOR1 (24% decrease in LCR, 21% decrease in HCR; P < 0.05), phospho-ATGL (25% increase in HCR; P < 0.05), perilipin (25% increase in HCR; P < 0.05), CGI-58 (15% increase in LCR; P < 0.05), and GLUT4 (16% increase in HCR; P < 0.0001). A training effect was also observed for phospho-p38 MAPK (12% decrease in LCR, 20% decrease in HCR; P < 0.05) and phospho-JNK (29% increase in LCR, 20% increase in HCR; P < 0.05). We conclude that in the LCR-HCR model system, mitochondrial protein expression in WAT is not affected by intrinsic running capacity or exercise training. However, training does induce alterations in the activity and expression of several proteins that are essential to the intracellular regulation of WAT metabolism.
Bovine TB in livestock and wildlife: what's in the genes?
Authors: le Roex Nikki , van Helden Paul D. , Koets Ad P. , Hoal Eileen G.
Published: June 2013

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic, infectious disease found in domestic livestock and wildlife. It is caused predominantly by Mycobacterium bovis, which forms part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. BTB has serious implications for the movement of animals and animal products, biodiversity, and public health and is of significant economic concern. The existence of wildlife maintenance hosts makes it extremely difficult to eradicate BTB, even when established control strategies are in place, creating the need for alternative methods for controlling this disease. There are multiple factors that influence the outcome of infection by a pathogen, one of which is the host's genome. The identification of genetic variants involved in the susceptibility to BTB would supply a new selection of potential drug targets as well as the possibility for the breeding of animals with greater disease resistance. In this review, we collate the results of the BTB heritability and association studies performed in cattle and wildlife, discuss considerations and other methodologies (such as gene expression work) to be taken into account when performing genetic studies, and make some recommendations for future work in this area.
Ethanol Extract ofCordyceps militarisGrown on Germinated Soybeans Attenuates Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate- (DSS-) Induced Colitis by Suppressing the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Park Dong Ki , Park Hye-Jin
Published: June 2013

The effect ofCordyceps militaris(CM) grown on germinated soybeans (GSC) in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model was studied. To demonstrate the preventive effect of GSC extract in a dextran-sodium-sulfate- (DSS-) induced acute colitis mouse model, GSC was administered 2 days before DSS coadministration. GSC significantly suppressed DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI) as well as histopathological scores, compared to control or CM-treated group. To elucidate the anti-IBD activity of GSC, we checked the level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory mediators. GSC extract decreased the level of MMP-3 and -9 mRNAs and p53 proteins. The level and activity of LPS-induced MMP-9 were reduced in GSC-treated RAW264.7 cells. It also attenuated the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)αmRNAs both in colon tissue and in macrophage cells. These results suggest that GSC can be applied as a protective agent against IBDs.
A Review of Exposure Assessment Methods in Epidemiological Studies on Incinerators
Authors: Cordioli Michele , Ranzi Andrea , De Leo Giulio A. , Lauriola Paolo
Published: June 2013

Incineration is a common technology for waste disposal, and there is public concern for the health impact deriving from incinerators. Poor exposure assessment has been claimed as one of the main causes of inconsistency in the epidemiological literature. We reviewed 41 studies on incinerators published between 1984 and January 2013 and classified them on the basis of exposure assessment approach. Moreover, we performed a simulation study to explore how the different exposure metrics may influence the exposure levels used in epidemiological studies. 19 studies used linear distance as a measure of exposure to incinerators, 11 studies atmospheric dispersion models, and the remaining 11 studies a qualitative variable such as presence/absence of the source. All reviewed studies utilized residence as a proxy for population exposure, although residence location was evaluated with different precision (e.g., municipality, census block, or exact address). Only one study reconstructed temporal variability in exposure. Our simulation study showed a notable degree of exposure misclassification caused by the use of distance compared to dispersion modelling. We suggest that future studies (i) make full use of pollution dispersion models; (ii) localize population on a fine-scale; and (iii) explicitly account for the presence of potential environmental and socioeconomic confounding.
The Point of Coincidence and Common Fixed Point for Three Mappings in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Kumar Anil , Rathee Savita , Kumar Navin
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to present the point of coincidence and common fixed point for three mappings in cone metric spaces over normal cone which satisfy a different contractive condition. Our result generalizes the recent related results proved by Stojan Radenović (2009) and Rangamma and Prudhvi (2012).
Evaluation on the Pharmacological Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine SiJunZiTang on Stress-Induced Peptic Ulcers
Authors: Chen Chiu-Mei , Lee Chien-Ying , Lin Po-Jung , Hsieh Chin-Lang , Shih Hung-Che
Published: June 2013

Purpose. To explore the effects of SiJunZiTang (SJZT) on central neurotransmitters and the inhibition of HCl hypersecretion, along with the role of the vagus nerve. From this, the effects of SJZT and its constituent ingredients on inhibiting stress-induced peptic ulcers will be determined.Methods. Methods used to determine SJZT's effectiveness included (1) measuring the antipeptic ulcer effects of varying combinations of the constituents of SJZT; (2) evaluations of monoamine (MA) level in the brain; and (3) measuring the effects of longer-term SJZT treatment.Results. Comparing the control and experimental groups where the rats’ vagus nerves were not cut after taking SJZT orally (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg), the volume of enterogastric juice, free HCl and total acidity all reduce dose-dependently. The group administered SJZT at 1000 mg/kg showed significant reductions (P<0.05). For the experimental groups where the vagus nerves were cut, a comparison with the control group suggests that the group receiving SJZT (500 mg/kg) orally for 21 days demonstrated a cure rate of 34.53%.Conclusion. The results display a correlation between the therapeutic effects of SJZT on stress-induced peptic ulcers and central neurotransmitter levels. Further to this, SJZT can inhibit the hypersecretion of HCl in the stomach, thus inhibiting stress-induced peptic ulcers.
Urine Bikunin as a Marker of Renal Impairment in Fabry's Disease
Authors: Lepedda Antonio Junior , Fancellu Laura , Zinellu Elisabetta , De Muro Pierina , Nieddu Gabriele , Deiana Giovanni Andrea , Canu Piera , Concolino Daniela , Sestito Simona , Formato Marilena , Sechi Gianpietro
Published: June 2013

Fabry’s disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency ofα-galactosidase A that leads to the accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids in many organs including kidney, heart, and brain. Since end-stage renal disease represents a major complication of this pathology, the aim of the present work was to evaluate if urinary proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan excretion could represent a useful marker for monitoring kidney function in these patients at high risk. Quali-quantitative and structural analyses were conducted on plasma and urine from 24 Fabry’s patients and 43 control subjects. Patients were sorted for presence and degree of renal impairment (proteinuria/renal damage). Results showed that levels of urine bikunin, also known as urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), are significantly higher in patients with renal impairment than in controls. In this respect, no differences were evidenced in plasma chondroitin sulfate isomers level/structure indicating a likely direct kidney involvement. Noteworthy, urine bikunin levels are higher in patients since early symptoms of renal impairment occur (proteinuria). Overall, our findings suggest that urine bikunin level, as well as proteinuria, could represent a useful parameter for monitoring renal function in those patients that do not present any symptoms of renal insufficiency.
Role of Microglia in CNS Autoimmunity
Authors: Goldmann Tobias , Prinz Marco
Published: June 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in the Western world. The disease is characterized histologically by the infiltration of encephalitogenicTH1/TH17-polarized CD4+T cells, B cells, and a plethora of myeloid cells, resulting in severe demyelination ultimately leading to a degeneration of neuronal structures. These pathological processes are substantially modulated by microglia, the resident immune competent cells of the CNS. In this overview, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the highly diverse and complex function of microglia during CNS autoimmunity in either promoting tissue injury or tissue repair. Hence, understanding microglia involvement in MS offers new exciting paths for therapeutic intervention.
Antiangiogenic VEGF Isoform in Inflammatory Myopathies
Authors: Volpi Nila , Pecorelli Alessandra , Lorenzoni Paola , Di Lazzaro Francesco , Belmonte Giuseppe , Aglianò Margherita , Cantarini Luca , Giannini Fabio , Grasso Giovanni , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Objective. To investigate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antiangiogenic isoformA-165bon human muscle in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and to compare distribution of angiogenic/antiangiogenic VEGFs, as isoforms shifts are described in other autoimmune disorders.Subjects and Methods. We analyzedVEGF-A165band VEGF-A by western blot and immunohistochemistry on skeletal muscle biopsies from 21 patients affected with IIM (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis) and 6 control muscle samples. TGF-β, a prominent VEGF inductor, was analogously evaluated. Intergroup differences of western blot bands density were statistically examined. Endomysial vascularization, inflammatory score, and muscle regeneration, as pathological parameters of IIM, were quantitatively determined and their levels were confronted with VEGF expression.Results.VEGF-A165bwas significantly upregulated in IIM, as well as TGF-β. VEGF-A was diffusely expressed on unaffected myofibers, whereas regenerating/atrophic myofibres strongly reacted for both VEGF-A isoforms. Most inflammatory cells and endomysial vessels expressed both isoforms.VEGF-A165blevels were in positive correlation to inflammatory score, endomysial vascularization, and TGF-β.Conclusions. Our findings indicate skeletal muscle expression of antiangiogenicVEGF-A165band preferential upregulation in IIM, suggesting that modulation of VEGF-A isoforms may occur in myositides.
An Evolutionary Game-Based Trust Cooperative Stimulation Model for Large Scale MANETs
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wu Yinfeng , Ren Yongji , Feng Renjian , Yu Ning , Wan Jiangwen
Published: June 2013

In order to realize a methodical, effective cooperative stimulation for MANETs and search dynamic trust cooperative stimulation scheme in environment under a high malicious ratio, we have proposed an evolutionary game-based trust cooperative stimulation model for large scale MANETs in this paper. First, the system members' pluralistic behavior for MANETs has been covered by means of constructing the complete multirisk level strategy space. Then a trust-preferential strategy has been built through trust numerical value mapping technology, which achieves the aim that the malicious action is effectively constrained to avoid a low trust level. Furthermore, the mobility probable parameters and information propagation error matrix are introduced into game model, and the convergence condition between optimum strategy which represents payoff maximization principle and trust-preferential strategy is deduced through evolutionary analyzing finally. Both theoretical analysis and simulation experiments have demonstrated that our model can effectively stimulate cooperation among members and meanwhile be robust under the condition where the environment is harsh under a high original malicious ratio in large scale MANETs.
Volcanic Ash versus Mineral Dust: Atmospheric Processing and Environmental and Climate Impacts
Authors: Langmann Baerbel
Published: June 2013

This review paper contrasts volcanic ash and mineral dust regarding their chemical and physical properties, sources, atmospheric load, deposition processes, atmospheric processing, and environmental and climate effects. Although there are substantial differences in the history of mineral dust and volcanic ash particles before they are released into the atmosphere, a number of similarities exist in atmospheric processing at ambient temperatures and environmental and climate impacts. By providing an overview on the differences and similarities between volcanic ash and mineral dust processes and effects, this review paper aims to appeal for future joint research strategies to extend our current knowledge through close cooperation between mineral dust and volcanic ash researchers.
Removing the Correlation Term in Option Pricing Heston Model: Numerical Analysis and Computing
Authors: Company R. , Jódar L. , Fakharany M. , Casabán M.-C.
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the numerical solution of option pricing stochastic volatility model described by a time-dependent, two-dimensional convection-diffusion reaction equation. Firstly, the mixed spatial derivative of the partial differential equation (PDE) is removed by means of the classical technique for reduction of second-order linear partial differential equations to canonical form. An explicit difference scheme with positive coefficients and only five-point computational stencil is constructed. The boundary conditions are adapted to the boundaries of the rhomboid transformed numerical domain. Consistency of the scheme with the PDE is shown and stepsize discretization conditions in order to guarantee stability are established. Illustrative numerical examples are included.
Determination of Pavement Rehabilitation Activities through a Permutation Algorithm
Authors: Lee Sangyum , Mun Sungho , Moon Hyungchul
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a mathematical programming model for optimal pavement rehabilitation planning. The model maximized the rehabilitation area through a newly developed permutation algorithm, based on the procedures outlined in the harmony search (HS) algorithm. Additionally, the proposed algorithm was based on an optimal solution method for the problem of multilocation rehabilitation activities on pavement structure, using empirical deterioration and rehabilitation effectiveness models, according to a limited maintenance budget. Thus, nonlinear pavement performance and rehabilitation activity decision models were used to maximize the objective functions of the rehabilitation area within a limited budget, through the permutation algorithm. Our results showed that the heuristic permutation algorithm provided a good optimum in terms of maximizing the rehabilitation area, compared with a method of the worst-first maintenance currently used in Seoul.
Microwave-Assisted Surface Modification of Metallocene Polyethylene for Improving Blood Compatibility
Authors: Mohandas Hemanth , Sivakumar Gunalan , Kasi Palaniappan , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Supriyanto Eko
Published: June 2013

A wide number of polymers are being used for various medical applications. In this work, microwave-assisted surface modification of metallocene polyethylene (mPE) was studied. FTIR analysis showed no significant changes in the chemical groups after treatment. Contact angle analysis revealed a decrease in contact angle of the treated samples insinuating increasing hydrophilicity and better biocompatibility. Qualitative analysis of treated samples using scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicted increasing surface roughness and holes formation further corroborating the results. Coagulation assays performed for estimating prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) showed an increase in the clotting time which further confirmed the improved blood compatibility of the microwave-treated surfaces. Further, the extent of hemolysis in the treated sample was lower than the untreated one. Hence, microwave-assisted surface modification of mPE resulted in enhanced blood compatibility. Improved blood compatibility of mPE may be exploited for fabrication of artificial vascular prostheses, implants, and various blood contacting devices.
Diversity of Mercury Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Aquatic Systems in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Luca Rebello Raquel Costa , Machado Gomes Karen , Duarte Rafael Silva , Tavora Coelho da Costa Rachid Caio , Rosado Alexandre Soares , Regua-Mangia Adriana Hamond
Published: June 2013

Escherichia coli may harbor genetic mercury resistance markers which makes this bacterial species a promising alternative for bioremediation processes. The objective of this study was to investigate phenotypic and genetic characteristics related to diversity and mercury resistance among 178 Escherichia coli strains isolated from residential, industrial, agricultural, and hospital wastewaters and recreational waters at Rio de Janeiro city. Genetic and conventional methods were carried out in order to determine mercury resistance. Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used to investigate genetic variability. RAPD data revealed a high degree of polymorphism among E. coli mercury resistant strains and showed reproducibility and good discriminative results. DGGE typing detected diversity within the merA gene fragment. Our findings represent an improvement in epidemiological studies of HgR  E. coli and support the evidence of nonclonal nature of mercury resistant E. coli strains circulating in rural and urban aquatic systems in Rio de Janeiro city.
Baicalin Inhibits IL-17-Mediated Joint Inflammation in Murine Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Yang Xue , Yang Ji , Zou Hejian
Published: June 2013

T-helper-17 (Th17) cells are implicated in a number of inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. Antagonism of Th17 cells is a treatment option for arthritis. Here, we report that Baicalin, a compound isolated from the Chinese herb Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi), relieved ankle swelling and protected the joint against inflammatory destruction in a murine adjuvant-induced arthritis model. Baicalin inhibited splenic Th17 cell population expansionin vivo. Baicalin prevented interleukin- (IL-) 17-mediated lymphocyte adhesion to cultured synoviocytes. Baicalin also blocked IL-17-induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression in cultured synoviocytes. Collectively, these findings suggest that Baicalin downregulates the joint inflammation caused by IL-17, which is likely produced by an expanded population of splenic Th17 cells in experimental arthritis. Baicalin might be a promising novel therapeutic agent for treating rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
Asymptotics of the Eigenvalues of a Self-Adjoint Fourth Order Boundary Value Problem with Four Eigenvalue Parameter Dependent Boundary Conditions
Authors: Möller Manfred , Zinsou Bertin
Published: June 2013

Considered is a regular fourth order ordinary differential equation which depends quadratically on the eigenvalue parameterλand which has separable boundary conditions depending linearly onλ. It is shown that the eigenvalues lie in the closed upper half plane or on the imaginary axis and are symmetric with respect to the imaginary axis. The first four terms in the asymptotic expansion of the eigenvalues are provided.
Ellipsometric Characterization of Thin Films from Multicomponent Chalcogenide Glasses for Application in Modern Optical Devices
Authors: Todorov R. , Tasseva J. , Lozanova V. , Lalova A. , Iliev Tz. , Paneva A.
Published: June 2013

A review is given on the application of the reflectance ellipsometry for optical characterization of bulk materials and thin films with thickness betweenλ/20 and 2λ(atλ=632.8 nm). The knowledge of the optical constants (refractive index,n, and extinction coefficient,k) of thin films is of a great importance from the point of view of modelling and controlling the manufacture of various optical elements, such as waveguides, diffraction gratings, and microlenses. The presented results concern the optical properties of thin films from multicomponent chalcogenide glasses on the base of As2S3and GeS2determined by multiple-angle-of-incidence ellipsometry and regarded as a function of the composition and thickness. The homogeneity of the films is verified by applying single-angle calculations at different angles. Due to decomposition of the bulk glass during thermal evaporation, an optical inhomogeneity of the thin As (Ge)-S-Bi(Tl) films is observed. The profile ofnin depth of thin As-S-Tl (Bi) films was investigated by evaporation of discrete layers. It is demonstrated that homogenous layers from the previous compounds with controlled composition can be deposited by coevaporation of As2S3and metals or their compounds (Bi, Tl, In2S3).
Natural Antioxidant Activity of Commonly Consumed Plant Foods in India: Effect of Domestic Processing
Authors: Sreeramulu D. , Reddy C. V. K. , Chauhan Anitha , Balakrishna N. , Raghunath M.
Published: June 2013

Phytochemicals protect against oxidative stress which in turn helps in maintaining the balance between oxidants and antioxidants. In recent times natural antioxidants are gaining considerable interest among nutritionists, food manufacturers, and consumers because of their perceived safety, potential therapeutic value, and long shelf life. Plant foods are known to protect against degenerative diseases and ageing due to their antioxidant activity (AOA) attributed to their high polyphenolic content (PC). Data on AOA and PC of Indian plant foods is scanty. Therefore we have determined the antioxidant activity in 107 commonly consumed Indian plant foods and assessed their relation to their PC. Antioxidant activity is presented as the range of values for each of the food groups. The foods studied had good amounts of PC and AOA although they belonged to different food groups. Interestingly, significant correlation was observed between AOA (DPPH and FRAP) and PC in most of the foods, corroborating the literature that polyphenols are potent antioxidants and that they may be important contributors to the AOA of the plant foods. We have also observed that common domestic methods of processing may not affect the PC and AOA of the foods studied in general. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first results of the kind in commonly consumed Indian plant foods.
Decision Analysis of Advertising and Price for Bilateral Competing Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Cheng-Tang , Yang Shan-Lin
Published: June 2013

The outcome of centralized equilibrium, prisoner's dilemma equilibrium, and decentralized equilibrium under different decision models has been provided with regards to bilateral competing supply chain system, either side of which is composed of one manufacturer and one retailer. Theoretical analysis indicates a positive correlation between price and one's own advertising investment level and a negative correlation between price and the opponent's advertising investment level. Through analysis of numerical examples, the results reveal a first mover advantage that leads to prisoner's dilemma in the system as well as the impact that price and advertising competition intensity has on the supply chain's choice of decision model.
A Reconfigurable Triple-Notch-Band Antenna Integrated with Defected Microstrip Structure Band-Stop Filter for Ultra-Wideband Cognitive Radio Applications
Authors: Li Yingsong , Li Wenxing , Ye Qiubo
Published: June 2013

A printed reconfigurable ultra-wideband (UWB) monopole antenna with triple narrow band-notched characteristics is proposed for cognitive radio applications in this paper. The triple narrow band-notched frequencies are obtained using a defected microstrip structure (DMS) band stop filter (BSF) embedded in the microstrip feed line and an invertedπ-shaped slot etched in the rectangular radiation patch, respectively. Reconfigurable characteristics of the proposed cognitive radio antenna (CRA) are achieved by means of four ideal switches integrated on the DMS-BSF and the invertedπ-shaped slot. The proposed UWB CRA can work at eight modes by controlling switches ON and OFF. Moreover, impedance bandwidth, design procedures, and radiation patterns are presented for analysis and explanation of this antenna. The designed antenna operates over the frequency band between 3.1 GHz and 14 GHz (bandwidth of 127.5%), with three notched bands from 4.2 GHz to 6.2 GHz (38.5%), 6.6 GHz to 7.0 GHz (6%), and 12.2 GHz to 14 GHz (13.7%). The antenna is successfully simulated, fabricated, and measured. The results show that it has wide impedance bandwidth, multimodes characteristics, stable gain, and omnidirectional radiation patterns.