bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mineralogical and sulphur isotopic evidence for the influence of sulphatereducing and -disproportionating bacteria on pyrite and marcasite formation in the Georgia kaolins
Authors: Cheshire M. C. , Bish D. L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Georgia, USA, kaolins contain three major occurrences of Fe-sulphide minerals, namely (1) in burrow structures, (2) as nodules associated with lignite and (3) as finely disseminated material. We have used sulphur isotope analysis and X-ray powder diffraction to understand these three occurrences in order to gain insight into the diagenetic conditions and microbial influences affecting the kaolin mineralogy. Burrows and nodules are dominated by corroded marcasite with thin pyrite overgrowths. The δ34S composition of each sulphide sample has internal fractionations (δ34Shigh – δ34Slow) ranging from 22‰ to 67‰. The secondary pyrite phase tends to be the most 34S depleted, with a low δ34S value of –47‰, whereas marcasite displays a δ34S range from 30‰ to +33‰. Early acidic environments from organic acids could have facilitated the initial marcasite crystallization, with a pH increase during later diagenesis producing pyrite overgrowths. Sulphide formation would have continued until burial restricted the diffusion of sea-water sulphate. At this point, the metabolism of sulphate-reducing bacteria would have been retarded, producing δ34S values ranging from –30‰ (open sulphate supply) to +40‰ (highly restricted sulphate supply). Under the nutrient-starved conditions of later-diagenesis, disproportionate sulphur-reducing bacteria would likely have become more dominant, yielding additional δ34Ssulphide fractionation and producing the observed fractionation (δ34Ssulphate – δ34Ssulphide) values of +67‰.
A viscosity hybrid steepest-descent method for a system of equilibrium and fixed point problems for an infinite family of strictly pseudo-contractive mappings
Authors: Witthayarat Uamporn , Kim Jong Kyu , Kumam Poom 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Based on a viscosity hybrid steepest-descent method, in this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of a system of equilibrium and fixed point problems of an infinite family of strictly pseudo-contractive mappings which solves the variational inequality

〈
(
γ
f
−
μ
F
)
q
,
p
−
q
〉
≤
0

for

p
∈

⋂

i
=
1

∞

F
(

T
i

)

. Furthermore, we also prove the strong convergence theorems for the proposed iterative scheme and give a numerical example to support and illustrate our main theorem.

MSC:46C05, 47D03, 47H05,47H09, 47H10, 47H20.
Cytokine profile, proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in circulating mononuclear cells from individuals during the chronic intestinal phase of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection
Authors: Oliveira-Prado Roberta , Caldas Iramaya Rodrigues , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Andrade Marcus Vinicius , Fares Rafaelle Christine Gomes , Portugal Laís Maroni , Gazzinelli Andréa , Corrêa-Oliveira Rodrigo , Cunha-Melo José Renan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe immune response toSchistosoma mansoniis characterized by a granulomatous reaction around the parasite eggs that are trapped in the host liver, and this reaction modulates the immune response during the chronic phase of the disease. The typical peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) response of patients during the chronic intestinal phase of infection is characterized by a decreased response to anS. mansonisoluble egg antigen. To obtain a greater understanding ofSchistosomainfections, this study investigated the effects of the soluble egg antigen (SEA) and soluble adult worm antigen (SWAP) ofS. mansonion cellular proliferation, cytokine production, and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in PBMCs from infected (XTO) and egg-negative (NI) individuals living in the same endemic area.MethodsThe activation status was evaluated by cell immunophenotypic staining (cytometry). The cell proliferation assay was by CFSE method. Cytokine detection assay (Th1 and Th2) was by Cytometric Bead and Array phosphorylation status was by ELISA.ResultsThe XTO, NI and BD (blood donor) individuals from an area not endemic for schistosomiasis were compared. The CD4+T lymphocyte proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group, but not the NI group, after SEA stimulation compared to the BD group. The CD8+T cell proliferation rate was lower in the XTO group in the unstimulated cultures and after both SEA and SWAP stimulation compared to the BD group. Cytokine analysis after either SEA or SWAP stimulation showed a balanced cytokine pattern in the XTO and NI groups. ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were only marginally detected in all groups; however, a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was observed in the SWAP-stimulated XTO group compared to both the NI and BD groups.ConclusionsThe data indicate that SEA-stimulated CD4+T cells from infected patients have a lower proliferation rate than the same cells from the NI group. Furthermore, we observed that SWAP stimulation influences ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the XTO group.
Genetic diversity and drug resistance among newly diagnosed and antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-infected individuals in western Yunnan: a hot area of viral recombination in China
Authors: Chen Min , Ma Yanling , Duan Song , Xing Hui , Yao Shitang , Su Yingzhen , Luo Hongbing , Yang Li , Chen Huichao , Fu Liru , Qu Aijuan , Ou Chin-Yih , Jia Manhong , Lu Lin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe emergence of an HIV-1 epidemic in China was first recognized in Dehong, western Yunnan. Due to its geographic location, Dehong contributed greatly in bridging HIV-1 epidemics in Southeast Asia and China through drug trafficking and injection drug use; and also extensively to the HIV genetic diversity in Yunnan and China. We attempt to monitor HIV-1 in this area by studying the HIV-1 genetic distribution and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in various at-risk populations.MethodsBlood samples from a total of 320 newly HIV-1 diagnosed individuals, who were antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive, were collected from January 2009 to December 2010 in 2 counties in Dehong. HIV-1 subtypes andpolgene drug resistance (DR) mutations were genotyped.ResultsAmong 299polsequences successfully genotyped (93.4%), subtype C accounted for 43.1% (n=129), unique recombinant forms (URFs) for 18.4% (n=55), CRF01_AE for 17.7% (n=54), B for 10.7% (n=32), CRF08_BC for 8.4% (n=25) and CRF07_BC for 1.7% (n=5). Subtype distribution in patients infected by different transmission routes varied. In contract to the previous finding of CRF01_AE predominance in 2002-2006, subtype C predominated in both injecting drug users (IDUs) and heterosexually transmitted populations in this study. Furthermore, we found a high level of BC, CRF01_AE/C and CRF01_AE/B/C recombinants suggesting the presence of active viral recombination in the area. TDR associated mutations were identified in 4.3% (n=13) individuals. A total of 1.3% of DR were related to protease inhibitors (PIs), including I85IV, M46I and L90M; 0.3% to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), including M184I; and 2.7% to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including K103N/S, Y181C, K101E and G190A.ConclusionOur work revealed diverse HIV-1 subtype distributions and intersubtype recombinations. We also identified a low but significant TDR mutation rate among ART-naive patients. These findings enhance our understanding of HIV-1 evolution and are valuable for the development and implementation of a comprehensive public health approach to HIV-1 DR prevention and treatment in the region.
Elevated levels of circulating microRNA-200 family members correlate with serous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Kan Casina WS , Hahn Michael A , Gard Gregory B , Maidens Jayne , Huh Jung Yoon , Marsh Deborah J , Howell Viive M 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
There is a critical need for improved diagnostic markers for high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (SEOC). MicroRNAs are stable in the circulation and may have utility as biomarkers of malignancy. We investigated whether levels of serum microRNA could discriminate women with high-grade SEOC from age matched healthy volunteers.

Methods
To identify microRNA of interest, microRNA expression profiling was performed on 4 SEOC cell lines and normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells. Total RNA was extracted from 500 μL aliquots of serum collected from patients with SEOC (n = 28) and age-matched healthy donors (n = 28). Serum microRNA levels were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR following preamplification.

Results
microRNA (miR)-182, miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c were highly overexpressed in the SEOC cell lines relative to normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells and were assessed in RNA extracted from serum as candidate biomarkers. miR-103, miR-92a and miR -638 had relatively invariant expression across all ovarian cell lines, and with small-nucleolar C/D box 48 (RNU48) were assessed in RNA extracted from serum as candidate endogenous normalizers. No correlation between serum levels and age were observed (age range 30-79 years) for any of these microRNA or RNU48. Individually, miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c normalized to serum volume and miR-103 were significantly higher in serum of the SEOC cohort (P < 0.05; 0.05; 0.0005 respectively) and in combination, miR-200b + miR-200c normalized to serum volume and miR-103 was the best predictive classifier of SEOC (ROC-AUC = 0.784). This predictive model (miR-200b + miR-200c) was further confirmed by leave one out cross validation (AUC = 0.784).

Conclusions
We identified serum microRNAs able to discriminate patients with high grade SEOC from age-matched healthy controls. The addition of these microRNAs to current testing regimes may improve diagnosis for women with SEOC.
Biocatalytic potential of laccase-like multicopper oxidases from Aspergillus niger
Authors: Tamayo-Ramos JuanAntonio , van Berkel Willem JH , de Graaff Leo H 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Laccase-like multicopper oxidases have been reported in several Aspergillus species but they remain uncharacterized. The biocatalytic potential of the Aspergillus niger fungal pigment multicopper oxidases McoA and McoB and ascomycete laccase McoG was investigated.

Results
The laccase-like multicopper oxidases McoA, McoB and McoG from the commonly used cell factory Aspergillus niger were homologously expressed, purified and analyzed for their biocatalytic potential. All three recombinant enzymes were monomers with apparent molecular masses ranging from 80 to 110 kDa. McoA and McoG resulted to be blue, whereas McoB was yellow. The newly obtained oxidases displayed strongly different activities towards aromatic compounds and synthetic dyes. McoB exhibited high catalytic efficiency with N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPPDA) and 2,2-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline) sulfonic acid (ABTS), and appeared to be a promising biocatalyst. Besides oxidizing a variety of phenolic compounds, McoB catalyzed successfully the decolorization and detoxification of the widely used textile dye malachite green.

Conclusions
The A. niger McoA, McoB, and McoG enzymes showed clearly different catalytic properties. Yellow McoB showed broad substrate specificity, catalyzing the oxidation of several phenolic compounds commonly present in different industrial effluents. It also harbored high decolorization and detoxification activity with the synthetic dye malachite green, showing to have an interesting potential as a new industrial biocatalyst.
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene -493G/T polymorphism and its association with serum lipid levels in Bama Zhuang long-living families in China
Authors: Pan Shang-Ling , Luo Xiao-Qiu , Lu Ze-Ping , Lu Shao-Hua , Luo Huan , Liu Cheng-Wu , Hu Cai-You , Yang Ming , Du Li-Li , Song Zhen , Pang Guo-Fang , Wu Hua-Yu , Huang Jin-Bo , Peng Jun-Hua , Yin Rui-Xing 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The -493G/T polymorphism in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) gene is associated with lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels and longevity in several populations, but the results are inconsistent in different racial/ethnic groups. The current study was to investigate the plausible association of MTP -493G/T polymorphism with serum lipid levels and longevity in Zhuang long-lived families residing in Bama area, a famous home of longevity in Guangxi, China.

Methods
The MTP -493G/T was genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 391 Bama Zhuang long-lived families (BLF, n = 1467, age 56.60 ± 29.43 years) and four control groups recruited from Bama and out-of-Bama area with or without a familial history of exceptional longevity: Bama non-long-lived families (BNLF, n = 586, age 44.81 ± 26.83 years), Bama non-Zhuang long-lived families (BNZLF, n = 444, age 52.09 ± 31.91 years), Pingguo long-lived families (PLF, n = 658, age 50.83 ± 30.30 years), and Pingguo non-long-lived families (PNLF, n = 539, age 38.74 ± 24.69 years). Correlation analyses between genotypes and serum lipid levels and longevity were then performed.

Results
No particularly favorable lipoprotein and clinical phenotypes were seen in BLF as compared to general families in the same area. Instead, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL-C, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia were significantly higher in the three Bama families as compared to the two non-Bama families (P < 0.01 for all). There were no differences in the allelic and genotypic frequencies among the tested cohorts (P > 0.05 for all), but the TT genotype tended to enrich in the three long-lived cohorts from both areas. In addition, the individuals harboring TT genotype exhibited lower LDL-C and TC levels in the overall populations and Bama populations with a region- and sex-specific pattern. Multiple linear regression analyses unraveled that LDL-C levels were correlated with genotypes in Bama combined population, BNLF, and the total population (P < 0.05 for each) but not in Pingguo populations; TC and HDL-C levels were correlated with genotypes in Bama combined population and BLF, respectively (P < 0.05 for each).

Conclusions
MTP -493G/T polymorphism may play an important role in fashioning the serum lipid profiles of Bama populations, despite no direct association between MTP -493G/T and longevity was detected.
Motion of left atrial appendage as a determinant of thrombus formation in patients with a low CHADS2 score receiving warfarin for persistent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ono Koji , Iwama Makoto , Kawasaki Masanori , Tanaka Ryuhei , Watanabe Takatomo , Onishi Noriyuki , Warita Shunichiro , Kojima Tai , Kato Takashi , Goto Yoshiaki , Arai Masazumi , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Takemura Genzou , Noda Toshiyuki , Watanabe Sachiro , Minatoguchi Shinya 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to define the independent determinants of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus among various echocardiographic parameters measured by Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving warfarin, particularly in patients with a low CHADS2 score.

Methods
LAA emptying fraction (EF) and LAA peak longitudinal strain were measured by VVI using transesophageal echocardiography in 260 consecutive patients with nonvalvular persistent AF receiving warfarin. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n=43) or absence (n=217) of LAA thrombus. Moreover, the patients within each group were further divided into subgroups according to a CHADS2 score ≤1.

Results
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAAEF was an independent determinant of LAA thrombus in the subgroup of 140 with a low CHADS2 score. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that an LAAEF of 21% was the optimal cutoff value for predicting LAA thrombus.

Conclusions
LAA thrombus formation depended on LAA contractility. AF patients with reduced LAA contractile fraction (LAAEF ≤21%) require strong anticoagulant therapy to avoid thromboembolic events regardless of a low CHADS2 score (≤1).
Adenovirus-mediated delivery of interferon-γ gene inhibits the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Ran-yi , Zhu Ying-hui , Zhou Ling , Zhao Peng , Li Hong-li , Zhu Lan-cai , Han Hong-yu , Lin Huan-xin , Kang Liang , Wu Jiang-xue , Huang Wenlin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is regarded as a potent antitumor agent, but its clinical application is limited by its short half-life and significant side effects. In this paper, we tried to develop IFN-γ gene therapy by a replication defective adenovirus encoding the human IFN-γ (Ad-IFNγ), and evaluate the antitumoral effects of Ad-IFNγ on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines in vitro and in xenografts model.

Methods
The mRNA levels of human IFN-γ in Ad-IFNγ-infected NPC cells were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and IFN-γ protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the culture supernatants of NPC cells and tumor tissues and bloods of nude mice treated with Ad-IFNγ. The effects of Ad-IFNγ on NPC cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry analysis for DNA content, and cells apoptosis were analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD binding assay and hoechst 33342/PI double staining. The anti-tumor effects and toxicity of Ad-IFNγ were evaluated in BALB/c nude mice carrying NPC xenografts.

Results
The results demonstrated that Ad-IFNγ efficiently expressed human IFN-γ protein in NPC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Ad-IFNγ infection resulted in antiproliferative effects on NPC cells by inducing G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Intratumoral administration of Ad-IFNγ significantly inhibited the growth of CNE-2 and C666-1 cell xenografts in nude mice, while no significant toxicity was observed.

Conclusions
These findings indicate IFN-γ gene therapy mediated by replication defective adenoviral vector is likely a promising approach in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Doxorubicin-loaded cholic acid-polyethyleneimine micelles for targeted delivery of antitumor drugs: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity
Authors: Amjad Muhammad Wahab , Amin Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd , Katas Haliza , Butt Adeel Masood 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared from a copolymer comprising cholic acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for the delivery of antitumor drugs. The CA-PEI copolymer was synthesized via pairing mediated by N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide using dichloromethane as a solvent. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses were performed to verify the formation of an amide linkage between CA and PEI and doxorubicin localization into the copolymer. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the copolymer could self-assemble into micelles with a spherical morphology and an average diameter of <200 nm. The CA-PEI copolymer was also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared by dialysis method. A drug release study showed reduced drug release with escalating drug content. In a cytotoxicity assay using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells, the doxorubicin-loaded CA-PEI micelles exhibited better antitumor activity than that shown by doxorubicin. This is the first study on CA-PEI micelles as doxorubicin carriers, and this study demonstrated that they are promising candidates as carriers for sustained targeted antitumor drug delivery system.
On vector matrix game and symmetric dual vector optimization problem
Authors: Hong Jeong Min , Kim Moon Hee , Lee Gue Myung 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A vector matrix game with more than two skew symmetric matrices, which is an extension of the matrix game, is defined and the symmetric dual problem for a nonlinear vector optimization problem is considered. Using the Kakutani fixed point theorem, we prove an existence theorem for a vector matrix game. We establish equivalent relations between the symmetric dual problem and its related vector matrix game. Moreover, we give an example illustrating the equivalent relations.
On a delay population model with quadratic nonlinearity
Authors: Berezansky Leonid , Baštinec Jaromír , Diblík Josef , Šmarda Zdeněk 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA nonlinear delay differential equation with quadratic nonlinearity,x˙(t)=r(t)[∑k=1mαkx(hk(t))−βx2(t)],t≥0,is considered, whereαkandβare positive constants,hk:[0,∞)→Rare continuous functions such thatt−τ≤hk(t)≤t,τ=const,τ>0, for anyt>0the inequalityhk(t)<tholds for at least onek, andr:[0,∞)→(0,∞)is a continuous function satisfying the inequalityr(t)≥r0=constfor anr0>0. It is proved that the positive equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable without any further limitations on the parameters of this equation.
Conservation laws for a generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system
Authors: Mogorosi Edward Tshepo , Muatjetjeja Ben , Khalique Chaudry Masood 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In this paper, the conservation laws for a generalized Ito-type coupled Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) system are constructed by increasing the order of the partial differential equations. The generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system is a third-order system of two partial differential equations and does not have a Lagrangian. The transformation

u
=

U
x

,

v
=

V
x

converts the generalized Ito-type coupled KdV system into a system of fourth-order partial differential equations in U and V variables, which has a Lagrangian. Noether’s approach is then used to construct the conservation laws. Finally, the conservation laws are expressed in the original variables u and v. Some local and infinitely many nonlocal conserved quantities are found for the generalized Ito-typed coupled KdV system.
A tutorial in estimating the prevalence of disease in humans and animals in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic
Authors: Lewis Fraser I , Torgerson Paul R 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract
Epidemiological methods for estimating disease prevalence in humans and other animals in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test are well established. Despite this, reporting apparent prevalence is still standard practice in public health studies and disease control programmes, even though apparent prevalence may differ greatly from the true prevalence of disease. Methods for estimating true prevalence are summarized and reviewed. A computing appendix is also provided which contains a brief guide in how to easily implement some of the methods presented using freely available software.