bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torricellian points in normed linear spaces
Authors: Dragomir Sever S , Comǎnescu Dan , Kikianty Eder 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Given a set of n (distinct) points

A

in a normed space, we consider the set of Torricellian points, that is, the set of points which minimises the sum of distances to the points in

A

. We introduce the Torricellian functional associated to a set of distinct points

A

, which calculates the sum of distances of a point x to the points in

A

. The Torricellian point is defined as the infimum (over all vectors) of this functional. We discuss the existence of Torricellian points in reflexive normed spaces, non-expansive subspaces and evidently, inner product spaces. A case for collinear points is given and is utilised to characterise strict convexity. For a non-collinear case, it is shown that the set of Torricellian points contains a unique point when the space is strictly convex. However, we show that the uniqueness of Torricellian point of a non-collinear set does not characterise strict convexity. We consider a particular example of the Torricellian problem in a space endowed with the Taxicab geometry.

MSC:46B20, 49J27.
Characterization of Stra8 in Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis): evidence for its role in meiotic initiation
Authors: Dong Ranran , Yang Shijie , Jiao Jing , Wang Tingru , Shi Hongjuan , Zhou Linyan , Zhang Yaoguang , Wang Deshou 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
RA (retinoic acid) signal pathway has been proved to be required for germ cell meiotic initiation in mammals, aves and amphibians. Stra8 (Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) is an important factor in RA signal pathway. However, the role of RA and Stra8 in germ cell meiotic initiation in teleosts is poorly characterized.

Results
In this study, the full length cDNA of Stra8 was cloned from Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis), and its spatio-temporal expression profiles were analyzed. The Stra8 cDNA (1606 bp) includes 163 bp 5’-UTR (untranslated region), 456 bp 3’-UTR, and an ORF (open reading frame) of 987 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 328 aa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its existence in some primitive teleosts, such as Siluriformes and Salmoniformes. Tissue distribution analysis by RT-PCR showed that Stra8 is specifically expressed in gonads. By real-time PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the highest expression level of Stra8/ Stra8 was detected in 50 and 130 dah (day after hatching), the premeiotic stage of germ cells in XX and XY gonads, respectively.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that Stra8 might be involved in germ cell meiotic initiation in S. meridionalis as it did in tetrapods.
Characteristic mTOR activity in Hodgkin-lymphomas offers a potential therapeutic target in high risk disease – a combined tissue microarray, in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Márk Ágnes , Hajdu Melinda , Váradi Zsófia , Sticz Tamás Béla , Nagy Noémi , Csomor Judit , Berczi Lajos , Varga Viktória , Csóka Monika , Kopper László , Sebestyén Anna 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundTargeting signaling pathways is an attractive approach in many malignancies. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated in a number of human neoplasms, accompanied by lower overall and/or disease free survival. mTOR kinase inhibitors have been introduced in the therapy of renal cell carcinoma and mantle cell lymphoma, and several trials are currently underway. However, the pathological characterization of mTOR activity in lymphomas is still incomplete.MethodsmTOR activity and the elements of mTOR complexes were investigated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays representing different human non-Hodgkin-lymphomas (81 cases) and Hodgkin-lymphomas (87 cases). The expression of phospho-mTOR, phospho-4EBP1, phospho-p70S6K, phospho-S6, Rictor, Raptor and Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin and NF-kappaB-p50 were evaluated, and mTOR activity was statistically analyzed along with 5-year survival data. The in vitro and in vivo effect of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was also examined in human Hodgkin-lymphoma cell lines.ResultsThe majority (>50%) of mantle cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin-lymphoma cases showed higher mTOR activity compared to normal lymphoid tissues. Hodgkin-lymphoma was characterized by high mTOR activity in 93% of the cases, and Bcl-xL and NF-kappaB expression correlated with this mTOR activity. High mTOR activity was observed in the case of both favorable and unfavorable clinical response. Low mTOR activity was accompanied by complete remission and at least 5-year disease free survival in Hodgkin-lymphoma patients. However, statistical analysis did not identify correlation beetween mTOR activity and different clinical data of HL patients, such as survival. We also found that Rictor (mTORC2) was not overexpressed in Hodgkin-lymphoma biopsies and cell lines. Rapamycin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in Hodgkin-lymphoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, moreover, it increased the apoptotic effect of chemotherapeutic agents.ConclusionsTargeting mTOR activity may be a potential therapeutic tool in lymphomas. The presence of mTOR activity probably indicates that the inclusion of mTOR inhibition in the therapy of Hodgkin-lymphomas may be feasible and beneficial, especially when standard protocols are ineffective, and it may also allow dose reduction in order to decrease late treatment toxicity. Most likely, the combination of mTOR inhibitors with other agents will offer the highest efficiency for achieving the best clinical response.
ADAR2 editing activity in newly diagnosed versus relapsed pediatric high-grade astrocytomas
Authors: Tomaselli Sara , Galeano Federica , Massimi Luca , Di Rocco Concezio , Lauriola Libero , Mastronuzzi Angela , Locatelli Franco , Gallo Angela 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
High-grade (WHO grade III and IV) astrocytomas are aggressive malignant brain tumors affecting humans with a high risk of recurrence in both children and adults. To date, limited information is available on the genetic and molecular alterations important in the onset and progression of pediatric high-grade astrocytomas and, even less, on the prognostic factors that influence long-term outcome in children with recurrence. A-to-I RNA editing is an essential post-transcriptional mechanism that can alter the nucleotide sequence of several RNAs and is mediated by the ADAR enzymes. ADAR2 editing activity is particularly important in mammalian brain and is impaired in both adult and pediatric high-grade astrocytomas. Moreover, we have recently shown that the recovered ADAR2 activity in high-grade astrocytomas inhibits in vivo tumor growth. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether changes may occur in ADAR2-mediated RNA editing profiles of relapsed high-grade astrocytomas compared to their respective specimens collected at diagnosis, in four pediatric patients.

Methods
Total RNAs extracted from all tumor samples and controls were tested for RNA editing levels (by direct sequencing on cDNA pools) and for ADAR2 mRNA expression (by qRT-PCR).

Results
A significant loss of ADAR2-editing activity was observed in the newly diagnosed and recurrent astrocytomas in comparison to normal brain. Surprisingly, we found a substantial rescue of ADAR2 editing activity in the relapsed tumor of the only patient showing prolonged survival.

Conclusions
High-grade astrocytomas display a generalized loss of ADAR2-mediated RNA editing at both diagnosis and relapse. However, a peculiar Case, in complete remission of disease, displayed a total rescue of RNA editing at relapse, intriguingly suggesting ADAR2 activity/expression as a possible marker for long-term survival of patients with high-grade astrocytomas.
Increased incidence of autoimmune markers in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Zacharis George , Oikonomou Anastasia , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Margaritopoulos George , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Antoniadis Antonis , Koulelidis Andreas , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Boglou Panagiotis , Bakali Matina , Froudarakis Marios , Bouros Demosthenes 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is an umbrella term encompassing upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe pulmonary fibrosis with pathogenesis elusive. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of autoimmune markers in patients with CPFE.

Methods
In this multicenter study we retrospectively evaluated records from patients with CPFE (n=40) and IPF (n=60) without emphysema. Baseline demographic characteristics, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), spirometry, histopathological, treatment, serum immunologic and survival data were investigated. B cell presence was estimated with CD20 immunostaining in representative lung biopsy samples from CPFE patients and control subjects.

Results
A statistically significant increased number of CPFE patients with elevated serum ANA with or without positive p-ANCA titers compared to patients with IPF without emphysema was observed. Patients with CPFE and positive autoimmune markers exhibited improved survival compared to patients with a negative autoimmune profile. A massive infiltration of clusters of CD20+ B cells forming lymphoid follicles within the fibrotic lung in CPFE patients with positive serum immunologic profile compared to patients with negative profile, was noted and positively correlated with improved survival.

Conclusions
A significant proportion of patients with CPFE may present with underlying auto-immune disorders that may reside insidiously and be associated with favorable prognosis. Early identification of these patients using a panel of auto-antibodies may lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic applications.
SERS substrates formed by gold nanorods deposited on colloidal silica films
Authors: Tsvetkov Mikhail Yu , Khlebtsov Boris N , Khanadeev Vitaly A , Bagratashvili Victor N , Timashev Peter S , Samoylovich Mikhail I , Khlebtsov Nikolai G 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We describe a new approach to the fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using gold nanorod (GNR) nanopowders to prepare concentrated GNR sols, followed by their deposition on an opal-like photonic crystal (OPC) film formed on a silicon wafer. For comparative experiments, we also prepared GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. GNR-OPC substrates combine the increased specific surface, owing to the multilayer silicon nanosphere structure, and various spatial GNR configurations, including those with possible plasmonic hot spots. We demonstrate here the existence of the optimal OPC thickness and GNR deposition density for the maximal SERS effect. All other things being equal, the analytical integral SERS enhancement of the GNR-OPC substrates is higher than that of the thick, randomly oriented GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. Several ways to further optimize the strategy suggested are discussed.
Boginia virus, a newfound hantavirus harbored by the Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in Poland
Authors: Gu Se Hun , Markowski Janusz , Kang Hae Ji , Hejduk Janusz , Sikorska Beata , Liberski Paweł P , Yanagihara Richard 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundGuided by decades-old reports of hantaviral antigens in the Eurasian common shrew (Sorex araneus) and the Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in European Russia, we employed RT-PCR to analyze lung tissues of soricine shrews, captured in Boginia, Huta Dłutowska and Kurowice in central Poland during September 2010, 2011 and 2012.FindingsIn addition to Seewis virus (SWSV), which had been previously found in Eurasian common shrews elsewhere in Europe, a genetically distinct hantavirus, designated Boginia virus (BOGV), was detected in Eurasian water shrews captured in each of the three villages. Phylogenetic analysis, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods, showed that BOGV formed a separate lineage distantly related to SWSV.ConclusionsAlthough the pathogenic potential of BOGV and other recently identified shrew-borne hantaviruses is still unknown, clinicians should be vigilant for unusual febrile diseases and clinical syndromes occurring among individuals reporting exposures to shrews.
Ethnobotanical knowledge on indigenous fruits in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions in Northern Namibia
Authors: Cheikhyoussef Ahmad , Embashu Werner 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background
Indigenous communities in Namibia possess a rich indigenous knowledge expressed within many practices of these communities. Indigenous wild edible fruits are available along the Namibian 13 regions of which it forms a rich source of vitamins, fibres, minerals and a heterogeneous collection of bioactive compounds referred to as phytochemicals for indigenous people’s diet. The aim of this study was to record the different IKS practices on the indigenous fruit trees in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions of Namibia.

Methods
An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information from local communities from 23-29 October 2011. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. A total of 65 respondents were interviewed; 54%; women, 38%; men and 8%; both in group interviews.

Results
The majority of the people interviewed were in their thirty’s, with the youngest being 18 years old and the oldest being 98 years old. Forty three plant specimens were collected from the two regions; these specimens belong to 20 genera and 25 species. Regarding to the indigenous knowledge; 87%; of the respondents indicated that their knowledge on indigenous fruits was learnt mainly through their parent. Indigenous people’s perception on declining indigenous fruits revealed that 56.3%; of the respondents reported that indigenous fruits were declining. Only a 42.2%; indicated that the indigenous fruits populations are increasing. Regarding to the management practices to improve the production of these indigenous fruit trees; 38.6%; reported that there are some efforts on management practices; on the other hand 61.4%; reported there are no management practices on the indigenous fruit trees in their areas. Four species were found to be the most frequently used and mentioned fruits which need to be given high preference in terms of conservation are: Berchemia discolor, Hyphaene petersiana, Sclerocarya birrea and Diospyros mespiliformis. The following diseases and ailments have been reported to be treated by the indigenous fruit trees which include: toothache, diarrhoea, cough, tonsillitis, burns, skin allergy, stomach ache, snake bit, constipation, etc. 28%; of the respondents mentioned an ethno veterinary use(s) of these fruits, e.g. the use of the Ziziphus mucronata roots to treat diarrhoea in cattle, the bark of eembe (Berchemia discolor) to treat calf weakness.

Conclusions
The local communities in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions have relatively good knowledge and practices regarding the indigenous fruit. This study enhances our understanding on the indigenous fruit in Namibia and their uses by local communities.
DFT investigations on the interaction of oxygen reduction reaction intermediates with Au (100) and bimetallic Au/M (100) (M = Pt, Cu, and Fe) surfaces
Authors: Jalili Seifollah , Isfahani Asghar Zeini , Habibpour Razieh 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Density functional theory was used to demonstrate how the presence of second metals can modify the adsorption energies of oxygen reduction intermediates on Au (100) surfaces. Taking the importance of the modification of oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cell activity into consideration, the adsorption energy and the stable adsorption sites for the intermediates of this reaction in Au (100) and bimetallic Au/M (100) (M = Pt, Cu, and Fe) systems were closely examined. After optimization of the structures, calculations of the density of states, d-band center, electron charge transfer, and adsorption energies of the intermediates of oxygen reduction reaction were accomplished.

Results
The d-band center has been shown to be shifted because of strain and ligand effects in these bimetallic systems. The important role of hydroxyl species (OH) on catalytic surfaces was revealed while studying intermediates of oxygen reduction reaction. Hydroxyl species are strongly adsorbed on the catalytic surfaces and decrease the kinetic of oxygen reduction reaction by occupying the active adsorption sites.

Conclusions
Au-Pt-Au (100) has the biggest OH adsorption energy. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presence of the submonolayer of Pt in this bimetallic system has helped hydroxyl species occupy the active sites, and consequently, it is not an appropriate catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.
Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases: key mediators of leukocyte function
Authors: Marco Marta , Fortin Carl , Fulop Tamas 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTLeukocytes are major cellular effectors of the immune response. To accomplish this task, these cells display a vast arsenal of proteinases, among which, members of the MMP family are especially important. Leukocytes express several members of the MMP family, including secreted- and membrane-anchored MT- MMPs, which synergistically orchestrate an appropriate proteolytic reaction that ultimately modulates immunological responses. The MT-MMP subfamily comprises TM- and GPI-anchored proteinases, which are targeted to well-defined membrane microdomains and exhibit different substrate specificities. Whereas much information exists on the biological roles of secreted MMPs in leukocytes, the roles of MT-MMPs remain relatively obscure. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the expression of MT-MMPs in leukocyte and their contribution to the immune responses and to pathological conditions.
Optimal nonlinear design of marine borehole seismic surveys
Authors: Coles Darrell , Yang Yi , Djikpesse Hugues , Prange Michael , Osypov Konstantin 
Published: May 2013

We explore [Formula: see text]-optimization, a recently introduced method in optimal experimental design theory, as a tool to minimize the forecasted postinversion model uncertainty in marine borehole seismic applications. The [Formula: see text]-criterion is a design objective function crafted specifically for nonlinear data-model relationships and, when used in conjunction with greedy, sequential optimization algorithms, is among the first of its kind to be computationally efficient enough for industrial-scale applications. The benefits and disadvantages of greedy algorithms are briefly discussed, and one of the most popular, the Construction algorithm, is confirmed to take (nearly) linear time, as predicted by theory. The [Formula: see text]-criterion is rederived here to show that restrictive assumptions in its original derivation were unnecessary. This new derivation is cast in terms of expected likelihood ratios, which quantify the discriminability of geomodels constrained by observed seismic data. A 3D vertical seismic profiling (VSP) survey and a walkaway VSP survey are [Formula: see text]-optimized for a site in the Gulf of Mexico, from which several potential applications are identified, including: (1) prescribing the maximum radius of 3D VSP spirals; (2) a novel annular-spiral 3D VSP geometry to reduce acquisition time and cost; (3) a novel azimuthal-walkaway geometry for presurvey acquisition; (4) identifying optimal data for rapid postacquisition quality control and quick-look inversion; (5) optimizing data decimation to facilitate the analysis of massive data sets which cannot be practically analyzed in toto; and (6) optimizing source vessel placement for offset/azimuth checkshots.
Inducible Brown Adipose Tissue, or Beige Fat, Is Anabolic for the Skeleton
Authors: Rahman Sima , Lu Yalin , Czernik Piotr J. , Rosen Clifford J. , Enerback Sven , Lecka-Czernik Beata 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
It is known that insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with increased fractures and that brown adipose tissue (BAT) counteracts many if not all of the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. By the use of FoxC2AD+/Tg mice, a well-established model for induction of BAT, or beige fat, we present data extending the beneficial action of beige fat to also include a positive effect on bone. FoxC2AD+/Tg mice are lean and insulin-sensitive and have high bone mass due to increased bone formation associated with high bone turnover. Inducible BAT is linked to activation of endosteal osteoblasts whereas osteocytes have decreased expression of the Sost transcript encoding sclerostin and elevated expression of Rankl. Conditioned media (CM) collected from forkhead box c2 (FOXC2)-induced beige adipocytes activated the osteoblast phenotype and increased levels of phospho-AKT and β-catenin in recipient cells. In osteocytes, the same media decreased Sost expression. Immunodepletion of CM with antibodies against wingless related MMTV integration site 10b (WNT10b) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) resulted in the loss of pro-osteoblastic activity, and the loss of increase in the levels of phospho-AKT and β-catenin. Conversely, CM derived from cells overexpressing IGFBP2 or WNT10b restored osteoblastic activity in recipient cells. In conclusion, beige fat secretes endocrine/paracrine activity that is beneficial for the skeleton.
Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of CYP2J2 Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Male Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ma Ben , Xiong Xiaojv , Chen Chen , Li Huaping , Xu Xizhen , Li Xuguang , Li Rui , Chen Guangzhi , Dackor Ryan T. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid to biologically active cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, which have potent vasodilatory, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antidiabetes properties. Here, we showed the effects of cardiac-specific overexpression of CYP epoxygenase 2J2 (CYP2J2) on diabetic cardiomyopathy and insulin resistance in high-fat (HF) diet fed, low-dose streptozotocin-treated mice. Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced by HF and streptozotocin in cardiac-specific CYP2J2 transgenic mice. Physiological parameters and systemic metabolic parameters were monitored using ELISA kits. Intraperitoneal injection glucose tolerance test and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study were implied to indicate insulin resistance. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and Millar catheter system. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used in signal pathway detection. αMHC-CYP2J2 transgenic mice showed significantly lower plasma glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and increased cardiac glucose uptake. Furthermore, αMHC-CYP2J2 transgenic mice were significantly protected from HF-streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Strikingly, CYP2J2 overexpression attenuated myocardial hypertrophy induced by diabetes. We conclude that cardiac-specific overexpression of CYP2J2 significantly protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be due to improved cardiac insulin resistance, glucose uptake, and reversal of cardiac hypertrophy. Relevant mechanisms may include up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, activation of insulin receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, and inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 signal by enhanced atrial natriuretic peptide production. These results suggest that CYP2J2 epoxygenase metabolites likely play an important role in plasma glucose homeostasis, and enhancement of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids activation may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy.