bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance assessment of fragmentation mechanisms for vehicular delay-tolerant networks
Authors: Dias João A. F. F. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Isento João N. , Pereira Paulo R. B. A. , Lloret Jaime 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks (VDTNs) are a new approach for vehicular communications where vehicles cooperate with each other, acting as the communication infrastructure, to provide low-cost asynchronous opportunistic communications. These communication technologies assume variable delays and bandwidth constraints characterized by a non-transmission control protocol/internet protocol architecture but interacting with it at the edge of the network. VDTNs are based on the principle of asynchronous communications, bundle-oriented communication from the DTN architecture, employing a store-carry-and-forward routing paradigm. In this sense, VDTNs should use the tight network resources optimizing each opportunistic contact among nodes. Given the limited contact times among nodes, fragmentation appears as a possible solution to improve the overall network performance, increasing the bundle delivery probability. This article proposes the use of several fragmentation approaches (proactive, source, reactive, and toilet paper) for VDTNs. They are discussed and evaluated through a laboratory testbed. Reactive and toilet paper approaches present the best results. It was also shown that only the source fragmentation approach presents worst results when compared with non-fragmentation approaches.
A fixed point theorem for a special class of probabilistic contraction
Authors: Došenović Tatjana , Takači Aleksandar , Rakić Dušan , Brdar Mirjana 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this paper, a special class of probabilistic contraction will be considered. Using the theory of countable extension of t-norms, we proved a fixed point theorem for such a class of mappings f : S → S, where

(

S
,
F
,
T

)

is a Menger space.Mathematics Subject Classification (2000)54H25, 47H10
Common coupled coincidence and coupled fixed point results in two generalized metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Abbas Mujahid , Nazir Talat 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this article, we prove the existence of common coupled coincidence and coupled fixed point of generalized contractive type mappings in the context of two generalized metric spaces. These results generalize several comparable results from the current literature. We also provide illustrative examples in support of our new results.2000 MSC: 47H10.
A diagnostic algorithm combining clinical and molecular data distinguishes Kawasaki disease from other febrile illnesses
Authors: Ling Xuefeng B , Lau Kenneth , Kanegaye John T , Pan Zheng , Peng Sihua , Ji Jun , Liu Gigi , Sato Yuichiro , Yu Tom TS , Whitin John C , Schilling James , Burns Jane C , Cohen Harvey J 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundKawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of infants and young children that is recognized through a constellation of clinical signs that can mimic other benign conditions of childhood. The etiology remains unknown and there is no specific laboratory-based test to identify patients with Kawasaki disease. Treatment to prevent the complication of coronary artery aneurysms is most effective if administered early in the course of the illness. We sought to develop a diagnostic algorithm to help clinicians distinguish Kawasaki disease patients from febrile controls to allow timely initiation of treatment.MethodsUrine peptidome profiling and whole blood cell type-specific gene expression analyses were integrated with clinical multivariate analysis to improve differentiation of Kawasaki disease subjects from febrile controls.ResultsComparative analyses of multidimensional protein identification using 23 pooled Kawasaki disease and 23 pooled febrile control urine peptide samples revealed 139 candidate markers, of which 13 were confirmed (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC 0.919)) in an independent cohort of 30 Kawasaki disease and 30 febrile control urine peptidomes. Cell type-specific analysis of microarrays (csSAM) on 26 Kawasaki disease and 13 febrile control whole blood samples revealed a 32-lymphocyte-specific-gene panel (ROC AUC 0.969). The integration of the urine/blood based biomarker panels and a multivariate analysis of 7 clinical parameters (ROC AUC 0.803) effectively stratified 441 Kawasaki disease and 342 febrile control subjects to diagnose Kawasaki disease.ConclusionsA hybrid approach using a multi-step diagnostic algorithm integrating both clinical and molecular findings was successful in differentiating children with acute Kawasaki disease from febrile controls.
Protein-x of hepatitis B virus in interaction with CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) - an in silico analysis approach
Authors: Mohamadkhani Ashraf , Shahnazari Parisa , Minuchehr Zarrin , Madadkar-Sobhani Armin , Tehrani Mahmoud Jeddi , Jazii Ferdous Rastgar , Poustchi Hossein 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Even though many functions of protein-x from the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been revealed, the nature of protein-x is yet unknown. This protein is well-known for its transactivation activity through interaction with several cellular transcription factors, it is also known as an oncogene. In this work, we have presented computational approaches to design a model to show the structure of protein-x and its respective binding sites associated with the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). C/EBPα belongs to the bZip family of transcription factors, which activates transcription of several genes through its binding sites in liver and fat cells. The C/EBPα has been shown to bind and modulate enhancer I and the enhancer II/core promoter of HBV. In this study using the bioinformatics tools we tried to present a reliable model for the protein-x interaction with C/EBPα.

Results
The amino acid sequence of protein-x was extracted from UniProt [UniProt:Q80IU5] and the x-ray crystal structure of the partial CCAAT-enhancer α [PDB:1NWQ] was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Similarity search for protein-x was carried out by psi-blast and bl2seq using NCBI [GenBank: BAC65106.1] and Local Meta-Threading-Server (LOMETS) was used as a threading server for determining the maximum tertiary structure similarities. Advanced MODELLER was implemented to design a comparative model, however, due to the lack of a suitable template, Quark was used for ab initio tertiary structure prediction.
The PDB-blast search indicated a maximum of 23% sequence identity and 33% similarity with crystal structure of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus leader protease Nsp1α [PDB:3IFU]. This meant that protein-x does not have a suitable template to predict its tertiary structure using comparative modeling tools, therefore we used QUARK as an ab initio 3D prediction approach. Docking results from the ab initio tertiary structure of protein-x and crystal structure of the C/EBPα- DNA region [PDB:1NWQ] illustrated the protein-binding site interactions. Indeed, the N-terminal part of 1NWQ has a high affinity for certain regions in protein-x (e.g. from Ala76 to Ser101 and Thr105 to Glu125).

Conclusion
In this study, we predicted the structure of protein-x of HBV in interaction with C/EBPα. The docking results showed that protein-x has an interaction synergy with C/EBPα. However, despite previous experimental data, protein-x was found to interact with DNA. This can lead to a better understanding of the function of protein-x and may provide an opportunity to use it as a therapeutic target.
Effects of hypodontia on craniofacial structures and mandibular growth pattern
Authors: Kreczi Amelia , Proff Peter , Reicheneder Claudia , Faltermeier Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction
This study was performed to examine craniofacial structures in persons with hypodontia and to reveal any differences, that may occur, when agenetic teeth are only found in the maxilla, the mandible or in both jaws. The groups consistent of 50 children (33 girls, 17 boys) aged between 9 and 13.5 years were analyzed and assigned to three subgroups. Group 1 = upper jaw hypodontia. Group 2 = lower jaw hypodontia. Group 3 = hypodontia in both jaws.

Materials and methods
Eleven angular and three index measurements from lateral encephalographs and two linear measurements from dental blaster casts were calculated. All data was statistically analyzed, parameters with p < 5% were investigated for each subgroup respectively.

Results
In comparison with standards the study group showed bimaxillary retrognathism and a reduction of the lower anterior facial height. Moreover both overbite and overjet significantly increased. Other values laid within the normal ranges. Evaluating results of the subgroups, differences in the means of SNA, SNB and overjet between the groups were observed.
Analysis of the mandibular growth pattern revealed, that neither vertical nor horizontal patterns are dominant in hypodontia patients.

Conclusions
In certain dentofacial parameters differences between persons with hypodontia and such with full dentition exist. According to our findings agenetic teeth may have a negative influence on the saggital development of a jaw and the lower face and may be responsible for increased overbites. This should receive attention in orthodontic treatment of hypodontia patients.
Assessing forest products usage and local residents' perception of environmental changes in peri-urban and rural mangroves of Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: Nfotabong-Atheull Adolphe , Din Ndongo , Essomè Koum Léopold G , Satyanarayana Behara , Koedam Nico , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Background
Deforestation is one of the most ubiquitous forms of land degradation worldwide. Although remote sensing and aerial photographs can supply valuable information on land/use cover changes, they may not regularly be available for some tropical coasts (e.g., Cameroon estuary) where cloud cover is frequent. With respect to mangroves, researchers are now employing local knowledge as an alternative means of understanding forest disturbances. This paper was primarily aimed at assessing the mangrove forest products usage, along with the local people's perceptions on environmental changes, between Littoral (Cameroon estuary) and Southern (mouth of the Nyong River and Mpalla village) regions of Cameroon.

Methods
The data from both locations were obtained through conducting household interviews and field observations.

Results
In the Cameroon estuary (Littoral region), 69.23% of respondents (mostly elders) could distinguish two to four mangrove plants, whereas the informants (65.45%) in the mouth of the Nyong River and Mpalla village (mostly young people interviewed from the Southern region) are familiar with only one or two commonly found mangroves. Also, more respondents from the Cameroon estuary are depending on mangroves for fuelwood (Rhizophora spp.) and housing (Rhizophora spp., Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn and Nypa fruticans (Thumb.) Wurmb.) purposes, in contrast to Nyong River mouth and Mpalla village. Although local people perceived wood extraction as a greater disruptive factor, there are several causes for mangrove depletion in the Cameroon estuary. Among others, over-harvesting, clear-felled corridors, sand extraction and housing were found important. Furthermore, a decline in mangrove fauna composition (in terms of fishery products) was recorded in the Littoral as well as Southern regions. However, the causes of such perceived negative changes were not similar in both cases.

Conclusions
Findings of this study highlight the need to improve sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystems through afforestation (in large impacted areas), selective removal of senescent tree stems and branches (in little damage stands), regulating sand extraction and housing activities, and creating awareness and law enforcement.
Simulation of future global warming scenarios in rice paddies with an open-field warming facility
Authors: Rehmani Muhammad Ishaq Asif , Zhang Jingqi , Li Ganghua , Ata-Ul-Karim Syed Tahir , Wang Shaohua , Kimball Bruce A , Yan Chuan , Liu Zhenghui , Ding Yanfeng 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTo simulate expected future global warming, hexagonal arrays of infrared heaters have previously been used to warm open-field canopies of upland crops such as wheat. Through the use of concrete-anchored posts, improved software, overhead wires, extensive grounding, and monitoring with a thermal camera, the technology was safely and reliably extended to paddy rice fields. The system maintained canopy temperature increases within 0.5°C of daytime and nighttime set-point differences of 1.3 and 2.7°C 67% of the time.
Tularemia in Alaska, 1938 - 2010
Authors: Hansen Cristina M , Vogler Amy J , Keim Paul , Wagner David M , Hueffer Karsten 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Tularemia is a serious, potentially life threatening zoonotic disease. The causative agent, Francisella tularensis, is ubiquitous in the Northern hemisphere, including Alaska, where it was first isolated from a rabbit tick (Haemophysalis leporis-palustris) in 1938. Since then, F. tularensis has been isolated from wildlife and humans throughout the state. Serologic surveys have found measurable antibodies with prevalence ranging from < 1% to 50% and 4% to 18% for selected populations of wildlife species and humans, respectively. We reviewed and summarized known literature on tularemia surveillance in Alaska and summarized the epidemiological information on human cases reported to public health officials. Additionally, available F. tularensis isolates from Alaska were analyzed using canonical SNPs and a multi-locus variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) system. The results show that both F. t. tularensis and F. t. holarctica are present in Alaska and that subtype A.I, the most virulent type, is responsible for most recently reported human clinical cases in the state.
Gene expression and pathway analysis of ovarian cancer cells selected for resistance to cisplatin, paclitaxel, or doxorubicin
Authors: Sherman-Baust Cheryl A , Becker Kevin G , Wood III William H , Zhang Yongqing , Morin Patrice J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Resistance to current chemotherapeutic agents is a major cause of therapy failure in ovarian cancer patients, but the exact mechanisms leading to the development of drug resistance remain unclear.

Methods
To better understand mechanisms of drug resistance, and possibly identify novel targets for therapy, we generated a series of drug resistant ovarian cancer cell lines through repeated exposure to three chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, or paclitaxel), and identified changes in gene expression patterns using Illumina whole-genome expression microarrays. Validation of selected genes was performed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Pathway enrichment analysis using the KEGG, GO, and Reactome databases was performed to identify pathways that may be important in each drug resistance phenotype.

Results
A total of 845 genes (p < 0.01) were found altered in at least one drug resistance phenotype when compared to the parental, drug sensitive cell line. Focusing on each resistance phenotype individually, we identified 460, 366, and 337 genes significantly altered in cells resistant to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel, respectively. Of the 845 genes found altered, only 62 genes were simultaneously altered in all three resistance phenotypes. Using pathway analysis, we found many pathways enriched for each resistance phenotype, but some dominant pathways emerged. The dominant pathways included signaling from the cell surface and cell movement for cisplatin resistance, proteasome regulation and steroid biosynthesis for doxorubicin resistance, and control of translation and oxidative stress for paclitaxel resistance.

Conclusions
Ovarian cancer cells develop drug resistance through different pathways depending on the drug used in the generation of chemoresistance. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of novel strategies to circumvent the problem of drug resistance.
Nonmalignant Late Effects and Compromised Functional Status in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Khera Nandita , Storer Barry , Flowers Mary E.D. , Carpenter Paul A. , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Martin Paul J. , Lee Stephanie J. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose Our objective was to describe the incidence of nonmalignant late complications and their association with health and functional status in a recent cohort of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. Patients and Methods We determined the incidence of 14 nonmalignant late effects in adults who underwent transplantation from January 2004 through June 2009 at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center who survived at least 1 year after HCT. Data were derived from review of medical records and annual self-reported questionnaires. Results The 1,087 survivors in the study had a median age at HCT of 53 years (range, 21 to 78 years) and were followed for a median of 37 months (range, 12 to 77 months) after HCT. The prevalence of pre-existing conditions ranged from 0% to 9.8%. The cumulative incidence of any nonmalignant late effect at 5 years after HCT was 44.8% among autologous and 79% among allogeneic recipients; 2.5% of autologous and 25.5% of allogeneic recipients had three or more late effects. Survivors with three or more late effects had lower physical functioning and Karnofsky score, lower likelihood of full-time work or study, and a higher likelihood of having limitations in usual activities. Predictors of at least one late effect were age ≥ 50 years, female sex, and unrelated donor, but not the intensity of the conditioning regimen. Conclusion The burden of nonmalignant late effects after HCT is high, even with modern treatments and relatively short follow-up. These late effects are associated with poor health and functional status, underscoring the need for close follow-up of this group and additional research to address these complications.
Microwave-Assisted Direct H/D Exchange Reactions of Dimetridazole and Metronidazole in Alkaline D2O
Authors: Miyazawa Akira , Shimodaira Haruki , Kawanishi Yuji 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Upon microwave irradiation, a ring proton at the 4-position and protons at the 2-methyl positions of dimetridazole, 1,2-dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole, and metronidazole, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, were selectively and rapidly exchanged with deuterium at an exchange efficiency in excess of 98 atom % within 30 min.
Direct Decomposition of NO over Ba–Y2O3 Catalyst Prepared by Coprecipitation
Authors: Haneda Masaaki , Doi Yasuyuki , Ozawa Masakuni 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The catalytic performance of Ba–Y2O3 prepared by a coprecipitation method for the direct decomposition of NO was investigated. Although Y2O3 catalyzed NO decomposition, its activity was increased by addition of Ba. The maximum NO decomposition activity was achieved on Ba–Y2O3 with 5 wt % Ba loading. XRD measurements revealed the formation of a solid solution of Ba and Y2O3 as well as BaCO3 small particles, when Ba loading was increased up to 5 wt %. From the comparison between the amount of CO2 desorption measured by temperature-programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-TPD) and the NO decomposition activity of Ba–Y2O3, highly dispersed Ba species, which is initially present as BaCO3 small particles, on the catalyst surface act as catalytically active sites for NO decomposition. On the basis of in situ observation of surface species formed during NO decomposition by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, we proposed that highly dispersed Ba species plays a role for the formation and adsorption of nitrite (NO2−) as reactive species for NO decomposition over Ba–Y2O3 catalyst.
The role of sonoelastography in acute, subacute and chronic thyroiditis: a novel application of the method
Authors: Ruchala Marek , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Zybek Ariadna , Moczko Jerzy , Czarnywojtek Agata , Kaminski Grzegorz , Sowinski Jerzy 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveReports on sonoelastography, which provide an objective estimation of tissue elasticity, are scarce in terms of thyroiditis. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the applicability of sonoelastography in different types of thyroiditis.DesignThe study assessed and compared the thyroid tissue stiffness in patients with acute thyroiditis (AT), subacute thyroiditis (SAT), and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) with healthy control subjects (CS), followed up for 10 weeks.MethodsThe study group consisted of two patients with AT, 18 patients with SAT, 18 patients with CAT, and 40 CS matched for age and gender. Sonoelastography was performed at baseline, at a 4-week follow-up during treatment, and at 10 weeks following diagnosis and treatment initiation.ResultsThyroid tissue stiffness was higher in SAT at baseline (214.26±32.5 kPa) in comparison with values recorded at a 4-week follow-up (45.92±17.4 kPa) and at 10 weeks following diagnosis and treatment initiation (21.65±5.3 kPa, P<0.0001). Baseline thyroid stiffness in SAT was higher than that found in CAT (36.15±18.7 kPa, P<0.0001) and CS (16.18±5.4 kPa, P<0.0001). In the remission of SAT, thyroid stiffness was lower than that found in CAT (P=0.006), while it was higher than that in CS (P=0.0008). No difference was observed between thyroid stiffness in SAT at 4-week follow-up and in CAT. Patients with CAT presented higher thyroid stiffness than CS (P<0.0001), which was not influenced by l-thyroxine treatment. Thyroid stiffness in patients with AT was 216.6 and 241.9 kPa at baseline; after treatment, it decreased to 17.93 and 85.348 kPa respectively.ConclusionsSonoelastography may assist in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of AT, SAT and CAT, as well as in the differentiation of the various types of thyroiditis.
Uncoupling of Genomic and Epigenetic Signals in the Maintenance and Inheritance of Heterochromatin Domains in Fission Yeast
Authors: Wheeler Bayly S , Ruderman Brandon T , Willard Huntington F , Scott Kristin C 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Many essential aspects of genome function, including gene expression and chromosome segregation, are mediated throughout development and differentiation by changes in the chromatin state. Along with genomic signals encoded in the DNA, epigenetic processes regulate heritable gene expression patterns. Genomic signals such as enhancers, silencers, and repetitive DNA, while required for the establishment of alternative chromatin states, have an unclear role in epigenetic processes that underlie the persistence of chromatin states throughout development. Here, we demonstrate in fission yeast that the maintenance and inheritance of ectopic heterochromatin domains are independent of the genomic sequences necessary for their de novo establishment. We find that both structural heterochromatin and gene silencing can be stably maintained over an ∼10-kb domain for up to hundreds of cell divisions in the absence of genomic sequences required for heterochromatin establishment, demonstrating the long-term persistence and stability of this chromatin state. The de novo heterochromatin, despite the absence of nucleation sequences, is also stably inherited through meiosis. Together, these studies provide evidence for chromatin-dependent, epigenetic control of gene silencing that is heritable, stable, and self-sustaining, even in the absence of the originating genomic signals.