bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Existence of stationary distributions for a class of nonlinear time series models in random environment domain
Authors: Wang Yueheng , Zhu Enwen , Xu Yong 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we study the problem of a variety of nonlinear time series model X

n+1= F(X

n
, e

n+1(Z

n+1)) in which {Z

n+1} is a Markov chain with finite state space, and for every state i of the Markov chain, {e

n
(i)} is a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables. Also, the existence of the stationary distribution of the sequence {X

n
} defined by the above model is investigated. Some new novel results on the underlying models are presented.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 60J10
Characterization of the sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) global transcriptome using Illumina paired-end sequencing and development of EST-SSR markers
Authors: Wei Wenliang , Qi Xiaoqiong , Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Hua Wei , Li Donghua , Lv Haixia , Zhang Xiurong 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Sesame is an important oil crop, but limited transcriptomic and genomic data are currently available. This information is essential to clarify the fatty acid and lignan biosynthesis molecular mechanism. In addition, a shortage of sesame molecular markers limits the efficiency and accuracy of genetic breeding. High-throughput transcriptomic sequencing is essential to generate a large transcriptome sequence dataset for gene discovery and molecular marker development.

Results
Sesame transcriptomes from five tissues were sequenced using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology. The cleaned raw reads were assembled into a total of 86,222 unigenes with an average length of 629 bp. Of the unigenes, 46,584 (54.03%) had significant similarity with proteins in the NCBI nonredundant protein database and Swiss-Prot database (E-value < 10-5). Of these annotated unigenes, 10,805 and 27,588 unigenes were assigned to gene ontology categories and clusters of orthologous groups, respectively. In total, 22,003 (25.52%) unigenes were mapped onto 119 pathways using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG). Furthermore, 44,750 unigenes showed homology to 15,460 Arabidopsis genes based on BLASTx analysis against The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR, Version 10) and revealed relatively high gene coverage. In total, 7,702 unigenes were converted into SSR markers (EST-SSR). Dinucleotide SSRs were the dominant repeat motif (67.07%, 5,166), followed by trinucleotide (24.89%, 1,917), tetranucleotide (4.31%, 332), hexanucleotide (2.62%, 202), and pentanucleotide (1.10%, 85) SSRs. AG/CT (46.29%) was the dominant repeat motif, followed by AC/GT (16.07%), AT/AT (10.53%), AAG/CTT (6.23%), and AGG/CCT (3.39%). Fifty EST-SSRs were randomly selected to validate amplification and to determine the degree of polymorphism in the genomic DNA pools. Forty primer pairs successfully amplified DNA fragments and detected significant amounts of polymorphism among 24 sesame accessions.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that Illumina paired-end sequencing is a fast and cost-effective approach to gene discovery and molecular marker development in non-model organisms. Our results provide a comprehensive sequence resource for sesame research.
Differential proteome analysis of human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293) following mycophenolic acid treatment
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Rahman Hazir , Oellerich Michael , Asif Abdul R 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundMycophenolic acid (MPA) is widely used as a post transplantation medicine to prevent acute organ rejection. In the present study we used proteomics approach to identify proteome alterations in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) after treatment with therapeutic dose of MPA. Following 72 hours MPA treatment, total protein lysates were prepared, resolved by two dimensional gel electrophoresis and differentially expressed proteins were identified by QTOF-MS/MS analysis. Expressional regulations of selected proteins were further validated by real time PCR and Western blotting.ResultsThe proliferation assay demonstrated that therapeutic MPA concentration causes a dose dependent inhibition of HEK-293 cell proliferation. A significant apoptosis was observed after MPA treatment, as revealed by caspase 3 activity. Proteome analysis showed a total of 12 protein spots exhibiting differential expression after incubation with MPA, of which 7 proteins (complement component 1 Q subcomponent-binding protein, electron transfer flavoprotein subunit beta, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit, peroxiredoxin 1, thioredoxin domain-containing protein 12, myosin regulatory light chain 2, and profilin 1) showed significant increase in their expression. The expression of 5 proteins (protein SET, stathmin, 40S ribosomal protein S12, histone H2B type 1 A, and histone H2B type 1-C/E/F/G/I) were down-regulated. MPA mainly altered the proteins associated with the cytoskeleton (26%), chromatin structure/dynamics (17%) and energy production/conversion (17%). Both real time PCR and Western blotting confirmed the regulation of myosin regulatory light chain 2 and peroxiredoxin 1 by MPA treatment. Furthermore, HT-29 cells treated with MPA and total kidney cell lysate from MMF treated rats showed similar increased expression of myosin regulatory light chain 2.ConclusionThe emerging use of MPA in diverse pathophysiological conditions demands in-depth studies to understand molecular basis of its therapeutic response. The present study identifies the myosin regulatory light chain 2 and peroxiredoxin 1 along with 10 other proteins showing significant regulation by MPA. Further characterization of these proteins may help to understand the diverse cellular effects of MPA in addition to its immunosuppressive activity.
A functional tandem-repeats polymorphism in the downstream of TERTis associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Hongxing , Zhai Yun , Wang Zhifu , Ma Fuchao , Wang Hongxue , Li Peiyao , Zhang Ying , Yu Lixia , Cui Ying , He Fuchu , Zhou Gangqiao 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Increases in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression and telomerase activity are frequently seen in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recently, a variable tandem-repeats polymorphism, MNS16A, located in the downstream region of the TERT gene, was identified and reported to have an effect on TERT expression and telomerase activity. We examined whether the functional MNS16A was related to the risk of occurrence or progression of NPC in the Chinese population.

Methods
We genotyped the MNS16A polymorphism in a case-control study of 855 patients with NPC and 1036 cancer-free controls using PCR, and determined genotype by classifying the DNA band of 243 or 272 base pairs (bp) as the short (S) allele and 302 or 333 bp as the long (L) allele. The genetic associations with the risk of NPC were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results
The MNS16A genotype was not associated with the progression of NPC. However, individuals carrying the S alleles (SL + SS genotype) had a significantly reduced risk of NPC occurrence compared with those carrying the LL genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0. 71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0. 52 to 0. 96, P = 0. 025). Using a immunohistochemical assay on the NPC tissues, the SL genotype carriers were found to have lower TERT expression than the LL genotype carriers (P = 0. 035).

Conclusions
Our study indicates that the TERT MNS16A polymorphism may contribute to the risk of NPC onset in Chinese population.
Susceptibility of human primary neuronal cells to Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related (XMRV) virus infection
Authors: Ravichandran Veerasamy , Major Eugen O , Ibe Carol , Monaco Maria Chiara , Girisetty Mohan Kumar Haleyur , Hewlett Indira K 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related (XMRV) virus is a recently identified mouse gammaretrovirus that has the ability to infect certain human cells. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of primary neuronal cell types to infection with XMRV.

Findings
We observed that the human primary progenitors, progenitor-derived neurons, and progenitor-derived astrocytes supported XMRV multiplication. Interestingly, both progenitors and progenitor-derived neurons were more susceptible compared with progenitor-derived astrocytes. In addition, XMRV-infected Jurkat cells were able to transmit infection to neuronal cells.

Conclusions
These data suggest that neuronal cells are susceptible for XMRV infection.
Prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in dogs and cats in subtropical southern China
Authors: Lin Rui-Qing , Tang Jian-Dong , Zhou Dong-Hui , Song Hui-Qun , Huang Si-Yang , Chen Jia-Xu , Chen Mu-Xin , Zhang Han , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is one of the major parasitic zoonoses in China, particularly in China's southern Guangdong province where the prevalence of C. sinensis infection in humans is high. However, little is known of the prevalence of C. sinensis infection in its reservoir hosts dogs and cats. Hence, the prevalence of C. sinensis infection in dogs and cats was investigated in Guangdong province, China between October 2006 and March 2008.

Results
A total of 503 dogs and 194 cats from 13 administrative regions in Guangdong province were examined by post-mortem examination. The worms were examined, counted, and identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. The average prevalences of C. sinensis infection in dogs and cats were 20.5% and 41.8%, respectively. The infection intensities in dogs were usually light, but in cats the infection intensities were more serious. The prevalences were higher in some of the cities located in the Pearl River Delta region which is the most important endemic area in Guangdong province, but the prevalences were relatively lower in seaside cities.

Conclusions
The present investigation revealed a high prevalence of C. sinensis infection in its reservoir hosts dogs and cats in China's subtropical Guangdong province, which provides relevant "base-line" data for conducting control strategies and measures against clonorchiasis in this region.
Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate-induced novel nitration of eugenol
Authors: Canales Luis , Bandyopadhyay Debasish , Banik Bimal K 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Eugenol, the main constituent of clove oil possesses a number of medicinal activities. To enhance the medicinal property, structural modification is required. On the other hand, bismuth nitrate pentahydrate has been established as an excellent eco-friendly nitrating agent for several classes of organic compounds.

Results
Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate-induced nitration of eugenol has been investigated very thoroughly. Twenty five different conditions have been studied. The microwave-induced solvent-free reaction has been identified as the best condition.

Conclusions
Spectral analyses confirm that 5-nitroeugenol is the sole product in all the cases. No oxidized or isomerized product could be detected.
Mechanisms of quadriceps muscle weakness in knee joint osteoarthritis: the effects of prolonged vibration on torque and muscle activation in osteoarthritic and healthy control subjects
Authors: Rice David A , McNair Peter J , Lewis Gwyn N 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Introduction

A consequence of knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) is an inability to fully activate the quadriceps muscles, a problem termed arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). AMI leads to marked quadriceps weakness that impairs physical function and may hasten disease progression. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether γ-loop dysfunction contributes to AMI in people with knee joint OA.

Methods

Fifteen subjects with knee joint OA and 15 controls with no history of knee joint pathology participated in this study. Quadriceps and hamstrings peak isometric torque (Nm) and electromyography (EMG) amplitude were collected before and after 20 minutes of 50 Hz vibration applied to the infrapatellar tendon. Between-group differences in pre-vibration torque were analysed using a one-way analysis of covariance, with age, gender and body mass (kg) as the covariates. If the γ-loop is intact, vibration should decrease torque and EMG levels in the target muscle; if dysfunctional, then torque and EMG levels should not change following vibration. One-sample t tests were thus undertaken to analyse whether percentage changes in torque and EMG differed from zero after vibration in each group. In addition, analyses of covariance were utilised to analyse between-group differences in the percentage changes in torque and EMG following vibration.

Results

Pre-vibration quadriceps torque was significantly lower in the OA group compared with the control group (P = 0.005). Following tendon vibration, quadriceps torque (P < 0.001) and EMG amplitude (P ≤0.001) decreased significantly in the control group but did not change in the OA group (all P > 0.299). Hamstrings torque and EMG amplitude were unchanged in both groups (all P > 0.204). The vibration-induced changes in quadriceps torque and EMG were significantly different between the OA and control groups (all P < 0.011). No between-group differences were observed for the change in hamstrings torque or EMG (all P > 0.554).

Conclusions

γ-loop dysfunction may contribute to AMI in individuals with knee joint OA, partially explaining the marked quadriceps weakness and atrophy that is often observed in this population.
Adverse Effect of Older Age on the Recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities and Trunk
Authors: Biau David J. , Ferguson Peter C. , Turcotte Robert E. , Chung Peter , Isler Marc H. , Riad Soha , Griffin Anthony M. , Catton Charles N. , O'Sullivan Brian , Wunder Jay S. 
Published: September 2011

Purpose To examine the effect of age on the recurrence of soft tissue sarcoma in the extremities and trunk. Patients and Methods This was a multicenter study that included 2,385 patients with median age at surgery of 57 years. The end points considered were local recurrence and metastasis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios across the age ranges with and without adjustment for known confounding factors. Results Older patients presented with tumors that were larger (P < .001) and of higher grade (P < .001). The proportion of positive margins increased significantly as patients age (P < .001), but radiation therapy was relatively underused in patients older than age 60 years. The 5-year cumulative incidences of local recurrence were 7.2% (95% CI, 4% to 11.7%) for patients age 30 years or younger and 12.9% (95% CI, 9.1% to 17.5%) for patients age 75 years or older. The corresponding 5-year cumulative incidences of metastasis were 17.5% (95% CI, 12.1% to 23.7%) and 33.9% (95% CI, 28.1% to 39.8%) for the same groups. Regression models showed that age was significantly associated with local recurrence (P < .001) and metastasis (P < .001) in nonadjusted models. After adjusting for imbalance in presentation and treatment variables, age remained significantly associated with local recurrence (P = .031) and metastasis (P = .019). Conclusion Older patients have worse outcomes because they tend to present with worse tumors and are treated less aggressively. However, there remained a significant increase in the risk of both local and systemic recurrence associated with increasing age that could not be explained by tumor or treatment characteristics.
Phase II/III Study of R-CHOP-21 Versus R-CHOP-14 for Untreated Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: JCOG 0203 Trial
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Tobinai Kensei , Shibata Taro , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Morishima Yasuo , Maseki Nobuo , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Suzuki Takayo , Yamaguchi Motoko , Ando Kiyoshi , Ogura Michinori , Taniwaki Masafumi , Uike Naokuni , Takeuchi Kengo , Nawano Shigeru , Terauchi Takashi , Hotta Tomomitsu 
Published: September 2011

Purpose Rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is one of the most effective front-line therapies to treat indolent B-cell lymphoma. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which potentiates antibody-dependent rituximab cytotoxicity, is used to shorten CHOP intervals. To improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with R-CHOP as the primary end point, we conducted a phase III study. Patients and Methods Patients with untreated stages III to IV indolent B-cell lymphoma were randomly assigned to six cycles of R-CHOP every 3 weeks (R-CHOP-21) or every 2 weeks (R-CHOP-14) with G-CSF. Maintenance rituximab was not allowed. Results Three hundred patients were enrolled. At the median follow-up time of 5.2 years, there was no significant difference in PFS between arms for the 299 eligible patients; the median was 3.7 (R-CHOP-21) v 4.7 (R-CHOP-14) years, 57% v 58% at 3 years, and 41% v 43% at 6 years, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.25; one-sided P = .30). The median overall survival (OS) time was not reached in either arm, and there was no significant difference (6-year OS: 87% [R-CHOP-21] v 88% [R-CHOP-14]; HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.57 to 2.30; one-sided P = .65). Although grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 infections were more frequent in the R-CHOP-21 group, R-CHOP was feasible in both arms. Conclusion The R-CHOP dose-dense strategy failed to improve PFS of patients with untreated indolent B-cell lymphoma. Further improvement of first-line treatment or investigations on postremission therapy following R-CHOP should be explored.
Time-Lapse Monitoring of Fabric Changes in Granular Materials by Coda Wave Interferometry
Authors: Wuttke F. , Asslan M. , Schanz T. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The determination of wave velocities in soils captures an important role for small-strain parameter in constitutive modeling as well as in monitoring processes of the state. The wave velocity differs substantially with the porosity, surrounding pressure, degree of saturation and other parameters in soils. In particular when the environmental conditions are non-stationary. For studying the change of state parameters in granular materials, the identification of the velocity evolution can be a challenge in particular if the perturbations are small. We discuss the application of a new seismic method for geotechnical experiments—the Coda wave interferometry. The method is used to detect the wave velocities change related to small soil perturbations. Whereas the perturbations are caused by small changes in stress and void ratio. Different material, well-known sands and artificial glass beads are analysed in this experimental study by conventional volume measurements and seismic methods to detect the stress and porosity changes. The wave excitation and recording was done by piezoceramic bender elements. In result of the tests, the coda wave interferometry emphasized its large potential for the time-lapse monitoring of soils.
A Digital Image-Based Deformation Measurement System for Triaxial Tests
Authors: Bhandari A. R. , Powrie W. , Harkness R. M. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a new digital image-based deformation measurement system for triaxial tests on soils. Three digital cameras placed on radii at intervals of 120° viewed on plan outside a transparent triaxial cell were used to capture images of a deforming cylindrical soil specimen at various instants. A digital image correlation program was written to analyze the captured images, using ray tracing to take account of image distortion due to refraction at the interfaces between the cell fluid, the cell wall, and the atmosphere. The technique is validated with reference to a sand specimen tested in drained triaxial compression. Typical implementations of the system to study surface deformation characteristics (e.g., barreling, onset of localization, and shear band evolution) of deforming soil specimens are illustrated.
Review
Authors: Diestel Lijana 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Uwe Hinrichs [unter Mitarbeit von Petra Himstedt-Vaid] (ed.), Handbuch der Eurolinguistik, (Slavistische Studienbücher, Neue Folge, Band 20), Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2010. xii+996 pp.
Breastfeeding, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Colostrum, and Infant Mental Development
Authors: Guxens Mònica , Mendez Michelle A. , Moltó-Puigmartí Carolina , Julvez Jordi , García-Esteban Raquel , Forns Joan , Ferrer Muriel , Vrijheid Martine , López-Sabater M. Carmen , Sunyer Jordi 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:Breastfeeding has been associated with improved neurodevelopment in children. However, it remains unknown to what extent nutritional advantages of breast milk may explain this relationship.OBJECTIVE:We assessed the role of parental psychosocial factors and colostrum long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels in the relationship between breastfeeding and children's neurodevelopment.METHODS:A population-based birth cohort was established in the city of Sabadell (Catalonia, Spain) as part of the INMA-INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project. A total of 657 women were recruited during the first trimester of pregnancy. Information about parental characteristics and breastfeeding was obtained by using a questionnaire, and trained psychologists assessed mental and psychomotor development by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development in 504 children at 14 months of age.RESULTS:A high percentage of breastfeeds among all milk feeds accumulated during the first 14 months was positively related with child mental development (0.37 points per month of full breastfeeding [95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.67]). Maternal education, social class, and intelligence quotient only partly explained this association. Children with a longer duration of breastfeeding also exposed to higher ratios between n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in colostrum had significantly higher mental scores than children with low breastfeeding duration exposed to low levels.CONCLUSIONS:Greater levels of accumulated breastfeeding during the first year of life were related to higher mental development at 14 months, largely independently from a wide range of parental psychosocial factors. LC-PUFA levels seem to play a beneficial role in children's mental development when breastfeeding levels are high.