bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIGH CORROSION RESISTANCE OF NI-P/NANO-SIO2 ELECTROLESS COMPOSITE COATINGS
Authors: Allahkaram S.R. , Rabizadeh T.
Published: March 2012

The process of electroless plating Ni - P and Ni - P /nano- SiO 2 on API-5L X65 carbon steels was improved. The Ni - P /nano- SiO 2 composite coatings were prepared from the bathes containing different concentrations of nano- SiO 2 particles. The coatings surface and morphologies were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical compositions were analyzed by EDAX. The corrosion behaviors were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. The experimental results indicated that SiO 2 nano-particles co-deposited but some agglomeration occurred. Micro-hardness of electroless Ni - P - SiO 2 composite coatings increased due to the existence of nano-particles. Corrosion tests showed that both electroless Ni - P and Ni - P /nano- SiO 2 composite coatings demonstrated significant improvement of corrosion resistance of substrate in salty atmosphere and latter coating type appeared to offer a better corrosion protection.
Glucose-mediated control of ghrelin release from primary cultures of gastric mucosal cells
Authors: Sakata Ichiro , Park Won-Mee , Walker Angela K. , Piper Paul K. , Chuang Jen-Chieh , Osborne-Lawrence Sherri , Zigman Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2012

The peptide hormone ghrelin is released from a distinct group of gastrointestinal cells in response to caloric restriction, whereas its levels fall after eating. The mechanisms by which ghrelin secretion is regulated remain largely unknown. Here, we have used primary cultures of mouse gastric mucosal cells to investigate ghrelin secretion, with an emphasis on the role of glucose. Ghrelin secretion from these cells upon exposure to different d-glucose concentrations, the glucose antimetabolite 2-deoxy-d-glucose, and other potential secretagogues was assessed. The expression profile of proteins involved in glucose transport, metabolism, and utilization within highly enriched pools of mouse ghrelin cells and within cultured ghrelinoma cells was also determined. Ghrelin release negatively correlated with d-glucose concentration. Insulin blocked ghrelin release, but only in a low d-glucose environment. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose prevented the inhibitory effect of high d-glucose exposure on ghrelin release. mRNAs encoding several facilitative glucose transporters, hexokinases, the ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunit Kir6.2, and sulfonylurea type 1 receptor were expressed highly within ghrelin cells, although neither tolbutamide nor diazoxide exerted direct effects on ghrelin secretion. These findings suggest that direct exposure of ghrelin cells to low ambient d-glucose stimulates ghrelin release, whereas high d-glucose and glucose metabolism within ghrelin cells block ghrelin release. Also, low d-glucose sensitizes ghrelin cells to insulin. Various glucose transporters, channels, and enzymes that mediate glucose responsiveness in other cell types may contribute to the ghrelin cell machinery involved in regulating ghrelin secretion under these different glucose environments, although their exact roles in ghrelin release remain uncertain.
Intracellular and plasma membrane-initiated pathways involved in the [Ca2+]ielevations induced by iodothyronines (T3 and T2) in pituitary GH3cells
Authors: Del Viscovo Adelaide , Secondo Agnese , Esposito Alba , Goglia Fernando , Moreno Maria , Canzoniero Lorella M. T.
Published: March 2012

The role of 3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) and its metabolite 3,5-diiodo-l-thyronine (T2) in modulating the intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) and endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was evaluated in pituitary GH3cells in the absence or presence of extracellular Ca2+. When applied in Ca2+-free solution, T2 and T3 increased [Ca2+]i, in a dose-dependent way, and NO levels. Inhibition of neuronal NO synthase by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and l- n5-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine hydrochloride significantly reduced the [Ca2+]iincrease induced by T2 and T3. However, while depletion of inositol trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+stores did not interfere with the T2- and T3-induced [Ca2+]iincreases, the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by LY-294002 and the dominant negative form of Akt mutated at the ATP binding site prevented these effects. Furthermore, the mitochondrial protonophore carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone prevented the increases in both [Ca2+]iand NO elicited by T2 or T3. Interestingly, rotenone blocked the early [Ca2+]iincreases elicited by T2 and T3, while antimycin prevented only that elicited by T3. Inhibition of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+exchanger by CGP37157 significantly reduced the [Ca2+]iincreases induced by T2 and T3. In the presence of extracellular calcium (1.2 mM), under carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone, T2 and T3 increased both [Ca2+]iand intracellular Na+concentration; nimodipine reduced the [Ca2+]iincreases elicited by T2 and T3, but inhibition of NO synthase and blockade of the Na+/H+pump by 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl)amiloride prevented only that elicited by T3; and CB-DMB, bisindolylmaleimide, and LY-294002 (inhibitors of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger, PKC, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, respectively) failed to modify the T2- and T3-induced effects. Collectively, the present results suggest that T2 and T3 exert short-term nongenomic effects on intracellular calcium and NO by modulating plasma membrane and mitochondrial pathways that differ between these iodothyronines.
Extrahepatic tissues compensate for loss of hepatic taurine synthesis in mice with liver-specific knockout of cysteine dioxygenase
Authors: Ueki Iori , Roman Heather B. , Hirschberger Lawrence L. , Junior Carolyn , Stipanuk Martha H.
Published: March 2012

Because hepatic cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) appears to play the major role in controlling cysteine catabolism in the intact rat, we characterized the effect of a lack of hepatic CDO on the regulation of cysteine and its metabolites at the whole body level. In mice with liver-specific deletion of CDO expression, hepatic and plasma cysteine levels increased. In addition, in mice with liver-specific deletion of CDO expression, the abundance of CDO and the proportion of CDO existing as the mature, more active isoform increased in extrahepatic tissues that express CDO (kidney, brown fat, and gonadal fat). CDO abundance was also increased in the pancreas, where most of the enzyme in both control and liver CDO-knockout mice was in the more active isoform. This upregulation of CDO concentration and active-site cofactor formation were not associated with an increase in CDO mRNA and thus presumably were due to a decrease in CDO degradation and an increase in CDO cofactor formation in association with increased exposure of extrahepatic tissues to cysteine in mice lacking hepatic CDO. Extrahepatic tissues of liver CDO-knockout mice also had higher levels of hypotaurine, consistent with increased metabolism of cysteine by the CDO/cysteinesulfinate decarboxylase pathway. The hepatic CDO-knockout mice were able to maintain normal levels of glutathione, taurine, and sulfate. The maintenance of taurine concentrations in liver as well as in extrahepatic tissues is particularly notable, since mice were fed a taurine-free diet and liver is normally considered the major site of taurine biosynthesis. This redundant capacity for regulation of cysteine concentrations and production of hypotaurine/taurine is additional support for the body's robust mechanisms for control of body cysteine levels and indicates that extrahepatic tissues are able to compensate for a lack of hepatic capacity for cysteine catabolism.
Effect of the metabolic environment at key stages of follicle development in cattle: focus on steroid biosynthesis
Authors: Walsh S. W. , Mehta J. P. , McGettigan P. A. , Browne J. A. , Forde N. , Alibrahim R. M. , Mulligan F. J. , Loftus B. , Crowe M. A. , Matthews D. , Diskin M. , Mihm M. , Evans A. C. O.
Published: March 2012

Cellular mechanisms that contribute to low estradiol concentrations produced by the preovulatory ovarian follicle in cattle with a compromised metabolic status are largely unknown. To gain insight into the main metabolic mechanisms affecting preovulatory follicle function, two different animal models were used. Experiment 1 compared Holstein-Friesian nonlactating heifers ( n = 17) and lactating cows ( n = 16) at three stages of preovulatory follicle development: 1) newly selected dominant follicle in the luteal phase (Selection), 2) follicular phase before the LH surge (Differentiation), and 3) preovulatory phase after the LH surge (Luteinization). Experiment 2 compared newly selected dominant follicles in the luteal phase in beef heifers fed a diet of 1.2 times maintenance (M, n = 8) or 0.4 M ( n = 11). Lactating cows and 0.4 M beef heifers had higher concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, and lower concentrations of glucose, insulin, and IGF-I compared with dairy heifers and 1.2 M beef heifers, respectively. In lactating cows this altered metabolic environment was associated with reduced dominant follicle estradiol and progesterone synthesis during Differentiation and Luteinization, respectively, and in 0.4 M beef heifers with reduced dominant follicle estradiol synthesis. Using a combination of RNA sequencing, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and qRT-PCR validation, we identified several important molecular markers involved in steroid biosynthesis, such as the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( STAR) within developing dominant follicles, to be downregulated by the catabolic state. Based on this, we propose that the adverse metabolic environment caused by lactation or nutritional restriction decreases preovulatory follicle function mainly by affecting cholesterol transport into the mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis.
Primary Tuberculosis of Tonsils: A Case Report
Authors: Prasad Pooja , Bhardwaj Minakshi
Published: March 2012

Tuberculosis is one of the major causes of ill health and death worldwide. Isolated tuberculosis of tonsil in the absence of active pulmonary tuberculosis is a very rare clinical entity. A 10-year-male child presented with recurrent episodes of upper respiratory tract infections, with 2-3 occurrences per month for the past 6 years. On general physical examination, bilateral tonsils showed grade III enlargement and congestion. Posterior pharyngeal wall was clear. Examination of the chest was within normal limits. Histopathological examination of bilateral tonsils revealed caseating and noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas with Langhans giant cells. Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid fast bacillus was positive. Features were consistent with a diagnosis of tuberculosis of tonsils. Tuberculosis of the oral cavity is uncommon and lesions may be either primary or secondary. Early detection and intervention is essential for cure. Isolated and primary tuberculosis of the tonsils in the absence of pulmonary tuberculosis is a rare entity, which prompted us to report this case.
LPS Counter Regulates RNA Expression of Extracellular Proteases and Their Inhibitors in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Hald Andreas , Rønø Birgitte , Lund Leif R. , Egerod Kristoffer L.
Published: March 2012

Besides their evident importance in host defense, macrophages have been shown to play a detrimental role in different pathological conditions, including chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Regardless of the exact situation, macrophage activation and migration are intimately connected to extracellular matrix degradation. This process is accomplished by multiple proteolytic enzymes, including serine proteases and members of the matrix metalloproteinase family. In this study, we have utilized qPCR arrays to simultaneously analyze the temporal expression pattern of a range of genes involved in extracellular matrix metabolism in the mouse derived-macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 following stimulation with LPS. Our results revealed that LPS induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinases while at the same time decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. The opposite scenario was found for the genes encoding serine proteases, which were downregulated while their inhibitors were upregulated. In addition, intergenic comparison of the expression levels of related proteases revealed large differences in their basal expression level. These data highlight the complexity of the gene expression regulation implicated in macrophage-dependent matrix degradation and furthermore emphasize the value of qPCR array techniques for the investigation of the complex regulation of the matrix degradome.
Concurrent Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia and Osteogenic Sarcoma: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Olusanya A. A. , Adeyemi B. F. , Adisa A. O.
Published: March 2012

Aim. Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) represents a rare group of benign fibroosseous disorders, while osteogenic sarcoma (OS) on the hand, is a malignant tumour of ominous prognosis. A combination of COD and OS is rare and sparsely reported in literature. There are only four reported cases known to the authors. The aim of this paper is to report additional cases of COD occurring concurrently with OS.Materials and Methods. The clinicoradiologic findings and histological analysis of mandibular lesions in two patients who reported at the Dental Centre of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, are presented.Results. The two patients were diagnosed of mandible osteosarcoma occurring concurrently with bilateral mandibular focal cemento-osseous dysplasia.Conclusion. The simultaneous occurrence of osteosarcoma and cemento-osseous dysplasia raises the question of whether COD has transformed into OS or a collision tumour has occurred and their simultaneous occurrence is just a coincidence.
Bragg Grating Optical Filters by UV Nanoimprinting
Authors: Casalboni M. , Dominici L. , Foglietti V. , Michelotti F. , Orsini E. , Palazzesi C. , Stella F. , Prosposito P.
Published: March 2012

Results on an optical waveguide filter operating in the near IR region are reported. The device consists of a hybrid sol‐gel ‐based grating loaded waveguide, obtained through the merging of conventional photolithography and UV‐nanoimprinting. Starting from submicrometric gratings, fabricated by electron beam lithography, a soft mould has been produced and the original structures were replicated onto sol‐gel photosensitive films. A final photolithographic step allowed the production of grating‐loaded channel waveguides. The devices were optically characterized by transmission measurements in the telecom range 1450–1590 nm. The filter extinction ratio is −11 dB and the bandwidth is 1.7 nm.
High-Efficiency 6′′ Multicrystalline Black Solar Cells Based on Metal-Nanoparticle-Assisted Chemical Etching
Authors: Hsu W. Chuck , Lu Yen-Sheng , Chyan Jung-Yi , Yeh J. Andrew
Published: March 2012

Multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells with nanoscale surface texturing by metal-nanoparticle-assisted etching are proposed to achieve high power efficiency. The investigation of average nanorod lengths from 100 nm to 1 μm reveals that the Si wafer decorated with 100 nm thick nanorods has optical reflection of 9.5% inferior than the one with 1 μm thick nanorods (2%). However, the short nanorods improve the doping uniformity and effectively decrease metal contact resistance. After surface passivation using the hydrogenated SiO2/SiNx(5 nm/50 nm) stack, the minority carrier lifetime substantially increases from 1.8 to 7.2 μs for the 100 nm-thick nanorod solar cell to achieve the high power efficiency of 16.38%, compared with 1 μm thick nanorod solar cell with 11.87%.
Towards a Better Understanding of the Evolution of Specialized Parasites of Fungus-Growing Ant Crops
Authors: Yek Sze Huei , Boomsma Jacobus J. , Poulsen Michael
Published: March 2012

Fungus-growing ants have interacted and partly coevolved with specialised microfungal parasites of the genusEscovopsissince the origin of ant fungiculture about 50 million years ago. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding the patterns of specificity of this ant-parasite association, covering both the colony/population level and comparisons between phylogenetic clades. We use a modified version of Tinbergen's four categories of evolutionary questions to structure our review in complementary approaches addressing both proximate questions of development and mechanism, and ultimate questions of (co)adaptation and evolutionary history. Using the same scheme, we identify future research questions that are likely to be particularly illuminating for understanding the ecology and evolution ofEscovopsisparasitism of the cultivar maintained by fungus-growing ants.
9T Full Adder Design in Subthreshold Region
Authors: Singh Shiwani , Sharma Tripti , Sharma K. G. , Singh B. P.
Published: March 2012

This paper presents prelayout simulations of two existing 9T and new proposed 9T full adder circuit in subthreshold region to employ in ultralow‐power applications. The proposed circuit consists of a new logic which is used to implement Sum module. The proposed design remarkably reduces power‐delay product (PDP) and improves temperature sustainability when compared with existing 9T adders. Therefore, in a nut shell proposed adder cell outperforms the existing adders in subthreshold region and proves to be a viable option for ultralow‐power and energy‐efficient applications. All simulations are performed on 45 nm standard model on Tanner EDA tool version 13.0.
Cancer/Testis Antigen MAGE-C1/CT7: New Target for Multiple Myeloma Therapy
Authors: de Carvalho Fabricio , Vettore André L. , Colleoni Gisele W. B.
Published: March 2012

Cancer/Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a promising class of tumor antigens that have a limited expression in somatic tissues (testis, ovary, fetal, and placental cells). Aberrant expression of CTAs in cancer cells may lead to abnormal chromosome segregation and aneuploidy. CTAs are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and acetylation of histones) and are attractive targets for immunotherapy in cancer because the gonads are immune privileged organs and anti-CTA immune response can be tumor-specific. Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy, and several CTAs have been detected in many MM cell lines and patients. Among CTAs expressed in MM we must highlight theMAGE-C1/CT7located on the X chromosome and expressed specificity in the malignant plasma cells. MAGE-C1/CT7 seems to be related to disease progression and functional studies suggests that this CTA might play a role in cell cycle and mainly in survival of malignant plasma cells, protecting myeloma cells against spontaneous as well as drug-induced apoptosis.
“Getting Ready for School:” A Preliminary Evaluation of a Parent-Focused School-Readiness Program
Authors: Noble Kimberly G. , Duch Helena , Darvique Maria Eugenia , Grundleger Alexandra , Rodriguez Carmen , Landers Cassie
Published: March 2012

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to start school with fewer school readiness skills than their more advantaged peers. Emergent literacy and math skills play an important role in this gap. The family is essential in helping children build these skills, and the active involvement of families is crucial to the success of any intervention for young children. The Getting Ready for School (GRS) program is a parent-focused curriculum designed to help parents equip their children with the skills and enthusiasm necessary for learning when they start school. Parents meet in weekly workshops led by a trained facilitator and implement the curriculum at home with their children. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the promise of the GRS intervention in children participating in an urban Head Start program and to explore parents' responses to the intervention. We hypothesized that participation in GRS would improve school readiness in literacy and math skills, relative to participation in business-as-usual Head Start. Four Head Start classrooms (two randomly selected “intervention” and two “comparison” classrooms) participated in this study. Preliminary analyses suggest that GRS improves school readiness over and above a Head Start-as-usual experience. Implications for early childhood programs and policies are discussed.
Gauge-Higgs Unification Models in Six Dimensions withS2/Z2Extra Space and GUT Gauge Symmetry
Authors: Chiang Cheng-Wei , Nomura Takaaki , Sato Joe
Published: March 2012

We review gauge-Higgs unification models based on gauge theories defined on six-dimensional spacetime withS2/Z2topology in the extra spatial dimensions. Nontrivial boundary conditions are imposed on the extraS2/Z2space. This review considers two scenarios for constructing a four-dimensional theory from the six-dimensional model. One scheme utilizes the SO(12) gauge symmetry with a special symmetry condition imposed on the gauge field, whereas the other employs the E6gauge symmetry without requiring the additional symmetry condition. Both models lead to a standard model-like gauge theory with theSU(3)×SU(2)L×U(1)Y(×U(1)2)symmetry and SM fermions in four dimensions. The Higgs sector of the model is also analyzed. The electroweak symmetry breaking can be realized, and the weak gauge boson and Higgs boson masses are obtained.
Eosin Yellowish Dye-Sensitized ZnO Nanostructure-Based Solar Cells Employing Solid PEO Redox Couple Electrolyte
Authors: Kanmani S. S. , Ramachandran K. , Umapathy S.
Published: March 2012

ZnO nanostructures are synthesized by low-temperature methods, and they possess polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferential c-axial growth. Morphological study by SEM shows the presence of~30 nm sized spherical-shaped ZnO nanoparticle, the branched flower-like ZnO composed of many nanorods (length: 1.2 to 4.2 μm and diameter: 0.3 to 0.4 μm), and~50 nm diameter of individual ZnO nanorods. Reduction in photoemission intensity of nanorods infers the decrease in electron-hole recombination rate, which offers better photovoltaic performance. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on ZnO nanorods sensitized with Eosin yellowish dye exhibits a maximum optimal energy conversion efficiency of 0.163% compared to that of nanoparticles and nanoflowers, due to better dye loading and direct conduction pathway for electron transport.
Regularity and Exponential Growth of Pullback Attractors for Semilinear Parabolic Equations Involving the Grushin Operator
Authors: Dinh Binh Nguyen
Published: March 2012

Considered here is the first initial boundary value problem for a semilinear degenerate parabolic equation involving the Grushin operator in a bounded domain Ω. We prove the regularity and exponential growth of a pullback attractor in the space for the nonautonomous dynamical system associated to the problem. The obtained results seem to be optimal and, in particular, improve and extend some recent results on pullback attractors for reaction‐diffusion equations in bounded domains.
Microwave Magnetoelectric Devices
Authors: Tatarenko A. S. , Bichurin M. I.
Published: March 2012

Tunable microwave magnetoelectric devices based on layered ferrite-ferroelectric structures are described. The theory and experiment for attenuator, band-pass filter and phase shifter are presented. Tunability of the ME devices characteristics can be executed by application of an electric field. This electric tuning is relatively fast and is not power-consuming. The attenuator insertion losses vary from 26 dB to 2 dB at frequency 7251 MHz. The tuning range of 25 MHz of band-pass filter at frequency 7360 MHz was obtained. A maximum phase shift of 30–40 degree at the frequency region 6–9 GHz was obtained.
Optimization of Parameters for a More Efficient Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine Therapies
Authors: Aguena Meire , Dalto Fanganiello Roberto , Tissiani Luiz Alexandre Lorico , Ishiy Felipe Augusto André , Atique Rodrigo , Alonso Nivaldo , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita
Published: March 2012

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) association to fat in autologous lipotransfer is promising for a more effective soft tissue reconstruction, and optimization of protocols to isolate ASCs from lipoaspirate fat is much needed. We demonstrated that an increase in adipocyte differentiation is dependent on the number of ASCs. In a sample of 10 donors, we found a higher concentration of nucleated cells in the lower abdomen compared to flank (P=0.015). In a sample of 6 donors we did not find differences in the cell yield obtained by manual or pump-assisted aspiration (P=0.56). We suggest that the increase in the number of ASCs in the reinjected fat may enhance the efficiency of newly formed adipose tissue and that the anatomical region from which to harvest fat tissue needs to be considered to optimize the number of ASCs in the harvested tissue. Finally, pump-assisted aspiration can be used without any significant harm to the viability of cells.
Associations of Two Ecologically Significant Social Insect Taxa in the Litter of an Amazonian Rainforest: Is There a Relationship between Ant and Termite Species Richness?
Authors: Mertl Amy L. , Traniello James F. A. , Ryder Wilkie Kari , Constantino Reginaldo
Published: March 2012

In spite of the ecological dominance of Neotropical ants and termites, little is understood about how their interactions influence their species richness and distribution. We surveyed ground-dwelling termite and ant species in a primary rainforest in Ecuador and analyzed ecological correlates of diversity. Termite richness was positively correlated with ant richness and abundance of twig-nesting ants. We found no evidence of competition for twigs between termites and ants. No ecological factors were correlated with termite diversity although elevation and twig and log abundance influenced ant diversity. When ant richness was compared to the richness of termites employing different predator defenses, a positive correlation was found with soldierless termites, but not genera employing chemical or mechanical defense. Our results suggest that multiple ecological factors influence ant and termite diversity, and that ant predation on termites may have a greater effect than competition between ant and termites for nest sites and food sources.
A Prospective Study Assessing Tumour Response, Survival, and Palliative Care Outcomes in Patients with HIV-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Francis H. , Bates M. J. , Kalilani L.
Published: March 2012

Background. Human-Immunodeficiency-Virus- (HIV-) related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has a high prevalence in Africa; however, there is minimal published data on treatment and outcomes in this population.Objective and Design. This was a prospective study of 50 patients, aiming to assess the impact of vincristine therapy on tumour response and survival and to assess palliative care outcomes in patients with HIV-related KS.Methods. 50 consecutive patients were recruited during 2008. Vincristine therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were given. Tumour response, survival, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were documented. Palliative care outcomes were assessed using the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) Palliative Outcome Scale (POS).Results. The majority of patients were male, and the median age was 33 years. At baseline assessment, the median CD4 T-cell count was 263, and 50% patients had evidence of peripheral neuropathy. The overall response rate was 64% at 6 weeks, and median progression-free survival was 30 weeks. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with peripheral neuropathy the main dose-limiting toxicity.Conclusion. The combination of vincristine and HAART is feasible and effective in a low resource setting, although peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting factor. This patient group carries a high mortality and as such adequate access to palliative care is crucial.
Mate Tea Prevents Oxidative Stress in the Blood and Hippocampus of Rats with Acute or Chronic Ethanol Administration
Authors: Scolaro Bianca , Delwing-de Lima Daniela , da Cruz José Geraldo Pereira , Delwing-Dal Magro Débora
Published: March 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of acute and chronic intake of mate tea on the effects elicited by acute and chronic administration of ethanol.Methods. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus and blood of rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups, for both acute and chronic treatment: (1) control group, (2) treated group, (3) intoxicated group, (4) and intoxicated group treated with mate tea.Results. Both ethanol administrations significantly increased TBARS in plasma and hippocampus of rats and altered antioxidant enzyme activities, changes which were reverted by mate tea administration.Conclusions. Data indicate that acute and chronic ethanol administration induced oxidative stress in hippocampus and blood and that mate tea treatment was able to prevent this situation.
Evolution of Mosquito-Based Arbovirus Surveillance Systems in Australia
Authors: van den Hurk Andrew F. , Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Johansen Cheryl A. , Warrilow David , Ritchie Scott A.
Published: March 2012

Control of arboviral disease is dependent on the sensitive and timely detection of elevated virus activity or the identification of emergent or exotic viruses. The emergence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in northern Australia revealed numerous problems with performing arbovirus surveillance in remote locations. A sentinel pig programme detected JEV activity, although there were a number of financial, logistical, diagnostic and ethical limitations. A system was developed which detected viral RNA in mosquitoes collected by solar or propane powered CO2-baited traps. However, this method was hampered by trap-component malfunction, microbial contamination and large mosquito numbers which overwhelmed diagnostic capabilities. A novel approach involves allowing mosquitoes within a box trap to probe a sugar-baited nucleic-acid preservation card that is processed for expectorated arboviruses. In a longitudinal field trial, both Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses were detected numerous times from multiple traps over different weeks. Further refinements, including the development of unpowered traps and use of yeast-generated CO2, could enhance the applicability of this system to remote locations. New diagnostic technology, such as next generation sequencing and biosensors, will increase the capacity for recognizing emergent or exotic viruses, while cloud computing platforms will facilitate rapid dissemination of data.
Towards Noninvasive Detection of Oesophageal Varices
Authors: Rye Kara , Scott Robert , Mortimore Gerri , Lawson Adam , Austin Andrew , Freeman Jan
Published: March 2012

Current guidelines recommend that all cirrhotic patients should undergo screening endoscopy at diagnosis to identify patients with varices at high risk of bleeding who will benefit from primary prophylaxis. This approach places a heavy burden upon endoscopy units and the repeated testing over time may have a detrimental effect on patient compliance. Noninvasive identification of patients at highest risk for oesophageal varices would limit investigation to those most likely to benefit. Upper GI endoscopy is deemed to be the gold standard against which all other tests are compared, but is not without its limitations. Multiple studies have been performed assessing clinical signs and variables relating to liver function, variables relating to liver fibrosis, and also to portal hypertension and hypersplenism. Whilst some tests are clearly preferable to patients, none appear to be as accurate as upper GI endoscopy in the diagnosis of oesophageal varices. The search for noninvasive tests continues.
Multidisciplinary Treatments, Patient Characteristics, Context of Care, and Adverse Incidents in Older, Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Shever Leah L. , Titler Marita G.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to adverse incidents by creating a model that included patient characteristics, clinical conditions, nursing unit context of care variables, medical treatments, pharmaceutical treatments, and nursing treatments. Data were abstracted from electronic, administrative, and clinical data repositories. The sample included older adults hospitalized during a four-year period at one, academic medical facility in the Midwestern United States who were at risk for falling. Relational databases were built and a multistep, statistical model building analytic process was used. Total registered nurse (RN) hours per patient day (HPPD) and HPPDs dropping below the nursing unit average were significant explanatory variables for experiencing an adverse incident. The number of medical and pharmaceutical treatments that a patient received during hospitalization as well as many specific nursing treatments (e.g., restraint use, neurological monitoring) were also contributors to experiencing an adverse incident.
A Complete Constellation of Nervous System Lesions of NF2: Imaging Evaluation
Authors: Gangadhar Kiran , Kumar Sandeep , Bhatia Lovekesh , Agarwal Arjit
Published: March 2012

The radiological findings fulfilling the criteria of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were reviewed. NF2 is a rare disease with few cutaneous but frequent, typical radiological findings in the central nervous system. The presenting symptom is most commonly hearing loss due to acoustic schwannomas, although symptoms emanating from other intracranial or tumors are not uncommon. The discovery of multiple spinal neurofibromas or multiple meningiomas without cutaneous lesions should initiate a search for acoustic schwannomas even when the patient has normal hearing as in our case patient who actually presented for weakness of all four limbs.
Molecular Analysis ofTTF-1andTTF-2Genes in Patients with Early Onset Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Espadinha Carla , Silva Ana Luísa , Cabrera Rafael , Bugalho Maria João
Published: March 2012

Two common variants, close fromTTF-1andTTF-2, were shown to predispose to thyroid cancer (TC) in European populations. We aimed to investigate whetherTTF-1andTTF-2variants might contribute to TC early onset (EO). Tumor samples from eighteen patients with papillary TC (PTC), who underwent total thyroidectomy at an age of ≤21, were screened forTTF-1andTTF-2variants. NoTTF-1variants were documented; two novel germinalTTF-2variants, c.200C>G (p.A67G) and c.510C>A (p.A170A), were identified in two patients. Two already describedTTF-2variants were also documented; the allelic frequency among patients was not different from that observed among controls. Moreover,RET/PTCrearrangements and theBRAFV600E mutation were identified in 5/18 and 2/18 PTCs, respectively. Thyroglobulin (TG) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) expression was found to be significantly decreased in tumors, and the lowest level of TPO expression occurred in a tumor harboring both the p.A67GTTF-2variant and aRET/PTC3rearrangement.
Special Agents Hunting Down Women Silent Killer: The Emerging Role of the p38αKinase
Authors: Grossi Valentina , Simone Cristiano
Published: March 2012

Ovarian cancer is sensitive to chemotherapy with platinum compounds; however, the therapy success rate is significantly lowered by a high incidence of recurrence and by the acquisition of drug resistance. These negative outcomes mainly depend on altered apoptotic and drug resistance pathways, determining the need for the design of new therapeutic strategies to improve patient survival. This challenge has become even more critical because it has been recognized that hindering uncontrolled cell growth is not sufficient as the only curative approach. In fact, while current therapies are mostly conceived to impair survival of highly proliferating cells, several lines of research are now focusing on cancer-specific features to specifically target malignant cells with the aim of avoiding drug resistance and reducing adverse effects. Recently, great interest has been generated by the identification of metabolic reprogramming mechanisms occurring in cancer cells, such as the increase in glycolysis levels. In this light, pharmacologic manipulation of relevant pathways involved in cancer-specific metabolism and drug resistance could prove an effective approach to treat ovarian cancer patients.
The Modulatory Role of Heme Oxygenase on Subpressor Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Renal Injury
Authors: Chandrashekar Kiran , Lopez-Ruiz Arnaldo , Juncos Ramiro , Nath Karl , Stec David E. , Vera Trinity , Liu Ruisheng , Juncos Luis A.
Published: March 2012

Angiotensin II (AngII) causes hypertension (HTN) and promotes renal injury while simultaneously inducing reno-protective enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We examined the modulatory role of HO on sub-pressor angiotensin II (SP-AngII) induced renal inflammation and injury. We first tested whether the SP-AngII-induced renal dysfunction, inflammation and injury are exacerbated by either preventing (chronic HO-1 inhibition) or reversing (late HO-1 inhibition) SP-AngII-induced HO (using tin protoporphyrin; SnPP). We next examined whether additional chronic or late induction of SP-AngII-induced HO (using cobalt protoporphyrin; CoPP), prevents or ameliorates renal damage. We found that neither chronic nor late SnPP altered blood pressure. Chronic SnPP worsened SP-AngII-induced renal dysfunction, inflammation, injury and fibrosis, whereas late SnPP worsened renal dysfunction but not inflammation. Chronic CoPP prevented HTN, renal dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis, but surprisingly, not the NGAL levels (renal injury marker). Late CoPP did not significantly alter SP-AngII-induced HTN, renal inflammation or injury, but improved renal function. Thus, we conclude (a) endogenous HO may be an essential determining factor in SP-AngII induced renal inflammation, injury and fibrosis, (b) part of HO’s renoprotection may be independent of blood pressure changes; and (c) further induction of HO-1 protects against renal injury, suggesting a possible therapeutic target.
Optimal Results and Numerical Simulations for Flow Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Ren Tao , Diao Yuandong , Luo Xiaochuan
Published: March 2012

This paper considers the m‐machine flow shop problem with two objectives: makespan with release dates and total quadratic completion time, respectively. For Fm|rj|Cmax, we prove the asymptotic optimality for any dense scheduling when the problem scale is large enough. For F, improvement strategy with local search is presented to promote the performance of the classical SPT heuristic. At the end of the paper, simulations show the effectiveness of the improvement strategy.
Low-Interference Dual Resonant Antenna Configurations for Multistandard Multifunction Handsets and Portable Computers
Authors: Sanad Mohamed , Hassan Noha
Published: March 2012

Low-interference dual resonant antenna configurations are developed for multistandard multifunction mobile handsets and portable computers. Only two wideband resonant antennas can cover most of the important wireless applications in portable communication equipment. The frequency bands of the dual antenna configuration can be adjusted according to the wireless applications that are required to be covered. The bandwidth that can be covered by each antenna is about 80% without using matching or tuning circuits. Three sample dual antenna configurations with different frequency bands are presented. The interference between the low-band and high-band antennas of these three configurations is investigated, and the ways of reducing this interference are studied. The most effective factor on the interference between the low-band and high-band antennas is their relative orientations. When the low-band and high-band antennas of each configuration are perpendicular to each other, the isolation between them significantly increases. This eliminates the need for any special tools or techniques to suppress the mutual coupling between them. The new antennas have very small cross-sectional areas, and they are made of a flexible material. They do not require any additional components or ground planes. They can be used as internal, external, or partially internal and partially external antennas.
Comparative Characterisation of Genotypically Different Clones of MRSA in the Production of Biofilms
Authors: Atshan Salman Sahab , Shamsudin Mariana Nor , Thian Lung Leslie Than , Sekawi Zamberi , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah , Pei Pei Chong
Published: March 2012

The ability to adhere and produce biofilms is characteristic of enhanced virulence among isolates of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). The aim of the study is to find out whether these characteristics are consistently similar among isolates variations of MRSA. The study used 30 various isolates of MRSA belong to 13 spa types and 5 MLST types and determined the aggregation, the adherence, and the production of biofilms and slime for each isolate. The methods used to evaluate these characteristics were a modified Congo red agar assay (MCRA), a microtiter plate assay (MPA), high-magnification light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and PCR. The study found that isolates belonging to similar Spa, SCCmec, and ST types have similar abilities to produce biofilms; however, their ability to produce slime on CRA was found to be different. Moreover, isolates that have different Spa types showed high variation in their ability to produce biofilms. The results of light microscope revealed the isolates that produced strong and weak biofilms and formed similar aggregation on the glass surfaces. SEM results showed that all 30 MRSA isolates that were tested were 100% positive for biofilm formation, although to varying degrees. Further testing using PCR confirmed that 100% of the 30 isolates tested were positive for the presence of theicaADBC,fnbA, eno, ebps, clfA, andclfBgenes. The prevalence offib, cna, fnbB, andbbpin MRSA clones was 90, 93.33, 53.33, and 10%, respectively. This study indicate that differences in biofilm production capacities are caused by the differences in surface protein A (Spa) type and are not due to differences in MLST and SCCmec types.
Some Recent Developments of Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Liu Yong , Si Li-Ming , Wei Meng , Yan Pixian , Yang Pengfei , Lu Hongda , Zheng Chao , Yuan Yong , Mou Jinchao , Lv Xin , Sun Housjun
Published: March 2012

Although the microstrip antenna has been extensively studied in the past few decades as one of the standard planar antennas, it still has a huge potential for further developments. The paper suggests three areas for further research based on our previous works on microstrip antenna elements and arrays. One is exploring the variety of microstrip antenna topologies to meet the desired requirement such as ultrawide band (UWB), high gain, miniaturization, circular polarization, multipolarized, and so on. Another is to apply microstrip antenna to form composite antenna which is more potent than the individual antenna. The last is growing towards highly integration of antenna/array and feeding network or operating at relatively high frequencies, like sub-millimeter wave or terahertz (THz) wave regime, by using the advanced machining techniques. To support our points of view, some examples of antennas developed in our group are presented and discussed.
Prediction of Ship Unsteady Maneuvering in Calm Water by a Fully Nonlinear Ship Motion Model
Authors: Lin Ray-Qing , Smith Tim , Hughes Michael
Published: March 2012

This is the continuation of our research on development of a fully nonlinear, dynamically consistent, numerical ship motion model (DiSSEL). In this study we will report our results in predicting ship motions in unsteady maneuvering in calm water. During the unsteady maneuvering, both the rudder angle, and ship forward speed vary with time. Therefore, not only surge, sway, and yaw motions occur, but roll, pitch and heave motions will also occur even in calm water as heel, trim, and sinkage, respectively. When the rudder angles and ship forward speed vary rapidly with time, the six degrees-of-freedom ship motions and their interactions become strong. To accurately predict the six degrees-of-freedom ship motions in unsteady maneuvering, a universal method for arbitrary ship hull requires physics-based fully-nonlinear models for ship motion and for rudder forces and moments. The numerical simulations will be benchmarked by experimental data of the Pre-Contract DDG51 design and an Experimental Hull Form. The benchmarking shows a good agreement between numerical simulations by the enhancement DiSSEL and experimental data. No empirical parameterization is used, except for the influence of the propeller slipstream on the rudder, which is included using a flow acceleration factor.
Enhancement of Methacholine-Evoked Tracheal Contraction Induced by Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides Depends on Epithelium and Tumor Necrosis Factor
Authors: Secher T. , Rodrigues Coelho F. , Noulin N. , Lino dos Santos Franco A. , Quesniaux V. , Lignon J. , Mitchell J. , Moser R. , Gomes E. , Mirotti L. , Tavares-de-Lima W. , Ryffel B. , Vargaftig B. Boris , Russo M.
Published: March 2012

Inhaled bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) induce an acute tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α-) dependent inflammatory response in the murine airways mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) via the myeloid differentiation MyD88 adaptor protein pathway. However, the contractile response of the bronchial smooth muscle and the role of endogenous TNFαin this process have been elusive. We determined thein vivorespiratory pattern of C57BL/6 mice after intranasal LPS administration with or without the presence of increasing doses of methacholine (MCh). We found that LPS administration altered the basal and MCh-evoked respiratory pattern that peaked at 90 min and decreased thereafter in the next 48 h, reaching basal levels 7 days later. We investigated in controlledex vivocondition the isometric contraction of isolated tracheal rings in response to MCh cholinergic stimulation. We observed that preincubation of the tracheal rings with LPS for 90 min enhanced the subsequent MCh-induced contractile response (hyperreactivity), which was prevented by prior neutralization of TNFαwith a specific antibody. Furthermore, hyperreactivity induced by LPS depended on an intact epithelium, whereas hyperreactivity induced by TNFαwas well maintained in the absence of epithelium. Finally, the enhanced contractile response to MCh induced by LPS when compared with control mice was not observed in tracheal rings from TLR4- or TNF- or TNF-receptor-deficient mice. We conclude that bacterial endotoxin-mediated hyperreactivity of isolated tracheal rings to MCh depends upon TLR4 integrity that signals the activation of epithelium, which release endogenous TNFα.
The Estimation of Acidic Behavior of Wood by Treatment with Aqueous Solution
Authors: Uçar Güneş , Balaban Uçar Mualla
Published: March 2012

As a new approach, the acidity that wood exhibits under moderate conditions is assayed by stimulated dissociation of weak wood acids in lightly basic secondary phosphate solutions. To assure a sufficient dissociation of hardly soluble weak acids in the solution, the amount of wood suspended in solutions should be small but vary depending on the degree of acidity of wood species. However, the difficulties are associated with the titration of very dilute acids limiting the precision of the measurement. If the disintegrated wood is suspended in a secondary phosphate solution, the weak woods acids form the conjugate acid from secondary phosphate resulting in a pH fall of the solution. The decrease in the pH value in phosphate solution, which depends on the wood acidity, can be evaluated to estimate the acidity arising from wood under moderate conditions.