bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Hyperoxic Exposure Persistently Alters Lung Secretoglobins and Annexin A1
Authors: Raffay Thomas M. , Locy Morgan L. , Hill Cynthia L. , Jindal Nik S. , Rogers Lynette K. , Welty Stephen E. , Tipple Trent E.
Published: September 2013

Altered functions of the lung epithelial surface likely contribute to the respiratory morbidities in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Infants with BPD exhibit decreased expressions of secretoglobins (SCGBs), including Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP). Expression of lung SCGB and annexin A1 (ANXA1) is persistently altered in CCSP knockout mice suggesting that CCSP indirectly influences innate immune responses. The present studies tested the hypothesis that neonatal hyperoxic exposure induces deficits in CCSP expression that are associated with persistent alterations in lung SCGB and ANXA1 expression. Newborn C3H/HeN mice were exposed to room air (RA) or 85% O2from birth and were sacrificed at 14 d or returned to RA for 14 d. Neonatal hyperoxia followed by RA recovery was associated with decreased lung CCSP and SCGB3A1 protein but not mRNA expression. Hyperoxia-induced alterations in the charge characteristics of ANXA1 were unchanged by RA recovery and were associated with elevated lung macrophage numbers. These findings support a model in which hyperoxia-induced alterations in Clara cell function influence lung innate immune function through effects on immunomodulatory proteins. Studies to determine the mechanism(s) by which CCSP alterations affect SCGBs, ANXA1, and innate immune responses in BPD are warranted.
Locomotor Anatomy and Behavior of Patas Monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) with Comparison to Vervet Monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)
Authors: Zihlman Adrienne L. , Underwood Carol E.
Published: September 2013

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) living in African savanna woodlands and grassland habitats have a locomotor system that allows them to run fast, presumably to avoid predators. Long fore- and hindlimbs, long foot bones, short toes, and a digitigrade foot posture were proposed as anatomical correlates with speed. In addition to skeletal proportions, soft tissue and whole body proportions are important components of the locomotor system. To further distinguish patas anatomy from other Old World monkeys, a comparative study based on dissection of skin, muscle, and bone from complete individuals of patas and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) was undertaken. Analysis reveals that small adjustments in patas skeletal proportions, relative mass of limbs and tail, and specific muscle groups promote efficient sagittal limb motion. The ability to run fast is based on a locomotor system adapted for long distance walking. The patas’ larger home range and longer daily range than those of vervets give them access to highly dispersed, nutritious foods, water, and sleeping trees. Furthermore, patas monkeys have physiological adaptations that enable them to tolerate and dissipate heat. These features all contribute to the distinct adaptation that is the patas monkeys’ basis for survival in grassland and savanna woodland areas.
Electronic Structure and Momentum Density of BaO and BaS
Authors: Kumar R. , Sharma B. K. , Sharma G.
Published: September 2013

The electronic structure and electron momentum density distribution in BaO and BaS are presented using Compton spectroscopy. The first-ever Compton profile measurements on polycrystalline BaO and BaS were performed using 59.54 keV gamma-rays. To interpret the experimental data, we have computed the theoretical Compton profiles of BaO and BaS using the linear combination of atomic orbitals method. In the present computation, the correlation scheme proposed by Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof and the exchange scheme of Becke were considered. The hybrid B3PW and Hartree-Fock based profiles were also computed for both compounds. The ionic configurations are performed to estimate the charge transfer on compound formation, and the present study suggests charge transfer from Ba to O and S atoms. On the basis of equal-valence-electron-density profiles, it is found that BaO is more ionic as compared to BaS.
Investigation of Nonlinear Pupil Dynamics by Recurrence Quantification Analysis
Authors: Mesin L. , Monaco A. , Cattaneo R.
Published: September 2013

Pupil is controlled by the autonomous nervous system (ANS). It shows complex movements and changes of size even in conditions of constant stimulation. The possibility of extracting information on ANS by processing data recorded during a short experiment using a low cost system for pupil investigation is studied. Moreover, the significance of nonlinear information contained in the pupillogram is investigated. We examined 13 healthy subjects in different stationary conditions, considering habitual dental occlusion (HDO) as a weak stimulation of the ANS with respect to the maintenance of the rest position (RP) of the jaw. Images of pupil captured by infrared cameras were processed to estimate position and size on each frame. From such time series, we extracted linear indexes (e.g., average size, average displacement, and spectral parameters) and nonlinear information using recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). Data were classified using multilayer perceptrons and support vector machines trained using different sets of input indexes: the best performance in classification was obtained including nonlinear indexes in the input features. These results indicate that RQA nonlinear indexes provide additional information on pupil dynamics with respect to linear descriptors, allowing the discrimination of even a slight stimulation of the ANS. Their use in the investigation of pathology is suggested.
Generalized Derivations ofBCC-Algebras
Authors: Bawazeer S. M. , Alshehri N. O. , Babusail Rawia Saleh
Published: September 2013

The notion of generalized derivations ofBCC-algebras is introduced, and some related properties are investigated. Also, we consider regular generalized derivations and theD-invariant on ideals ofBCC-algebras. We also characterized KerDby generalized derivations.
Regulation of Breast Cancer and Bone Metastasis by MicroRNAs
Authors: Vimalraj S. , Miranda P. J. , Ramyakrishna B. , Selvamurugan N.
Published: September 2013

Breast cancer progression including bone metastasis is a complex process involving numerous changes in gene expression and function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting protein-coding mRNAs posttranscriptionally, often affecting a number of gene targets simultaneously. Alteration in expression of miRNAs is common in human breast cancer, possessing with either oncogenic or tumor suppressive activity. The expression and the functional role of several miRNAs (miR-206, miR-31, miR-27a/b, miR-21, miR-92a, miR-205, miR-125a/b, miR-10b, miR-155, miR-146a/b, miR-335, miR-204, miR-211, miR-7, miR-22, miR-126, and miR-17) in breast cancer has been identified. In this review we summarize the experimentally validated targets of up- and downregulated miRNAs and their regulation in breast cancer and bone metastasis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Helical Nanostructure of Achiral Silver p-Tolylacetylide Molecules
Authors: Judai Ken , Hatakeyama Yoshikiyo , Nishijo Junichi
Published: September 2013

Silver p-tolylacetylide is an achiral molecule; however, its nanostructure has been found to consist of twisted nanoribbons. The twisted ribbon is a helicoid that combines translation and perpendicular rotation along the ribbon axis. A helix, a typical chiral structure, can be created by the aggregation of achiral molecules, and the recrystallization conditions control the twist of the nanoribbons. Therefore, the recrystallization controls the chirality.
Additional High Input Low Output Impedance Analog Networks
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu , Chaturvedi Bhartendu
Published: September 2013

This paper presents some additional high input low output impedance analog networks realized using a recently introduced single Dual-X Current Conveyor with buffered output. The new circuits encompass several all-pass sections of first- and second-order. The voltage-mode proposals benefit from high input impedance and low output impedance. Nonideality and sensitivity analysis is also performed. The circuit performances are depicted through PSPICE simulations, which show good agreement with theory.
Diverse Presentation of Breath Holding Spells: Two Case Reports with Literature Review
Authors: Rathore Geetanjali , Larsen Paul , Fernandez Cristina , Parakh Manish
Published: September 2013

Breath holding spells are a common and dramatic form of syncope and anoxic seizure in infancy. They are usually triggered by an emotional stimuli or minor trauma. Based on the color change, they are classified into 3 types, cyanotic, pallid, and mixed. Pallid breath holding spells result from exaggerated, vagally-mediated cardiac inhibition, whereas the more common, cyanotic breathholding spells are of more complex pathogenesis which is not completely understood. A detailed and accurate history is the mainstay of diagnosis. An EKG should be strongly considered to rule out long QT syndrome. Spontaneous resolution of breath-holding spells is usually seen, without any adverse developmental and intellectual sequelae. Rare cases of status epilepticus, prolonged asystole, and sudden death have been reported. Reassurance and education is the mainstay of therapy. Occasionally, pharmacologic intervention with iron, piracetam; atropine may be of benefit. Here we present 2 cases, one of each, pallid and cyanotic breath holding spells.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Indications and Extent of Central Neck Dissection—Our Experience
Authors: Calò Pietro Giorgio , Medas Fabio , Pisano Giuseppe , Boi Francesco , Baghino Germana , Mariotti Stefano , Nicolosi Angelo
Published: September 2013

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of metastases in the central neck compartment and examine the morbidity and rate of recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with or without a central neck dissection. Two hundred and fifteen patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with preoperative diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer, in the absence of suspicious nodes, were divided in two groups: those who underwent a thyroidectomy only (group A; ) and those who also received a central neck dissection (group B; ). Five cases (2.32%) of nodal recurrence were observed: 3 in group A and 2 in group B. Tumor histology was associated with a risk of recurrence: Hürthle cell-variant and tall cell-variant carcinomas were associated with a high risk of recurrence. Multifocality and extrathyroidal invasion also presented a higher risk, while smaller tumors were at lower risk. The results of this study suggest that prophylactic central neck dissection should be reserved for high-risk patients only. A wider use of immunocytochemical and genetic markers to improve preoperative diagnosis and the development of methods for the intraoperative identification of metastatic lymph nodes will be useful in the future for the improved selection of patients for central neck dissections.
Hardware Design of Seismic Sensors in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Koc Gokhan , Yegin Korkut
Published: September 2013

Seismic sensors are invaluable for intruder detection and perimeter security. In a typical wireless sensor network application of seismic sensors, the units are battery powered and low power consumption becomes critical while fulfilling system requirements. Although many systems utilize 24-bit ADC for seismic signal processing, we employed 12-bit ADC for low power consumption. Because of this relatively low resolution ADC, preamplifier and filters require careful hardware design. We employ bidirectional T-type filtering, noise reduction, and distributed filtering between gain stages before the signal is input to ADC. The proposed design was verified with measurements. Seismic data signals due to footsteps at varying distances were successfully measured.
Design Study of an Underground Detector for Measurements of the Differential Muon Flux
Authors: Mitrica Bogdan
Published: September 2013

Since 2006 an underground laboratory is in operation in Unirea salt mine from Slanic Prahova Romania. A new rotatable detector for measurements of the directional variation of the muon flux has been designed and will be put in operation at the end of 2013. The detector will be used to investigate the possible presence of unknown cavities in the salt ore. Preliminary muon flux measurements performed in the underground of Slanic Prahova salt mine show an important variation of the flux with the thickness of the rock but indicate also that more precise data are necessary. Based on that, a modern detector using 4 layers of plastic scintillators bars has been designed. The detector is installed on a rotatable and mobile frame which allows precise directional measurements of the muon flux on different locations in the mine. In order to investigate the performances of the detector, detailed Monte Carlo simulations have been performed using several codes available on the market. The simulations show that the detector can be used for measurements of the differential flux of cosmic ray muons and for the detection of hidden cavities in the ore.
Graphene‐Based Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Fei , Lee Chul Wee , Im Ji Sun
Published: September 2013

Because of their unique 2D structure and numerous fascinating properties, graphene‐based materials have attracted particular attention for their potential applications in energy storage devices. In this review paper, we focus on the latest work regarding the development of electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors from graphene and graphene‐based carbon materials. To begin, the advantages of graphene as an electrode material and the existing problems facing its use in this application will be discussed. The next several sections deal with three different methods for improving the energy storage performance of graphene: the restacking of the nanosheets, the doping of graphene with other elements, and the creation of defects on graphene planes. State‐of‐the‐art work is reviewed. Finally, the prospects and further developments in the field of graphene‐based materials for electrochemical energy storage are discussed.
Viable but Nonculturable Bacteria: Food Safety and Public Health Perspective
Authors: Fakruddin Md. , Mannan Khanjada Shahnewaj Bin , Andrews Stewart
Published: September 2013

The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state is a unique survival strategy of many bacteria in the environment in response to adverse environmental conditions. VBNC bacteria cannot be cultured on routine microbiological media, but they remain viable and retain virulence. The VBNC bacteria can be resuscitated when provided with appropriate conditions. A good number of bacteria including many human pathogens have been reported to enter the VBNC state. Though there have been disputes on the existence of VBNC in the past, extensive molecular studies have resolved most of them, and VBNC has been accepted as a distinct survival state. VBNC pathogenic bacteria are considered a threat to public health and food safety due to their nondetectability through conventional food and water testing methods. A number of disease outbreaks have been reported where VBNC bacteria have been implicated as the causative agent. Further molecular and combinatorial research is needed to tackle the threat posed by VBNC bacteria with regard to public health and food safety.
Associations of miR-499 and miR-34b/c Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Evidence-Based Evaluation
Authors: Wang Zhongxia , Wu Junhua , Zhang Guang , Cao Yin , Jiang Chunping , Ding Yitao
Published: September 2013

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixth common cancer in the world. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA genes may be associated with susceptibility to HCC. Recently, several studies have reported possible associations of SNPs miR-499 T>C rs3746444 and miR-34b/c T>C rs4938723 with the risk of HCC. However the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. In this present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate potential associations between the two SNPs and HCC susceptibility.Methods. Through a systematic literature search, 8-case-control studies involving 5464 subjects were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The association between the two common SNPs and HCC risk was estimated by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Our results showed no significant association between rs3746444 and susceptibility to HCC, whereas variant genotypes of rs4938723 were associated with increased HCC risk in allele frequency model and heterozygous model (C versus T,OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23,P=0.04; TC versus TT,OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.37,P=0.02).Conclusions. The current evidence did not support association between rs3746444 and HCC risk. SNP rs4938723 may be associated with susceptibility to HCC. Further well-designed studies are required to clarify the relationships between the two SNPs and HCC risk.
Comment on “A New Second-Order Iteration Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations”
Authors: Li Haibin
Published: September 2013

Kang et al. claimed that they obtained a new iteration formulation for nonlinear algebraic equations; however the “new” formulation was first derived in 2007 by the variational iteration method.
Parallel RFSAI-BFGS Preconditioners for Large Symmetric Eigenproblems
Authors: Bergamaschi L. , Martínez A.
Published: September 2013

We propose a parallel preconditioner for the Newton method in the computation of the leftmost eigenpairs of large and sparse symmetric positive definite matrices. A sequence of preconditioners starting from an enhanced approximate inverse RFSAI (Bergamaschi and Martínez, 2012) and enriched by a BFGS-like update formula is proposed to accelerate the preconditioned conjugate gradient solution of the linearized Newton system to solveAu=q(u)u,q(u)being the Rayleigh quotient. In a previous work (Bergamaschi and Martínez, 2013) the sequence of preconditioned Jacobians is proven to remain close to the identity matrix if the initial preconditioned Jacobian is so. Numerical results onto matrices arising from various realistic problems with size up to 1.5 million unknowns account for the efficiency and the scalability of the proposed low rank update of the RFSAI preconditioner. The overall RFSAI-BFGS preconditioned Newton algorithm has shown comparable efficiencies with a well-established eigenvalue solver on all the test problems.
Double-Diffusive Magnetoconvection of a Dusty Micropolar Fluid Saturating a Porous Medium
Authors: Aggarwal Parul , Gupta Urvashi
Published: September 2013

The paper deals with the theoretical investigation of the effect of dust/suspended particles on a layer of electrically conducting micropolar fluid heated and dissolved from below in the presence of a uniform vertical magnetic field in a porous medium. The presence of coupling between thermosolutal and micropolar effects and magnetic field brings oscillatory motions in the system. A dispersion relation governing the effects of solute gradient, magnetic field, and suspended particles is obtained for a fluid layer contained between two free boundaries using linear stability theory and normal mode technique. Graphs have been plotted by giving numerical values to various parameters involved to depict the stability characteristics for both cases of stationary convection and overstability. It has been found that, for permissible values of various parameters under consideration, the effect of magnetic field and solute gradient is stabilizing and that of medium permeability, suspended particles, and micropolar coefficient is destabilizing. Further it is found that the Rayleigh number for overstability is always less than that for stationary convection except for high values of suspended particle factor.
Cellular and Axonal Diversity in Molecular Layer Heterotopia of the Rat Cerebellar Vermis
Authors: Van Dine Sarah E. , Salem Elsaid , George Elizabeth , Siu Nga Yan , Dotzler Timothy , Ramos Raddy L.
Published: September 2013

Molecular layer heterotopia of the cerebellar primary fissure are a characteristic of many rat strains and are hypothesized to result from defect of granule cells exiting the external granule cell layer during cerebellar development. However, the cellular and axonal constituents of these malformations remain poorly understood. In the present report, we use histochemistry and immunocytochemistry to identify neuronal, glial, and axonal classes in molecular layer heterotopia. In particular, we identify parvalbumin-expressing molecular layer interneurons in heterotopia as well as three glial cell types including Bergmann glia, Olig2-expressing oligodendrocytes, and Iba1-expressing microglia. In addition, we document the presence of myelinated, serotonergic, catecholaminergic, and cholinergic axons in heterotopia indicating possible spinal and brainstem afferent projections to heterotopic cells. These findings are relevant toward understanding the mechanisms of normal and abnormal cerebellar development.
A New Essential Norm Estimate of Composition Operators from Weighted Bloch Space into -Bloch Spaces
Authors: Castillo René E. , Ramos-Fernández Julio C. , Rojas Edixon M.
Published: September 2013

Let be any weight function defined on the unit disk and let be an analytic self-map of . In the present paper, we show that the essential norm of composition operator mapping from the weighted Bloch space to -Bloch space is comparable to where for ,   is a certain special function in the weighted Bloch space. As a consequence of our estimate, we extend the results about the compactness of composition operators due to Tjani (2003).
Monte Carlo Based Personalized PageRank on Dynamic Networks
Authors: Junchao Zhang , Junjie Chen , Song Jiancheng , Zhao Rong-Xiang
Published: September 2013

In large-scale networks, the structure of the underlying network changes frequently, and thus the power iteration method for Personalized PageRank computation cannot deal with this kind of dynamic network efficiently. In this paper, we design a Monte Carlo-based incremental method for Personalized PageRank computation. In a dynamic network, first, we do a random walk starting from each node and save the performed walks into a fingerprint database; second, we update the fingerprint database in a fixed time interval with our proposed update algorithm; finally, when a query is issued by a user, we estimate the Personalized PageRank vector by our proposed approximation algorithm. Experiments on real-world networks show that our method can handle multichanges of the underlying network at a time and is more efficient than related work, so it can be used in real incremental Personalized PageRank-based applications.
Hereditary Nonsyndromic Gingival Fibromatosis: Report of Family Case Series
Authors: Peeran Syed Wali , Ramalingam Karthikeyan , Peeran Syed Ali , Mugrabi Marei Hamed , Abdulla Khaled Awidat
Published: September 2013

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare, benign disorder with slowly progressive enlargement of maxillary and mandibular gingiva. Herewith, we report the first case series of HGF presenting among mother and all of her 3 children. Their complaints included unaesthetic appearance due to gingival growth, malocclusion, and difficulty in mastication. Conventional gingivectomy with oral hygiene measures and regular followup is the treatment of choice for such presentation.
Robust Detection of Malicious Nodes in Mobile Sensor Networks Using Software Attestation
Authors: Ho Jun-Won
Published: September 2013

In ad hoc and sensor networks, reputation-based trust management schemes have been widely used to identify the malicious nodes. These schemes leverage each node's behaviors for malicious node detection and thus require a certain amount of time to observe the behaviors of nodes. In mobile sensor networks, however, malicious nodes frequently move to different locations, and thus it is likely difficult to collect enough evidence for them. Moreover, when reputation-based schemes are employed, it is not easy to revoke the malicious nodes due to the risk of false positives. To mitigate these limitations of reputation-based schemes, we propose mobile malicious node detection schemes based on software attestation technique, which virtually fulfills zero false positives. In particular, we propose a probabilistic detection scheme in which each node attests its neighboring node with a certain probability. In order to reduce the attestation overhead of the probabilistic detection scheme, we also propose the SPRT (Sequential Probability Ratio Test) based detection scheme that uses the SPRT to determine when to perform the attestations. Through analysis and simulation, we show that our proposed schemes detect mobile malicious nodes through software attestations in robust and efficient manner.
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship Studies of Topoisomerase I Inhibitors as Potent Antibreast Cancer Agents
Authors: Singh Supriya , Das Sucheta , Pandey Anubhuti , Paliwal Sarvesh , Singh Rajeev
Published: September 2013

Topoisomerase I (TOP I) is a valuable molecular target for the development of clinically used anticancer agents. Indenoisoquinolines have emerged as potent topoisomerase I inhibitors. So, with an aim to elucidate the important features responsible for their activity, QSAR studies on breast cancer cell line using stepwise multiple linear regressions, partial least square, and neural network were performed. The MLR and PLS models showed good correlation values of r2 = 0.932, r2cv = 0.897,
and r2 = 0.932, r2cv = 0.913
respectively. The model revealed the importance of steric arrangement of functional groups and number of H bond acceptors. In addition to MLR and PLS, neural network architecture was also constructed using selected descriptors and the inhibitory activities in order to evaluate the mode of dependencies of biological activity on obtained descriptors.
Listeriosis during Pregnancy: A Public Health Concern
Authors: Mateus Teresa , Silva Joana , Maia Rui L. , Teixeira Paula
Published: September 2013

Listeria was first described in 1926 by Murray, Webb, and Swann, who discovered it while investigating an epidemic infection among laboratory rabbits and guinea pigs. The role of Listeria monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen was definitively recognized during the 1980s. This recognition was the consequence of a number of epidemic human outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated foods, in Canada, in the USA and in Europe. Listeriosis is especially severe in immunocompromised individuals such as pregnant women. The disease has a low incidence of infection, although this is undeniably increasing, with a high fatality rate amongst those infected. In pregnant women listeriosis may cause abortion, fetal death, or neonatal morbidity in the form of septicemia and meningitis. Improved education concerning the disease, its transmission, and prevention measures for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women has been identified as a pressing need.
STAT6 siRNA Matrix-Loaded Gelatin Nanocarriers: Formulation, Characterization, andEx VivoProof of Concept Using Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Youngren Susanne R. , Tekade Rakesh K. , Gustilo Brianne , Hoffmann Peter R. , Chougule Mahavir B.
Published: September 2013

The clinical utility of siRNA therapy has been hampered due to poor cell penetration, nonspecific effects, rapid degradation, and short half-life. We herewith proposed the formulation development of STAT6 siRNA (S6S) nanotherapeutic agent by encapsulating them within gelatin nanocarriers (GNC). The prepared nanoformulation was characterized for size, charge, loading efficiency, release kinetics, stability, cytotoxicity, and gene silencing assay. The stability of S6S-GNC was also assessed under conditions of varying pH, serum level, and using electrophoretic assays.In vitrocytotoxicity performance was evaluated in human adenocarcinoma A549 cells following MTT assay. The developed formulation resulted in an average particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency as70±6.5 nm,+10±1.5 mV, and85±4.0%, respectively. S6S-GNC showed an insignificant (P<0.05) change in the size and charge in the presence of buffer solutions (pH 6.4 to 8.4) and FBS (10% v/v). A549 cells were treated with native S6S, S6S-lipofectamine, placebo-GNC, and S6S-GNC using untreated cells as a control. It was observed that cell viability was decreased significantly with S6S-GNC by55±4.1%(P<0.001) compared to native S6S (2.0±0.55%) and S6S-lipofectamine complex (40±3.1%). This investigation infers that gelatin polymer-based nanocarriers are a robust, stable, and biocompatible strategy for the delivery of siRNA.
Influenza Virus Specific CD8+T Cells Exacerbate Infection Following High Dose Influenza Challenge of Aged Mice
Authors: Parzych E. M. , DiMenna L. J. , Latimer B. P. , Small J. C. , Kannan S. , Manson B. , Lasaro M. O. , Wherry E. J. , Ertl H. C.
Published: September 2013

Influenza viruses cause severe illnesses and death, mainly in the aged population. Protection afforded by licensed vaccines through subtype-specific neutralizing antibodies is incomplete, especially when the vaccine antigens fail to closely match those of the circulating viral strains. Efforts are underway to generate a so-called universal influenza vaccine expressing conserved viral sequences that induce broad protection to multiple strains of influenza virus through the induction of CD8+T cells. Here we assess the effect of a potent antiviral CD8+T cell response on influenza virus infection of young and aged mice. Our results show that CD8+T cell-inducing vaccines can provide some protection to young mice, but they exacerbate influenza virus-associated disease in aged mice, causing extensive lung pathology and death.
Common Fixed Points for Weakψ-Contractive Mappings in Ordered Metric Spaces with Applications
Authors: Chandok Sumit , Dinu Simona
Published: September 2013

We obtain some new common fixed point theorems satisfying a weak contractive condition in the framework of partially ordered metric spaces. The main result generalizes and extends some known results given by some authors in the literature.
Melissopalynological and Volatile Compounds Analysis of Buckwheat Honey from Different Geographical Origins and Their Role in Botanical Determination
Authors: Panseri Sara , Manzo Alessandra , Chiesa Luca Maria , Giorgi Annamaria
Published: September 2013

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been proposed as one of the main factors for differentiating honeys from different botanical/floral origins. In this work, we investigated the volatile profile of honeys, commercially labeled as buckwheat honeys, from the Alps and its relationship with melissopalynological investigation. The results showed that buckwheat honey samples that contained, to different extents, buckwheat pollen grains on melissopalynological analyses showed similar VOCs profiles, distinguishing them from the other honey floral types analyzed. Among VOCs identified, 3‐methylbutanal, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, and isovaleric acid were considerably greater in the buckwheat honey samples from the Alps. Other compounds were identified only in the honeys containing buckwheat pollen grains such as 3‐methyl‐2‐buten‐1‐ol, 2‐butanone, 2‐hydroxy‐3‐pentanone, 4‐methylpentanoic acid, 4‐pentanoic acid, butanal, 2‐methylbutanal, pentanal, dihydro‐2‐methyl‐3(2H)‐furanone, 5‐methylfurfural, and cis‐linalool oxide. These compounds give to buckwheat honey its characteristic aromatic and organoleptic properties and may be considered interesting as potential “variety markers” for botanical determination.
Antidiabetic Potential of the Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducer Curcumin Analogues
Authors: Son Yong , Lee Ju Hwan , Cheong Yong-Kwan , Chung Hun-Taeg , Pae Hyun-Ock
Published: September 2013

Although there is a therapeutic treatment to combat diabetes, the identification of agents that may deal with its more serious aspects is an important medical field for research. Diabetes, which contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease, is associated with a low-grade chronic inflammation (inflammatory stress), oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Because the integration of these stresses is critical to the pathogenesis of diabetes, agents and cellular molecules that can modulate these stress responses are emerging as potential targets for intervention and treatment of diabetic diseases. It has been recognized that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays an important role in cellular protection. Because HO-1 can reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory stress, and ER stress, in part by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, HO-1 has been suggested to play important roles in pathogenesis of diabetes. In the present review, we will explore our current understanding of the protective mechanisms of HO-1 in diabetes and present some emerging therapeutic options for HO-1 expression in treating diabetic diseases, together with the therapeutic potential of curcumin analogues that have their ability to induce HO-1 expression.
New Assessment Model of Pulse Depth Based on Sensor Displacement in Pulse Diagnostic Devices
Authors: Bae Jang-Han , Jeon Young Ju , Kim Jong Yeol , Kim Jaeuk U.
Published: September 2013

An accurate assessment of the pulse depth in pulse diagnosis is vital to determine the floating and sunken pulse qualities (PQs), which are two of the four most basic PQs. In this work, we proposed a novel model of assessing the pulse depth based on sensor displacement (SD) normal to the skin surface and compared this model with two previous models which assessed the pulse depth using contact pressure (CP). In contrast to conventional stepwise CP variation tonometry, we applied a continuously evolving tonometric mechanism at a constant velocity and defined the pulse depth index as the optimal SD where the largest pulse amplitude was observed. By calculating the pulse depth index for 18 volunteers, we showed that the pulse was deepest atCheok(significance level:P<0.01), while no significant difference was found betweenChonandGwan. In contrast, the two CP-based models estimated that the pulse was shallowest atGwan(P<0.05). For the repeated measures, the new SD-based model showed a smaller coefficient of variation(CV≈7.6%)than the two CP-based models (CV≈13.5% and 12.3%, resp.). The SD-based pulse depth assessment is not sensitive to the complex geometry around the palpation locations and temperature variation of contact sensors, which allows cost-effective sensor technology.
Adaptation or Malignant Transformation: The Two Faces of Epigenetically Mediated Response to Stress
Authors: Vojta Aleksandar , Zoldoš Vlatka
Published: September 2013

Adaptive response to stress is a fundamental property of living systems. At the cellular level, many different types of stress elicit an essentially limited repertoire of adaptive responses. Epigenetic changes are the main mechanism for medium- to long-term adaptation to accumulated (intense, long-term, or repeated) stress. We propose the adaptive deregulation of the epigenome in response to stress (ADERS) hypothesis which assumes that the unspecific adaptive stress response grows stronger with the increasing stress level, epigenetically activating response gene clusters while progressively deregulating other cellular processes. The balance between the unspecific adaptive response and the general epigenetic deregulation is critical because a strong response can lead to pathology, particularly to malignant transformation. The main idea of our hypothesis is the continuum traversed by a cell subjected to accumulated stress, which lies between an unspecific adaptive response and pathological deregulation—the two extremes sharing the same underlying cause, which is a manifestation of a unified epigenetically mediated adaptive response to stress. The evolutionary potential of epigenetic regulation in multigenerational adaptation is speculatively discussed in the light of neo-Lamarckism. Finally, an approach to testing the proposed hypothesis is presented, relying on either the publicly available datasets or on conducting new experiments.
The Quantitative Overhead Analysis for Effective Task Migration in Biosensor Networks
Authors: Jung Sung-Min , Kim Tae-Kyung , Eom Jung-Ho , Chung Tai-Myoung
Published: September 2013

We present a quantitative overhead analysis for effective task migration in biosensor networks. A biosensor network is the key technology which can automatically provide accurate and specific parameters of a human in real time. Biosensor nodes are typically very small devices, so the use of computing resources is restricted. Due to the limitation of nodes, the biosensor network is vulnerable to an external attack against a system for exhausting system availability. Since biosensor nodes generally deal with sensitive and privacy data, their malfunction can bring unexpected damage to system. Therefore, we have to use a task migration process to avoid the malfunction of particular biosensor nodes. Also, it is essential to accurately analyze overhead to apply a proper migration process. In this paper, we calculated task processing time of nodes to analyze system overhead and compared the task processing time applied to a migration process and a general method. We focused on a cluster ratio and different processing time between biosensor nodes in our simulation environment. The results of performance evaluation show that task execution time is greatly influenced by a cluster ratio and different processing time of biosensor nodes. In the results, the proposed algorithm reduces total task execution time in a migration process.
Increased LEF1 Expression and Decreased Notch2 Expression Are Strong Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Wen-Juan , Yao Yu , Jiang Li-Li , Hu Ting-Hua , Ma Jie-Qun , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Tian Tao , Guo Hui , Wang Shu-Hong , Nan Ke-Jun
Published: September 2013

Background/Objective. We aimed to examine the expression of lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) and Notch2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their association with clinicopathologic variables and CRC patients’ prognosis.Methods. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the expression of LEF1 and Notch2 in 184 patients with CRC.Results. We observed a strong negative correlation between LEF1 expression and Notch2 expression (P<0.001). Both LEF1 mRNA and protein expression increased while the Notch2 mRNA and protein expression decreased in tumor specimens compared with the matched paratumorous normal tissue (P<0.001). An increase in LEF1 protein expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastases, distant metastasis, advanced TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) stage, and shorter overall survival. A decrease in Notch2 protein expression was associated with poorly differentiated tumors, lymph node metastases, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and shorter overall survival of patients. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the LEF1 protein expression (P<0.001), Notch2 protein expression (P<0.001), TNM stage (P<0.001), and the combination of increased LEF1 protein coexpression and decreased Notch2 protein coexpression (P<0.001) were found to be independent prognostic indicators in CRC.Conclusion. Our results suggest that increased LEF1 coexpression and decreased Notch2 coexpression represent a risk factor for poor overall survival of CRC patients.
Concordant Effects of Aromatase Inhibitors on Gene Expression in ER+ Rat and Human Mammary Cancers and Modulation of the Proteins Coded by These Genes
Authors: Lu Yan , You Ming , Ghazoui Zara , Liu Pengyuan , Vedell Peter T. , Wen Weidong , Bode Ann M. , Grubbs Clinton J. , Lubet Ronald A.
Published: September 2013

Aromatase inhibitors are effective in therapy/prevention of estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancers. Rats bearing methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced ER+ mammary cancers were treated with the aromatase inhibitor vorozole (1.25 mg/kg BW/day) for five days. RNA expression showed 162 downregulated and 180 upregulated (P < 0.05 and fold change >1.5) genes. Genes modulated by vorozole were compared with published data from four clinical neoadjuvant trials using aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole or letrozole). More than 30 genes and multiple pathways exhibited synchronous changes in animal and human datasets. Cell-cycle genes related to chromosome condensation in prometaphase [anaphase-prometaphase complex (APC) pathway, including Aurora-A kinase, BUBR1B, TOP2, cyclin A, cyclin B CDC2, and TPX-2)] were downregulated in animal and human studies reflecting the strong antiproliferative effects of aromatase inhibitors. Comparisons of rat arrays with a cell culture study where estrogen was removed from MCF-7 cells showed decreased expression of E2F1-modulated genes as a major altered pathway. Alterations of the cell cycle and E2F-related genes were confirmed in a large independent set of human samples (81 pairs baseline and two weeks anastrozole treatment). Decreases in proliferation-related genes were confirmed at the protein level for cyclin A2, BuRB1, cdc2, Pttg, and TPX-2. Interestingly, the proteins downregulated in tumors were similarly downregulated in vorozole-treated normal rat mammary epithelium. Finally, decreased expression of known estrogen-responsive genes (including TFF, 1,3, progesterone receptor, etc.) were decreased in the animal model. These studies demonstrate that gene expression changes (pathways and individual genes) are similar in humans and the rat model. Cancer Prev Res; 6(11); 1151–61. ©2013 AACR.
Prophylaxis of Acute Radiation Dermatitis with an Innovative FDA-Approved Two-Step Skin Care System in a Patient with Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing a Platin-Based Radiochemotherapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Häfner M.F. , Fetzner L. , Hassel J.C. , Debus J. , Potthoff K.
Published: September 2013

Radiodermatitis is a very common side effect in cancer treatment often leading to therapy delays and diminution of the patients' health state and quality of life. Despite a wide range of supportive strategies, radiodermatitis is still a major problem necessitating further improvements in prevention and treatment. Lactokine is a milk-based protein shown to assist in the reduction of skin redness. The treatment is a unique FDA-approved skin care system (R1 and R2). In this case presentation we describe the prophylactic use of R1 and R2 in a 63-year-old, female patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx undergoing a platin-based chemoradiation. The application was feasible and safe and the patient developed only a slight radiodermatitis. To our knowledge this is the first report in the literature on the prophylactic use of R1 and R2. Further evidence will be provided by a prospective, clinical trial we have launched (CREAM-1; study registration in ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN87302591). We also review the literature to give an overview about common strategies in the management of radiodermatitis.
Impact of Added Fluvastatin to Standard-of-Care Treatment on Sustained Virological Response in Naïve Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Infected with Genotypes 1 and 3
Authors: Selic Kurincic Tanja , Lesnicar Gorazd , Poljak Mario , Meglic Volkar Jelka , Rajter Mojca , Prah Janja , Baklan Zvonko , Kotar Tadeja , Maticic Mojca
Published: September 2013

Objectives: The combination of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin is a standard-of-care (SOC) treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and it achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in 41-52% of genotype 1 and in 73-79% of genotype 3 patients. In a few clinical trials, the combination of fluvastatin and SOC increased the SVR in genotype 1 patients. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 179 naïve CHC patients. In the fluvastatin group patients received the combination of SOC and fluvastatin 80 mg daily; historical controls matching the study group in genotype, age and gender were treated with the SOC treatment only. Results: On-treatment viral responses as well as the SVR did not differ significantly between the two groups, except for the genotype 1 patients with a high viral load presenting a significantly higher SVR rate in the fluvastatin group (75%) compared to the control group (41%; p = 0.024). Multivariate logistic regression identified hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 infection (p < 0.001), age ≤40 years (p < 0.001), liver steatosis <5% (p < 0.01) and low viral load (p < 0.001) as independent predictors of an SVR. Conclusion: A combination of fluvastatin and SOC significantly improved the SVR in naïve CHC patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and high viral load, but it did not improve the SVR in patients infected with HCV genotype 3.
Cataract Surgery for Tilted Lens in Peters' Anomaly Type 2
Authors: Nishide Tadayuki , Nakanishi Misako , Hayakawa Natsuki , Kimura Ikuko , Mizuki Nobuhisa
Published: September 2013

Background: Cases of cataract surgery without penetrating keratoplasty in patients with Peters' anomaly are very rare. We report a case of Peters' anomaly type 2 with tilted lens due to synechia between the lens and iris that was treated with cataract surgery without penetrating keratoplasty. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old girl had Peters' anomaly in both eyes. Corneal opacity was severe in the left eye due to high-grade dysgenesis of the anterior segment. In the right eye, corneal opacity had spread from the center of the cornea to the inferotemporal side, and there was synechia between the iris and corneal endothelium from the inferonasal side to the inferotemporal side. Opacity was observed in the anterior pole of the lens, and there was synechia between the anterior iris and the lens. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed that the lens was tilted because of synechia. The tilted lens induced astigmatism, which reduced visual acuity to 20/250, in conjunction with a cataract. Cataract surgery was performed; the synechia between the lens capsule and the iris was severed, an intraocular lens was inserted, and the tilt was repaired. UBM was used postoperatively to confirm that the lens capsule synechia had been corrected and that the intraocular lens was not tilted. As a result, visual acuity improved to 20/100; glaucoma and expansion of corneal opacity were not observed. Conclusions: Severing of the synechia between the cataract and iris, during cataract surgery, in a patient with Peters' anomaly type 2 resulted in favorable postoperative visual acuity.