bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detrusor expulsive strength is preserved, but responsiveness to bladder filling and urinary sensitivity is diminished in the aging mouse
Authors: Smith Phillip P. , DeAngelis Anthony , Kuchel George A.
Published: December 2011

The prevalence of urinary symptoms increases with age and is a significant source of distress, morbidity, and expense in the elderly. Recent evidence suggests that symptoms in the aged may result from sensory dysfunction, rather than abnormalities of detrusor performance. Therefore, we employed a pressure/flow multichannel urethane-anesthetized mouse cystometry model to test the hypothesis that in vivo detrusor performance does not degrade with aging. Secondarily, we sought to evaluate sensory responsiveness to volume using pressure-volume data generated during bladder filling. Cystometric data from 2-, 12-, 22-, and 26-mo-old female C57BL6 mice were compared. All 2- and 12-mo-old mice, 66% of 22-mo-old mice, and 50% of 26-mo-old mice responded to continuous bladder filling with periodic reflex voiding. Abdominal wall contraction with voiding had a minimal contribution to expulsive pressure, whereas compliance pressure was a significant contributor. Maximum bladder pressure, estimated detrusor pressure, detrusor impulse (pressure-time integral), as well as indices of detrusor power and work, did not decrease with aging. Bladder precontraction pressures decreased, compliance increased, and nonvoiding contraction counts did not change with increasing age. Intervoid intervals, per-void volumes, and voiding flow rates increased with age. Calculations approximating wall stress during filling suggested loss of bladder volume sensitivity with increasing age. We conclude that aging is associated with an impaired ability to respond to the challenge of continuous bladder filling with cyclic voiding, yet among responsive animals, voiding detrusor contraction strength does not degrade with aging in this murine model. Furthermore, indirect measures suggest that bladder volume sensitivity is diminished. Thus, changes in homeostatic reserve and peripheral and/or central sensory mechanisms may be important contributors to aging-associated changes in bladder function.
Permeability properties of the teleost gill epithelium under ion-poor conditions
Authors: Chasiotis Helen , Kolosov Dennis , Kelly Scott P.
Published: December 2011

Permeability properties of the goldfish gill epithelium were examined in vivo and in vitro following exposure to ion-poor water (IPW) conditions. In gill tissue of IPW-acclimated goldfish, transcript abundance of tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin, claudin-b, -d, -e, -h, -7, and -8d increased, whereas ZO-1 and claudin 12 mRNA decreased and claudin-c was unaltered. In association with these changes, TJ depth increased among gill pavement cells (PVCs) and gill PVCs and mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs). PVC and MRC gill cell fractions were isolated using Percoll. Transcripts encoding for occludin, claudin-b, -c, -d, -e, -h, -7, -8d, -12, and ZO-1 were present in both fractions. After IPW acclimation, occludin, claudin-b and -e, and ZO-1 mRNA abundance increased in both fractions. In contrast, claudin-8d mRNA abundance increased in PVCs only while claudin-h decreased in MRCs. Gill permeability was examined using primary cultured goldfish PVC epithelia supplemented with serum derived from IPW-acclimated goldfish. IPW serum supplementation increased transepithelial resistance, reduced [3H]PEG-4000 permeability, and enhanced epithelial integrity during in vitro IPW exposure. IPW serum increased mRNA abundance of occludin, claudin-8d and -e in vitro. Using small interfering RNA, we found that occludin abundance was decreased in cultured gill epithelia, resulting in an increase in [3H]PEG-4000 flux. As occludin increased in the gills of IPW-acclimated fish as well as cultured gill epithelia exposed to IPW serum, results suggest that occludin is a barrier-forming TJ protein in fish gill epithelia. These studies support the idea that TJ proteins play an important role in regulating gill permeability in IPW.
Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect kidneys from cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Kim Jin Hyun , Park Dong Jun , Yun Ji Chul , Jung Myeong Hee , Yeo Hee Dong , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Dong Wook , Yang Jung Ill , Lee Gyeong-Won , Jeong Sang-Ho , Roh Gu Seob , Chang Se-Ho
Published: December 2011

Cisplatin has multiple cellular targets and modes of action that lead to nephrotoxicity. This suggests novel therapies that act at multiple cisplatin target sites may be effective. We tested whether human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) can affect multiple target sites and protect against cisplatin-induced kidney damage. Rats were divided into four groups: control, infused with Ad-MSCs, injected with cisplatin, and cisplatin followed by infusion of Ad-MSCs. Animal survival and renal function were decreased and histological damage was increased in cisplatin-treated rats at day 3. Infusion of Ad-MSCs ameliorated renal dysfunction and tissue injury caused by cisplatin, leading to increased survival. Apoptotic cell death in the kidney was significantly reduced by infusion of Ad-MSCs. Activation of p53, JNK, and ERK and the expression of inflammation-related molecules were also decreased in the kidney that received Ad-MSCs. Very few Ad-MSCs were detected in the kidney. Conditioned medium from cultured Ad-MSCs had renal-protective functions in vivo and in vitro. Renal dysfunction and tissue damage caused by cisplatin were significantly reduced in rats treated with Ad-MSCs-conditioned medium. The viability of cultured renal proximal tubular cells exposed to cisplatin was also improved by coculture with Ad-MSCs or with conditioned medium. Release of proinflammatory mediators induced by cisplatin was inhibited in coculture with Ad-MSCs. Our results show that human Ad-MSCs exert a paracrine-protective effect on cisplatin nephrotoxicity at multiple target sites and suggest that human Ad-MSCs might be a new therapeutic approach for patients with acute kidney injury.
Adjustable passive stiffness in mouse bladder: regulated by Rho kinase and elevated following partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Speich John E. , Southern Jordan B. , Henderson Sheree , Wilson Cameron W. , Klausner Adam P. , Ratz Paul H.
Published: December 2011

Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contributes to bladder wall tension during filling, and bladder wall deformation affects the signaling system that leads to urgency. The length-passive tension ( L-Tp) relationship in rabbit DSM can adapt with length changes over time and exhibits adjustable passive stiffness (APS) characterized by a L-Tpcurve that is a function of both activation and strain history. Muscle activation with KCl, carbachol (CCh), or prostaglandin E2at short muscle lengths can increase APS that is revealed by elevated pseudo-steady-state Tpat longer lengths compared with prior Tpmeasurements at those lengths, and APS generation is inhibited by the Rho Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor H-1152. In the current study, mouse bladder strips exhibited both KCl- and CCh-induced APS. Whole mouse bladders demonstrated APS which was measured as an increase in pressure during passive filling in calcium-free solution following CCh precontraction compared with pressure during filling without precontraction. In addition, CCh-induced APS in whole mouse bladder was inhibited by H-1152, indicating that ROCK activity may regulate bladder compliance during filling. Furthermore, APS in whole mouse bladder was elevated 2 wk after partial bladder outlet obstruction, suggesting that APS may be relevant in diseases affecting bladder mechanics. The presence of APS in mouse bladder will permit future studies of APS regulatory pathways and potential alterations of APS in disease models using knockout transgenetic mice.
Collecting duct cells that lack normal cilia have mislocalized vasopressin-2 receptors
Authors: Saigusa Takamitsu , Reichert Ryan , Guare Jennifer , Siroky Brian J. , Gooz Monika , Steele Stacy , Fenton Robert A. , Bell P. Darwin , Kolb Robert J.
Published: December 2011

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a ciliopathy characterized by renal cysts and hypertension. These changes are presumably due to altered fluid and electrolyte transport in the collecting duct (CD). This is the site where vasopressin (AVP) stimulates vasopressin-2 receptor (V2R)-mediated aquaporin-2 (AQP2) insertion into the apical membrane. Since cysts frequently occur in the CD, we studied V2R and AQP2 trafficking and function in CD cell lines with stunted and normal cilia [cilia (−), cilia (+)] derived from the orpk mouse (hypomorph of the Tg737/ Ift88 gene). Interestingly, only cilia (−) cells grown on culture dishes formed domes after apical AVP treatment. This observation led to our hypothesis that V2R mislocalizes to the apical membrane in the absence of a full-length cilium. Immunofluorescence indicated that AQP2 localizes to cilia and in a subapical compartment in cilia (+) cells, but AQP2 levels were elevated in both apical and basolateral membranes in cilia (−) cells after apical AVP treatment. Western blot analysis revealed V2R and glycosylated AQP2 in biotinylated apical membranes of cilia (−) but not in cilia (+) cells. In addition, apical V2R was functional upon apical desmopressin (DDAVP) treatment by demonstrating increased cAMP, water transport, and benzamil-sensitive equivalent short-circuit current ( Isc) in cilia (−) cells but not in cilia (+) cells. Moreover, pretreatment with a PKA inhibitor abolished DDAVP stimulation of Iscin cilia (−) cells. Thus we propose that structural or functional loss of cilia leads to abnormal trafficking of AQP2/V2R leading to enhanced salt and water absorption. Whether such apical localization contributes to enhanced fluid retention and hypertension in PKD remains to be determined.
Anti-apoptotic and pro-survival effects of exercise training on hypertensive hearts
Authors: Huang Chih-Yang , Yang Ai-Lun , Lin Yueh-Min , Wu Fan-Ni , Lin James A. , Chan Yi-Sheng , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Chang-Hai , Kuo Chia-Hua , Lee Shin-Da
Published: December 2011

Background: activated cardiac apoptosis was found in hearts from hypertensive animals, but little information regarding the effects of exercise training on cardiac apoptosis in hypertension is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-apoptotic and pro-survival effects of exercise training on hypertensive hearts. Methods: 28 spontaneously hypertensive rats were divided into sedentary group (SHR) or underwent running exercise on treadmill for 1 h/day, 5 sessions/wk, for 12 wk (SHR-EX). Fourteen age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats served as a sedentary normotensive group (WKY). After exercise training or sedentary status, the excised hearts were measured by hemotoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and Western blotting. Results: fewer TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were in SHR-EX groups than those in SHR. Protein levels of Fas ligand, Fas death receptor, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF receptor 1, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), activated caspase-8, and activated caspase-3 (Fas-dependent apoptotic pathways), as well as Bid, t-Bid, Bad, p-Bad, Bak, cytochrome c, activated caspase 9, and activated caspase-3 (mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways) were decreased in the SHR-EX group compared with the SHR group. Protein levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-Bad, and Bcl2 (cardiac pro-survival pathway) become more activated in SHR-EX groups than SHR and WKY. Conclusions: exercise training prevented hypertension-enhanced cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways and enhanced cardiac pro-survival pathway in rat models. Our findings demonstrate new therapeutic effects of exercise training on hypertensive hearts for preventing apoptosis and enhancing survival.
Assessment of locomotion in chlorine exposed mice by computer vision and neural networks
Authors: Filippidis Aristotelis S. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Randich Alan , Ness Timothy J. , Matalon Sadis
Published: December 2011

Assessment of locomotion following exposure of animals to noxious or painful stimuli can offer significant insights into underlying mechanisms of injury and the effectiveness of various treatments. We developed a novel method to track the movement of mice in two dimensions using computer vision and neural network algorithms. By using this system we demonstrated that mice exposed to chlorine (Cl2) gas developed impaired locomotion and increased immobility for up to 9 h postexposure. Postexposure administration of buprenorphine, a common analgesic agent, increased locomotion and decreased immobility times in Cl2- but not air-exposed mice, most likely by decreasing Cl2-induced pain. This method can be adapted to assess the effectiveness of various therapies following exposure to a variety of chemical and behavioral noxious stimuli.
TRPV4 deficiency increases skeletal muscle metabolic capacity and resistance against diet-induced obesity
Authors: Kusudo Tatsuya , Wang Zhonghua , Mizuno Atsuko , Suzuki Makoto , Yamashita Hitoshi
Published: December 2011

Transient receptor potential channel V4 (TRPV4) functions as a nonselective cation channel in various cells and plays physiological roles in osmotic and thermal sensation. However, the function of TRPV4 in energy metabolism is unknown. Here, we report that TRPV4 deficiency results in increased muscle oxidative capacity and resistance to diet-induced obesity in mice. Although no difference in body weight was observed between wild-type and Trpv4−/− mice when fed a standard chow diet, obesity phenotypes induced by a high-fat diet were significantly improved in Trpv4−/− mice, without any change in food intake. Quantitative analysis of mRNA revealed the constitutive upregulation of many genes, including those for transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and for metabolic enzymes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. These upregulated genes were especially prominent in oxidative skeletal muscle, in which the activity of Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin was elevated, suggesting that other Ca2+ channels function in the skeletal muscle of Trpv4−/− mice. Indeed, gene expressions for TRPC3 and TRPC6 increased in the muscles of Trpv4−/− mice compared with those of wild-type mice. The number of oxidative type I fiber also increased in the mutant muscles following myogenin gene induction. These results strongly suggested that inactivation of Trpv4 induces compensatory increases in TRPC3 and TRPC6 production, and elevation of calcineurin activity, affecting energy metabolism through increased expression of genes involved in fuel oxidation in skeletal muscle and thereby contributing to increased energy expenditure and protection from diet-induced obesity in mice.
Anion size modulates salt taste in rats
Authors: Breza Joseph M. , Contreras Robert J.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of anion size and the contribution of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel on sodium-taste responses in rat chorda tympani (CT) neurons. We recorded multiunit responses from the severed CT nerve and single-cell responses from intact, narrowly tuned and broadly tuned, salt-sensitive neurons in the geniculate ganglion simultaneously with stimulus-evoked summated potentials to signal when the stimulus contacted the lingual epithelium. Artificial saliva served as the rinse and solvent for all stimuli (0.3 M NH4Cl, 0.5 M sucrose, 0.03–0.5 M NaCl, 0.01 M citric acid, 0.02 M quinine hydrochloride, 0.1 M KCl, and 0.03–0.5 M Na-gluconate). We used the pharmacological antagonist benzamil to assess NaCl responses mediated by ENaC, and SB-366791 and cetylpyridinium chloride to assess responses mediated by TRPV1. CT nerve responses were greater to NaCl than Na-gluconate at each concentration; this was attributed mostly to broadly tuned, acid-generalist neurons that responded with higher frequency and shorter latency to NaCl than Na-gluconate. In contrast, narrowly tuned NaCl-specialist neurons responded more similarly to the two salts, but with subtle differences in temporal pattern. Benzamil reduced CT nerve and single-cell responses only of narrowly tuned neurons to NaCl. Surprisingly, SB-366791 and cetylpyridinium chloride were without effect on CT nerve or single-cell NaCl responses. Collectively, our data demonstrate the critical role that apical ENaCs in fungiform papillae play in processing information about sodium by peripheral gustatory neurons; the role of TRPV1 channels is an enigma.
Synaptic pathways that shape the excitatory drive in an OFF retinal ganglion cell
Authors: Buldyrev Ilya , Puthussery Theresa , Taylor W. Rowland
Published: December 2011

Different types of retinal ganglion cells represent distinct spatiotemporal filters that respond selectively to specific features in the visual input. Much about the circuitry and synaptic mechanisms that underlie such specificity remains to be determined. This study examines how N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling combines with other excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms to shape the output of small-field OFF brisk-sustained ganglion cells (OFF-BSGCs) in the rabbit retina. We used voltage clamp to separately resolve NMDA, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and inhibitory inputs elicited by stimulation of the receptive field center. Three converging circuits were identified. First is a direct glutamatergic input, arising from OFF cone bipolar cells (CBCs), which is mediated by synaptic NMDA and AMPA receptors. The NMDA input was saturated at 10% contrast, whereas the AMPA input increased monotonically up to 60% contrast. We propose that NMDA inputs selectively enhance sensitivity to low contrasts. The OFF bipolar cells, mediating this direct excitatory input, express dendritic kainate (KA) receptors, which are resistant to the nonselective AMPA/KA receptor antagonist, 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide disodium salt (NBQX), but are suppressed by a GluK1- and GluK3-selective antagonist, ( S)-1-(2-amino-2-carboxyethyl)-3-(2-carboxy-thiophene-3-yl-methyl)-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4-dione (UBP-310). The second circuit entails glycinergic crossover inhibition, arising from ON-CBCs and mediated by AII amacrine cells, which modulate glutamate release from the OFF-CBC terminals. The third circuit also comprises glycinergic crossover inhibition, which is driven by the ON pathway; however, this inhibition impinges directly on the OFF-BSGCs and is mediated by an unknown glycinergic amacrine cell that expresses AMPA but not KA receptors.
Structure determination of a novel metal-organic compound synthesized from aluminum and 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid
Authors: Ståhl Kenny , Brink Bastian , Andersen Jonas
Published: December 2011

The structure of [Al2(pydc)2(μ2-OH)2(H2O)2]n(pydc = 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate) was successfully determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group P -1) with a = 6.7813(1) Å, b = 7.4944(1) Å, c = 8.5013(1) Å, α = 95.256(1)°, β = 102.478(1)°, γ = 108.979(1)°. The structure consists of aluminum ions coordinating N and O in distorted octahedra, sharing an edge through two hydroxide ions. These dinuclear complexes are connected by pydc ions, which at one end coordinate by nitrogen and oxygen and only by oxygen at the other end. The pydc orientation is reversed in the neighboring pydc, forming double stranded chains interconnected by the aluminum dinuclear complexes in a ladder-like arrangement along [001].
Preparation of CdTe nanostructures with different crystal structures and morphologies
Authors: Ma Yan , Jian Jikang , Wu Rong , Sun Yanfei , Li Jin
Published: December 2011

CdTe nanorods and various branched nanostructures with different crystal structures were have successfully prepared via the catalyst-assisted vacuum thermal evaporation (CVTE) technique using various experimental parameters. SEM and XRD studies were carried out on the as-prepared CdTe nanostructures. The results show that the morphologies and crystal structures of the products were strongly influenced by the growth conditions and the mole ratios of Bi and CdTe. In the high mole ratio (0.08:1) of Bi and CdTe, CdTe branched nanostructures of CdTe were obtained, while nanorods of CdTe were formed at a lower mole ratio of 0.05:1. The crystal structure of products is either Zinc blende or a two-phase mixture of zinc blende and wurtzite. The content of the wurtzite phase were found to increase with increasing growth temperature. Our results also reveal that high growth temperature tends to form the wurtzite phase, and stacking faults may exist in materials grown in higher temperatures. These nanostructures grow following the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism.
Common Fixed Point Theorems of the Asymptotic Sequences in Ordered Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Chen Chi-Ming
Published: December 2011

We introduce the notions of the asymptotic 𝒮ℳ𝒦‐sequence with respect to the stronger Meir‐Keeler cone‐type mapping ξ : int(P)∪{θ}→[0,1) and the asymptotic 𝒲ℳ𝒦‐sequence with respect to the weaker Meir‐Keeler cone‐type mapping ϕ : int(P)∪{θ} → int(P)∪{θ} and prove some common fixed point theorems for these two asymptotic sequences in cone metric spaces with regular cone P. Our results generalize some recent results.
Acute Management of Cocaine-Associated Methaemoglobinaemia
Authors: Weichert Immo
Published: December 2011

Methaemoglobinaemia is a potentially life-threatening complication of problem drug use. This is a case report of a 29-year-old man who presented himself cyanosed after a cocaine binge. It highlights the diagnosis and management of this condition from an acute medical perspective.
The (G′/G)‐Expansion Method for Abundant Traveling Wave Solutions of Caudrey‐Dodd‐Gibbon Equation
Authors: Naher Hasibun , Abdullah Farah Aini , Akbar M. Ali
Published: December 2011

We construct the traveling wave solutions of the fifth‐order Caudrey‐Dodd‐Gibbon (CDG) equation by the (G′/G)‐expansion method. Abundant traveling wave solutions with arbitrary parameters are successfully obtained by this method and the wave solutions are expressed in terms of the hyperbolic, the trigonometric, and the rational functions. It is shown that the (G′/G)‐expansion method is a powerful and concise mathematical tool for solving nonlinear partial differential equations.
Development of New PM Iron-Based Materials for Self-Lubricating Bearings
Authors: Teisanu Cristina , Gheorghe Stefan
Published: December 2011

Using PM technologies, new antifriction materials based on iron powder with different addition elements were developed in order to obtain self-lubricated bearings with improved tribological features. The elemental powder mixtures were blended for 2 hours in a 3D homogenization device, were compacted at a pressure of 500 MPa, and then sintered in dry hydrogen atmosphere at different temperatures for different maintaining times. The effect of technological parameters on physical properties (density and dimensional changes) was presented in this study. The mechanical and tribological properties (tensile strength, hardness, impact energy, friction coefficient, and wear rate) related to addition elements were evaluated. The tribological behaviour of the selected iron-based alloys was analysed by pin on disc tests without lubrication. Also, the wear surface scars and the microstructure of the wear surfaces were investigated.
An Approximate Proximal Point Algorithm for Maximal Monotone Inclusion Problems
Authors: Huang Lingling , Liu Sanyang , Gao Weifeng
Published: December 2011

This paper presents and analyzes a strongly convergent approximate proximal point algorithm for finding zeros of maximal monotone operators in Hilbert spaces. The proposed method combines the proximal subproblem with a more general correction step which takes advantage of more information on the existing iterations. As applications, convex programming problems and generalized variational inequalities are considered. Some preliminary computational results are reported.
An Improved Predictor‐Corrector Interior‐Point Algorithm for Linear Complementarity Problems with O(nL)‐Iteration Complexity
Authors: Fang Debin , Yu Qian
Published: December 2011

This paper proposes an improved predictor‐corrector interior‐point algorithm for the linear complementarity problem (LCP) based on the Mizuno‐Todd‐Ye algorithm. The modified corrector steps in our algorithm cannot only draw the iteration point back to a narrower neighborhood of the center path but also reduce the duality gap. It implies that the improved algorithm can converge faster than the MTY algorithm. The iteration complexity of the improved algorithm is proved to obtain which is similar to the classical Mizuno‐Todd‐Ye algorithm. Finally, the numerical experiments show that our algorithm improved the performance of the classical MTY algorithm.
Nutritional Requirements for the Improvement of Growth and Sporulation of Several Strains of Monascus purpureus on Solid State Cultivation
Authors: Ajdari Zahra , Ebrahimpour Afshin , Abdul Manan Musaalbakri , Hamid Muhajir , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Ariff Arbakariya B.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the nutritional requirements for the improvement of growth and sporulation of several strains of Monascus purpureus on solid state cultivation. The findings revealed that glucose enhanced growth of all M. purpureus strains tested but inhibited the sporulation rate. On the other hand, sucrose induced sporulation but inhibited production of cell mass. A combination of glucose and sucrose greatly enhanced sporulation and cell mass production of M. purpureus. Although growth and sporulation rate were related to the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N ratio), the types and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources also greatly influenced the growth kinetics. Among the media tested, Hiroi‐PDA medium was the most preferred medium for all M. purpureus strains tested for the enhancement of radial growth rate, sporulation, and cell production. Hence, Hiroi‐PDA could be suggested as the generic basal medium for the cultivation of M. purpureus. However, individual medium optimization is required for significant enhancement in growth and sporulation of each strain of M. purpureus.
Falling d‐Ideals in d‐Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin , Lee Kyoung Ja
Published: December 2011

Based on the theory of a falling shadow which was first formulated by Wang (1985), a
theoretical approach of the ideal structure in d‐algebras is established. The notions of a
falling d‐subalgebra, a falling d‐ideal, a falling BCK‐ideal, and a falling d♯‐ideal of a d‐algebra are introduced. Some fundamental properties are investigated. Relations among a
falling d‐subalgebra, a falling d‐ideal, a falling BCK‐ideal, and a falling d♯‐ideal are stated.
Characterizations of falling d‐ideals and falling d♯‐ideals are discussed. A relation between
a fuzzy d‐subalgebra and a falling d‐subalgebra is provided.
Fungal-Fungal Interactions in Leaf-Cutting Ant Agriculture
Authors: Van Bael Sunshine A. , Estrada Catalina , Wcislo William T.
Published: December 2011

Many organisms participate in symbiotic relationships with other organisms, yet studies of symbioses typically have focused on the reciprocal costs and benefits within a particular host-symbiont pair. Recent studies indicate that many ecological interactions involve alliances of symbionts acting together as mutualistic consortia against other consortia. Such interacting consortia are likely to be widespread in nature, even if the interactions often occur in a cryptic fashion. Little theory and empirical data exist concerning how these complex interactions shape ecological outcomes in nature. Here, we review recent work on fungal-fungal interactions between two consortia: (i) leaf-cutting ants and their symbiotic fungi (the latter grown as a food crop by the former) and (ii) tropical plants and their foliar endophytes (the cryptic symbiotic fungi within leaves of the former). Plant characteristics (e.g., secondary compounds or leaf physical properties of leaves) are involved in leaf-cutting ant preferences, and a synthesis of published information suggests that these plant traits could be modified by fungal presence. We discuss potential mechanisms for how fungal-fungal interactions proceed in the leaf-cutting ant agriculture and suggest themes for future research.
Colorectal Carcinoma: Why Is There a Lower Incidence in Nigerians When Compared to Caucasians?
Authors: Irabor David Omoareghan
Published: December 2011

Carcinoma of the colon and rectum is the 2nd commonest cancer in the United States; the leading cancer being lung cancer. It has been estimated that 130,200 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed annually while 56,300 sufferers will die from the disease (Murphy et al., 2000). In developing countries especially West Africa, the rate has not yet reached such magnitude. This suggests that there may be factors either anthropomorphic or environmental which may be responsible for this. The paper acknowledges the reduced incidence of colorectal cancer in native West Africans living in Africa and endeavours to highlight the various factors that produce this observation in medical literature. A diligent search through available literature on the aetiology, epidemiology and comparative anthropology of colorectal cancer was done. Internet search using Pubmed, British library online and Google scholar was also utilized. The rarity of adenomatous polyposis syndromes in the native West African contributes to the reduced incidence of colorectal cancer. Cancer prevention and cancer-protective factors are deemed to lie in the starchy, high-fiber, spicy, peppery foodstuff low in animal protein which many West African nations consume.
Structural Characterization of Emeraldine-Salt Polyaniline/Gold Nanoparticles Complexes
Authors: Sanches E. A. , Soares J. C. , Iost R. M. , Marangoni V. S. , Trovati G. , Batista T. , Mafud A. C. , Zucolotto V. , Mascarenhas Y. P.
Published: December 2011

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) stabilized with polyamidoamine dendrimers (Au-PAMAM) or sodium citrate (Au-CITRATE) were synthesized and complexed with polyaniline emeraldine-salt form (ES-PANI). The complexes were characterized using structural and morphological techniques, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta Potential analyses, and Fourier-Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). When the Au-CITRATE NPs are added to the polymeric solution, the formation of a precipitate is clearly observed. The precipitate exhibited a different morphology from that found for ES-PANI and Au-CITRATE NPs, suggesting the formation of ES-PANI coating over the surface of Au-CITRATE NPs. On the other hand, when the Au-PAMAM NPs are incorporated into the ES-PANI solution, none interaction was observed, probably due to the repulsive electrostatic interactions, being the organization of the ES-PANI chains unaffected by the presence of the Au-PAMAM NPs.
Bounds of Double Integral Dynamic Inequalities in Two Independent Variables on Time Scales
Authors: Saker S. H.
Published: December 2011

Our aim in this paper is to establish some explicit bounds of the unknown function in a certain class of nonlinear dynamic inequalities in two independent variables on time scales which are unbounded above. These on the one hand generalize and on the other hand furnish a handy tool for the study of qualitative as well as quantitative properties of solutions of partial dynamic equations on time scales. Some examples are considered to demonstrate the applications of the results.
An Atypical Metastasis of Follicular-Type Adenocarcinoma of the Thyroid Gland to Thumb
Authors: Huri Gazi
Published: December 2011

Bone metastasis in the hand is rare. The etiology of metastatic hand cancers is different from other bones. Bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common primary tumor metastasis to hand. In this paper a rare case of thumb metastasis from “follicular-type carcinoma” of the thyroid is presented.
Sufficient and Necessary Center Conditions for the Poincaré Systems P(2,  2n)(n ≤ 5)
Authors: Xu Jinya , Lu Zhengyi
Published: December 2011

We obtain sufficient and necessary center conditions for the Poincaré system P(2,  2n)(n ≤ 5). The necessity of the condition is derived from the first 2n focal values by symbolic computation with Maple, and the sufficiency is proved by Volokitin′s method.
An Optimized Player Taxonomy Model for Mobile MMORPGs with Millions of Users
Authors: You Fang , Liu Jianping , Guan Xinjian , Wang Jianmin , Zheng Zibin , Tam Peter
Published: December 2011

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have great potential as sites for research within the social and human-computer interaction. In the MMORPGs, a stability player taxonomy model is very important for game design. It helps to balance different types of players and improve business strategy of the game. The players in mobile MMORPGs are also connected with social networks; many studies only use the player's own attributes statistics or questionnaire survey method to predict player taxonomy, so lots of social network relations' information will be lost. In this paper, by analyzing the impacts of player's social network, commercial operating data from mobile MMORPGs is used to establish our player taxonomy model (SN model). From the model results, social network-related information in mobile MMORPGs will be considered as important factors to pose this optimized player taxonomy model. As experimental results showed, compared with another player taxonomy model (RA model), our proposed player taxonomy model can achieve good results: classification is more stable.
AnIn VitroStudy of Differentiation of Hematopoietic Cells to Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wang Qi Ru , Wang Bao He , Zhu Wen Biao , Huang Yan Hong , Li Yi , Yan Qi
Published: December 2011

Bone-marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) contribute to postnatal neovascularization and therefore are of great interest for cell therapies to treat ischemic diseases. However, their origin and characteristics are still in controversy. In this paper, we identified the origin/lineage of the BM-EPCs that were isolated from bone marrow mononuclear cells and differentiated with the induction of bone-marrow endothelial-cellconditioned medium (ECCM). BM-EPCs were characterized in terms of phenotype, lineage potential, and their functional properties. Endothelial cell colonies derived from BM-EPC were cultured with ECCM for 3 months. Cultured EPC colony cells expressed endothelial cell markers and formed the capillary-like networkin vitro. EPC colony cells expressed differential proliferative capacity; some of the colonies exhibited a high proliferative potential (HPP) capacity up to 20 population doublings. More importantly, these HPP-EPCs expressed hematopoietic marker CD45, exhibited endocytic activities, and preserved some of the myeloid cell activity. In addition, the HPP-EPCs secrete various growth factors including VEGF and GM-CSF into the culture medium. The results demonstrate that these EPCs were primarily derived from hematopoietic origin of early precursor cells and maintained high proliferative potential capacity, a feature with a significant potential in the application of cell therapy in ischemic diseases.
Investigation of Bacteremia due toAeromonasSpecies and Comparison with That due to Enterobacteria in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Shizuma Toru , Tanaka Chiharu , Mori Hidezo , Fukuyama Naoto
Published: December 2011

Background. The role ofAeromonasspecies (sp.) in bacteremia in Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis is poorly understood.Aim. To establish the importance ofAeromonassp. as a cause of bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods. Clinical and serological features and short-term prognosis were retrospectively investigated and compared in Japanese patients with bacteremia due toAeromonassp. () and due to enterobacteria (E. coli, Klebsiellasp., andEnterobactersp.) ().Results. There were no significant differences in patients’ clinical background, renal dysfunction, or short-term mortality rate between the two groups. However, in theAeromonasgroup, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and Child-Pugh score were significantly higher than in the enterobacteria group.Conclusion. These results indicate that the severity of liver dysfunction inAeromonas-induced bacteremia is greater than that in enterobacteria-induced bacteremia in Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis.
Pectin Rhamnogalacturonan II: On the “Small Stem with Four Branches” in the Primary Cell Walls of Plants
Authors: Yapo Beda M.
Published: December 2011

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a type of block copolymer of complex pectins that represents a quantitatively minor component of the primary cell walls of land (vascular) plants. The structural composition of RG-II is almost totally sequenced and appears to be remarkably conserved in all tracheophytes so far examined. The backbone of RG-II, released from complex (cell wall) pectins by endo-polygalacturonase (Endo-PG) treatment, has been found to contain up to 15 (1→4)-linked-α-D-GalpA units, some of which carry four well-defined side chains, often referred to as A-, B-, C-, and D-side chains. Nevertheless, the relative locations on the backbone of these four branches, especially the A chain, remain to be ascertained. A combination of different data suggests that neither the terminal nonreducing GalA nor the contiguous GalA unit is likely to be the branching point of the A chain, but probably the ninth GalA residue from the reducing end, assuming a minimum backbone length of 11 (1→4)-linked-α-d-GalpA. The latest reports on RG-II are here highlighted, with a provided update for the macrostructure and array of functionalities.
A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Conjunctiva as Initial Sign of Systemic Cancers
Authors: Mitamura Hayato , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Kimoto Ryuta , Yotsukura Jiro , Asanagi Kaoru , Baba Takayuki , Takahashi Yoko , Kishimoto Takashi , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this report is to present the findings in a case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the conjunctiva which was the initial sign of systemic cancers. A 94-year-old woman without known systemic diseases developed a mass in her right conjunctiva. She was referred to our hospital 5 months after the onset. She was diagnosed with conjunctival SCC by biopsy. Systemic CT before the surgery revealed multiple liver lesions, lung legions, and a large mass surrounding the appendix. The patient requested the surgery, and the main aim of the surgery was cosmesis. Histopathological examinations of the specimen led us to the final diagnosis as SCC. She did not receive any other therapy because of her age. As no other surgical procedures were undertaken, it is uncertain as to whether the conjunctival lesion was primary or secondary. Although, it is extremely rare that SCC of the conjunctiva is the initial sign of systemic cancers, careful systemic examinations to find other cancers should be made.
Application of the New Classification on Patients with a Disorder of Sex Development in Indonesia
Authors: Juniarto A. Zulfa , van der Zwan Yvonne G. , Santosa Ardy , Hersmus Remko , de Jong Frank H. , Olmer Renske , Bruggenwirth Hennie T. , Themmen Axel P. N. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , Faradz Sultana M. H. , Drop Stenvert L. S.
Published: December 2011

Disorder of sex development (DSD) patients in Indonesia most often do not receive a proper diagnostic evaluation and treatment. This study intended to categorize 88 Indonesian patients in accordance with the new consensus DSD algorithm. Diagnostic evaluation including clinical, hormonal, genetic, imaging, surgical, and histological parameters was performed. Fifty-three patients were raised as males, and 34 as females. Of 22 patients with 46, XX DSD, 15 had congenital adrenal hyperplasia, while in one patient, an ovarian Leydig cell tumor was found. In all 58 46, XY DSD patients, 29 were suspected of a disorder of androgen action (12 with an androgen receptor mutation), and in 9, gonadal dysgenesis was found and, in 20, severe hypospadias e.c.i. Implementation of the current consensus statement in a resource-poor environment is very difficult. The aim of the diagnostic workup in developing countries should be to end up with an evidence-based diagnosis. This is essential to improve treatment and thereby to improve the patients' quality of life.
Development of Automatic 3D Blood Vessel Search and Automatic Blood Sampling System by Using Hybrid Stereo-Autofocus Method
Authors: Nakamachi Eiji , Morita Yusuke , Mizuno Yoshifumi
Published: December 2011

We developed an accurate three-dimensional blood vessel search (3D BVS) system and an automatic blood sampling system. They were implemented into a point-of-care system designed for medical care, installed in a portable self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) device. The system solves problems of human error caused by complicated manual operations of conventional SMBG devices. We evaluated its accuracy of blood-vessel position detection. The 3D BVS system uses near-infrared (NIR) light imaging and the stereo and autofocus hybrid method to determine blood vessel locations accurately in three dimensions. We evaluated the accuracy of our 3D BVS system using a phantom of human skin, blood vessels, and blood. Additionally, we established an automatic blood sampling system for SMBG and assessed its performance in relation to punctures, blood suction, transport, and discharge on an enzyme sensor. The 3D BVS and automatic blood sampling system are adequate for use in a portable SMBG device.
Characterization of Outer Membrane Vesicles fromBrucella melitensisand Protection Induced in Mice
Authors: Avila-Calderón Eric Daniel , Lopez-Merino Ahidé , Jain Neeta , Peralta Humberto , López-Villegas Edgar Oliver , Sriranganathan Nammalwar , Boyle Stephen M. , Witonsky Sharon , Contreras-Rodríguez Araceli
Published: December 2011

The outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from smoothB. melitensis16 M and a derived rough mutant, VTRM1 strain, were purified and characterized with respect to protein content and induction of immune responses in mice. Proteomic analysis showed 29 proteins present in OMVs fromB. melitensis16 M; some of them are well-knownBrucellaimmunogens such as SOD, GroES, Omp31, Omp25, Omp19, bp26, and Omp16. OMVs from a rough VTRM1 induced significantly higher expression of IL-12, TNFα, and IFNγ genes in bone marrow dendritic cells than OMVs from smooth strain 16 M. Relative to saline control group, mice immunized intramuscularly with rough and smooth OMVs were protected from challenge with virulent strainB. melitensis16 M just as well as the group immunized with live strainB. melitensisRev1 (P<0.005). Additionally, the levels of serum IgG2a increased in mice vaccinated with OMVs from rough strain VTRM1 consistent with the induction of cell-mediated immunity.
Synthesis of Nickel-Encapsulated Carbon Nanocapsules and Cup-Stacked-Type Carbon Nanotubes via Nickel-Doped Fullerene Nanowhiskers
Authors: Kizuka Tokushi , Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Akagawa Akira
Published: December 2011

Nickel- (Ni) doped C60nanowhiskers (NWs) were synthesized by a liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method using a C60-saturated toluene solution and isopropanol with Ni nitrate hexahydrate Ni(NO3)2·6H2O. By varying the heating temperature of Ni-doped C60NWs, two types of one-dimensional carbon nanostructures were produced. By heating the NWs at 973 and 1173 K, carbon nanocapsules (CNCs) that encapsulated Ni nanoparticles were produced. The Ni-encapsulated CNCs joined one dimensionally to form chain structures. Upon heating the NWs to 1373 K, cup-stacked-type carbon nanotubes were synthesized.
Ligament Tissue Engineering and Its Potential Role in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yates E. W. , Rupani A. , Foley G. T. , Khan W. S. , Cartmell S. , Anand S. J.
Published: December 2011

Tissue engineering is an emerging discipline that combines the principle of science and engineering. It offers an unlimited source of natural tissue substitutes and by using appropriate cells, biomimetic scaffolds, and advanced bioreactors, it is possible that tissue engineering could be implemented in the repair and regeneration of tissue such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament. Whilst repair and regeneration of ligament tissue has been demonstrated in animal studies, further research is needed to improve the biomechanical properties of the engineered ligament if it is to play an important part in the future of human ligament reconstruction surgery. We evaluate the current literature on ligament tissue engineering and its role in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Potential Infectious Etiology of Behçet's Disease
Authors: Galeone Massimiliano , Colucci Roberta , D'Erme Angelo Massimiliano , Moretti Silvia , Lotti Torello
Published: December 2011

Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. The cause of Behçet's disease remains unknown, but epidemiologic findings suggest that an autoimmune process is triggered by an environmental agent in a genetically predisposed individual. An infectious agent could operate through molecular mimicry, and subsequently the disease could be perpetuated by an abnormal immune response to an autoantigen in the absence of ongoing infection. Potentia bacterial are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycobacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma fermentans, but the most commonly investigated microorganism is Streptococcus sanguinis. The relationship between streptococcal infections and Behçet's disease is suggested by clinical observations that an unhygienic oral condition is frequently noted in the oral cavity of Behçet's disease patients. Several viral agents, including herpes simplex virus-1, hepatitis C virus, parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and varicella zoster virus, may also have some role.
A Review of the Epidemiology of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Téllez-Zenteno Jose F. , Hernández-Ronquillo Lizbeth
Published: December 2011

Partial-onset epilepsies account for about 60% of all adult epilepsy cases, and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of partial epilepsy referred for epilepsy surgery and often refractory to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Little is known about the epidemiology of TLE, because it requires advanced neuroimaging, positive EEG, and appropriate clinical semiology to confirm the diagnosis. Moreover, recently recognized incidentally detected mesial temporal sclerosis in otherwise healthy individuals and benign temporal epilepsy indicate that the true epidemiology of TLE is underestimated. Our current knowledge on the epidemiology of TLE derives from data published from tertiary referral centers and/or inferred from population-based studies dealing with epilepsy. This article reviews the following aspects of the epidemiology of TLE: definitions, studies describing epidemiological rates, methodological observations, the interpretation of available studies, and recommendations for future studies.
Preparation and Characterization of Ni(OH)2 and NiO Mesoporous Nanosheets
Authors: Li Changyu , Liu Shouxin
Published: December 2011

Mesoporous nanosheets of single‐crystalline β‐nickel hydroxide (β‐Ni(OH)2) were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method using Ni(NO3)2 · 6H2O as precursor in a mixed solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS). Single‐crystalline nickel oxide (NiO) mesoporous nanosheets can be obtained through a thermal decomposition method using β‐Ni(OH)2 mesoporous nanosheets as precursor. The influences of SDBS and hydrothermal treatment were carefully investigated; the results showed that they played important roles in the formation of β‐Ni(OH)2 mesoporous nanosheets. The as‐obtained β‐Ni(OH)2 and NiO were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravity‐differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), and specific surface area, and pore size test.