bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly-S-Nitrosated Albumin as a Safe and Effective Multifunctional Antitumor Agent: Characterization, Biochemistry and Possible Future Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Ishima Yu , Kragh-Hansen Ulrich , Maruyama Toru , Otagiri Masaki
Published: December 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous molecule involved in multiple cellular functions. Inappropriate production of NO may lead to disease states. To date, pharmacologically active compounds that release NO within the body, such as organic nitrates, have been used as therapeutic agents, but their efficacy is significantly limited by unwanted side effects. Therefore, novel NO donors with better pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties are highly desirable. TheS-nitrosothiol fraction in plasma is largely composed of endogenousS-nitrosated human serum albumin (Mono-SNO-HSA), and that is why we are testing whether this albumin form can be therapeutically useful. Recently, we developed SNO-HSA analogs such as SNO-HSA with many conjugated SNO groups (Poly-SNO-HSA) which were prepared using chemical modification. Unexpectedly, we found striking inverse effects between Poly-SNO-HSA and Mono-SNO-HSA. Despite the fact that Mono-SNO-HSA inhibits apoptosis, Poly-SNO-HSA possesses very strong proapoptotic effects against tumor cells. Furthermore, Poly-SNO-HSA can reduce or perhaps completely eliminate the multidrug resistance often developed by cancer cells. In this review, we forward the possibility that Poly-SNO-HSA can be used as a safe and effective multifunctional antitumor agent.
Mathematical Model of Dynamic Protein Interactions Regulating p53 Protein Stability for Tumor Suppression
Authors: Wang Hua , Peng Guang
Published: December 2013

In the field of cancer biology, numerous genes or proteins form extremely complex regulatory network, which determines cancer cell fate and cancer cell survival. p53 is a major tumor suppressor that is lost in more than 50% of human cancers. It has been well known that a variety of proteins regulate its protein stability, which is essential for its tumor suppressive function. It remains elusive how we could understand and target p53 stabilization process through network analysis. In this paper we discuss the use of random walk and stationary distribution to measure the compound effect of a network of genes or proteins. This method is applied to the network of nine proteins that influence the protein stability of p53 via regulating the interaction between p53 and its regulator MDM2. Our study identifies that some proteins such as HDAC1 in the network of p53 regulators may have more profound effects on p53 stability, agreeing with the established findings on HDAC1. This work shows the importance of using mathematical analysis to dissect the complexity of biology networks in cancer.
Skewed Helper T-Cell Responses to IL-12 Family Cytokines Produced by Antigen-Presenting Cells and the Genetic Background in Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Shimizu Jun , Kaneko Fumio , Suzuki Noboru
Published: December 2013

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disease and is characterized by recurrent attacks on eyes, brain, skin, and gut. There is evidence that skewed T-cell responses contributed to its pathophysiology in patients with BD. Recently, we found that Th17 cells, a new helper T (Th) cell subset, were increased in patients with BD, and both Th type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathways were overactivated. Several researches revealed that genetic polymorphisms in Th1/Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathways were associated with the onset of BD. Here, we summarize current findings on the Th cell subsets, their contribution to the pathogenesis of BD and the genetic backgrounds, especially in view of IL-12 family cytokine production and pattern recognition receptors of macrophages/monocytes.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Characterization of Aluminium(III)-para-methyl-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin Complexes Containing Substituted Salicylates as Axial Ligands
Authors: Bajju Gauri D. , Deepmala  , Anand Sunil Kumar , Kundan Sujata , Singh Narinder
Published: December 2013

A series of aluminium(III)-p-methyl-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (p-CH3TPP-Al(III)) containing axially coordinated salicylate anion [p-CH3TPP-Al-X)], where X = salicylate (SA), 4-chlorosalicylate (4-CSA), 5-chlorosalicylate (5-CSA), 5-flourosalicylate (5-FSA), 4-aminosalicylate (4-ASA), 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA), 5-nitrosalicylate (5-NSA), and 5-sulfosalicylate (5-SSA), have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques including ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy,13C NMR, and elemental analysis. A detailed study of electrochemistry of all the synthesized compounds has been done to compare their oxidation and reduction mechanisms and to explain the effect of axial coordination on their redox properties.
Enhanced Inflammatory Activity of Endometriotic Lesions from the Rectovaginal Septum
Authors: Bertschi Dominic , McKinnon Brett D. , Evers Jakob , Bersinger Nick A. , Mueller Michael D.
Published: December 2013

Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of ectopic lesions at multiple locations outside the uterine cavity and may be considered a collection of distinct but related conditions. The exact aetiology of endometriosis is still not clear although a role for inflammation is increasingly accepted. We therefore investigated the inflammatory activity of eutopic tissue and that of the matching ectopic lesions from different locations by measuring the genetic expression of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. The gene expression in matching eutopic and ectopic tissue was compared, as was the gene expression in lesions from different locations. A significantly higher mRNA expression of the chemokines ENA-78 and RANTES and the cytokines IL-6 and TNFαwas observed in endometriotic lesions of the rectovaginal septum (RVS) compared to that of matching eutopic tissue. Comparisons across lesion locations showed a significantly higher expression of IL-6 and TNFαin the RVS compared to lesions from either the ovaries or the peritoneum. These results show that the production of some inflammatory chemokines and cytokines is significantly increased in the ectopic endometrial tissue compared to matching eutopic tissue. Furthermore, IL-6 and TNFαare produced in significantly higher quantities in RVS lesions compared to other lesions.
Nb Substitution Effects on Superconducting Properties ofRu1−xNbxSr2Eu1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10−δ
Authors: Maldonado-Mejía J. L. , Quiz-Celestino J. D. , Botello-Zubiate M. E. , Palomares-Sánchez S. A. , Matutes-Aquino J. A.
Published: December 2013

In order to gain further insight into the role of substitution of Ru by Nb on superconductivity, polycrystalline samples of Ru1−xNbxSr2Eu1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10−δ  (0.0 ≤x≤ 1.0) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method. Substitution of Nb at the Ru site in the system takes place isostructurally in the tetragonal structure (space groupI4/mmm) with full solubility (x= 1.0). Superconductivity exists for all compositions. Resistivity measurements in function of temperature from 0 to 300 K were done using the four-probe technique. It is found that the substitution of Ru5+for Nb5+depresses the superconductivity of samples fromTc = 29 K forx= 0.0 toTc = 5 K forx= 1.0 (whereTcis the critical temperature, when resistivity becomes equal to zero). In the normal state, the dependence of resistivity with temperature, for compositions withx = 0.0 and 0.2, shows a metallic behavior, while for compositions betweenx= 0.4 andx= 1 it shows a semiconducting behavior. In that way, the density of charge carriers is reduced with niobium doping, leading to the semiconducting behavior. The resistive transition to the superconducting state of all samples is found to be affected by granularity. Samples undergo double superconducting transition.
Existence and Global Uniform Asymptotic Stability of Almost Periodic Solutions for Cellular Neural Networks with Discrete and Distributed Delays
Authors: Hou Zongyi , Zhu Hongying , Feng Chunhua
Published: December 2013

This paper discusses the existence and global uniform asymptotic stability of almost periodic solutions for cellular neural networks (CNNS). By utilizing the theory of the almost periodic differential equation and the Lyapunov functionals method, some sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the existence and global uniform asymptotic stability. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the main results.
Capped Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Detection of Hemin: Role of Number of –OH Groups of Capping Agent in Fluorescence Quenching
Authors: Baruah Upama , Gogoi Neelam , Majumdar Gitanjali , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: December 2013

We have successfully demonstrated the use of capped carbon dot systems, namely, CDs/β‐cd, CDs/LMH, and CDs/Suc, as fluorescent sensors for the detection of hemin. The capped carbon dot systems showed quenching of PL intensity in the presence of hemin. The minimum detection limit was determined to be ~1 μM. The PL response with free Fe(II) and Fe(III) was also studied. It was observed that PL quenching of capped carbon dot systems in the presence of hemin is dependent on the number of –OH groups in the capping agent. The order of quenching towards hemin was determined to be CDs/β‐cd > CDs/LMH = CDs/Suc > CDs. A possible mechanism to account for the observation is also discussed in the paper.
Suppression of Time Delay Signature in Chaotic Semiconductor Lasers with Filtered Optical Feedback
Authors: Wu Yuan , Wang Bingjie , Zhang Jianzhong , Wang Anbang , Wang Yuncai
Published: December 2013

We report the investigation of the time delay signature in chaotic semiconductor subject to delayed filtered optical feedback, of which a Fabry-Pérot interferometer type of filter is placed in the external cavity. The numerical results show that the suppression of time delay is dependent on the spectral width of the filter and its detuning from the solitary laser frequency. Such laser system will be helpful to acquire high quality chaotic signals.
Psoriasis: Female Skin Changes in Various Hormonal Stages throughout Life—Puberty, Pregnancy, and Menopause
Authors: Ceovic Romana , Mance Marko , Bukvic Mokos Zrinka , Svetec Maja , Kostovic Kresimir , Stulhofer Buzina Daska
Published: December 2013

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent immune mediated skin diseases worldwide. Despite the large prevalence in both men and women, the pathogenesis of this disease has not yet been fully clarified. Nowadays, it is believed that psoriasis is most likely a T helper Th1/Th17 induced inflammatory disease. Stressful life situations are known to cause flare-ups and psoriasis activity may be linked to stress from major life events. We know that stress greatly affects both the hormone and immune systems and that there are many different hormonal phases throughout a woman’s lifetime. The severity of psoriasis may fluctuate or be influenced by each phase and this relationship can be seen as disease frequency seems to peak during puberty, postpartum, and menopause when hormone levels fall, while symptoms improve during pregnancy, a state when hormone levels are increased.
Cytokeratin 18 Is Not Required for Morphogenesis of Developing Prostates but Contributes to Adult Prostate Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Chenlu , Guo Yanjing , Cui Jian , Zhu Helen He , Gao Wei-Qiang
Published: December 2013

Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is a key component of keratin-containing intermediate filaments and has long been used as a classic luminal cell marker in prostatic tissue. However, thein vivofunction of CK18 in prostate is not known so far. We reported in this study, unexpectedly, that deletion of CK18 in a mouse model did not affect the morphological or the histological structures of adult prostate, as the CK18 knockout prostate displayed a normal glandular ductal structure, branching pattern, and composition of both luminal and basal cells. However, CK18 loss compromised the regenerative tubular branching in dorsolateral prostate after castration and androgen replacement. Therefore, in contrast to its importance as luminal cell marker, CK18 is dispensable for the prostate morphogenesis but contributes to adult prostate regeneration.
Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction Is Associated with Common Bile Duct Carcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Yang , Wei Jun , Zhao Zhongxin , You Tiangeng , Zhong Mingan
Published: December 2013

Objective. Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of gallbladder carcinoma. However, the relationship between PBM and common bile duct carcinoma (CBDC) remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to determine the available evidence on the association between PBM and CBDC. Methods. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to estimate the effects. Results. A total of eight case‐control studies and two cohort studies were identified. The incidence of PBM was higher in CBDC patients than in controls (OR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19–1.76). Compared with patients without PBM, CBDC patients with PBM were younger at the diagnosis age (SMD = −0.46; 95% CI, −0.64 to −0.28). A difference in the incidence of associated CDC was found between CBDC patients with or without PBM (OR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.60–2.87). Conclusions. Compared with benign biliary tract diseases, the incidence of PBM was higher in CBDC patients, especially in relatively young patients. We also found that the incidence of CDC was higher in CBDC patients with PBM. These findings showed positive association between PBM and CBDC, which may help in identifying high‐risk individuals.
Columnar-to-Equiaxed Transition in Metal-Matrix Composites Reinforced with Silicon Carbide Particles
Authors: Ares Alicia E. , Schvezov Carlos E.
Published: December 2013

The present work is focused on the study of the effect of directional heat extraction on the silicon-carbide (SiC) distribution in zinc-aluminum matrix composites (MMCs) and on the columnar-to-equiaxed (CET) position in directionally solidified samples. To this end, a ZA-27 alloy matrix was reinforced with ceramic particles of SiC and vertically directionally solidified. The cooling rates, temperature gradients, and interphase velocities were then measured, and their influence on the solidification microstructure of the MMCs was analyzed. The recalescence detected and measured during the equiaxed transition was of the order of 3.5°C to 1.1°C. The values of the temperature gradients reached a minimum during the CET and were even negative in most cases (between −3.89 K and 0.06 K). The interphase velocities varied between 0.07 mm/s and 0.44 mm/s at the transition. Also, the presence of ceramic particles in ZA-27 alloys affected the thermodynamic local conditions and the kinetics of nucleation, producing a finer microstructure.
Maya and WRB Soil Classification in Yucatan, Mexico: Differences and Similarities
Authors: Estrada-Medina Héctor , Bautista Francisco , Jiménez-Osornio Juan José María , González-Iturbe José Antonio , Aguilar Cordero Wilian de Jesús
Published: December 2013

Soils of the municipality of Hocabá, Yucatán, México, were identified according to both Mayan farmers’ knowledge and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). To identify Maya soil classes, field descriptions made by farmers and semistructured interviews were utilized. WRB soils were identified by describing soil profiles and analyzing samples in the laboratory. Mayan farmers identified soils based on topographic position and surface properties such as colour and amount of rock fragments and outcrops. Farmers distinguished two main groups of soils:K'ankabor soils of plains andBoxlu’umor soils of mounds.K'ankabis a group of red soils with two variants (K'ankabandHaylu’um), whereasBoxlu’umis a group of dark soils with five variants (Tsek'el, Ch'ich'lu’um, Chaltun, Puslu’um,andCh'och'ol). Soils on the plains were identified as Leptosoils, Cambisols, and Luvisols. Soils identified in mounds were Leptosols and Calcisols. Many soils identified by farmers could be more than one WRB unit of soil andvice versa; in these cases no direct relationship between both classification systems was possible. Mayan and WRB soil types are complementary; they should be used together to improve regional soil classifications, help transference of agricultural technologies, and make soil management decisions.
On the Meshing Efficiency of 2K-2H Type Planetary Gear Reducer
Authors: Hsieh Long-Chang , Tang Hsiu-Chen
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer and analyzes its meshing efficiency. First, according to the concept of train value equation, the kinematic design of 2K–2H type planetary gear reducers is carried out. Three 2K–2H type planetary gear reducers are designed to illustrate the design algorithm. Then, based on the latent power theorem, the meshing efficiency equation of 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer is derived. According to the meshing efficiency equation, the meshing efficiencies of 2K–2H type planetary gear reducers are analyzed. The 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer has the following characteristics. (1) There is a power circulation in 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer. (2) Larger reduction ratio makes less meshing efficiency. (3) For the same reduction ratio, larger value [Formula: see text] will get better meshing efficiency. (4) For 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer, the quality of gears is an important factor. (5) The efficiency of gears manufactured by grinding is only improved by 1.5%; however, meshing efficiency of 2K–2H type planetary gear reducer is improved by 28%~44.8%.
The Principle of Stationary Action in Biophysics: Stability in Protein Folding
Authors: Simmons Walter , Weiner Joel L.
Published: December 2013

We conceptualize protein folding as motion in a large dimensional dihedral angle space. We use Lagrangian mechanics and introduce an unspecified Lagrangian to study the motion. The fact that we have reliable folding leads us to conjecture the totality of paths forms caustics that can be recognized by the vanishing of the second variation of the action. There are two types of folding processes: stable against modest perturbations and unstable. We also conjecture that natural selection has picked out stable folds. More importantly, the presence of caustics leads naturally to the application of ideas from catastrophe theory and allows us to consider the question of stability for the folding process from that perspective. Powerful stability theorems from mathematics are then applicable to impose more order on the totality of motions. This leads to an immediate explanation for both the insensitivity of folding to solution perturbations and the fact that folding occurs using very little free energy. The theory of folding, based on the above conjectures, can also be used to explain the behavior of energy landscapes, the speed of folding similar to transition state theory, and the fact that random proteins do not fold.
Multiband Printed Asymmetric Dipole Antenna for LTE/WLAN Applications
Authors: Peng Chia-Mei , Chen I-Fong , Liu Chin-Hao
Published: December 2013

The ability of a single layer strip fed printed asymmetric dipole antenna, which is composed of top-loading, asymmetric coplanar waveguide (ACPW) and stepped-feeding structure, to operate at three wide frequency bands (698~960 MHz, 1710~2620 MHz, and 5150~5850 MHz) to cover WLAN and LTE operation has been demonstrated. A prototype of the proposed antenna with 57.5 mm in length, 0.4 mm in thickness, and 5 mm in width is fabricated and experimentally investigated. The experimental results indicate that the VSWR 2.5 : 1 bandwidths achieved were 74.3%, 40.8%, and 18.2% at 700 MHz, 2450 MHz, and 5500 MHz, respectively. Experimental results are shown to verify the validity of theoretical work.
Power Generation from Human Leukocytes/Lymphocytes in Mammalian Biofuel Cell
Authors: Güven Güray , Lozano-Sanchez Pablo , Güven Arcan
Published: December 2013

Alternative to batteries power sources is needed for the human implants of the future that tend to be less invasive and more integrated to human biology and physiology. Human metabolism could be exploited for the generation of power, but mammalian cells protect their energy production apparatus from external electrochemical scavengers. We report here evidence that, in the case of white blood cells, chemical energy can be harvested directly on an electrode as electricity in fuel cells whose stability is roughly parallel to the viability of cells in vitro. Electrochemical activity of human leukocytes immobilized on modified carbon mesh electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Oxidation peaks at 0.33 V versus Ag/AgCl were observed. An open-circuit potential of 0.44 V was recorded between anode and cathode compartments where the biofuel cell potential operating under an external load of 5 kΩ was below 0.35 V. Average power outputs of 10 μW (2.4×10-6 μW/cell) were increased to 15 μW by the activation of white blood cells. Power densities of 1.5 μW cm−2for lower than physiological cell concentrations are low for most of today’s implants, but possibility of cell immobilization allows a positive outlook for the future utility of the reported findings.
Hox Targets and Cellular Functions
Authors: Sánchez-Herrero Ernesto
Published: December 2013

Hox genes are a group of genes that specify structures along the anteroposterior axis in bilaterians. Although in many cases they do so by modifying a homologous structure with a different (or no) Hox input, there are also examples of Hox genes constructing new organs with no homology in other regions of the body. Hox genes determine structures though the regulation of targets implementing cellular functions and by coordinating cell behavior. The genetic organization to construct or modify a certain organ involves both a genetic cascade through intermediate transcription factors and a direct regulation of targets carrying out cellular functions. In this review I discuss new data from genome-wide techniques, as well as previous genetic and developmental information, to describe some examples of Hox regulation of different cell functions. I also discuss the organization of genetic cascades leading to the development of new organs, mainly usingDrosophila melanogasteras the model to analyze Hox function.
Bidirectional Dynamic Diversity Evolutionary Algorithm for Constrained Optimization
Authors: Gao Weishang , Shao Cheng , An Yi
Published: December 2013

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) were shown to be effective for complex constrained optimization problems. However, inflexible exploration-exploitation and improper penalty in EAs with penalty function would lead to losing the global optimum nearby or on the constrained boundary. To determine an appropriate penalty coefficient is also difficult in most studies. In this paper, we propose a bidirectional dynamic diversity evolutionary algorithm (Bi-DDEA) with multiagents guiding exploration-exploitation through local extrema to the global optimum in suitable steps. In Bi-DDEA potential advantage is detected by three kinds of agents. The scale and the density of agents will change dynamically according to the emerging of potential optimal area, which play an important role of flexible exploration-exploitation. Meanwhile, a novel double optimum estimation strategy with objective fitness and penalty fitness is suggested to compute, respectively, the dominance trend of agents in feasible region and forbidden region. This bidirectional evolving with multiagents can not only effectively avoid the problem of determining penalty coefficient but also quickly converge to the global optimum nearby or on the constrained boundary. By examining the rapidity and veracity of Bi-DDEA across benchmark functions, the proposed method is shown to be effective.
Chemiluminescence of Mn-Doped ZnS Nanocrystals Induced by Direct Chemical Oxidation and Ionic Liquid-Sensitized Effect as an Efficient and Green Catalyst
Authors: Azizi Seyed Naser , Chaichi Mohammad Javad , Shakeri Parmis , Bekhradnia Ahmadreza , Taghavi Mehdi , Ghaemy Mousa
Published: December 2013

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) method was proposed for doping water-soluble Mn in ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as CL emitter. Water-soluble Mn-doped ZnS QDs were synthesized by using L-cysteine as stabilizer in aqueous solution. These nanoparticles were structurally and optically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy. The CL of ZnS QDs was induced directly by chemical oxidation and its ionic liquid-sensitized effect in aqueous solution was then investigated. It was found that oxidants, especially hydrogen peroxide, could directly oxidize ZnS QDs to produce weak CL emission in basic solutions. In the presence of 1,3-dipropylimidazolium bromide/copper, a drastic light emission enhancement was observed which is related to a strong interaction between Cu2+and the imidazolium ring. In these conditions, an efficient CL light was produced at low pH which is suggested to be beneficial to the biological analysis. The CL properties of QDs not only will be helpful to study physical chemistry properties of semiconductor nanocrystals but also they are expected to find use in many fields such as luminescence devices, bioanalysis, and multicolor labeling probes.
A Randomized Controlled Neurophysiological Study of a ChineseChan-Based Mind-Body Intervention in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chan Agnes S. , Han Yvonne M. Y. , Sze Sophia L. , Wong Queenie Y. , Cheung Mei-chun
Published: December 2013

Our previous studies have reported the therapeutic effects of 10-session ChineseChan-basedDejianmind-body interventions (DMBI) in reducing the intake of antidepressants, improving depressive symptoms, and enhancing the attentional abilities of patients with depression. This study aims to explore the possible neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms underlying the previously reported treatment effects of DMBI in comparison with those of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Seventy-five age-, gender-, and education-matched participants with depression were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or DMBI or placed on a waitlist. Eyes-closed resting EEG data were obtained individually before and after 10 weeks. After intervention, the DMBI group demonstrated significantly enhanced frontal alpha asymmetry (an index of positive mood) and intra- and interhemispheric theta coherence in frontoposterior and posterior brain regions (an index of attention). In contrast, neither the CBT nor the waitlist group showed significant changes in EEG activity patterns. Furthermore, the asymmetry and coherence indices of the DMBI group were correlated with self-reported depression severity levels and performance on an attention test, respectively. The present findings provide support for the effects of a ChineseChan-based mind-body intervention in fostering human brain states that can facilitate positive mood and an attentive mind.
Ceric Ion Loaded MCM-41 Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Mono- and Bis-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Vadivel Pullar , Ramesh Rathinam , Lalitha Appaswami
Published: December 2013

An effective one-pot three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes with 1,3-diketone and urea or thiourea under solvent-free condition leads to the formation of mono- and bis-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones using Ce-MCM-41 as a recyclable solid acid catalyst. This method has several advantages like simple and easy work-up with shorter reaction time, reusability of catalyst, and high yields of Biginelli products.
Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Power Absorption in Humans Exposed to Plane Waves: The Effect of Breathing Activity
Authors: Cavagnaro Marta , Pittella Erika , Pisa Stefano
Published: December 2013

The safety aspects of the exposure of people to uniform plane waves in the frequency range from 900 MHz to 5 GHz are analyzed. Starting from a human body model available in the literature, representing a man in resting state, two new anatomical models are considered, representing different phases of the respiratory activity: tidal breath and deep breath. These models have been used to evaluate the whole body Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and the 10-g averaged and 1-g averaged SAR. The analysis is performed using a parallel implementation of the finite difference time domain method. A uniform plane wave, with vertical polarization, is used as an incident field since this is the canonical exposure situation used in safety guidelines. Results show that if the incident electromagnetic field is compliant with the reference levels promulgated by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and by IEEE, the computed SAR values are lower than the corresponding basic restrictions, as expected. On the other side, when the Federal Communications Commission reference levels are considered, 1-g SAR values exceeding the basic restrictions for exposure at 4 GHz and above are obtained. Furthermore, results show that the whole body SAR values increase passing from the resting state model to the deep breath model, for all the considered frequencies.
Calibrating Car-Following Model Considering Measurement Errors
Authors: Shao Chang-qiao , Liu Xiao-ming , Zhang Zhi-yong
Published: December 2013

Car-following model has important applications in traffic and safety engineering. To enhance the accuracy of model in predicting behavior of individual driver, considerable studies strive to improve the model calibration technologies. However, microscopic car-following models are generally calibrated by using macroscopic traffic data ignoring measurement errors-in-variables that leads to unreliable and erroneous conclusions. This paper aims to develop a technology to calibrate the well-known Van Aerde model. Particularly, the effect of measurement errors-in-variables on the accuracy of estimate is considered. In order to complete calibration of the model using microscopic data, a new parameter estimate method named two-step approach is proposed. The result shows that the modified Van Aerde model to a certain extent is more reliable than the generic model.
The Estimate for Approximation Error of Neural Network with Two Weights
Authors: Zeng Fanzi , Tang Yuting
Published: December 2013

The neural network with two weights is constructed and its approximation ability to any continuous functions is proved. For this neural network, the activation function is not confined to the odd functions. We prove that it can limitlessly approach any continuous function from limited close subset of Rm to Rn and any continuous function, which has limit at infinite place, from limitless close subset of Rm to Rn. This extends the nonlinear approximation ability of traditional BP neural network and RBF neural network.
Higher Order Compact Finite Difference Schemes for Unsteady Boundary Layer Flow Problems
Authors: Dlamini P. G. , Motsa S. S. , Khumalo M.
Published: December 2013

We investigate the applicability of the compact finite difference relaxation method (CFDRM) in solving unsteady boundary layer flow problems modelled by nonlinear partial differential equations. The CFDRM utilizes the Gauss-Seidel approach of decoupling algebraic equations to linearize the governing equations and solve the resulting system of ordinary differential equations using compact finite difference schemes. The CFDRM has only been used to solve ordinary differential equations modelling boundary layer problems. This work extends its applications to nonlinear partial differential equations modelling unsteady boundary layer flows. The CFDRM is validated on two examples and the results are compared to results of the Keller-box method.
Xuesaitong Soft Capsule (Chinese Patent Medicine) for the Treatment of Unstable Angina Pectoris: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Xiong Xingjiang , Wang Heran , Yang Guoyan , Wang Jie
Published: December 2013

Objective.To provide a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Xuesaitong soft capsule (XST) in treating unstable angina (UA).Methods.An extensive search of 6 medical databases was performed up to August 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving XST alone or combined with conventional drugs versus conventional drugs were included. A meta-analysis of reduction of angina symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) improvement was performed to evaluate the effects of XST on UA.Results.After researching, a total of 6 RCTs with 716 participants were included. Our review showed that XST combined with conventional drugs had significant effect on relieving angina symptoms (RR:1.14 [1.07,1.22];P=0.0001) and improving ECG (RR:1.26 [1.12,1.42];P=0.0001) compared with conventional drugs alone.Conclusions.XST appears to have beneficial effects on improvement of ECG, reduction of angina symptoms, and decreasing the frequency and duration of angina attack in participants with UA. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the poor methodological quality of the included trials.
New Semiempirical Equation Describing Evaporation and Condensation in Nonassociated Liquids
Authors: Gorbachev Mihail Yu. , Dimoglo Anatholy S.
Published: December 2013

The consideration of the evaporating and condensing molecules’ interaction with the surface layer of nonassociated liquids made it possible to find an equation for relations between the saturated vapor pressure P, from one side, and surface tension, critical temperature, and molar volume of the liquids, from the other side. This equation takes into account the influence of intramolecular conformational transitions of evaporating molecules on the quantity of their energy barrier. There are two types of the condensation process for the nonassociated liquids: soft and hard molecular condensation. For some vapor molecules the surface layer of the liquids behaves as an impenetrable elastic film. In the case of evaporating molecules, their one‐particle potential barrier caused by the surface molecules vibration is essentially higher for the conformationally flexible molecules than that for rigid ones.
Do Gender and Race/Ethnicity Influence Acute Myocardial Infarction Quality of Care in a Hospital with a Large Hispanic Patient and Provider Representation?
Authors: Romero Tomás , Velez Pablo , Glaser Dale , Romero Camila X.
Published: December 2013

Background. Disparities in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care for women and minorities have been extensively reported in United States but with limited information on Hispanics.Methods. Medical records of 287 (62%) Hispanic and 176 (38%) non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients and 245 women (53%) admitted with suspected AMI to a southern California nonprofit community hospital with a large Hispanic patient and provider representation were reviewed. Baseline characteristics, outcomes (mortality, CATH, PCI, CABG, and use of pertinent drug therapy), and medical insurance were analyzed according to gender, Hispanic and NHW race/ethnicity when AMI was confirmed. For categorical variables,2×2chi-square analysis was conducted. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for outcomes adjusted for gender, race/ethnicity, cardiovascular risk factors, and insurance were obtained.Results. Women and Hispanics had similar drug therapy, CATH, PCI, and mortality as men and NHW when AMI was confirmed (n=387). Hispanics had less private insurance than NHW (31.4% versus 56.3%,P<0.001); no significant differences were found according to gender.Conclusions. No differences in quality measures and outcomes were found for women and between Hispanic and NHW in AMI patients admitted to a facility with a large Hispanic representation. Disparities in medical insurance showed no influence on these findings.
miR-338-3p Suppresses Gastric Cancer Progression through a PTEN-AKT Axis by Targeting P-REX2a
Authors: Guo Bo , Liu Liying , Yao Jiayi , Ma Ruili , Chang Dongmin , Li Zongfang , Song Tusheng , Huang Chen
Published: December 2013

Results from recent studies suggest that aberrant microRNA expression is common in numerous cancers. Although miR-338-3p has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma, its role in gastric cancer is unknown. To this end, we report that miR-338-3p is downregulated in both gastric cancer tissue and cell lines. Forced expression of miR-338-3p inhibited cell proliferation and clonogenicity and induced a G1–S arrest as well as apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, P-Rex2a (PREX2) was identified as a direct target of miR-338-3p, and silencing P-Rex2a resulted in the same biologic effects of miR-338-3p expression in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, both enforced expression of miR-338-3p or silencing of P-Rex2a resulted in activation of PTEN, leading to a decline in AKT phosphorylation. Also, miR-338-3p markedly inhibited the in vivo tumorigenicity in a nude mouse xenograft model system. These results demonstrate that miR-338-3p affects gastric cancer progression through PTEN—AKT signaling by targeting P-Rex2a in gastric cancer cells, which posits miR-338-3p as a novel strategy for gastric cancer treatment.

Implications: miR-338-3p acts as a novel tumor suppressor that blocks the growth of gastric cancer cells through PTEN—PI3K signaling by targeting P-Rex2a. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 313–21. ©2013 AACR.
Semiologia obstétrica
Authors: Carrara Helio Humberto Angotti , Duarte Geraldo
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho é facilitar ao aluno o melhor entendimento das alterações e adaptações fisiológicas do organismo materno determinadas pela gravidez, bem como o conhecimento e aprendizado da mecânica do parto.
Diagnóstico da hipertensão arterial
Authors: Mion Júnior Décio , Pierin Angela Maria Geraldo , Krasilcic Sara , Matavelli Luis Celso , Santello José Luiz
Published: December 2013

O diagnóstico da hipertensão requer medida precisa da pressão arterial. Vários fatores relacionados ao observador, paciente, equipamento e à técnica podem alterar a medida da pressão arterial. Em relação ao observador, deve-se evitar preferências por dígitos, velocidade de deflação muito rápida e pressão excessiva sobre a artéria braquial; os olhos do observador devem ser mantidos ao nível da coluna de mercúrio. No paciente, deve-se excluir ansiedade, distensão vesical, exercício físico, dor, fumo ou alimentação recente. Problemas nos estigmomanômetros e relação inadequada entre a largura do manuguito e o braço do paciente, também, podem causar erros na medida da pressão arterial.
Hipertensão arterial secundária
Authors: Carvalho José Gastão Rocha De
Published: December 2013

Apesar do importante avanço em técnicas diagnósticas, as causas de hipertensão arterial secundária podem ser suspeitadas através de história e exame físico cuidadosos, com o auxílio de estudos laboratoriais simples e acessíveis. Pacientes hipertensos nos quais o diagnóstico etiológico de hipertensão arterial secundária não é definido, na avaliação inicial, podem ser submetidos à investigação adicional, durante o seu seguimento clínico. Incluem-se entre estas situações, resposta terapêutica inadequada, elevação de níveis pressóricos após controle inicial, formas mais graves de hipertensão arterial, alterações eletrolíticas ou de função renal e qualidade de vida prejudicada, entre outras indicações. Este artigo aborda as considerações mais relevantes em relação à abordagem clínica e laboratorial das causas mais freqüentes de hipertensão arterial secundária.
Alotransplante cardíaco em ratos
Authors: Cologna Adauto José , Martins Antônio Carlos Pereira , Suaid Haylton Jorge , Velludo Maria Angeles Sanchez Llorach
Published: December 2013

O objetivo desta apresentação é o de relatar as complicações cirúrgicas ocorridas no intra-operatório e, a sobrevida do coração transplantado. Os autores realizaram o alotransplante cardíaco heterotópico, utilizando, como doadores, ratos Wistar e, como receptores, ratos Holtzman. A técnica utilizada foi a descrita por Ono e Lindsey, empregando-se fio de seda 7.0 para as anastomoses vasculares. Foram operados 56 animais: em 41, obteve-se sucesso na cirurgia (73%); em 15, o resultado foi insatisfatório (26%). Dentre as complicações responsáveis pelo insucesso foram observadas: hemorragia arterial (6/15), trombose venosa (2/15), trombose coronariana (2/15) e perda do órgão caracterizada pela ausência de batimentos cardíacos (5/15). O tempo de isquemia total foi de 57,6 minutos e o tempo médio gasto para realização das suturas vasculares foi de 44,6 minutos. O diagnóstico da rejeição foi feito pela ausência de batimentos cardíacos à palpação do abdome. A sobrevida média do enxerto foi de 10,4 dias. Não foi empregada nenhuma medida imunossupressora. Os exames histopatológicos realizados nos corações rejeitados mostraram alterações conseqüentes à agressão imunológica (infiltrado mononuclear, necrose de fibras do miocárdio, edema e aumento de tamanho). Apesar da ocorrência de complicações intra-operatórias, este é um modelo simples que pode contribuir para o estudo da imunologia.
"Condom"
Authors: Gir Elucir , Duarte Geraldo , Carvalho Milton Jorge De
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar alguns aspectos acerca do “condom” e sua influência no exercício da sexualidade. Depreende-se que, na sua história secular, a finalidade inicial foi de prevenção contra as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST)(século XVI) e, posteriormente no século XVIII, sua ênfase foi na contracepção. A partir dos anos 80, curiosamente, o condom volta a assumir importante papel nas tentativas de prevenção das doenças transmitidas, por via sexual, apresentando como principal objetivo o controle da expansão da epidemia, provocada pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana.
Desenvolvimento e implantação da nova estrutura curricular na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Prado Wiliam Alves do
Published: December 2013

A Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, através de sua Comissão de Graduação, iniciou, em 1993, a implantação de estrutura curricular de um novo curso, denominado Curso de Ciências Médicas que, através de um único exame vestibular permite a graduação do aluno em Medicina e/ou em Ciências Biológicas-Modalidade Médica. Além desta flexibilização de sua terminalidade, o novo curso foi dividido em três fases: básica, clínica e internato, cada uma com dois anos de duração. As disciplinas tradicionais foram integradas em novas disciplinas ou articuladas no tempo, reduzindo a repetição desnecessária de conteúdo Novas disciplinas foram introduzidas visando o contato mais precoce do aluno com a Rede de Saúde e sua melhor formação ética e humanística Na fase clínica foram introduzidas novas disciplinas contendo tópicos de Semiologia Especializada Outros avanços da nova sistemática incluem a implantação de recursos para o auto aprendizado do estudante e a inclusão de disciplinas optativas nos três primeiros anos do curso permitindo maior contato do aluno com o docente em seu laboratório e aumento do numero de estudantes interessados em programa de iniciação científica. Como principais dificuldades são identificadas a resistência dos docentes em reduzir o uso de aulas teóricas como instrumento de ensino a sobrecarga de informações e a com pleta ausência de mecanismos de incentivo às atividades de ensino de graduação.
O ensino e o aprendizado das habilidades clínicas e competências médicas
Authors: Kira Célia Maria , Martins Milton de Arruda
Published: December 2013

O ensino médico de graduação deve visar o aprendizado não só de conhecimentos mas de habilidades e atitudes Para a formação de um profissional medico mais completo devem ser incorporadas ao ensino algumas tendências da Medicina Contemporânea, como o treinamento em ambulatório, a necessidade de levar em conta os custos nas decisões clínicas, a participação do paciente nas decisões que são tomadas a seu respeito, a abordagem multiprofissional do tratamento de saúde, o papel do médico na manutenção da saúde e prevenção das doenças, a importância dos conhecimentos de Epidemiologia à prática clínica e a valorização dos aspectos psicológicos, sociais e culturais, nas doenças e nos doentes. Existem várias estratégias para o ensino do raciocínio clínico, sendo que uma combinação do reconhecimento de padrões e do raciocínio hipotético-dedutivo tem sido considerada mais adequada para o treinamento dos alunos de Medicina, para sua prática futura como médicos. Uma reflexão sobre essas estratégias tem levado a mudanças no curso de Semiologia Clínica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, e elas são descritas neste artigo. Os autores comentam, ainda, a importância de algumas recomendações atuais, como o contato precoce dos estudantes com pacientes, o ensino em pequenos grupos, o aprendizado baseado em solução de problemas, o desenvolvimento da capacidade de buscar o conhecimento de forma autônoma, e a prática da Medicina baseada em evidências fornecidas pela investigação científica. Discutem também o papel do professor de Medicina que deve ser, ao mesmo tempo, médico competente, supervisor eficiente, provedor de informações, promotor do aprendizado e modelo adequado de atitudes e posturas, frente ao paciente e seus familiares e em relação a outros profissionais.
Características individuais e aprendizagem
Authors: Cianflone Ana Raquel Lucato
Published: December 2013

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar alguns dados da Literatura Educacional e Psicológica acerca das interações entre características individuais e aprendizagem, relacionando esses dados com estudos específicos realizados junto a estudantes de Medicina. Considerando característica individual como complexo de aptidões, o artigo apresenta algumas dimensões dos âmbitos cognitivos e de personalidade que têm apresentado relações com os processos de aprendizagem acadêmica e, em especial, com a formação do médico.
Ametropias e presbiopia
Authors: Bicas Harley Edison Amaral
Published: December 2013

O sistema óptico de um olho normal, com as características fundamentais de seus componentes e suas interrelações, é definido na distinção de emetropia e das ametropias (miopias e hipermetropias) axiais ou refracionais. Os procedimentos de estudo dos estados ópticos dos olhos (refratometria) são sintetizados, comentando-se outros resultados que podem deles advir (astigmatismos, anisometropias). É também analisada a capacidade de mudança do poder focal do olho (acomodação) e sua perda progressiva, com a idade (presbiopia). Sintomas e sinais decorrentes da presbiopia e das ametropias (reduções de acuidade visual, dores e irritações oculares, cefaléia, aversões a esforços visuais, hordéolos, estrabismos, ambliopias, etc.), respectivos tratamentos e prognósticos de evolução são também abordados.
Patologia dos anexos oculares
Authors: Cruz Antonio Augusto Velasco E , Chahud Fernando , Guimarães Fernando C.
Published: December 2013

Os principais temas da patologia dos anexos oculares foram revistos, com ênfase nas patologias que pertencem ao campo de atuação da oculoplástica.
Doenças do corpo vítreo, retina e uveíte
Authors: Souza Nivaldo Vieira De
Published: December 2013

Este capítulo trata de problemas do corpo vítreo, problemas da retina e de uveítes, iniciando com noções de Embriologia e com a descrição do fundo de olho normal.
Manifestações oculares de doenças sistêmicas
Authors: Souza Nivaldo Vieira De , Rodrigues Maria de Lourdes Veronese
Published: December 2013

Os objetivos deste capítulo são: capacitar o estudante de Medicina a nomear as implicações oculares das principais doenças sistêmicas que envolvem o olho, e fornecer subsídios para a educação continuada de médicos de outras especialidades.
Prevenção de perdas visuais
Authors: Rodrigues Maria de Lourdes Veronese
Published: December 2013

Os objetivos deste capítulo são: fornecer informações sobre Oftalmologia Preventiva; capacitar os alunos de graduação em Medicina a participar da prevenção das perdas visuais; e fornecer instrumento para educação continuada de profissionais da Saúde e da Educação.
Princípios da cirurgia ocular
Authors: Souza Nivaldo Vieira De
Published: December 2013

Este capítulo aborda os aspectos comuns a todas as cirurgias oculares, dando ênfase aos cuidados pré e pós-operatórios dos pacientes oftalmológicos e às técnicas anestésicas empregadas.