bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of alkyl substituents: 5,15-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)- vs. 5,15-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-tetrabenzoporphyrins and their metal complexes
Authors: Takahashi Kohtaro , Yamada Naoya , Kumagai Daichi , Kuzuhara Daiki , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Yamaguchi Yuji , Aratani Naoki , Nakayama Ken-ichi , Yamada Hiroko
Published: April 2015

The copper(II), nickel(II), etc. complexes of 5,15-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)tetrabenzoporphyrin ( TMS - H 2 BP ) and 5,15-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)tetrabenzoporphyrin ( TIPS - H 2 BP ) have been prepared from the corresponding bicycle[2.2.2]octadiene(BCOD)-fused precursors by the retro-Diels–Alder reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses show that TMS - H 2 BP and its metal complexes of zinc(II) ( TMS - ZnBP ) and copper(II) ( TMS - CuBP ) adopt flat molecular conformations and form herringbone-type packing structures in the single crystalline state. TIPS - H 2 BP and the zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes ( TIPS - ZnBP and TIPS - CuBP ) are similar to the TMS derivatives in molecular conformation, but these TIPS derivatives form one-dimensional slipped-stack structures. The nickel complexes TMS - NiBP and TIPS - NiBP have U-shaped structures because of the small size of nickel(II) ion. Solution processed organic thin-film transistors of the benzoporphyrins were fabricated and TMS - H 2 BP showed the highest hole mobility of 0.11 cm2.V-1.s-1. Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on TMS- or TIPS - H 2 BP and their metal complexes as p-type and PC 71 BM as n-type materials were fabricated by solution process. Atomic force microscopy and thin-film XRD measurements indicated that the film crystallinities were increased by raising the annealing temperature over 180°C or by changing the substituents from triisopropylsilyl to trimethylsilyl. The best power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.49% was achieved with TMS - ZnBP by annealing at 180°C with a moderate crystallinity and smooth surface.
Electroabsorption spectra of push–pull porphyrins in solution and in solid films
Authors: Awasthi Kamlesh , Hsu Hung-Yu , Chiang Hung-Chu , Mai Chi-Lun , Yeh Chen-Yu , Diau Eric Wei-Guang , Ohta Nobuhiro
Published: April 2015

Polarized electroabsorption (E-A) spectra of highly efficient porphyrin sensitizers (YD2 and YD2-oC8) have been measured in benzene solution. Polarized E-A spectra of these push–pull porphyrins embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate) films or sensitized on TiO 2 films are also observed. Based on the analysis of the E-A spectra, the magnitude of the electric dipole moment both in the ground state and in the lowest excited state have been evaluated in solution and in solid films. The electric dipole moment in the excited state of these compounds is very large on TiO 2 films, suggesting the interfacial charge transfer on TiO 2 surface following photoexcitation of porphyrin dyes. The electric dipole moment in the excited state evaluated from the E-A spectra is very different from the one evaluated from the electrophotoluminescence spectra on TiO 2, suggesting that the strong local field of TiO 2 films is applied to the fluorescing dyes attached to TiO 2 films.
Pre-organized dinucleosides with pendant porphyrins for the formation of sandwich type complexes with DABCO with high association constants
Authors: Merkas Sonja , Bouatra Souhaila , Rein Régis , Piantanida Ivo , Zinic Mladen , Solladié Nathalie
Published: April 2015

We report herein the synthesis of a dinucleotide bearing pendant porphyrins dedicated to adopt a pre-organized coformation with face-to-face porphyrins, and capable to self-organize in a stable sandwich type complexe with bidentate base such as DABCO. Earlier studies demonstrated that a peptidic linker does not provide sufficient pre-organization to enhance significantly the association constant with bidentate bases such as DABCO on the contrary of some other flexible linkers such as uridine or 2′-deoxyuridine. We document herein that the gain in stability for the formation of sandwich type host–guest complex with DABCO can be even greater when a dinucleotide linker is used. Such pre-organization increases the association constants by one to two orders of magnitude when compared to the association constants of the same bidentate ligands with a reference Zn(II) porphyrin. Comparison of these results with those obtained for rigid tweezers shows a better efficiency of the flexible nucleosidic dimers. We thus document the fact that the choice of rigid spacers is not the only way to pre-organize bis-porphyrins, and that some well-chosen nucleosidic linkers offer an interesting option for the synthesis of such devices. Furthermore, the chirality and enantio-purity of the nucleosidic linkers paves the way toward the selective complexation of enantio-pure bidentate guests and the resolution of racemates.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH IN PAKISTAN: ACHIEVEMENTS, GAPS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: NADEEM OBAIDULLAH
Published: April 2015

Research on the theoretical aspects and practice of impact assessment (IA) is increasingly viewed as significant in enhancing its effectiveness. Several research articles have been published on various aspects of IA practice in Pakistan, but perhaps not well shared through a unified platform. This article presents an analysis of the areas well covered, identifies barriers and gaps in current research and what needs the most urgent attention in future endeavours. Most research to date has focused on the EIA process/system, public participation and the quality of EIA reports using evaluation criteria. There is a need to do more research on methods and techniques of assessment, environmental impact assessment follow-up, monitoring and possible application of strategic environmental assessment.
China's Economy 2015: Reform and Rebalancing to Sustain Growth under the “New Normal”
Authors: WONG John
Published: April 2015

Having chalked up double-digit rates of growth for more than three decades, China's economy has in recent years slowed down, with only 7.4% growth for 2014. Growth for 2015 may further moderate to be just about seven per cent. President Xi Jinping has embraced a low growth threshold as the “New Normal” as what is most crucial for Xi is whether the economy is on track to rebalance and reform.
WATER SCARCITY FROM CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION RESPONSE IN AN INTERNATIONAL RIVER BASIN CONTEXT
Authors: KOOPMAN JASON F.L. , KUIK ONNO , TOL RICHARD S.J. , BROUWER ROY
Published: April 2015

We simulate and analyze the direct and indirect economic impacts of climate change on water availability for irrigation on the economy of the Netherlands and the other EU countries which share the Rhine and Meuse river basin (France, Germany and Belgium), employing a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. We make use of the GTAP-W model, distinguishing between rainfed and irrigated land and irrigation water as input factors in agricultural production. We assess the scope of market adaptation to climate change by comparing the CGE results with the direct agricultural damage costs estimated using hydrological and crop growth models. We find considerable scope for market adaptation in that total economic impacts on agriculture are much lower when accounting for substitution effects and cross-sectoral and cross-country interlinkages, while the impact on the nonagricultural sectors becomes larger when these substitution effects and interlinkages are accounted for.
Mitochondrial oxidative stress mediates high-phosphate-induced secretory defects and apoptosis in insulin-secreting cells
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet Thi , Quan Xianglan , Hwang Kyu-Hee , Xu Shanhua , Das Ranjan , Choi Seong-Kyung , Wiederkehr Andreas , Wollheim Claes B. , Cha Seung-Kuy , Park Kyu-Sang
Published: April 2015

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) plays an important role in cell signaling and energy metabolism. In insulin-releasing cells, Pitransport into mitochondria is essential for the generation of ATP, a signaling factor in metabolism-secretion coupling. Elevated Piconcentrations, however, can have toxic effects in various cell types. The underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we have investigated the effect of Pion secretory function and apoptosis in INS-1E clonal β-cells and rat pancreatic islets. Elevated extracellular Pi(1∼5 mM) increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), superoxide generation, caspase activation, and cell death. Depolarization of the ΔΨmabolished Pi-induced superoxide generation. Butylmalonate, a nonselective blocker of mitochondrial phosphate transporters, prevented ΔΨmhyperpolarization, superoxide generation, and cytotoxicity caused by Pi. High Pialso promoted the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) pore, leading to apoptosis, which was also prevented by butylmalonate. The mitochondrial antioxidants mitoTEMPO or MnTBAP prevented Pi-triggered PT pore opening and cytotoxicity. Elevated extracellular Pidiminished ATP synthesis, cytosolic Ca2+oscillations, and insulin content and secretion in INS-1E cells as well as in dispersed islet cells. These parameters were restored following preincubation with mitochondrial antioxidants. This treatment also prevented high-Pi-induced phosphorylation of ER stress proteins. We propose that elevated extracellular Picauses mitochondrial oxidative stress linked to mitochondrial hyperpolarization. Such stress results in reduced insulin content and defective insulin secretion and cytotoxicity. Our data explain the decreased insulin content and secretion observed under hyperphosphatemic states.
Systemic alterations in the metabolome of diabetic NOD mice delineate increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced inflammation and hypertriglyceremia
Authors: Fahrmann Johannes , Grapov Dmitry , Yang Jun , Hammock Bruce , Fiehn Oliver , Bell Graeme I. , Hara Manami
Published: April 2015

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice are a commonly used model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, not all animals will develop overt diabetes despite undergoing similar autoimmune insult. In this study, a comprehensive metabolomic approach, consisting of gas chromatography time-of-flight (GC-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-accurate mass quadruple time-of-flight (UHPLC-qTOF) MS and targeted UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry-based methodologies, was used to capture metabolic alterations in the metabolome and lipidome of plasma from NOD mice progressing or not progressing to T1D. Using this multi-platform approach, we identified >1,000 circulating lipids and metabolites in male and female progressor and nonprogressor animals ( n = 71). Statistical and multivariate analyses were used to identify age- and sex-independent metabolic markers, which best differentiated metabolic profiles of progressors and nonprogressors. Key T1D-associated perturbations were related with 1) increases in oxidation products glucono-δ-lactone and galactonic acid and reductions in cysteine, methionine and threonic acid, suggesting increased oxidative stress; 2) reductions in circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid signaling mediators, most notably arachidonic acid (AA) and AA-derived eicosanoids, implying impaired states of systemic inflammation; 3) elevations in circulating triacylglyercides reflective of hypertriglyceridemia; and 4) reductions in major structural lipids, most notably lysophosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylcholines. Taken together, our results highlight the systemic perturbations that accompany a loss of glycemic control and development of overt T1D.
Estradiol-mediated hepatocyte growth factor is involved in the implantation of endometriotic cells via the mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the peritoneum
Authors: Ono Yoshihiro J. , Hayashi Masami , Tanabe Akiko , Hayashi Atsushi , Kanemura Masanori , Terai Yoshito , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: April 2015

The pathogenesis of endometriosis, a chronic painful gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue located outside of the uterus and often adhering to the peritoneum, is known to be estrogen dependent. However, the precise pathophysiology of endometriosis remains elusive. Recent studies indicate that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human endometrial cells is important for the progression of endometriosis, and another previous study has implicated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in endometriosis progression. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of estradiol in the regulation of HGF production and progression of peritoneal endometriosis, focusing on the interactions between the peritoneum and endometriotic cells. Consequently, estradiol was found to promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of immortalized human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) via HGF upregulation, and the estradiol-induced direct binding of estrogen receptor-α to the HGF promoter was confirmed on a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Estradiol also induced the EMT in hEECs by promoting HGF production. Furthermore, human mesothelial cells underwent the mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) during culture with estradiol-stimulated hEEC conditioned medium. Importantly, estradiol itself did not induce the MMT, and the estradiol-stimulated hEEC-conditioned medium in the presence of HGF antibodies reversed the MMT process. These results, which were obtained using immortalized hEECs, indicate that estradiol-induced HGF production may play a crucial role in the peritoneal implantation of human endometriotic cells by exerting proliferative and invasive effects via the EMT in hEECs and promoting the MMT in mesothelial cells.
Impact of a folic acid-enriched diet on urinary tract function in mice treated with testosterone and estradiol
Authors: Keil Kimberly P. , Abler Lisa L. , Altmann Helene M. , Wang Zunyi , Wang Peiqing , Ricke William A. , Bjorling Dale E. , Vezina Chad M.
Published: April 2015

Aging men are susceptible to developing lower urinary tract symptoms, but the underlying etiology is unknown and the influence of dietary and environmental factors on them is unclear. We tested whether a folic acid-enriched diet changed urinary tract physiology and biology in control male mice and male mice with urinary dysfunction induced by exogenous testosterone and estradiol (T+E2), which mimics changing hormone levels in aging humans. T+E2 treatment increased mouse urine output, time between voiding events, and bladder capacity and compliance. Consumption of a folic acid-enriched diet moderated these changes without decreasing prostate wet weight or threshold voiding pressure. One potential mechanism for these changes involves water balance. T+E2 treatment increases plasma concentrations of anti-diuretic hormone, which is offset at least in part by a folic acid-enriched diet. Another potential mechanism involves neural control of micturition. The folic acid-enriched diet, fed to T+E2-treated mice, increased voiding frequency in response to intravesicular capsaicin infusion and increased mRNA abundance of the capsaicin-sensitive cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 ( Trpv1) in L6 and S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. T+E2 treatment and a folic acid-enriched diet also modified DNA methylation, which is capable of altering gene expression. We found the enriched diet increased global DNA methylation in dorsal and ventral prostate and L6 and S1 DRG. Our results are consistent with folic acid acting to slow or reverse T+E2-mediated alteration in urinary function in part by normalizing water balance and enhancing or preserving afferent neuronal function.
Deflection of a vibrissa leads to a gradient of strain across mechanoreceptors in a mystacial follicle
Authors: Whiteley Samuel J. , Knutsen Per M. , Matthews David W. , Kleinfeld David
Published: April 2015

Rodents use their vibrissae to detect and discriminate tactile features during active exploration. The site of mechanical transduction in the vibrissa sensorimotor system is the follicle sinus complex and its associated vibrissa. We study the mechanics within the ring sinus (RS) of the follicle in an ex vivo preparation of the mouse mystacial pad. The sinus region has a relatively dense representation of Merkel mechanoreceptors and longitudinal lanceolate endings. Two-photon laser-scanning microscopy was used to visualize labeled cell nuclei in an ∼100-nl vol before and after passive deflection of a vibrissa, which results in localized displacements of the mechanoreceptor cells, primarily in the radial and polar directions about the vibrissa. These displacements are used to compute the strain field across the follicle in response to the deflection. We observe compression in the lower region of the RS, whereas dilation, with lower magnitude, occurs in the upper region, with volumetric strain ΔV/V ∼ 0.01 for a 10° deflection. The extrapolated strain for a 0.1° deflection, the minimum angle that is reported to initiate a spike by primary neurons, corresponds to the minimum strain that activates Piezo2 mechanoreceptor channels.
Exoelectrogenic capacity of host microbiota predicts lymphocyte recruitment to the gut
Authors: Ericsson Aaron Conrad , Davis Daniel John , Franklin Craig Lawrence , Hagan Catherine Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Electrotaxis, directional cell movement in response to an electric potential, has been demonstrated in a wide range of cell types including lymphocytes. Exoelectrogens, microorganisms capable of generating electrical currents, have been identified in microbial fuel cells. However, no studies have investigated exoelectrogenic microbes in fresh feces or the effects of an exoelectrogenic microbiota on the host organism. Here we show that commensal gut microbial populations differ in their capacity for electrical current production by exoelectrogens and that those differences are predictive of increased lymphocyte trafficking to the gut in vivo, despite the lack of increased production of canonical lymphocyte-specific chemokines. Additionally, we demonstrate that the difference in current production between mice purchased from different commercial sources correlates reproducibly with the presence or absence of segmented filamentous bacteria, and while our data do not support a direct role for segmented filamentous bacteria in ex vivo current production, an exoelectrogenic microbiota can be transferred in vivo via mucosa-associated bacteria present in the ileum. Moreover, we detect upregulation of microbial genes associated with extracellular electron transfer in feces of mice colonized with exoelectrogenic microbiota containing segmented filamentous bacteria. While still correlative, these results suggest a novel means by which the gut microbiota modulates the recruitment of cells of the immune system to the gut.
Optimization Framework and Parameter Determination for Proximity-Based Device Discovery in D2D Communication Systems
Authors: Rim Minjoong , Chae Seungyeob , Kang Chung G.
Published: April 2015

One of the most important processes in device-to-device communications of cellular devices is that of discovery, which determines the proximity of devices. When a discovery process is performed, there are several parameters to determine, including the discovery range, the discovery period, and the modulation and coding scheme of the discovery messages. In this paper, we address the relationships between these parameters and describe an optimization framework to determine them. In the proposed procedure, it is important to first optimize the discovery rate, which is defined as the number of discoverable devices per unit time. Once the discovery rate is maximized, the discovery period can be determined accordingly based on the device density and the target discovery range. Since the discovery rate is not affected by many of discovery parameters such as the discovery range, the device density, and the discovery period, it can be used as a performance metric for comparing discovery schemes with different discovery ranges or different discovery periods.
Tubocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Nayini Krishnaveni , Gie Clive
Published: April 2015

Introduction. Tubocutaneous fistula is a very rare condition; most cases described in the literature are secondary to endometriosis, tuberculosis, and complications of child birth and gynecological operations.Case Presentation. We report a case of 40-year-old woman who presented with tubocutaneous fistula secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease which was diagnosed in the setting of persistent discharging wound in the right groin.Conclusion. Tubocutaneous fistula is a rare condition. Salpingectomy and resection of fistulous tract is the treatment of choice as is treating the underlying cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of these patients are essential for avoiding long term complications.
Effect ofOenothera odorataRoot Extract on Microgravity and Disuse-Induced Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Lee Yong-Hyeon , Seo Dong-Hyun , Park Ji-Hyung , Kabayama Kazuya , Opitz Joerg , Lee Kwang Ho , Kim Han-Sung , Kim Tack-Joong
Published: April 2015

Muscle atrophy, a reduction of muscle mass, strength, and volume, results from reduced muscle use and plays a key role in various muscular diseases. In the microgravity environment of space especially, muscle atrophy is induced by muscle inactivity. Exposure to microgravity induces muscle atrophy through several biological effects, including associations with reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study used 3D-clinostat to investigate muscle atrophy caused by oxidative stressin vitro, and sciatic denervation was used to investigate muscle atrophyin vivo. We assessed the effect ofOenothera odorataroot extract (EVP) on muscle atrophy. EVP helped recover cell viability in C2C12 myoblasts exposed to microgravity for 24 h and delayed muscle atrophy in sciatic denervated mice. However, the expressions of HSP70, SOD1, and ceramide in microgravity-exposed C2C12 myoblasts and in sciatic denervated mice were either decreased or completely inhibited. These results suggested that EVP can be expected to have a positive effect on muscle atrophy by disuse and microgravity. In addition, EVP helped characterize the antioxidant function in muscle atrophy.
Herz-Morrey-Hardy Spaces with Variable Exponents and Their Applications
Authors: Xu Jingshi , Yang Xiaodi
Published: April 2015

The authors introduce Herz-Morrey-Hardy spaces with variable exponents and establish the characterization of these spaces in terms of atom. Applying the characterization, the authors obtain the boundedness of some singular integral operators on these spaces.
Multivessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in an Unlikely Patient
Authors: Jehangir Waqas , Aly Tarek , Bedran Kebir H. , Yousif Abdalla , Niemiera Mark L.
Published: April 2015

When approaching the symptom of acute onset chest pain in a previously healthy 26-year-old male, anchoring heuristic presents a challenge to healthcare workers. This diagnostic error is the healthcare professional’s tendency to rely on a previous diagnosis, and, in situations where a set of symptoms might mask a rare and deadly condition, this error can prove fatal for the patient. One such condition, Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), is an uncommon and malefic presentation of coronary artery disease that can lead to myocardial infarction and sudden death. We present a case of SCAD in an otherwise healthy 26 year-old male who had been experiencing chest pain during and after sports activity. In the young, athletic male with SCAD, the danger of diagnostic error was a reality due to the broad symptomatology and the betraying demographics.
Association of High Expression of Groβwith Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Unfavorable Prognosis in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhu Huijun , Jin Qin , Zhang Shu , Wang Wei , Wang Defeng , Huang Jianfei
Published: April 2015

GROβ(CXCL2) is a chemokine produced by endotoxin-treated macrophages that mediates inflammation and tumor development. However, little is known about GROβexpression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) or the relationship between GROβexpression and clinical attributes of GIST. GROβexpression was examined via immunohistochemical staining of 173 GIST samples using tissue microarray. The relationship between GROβexpression and relevant patient and tumor characteristics was assessed, using chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using the Cox regression method. High GROβcytoplasm staining was detected in 56 (32.4%) specimens; high GROβnuclear staining was detected in 64 (37.0%) specimens. High GROβcytoplasm staining was significantly associated with patients’ age (P=0.043) and tumor location (P=0.014), while high GROβnucleus staining was significantly associated with mitotic index (P=0.034), tumor location (P=0.049), and AFIP-Miettinen risk classification (P=0.048). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed GIST patients with low GROβcytoplasm expression (P=0.023) and mitotic index < 6 per 50 HPFs (P=0.026) to have a more favorable prognosis. These findings indicate that GROβexpression correlates with malignant GIST phenotypes and could be an unfavorable prognostic marker in patients with GIST.
Neuroplastic Effects of Combined Computerized Physical and Cognitive Training in Elderly Individuals at Risk for Dementia: An eLORETA Controlled Study on Resting States
Authors: Styliadis Charis , Kartsidis Panagiotis , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Ioannides Andreas A. , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: April 2015

The present study investigates whether a combined cognitive and physical training may induce changes in the cortical activity as measured via electroencephalogram (EEG) and whether this change may index a deceleration of pathological processes of brain aging. Seventy seniors meeting the clinical criteria of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were equally divided into 5 groups: 3 experimental groups engaged in eight-week cognitive and/or physical training and 2 control groups: active and passive. A 5-minute long resting state EEG was measured before and after the intervention. Cortical EEG sources were modelled by exact low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). Cognitive function was assessed before and after intervention using a battery of neuropsychological tests including the minimental state examination (MMSE). A significant training effect was identified only after the combined training scheme: a decrease in the post- compared to pre-training activity of precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex in delta, theta, and beta bands. This effect was correlated to improvements in cognitive capacity as evaluated by MMSE scores. Our results indicate that combined physical and cognitive training shows indices of a positive neuroplastic effect in MCI patients and that EEG may serve as a potential index of gains versus cognitive declines and neurodegeneration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02313935.
Therapeutic Benefit of Extended Thymosinβ4 Treatment Is Independent of Blood Glucose Level in Mice with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Wang Lei , Chopp Michael , Jia Longfei , Lu Xuerong , Szalad Alexandra , Zhang Yi , Zhang RuiLan , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: April 2015

Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. To investigated the efficacy and safety of the extended treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with thymosinβ4 (Tβ4), male diabetic mice (db/db) at the age of 24 weeks were treated with Tβ4 or saline for 16 consecutive weeks. Treatment of diabetic mice with Tβ4 significantly improved motor (MCV) and sensory (SCV) conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve and the thermal and mechanical latency. However, Tβ4 treatment did not significantly alter blood glucose levels. Treatment with Tβ4 significantly increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Furthermore, Tβ4 counteracted the diabetes-induced axon diameter and myelin thickness reductions and theg-ratio increase in sciatic nerve. In vitro, compared with dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons derived from nondiabetic mice, DRG neurons derived from diabetic mice exhibited significantly decreased neurite outgrowth, whereas Tβ4 promoted neurite growth in these diabetic DRG neurons. Blockage of the Ang1/Tie2 signaling pathway with a neutralized antibody against Tie2 abolished Tβ4-increased neurite outgrowth. Our data demonstrate that extended Tβ4 treatment ameliorates diabetic-induced axonal degeneration and demyelination, which likely contribute to therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic neuropathy. The Ang1/Tie2 pathway may mediate Tβ4-induced axonal remodeling.
Characterization of Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Numakura Kazuyuki , Kagaya Hideaki , Yamamoto Ryohei , Komine Naoki , Saito Mitsuru , Hiroshi Tsuruta , Akihama Susumu , Inoue Takamitsu , Narita Shintaro , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Niioka Takenori , Miura Masatomo , Satoh Shigeru
Published: April 2015

We determined the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a Japanese cohort of renal allograft recipients and investigated clinical and genetic characteristics associated with having the disease. In total, 126 patients that received renal allograft transplants between February 2002 and August 2011 were studied, of which 44 recipients (34.9%) were diagnosed with dyslipidemia at 1 year after transplantation. Three clinical factors were associated with a risk of having dyslipidemia: a higher prevalence of disease observed among female than male patientsP=0.021and treatment with high mycophenolate mofetilP=0.012and prednisoloneP=0.023doses per body weight at 28 days after transplantation. The genetic association between dyslipidemia and 60 previously described genetic polymorphisms in 38 putative disease-associated genes was analyzed. The frequency of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in patients with the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1)Bcl1G allele than in those with the CC genotypeP=0.001. A multivariate analysis revealed that theNR3C1 Bcl1G allele was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of dyslipidemia (odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.8–12.2). These findings may aid in predicting a patient’s risk of developing dyslipidemia.
Interplay of the Gastric PathogenHelicobacter pyloriwith Toll-Like Receptors
Authors: Pachathundikandi Suneesh Kumar , Lind Judith , Tegtmeyer Nicole , El-Omar Emad M. , Backert Steffen
Published: April 2015

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial for pathogen recognition and downstream signaling to induce effective immunity. The gastric pathogenHelicobacter pyloriis a paradigm of persistent bacterial infections and chronic inflammation in humans. The chronicity of inflammation duringH. pyloriinfection is related to the manipulation of regulatory cytokines. In general, the early detection ofH. pyloriby TLRs and other pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is believed to induce a regulatory cytokine or chemokine profile that eventually blocks the resolution of inflammation.H. pylorifactors such as LPS, HSP-60, NapA, DNA, and RNA are reported in various studies to be recognized by specific TLRs. However,H. pyloriflagellin evades the recognition of TLR5 by possessing a conserved N-terminal motif. Activation of TLRs and resulting signal transduction events lead to the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators through activation of NF-κB, MAP kinases, and IRF signaling pathways. The genetic polymorphisms of these important PRRs are also implicated in the varied outcome and disease progression. Hence, the interplay of TLRs and bacterial factors highlight the complexity of innate immune recognition and immune evasion as well as regulated processes in the progression of associated pathologies. Here we will review this important aspect ofH. pyloriinfection.
Differences in the Gene Expression Profiles of Slow- and Fast-Forming Preinduced Pluripotent Stem Cell Colonies
Authors: Kwon Sujin , Park Jung Sun , Min Byungkuk , Kang Yong-Kook
Published: April 2015

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated through a gradual process in which somatic cells undergo a number of stochastic events. In this study, we examined whether two different doxycycline-inducible iPSCs, slow-forming 4F2A-iPSCs and fast-forming NGFP-iPSCs, have equivalent levels of pluripotency. Multiplex reverse-transcriptase PCR generated gene expression profiles (GEPs) of 13 pluripotency genes in single initially formed-iPSC (if-iPSC) colonies of NGFP and 4F2A group. Assessment of GEP difference using a weighted root mean square deviation (wRMSD) indicates that 4F2A if-iPSCs are more closely related to mESCs than NGFP if-iPSCs. Consistently,NanogandSox2genes were more frequently derepressed in 4F2A if-iPSC group. We further examined 20 genes that are implicated in reprogramming. They were, overall, more highly expressed in NGFP if-iPSCs, differing from the pluripotency genes being more expressed in 4F2A if-iPSCs. wRMSD analysis for these reprogramming-related genes confirmed that the 4F2A if-iPSC colonies were less deviated from mESCs than the NGFP if-iPSC colonies. Our findings suggest that more important in attaining a better reprogramming is the mode of action by the given reprogramming factors, rather than the total activity of them exerting to the cells, as the thin-but-long-lasting mode of action in 4F2A if-iPSCs is shown to be more effective than its full-but-short-lasting mode in NGFP if-iPSCs.
Rapid Destruction of the Humeral Head Caused by Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Goshima Kenichi , Kitaoka Katsuhiko , Nakase Junsuke , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

Rapidly destructive arthritis (RDA) of the shoulder is a rare disease. Here, we report two cases, with different destruction patterns, which were most probably due to subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIFs). Case 1 involved a 77-year-old woman with right shoulder pain. Rapid destruction of both the humeral head and glenoid was seen within 1 month of the onset of shoulder pain. We diagnosed shoulder RDA and performed a hemiarthroplasty. Case 2 involved a 74-year-old woman with left shoulder pain. Humeral head collapse was seen within 5 months of pain onset, without glenoid destruction. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a bone marrow edema pattern with an associated subchondral low-intensity band, typical of SIF. Total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in this case. Shoulder RDA occurs as a result of SIF in elderly women; the progression of the joint destruction is more rapid in cases with SIFs of both the humeral head and the glenoid. Although shoulder RDA is rare, this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute onset shoulder pain in elderly female patients with osteoporosis and persistent joint effusion.
Nanostructured Multilayer Composite Films of Manganese Dioxide/Nickel/Copper Sulfide Deposited on Polyethylene Terephthalate Supporting Substrate
Authors: Awangku Metosen Awangku Nabil Syafiq Bin , Pang Suh Cem , Chin Suk Fun
Published: April 2015

Nanostructured multilayer manganese dioxide/nickel/copper sulfide (MnO2/Ni/CuS) composite films were successfully deposited onto supporting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate through the sequential deposition of CuS, Ni, and MnO2 thin films by chemical bath deposition, electrodeposition, and horizontal submersion deposition techniques, respectively. Deposition of each thin‐film layer was optimized by varying deposition parameters and conditions associated with specific deposition technique. Both CuS and Ni thin films were optimized for their electrical conductivity whereas MnO2 thin film was optimized for its microstructure and charge capacity. The electrochemical properties of nanostructured multilayer MnO2/Ni/CuS composite films were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry as electrode materials of an electrochemical capacitor prototype in a dual‐planar device configuration. Cyclic voltammogram in mild Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte exhibited a featureless and almost rectangular shape which was indicative of the ideal capacitive behavior and high cycling reversibility of the electrochemical capacitor prototype. Nanostructured multilayer MnO2/Ni/CuS composite films on supporting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate could potentially be utilized as electrode materials for the fabrication of high performance electrochemical capacitors.
Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Twenty Years after Distal Femoral Cement Augmentation of a Giant Cell Tumor
Authors: Zylberberg Alejandro , Bayley Gillian , Gala Luca , Kim Paul R.
Published: April 2015

We present a case of knee reconstruction 20 years after treatment of a giant cell tumor (GCT) with curettage and cementation. There is currently an ongoing debate whether cement or allograft bone is the preferred material for filling the void after GCT curettage. In this case we were able to readily implant a primary total knee replacement without disturbing the existing well-interdigitated large cement bolus and did not require any stems or augments for the reconstruction. Given the ease of TKR implantation in this patient, we feel that the use of cement following curettage of a GCT lesion is a better choice than allograft bone which may not provide enough structural support for the knee reconstruction and lead to a much more extensive procedure.
Age-Related Responses in Circulating Markers of Redox Status in Healthy Adolescents and Adults during the Course of a Training Macrocycle
Authors: Zalavras Athanasios , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Deli Chariklia K. , Draganidis Dimitris , Theodorou Anastasios A. , Soulas Dimitrios , Koutsioras Yiannis , Koutedakis Yiannis , Jamurtas Athanasios Z.
Published: April 2015

Redox status changes during an annual training cycle in young and adult track and field athletes and possible differences between the two age groups were assessed. Forty-six individuals (24 children and 22 adults) were assigned to four groups: trained adolescents, (TAD,N=13), untrained adolescents (UAD,N=11), trained adults (TA,N=12), and untrained adults (UA,N=10). Aerobic capacity and redox status related variables [total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), catalase activity, TBARS, protein carbonyls (PC), uric acid, and bilirubin] were assessed at rest and in response to a time-trial bout before training, at mid- and posttraining. TAC, catalase activity, TBARS, PC, uric acid, and bilirubin increased and GSH declined in all groups in response to acute exercise independent of training status and age. Training improved aerobic capacity, TAC, and GSH at rest and in response to exercise. Age affected basal and exercise-induced responses since adults demonstrated a greater TAC and GSH levels at rest and a greater rise of TBARS, protein carbonyls, and TAC and decline of GSH in response to exercise. Catalase activity, uric acid, and bilirubin responses were comparable among groups. These results suggest that acute exercise, age, and training modulate the antioxidant reserves of the body.
Shuang-Huang-Lian Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Involving Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Activities
Authors: Fang Lei , Gao Yuan , Liu Fen , Hou Rui , Cai Run-Lan , Qi Yun
Published: April 2015

Shuang-Huang-Lian (SHL) is a common traditional Chinese preparation extracted fromLonicerae Japonicae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, andFructus Forsythiae. In this study, we demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of SHL on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. SHL reduced the lung wet/dry weight ratio, lowered the number of total cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and decreased the myeloperoxidase activity in lung tissues 6 h after LPS treatment. It also inhibited the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological studies demonstrated that SHL attenuated LPS-induced interstitial edema, hemorrhage, and the infiltration of neutrophils into the lung tissue. Moreover, SHL could also enhance the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, increase the reduced glutathione content, and decrease the malondialdehyde content. The present results suggest that SHL possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that may protect mice against LPS-induced ALI.
Understanding the Correlation between Tomographic and Biomechanical Severity of Keratoconic Corneas
Authors: Shetty Rohit , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Srivatsa Purnima , Jayadev Chaitra , Pahuja Natasha , Akkali Mukunda C. , Sinha Roy Abhijit
Published: April 2015

Purpose.To evaluate correlation between tomographic gradation of keratoconus (KC) and its corresponding air-puff induced biomechanical response.Methods.Corneal tomography and biomechanics were measured with Scheimpflug imaging in 44 normal and 92 KC corneas. Deformation waveform was also analyzed with Fourier series. A custom KC severity scale was used from 1 to 3 with 3 as the most severe grade. Tomographic and biomechanical variables were assessed among the grades. Sensitivity and specificity of the variables were assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC).Results.Curvature variables were significantly different between normal and disease (P<0.05) and among grades (P<0.05). Biomechanical variables were significantly different between normal and disease (P<0.05) but similar among grades 1 and 2 (P>0.05). All variables had an area under the ROC curve greater than 0.5. The root mean square of the Fourier cosine coefficients had the best ROC (0.92, cut-off: 0.027, sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 88.6%). Spearman correlation coefficient was significant between most variables (P<0.05). However, tomographic segregation of keratoconus did not result in concomitant biomechanical segregation of the grades.Conclusions.There was lack of significant biomechanical difference between mild disease grades, despite progressive corneal thinning. Mathematical models that estimate corneal modulus from air-puff deformation may be more useful.
Blow-Up Criterion of Weak Solutions for the 3D Boussinesq Equations
Authors: Dai Zhaohui , Wang Xiaosong , Zhang Lingrui , Hou Wei
Published: April 2015

The Boussinesq equations describe the three-dimensional incompressible fluid moving under the gravity and the earth rotation which come from atmospheric or oceanographic turbulence where rotation and stratification play an important role. In this paper, we investigate the Cauchy problem of the three-dimensional incompressible Boussinesq equations. By commutator estimate, some interpolation inequality, and embedding theorem, we establish a blow-up criterion of weak solutions in terms of the pressurepin the homogeneous Besov spaceḂ∞,∞0.
Decompositions ofg-Frames and Duals and Pseudoduals ofg-Frames in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Guo Xunxiang
Published: April 2015

Firstly, we study the representation ofg-frames in terms of linear combinations of simpler ones such asg-orthonormal bases,g-Riesz bases, and normalized tightg-frames. Then, we study the dual and pseudodual ofg-frames, which are critical components in reconstructions. In particular, we characterize the dualg-frames in a constructive way; that is, the formulae for dualg-frames are given. We also give someg-frame like representations for pseudodualg-frame pairs. The operator parameterizations ofg-frames and decompositions of bounded operators are the key tools to prove our main results.
Are Visual Peripheries Forever Young?
Authors: Burnat Kalina
Published: April 2015

The paper presents a concept of lifelong plasticity of peripheral vision. Central vision processing is accepted as critical and irreplaceable for normal perception in humans. While peripheral processing chiefly carries information about motion stimuli features and redirects foveal attention to new objects, it can also take over functions typical for central vision. Here I review the data showing the plasticity of peripheral vision found in functional, developmental, and comparative studies. Even though it is well established that afferent projections from central and peripheral retinal regions are not established simultaneously during early postnatal life, central vision is commonly used as a general model of development of the visual system. Based on clinical studies and visually deprived animal models, I describe how central and peripheral visual field representations separately rely on early visual experience. Peripheral visual processing (motion) is more affected by binocular visual deprivation than central visual processing (spatial resolution). In addition, our own experimental findings show the possible recruitment of coarse peripheral vision for fine spatial analysis. Accordingly, I hypothesize that the balance between central and peripheral visual processing, established in the course of development, is susceptible to plastic adaptations during the entire life span, with peripheral vision capable of taking over central processing.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study of Women with Pregestational Diabetes
Authors: Egan Aoife M. , McVicker Lyle , Heerey Adrienne , Carmody Louise , Harney Fiona , Dunne Fidelma P.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this observational study was to evaluate screening and progression of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes attending five antenatal centres along the Irish Atlantic seaboard. An adequate frequency of screening was defined as at least two retinal evaluations in separate trimesters. Progression was defined as at least one stage of deterioration of diabetic retinopathy and/or development of diabetic macular edema on at least one eye. Women with pregestational diabetes who delivered after 22 gestational weeks (n=307) were included. In total, 185 (60.3%) had an adequate number of retinal examinations. Attendance at prepregnancy care was associated with receiving adequate screening (odds ratio 6.23; CI 3.39–11.46 (P<0.001)). Among those who received adequate evaluations (n=185), 48 (25.9%) had retinopathy progression. Increasing booking systolic blood pressure (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.06,P=0.02) and greater drop in HbA1c between first and third trimesters of pregnancy (OR 2.05, CI 1.09–3.87,P=0.03) significantly increased the odds of progression. A significant proportion of women continue to demonstrate retinopathy progression during pregnancy. This study highlights the role of prepregnancy care and the importance of close monitoring during pregnancy and identifies those patients at the highest risk for retinopathy progression.
The Relationship between Clinical Feature, Complex Immunophenotype, Chromosome Karyotype, and Outcome of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in China
Authors: Ding Bingjie , Zhou Lanlan , Jiang Xuejie , Li Xiaodong , Zhong Qingxiu , Wang Zhixiang , Yi Zhengshan , Zheng Zhongxin , Yin Changxin , Cao Rui , Liao Libin , Meng Fanyi
Published: April 2015

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a complex entity expressing both lymphoid and myeloid immunophenotyping. In the present study, 47 MPAL, 60 lymphoid antigen-positive acute myeloid leukemia (Ly+AML), and 90 acute myeloid leukemia with common myeloid immunophenotype (Ly−AML) patients were investigated. We found that, in MPAL patients, there were high proportions of blast cells in bone marrow and incidence of hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and Philadelphia chromosome. The overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in MPAL patients were significantly shorter than those in Ly+AML and Ly−AML. With regard to the patients with normal karyotype only, the OS and RFS of MPAL were significantly lower than those of the Ly+AML and Ly−AML; but there were no significant differences in OS and RFS among the patients with complex karyotype. The OS rates of 3 groups with complex karyotype were lower than those of patients with normal karyotype. In Cox multivariate analysis, complex karyotype was an independent pejorative factor for both OS and RFS. Therefore, MPAL is confirmed to be a poor-risk disease while Ly+AML does not impact prognosis. Complex karyotype is an unfavorable prognosis factor in AML patients with different immunophenotype. Mixed immunophenotype and complex karyotype increase the adverse risk when they coexist.