bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide reduces Cl−absorption in the mouse cortical collecting duct through an ENaC-dependent mechanism
Authors: Pech Vladimir , Thumova Monika , Dikalov Sergey I. , Hummler Edith , Rossier Bernard C. , Harrison David G. , Wall Susan M.
Published: March 2013

Since nitric oxide (NO) participates in the renal regulation of blood pressure, in part, by modulating transport of Na+and Cl−in the kidney, we asked whether NO regulates net Cl−flux ( JCl) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and determined the transporter(s) that mediate NO-sensitive Cl−absorption. Cl−absorption was measured in CCDs perfused in vitro that were taken from aldosterone-treated mice. Administration of an NO donor (10 μM MAHMA NONOate) reduced JCland transepithelial voltage ( VT) both in the presence or absence of angiotensin II. However, reducing endogenous NO production by inhibiting NO synthase (100 μM NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) increased JClonly in the presence of angiotensin II, suggesting that angiotensin II stimulates NO synthase activity. To determine the transport process that mediates NO-sensitive changes in JCl, we examined the effect of NO on JClfollowing either genetic ablation or chemical inhibition of transporters in the CCD. Since the application of hydrochlorothiazide (100 μM) or bafilomycin (5 nM) to the perfusate or ablation of the gene encoding pendrin did not alter NO-sensitive JCl, NO modulates JClindependent of the Na+-dependent Cl−/HCO3−exchanger (NDCBE, Slc4a8), the A cell apical plasma membrane H+-ATPase and pendrin. In contrast, both total and NO-sensitive JCland VTwere abolished with application of an epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) inhibitor (3 μM benzamil) to the perfusate. We conclude that NO reduces Cl−absorption in the CCD through a mechanism that is ENaC-dependent.
Serotonergic modulation of neuronal activity in rat midbrain periaqueductal gray
Authors: Jeong Hyo-Jin , Lam Karen , Mitchell Vanessa A. , Vaughan Christopher W.
Published: March 2013

Serotonin (5-HT) modulates pain and anxiety from within the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). In the present study, the effects of 5-HT- and 5-HT1/2 subtype-selective ligands on rat PAG neurons were examined using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices. In voltage clamp, 5-HT produced outward and inward currents in distinct subpopulations of neurons that varied throughout different subregions of the PAG. The 5-HT1A agonist R(+)-8-OH-DPAT (1 μM) produced outward currents in subpopulations of PAG neurons. By contrast, sumatriptan (1 μM) and other 5-HT1B, -D, and -F subtype agonists had little or no postsynaptic activity. The 5-HT2A/C agonists DOI (3 μM) and TCB-2 (1 μM) produced inward currents in subpopulations of PAG neurons, and DOI enhanced evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents via a presynaptic mechanism. In current clamp, both R(+)-8-OH-DPAT and sumatriptan produced an excitatory increase in evoked mixed postsynaptic potentials (PSPs). In addition, R(+)-8-OH-DPAT, but not sumatriptan, directly hyperpolarized PAG neurons. By contrast, the 5-HT2 agonist DOI depolarized subpopulations of neurons and produced an inhibitory decrease in evoked mixed PSPs. These findings indicate that 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/D ligands have partly overlapping inhibitory effects on membrane excitability and synaptic transmission within the PAG, which are functionally opposed by 5-HT2A/C actions in specific PAG subregions.
The Hamiltonian Structure-Preserving Control and Some Applications to Nonlinear Astrodynamics
Authors: Xu Ming , Wei Yan , Liu Shengli
Published: March 2013

A systematic research on the structure-preserving controller is investigated in this paper, including its applications to the second-order, first-order, time-periodic, or degenerated astrodynamics, respectively. The general form of the controller is deduced for the typical Hamiltonian system in full feedback and position-only feedback modes, which is successful in changing the hyperbolic equilibrium to an elliptic one. With the poles assigned at any different positions on imaginary axis, the controlled Hamiltonian system is Lyapunov stable. The Floquet multiplier is employed to measure the stability of time-dependent Hamiltonian system, because the equilibrium of periodic system may be unstable even though the equilibrium is always elliptic. One type of periodic orbits is achieved by the resonant conditions of control gains, and another type is making judicious choice in the foundational motions with different frequencies. The control gains are selected from the viewpoint of both the local and global optimizations on fuel cost. This controller is applied to some astrodynamics to achieve some interesting conclusions, including stable lissajous orbits in solar sail’s three-body problem and degenerated two-body problem, quasiperiodic formation flying on aJ2-perturbed mean circular orbit, and controlled frozen orbits for a spacecraft with a high area-to-mass ratio.
An Extended Non-Lane-Based Optimal Velocity Model with Dynamic Collaboration
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Zhang Run
Published: March 2013

Incorporating the effects of the lane width in traffic, in this paper, we propose a dynamical model based on the strategy of three-vehicle cooperation driving. We obtain the smoother acceleration distribution in the new model through considering the dynamic collaboration with the nearest preceding vehicle and the nearest following vehicle. It is proved that the stability of the new model is greatly improved compared to the early non-lane-based car following model by using the linear stability theory. We find that when the parameter of lateral separation distance is identified, the amplitude of traffic congestion decreases with increasing the strength of dynamic collaboration in the simulation experiments. In addition, we apply the new extended model to simulate the motions of cars starting from a traffic signal and the dissipating of the traffic congestion; it is found that our new model can predict realistic delay time and kinematic wave speed and obtained a faster dissipation speed of traffic congestion than the traffic flow model without considering the dynamic collaboration.
An Important Indian Traditional Drug of Ayurveda Jatamansi and Its Substitute Bhootkeshi: Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Pandey Madan Mohan , Katara Antariksha , Pandey Garima , Rastogi Subha , Rawat A. K. S.
Published: March 2013

Nardostachys jatamansiDC. andSelinum vaginatum(Edgew) Cl. are two endemic high altitude Indian medicinal plants that have been traditionally known as “Jatamansi” and “Bhootkeshi,” respectively. These are used in various traditional herbal formulations and nutraceuticals, as well as to treat neurological disorders like epilepsy, hysteria, syncope, convulsions, and mental weakness. They resemble each other in their external morphological characters and characteristic odour, so their roots are often confused with each other. Since free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a considerable range of neurological disorders, including seizures and epilepsy, analysis of these two important medicinal plants was carried out based on their antioxidant activities and phenolic profiles.N. jatamansiexpressed better antioxidant activity with both DPPH and TAC methods. Strong correlation was seen between TPC and antioxidant activities. Phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and syringic acid were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in the methanol extracts ofN. jatamansiandS. vaginatumby HPLC.N. jatamansiwas found to contain only protocatechuic and syringic acids while chlorogenic and ferulic acids were present only inS. vaginatum. The studies suggest that both of the plants exhibit distinctive properties and that their similar therapeutic uses may be dependent on synergistic effects exhibited by the different compounds present in them.
Design of Low Power Multiplier with Energy Efficient Full Adder Using DPTAAL
Authors: Kishore Kumar A. , Somasundareswari D. , Duraisamy V. , Shunbaga Pradeepa T.
Published: March 2013

Asynchronous adiabatic logic (AAL) is a novel lowpower design technique which combines the energy saving benefits of asynchronous systems with adiabatic benefits. In this paper, energy efficient full adder using double pass transistor with asynchronous adiabatic logic (DPTAAL) is used to design a low power multiplier. Asynchronous adiabatic circuits are very low power circuits to preserve energy for reuse, which reduces the amount of energy drawn directly from the power supply. In this work, an 8×8 multiplier using DPTAAL is designed and simulated, which exhibits low power and reliable logical operations. To improve the circuit performance at reduced voltage level, double pass transistor logic (DPL) is introduced. The power results of the proposed multiplier design are compared with the conventional CMOS implementation. Simulation results show significant improvement in power for clock rates ranging from 100 MHz to 300 MHz.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Photo-Cross-Linkable Liquid Crystalline Poly(n-[n′-flurobenzoylstyryloxy]alkylmethacrylate)s and Their Fluorescence Lifetime Properties
Authors: Kumar G. , Subramanian K. , Ganesan S.
Published: March 2013

This paper reports a study on photo-cross-linkable polymer containing pendant chalcone moiety exhibiting liquid crystalline as well as fluorescence lifetime properties in detail. The photoresponsive polymers were prepared, and their structure has been characterized by1H-NMR,13C-NMR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photo-cross-linking behavior of polymers has been studied by UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. UV spectral studies revealed that the polymers follow2π+2πcyclo addition reactions when they undergo photo-cross-linking under the influence of UV-light. Number and weight average molecular weight of the polymers were determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and polydispersity index value near to 1.5. The thermal and thermooxidative stability of the polymers were determined by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Thermal transitions were studied by DSC, and presence of mesophases was identified at 147 and126∘Cby hot stage polarized light optical microscopy (HPOM). Fluorescence lifetime measurements using the time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) method reveal that the average lifetime values decrease from 5.94 ns to 5.32 ns on UV-irradiation were discussed in detail.
Nanofluid Flow over a Permeable Surface with Convective Boundary Conditions and Radiative Heat Transfer
Authors: Kameswaran P. K. , Sibanda P. , Murti A. S. N.
Published: March 2013

We investigate the effects of thermal radiation and convective boundary conditions on heat and mass transfer in nanofluid flow over a permeable flat plate. The mathematical model for the nanofluid incorporates variations in the nanoparticle volume fraction of up to 20%. The performance of two water-based nanofluids, namely, stable suspensions of copper and gold nanoparticles in water was investigated. The governing partial differential equations were transformed into ordinary ones using a similarity transformation and solved numerically. The numerical results were validated by comparison with previously published results in the literature. The main focus of this paper is to study the fluid and surface parameters such as the radiation parameter, and suction/injection parameter, solute concentration profiles, as well as the skin friction coefficient and heat and mass transfer rates were conducted.
Development and Characterization of Semi-IPN Silver Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Chandra Babu A. , Prabhakar M. N. , Suresh Babu A. , Mallikarjuna B. , Subha M. C. S. , Chowdoji Rao K.
Published: March 2013

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(acrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels were prepared by using free radical polymerization technique. Silver nanoparticles were formed by reduction of silver nitrate in semi-IPN hydrogels with sodium borohydrate at room temperature. UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetrical analysis, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the formation of silver nanoparticles in hydrogels. SEM images indicated clearly the formation of group of silver nanoparticles with size range of 10–20 nm. The sizes of silver nanoparticles were also supported by transmission electron microscopy results. The semi-IPN silver nanocomposite hydrogels reported here might be a potentially smart material in the range of applications of antibacterial activity.
Stability Analysis for Mutually Delay-Coupled Semiconductor Lasers System
Authors: Su Rina , Zhang Chunrui , Shen Zuolin
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the problem of the stability for mutually delay-coupled semiconductor lasers system is investigated. By analyzing the associated characteristic equation, linear stability is investigated and Hopf bifurcations are demonstrated. The new phenomena such as stability switch is found. TheZ2equivariant property and the existence of multiple periodic solutions is also discussed. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the results in the paper.
Inverse Problems for a Parabolic Integrodifferential Equation in a Convolutional Weak Form
Authors: Kasemets Kairi , Janno Jaan
Published: March 2013

We deduce formulas for the Fréchet derivatives of cost functionals of several inverse problems for a parabolic integrodifferential equation in a weak formulation. The method consists in the application of an integrated convolutional form of the weak problem and all computations are implemented in regular Sobolev spaces.
Early Total Care versus Damage Control: Current Concepts in the Orthopedic Care of Polytrauma Patients
Authors: Nicola Ratto
Published: March 2013

The management of the polytraumatized orthopedic patient remains a challenging issue. In recent years many efforts have been made to develop rescue techniques and to promote guidelines for the management of these patients. Currently controversies persist between two orthopedic approaches: the Early Total Care and the Damage Control Orthopedics. An overview of the current literature on the orthopedic management of polytrauma patient is provided. Subsequently, femoral shaft fractures, representing extremely common lesions, and pelvic ring injuries, that are associated with a high mortality rate, are analyzed in detail.
Approximate Gröbner Bases, Overdetermined
Polynomial Systems, and Approximate GCDs
Authors: Lichtblau Daniel
Published: March 2013

We discuss computation of Gröbner bases using approximate
arithmetic for coefficients. We show how certain considerations
of tolerance, corresponding roughly to absolute and relative error
from numeric computation, allow us to obtain good approximate solutions
to problems that are overdetermined. We provide examples of solving
overdetermined systems of polynomial equations. As a secondary feature
we show handling of approximate polynomial GCD computations, using
benchmarks from the literature.
Interval Oscillation Criteria for Second-Order Nonlinear Forced Dynamic Equations with Damping on Time Scales
Authors: Sun Yibing , Han Zhenlai , Sun Shurong , Zhang Chao
Published: March 2013

By using the Riccati transformation technique and constructing a class of Philos-type functions on time scales, we establish some new interval oscillation criteria for the second-order damped nonlinear dynamic equations with forced term of the form(r(t)xΔ(t))Δ+p(t)xΔσ(t)+q(t)(xσ(t))α=F(t,xσ(t))on a time scale𝕋which is unbounded, whereαis a quotient of odd positive integer. Our results in this paper extend and improve some known results. Some examples are given here to illustrate our main results.
Error Modeling, Calibration, and Nonlinear Interpolation Compensation Method of Ring Laser Gyroscope Inertial Navigation System
Authors: Li Jianli , Ma Yanhai , Xiyuan Chen
Published: March 2013

In order to improve the precision of Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) and reduce the complexity of the traditional calibration method, a novel calibration and compensation scheme is proposed. An optimization calibration method with four-direction rotations is designed to calculate all error coefficients of Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) SINS in a series of constant temperatures. According to the actual working environment, the temperature errors of RLG SINS are compensated by a nonlinear interpolation compensation algorithm. The experimental results show that the inertial navigation errors of the proposed method are reduced.
Vocal Cord Actinomycosis Mimicking a Laryngeal Tumor
Authors: Yoshihama Keisuke , Kato Yasumasa , Baba Yuh
Published: March 2013

Laryngeal carcinoma and laryngeal papilloma are the most commonly encountered tumorous lesions in the larynx. Herein, we report a case of the mass arising from the left vocal cord in a 49-year-old Japanese man. Endoscopic examination suggested that the mass is a tumor such as carcinoma and papilloma. Pathological examination showed that the specimen demonstrated actinomycosis in the left vocal cord. Although vocal cord actinomycosis is extremely rare, the otolaryngologist should recognize this condition during the inspection of the larynx.
Electrical Conduction in (Na0.5Bi0.5)1−xBaxTiO3  (0≤x≤1) Ceramic by Complex Impedance/Modulus Spectroscopy
Authors: Roy Ansu Kumar , Prasad Kamal , Prasad Ashutosh
Published: March 2013

The present work describes the piezoelectric, impedance, and conductivity studies of (Na0.5Bi0.5)1−xBaxTiO3; (1-x)BNT-xBT (0≤x≤1) ceramics. The ceramics were prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique. X-ray diffraction data confirmed the formation of a pure compound in all the compositions. Williamson-Hall plot yielded the apparent crystallite sizes ~26–52 nm, and SEM micrograph showed grain sizes ranging between 1.8–3.5 μm for the material samples. Values of longitudinal piezoelectric charge coefficients of the samples poled under a dc electric field of about 2.5 kV/mm at 80°C/15 min indicated that their piezoelectric properties near the MPB are rather sensitive to the phase composition and reach preferred values at x=0.08, where the relative content of the tetragonal phase is significantly higher than that of the monoclinic phase. Complex impedance/modulus spectroscopic analyses indicated the presence of grain-boundary effect along with the bulk contribution and also confirmed the presence of non-Debye type of multiple relaxations in the materials. The temperature dependent electrical conductivity data suggest the negative temperature coefficient of resistance behaviour. The activation energy studies allow insight into the nature of the conduction mechanisms occurring in the materials system which are explained on the basis of hopping model of charge carriers.
Hyperbolic Relaxation of a Fourth Order Evolution Equation
Authors: Colucci Renato , Chacón Gerardo R.
Published: March 2013

We propose a hyperbolic relaxation of a fourth order evolution equation, with an inertial term , where . We prove the existence of several absorbing sets having different regularities and the existence of a global attractor that is bounded in .
Inflammation and Hypertension: Are There Regional Differences?
Authors: López-Jaramillo Patricio , Velandia-Carrillo Carlos , Álvarez-Camacho Julie , Cohen Daniel Dylan , Sánchez-Solano Tatiana , Castillo-López Gabriela
Published: March 2013

Hypertension is a chronic disease with global prevalence and incidence rapidly increasing in low and medium income countries. The surveillance of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, is a global health priority in order to estimate the burden and trends, to appropriately direct resources, and to measure the effect of interventions. We propose here that the adoption of Western lifestyles in low and middle incomes countries has dramatically increased the prevalence of abdominal obesity, which is the main source of proinflammatory cytokines, and that the vascular systemic inflammation produced by adipose tissue contributes to the development of hypertension. The concentration of proinflammatory cytokines is higher in the Latin American population than that reported in developed countries, suggesting a higher susceptibility to develop systemic low-degree inflammation at a given level of abdominal obesity. These particularities are important to be considered when planning resources for health care programs. Moreover, studying these singularities may provide a better understanding of the causes of the burden of cardiovascular risk factors and the remarkable variability in the prevalence of these medical conditions within and between countries.
The Impact of Drug Treatment Courts on Recovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wittouck Ciska , Dekkers Anne , De Ruyver Brice , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Vander Laenen Freya
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Earlier reviews regarding the effectiveness of Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) reported a reduction in reoffending and substance use. Although substance users suffer from other difficulties than drug use and judicial issues, none of these reviews focused on outcomes or effects of DTCs on drug‐related life domains, such as social relationships, employment, or health. Therefor, the present paper aims to review the impact of adult DTCs on substance use and drug‐related life domains. Method. Primary studies were systematically searched in Web of Knowledge. Observational and controlled evaluation studies of adult DTCs were considered eligible if substance use and/or drug‐related life domains were measured. Results. Moderately positive results were found with respect to within‐program substance use. Few studies used drug‐related life domains as an outcome measure and most of them yielded no effects. Employment and family relations ameliorated when specific interventions were used. Discussion. DTCs yield beneficial outcomes and effects regarding within‐program substance use. However, evidence regarding the impact of DTCs on post‐program drug and alcohol use and on other drug‐related life domains is scarce. These life domains and thus QoL possibly can be improved by DTCs if specifically targeted. Future research is warranted.
A Phytase Characterized by Relatively High pH Tolerance and Thermostability from the Shiitake MushroomLentinus edodes
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qing , Wu Ying-Ying , Ng Tzi-Bun , Chen Qing-Jun , Wang He-Xiang
Published: March 2013

A monomeric phytase with a molecular mass of 14 kDa was acquired from fresh fruiting bodies of the shiitake mushroomLentinus edodes. The isolation procedure involved chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, Affi-gel blue gel, and a final fast protein liquid chromatography-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The purified phytase demonstrated the unique N-terminal amino acid sequence DPKRTDQVN, which exhibited no sequence similarity with those of other phytases previously reported. It expressed its maximal activity at pH 5.0 and 37°C. Phytase activity manifested less than 20% change in activity over the pH range of 3.0–9.0, considerable thermostability with more than 60% residual activity at 70°C, and about 40% residual activity at 95°C. It displayed a wide substrate specificity on a variety of phosphorylated compounds with the following ranking: ATP > fructose-6-phosphate > AMP > glucose-6-phosphate > ADP > sodium phytate >β-glycerophosphate. The phytase activity was moderately stimulated by Ca2+, but inhibited by Al3+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+at a tested concentration of 5 mM.
Neurostimulation for Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction
Authors: Worsøe J. , Rasmussen M. , Christensen P. , Krogh K.
Published: March 2013

Background. Loss of normal bowel function caused by nerve injury, neurological disease or congenital defects of the nervous system is termed neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD). It usually includes combinations of fecal incontinence, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating. When standard treatment of NBD fails surgical procedures are often needed. Neurostimulation has also been investigated, but no consensus exists about efficacy or clinical use.Methods. A systematic literature search of NBD treated by sacral anterior root stimulation (SARS), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), peripheral nerve stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and nerve re-routing was made in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.Results. SARS improves bowel function in some patients with complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Nerve re-routing is claimed to facilitate defecation through mechanical stimulation of dermatomes in patients with complete or incomplete SCI or myelomeningocele. SNS can reduce NBD in selected patients with a variety of incomplete neurological lesions. Peripheral stimulation using electrical stimulation or magnetic stimulation may represent non-invasive alternatives.Conclusion. Numerous methods of neurostimulation to treat NBD have been investigated in pilot studies or retrospective studies. Therefore, larger controlled trials with well-defined inclusion criteria and endpoints are recommended before widespread clinical use of neurostimulation against NBD.
A Soft Computing Based Approach Using Modified Selection Strategy for Feature Reduction of Medical Systems
Authors: Zuhtuogullari Kursat , Allahverdi Novruz , Arikan Nihat
Published: March 2013

The systems consisting high input spaces require high processing times and memory usage. Most of the attribute selection algorithms have the problems of input dimensions limits and information storage problems. These problems are eliminated by means of developed feature reduction software using new modified selection mechanism with middle region solution candidates adding. The hybrid system software is constructed for reducing the input attributes of the systems with large number of input variables. The designed software also supports the roulette wheel selection mechanism. Linear order crossover is used as the recombination operator. In the genetic algorithm based soft computing methods, locking to the local solutions is also a problem which is eliminated by using developed software. Faster and effective results are obtained in the test procedures. Twelve input variables of the urological system have been reduced to the reducts (reduced input attributes) with seven, six, and five elements. It can be seen from the obtained results that the developed software with modified selection has the advantages in the fields of memory allocation, execution time, classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values when compared with the other reduction algorithms by using the urological test data.
Interaction of Natural Dietary and Herbal Anionic Compounds and Flavonoids with Human Organic Anion Transporters 1 (SLC22A6), 3 (SLC22A8), and 4 (SLC22A11)
Authors: Wang Li , Sweet Douglas H.
Published: March 2013

Active components of complementary/alternative medicines and natural supplements are often anionic compounds and flavonoids. As such, organic anion transporters (OATs) may play a key role in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles, and represent sites for adverse drug-drug interactions. Therefore, we assessed the inhibitory effects of nine natural products, including flavonoids (catechin and epicatechin), chlorogenic acids (1,3- and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid), phenolic acids (ginkgolic acids (13 : 0), (15 : 1), and (17 : 1)), and the organic acids ursolic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, on the transport activity of the human OATs, hOAT1 (SLC22A6), hOAT3 (SLC22A8), and hOAT4 (SLC22A11). Four compounds, 1,3- and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, ginkgolic acid (17 : 1), and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, significantly inhibited hOAT1-mediated transport (50 μM inhibitor versus 1 μM substrate). Five compounds, 1,3- and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, ginkgolic acids (15 : 1) and (17 : 1), and epicatechin, significantly inhibited hOAT3 transport under similar conditions. Only catechin inhibited hOAT4. Dose-dependency studies were conducted for 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on hOAT1, and IC50values were estimated as 1.2 ± 0.4 μM and 2.7 ± 0.2 μM, respectively. These data suggest that 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid may cause significant hOAT1-mediated DDIsin vivo; potential should be considered for safety issues during use and in future drug development.
Synchronization of General Complex Networks with Hybrid Couplings and Unknown Perturbations
Authors: Yang Xinsong , Ai Shuang , Su Tingting , Chang Ancheng
Published: March 2013

The issue of synchronization for a class of hybrid coupled complex networks with mixed delays (discrete delays and distributed delays) and unknown nonstochastic external perturbations is studied. The perturbations do not disappear even after all the dynamical nodes have reached synchronization. To overcome the bad effects of such perturbations, a simple but all-powerful robust adaptive controller is designed to synchronize the complex networks even without knowing a priori the functions and bounds of the perturbations. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, integral inequality Barbalat lemma, and Schur Complement lemma, rigorous proofs are given for synchronization of the complex networks. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the new robust adaptive controller.
Role of Stat3 in Skin Carcinogenesis: Insights Gained from Relevant Mouse Models
Authors: Macias Everardo , Rao Dharanija , DiGiovanni John
Published: March 2013

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a cytoplasmic protein that is activated in response to cytokines and growth factors and acts as a transcription factor. Stat3 plays critical roles in various biological activities including cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Studies using keratinocyte-specific Stat3-deficient mice have revealed that Stat3 plays an important role in skin homeostasis including keratinocyte migration, wound healing, and hair follicle growth. Use of both constitutive and inducible keratinocyte-specific Stat3-deficient mouse models has demonstrated that Stat3 is required for both the initiation and promotion stages of multistage skin carcinogenesis. Further studies using a transgenic mouse model with a gain of function mutant of Stat3 (Stat3C) expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis revealed a novel role for Stat3 in skin tumor progression. Studies using similar Stat3-deficient and gain-of-function mouse models have indicated its similar roles in ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-mediated skin carcinogenesis. This paper summarizes the use of these various mouse models for studying the role and underlying mechanisms for the function of Stat3 in skin carcinogenesis. Given its significant role throughout the skin carcinogenesis process, Stat3 is an attractive target for skin cancer prevention and treatment.
Predictions of Overbreak Blocks in Tunnels Based on the Wavelet Neural Network Method and the Geological Statistics Theory
Authors: Shaorui Sun , Jiaming Liu , Jihong Wei
Published: March 2013

Predicting overbreak blocks is a valid way to protect constructors, safeties in the process of tunnel excavation. In this paper, a prediction method of the overbreak blocks in tunnels is developed in the frame of the wavelet neural network of geological statistics models. Geometrical parameters of structural plane are first obtained by field survey. Then, a statistical model can be deduced from the measured geometrical parameters on the basis of the geological statistics theory. Furthermore, the volumes and distribution of the overbreak blocks are calculated by the theory of wavelet neural network. Finally, the valid support measurements can be designed according to the prediction results for all overbreak blocks appeared in tunnel excavation, and the amount of overbreak blocks can also be predicted. The code with respect to the method has been developed by the fortran language. The method proposed in this paper has been used in a tunnel construction. The results show that there exists an approximate 10%~30% difference between the prediction and the real volume of overbreak blocks. Therefore, the method can be well used to predict the volumes distribution and the overbreak blocks, and the accordingly support measurements can be also given according to the prediction results.
An EOQ Model for Perishable Items with Supply Uncertainty
Authors: Yan Xiaoming , Wang Yong
Published: March 2013

This paper aims to develop a continuous inventory model for finding the strategy for a retailer that sells a seasonal perishable item over a finite planning time. The purpose of this retailer is to maximize the expected profit by choosing an optimal ordering quantity before the sales horizon and adopting an optimal pricing policy during the sales horizon. With the help of Pontryagin's maximum principle, we can obtain the optimal ordering quantity and the optimal pricing policy by solving a list of equations. For a special case, we not only characterize the structure of the optimal pricing policy for any given initial inventory level but also obtain the optimal solutions by solving a set of equations. A numerical analysis reveals the influence of some parameters on the optimal ordering quantity.
Perception and Attitudes of Physicians and Nurses about Violence against Women
Authors: Paulin Baraldi Ana Cyntia , de Almeida Ana Maria , Perdoná Gleici , Vieira Elisabeth Meloni , dos Santos Manoel Antonio
Published: March 2013

Cross-sectional study compares the perception and attitudes about violence against women of physicians and nurses working in the primary health care clinics in Ribeirão Preto, SP. A total of 170 physicians and 51 nurses were interviewed in the District Health Clinics. Physicians feel more comfortable than nurses to talk about the sex life of patients () and to investigate the use of drugs (0.001). Compared to the nurses greater number of physicians believed that the aggression to the woman by the husband should be treated as a medical problem (). Both believe that external factors, as alcohol or drug abuse, unemployment, and psychological problems of the husband and not of the victim, can cause violent acts. Most interviewees understand that gender violence exceeds the issues of individuality and privacy and has become a public health problem, by the dimension present in the social relationships.
Role of HPV-16 in Pathogenesis of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Correlation of p16INK4A Expression in HPV-16 Positive Cases: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Agrawal Gaurav Pralhad , Joshi Priya Shirish , Agrawal Anshita
Published: March 2013

The objective of current study is to evaluate the role of HPV-16 in the pathogenesis of oral epithelial dysplasias (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to know whether HPV-16 participates in disruption of the regulation of p16 INK4A suppressor protein in OED and OSCC by IHC. Histopathologically diagnosed 20 cases of OED and 20 cases of OSCC were selected from amongst the patients attending the OPD of Vasantdada Patil Dental College and Hospital, Sangli. Biopsy tissue section were then tested for HPV-16 by IHC. HPV-16 positive tissue sections were then again tested by p16 by IHC. Overall 22.5% of cases in our study were found to be positive for HPV 16 which includes 10% of cases of OED and 35% cases of OSCC. Amongst the HPV 16 positive cases, more than 60% of cells were positive for p16INK4A IHC in OED (50%) and OSCC (85.71%). Thus, HPV 16 participates in disruption of the regulation of p16INK4A suppressor protein and can be used as surrogate biomarker for detection of HPV infection in OED and OSCC.
Important Effect of Defect Parameters on the Characteristics of Thue-Morse Photonic Crystal Filters
Authors: Alipour-Banaei Hamed , Mehdizadeh Farhad , Hassangholizadeh-Kashtiban Mahdi
Published: March 2013

Design and characterization of optical filters based on photonic crystal Thue-Morse structures are theoretically examined using transfer matrix method. It is shown that by introducing defect layer in the original structure of the proposed filter, main characteristics of it are changed. The main advantage of this defect in Thue-Morse structure is its capability for DWDM communication applications. In other words, achievement of DWDM filter through the Thue-Morse photonic crystal structure is much easier. The desired wavelengths can be achieved by changing the defect parameter. High efficiency of the proposed filter is one of its benefits. The transmission efficiency of this structure is about 96% and the quality factor is more than 77000.
Bars under Torsional Loading: A Generalized Beam Theory Approach
Authors: Sapountzakis Evangelos J.
Published: March 2013

In this paper both the static and dynamic analyses of the geometrically linear or nonlinear, elastic or elastoplastic nonuniform torsion problems of bars of constant or variable arbitrary cross section are presented together with the corresponding research efforts and the conclusions drawn from examined cases with great practical interest. In the presented analyses, the bar is subjected to arbitrarily distributed or concentrated twisting and warping moments along its length, while its edges are supported by the most general torsional boundary conditions. For the dynamic problems, a distributed mass model system is employed taking into account the warping inertia. The analysis of the aforementioned problems is complete by presenting the evaluation of the torsion and warping constants of the bar, its displacement field, its stress resultants together with the torsional shear stresses and the warping normal and shear stresses at any internal point of the bar. Moreover, the construction of the stiffness matrix and the corresponding nodal load vector of a bar of arbitrary cross section taking into account warping effects are presented for the development of a beam element for static and dynamic analyses. Having in mind the disadvantages of the 3D FEM solutions, the importance of the presented beamlike analyses becomes more evident.
Pancreatic Cancer-Associated Stellate Cells Promote Differentiation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in a STAT3-Dependent Manner
Authors: Mace Thomas A. , Ameen Zeenath , Collins Amy , Wojcik Sylwia , Mair Markus , Young Gregory S. , Fuchs James R. , Eubank Tim D. , Frankel Wendy L. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios , Bloomston Mark , Lesinski Gregory B.
Published: March 2013

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are a subset of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts. These cells provide prosurvival signals to tumors; however, little is known regarding their interactions with immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesized that factors produced by human PSC could enhance myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) differentiation and function, which promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Primary PSC cell lines (n = 7) were generated from human specimens and phenotypically confirmed via expression of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Luminex analysis indicated that PSC but not human fetal primary pancreatic fibroblast cells (HPF; negative controls) produced MDSC-promoting cytokines [interleukin (IL-6), VEGF, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) ] and chemokines (SDF-1, MCP-1). Culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells [peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), n = 3 donors] with PSC supernatants or IL-6/granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; positive control) for 7 days promoted PBMC differentiation into an MDSC (CD11b+CD33+) phenotype and a subpopulation of polymorphonuclear CD11b+CD33+CD15+ cells. The resulting CD11b+CD33+ cells functionally suppressed autologous T-lymphocyte proliferation. In contrast, supernatants from HPF did not induce an MDSC phenotype in PBMCs. Culture of normal PBMCs with PSC supernatants led to STAT3 but not STAT1 or STAT5 phosphorylation. IL-6 was an important mediator as its neutralization inhibited PSC supernatant-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and MDSC differentiation. Finally, the FLLL32 STAT3 inhibitor abrogated PSC supernatant-mediated MDSC differentiation, PSC viability, and reduced autocrine IL-6 production indicating these processes are STAT3 dependent. These results identify a novel role for PSC in driving immune escape in pancreatic cancer and extend the evidence that STAT3 acts as a driver of stromal immunosuppression to enhance its interest as a therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 73(10); 3007–18. ©2013 AACR.
Genes Associated with Prostate Cancer Are Differentially Expressed in African American and European American Men
Authors: Powell Isaac J. , Dyson Greg , Land Susan , Ruterbusch Julie , Bock Cathryn H. , Lenk Steve , Herawi Mehsati , Everson Richard , Giroux Craig N. , Schwartz Ann G. , Bollig-Fischer Aliccia
Published: March 2013

Background: Despite more aggressive screening across all demographics and gradual declines in mortality related to prostate cancer (PCa) in the United States, disparities among populations persist. A substantial proportion of African American men (AAM) have a higher overall incidence, earlier age of onset, increased proportion of clinically advanced disease, and increased bone metastases and mortality from PCa compared to European American men (EAM). Limited early evidence indicates that underlying causes for disparities may be observed in tumor-specific gene expression programs.

Methods: This study used microarray-based methods to measure expression levels for 517 genes that were previously associated with PCa in archived formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens; testing the hypothesis that gene expression features of functional consequence to cancer distinguish PCa from AAM and EAM. A t test was conducted comparing AAM to EAM expression levels for each probe on the array.

Results: Analysis of 639 tumor samples (270 AAM, 369 EAM) showed that 95 genes were overexpressed specifically in PCa from AAM relative to EAM and 132 were overexpressed in PCa from EAM relative to AAM. Furthermore, systems-level analyses highlight the relevant signaling pathways and functions associated with the EAM- or AAM-specific overexpressed gene sets, for example, inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions: Results here bring further understanding to the potential for molecular differences for PCa in AAM versus EAM.

Impact: The results support the notion that therapeutic benefits will be realized when targeted treatments are designed to acknowledge and address a greater spectrum of PCa subtypes and molecular distinctions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 891–7. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma Carotenoid- and Retinol-Weighted Multi-SNP Scores and Risk of Breast Cancer in the National Cancer Institute Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium
Authors: Hendrickson Sara J. , Lindström Sara , Eliassen A. Heather , Rosner Bernard A. , Chen Constance , Barrdahl Myrto , Brinton Louise , Buring Julie , Canzian Federico , Chanock Stephen , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Figueroa Jonine D. , Gapstur Susan M. , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Gaudet Mia M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Hazra Aditi , Henderson Brian , Hoover Robert , Hüsing Anika , Johansson Mattias , Kaaks Rudolf , Khaw Kay-Tee , Kolonel Laurence N. , Le Marchand Loic , Lissowska Jolanta , Lund Eiliv , McCullough Marjorie L. , Peplonska Beata , Riboli Elio , Sacerdote Carlotta , Sánchez María-José , Tjønneland Anne , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , van Gils Carla H. , Yeager Meredith , Kraft Peter , Hunter David J. , Ziegler Regina G. , Willett Walter C.
Published: March 2013

Background: Dietary and circulating carotenoids have been inversely associated with breast cancer risk, but observed associations may be due to confounding. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in β-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase 1 (BCMO1), a gene encoding the enzyme involved in the first step of synthesizing vitamin A from dietary carotenoids, have been associated with circulating carotenoid concentrations and may serve as unconfounded surrogates for those biomarkers. We determined associations between variants in BCMO1 and breast cancer risk in a large cohort consortium.

Methods: We used unconditional logistic regression to test four SNPs in BCMO1 for associations with breast cancer risk in 9,226 cases and 10,420 controls from the National Cancer Institute Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). We also tested weighted multi-SNP scores composed of the two SNPs with strong, confirmed associations with circulating carotenoid concentrations.

Results: Neither the individual SNPs nor the weighted multi-SNP scores were associated with breast cancer risk [OR (95% confidence interval) comparing extreme quintiles of weighted multi-SNP scores = 1.04 (0.94–1.16) for β-carotene, 1.08 (0.98–1.20) for α-carotene, 1.04 (0.94–1.16) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.95 (0.87–1.05) for lutein/zeaxanthin, and 0.92 (0.83–1.02) for retinol]. Furthermore, no associations were observed when stratifying by estrogen receptor status, but power was limited.

Conclusions: Our results do not support an association between SNPs associated with circulating carotenoid concentrations and breast cancer risk.

Impact: Future studies will need additional genetic surrogates and/or sample sizes at least three times larger to contribute evidence of a causal link between carotenoids and breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 927–36. ©2013 AACR.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Vismodegib for Recurrent, Locally Advanced, or Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Axelson Michael , Liu Ke , Jiang Xiaoping , He Kun , Wang Jian , Zhao Hong , Kufrin Dubravka , Palmby Todd , Dong Zedong , Russell Anne Marie , Miksinski Sarah , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: March 2013

The data and regulatory considerations leading to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) January 30, 2012 approval of Erivedge (vismodegib) capsules for the treatment of patients with recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are described. The FDA's approval decision was based primarily on the results observed in a single-arm, parallel cohort, international trial of vismodegib, administered orally at 150 mg daily until disease progression, in patients with pathologically confirmed, recurrent, locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (mBCC). An independent review committee confirmed an overall response rate (ORR) of 30.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.6–48.2] in 33 patients with mBCC and an ORR of 42.9% (95% CI: 30.5–56.0) in 63 patients with laBCC; median response durations were 7.6 months and 7.6 months for patients with mBCC and laBCC, respectively. The most common adverse reactions were muscle spasms, alopecia, dysgeusia, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, cough, arthralgias, vomiting, headache, ageusia, insomnia, and upper respiratory tract infection. Animal toxicology studies confirmed that vismodegib is a potent teratogenic agent. Approval was based on durable objective tumor responses supported by knowledge of the pathologic role of Hedgehog signaling in BCC and acceptable toxicity in a population without effective alternative therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 19(9); 2289–93. ©2013 AACR.