bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tran-Radial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is Safe and Alternative to Conventional Trans-Femoral Approach: Our Experiences at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka
Authors: Reza AQM , Islam AHMW , Munwar S , Talukder S , Ahmed T , Bhuiyan AH , Siddique AB , Masud R , Shohel SR , Alam MS , Miah A
Published: October 2012

Background: Aim of the study was to assess the safety of the trans-radial Percutaneous coronary  intervention (PCI) than conventional Trans-femoral approach by using either Bare-metal stents  (BMS) and or Drug Eluting Stent (DES) like Sirolimus-eluting or Paclitaxel-eluting stent. Also to  see its safety in regards of procedural time, quick mobilization, less complication and less radiation  exposure.Methods: Total 117 patients were randomized from a total of 538 patients who had PCI at our center  in the quantifying period. Total 130 stent deployed in 117 patients. Among the patients, Male: 100  and Female:17. Mean age were for Male: 55yrs, for Female: 57yrs. Associated Coronary artery  disease (CAD) risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH  for CAD and Smoking (all male).  Results: Our study shows 21.7% had trans-radial PCI. Among the study group; 72 (61.5%) were  Dyslipidemic, 75 (64.1%) were hypertensive: 47(40.2%) patients were Diabetic, FH 29 (24.8%) and  33(33%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 27: F 29) and developed CAD  in advance age. Common stented territory were LAD 51 (43.6%) followed by RCA 41 (35%) and LCX  27(23%). Average length and diameter of stented vessel were almost same in all territory. Territory  wise multiple or overlapping stenting was done in LAD 3 (6 stents), RCA 1(2stents), LCX 4 (10  stents). Stent used: BMS 37 (28.5%), Sirolimus 41(31.5%), Paclitaxel 27 (21%), Everolimus 22 (16.9%),  Biolimus 2 (1.5%) and Zotarolimus 1(0.75%). Less Procedural time, reduced radiation exposure, no  procedural complication and overall better patient comfort were observed.Conclusion: Our study has revealed that trans-radial PCI is safe with reduced radiation exposure,  quick mobilization of patient and no procedural complication in all the case, indicates it can be done  routinely as an alternative to conventional Trans-femoral approach. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12274 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 57-61
High-Density Lipoprotein as a Therapeutic Target: Treatment Strategies
Authors: Chowdhury MAU , Ali SY , Rahman MM , Islam AEMM , Islam AKMM
Published: October 2012

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite considerable therapeutic advances that control the risk factors. Numerous clinical   trials have shown an inverse association between high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the  risk of coronary artery disease. So, high density lipoprotein has become a new therapeutic target after low density lipoprotein in the management of risk factors of coronary artery disease. In this   review, we explore existing and future treatment strategies along with their benefits and failures   which will guide our management strategy. HDL raising therapies showed very promising results in many clinical trials but larger clinical trials are ongoing DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12277 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 73-80
New Hope for Resistant Hypertention
Authors: Rahman Z , Karmaker KK , Ahmed M , Aziz M , Chowdhury S , Datta B
Published: October 2012

Hypertension is a major public health problem. Despite the increasing awareness of hypertension and its implications among patients and treating physicians, the prevalence of resistant hypertension    remains high.Resistant hypertension define as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of an optimal three drug regimen that include a diuretic1 The prevalence of resistant    hypertension is projected to increase, owing to the aging population and increasing trends in obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that at least 10% of all patients with hypertension are resistant to existing drugs. Management of resistant hypertension must begin with  a careful evaluation of the patient to confirm the diagnosis and exclude factors associated with pseudo-resistance, such as improper BP measurement technique, the white-coat effect, and poor patient adherence to life-style and/or antihypertensive medications. Despite the use of the appropriate dose and type of diuretic to overcome the management of resistant hypertension, we cant achieve our goal. But there is at least two devices namely Baroreflex Activation Therapy and Catheter-based  renal sympathetic denervation make the new hope for the patient with resistant hypertension DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12278 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 81-91
Echocardiographic assessment of Right Ventricular (RV) Function
Authors: Kundu SK , Halder D , Majumder AAS
Published: October 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12279 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 92-99
Safety, Efficacy and Indications of ?-Blockers to Reduce Heart Rate prior to Coronary CT Angiography-An Overview
Authors: Jahan WA , Azam A , Deena S , Begum W , Rahman M
Published: October 2012

For selected indications, coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography is an established clinical technology for evaluation in patients suspected of having or known to have coronary artery disease. In coronary CT angiography, image quality is highly dependent on heart rate, with heart rate reduction to less than 60 beats per minute being important for both image quality and radiation dose reduction, especially when single-source CT scanners are used. â-Blockers are the first-line option for short-term reduction of heart rate prior to coronary CT angiography. In recent years, multiple âblocker administration protocols with oral and/or intravenous application have been proposed.This review article provides an overview of the indications, efficacy, and safety of â-blockade protocols prior to coronary CT angiography with respect to different scanner techniques. Moreover,implications for radiation exposure and left ventricular function analysis are discussed DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12280 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 100-106
Mycotic Aneurysm of Aorta Following Mitral Valve Replacement  A Case Report
Authors: Rahim AMA , Zaman MH , Hossain GMM , Alam SAN , Quashem MA , Ahmed NU , Mahmood KN
Published: October 2012

The term mycotic aneurysm refers to aneurysm associated with infection by microorganism. Sir William Osler first coined the term mycotic aneurysm in 1885 by disclosing the relation between abnormal cardiac valves and infection with micrococci not with fungi. An 11 years old female from Feni presented with asymptomatic vascular swelling in abdomen referred by a cardiologist.CT angiogram revealed fusiform aneurysm in distal part of abdominal aorta involving ostioproximal part of both common iliac arteries and saccular aneurysm of distal part of superior mesenteric arteries suggestive of mycotic aneurysm. Patient underwent vascular operation aorto biilliac bypass by PTFE graft with excision and ligation of aneurysm of superior mesenteric arteries. Mycotic aneurysm in bacterial endocarditis is rare. It is a challenging job for the cardiologists, infectious disease specialists and vascular surgeon. Time appropriate skilled prompt surgical  management can bring smile for both patients and physicians. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12281 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 107-111
Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR)-3mix MP Therapy showed Reliable Efficacy against the Most Resistant Endodontic Bacteria Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Khalil Ibrahim , Islam KM Mohidul , Hossain Md Zahid , Shah Arup Kumar , Badruddoza Akashlynn , Moral Md Ali Asgor
Published: October 2012

Sterilization of bacteria in root canal system is one of the prominent problems. Some bacteria could remain in root canal even after using conventional medicaments. Evidences suggested that Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) caused substantial root canal infections. So, elimination of such organism is important to achieve treatment success. Research hypothesis: Sterilization of root canal with Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR)-3mix MP Therapy is thought to be more effective against E. faecalis comparing to single antibiotic. Methods: In-vitro cross-sectional with interventional type of study to observe the zone of inhibitions by E. faecalis culture using LSTR- 3mix (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and minocycline) and calcium hydroxide (control). Results: The results strongly recommended that LSTR-3mix sufficiently able to inhibit E. faecalis growth. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i2.12311 City Dental College J. Volume-9, Number-2, July-2012
Alginate as a Final Impression Material for Edentulous Jaws: One year Clinical Observation
Authors: Akhter Anjuman Ara , Sania Iffat
Published: October 2012

Forty cases of edentulous patients have been studied for the  functional activities of a prosthetic device. The patients were selected  from the outpatient Department of Prosthodontics of Dental Unit,  Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. The aim of this study was to  overcome the limitation of the availability of paste impression  material as well as storage problem of the paste. No significant  difference was observed in male or female cases. Retention and  Stability tests were positive in 36(90%) cases, whereas, 4(10%)  cases showed lack of retention and stability due to reduced surface  area and irregular bony foundation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i2.12312 City Dental College J. Volume-9, Number-2, July-2012
Dentition and Oral Health Status in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nasrin Farhana , Iqbal Mohammad Golam , Pavel Md Shahed Shahed Rafi , Badruddoza Akashlynn , Hasan Riasat
Published: October 2012

The descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the status of dentition and oral health in children and adolescents with type-1 DM in BIRDEM, Dhaka, from 1st January to 30th June 2010. Fifty two (52) samples of 5 to 19 years of age were studied to check their oral health problems. Results showed 35(67.3%) of respondents were suffering from gingivitis and dental caries, 13(25%) respondents had periodontitis and 4(7.7%) respondents had attrition and mobility. Overall prevalence of oral health problems were more in male (53.8%) than female respondents (46.2%). The Highest number (57.7%) of oral health problems occurred in 16~19 years age  group (mean age 15.29}3.35years). Majority (53.8%) of the respondents did not check their blood glucose level regularly and 76.9% respondents visit dental surgeon when needed. Three fourth (75%) of the respondents brush their teeth before breakfast and 92.3% respondents used to clean their teeth only once a day. With type 1 DM, maximum respondents have ulceration of oral mucosa (76.9%) and only 5.8% respondents have normal oral mucosa. Three fourth (73.1%) of the respondents had unhealthy tonsils and maximum (57.7%) respondents had ulceration of tongue. Near about half of the respondents (48.1%) had good oral health status among children and adolescents with type 1 DM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i2.12317 City Dental College J. Volume-9, Number-2, July-2012
Management of an Unerupted Maxillary Canine: A Case Report
Authors: Hassan Gazi Shamim , Rubby Md Golam , Babu Mohammad Rakibul Islam , Sultana Nihar , Hasan Md Nazmul
Published: October 2012

Permanent canines are the foundation of an esthetic smile and functional occlusion. Any deviation from the normal sequence of development leads to the impaction of teeth. Among multiple  treatment options, alignment of impacted canines into the arch is the  best treatment approach. This report describes the surgical and orthodontic management of a buccally impacted permanent maxillary canine with mesial diastema DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i2.12318 City Dental College J. Volume-9, Number-2, July-2012
Recent Advancement in the Treatment of Open Apex: Materials and Technique
Authors: Ali SM Akkas , Zaman Md Mukhles Uz , Mohammad Noor , Pavel Shahed Rafi , Islam KM Mohidul , Hadiuzzaman M , Begum Fahmida , Khandaker Zakir Hossain
Published: October 2012

Cessation of the root development occurred by traumatic injury and as a sequence of caries prevents obturation of the root canal during endodontic treatment and subsequent treatment like fixed prosthesis. Thus, the goal of apexification was to obtain an apical barrier to prevent the passage of toxins and bacteria into the periapical tissues from the root canal and to induce an apical barrier against which GP points can be condensed. Apexification has been carried out from long time where calcium hydroxide is the widely used material. Calcium hydroxide gained the widest popularity. It is bactericidal in nature with an alkaline pH that may be responsible for stimulating apical calcification. Despite its widest acceptance, it has some disadvantages including variability of treatment time, difficulty in patients follow up, delayed healing, needs multiple visits to the completion to induction of calcific barrier formation and it weakens the dentin of root. Thus, the scientists and clinicians felt urge to introduce new materials and techniques that will help to the quick resolution of the apical radiolucency and to form the apical barrier. MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate), a recently introduced material is successfully used in the treatment of apexification. Many renowned scientists and clinicians worked on this materials and got very good results. Recently a clinical study has been published showing the effects of a combined medicament prepared by mixing calcium hydroxide with cefadroxil on the resolution and formation of apical barrier. Although it was a multi visits treatment compared to the treatment with MTA but showed promising results in the treatment of apexification in presence or absence of radiolucency. Thus, this review article will expose the recently invented materials and techniques which will provide a helpful guide for the clinicians to perform apexification. This review article has been prepared from the internet information and reviewing the recently published papers and texts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i2.12320 City Dental College J. Volume-9, Number-2, July-2012
The jizya Verse (Q. 9:29): Tax Enforcement on Non-Muslims in the First Muslim State
Authors: Abdel Haleem M.A.S.
Published: October 2012

The jizya verse has been the basis of a huge amount of writing by Muslims in Islamic law and Qur'anic exegesis, and by non-Muslim scholars writing about Islam. It continues to be used by some academics, the media and anti-Islamic propagandists to denigrate Islam and its treatment of non-Muslims, especially the ‘People of the Book’. This article aims to examine the verse afresh, using close linguistic analysis and paying due regard to the linguistic and historical contexts of the verse and all its elements, as well as the style of the Qur'an, and what it says outside the confines of this verse. Such analysis will demonstrate that the picture that has been made of this verse, based on various historical contingencies, both by Muslim exegetes and jurists and non-Muslim writers, is far removed from the actual picture as given in the Qur'an itself.
A Reading of Nöldeke's Geschichte Des Qorâns
Authors: Ibbah Muḥammad al-Mukhtār Wild
Published: October 2012

The author explains Nöldeke's importance as a leading European orientalist, especially in the field of the history of the Qur'an, and the significance of his Geschichte Des Qorâns which was written in 1859. He discusses the expansion of this work by Nöldeke's pupils, comments on its importance, and describes the contents of the book. He then addresses Nöldeke's views, together with those of his collaborators and other relevant European scholars. After assessing the work he concludes that very little of Nöldeke's original ideas remain in the final revised edition and that Schwally contradicted Nöldeke in many ways. He ends with Nöldeke's comment that even after the revisions undertaken by Schwally traces of ‘childish audacity’ could not entirely be removed without rewriting the entire volume. He quotes Nöldeke's opinion that some of what he wrote at that time, either with little or great conviction, he later lost confidence in. Given this, like its original author, we can also no longer have complete faith in this work.
Contextual Semantics in al-Ṭabrisī’s Tafsīr majmaʿ al-bayān
Authors: Bashīr Khalīl Khalaf
Published: October 2012

Context plays a major role in indicating the meaning of words and grammatical structures. This is especially true for terms to which the Qur'an designated new meanings. Furthermore, over the passing of time meanings change, for example from the general to the specific or vice versa. On this basis the author attempts to apply the theory of semantic fields to specific terms in al-Ṭabrisī’s Majmaʿ al-bayān. He then highlights the usefulness of this theory in composing in comprehensive dictionaries which include semantic fields as applied in other tafāsīr.
The Effects of Tabular-Based Content Extraction on Patent Document Clustering
Authors: Koessler Denise R. , Martin Benjamin W. , Kiefer Bruce E. , Berry Michael W.
Published: October 2012

Data can be represented in many different ways within a particular document or set of documents. Hence, attempts to automatically process the relationships between documents or determine the relevance of certain document objects can be problematic. In this study, we have developed software to automatically catalog objects contained in HTML files for patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Once these objects are recognized, the software creates metadata that assigns a data type to each document object. Such metadata can be easily processed and analyzed for subsequent text mining tasks. Specifically, document similarity and clustering techniques were applied to a subset of the USPTO document collection. Although our preliminary results demonstrate that tables and numerical data do not provide quantifiable value to a document’s content, the stage for future work in measuring the importance of document objects within a large corpus has been set.
Methods for Creating Curved Shell Structures From Sheet Materials
Authors: Postle Bruno
Published: October 2012

This paper describes some methods for producing developable surfaces with practical applications for creating useful lightweight, rigid, jig-less and elegant structural forms from sheet materials. Multiple related techniques based on the same fundamental principle can be used to generate a variety of interesting singly curved and doubly curved shapes. The system requires a minimum of specialist software, and is described in simple steps that can be followed by the reader with access to basic 3D CAD tools.
High Resolution Fluorescence Imaging of Cancers Using Lanthanide Ion-Doped Upconverting Nanocrystals
Authors: Naccache Rafik , Rodríguez Emma Martín , Bogdan Nicoleta , Sanz-Rodríguez Francisco , Cruz Maria del Carmen Iglesias de la , Fuente Ángeles Juarranz de la , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Jaque Daniel , Solé José García , Capobianco John A.
Published: October 2012

During the last decade inorganic luminescent nanoparticles that emit visible light under near infrared (NIR) excitation (in the biological window) have played a relevant role for high resolution imaging of cancer. Indeed, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and metal nanoparticles, mostly gold nanorods (GNRs), are already commercially available for this purpose. In this work we review the role which is being played by a relatively new class of nanoparticles, based on lanthanide ion doped nanocrystals, to target and image cancer cells using upconversion fluorescence microscopy. These nanoparticles are insulating nanocrystals that are usually doped with small percentages of two different rare earth (lanthanide) ions: The excited donor ions (usually Yb3+ ion) that absorb the NIR excitation and the acceptor ions (usually Er3+, Ho3+ or Tm3+), that are responsible for the emitted visible (or also near infrared) radiation. The higher conversion efficiency of these nanoparticles in respect to those based on QDs and GNRs, as well as the almost independent excitation/emission properties from the particle size, make them particularly promising for fluorescence imaging. The different approaches of these novel nanoparticles devoted to "in vitro" and "in vivo" cancer imaging, selective targeting and treatment are examined in this review.
Accelerating Universe and the Scalar-Tensor Theory
Authors: Fujii Yasunori
Published: October 2012

To understand the accelerating universe discovered observationally in 1998, we develop the scalar-tensor theory of gravitation originally due to Jordan, extended only minimally. The unique role of the conformal transformation and frames is discussed particularly from a physical point of view. We show the theory to provide us with a simple and natural way of understanding the core of the measurements, Λobs ∼ t0−2 for the observed values of the cosmological constant and today’s age of the universe both expressed in the Planckian units. According to this scenario of a decaying cosmological constant, Λobs is this small only because we are old, not because we fine-tune the parameters. It also follows that the scalar field is simply the pseudo Nambu–Goldstone boson of broken global scale invariance, based on the way astronomers and astrophysicists measure the expansion of the universe in reference to the microscopic length units. A rather phenomenological trapping mechanism is assumed for the scalar field around the epoch of mini-inflation as observed, still maintaining the unmistakable behavior of the scenario stated above. Experimental searches for the scalar field, as light as ∼ 10−9 eV, as part of the dark energy, are also discussed.
History and Super Diversity
Authors: Hawkey Kate
Published: October 2012

The article looks at the perspectives on history amongst adolescent children of different backgrounds living in inner-cities in England and builds on previous research in this area. The current article presents exploratory research which focuses on the views of particular groups of adolescents, namely those from long established settled immigrant communities; those from more recently arrived migrant and immigrant communities; and those from white indigenous communities. An inclusive, perspectival and dynamic approach towards history education is outlined and the underlying view of knowledge and implications for pedagogy of this approach discussed alongside comparisons with other approaches towards the subject. The exploratory work and analysis is used to generate a research agenda through which history for a super diverse society can be developed. Although the research was conducted in the English context, the issues it raises are pertinent elsewhere.
Natural Gas Prices on Three Continents
Authors: Erdős Péter , Ormos Mihály
Published: October 2012

We investigate the pricing formation of natural gas markets on three different continents (Europe, Asia and North America). We find that natural gas markets showed a strong relationship with the crude oil market between 1992 and 2001 and natural gas prices tended to thermal parity with crude oil prices. From 2002 natural gas markets exhibited a less pronounced relationship with the crude oil market and major natural gas markets were severely underpriced compared to crude oil. A globally integrated natural gas market, comparable to the global oil market, has not evolved. The main natural gas markets, however, exhibit some level of integration, especially over a longer time. The European market exhibits the strongest levels of integration, while the North American market exhibits the weakest.
Effect of CH4–Air Ratios on Gas Explosion Flame Microstructure and Propagation Behaviors
Authors: Chen Xianfeng , Zhang Yin , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2012

To reveal the inner mechanism of gas explosion dynamic behavior affected by gas equivalent concentration, a high speed Schlieren image system and flow field measurement technology was applied to record the gas explosion flame propagation and flame structure transition. The results show that a flame front structure transition occurs, followed by a flame accelerating propagation process. The laminar to turbulence transition was the essential cause of the flame structure changes. The laminar flame propagation behavior was influenced mainly by gas expansion and fore-compressive wave effect, while the turbulent flame speed mostly depended on turbulence intensity, which also played an important role in peak value of the explosive pressure and flame speed. On the condition that the laminar-turbulent transition was easier to form, the conclusion was drawn that, the lowest CH4 concentration for maximum overpressure can be obtained, which was the essential reason why the ideal explosive concentration differs under different test conditions.
Synthesis of Alcohols and Alkanes from CO and H2 over MoS2/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst in a Packed Bed with Continuous Flow
Authors: Chiang Sheng-Wei , Chang Chia-Chi , Shie Je-Lueng , Chang Ching-Yuan , Ji Dar-Ren , Tseng Jyi-Yeong , Chang Chiung-Fen , Chen Yi-Hung
Published: October 2012

Effects of reaction conditions on the production of alcohols (AOHs) and alkanes (Alk) from CO and H2, which can be obtained from the gasification of biomass, using a molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)-based catalyst of MoS2/γ-Al2O3 were studied. A high-pressure fixed packed bed (HPFPB) was employed to carry out the reaction. The results indicate that the conversion of CO (XCO) and specific production rates of alcohol (SPRAOH) and alkane (SPRAlk) are highly depended on temperature (T). In T = 423–573 K, maximum yield of alcohols (YAOH) and SPRAOH occur at T = 523 K. In the meantime, well performance gives the selectivity of ethanol (SEtOH) of 52.0 C%. For the studies on varying H2/CO mole ratio (MH/C) from 1 to 4 at 523 K, the appropriate MH/C to produce EtOH is 2, giving higher ratios of SPRAOH/SPRAlk and YAOH/YAlk than those with other MH/C. As for varying the total gas flow rates (QG) of 300, 450, 600 to 900 cm3 min−1 tested at T = 523 K and MH/C = 2, the lower QG provides longer reaction time (or gaseous retention time, tR) thus offering higher XCO, however lower productivity. For setting pressure (PST) = 225–540 psi, a supply of higher pressure is equivalent to providing a larger amount of reactants into the reaction system, this thus suggests the use of higher PST should give both higher XCO and productivity. The assessment of the above results indicates that the MoS2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst favors the production of alcohols over alkanes, especially for ethanol. The information obtained is useful for the proper utilization of biomass derived gases of CO and H2.
Contributions to the Development of Local e-Government 2.0
Authors: Gomes Rui , Sousa Lígia
Published: October 2012

With the emergence of Web 2.0 (Blog, Wiki, RSS, YouTube, Flickr, Podcast, Social Networks, and Mashups), new ways of communicating, interacting and being on the Web have arisen. These new communication tools and strategies can radically change some specific work processes in communities, such as the work processes of an autarchy. Some authors emphasize the advantages of using Web 2.0 tools in autarchies; thus, we were interested in exploring the possibilities and constraints of implementing these tools in our region of Portugal, the Minho. Using a case study methodology, we aimed to find out about the possibilities of implementing Web 2.0 tools in autarchies through exploring the interest and motivation of autarchic collaborators in their use (our unit of analysis in autarchies). Information was gathered with the help of a questionnaire, the design of which was based on previous exploratory interviews and applied to four autarchic units in the Minho region. In each unit, three different target-groups were surveyed (Councilors, Information Systems (IS) Technicians, and General Staff), so that we could triangulate the data. Data analysis and results emphasized the interest and motivation of the autarchies in using Web 2.0 tools, as well as the main constraints that would be faced during Web 2.0 implementation. It also allowed us to establish some guidelines for adequate Web 2.0 implementation, including an “ideal” profile of the person responsible for the implementation process.
The Influence of Competition Among C. elegans Small RNA Pathways on Development
Authors: Zhuang Jimmy J. , Hunter Craig P.
Published: October 2012

Small RNAs play a variety of regulatory roles, including highly conserved developmental functions. Caenorhabditis elegans not only possesses most known small RNA pathways, it is also an easy system to study their roles and interactions during development. It has been proposed that in C. elegans, some small RNA pathways compete for access to common limiting resources. The strongest evidence supporting this model is that disrupting the production or stability of endogenous short interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) enhances sensitivity to experimentally induced exogenous RNA interference (exo-RNAi). Here, we examine the relationship between the endo-siRNA and microRNA (miRNA) pathways, and find that, consistent with competition among these endogenous small RNA pathways, endo-siRNA pathway mutants may enhance miRNA efficacy. Furthermore, we show that exo-RNAi may also compete with both endo-siRNAs and miRNAs. Our data thus provide support that all known Dicer-dependent small RNA pathways may compete for limiting common resources. Finally, we observed that both endo-siRNA mutants and animals experiencing exo-RNAi have increased expression of miRNA-regulated stage-specific developmental genes. These observations suggest that perturbing the small RNA flux and/or the induction of exo-RNAi, even in wild-type animals, may impact development via effects on the endo-RNAi and microRNA pathways.
RETRACTED: Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Cytokines in Pathogenesis and in Therapies
Authors: Amedei Amedeo , Prisco Domenico , D’Elios Mario
Published: October 2012

Multiple sclerosis, the clinical features and pathological correlate for which were first described by Charcot, is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with unknown etiology and variable clinical evolution. Although neuroinflammation is a descriptive denominator in multiple sclerosis based on histopathological observations, namely the penetration of leukocytes into the central nervous system, the clinical symptoms of relapses, remissions and progressive paralysis are the result of losses of myelin and neurons. In the absence of etiological factors as targets for prevention and therapy, the definition of molecular mechanisms that form the basis of inflammation, demyelination and toxicity for neurons have led to a number of treatments that slow down disease progression in specific patient cohorts, but that do not cure the disease. Current therapies are directed to block the immune processes, both innate and adaptive, that are associated with multiple sclerosis. In this review, we analyze the role of cytokines in the multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and current/future use of them in treatments of multiple sclerosis.
A Systems Biology Approach to Understanding the Mechanisms of Action of Chinese Herbs for Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Li Bohui , Xu Xue , Wang Xia , Yu Hua , Li Xiuxiu , Tao Weiyang , Wang Yonghua , Yang Ling
Published: October 2012

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves a broad range of empirical testing and refinement and plays an important role in the health maintenance for people all over the world. However, due to the complexity of Chinese herbs, a full understanding of TCM’s action mechanisms is still unavailable despite plenty of successful applications of TCM in the treatment of various diseases, including especially cardiovascular diseases (CVD), one of the leading causes of death. Thus in the present work, by incorporating the chemical predictors, target predictors and network construction approaches, an integrated system of TCM has been constructed to systematically uncover the underlying action mechanisms of TCM. From three representative Chinese herbs, i.e., Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen and Corydalis yanhusuo WT Wang which have been widely used in CVD treatment, by combinational use of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) screening and network pharmacology techniques, we have generated 64 bioactive ingredients and identified 54 protein targets closely associated with CVD, of which 29 are common targets (52.7%) of the three herbs. The result provides new information on the efficiency of the Chinese herbs for the treatment of CVD and also explains one of the basic theories of TCM, i.e., “multiple herbal drugs can treat one disease”. The predicted potential targets were then mapped to target-disease and target-signal pathway connections, which revealed the relationships of the active ingredients with their potential targets, diseases and signal systems. This means that for the first time, the action mechanism of these three important Chinese herbs for the treatment of CVD is uncovered, by generating and identifying both their active ingredients and novel targets specifically related to CVD, which clarifies some of the common conceptions in TCM, and thus provides clues to modernize such specific herbal medicines.
E2F1 and p53 Transcription Factors as Accessory Factors for Nucleotide Excision Repair
Authors: Vélez-Cruz Renier , Johnson David G.
Published: October 2012

Many of the biochemical details of nucleotide excision repair (NER) have been established using purified proteins and DNA substrates. In cells however, DNA is tightly packaged around histones and other chromatin-associated proteins, which can be an obstacle to efficient repair. Several cooperating mechanisms enhance the efficiency of NER by altering chromatin structure. Interestingly, many of the players involved in modifying chromatin at sites of DNA damage were originally identified as regulators of transcription. These include ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers, histone modifying enzymes and several transcription factors. The p53 and E2F1 transcription factors are well known for their abilities to regulate gene expression in response to DNA damage. This review will highlight the underappreciated, transcription-independent functions of p53 and E2F1 in modifying chromatin structure in response to DNA damage to promote global NER.
Enhancement of Tendon–Bone Healing for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Using Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Infected with BMP-2
Authors: Dong Yu , Zhang Qingguo , Li Yunxia , Jiang Jia , Chen Shiyi
Published: October 2012

At present, due to the growing attention focused on the issue of tendon–bone healing, we carried out an animal study of the use of genetic intervention combined with cell transplantation for the promotion of this process. Here, the efficacy of bone marrow stromal cells infected with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on tendon–bone healing was determined. A eukaryotic expression vector containing the BMP-2 gene was constructed and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs) were infected with a lentivirus. Next, we examined the viability of the infected cells and the mRNA and protein levels of BMP-2-infected bMSCs. Gastrocnemius tendons, gastrocnemius tendons wrapped by bMSCs infected with the control virus (bMSCs+Lv-Control), and gastrocnemius tendons wrapped by bMSCs infected with the recombinant BMP-2 virus (bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2) were used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in New Zealand white rabbits. Specimens from each group were harvested four and eight weeks postoperatively and evaluated using biomechanical and histological methods. The bMSCs were infected with the lentivirus at an efficiency close to 100%. The BMP-2 mRNA and protein levels in bMSCs were significantly increased after lentiviral infection. The bMSCs and BMP-2-infected bMSCs on the gastrocnemius tendon improved the biomechanical properties of the graft in the bone tunnel; specifically, bMSCs infected with BMP-2 had a positive effect on tendon–bone healing. In the four-week and eight-week groups, bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2 group exhibited significantly higher maximum loads of 29.3 ± 7.4 N and 45.5 ± 11.9 N, respectively, compared with the control group (19.9 ± 6.4 N and 21.9 ± 4.9 N) (P = 0.041 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the eight-week groups, the stiffness of the bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2 group (32.5 ± 7.3) was significantly higher than that of the bMSCs+Lv-Control group (22.8 ± 7.4) or control groups (12.4 ± 6.0) (p = 0.036 and 0.001, respectively). Based on the histological findings, there was an increased amount of perpendicular collagen fibers formed between the tendon and bone in the bMSCs+Lv-Control and bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2 group, compared with the gastrocnemius tendons. The proliferation of cartilage-like cells and the formation of fibrocartilage-like tissue were highest within the bone tunnels in the bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2 group. These results suggest that this lentivirus can be used to efficiently infect bMSCs with BMP-2. Furthermore, tendons wrapped by bMSCs+Lv-BMP-2 improved tendon–bone healing.
Information and the Regulation of a Lower Hierarchical Level by a Higher One
Authors: Salthe Stanley N.
Published: October 2012

In this paper I consider the usefulness of the compositional hierarchy model in understanding the information flows involved in group behaviors in animals. I propose that short-term memory can function to transduce information across scale, thereby connecting different modes of information and mediating coherent group motions. This transduction I propose to be mediated by the “sign” as understood in Peircean semiotics, generating the meaning of the information for the social animal.
Guidelines for the Bandgap Combinations and Absorption Windows for Organic Tandem and Triple-Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Minnaert Ben , Veelaert Peter
Published: October 2012

Organic solar cells have narrow absorption windows, compared to the absorption band of inorganic semiconductors. A possible way to capture a wider band of the solar spectrum—and thus increasing the power conversion efficiency—is using more solar cells with different bandgaps in a row, i.e., a multi-junction solar cell. We calculate the ideal material characteristics (bandgap combinations and absorption windows) for an organic tandem and triple-junction solar cell, as well as their acceptable range. In this way, we give guidelines to organic material designers.
Current Status on Marine Products with Reversal Effect on Cancer Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Abraham Ioana , El Sayed Khalid , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Guo Huiqin
Published: October 2012

The resistance of tumor cells to a broad range of anticancer agents continues to be a problem for the success of cancer chemotherapy. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is due in part to three drug transporter proteins: ABCB1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp), ABCC1/multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and ABCG2/breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). These transporters are part of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, whose members function as ATP-dependent drug-efflux pumps. Their activity can be blocked by various drugs such as verapamil (calcium channel blocker) and cyclosporin A (immunosuppressive agent), etc. These compounds are called MDR modulators or reversals. This review highlights several marine natural products with reversal effect on multidrug resistance in cancer, including agosterol A, ecteinascidin 743, sipholane triterpenoids, bryostatin 1, and welwitindolinones.
Geological, Mineralogical and Geochemical Aspects for Critical and Rare Metals in Greece
Authors: Melfos Vasilios , Voudouris Panagiotis Ch.
Published: October 2012

The European Union (EU) is highly dependent on critical and rare metals which are very important for a sustainable development. However, European industry is not able to cover its demands from native sources and it imports commodities from third countries. Greece is one of the EU countries with the most potential for supplying these strategic metallic raw materials in the future, since it hosts a large number of ore deposits. The epithermal- and porphyry-type deposits and the reduced intrusion related systems of the Serbomacedonian and the Rhodope metallogenic provinces in Northeastern Greece are promising targets for a future exploitation and exploration in Sb, Te, Mo, Re, Ga, In, REE and PGE. Greece is the leading producer of Ni and Al in the EU from laterites and bauxites of central and northern Greece. These deposits also contain significant amounts of Co or REE which should be considered in the future plans of the processing industries. REE are found in high contents at the placer deposits between Chalkidiki and Kavala (North Greece) and elevated PGE concentrations are associated with the chromitites of northwestern Greece. Therefore, the mineral wealth of Greece can contribute significantly to a sustainable and a competitive economy of Europe.
Interaction Profile of Diphenyl Diselenide with Pharmacologically Significant Thiols
Authors: Hassan Waseem , Rocha Joao Batista Teixeira
Published: October 2012

Diphenyl diselenide has shown interesting biological activities in various free-radical-induced damage models and can be considered as a potential candidate drug against oxidative stress. Apart from its anti-oxidant activity, this compound can oxidize various thiols. However there are no detailed studies in the literature about the thiol oxidase-like activity of this compound against biologically significant mono and di-thiols with respect to various pH conditions. Keeping in mind the scarcity of data in this area of organochalcogen chemistry, we report for the first time the kinetics of thiol oxidation by diphenyl diselenide, which was carried out in a commonly used phosphate buffer, not only at physiological pH, but also at a number of acidic values. The relative reactivities of the different thiols with diphenyl diselenide were independent of the pKa of the thiol group, such that at pH 7.4, cysteine and dithiothreitol were the most reactive, while 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid and glutathione were weakly reactive and extremely low reactivity was observed with dimercaptosuccinic acid. Rate of oxidation was dependent on the pH of the incubation medium. The results obtained will help us in the design of rational strategies for the safe pharmacological use of diphenyl diselenide.
TLC Screening for Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Fifteen Bamboo Species and Identification of Antioxidant Flavone Glycosides from Leaves of Bambusa. textilis McClure
Authors: Wang Jin , Yue Yong-De , Tang Feng , Sun Jia
Published: October 2012

Interest in the antioxidant activity of bamboo leaves is growing. To discover new sources of natural antioxidants, a TLC bioautography method combined with a new image processing method was developed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of leaf extracts from 15 different species of bamboo. The results showed that the methanolic extract of Bambusa. textilis McClure possessed the highest antioxidant activity among the selected bamboo species. To rapidly identify the antioxidant compounds, the crude extract of B. textilis McClure was analysed by HPLC-UV, and HPLC-micro-fractionation of the extract was carried out. Based on TLC bioautography-guided fractionation, three antioxidant fractions were isolated from B. textilis McClure by preparative chromatography. These three antioxidant compounds were identified as isoorientin 4''-O β-D-xylopyranoside (1), isoorientin 2''-O-α-L-rhamnoside (2) and isoorientin (3) according to their UV, MS, and NMR data. The proposed TLC screening method could therefore be an easy way to evaluate the antioxidant activity of bamboo leaves, and the results achieved should prove very helpful for promoting their utilization, as B. textilis McClure can be considered a promising plant source of natural antioxidants.
Phenolic and Lignan Glycosides from the Butanol Extract of Averrhoa carambola L. Root
Authors: Wen Qingwei , Lin Xing , Liu Yeqi , Xu Xiaohui , Liang Tao , Zheng Ni , Kintoko  , Huang Renbin
Published: October 2012

Fifteen compounds, which included six chiral lignans and nine phenolic glycosides, were separated from the butanol fraction of Averrhoa carambola L. root and identified. All of the compounds, namely 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), benzyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (+)-5'-methoxyisolariciresinol 3α-O-β-D-gluco-pyranoside (3), (+)-isolariciresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), koaburaside (5), (+)-lyoniresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), (−)-lyoniresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), (−)-5'-methoxyisolariciresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), (−)-isolariciresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl 1-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1''→6')-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl 1-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1''→6')-β-gluco-pyranoside (11), methoxyhydroquinone-4-β-D-glucopyranoside (12), (2S)-2-O-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl-2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (13), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenol 1-O-β-D-apio-furanosyl-(1''→6')-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (14) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenol 1-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1''→6')-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (15) were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Phenylmethimazole Blocks dsRNA-Induced IRF3 Nuclear Translocation and Homodimerization
Authors: Courreges Maria C. , Kantake Noriko , Goetz Douglas J. , Schwartz Frank L. , McCall Kelly D.
Published: October 2012

Previous studies revealed that phenylmethimazole (C10) inhibits IRF3 signaling, preventing dsRNA-induction of type 1 interferon gene expression, production, and downstream signaling. In the present study, we investigated the molecular basis for C10 inhibition of dsRNA-stimulated IRF3 signaling. IRF-3 Trans-AM assays were used to measure C10 effects on dsRNA induction of IRF3 DNA binding. Green fluorescent protein-labeled IRF3 was used to measure C10 effects on dsRNA-induced IRF3 nuclear translocation. Native PAGE, SDS PAGE, and western blotting were used to identify effects of C10 on IRF3 homodimer formation and phosphorylation, respectively. There was a significant impairment of dsRNA-induced IRF3 DNA binding activity in human embryonic kidney and pancreatic cancer cells with C10 treatment. C10 also blocked dsRNA-induced IRF3 nuclear translocation and homodimer formation without blocking serine 396 phosphorylation of IRF3. Together, these results indicate that C10 interferes with IRF3 signaling by blocking dsRNA-induced IRF3 homodimer formation, a prerequisite for nuclear translocation and DNA binding activities.