bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYNCHRONIZATION ANALYSIS FOR MULTIVALUED LOGICAL NETWORKS
Authors: LI FANGFEI , SUN JITAO
Published: May 2013

The synchronization for two k-valued logical networks of the same dimensions is studied in this paper. First, based on the theory of semi-tensor product of matrices, the master-slave systems (two k-valued logical networks) are converted into discrete-time systems. Second, both open-loop control and feedback control are provided to make the slave network synchronize with the master k-valued logical network. Finally, examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the obtained results.
STOCHASTIC POINCARÉ–BENDIXSON THEOREM AND ITS APPLICATION ON STOCHASTIC HOPF BIFURCATION
Authors: ZOU XIAOLING , WANG KE , FAN DEJUN
Published: May 2013

A stochastic Poincaré–Bendixson theorem and its generalized theorem are given in this paper. The aim of these theorems is to show the existence of a crater-like stationary distribution for a stochastic planar autonomous system. The main theorems are applied on a stochastic predator-prey system as an instruction. For example, stochastic Hopf bifurcation phenomenon is observed when the qualitative change of the shape of the stationary distribution is taken as an indicator of bifurcation.
NETWORK SYNCHRONIZATION BY DYNAMIC DIFFUSIVE COUPLING
Authors: MURGUIA C. , FEY R. H. B. , NIJMEIJER H.
Published: May 2013

The problem of controlled network synchronization for a class of nonlinear observable systems interconnected via dynamic diffusive coupling is studied. We construct a dynamic diffusive coupling combining a nonlinear observer and an output feedback controller. Sufficient conditions on the systems to be interconnected, on the network topology, and on the coupling strength that guarantee (global) synchronization are derived. Moreover, using the notion of semipassivity, we prove that under some mild assumptions, the solutions of interconnected semipassive systems are ultimately bounded. The results are illustrated by computer simulations of coupled FitzHugh–Nagumo oscillators.
FOREARM BAND VERSUS ELBOW TAPING: AS A MANAGEMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
Authors: Kachanathu Shaji John , Miglani Smriti , Grover Deepak , Zakaria Abdul R
Published: May 2013

Purpose: There are several treatments available for the management of lateral epicondylitis, but there is a dearth of clinical trials compared to the efficacy of a forearm band over supportive elbow taping technique as an adjunct measure in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Materials and Methods: Totally 45 subjects with the mean age of 30±5 years diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis participated in the study based upon inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 15 in each); Group-A (forearm band), Group-B (elbow taping) and Group-C (control), provided with a forearm band, supportive elbow taping technique and as a control group, respectively, although all groups received the conventional physiotherapy in addition to these adjunct measures. The outcome measurements included pain-free grip strength and functional improvement, assessed by using hand-held dynamometer and patient-rated forearm evaluation questionnaire (PRFEQ), respectively. Total duration of study was four weeks. Results: Although all the groups showed improvement with respect to increase in the pain-free grip strength and enhancement of functional independence, however, Group-A has shown the maximum improvement followed by Group-B which in turn proved to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone. Conclusion: The application of the forearm band produced a significant increase in the grip strength and function as compared to the elbow taping and control groups. The study implies the potential use of a forearm band in the future in addition to the conventional therapy in the management of patients with lateral epicondylitis.
HYPERMOBILITY AS MEASURED BY THE BEIGHTON HYPERMOBILITY TEST IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN YOUNG ADULTS
Authors: Massy-Westropp Nicola , Toubia Cherie
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Past literature has suggested that benign joint hypermobility is related to reduced strength, reduced proprioception and greater risk of musculoskeletal injury. This study aimed to determine any relationship between benign joint hypermobility and hand grip strength in young adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 adults aged 18–35 were tested for joint hypermobility using the nine-point Beighton Hypermobility Criteria. Their hand grip strength was also tested using a dynamometer. To achieve 0.8 power and < 0.05 significance, 120 participants were required. Results: The results determined that benign joint hypermobility and hand grip strength were not related. Many participants demonstrated hypermobility in joints other than those tested by the Beighton criteria. Conclusion: Benign joint hypermobility, according to the Beighton criteria, and hand grip strength were not related. Hypermobility of the shoulders and interphalangeal joints were not assessed, and these joints may be hypermobile even when an individual's results are negative by the Beighton criteria.
OPTICAL IMAGING OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ACUTE LUNG INJURY FROM HYPEROXIA AND SEPSIS
Authors: SEPEHR REYHANEH , AUDI SAID H. , MALEKI SEPIDEH , STANISZEWSKI KEVIN , EIS ANNIE L. , KONDURI GIRIJA G. , RANJI MAHSA
Published: May 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic pulmonary disorders such as acute lung injury (ALI) in adults and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Bacterial infection and oxygen toxicity, which result in pulmonary vascular endothelial injury, contribute to impaired vascular growth and alveolar simplification seen in the lungs of premature infants with BPD. Hyperoxia induces ALI, reduces cell proliferation, causes DNA damage and promotes cell death by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to use an optical imaging technique to evaluate the variations in fluorescence intensities of the auto-fluorescent mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes, NADH and FAD in four different groups of rats. The ratio of these fluorescence signals (NADH/FAD), referred to as NADH redox ratio (NADH RR) has been used as an indicator of tissue metabolism in injuries. Here, we investigated whether the changes in metabolic state can be used as a marker of oxidative stress caused by hyperoxia and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in neonatal rat lungs. We examined the tissue redox states of lungs from four groups of rat pups: normoxic (21% O2) pups, hyperoxic (90% O2) pups, pups treated with LPS (normoxic + LPS), and pups treated with LPS and hyperoxia (hyperoxic + LPS). Our results show that hyperoxia oxidized the respiratory chain as reflected by a ~ 31% decrease in lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic lungs. LPS treatment alone or with hyperoxia had no significant effect on lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic or hyperoxic lungs, respectively. Thus, NADH RR serves as a quantitative marker of oxidative stress level in lung injury caused by two clinically important conditions: hyperoxia and LPS exposure.
WIRELESS DISTRIBUTED ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY – WDA-NIRS
Authors: SAFAIE J. , GREBE R. , MOGHADDAM H. ABRISHAMI , WALLOIS F.
Published: May 2013

The wireless distributed acquisition system for near infrared spectroscopy (WDA-NIRS) is a portable, ultra-compact, continuous wave (CW) NIRS system. Its main advantage is that it allows continuous synchronized multi-site hemodynamic monitoring. The WDA-NIRS system calculates online changes in hemoglobin concentration based on modified Beer–Lambert law and the tissue oxygenation index based on the spatial-resolved spectroscopy method. It consists of up to seven signal acquisition units, sufficiently small to be easily attached to any part of the body. These units are remotely synchronized by a PC base station for independent acquisition of NIRS signals. Each acquisition module can be freely adapted to individual requirements such as local skin properties and the microcirculation of interest, e.g., different muscles, brain, skin, etc. For this purpose, the light emitted by each LED can be individually, interactively or automatically adjusted to local needs. Furthermore, the user can freely create an emitter time-multiplexing protocol and choose the detector sensitivity most suitable to a particular situation. The potential diagnostic value of this advanced device is demonstrated by three typical applications.
Approximate Solution of Nonlinear System of BVP Arising in Fluid Flow Problem
Authors: Alomari A. K. , Anakira N. Ratib , Bataineh A. Sami , Hashim I.
Published: May 2013

We extend for the first time the applicability of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) to find approximate solution of a system of two-point boundary-value problems (BVPs). The OHAM provides us with a very simple way to control and adjust the convergence of the series solution using the auxiliary constants which are optimally determined. Comparisons made show the effectiveness and reliability of the method.
Almost Automorphic Mild Solutions to Neutral Parabolic Nonautonomous Evolution Equations with Nondense Domain
Authors: Hu Zhanrong , Jin Zhen
Published: May 2013

Combining the exponential dichotomy of evolution family, composition theorems for almost automorphic functions with Banach fixed point theorem, we establish new existence and uniqueness theorems for almost automorphic mild solutions to neutral parabolic nonautonomous evolution equations with nondense domain. A unified framework is set up to investigate the existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic mild solutions to some classes of parabolic partial differential equations and neutral functional differential equations.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus: Progress and Challenges
Authors: El-Badri Nagwa , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: May 2013

Advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular, nervous, and renal complications. Attempts to cure diabetes mellitus using islet transplantation have been successful in providing a source for insulin secreting cells. However, limited donors, graft rejection, the need for continued immune suppression, and exhaustion of the donor cell pool prompted the search for a more sustained source of insulin secreting cells. Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative for islet transplantation in type 2 diabetic patients who fail to control hyperglycemia even with insulin injection. Autologous stem cell transplantation may provide the best outcome for those patients, since autologous cells are readily available and do not entail prolonged hospital stays or sustained immunotoxic therapy. Among autologous adult stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has been applied with varying degrees of success in both animal models and in clinical trials. This review will focus on the advantages of MSCs over other types of stem cells and the possible mechanisms by which MSCs transplant restores normoglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Sources of MSCs including autologous cells from diabetic patients and the use of various differentiation protocols in relation to best transplant outcome will be discussed.
New High-Order Compact ADI Algorithms for 3D Nonlinear Time-Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Zhai Shuying , Feng Xinlong , Weng Zhifeng
Published: May 2013

Numerical approximations of the three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear time-fractional convection-diffusion equation is studied, which is firstly transformed to a time-fractional diffusion equation and then is solved by linearization method combined with alternating direction implicit (ADI) method. By using fourth-order Padé approximation for spatial derivatives and classical backward differentiation method for time derivative, two new high-order compact ADI algorithms with ordersO(τmin(1+α,2−α)+h4)andO(τ2−α+h4)are presented. The resulting schemes in each ADI solution step corresponding to a tridiagonal matrix equation can be solved by the Thomas algorithm which makes the computation cost effective. Numerical experiments are shown to demonstrate the high accuracy and robustness of two new schemes.
The Application of SILAC Mouse in Human Body Fluid Proteomics Analysis Reveals Protein Patterns Associated with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Shilin , Li Rongxia , Cai Xiaofan , Chen Wanjia , Li Qingrun , Xing Tao , Zhu Wenjie , Chen Y. Eugene , Zeng Rong , Deng Yueyi
Published: May 2013

Body fluid proteome is the most informative proteome from a medical viewpoint. But the lack of accurate quantitation method for complicated body fluid limited its application in disease research and biomarker discovery. To address this problem, we introduced a novel strategy, in which SILAC-labeled mouse serum was used as internal standard for human serum and urine proteome analysis. The SILAC-labeled mouse serum was mixed with human serum and urine, and multidimensional separation coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (IEF-LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed. The shared peptides between two species were quantified by their SILAC pairs, and the human-only peptides were quantified by mouse peptides with coelution. The comparison for the results from two replicate experiments indicated the high repeatability of our strategy. Then the urine from Immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients treated and untreated was compared by this quantitation strategy. Fifty-three peptides were found to be significantly changed between two groups, including both known diagnostic markers for IgAN and novel candidates, such as Complement C3, Albumin, VDBP, ApoA,1 and IGFBP7. In conclusion, we have developed a practical and accurate quantitation strategy for comparison of complicated human body fluid proteome. The results from such strategy could provide potential disease-related biomarkers for evaluation of treatment.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Objectifying Cerebral Effects of Laser Acupuncture in Term and Preterm Neonates
Authors: Raith Wolfgang , Pichler Gerhard , Sapetschnig Iris , Avian Alexander , Sommer Constanze , Baik Nariae , Koestenberger Martin , Schmölzer Georg M. , Urlesberger Berndt
Published: May 2013

Laser acupuncture (LA) becomes more and more relevant in neonates and infants. With near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a continuous and noninvasive measurement of tissue oxygenation is possible. Aim was to investigate, whether the application of LA was associated with any changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) in term and preterm neonates. The study included 20 neonates (12 males, 8 females). The Large Intestine 4 acupuncture point (LI 4,Hegu) was stimulated by a microlaser needle (10 mW, 685 nm laser needle EG GmbH, Germany) for 5 minutes, bilaterally. All neonates underwent polygraphic recording during undisturbed daytime sleep, including heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and measurement of nasal flow. Using NIRS, rcSO2was measured continuously. Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) was calculated. We did not observe any significant changes in SpO2and HR values during the whole observation period. However, there was a significant decrease in rcSO2(P=0.003) within postintervention period, accompanied by a significant increase in cFTOE (P=0.010) in postintervention period.
Antiperiodic Solutions for a Generalized High-Order(p,q)-Laplacian Neutral Differential System with Delays in the Critical Case
Authors: Liao Yongzhi , Zhang Tianwei , Li Yongkun
Published: May 2013

By applying the method of coincidence degree, some criteria are established for the existence of antiperiodic solutions for a generalized high-order(p,q)-Laplacian neutral differential system with delays(φp((x(t)-cx(t-τ))(k)))(m-k)=F(t,xθ0(t),xθ1(t)′,…,xθk(t)(k),yϑ0(t),yϑ1(t)′,…,yϑl(t)(l)),(φq((y(t)-dy(t-σ))(l)))(n-l)=G(t,yμ0(t),yμ1(t)′,…,yμl(t)(l),xν0(t),xν1(t)′,…,xνk(t)(k))in the critical case|c|=|d|=1. The results of this paper are completely new. Finally, an example is employed to illustrate our results.
A Study to Compare the Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Bupivacaine Alone with Intrathecal Bupivacaine Midazolam Combination in Patients Undergoing Elective Infraumbilical Surgery
Authors: Chattopadhyay Anirban , Maitra Souvik , Sen Suvadeep , Bhattacharjee Sulagna , Layek Amitava , Pal Sugata , Ghosh Kakali
Published: May 2013

Spinal anaesthesia, which is one of the techniques for infraumbilical surgeries, is most commonly criticized for limited duration of postoperative analgesia. Several adjuvants have been tried along with local anesthetic for prolonging the duration of analgesia. In this study, we have observed the effect of midazolam as an adjuvant in patients undergoing infraumbilical surgery. In this prospective, randomized, double blinded, and parallel group and open label study of 90 adult patients aged 18–60 years, of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status I and II, scheduled for elective infraumbilical surgery, were randomly allocated in two groups. Each patient in group “B” received hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg along with 0.4 mL of normal saline in the subarachnoid block, and patients of group “BM” received 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine along with preservative free midazolam 0.4 mL (2 mg). We found that use of midazolam as adjuvant with the local anesthetic in spinal anaesthesia significantly increases the duration of analgesia (median 320 min versus 220 min) and motor block (median 255 min versus 195 min) but decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea-vomiting (PONV).
An Enhanced Wu-Huberman Algorithm with Pole Point Selection Strategy
Authors: Sun Yan , Ding Shuxue
Published: May 2013

The Wu-Huberman clustering is a typical linear algorithm among many clustering algorithms, which illustrates data points relationship as an artificial “circuit” and then applies the Kirchhoff equations to get the voltage value on the complex circuit. However, the performance of the algorithm is crucially dependent on the selection of pole points. In this paper, we present a novel pole point selection strategy for the Wu-Huberman algorithm (named as PSWH algorithm), which aims at preserving the merit and increasing the robustness of the algorithm. The pole point selection strategy is proposed to filter the pole point by introducing sparse rate. Experiments results demonstrate that the PSWH algorithm is significantly improved in clustering accuracy and efficiency compared with the original Wu-Huberman algorithm.
Complex Oscillation of Higher-Order Linear Differential Equations with Coefficients Being Lacunary Series of Finite Iterated Order
Authors: Tu Jin , Xu Hong-Yan , Liu Hua-ming , Liu Yong
Published: May 2013

The authors introduce the lacunary series of finite iterated order and use them to investigate the growth of solutions of higher-order linear differential equations with entire coefficients of finite iterated order and obtain some results which improve and extend some previous results of Belaidi, 2006, Cao and Yi, 2007, Kinnunen, 1998, Laine and Wu, 2000, Tu and Chen, 2009, Tu and Deng, 2008, Tu and Deng, 2010, Tu and Liu, 2009, and Tu and Long, 2009.
Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Fredholm Integro-Differential Equations Using Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Pashazadeh Atabakan Z. , Kazemi Nasab A. , Kılıçman A. , Eshkuvatov Zainidin K.
Published: May 2013

Spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM) as a modification of homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied to obtain solution of high-order nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential problems. The existence and uniqueness of the solution and convergence of the proposed method are proved. Some examples are given to approve the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed method. The SHAM results show that the proposed approach is quite reasonable when compared to homotopy analysis method, Lagrange interpolation solutions, and exact solutions.
The Novel Crohn's Disease Marker Anti-GP2 Antibody Is Associated with Ileocolonic Location of Disease
Authors: Somma Valentina , Ababneh Hani , Ababneh Ahmad , Gatti Simona , Romagnoli Vittorio , Bendia Emanuele , Conrad Karsten , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Roggenbuck Dirk , Ciarrocchi Gino
Published: May 2013

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect the whole gastrointestinal tract. The ileocolonic variant of CD, an inflammation of both the ileum and the large intestine, accounts for up to 50% of the cases with CD, whereas Crohn's ileitis affecting the ileum is diagnosed in about 30%. Crohn's colitis, which is confined to the large intestine and accounts for the remaining 20%, is difficult to distinguish from the large bowel inflammation seen in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The pathogenesis of CD is not yet completely understood. Autoimmunity is one factor that can partake in the triggering or modulation of inflammatory processes in IBD. The major zymogen-granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) has been recently identified as a major autoantigenic target in CD. Interestingly, GP2 is mainly expressed in the pancreas and has also been demonstrated to be a membrane-anchored receptor of microfold cells in the follicle-associated epithelium. Remarkably, GP2 is overexpressed at the site of CD inflammation in contrast to the one in UC. By utilizing novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of GP2-specific IgA and IgG, the loss of tolerance to GP2 has been associated with a specific clinical phenotype in CD, in particular with the ileocolonic location of the disease.
Facile and Sensitive Epifluorescent Silica Nanoparticles for the Rapid Screening of EHEC
Authors: Tuitemwong Pravate , Songvorawit Nut , Tuitemwong Kooranee
Published: May 2013

This study was to develop antibodies conjugated fluorescent dye‐doped silica nanoparticles (FDS‐NPs) aiming to increase signals for the rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with glass slide method. The FDS‐NPs were produced with microemulsion/sol‐gel techniques resulting in spherical in shape with 47 ± 6 nm in diameter. The particles showed high intensity and stable orange color Rubpy luminescent dye. The XRD spectrum showed a broad diffraction peak in the range of 18–30∘
(centered at 22∘) indicating an amorphous structure. Surface modifications for bioconjugation with affinity chromatography purified (IgGs) antibodies were successful. The properties were evident from FTIR spectra at 1631.7 cm−1. Results indicated that nanoparticles could attach onto cells of E. coli O157:H7 coated on a glass slide, and give distinctively bright color under epifluorescence microscope (400x). It was shown that FDS‐NPs could detect a very low amount of cells of E. coli O157:H7 (16 CFU in 10 ml) in 60 min. The phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with ionic strength of 1.70 gave zeta potential of good particle dispersion (−40 mV). This work demonstrated that highly sensitive bioconjugated E. coli O157:H7 FDS‐NPs were successfully developed with a potential to be used for the rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in foods.
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity ofCitrus latifoliaTanaka Essential Oil and Limonene in Experimental Mouse Models
Authors: Kummer Raquel , Fachini-Queiroz Fernanda Carolina , Estevão-Silva Camila Fernanda , Grespan Renata , Silva Expedito Leite , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura
Published: May 2013

The genusCitrus(Rutaceae) includes several species of plants that produce some of the most cultivated fruits in the world, providing an appreciable content of essential oil. In folk medicine, they are used as a cholagogue, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antitoxic effects. Lemon essential oil has been used since ancient times for its antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, and eupeptic effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity ofCitrus latifoliaTanaka essential oil (CLEO) and its main constituent LIM. In the cell viability assay, CLEO and LIM (3, 10, 30, and 90 μg/mL) had low cytotoxicity. In zymosan-induced peritonitis, LIM (500 mg/kg) decreased the infiltration of peritoneal exudate leukocytes and decreased the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.In vitrochemotaxis revealed that CLEO and LIM (1, 3, and 10 µg/mL) promoted a significant reduction of neutrophil migration toward fMLP and LTB4. LIM (500 mg/kg) also reduced TNF-αlevels but did not alter IL-10 levels in the peritoneal exudate. In conclusion, this study showed that LIM isolated from CLEO had potential anti-inflammatory effects, likely by inhibiting proinflammatory mediators present in inflammatory exudate and leukocyte chemotaxis.
Erythromelalgia? A Clinical Study of People Who Experience Red, Hot, Painful Feet in the Community
Authors: Friberg D. , Chen T. , Tarr G. , van Rij A.
Published: May 2013

We recruited a population of people who clinically suffer from the symptoms of erythromelalgia, red, hot, painful feet made worse by heat and improved by cooling, to better characterise this population and measure their quality of life (QOL). Ninety-two individuals completed the QOL surveys, and 56 individuals were clinically assessed. There was a 3 : 1 ratio of females to males with an average age of 61 years. The estimated prevalence of people who had clinical symptoms of erythromelalgia in the Dunedin community was 15/100,000. Only 27% of people had received a diagnosis for their symptoms despite seeking medical attention. People in the study population had worse quality of life than the general New Zealand population(P<0.001). In the majority of participants symptoms had a mild-moderate effect on their quality of life. The results of this study indicate that the number of people who have clinical symptoms of erythromelalgia is much greater than is commonly accepted and that the majority of these individuals go unrecognised by the medical profession despite seeking help. They have significantly diminished QOL with the majority of people having mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Two New 3,4;9,10-seco-Cycloartane Type Triterpenoids fromIllicium difengpiand Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Li Chuntong , Xi Fengmin , Mi Junling , Wu Zhijun , Chen Wansheng
Published: May 2013

A pair of new 3,4;9,10-seco-cycloartane type triterpenoid stereoisomerides: 24R,25-dihydroxy-3,4;9,10-seco-4(28)-cycloarten-10,3-olide (1) named Illiciumolide A and 24S,25-dihydroxy-3,4;9,10-seco-4(28)-cycloarten-10,3-olide (2) named Illiciumolide B were isolated from the stem bark ofIllicium difengpi, as well as five known biogenetically related triterpenoids, including sootepin E (3), betulinic acid (4), lupeol (5), (all-Z)-1,5,9,13,17,21-hexamethyl-1,5,9,13,17,21-cyclotertracosahexaene (6), and (all-E)-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene (7). The structures of two new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including 1D-, 2D-NMR, and MS techniques. Two assays were conducted: inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in RAW264. 7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It was observed that compounds1,2and7showed significant inhibition of TNF-αproduction and NF-κB release. The molecule docking results showed that compounds1and2got high fitness scores with dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MPKK1), whose activation plays a pivotal role between TNF-αand activation of NF-κB. The anti-HIV-1 potency of compounds1–5was also discussed, in addition to the results of computer-aided screening for targets.
Dendritic Cells: Cellular Mediators for Immunological Tolerance
Authors: Chung Chun Yuen J. , Ysebaert Dirk , Berneman Zwi N. , Cools Nathalie
Published: May 2013

In general, immunological tolerance is acquired upon treatment with non-specific immunosuppressive drugs. This indiscriminate immunosuppression of the patient often causes serious side-effects, such as opportunistic infectious diseases. Therefore, the need for antigen-specific modulation of pathogenic immune responses is of crucial importance in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this perspective, dendritic cells (DCs) can have an important immune-regulatory function, besides their notorious antigen-presenting capacity. DCs appear to be essential for both central and peripheral tolerance. In the thymus, DCs are involved in clonal deletion of autoreactive immature T cells by presenting self-antigens. Additionally, tolerance is achieved by their interactions with T cells in the periphery and subsequent induction of T cell anergy, T cell deletion, and induction of regulatory T cells (Treg). Various studies have described, modulation of DC characteristics with the purpose to induce antigen-specific tolerance in autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), and transplantations. Promising results in animal models have prompted researchers to initiate first-in-men clinical trials. The purpose of current review is to provide an overview of the role of DCs in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmunity, as well as recent concepts of dendritic cell-based therapeutic opportunities in autoimmune diseases.
PI3K Pathway Dependencies in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Weigelt Britta , Warne Patricia H. , Lambros Maryou B. , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Downward Julian
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Endometrioid endometrial cancers (EEC) frequently harbor coexisting mutations in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway genes, including PTEN, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, and KRAS. We sought to define the genetic determinants of PI3K pathway inhibitor response in EEC cells, and whether PTEN-mutant EEC cell lines rely on p110β signaling for survival.

Experimental Design: Twenty-four human EEC cell lines were characterized for their mutation profile and activation state of PI3K and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway proteins. Cells were treated with pan-class I PI3K, p110α, and p110β isoform-specific, allosteric mTOR, mTOR kinase, dual PI3K/mTOR, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (MEK), and RAF inhibitors. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to assess effects of KRAS silencing in EEC cells.

Results: EEC cell lines harboring PIK3CA and PTEN mutations were selectively sensitive to the pan-class I PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941 and allosteric mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus, respectively. Subsets of EEC cells with concurrent PIK3CA and/or PTEN and KRAS mutations were sensitive to PI3K pathway inhibition, and only 2 of 6 KRAS-mutant cell lines showed response to MEK inhibition. KRAS RNAi silencing did not induce apoptosis in KRAS-mutant EEC cells. PTEN-mutant EEC cell lines were resistant to the p110β inhibitors GSK2636771 and AZD6482, and only in combination with the p110α selective inhibitor A66 was a decrease in cell viability observed.

Conclusions: Targeted pan-PI3K and mTOR inhibition in EEC cells may be most effective in PIK3CA- and PTEN-mutant tumors, respectively, even in a subset of EECs concurrently harboring KRAS mutations. Inhibition of p110β alone may not be sufficient to sensitize PTEN-mutant EEC cells and combination with other targeted agents may be required. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3533–44. ©2013 AACR.
Torque Teno Mini Virus Infection in Chronic Cervicitis and Cervical Tumors in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Changani Leila , Bouzari Majid , Talebi Ardeshir
Published: May 2013

Objectives: Torque teno mini virus (TTMV) is classified as the Betatorquevirus genus of Anelloviridae. Little is known about the prevalence of TTMV in humans. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. This study aimed to estimate the TTMV infection frequency in cervicitis cases and cervical tumors including intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma, and the possible role of this virus in the etiology of them in an Isfahan population. Methods: 79 cervicitis cases and 42 tumors were collected from histopathological files of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. DNA was extracted and subjected to nested polymerase chain reaction. Results: Totally 62% of the tested samples were positive for TTMV. It was positive in 52.4% of adenocarcinoma, 68.4% of CIN and 100% SCC cases. In cervicitis, 48% of the cases were positive. In the phylogenetic construct two of the cervical tumor isolates and two of the cervicitis isolates were placed in the same cluster with already reported isolates from Japan (EF538880 and AB041962). Also, three of the cervical tumors isolated (JQ734980, JQ734981 and JQ734982) were placed in another cluster. Conclusion: The presence of the virus in cervical tissues suggests possible sexual transmission of the virus.
Bayesian Methods Affirm the Use of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to Improve Survival in Patients With Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bittl John A. , He Yulei , Jacobs Alice K. , Yancy Clyde W. , Normand Sharon-Lise T.
Published: May 2013

Background—

Several randomized clinical trials support the use of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease. Studies suggesting the equivalence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with CABG for this indication indirectly support the 2011 American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Class IIa recommendation for PCI to improve survival in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease. We tested whether bayesian approaches uphold the new recommendation.

Methods and Results—

We performed a bayesian cross-design and network meta-analysis of 12 studies (4 randomized clinical trials and 8 observational studies) comparing CABG with PCI (n=4574 patients) and of 7 studies (2 randomized clinical trials and 5 observational studies) comparing CABG with medical therapy (n=3224 patients). The odds ratios of 1-year mortality after PCI compared with CABG using bayesian cross-design meta-analysis were not different among randomized clinical trials (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% bayesian credible interval, 0.67–1.43), matched cohort studies (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% bayesian credible interval, 0.76–1.73), and other types of cohort studies (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58–1.35). A network meta-analysis suggested that medical therapy is associated with higher 1-year mortality than the use of PCI for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (odds ratio, 3.22; 95% bayesian credible interval, 1.96–5.30).

Conclusions—

Bayesian methods support the current guidelines, which were based on traditional statistical methods and have proposed that PCI, like CABG, improves survival for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease compared with medical therapy. An integrated approach using both direct and indirect evidence may yield new insights to enhance the translation of clinical trial data into practice.
The Development Impact of a Best Practice Seasonal Worker Policy
Authors: Gibson John , McKenzie David
Published: May 2013

Seasonal migration programs are widely used around the world, yet there is little evidence as to their development impacts. A multiyear prospective evaluation of New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) seasonal worker program allows us to measure the impact of participating in this program on households in Tonga and Vanuatu. Using a propensity-score prescreened difference-in-differences analysis based on surveys fielded before, during, and after participation, we find that the RSE has indeed had positive development impacts that dwarf those of other popular development interventions. It has increased income, consumption, and savings of households; durable goods ownership; and subjective standard of living. The results also suggest that child schooling improved in Tonga.
An Underestimated Aspect of Enki/Ea
Authors: Hurowitz† Avigdor
Published: May 2013

Abstract

The god Enki (Sumerian)/Ea (Akkadian) is central to Mesopotamian myth, ritual and scholarship but there is still disagreement as to precisely what he is the god of. He governs subterranean water, magic, and ‘wisdom’—but what kind of wisdom was it? A traditional argument in Assyriology claims that Enki is more trickster than sage; his knowledge has to do with craft and cunning, not ethics or rectitude. This essay analyzes important neglected associations of Enki with Mesopotamian wisdom literature, demonstrating parallels with ideals found in the biblical book of Proverbs. In these texts Enki is associated with the proper conduct of human life, making him not just crafty and cunning but wise.
The Prophet’s šārtum u sissiktum “Hair and Hem” and the Mantic Context of Prophetic Oracles at Mari
Authors: Lynch Matthew J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract

In this article I consider the strengths and weaknesses of theories regarding the mention of prophets’ šārtum u sissiktum (hair and hem) in prophetic texts from Mari. I suggest that royal correspondents sent along the prophets’ šārtum u sissiktum because they were part of the material locus of divine revelation, functioning as proxy omens. As such, they offered royal diviners an efficient and material means of cross-checking prophetic omens through extispicy-derived omens in order to discern divine directives for the security and success of the kingdom. Moreover, the šārtum u sissiktum constituted two data points within a larger divinatory system that discerned the divine will primarily through material and observable media.
Words of Conversion: Poetry and Religious Identity in Early Modern Italy
Authors: Soranzo Matteo
Published: May 2013

The essay examines three cases of poets (Baptista Mantuanus, Giles of Viterbo, Jacopo Sannazaro) who wrote texts about conversion in early modern Italy. Its goal is to illustrate the evolution of conversion before the Reformation and to explore the role of poetic writing in the construction of religious identities. More precisely, the essay investigates how members of mendicant orders used a so-called ‘language of experiential knowledge’ to define their religious identity and defend the knowledge claims of their order against competing options. In doing so, the essay brings forth an original hypothesis concerning the target and motives of the condemnation of poetry at the Fifth Lateran Council, while further contributing to the current debate on religious pluralism and European identity.
Redifining Investment Regime in India: Post White Industries
Authors: Iyer Shruti
Published: May 2013

This paper argues that the White Industries Ltd. case must act as an eye opener for the Indian Government. It is a landmark decision, not just for the position of law adopted in the final award, but it also for its significance as a precursor to what may lie ahead if India were to continue the same way with her investment regime. It raises several questions to which the Indian government needs to find answers on an urgent basis. What would India do if every foreign investor affected by “delayed justice” or the decisions of the Supreme Court, such as in the Vodafone case or the 2G case, goes for investment arbitration? What can India do about the backlog of cases and about the possibility of losing every investment claim on the ground of delay of justice? Is it in the interest of India to pay damages to the tune of four million Australian Dollars to a foreign investor even as her citizens often end up waiting for decades for justice from the higher judiciary? This paper posits that India needs to give serious thought to how she wants to manage the future of investment regime in India.
‘The Gloves Came Off’: Torture and the United States after September 11, 2001
Authors: Zangeneh Parisa
Published: May 2013

This article examines the use of ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ in the context of international legal obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 1984 (CAT) and the domestic implementation of the international prohibition of torture into United States (US) law under 18 United States Code Sections 2340-2340A. The legal basis for the interrogation programme was a series of contentious legal memoranda written by Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel lawyers.1 This article examines whether the memo drafters ought to be investigated for incurring criminal liability for the consequences of their memoranda, namely under CAT and Sections 2340-2340A and what has unfolded under President Obama’s administration.
Thampramon tonvuthi, a new genus and new species of cavernicolous crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Thailand
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , VIDTHAYANON CHAVALIT
Published: May 2013

A new genus and species of potamid cavernicolous crab, Thampramon tonvuthi sp. nov., is described from Thailand. While superficially similar to Tiwaripotamon Bott, 1970, Phaibulamon Ng, 1992, and Nemoron Ng, 1996, the new genus possesses a unique combination of morphological characters including a distinctive carapace form, possession of a rela-tively long third maxilliped exopod, long ambulatory legs and a unique male first gonopod.
Corrections to a recently published area taxonomy of Australia
Authors: EBACH MALTE C. , GILL ANTHONY C. , KWAN ALAN , AHYONG SHANE T. , MURPHY DANIEL J. , CASSIS GERASIMOS
Published: May 2013

After the publication of “Towards an Australian Bioregionalisation Atlas: A provisional area taxonomy of Australia’s biogeographical regions” (Ebach et al. 2013), we were informed of an incorrect, and missing type locality for the Cape York Peninsula respectively. The correct type locality for the Cape York Peninsula Cracraft 1991 phyto- and zoogeographical sub-regions, is McIlwraith Range, Coen, Queensland, Australia, 13°46'27.00"S 143°19'18.00"E.
Variability of Warm Deep Water Inflow in a Submarine Trough on the Amundsen Sea Shelf
Authors: Wåhlin A. K. , Kalén O. , Arneborg L. , Björk G. , Carvajal G. K. , Ha H. K. , Kim T. W. , Lee S. H. , Lee J. H. , Stranne C.
Published: May 2013

The ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea are thinning rapidly, and the main reason for their decline appears to be warm ocean currents circulating below the ice shelves and melting these from below. Ocean currents transport warm dense water onto the shelf, channeled by bathymetric troughs leading to the deep inner basins. A hydrographic mooring equipped with an upward-looking ADCP has been placed in one of these troughs on the central Amundsen shelf. The two years (2010/11) of mooring data are here used to characterize the inflow of warm deep water to the deep shelf basins. During both years, the warm layer thickness and temperature peaked in austral fall. The along-trough velocity is dominated by strong fluctuations that do not vary in the vertical. These fluctuations are correlated with the local wind, with eastward wind over the shelf and shelf break giving flow toward the ice shelves. In addition, there is a persistent flow of dense lower Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) toward the ice shelves in the bottom layer. This bottom-intensified flow appears to be driven by buoyancy forces rather than the shelfbreak wind. The years of 2010 and 2011 were characterized by a comparatively stationary Amundsen Sea low, and hence there were no strong eastward winds during winter that could drive an upwelling of warm water along the shelf break. Regardless of this, there was a persistent flow of lower CDW in the bottom layer during the two years. The average heat transport toward the ice shelves in the trough was estimated from the mooring data to be 0.95 TW.
Drug‐Nutrient Interactions
Authors: Chan Lingtak‐Neander
Published: May 2013

Drug‐nutrient interactions are defined as physical, chemical, physiologic, or pathophysiologic relationships between a drug and a nutrient. The causes of most clinically significant drug‐nutrient interactions are usually multifactorial. Failure to identify and properly manage drug‐nutrient interactions can lead to very serious consequences and have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Nevertheless, with thorough review and assessment of the patient's history and treatment regimens and a carefully executed management strategy, adverse events associated with drug‐nutrient interactions can be prevented. Based on the physiologic sequence of events after a drug or a nutrient has entered the body and the mechanism of interactions, drug‐nutrient interactions can be categorized into 4 main types. Each type of interaction can be managed using similar strategies. The existing data that guide the clinical management of most drug‐nutrient interactions are mostly anecdotal experience, uncontrolled observations, and opinions, whereas the science in understanding the mechanism of drug‐nutrient interactions remains limited. The challenge for researchers and clinicians is to increase both basic and higher level clinical research in this field to bridge the gap between the science and practice. The research should aim to establish a better understanding of the function, regulation, and substrate specificity of the nutrient‐related enzymes and transport proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as assess how the incidence and management of drug‐nutrient interactions can be affected by sex, ethnicity, environmental factors, and genetic polymorphisms. This knowledge can help us develop a true personalized medicine approach in the prevention and management of drug‐nutrient interactions.
Unilateral Cochlear Nerve Deficiency in Children
Authors: Clemmens Clarice S. , Guidi Jessica , Caroff Aviva , Cohn Samuel J. , Brant Jason A. , Laury Adrienne M. , Bilaniuk Larissa T. , Germiller John A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is increasingly diagnosed in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We sought to determine the prevalence of CND, its imaging characteristics, and correlations with audiologic phenotype in children with unilateral SNHL.

Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

Subjects/Methods

In 128 consecutive children with unilateral SNHL who underwent high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging, the diameters, area, and signal intensity of the cochlear nerve (CN) were measured and normalized to the ipsilateral facial nerve. Presence of CND was determined by comparison to normative data. Relationships among hearing loss severity, progression, and nerve size were investigated.

Results

Cochlear nerve deficiency was present in 26% of children with unilateral SNHL. Its prevalence was higher (48%) in severe to profound SNHL, especially when in infants (100%). Width of the bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) correlated strongly with relative CN diameter, density, and area (R = 0.5); furthermore, a narrow BCNC (<1.7 mm) strongly predicted CND. Severity of hearing loss modestly correlated with nerve size, although significant variability was observed. Progression never occurred unless there were other inner ear malformations, whereas in the non‐CND group, it occurred in 22%. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were very common (67%) in CND children, particularly oculomotor disturbances.

Conclusion

Cochlear nerve deficiency is a common cause of unilateral SNHL, particularly in congenital unilateral deafness. Width of the BCNC effectively predicts CND, a finding useful when only computed tomography imaging is available. In an ear with CND, hearing can be expected to remain stable over time. Diagnosis should prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.