bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Non-Newtonian Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Rectangular Tubes with Protrusions
Authors: Xie Yonghui , Zhang Zheyuan , Shen Zhongyang , Zhang Di
Published: August 2015

Flow characteristics and heat transfer performances in rectangular tubes with protrusions are numerically investigated in this paper. The thermal heat transfer enhancement of composite structures and flow resistance reduction of non-Newtonian fluid are taken advantage of to obtain a better thermal performance. Protrusion channels coupled with different CMC concentration solutions are studied, and the results are compared with that of smooth channels with water flow. The comprehensive influence of turbulence effects, structural effects, and secondary flow effects on the CMC’s flow in protrusion tubes is extensively investigated. The results indicate that the variation of flow resistance parameters of shear-thinning power-law fluid often shows a nonmonotonic trend, which is different from that of water. It can be concluded that protrusion structure can effectively enhance the heat transfer of CMC solution with low pressure penalty in specific cases. Moreover, for a specific protrusion structure and a fixed flow velocity, there exists an optimal solution concentration showing the best thermal performance.
Tocopherols in Sunflower Seedlings under Light and Dark Conditions
Authors: del Moral Lidia , Pérez-Vich Begoña , Velasco Leonardo
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of tocopherols in cotyledons and radicles from sunflower seeds with high and low total tocopherol content, mainly in the α‐tocopherol form, and from seeds with increased proportions of β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol, both under dark and light conditions. Tocopherol content was measured every 24 h from 1 to 12 days after sowing. In all cases, the content of individual tocopherol forms in the cotyledons and radicles was reduced along the sampling period, which was more pronounced under light conditions. The presence of light had a slightly greater effect on α‐ and γ‐tocopherol than on β‐ and δ‐tocopherol. A marked light effect was also observed on total tocopherol content, with light promoting the reduction of tocopherol content in cotyledons and radicles. The study revealed only slight differences in the patterns of tocopherol losses in lines with different tocopherol profiles, both under dark and light conditions, which suggested that the partial replacement of α‐tocopherol by other tocopherol forms had no great impact on the protection against oxidative damage in seedlings.
Oculocutaneous Albinism and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin of the Head and Neck in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lekalakala P. T. , Khammissa R. A. G. , Kramer B. , Ayo-Yusuf O. A. , Lemmer J. , Feller L.
Published: August 2015

Oculocutaneous albinism which is characterised by impaired melanin biosynthesis is the most common inherited pigmentary disorder of the skin and it is common among Blacks in sub-Saharan Africa. All albinos are at great risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of sun-exposed skin, and Black albinos in sub-Saharan Africa are at about a 1000-fold higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin than the general population. In Black albinos, skin carcinoma tends to run an aggressive course and is likely to recur after treatment, very probably because the aetiology and predisposing factors have not changed. Prevention or reduction of occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in Black albinos might be achieved through educating the population to increase awareness of the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight and at the same time making available effective screening programs for early detection of premalignant and malignant skin lesions in schools and communities and for early treatment.
Effect of Electrode Types on the Solidification Cracking Susceptibility of Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal
Authors: Anaele J. U. , Onyemaobi O. O. , Nwobodo C. S. , Ugwuegbu C. C.
Published: August 2015

The effect of electrode types on the solidification cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless steel weld metal was studied. Manual metal arc welding method was used to produce the joints with the tungsten inert gas welding serving as the control. Metallographic and chemical analyses of the fusion zones of the joints were conducted. Results indicate that weldments produced from E 308-16 (rutile coated), E 308-16(lime-titania coated) electrodes, and TIG welded joints fall within the range of 1.5≤Creq./Nieq.≤1.9 and solidified with a duplex mode and were found to be resistant to solidification cracking. The E 308-16 weld metal had the greatest resistance to solidification cracking. Joints produced from E 310-16 had Creq./Nieq. ratio < 1.5 and solidified with austenite mode. It was found to be susceptible to solidification cracking. E 312-16 produced joints having Creq./Nieq. ratio > 1.9 and solidified with ferrite mode. It had a low resistance to solidification cracking.
Comparative Study between Sequential Automatic and Manual Home Respiratory Polygraphy Scoring Using a Three-Channel Device: Impact of the Manual Editing of Events to Identify Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ernst Glenda , Bosio Martín , Salvado Alejandro , Nogueira Facundo , Nigro Carlos , Borsini Eduardo
Published: August 2015

Objective. According to current guidelines, autoscoring of respiratory events in respiratory polygraphy requires manual scoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between automatic analysis and manual scoring to identify patients with suspected OSA.Methods. This retrospective study analyzed 791 records from respiratory polygraphy (RP) performed at home. The association grade between automatic scoring and manual scoring was evaluated using Kappa coefficient and the agreement using Bland and Altman test and intraclass correlation coefficient (CCI). To determine the accuracy in the identification ofAHI≥30 eV/h, the ROC curve analysis was used.Results. The population analyzed consisted of 493 male (62.3%) and 298 female patients, with an average age of54.7±14.20years and BMI of32.7±8.21 kg/m2. There was no significant difference between automatic and manual apnea/hypopnea indexes (aAHI, mAHI): aAHI 17.25 (SD: 17.42) versus mAHI21.20±7.96(p; NS). The agreement between mAHI and aAHI toAHI≥30was 94%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.83 (p<0.001) and a CCI of 0.83. The AUC-ROC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.99 (CI 95%: 0.98-0.99,p<0.001), 86% (CI 95%: 78.7–91.4), and 97% (CI 95%: 96–98.3), respectively.Conclusions. We observed good agreement between automatic scoring and sequential manual scoring to identify subjects withAHI≥30 eV/h.
Effects of Precursor‐Substrate Distances on the Growth of GaN Nanowires
Authors: Cheng Hongbin , Li Jia , Wu Dongxu , Li Yanxi , Wang Zhiguang , Wang Xianying , Zheng Xuejun
Published: August 2015

GaN nanowires were synthesized through the Ni‐catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using Ga2O3/GaN mixtures as gallium sources, and precursor‐substrate distances were investigated as the important factor for the growth of GaN nanowires. The microstructure, composition, and photoluminescence property were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. The results showed that single crystalline GaN nanowires with the diameter of about 90 nm and the length up to tens of micrometers had been grown thickly across Si (100) substrates with uniform density. Moreover, the variations of the GaN nanowire morphology, density, and size were largely attributed to substrate positions which would influence Ga precursor density in the carrier gas, the saturation degree of gaseous reactants, and the catalyst activity, respectively, in the fabrication of GaN nanowires by the vapour liquid solid mechanism.
HLA-E: Presentation of a Broader Peptide Repertoire Impacts the Cellular Immune Response—Implications on HSCT Outcome
Authors: Kraemer Thomas , Celik Alexander A. , Huyton Trevor , Kunze-Schumacher Heike , Blasczyk Rainer , Bade-Döding Christina
Published: August 2015

The HLA-E locus encodes a nonclassical class Ib molecule that serves many immune functions from inhibiting NK cells to activating CTLs. Structural analysis of HLA-E/NKG2A complexes visualized fine-tuning of protective immune responses through AA interactions between HLA-E, the bound peptide, and NKG2A/CD94. A loss of cellular protection through abrogation of the HLA-E/NKG2A engagement is dependent on the HLA-E bound peptide. The role of HLA-E in posttransplant outcomes is not well understood but might be attributed to its peptide repertoire. To investigate the self-peptide repertoire of HLA-E∗01:01 in the absence of protective HLA class I signal peptides, we utilized soluble HLA technology in class I negative LCL cells in order to characterize HLA-E∗01:01-bound ligands by mass-spectrometry. To understand the immunological impact of these analyzed ligands on NK cell reactivity, we performed cellular assays. Synthesized peptides were loaded onto recombinant T2 cells expressing HLA-E∗01:01 molecules and applied in cytotoxicity assays using the leukemia derived NK cell line (NKL) as effector. HLA-E in complex with the self-peptides demonstrated a shift towards cytotoxicity and a loss of cell protection. Our data highlights the fact that the HLA-E-peptidome is not as restricted as previously thought and support the suggestion of a posttransplant role for HLA-E.
Total Chlorine-Free Bleaching ofPopulus deltoidesKraft Pulp by Oxone
Authors: Miri Mohsen , Ghasemian Ali , Resalati Hosein , Zeinaly Farhad
Published: August 2015

Since the bleaching process is one of the most important environmental pollutant stages in the pulp and paper industry, here, the total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching of poplar kraft pulp by applying Oxone and peroxide under alkaline conditions has been investigated. The pulp samples were bleached in two stages of Oxone (OX) treatment using an AOX1OX2sequence (A: acid pretreatment), and then the treated pulps were bleached by peroxide (P) to achieve target brightness (about 80%). The influence of various reaction parameters such as alkali charge, temperature, reaction time, and bleaching agent dosage was optimized. The final achieved brightness was more than 78%. Accelerated aging experiments showed more stability in brightness for the Oxone treated pulp, because alkali Oxone bleaching stops thermal degradation. Similarly, the AOX1OX2P bleaching sequence was found to be effective in regaining some strength that had been lost during acidification of the pulp. Improvement in pulp strength made with acid treatment was achieved along with significant amount of lignin removal and it demonstrates the feasibility of Oxone in TCF bleaching. Furthermore, other results indicated the feasibility of Oxone bleaching as an environmentally favorable alternative TCF bleaching sequence, compared with elemental chlorine-free bleaching approaches and also other TCF bleaching sequences.
Tripterygium Glycosides Tablet Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis via the Toll-Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling Pathway in High-Fat Diet Fed and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ma Ze-jun , Zhang Xiao-na , Li Li , Yang Wei , Wang Shan-shan , Guo Xin , Sun Pei , Chen Li-ming
Published: August 2015

Tripterygium glycosides tablet (TGT) is a Chinese traditional medicine that has been shown to protect podocytes from injury and reduce the proteinuria. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of TGT on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its potential mechanism in high-fat diet fed and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Rats were randomly divided into normal control rats (NC group), diabetic rats without drug treatment (DM group), and diabetic rats treated with TGT (1, 3, or 6 mg/kg/day, respectively) for 8 weeks. The results showed that 24 h proteinuria and urinary N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) in diabetic rats were decreased by TGT treatment without affecting blood glucose. Masson’s trichrome stains showed that apparent renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was found in DM group, which was ameliorated by TGT treatment. The expression ofα-SMA was significantly decreased, accompanied by increased expression of E-cadherin in TGT-treated rats, but not in untreated DM rats. Further studies showed that TGT administration markedly reduced expression of TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in TGT-treated diabetic rats. These results showed that TGT could ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the mechanism which may be at least partly associated with the amelioration of EMT through suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Application of the Preview Control Method to the Optimal Tracking Control Problem for Continuous-Time Systems with Time-Delay
Authors: Liao Fucheng , Xu Haishan
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the application of the preview control method to the optimal tracking control problem for a class of continuous-time systems with state and input delays. First, through a transformation, the system is transformed into a nondelayed one. Then, the tracking problem of the time-delay system is transformed into one of a nondelayed system via processing of the reference signal. We then apply preview control theory to derive an augmented system for the nondelayed system and design a controller with preview function assuming that the reference signal is previewable. Finally, we obtain the optimal control law of the augmented error system and thus obtain that of the original system by letting the preview length of the reference signal go to zero. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and validity of our conclusions.
An Analytical Framework for Runtime of a Class of Continuous Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Hu Guiwu
Published: August 2015

Although there have been many studies on the runtime of evolutionary algorithms in discrete optimization, relatively few theoretical results have been proposed on continuous optimization, such as evolutionary programming (EP). This paper proposes an analysis of the runtime of two EP algorithms based on Gaussian and Cauchy mutations, using an absorbing Markov chain. Given a constant variation, we calculate the runtime upper bound of special Gaussian mutation EP and Cauchy mutation EP. Our analysis reveals that the upper bounds are impacted by individual number, problem dimension numbern, searching range, and the Lebesgue measure of the optimal neighborhood. Furthermore, we provide conditions whereby the average runtime of the considered EP can be no more than a polynomial ofn. The condition is that the Lebesgue measure of the optimal neighborhood is larger than a combinatorial calculation of an exponential and the given polynomial ofn.
Investigation of an Electrochemical Method for Separation of Copper, Indium, and Gallium from Pretreated CIGS Solar Cell Waste Materials
Authors: Gustafsson Anna M. K. , Björefors Fredrik , Steenari Britt-Marie , Ekberg Christian
Published: August 2015

Recycling of the semiconductor material copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) is important to ensure a future supply of indium and gallium, which are relatively rare and therefore expensive elements. As a continuation of our previous work, where we recycled high purity selenium from CIGS waste materials, we now show that copper and indium can be recycled by electrodeposition from hydrochloric acid solutions of dissolved selenium‐depleted material. Suitable potentials for the reduction of copper and indium were determined to be −0.5 V and −0.9 V (versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode), respectively, using cyclic voltammetry. Electrodeposition of first copper and then indium from a solution containing the dissolved residue from the selenium separation and ammonium chloride in 1 M HCl gave a copper yield of 100.1 ± 0.5% and an indium yield of 98.1 ± 2.5%. The separated copper and indium fractions contained no significant contamination of the other elements. Gallium remained in solution together with a small amount of indium after the separation of copper and indium and has to be recovered by an alternative method since electrowinning from the chloride‐rich acid solution was not effective.
Research on Conflict Behavior of Top Management Team in Family Enterprises: A Complex Network Perspective
Authors: Wu Mengyun , Wu Huimin , Xie Tao , Lu Jie
Published: August 2015

At present time, methods of research about top management team’s conflict become more and more prosperous with the help of complex system theory and evolutionary game. Taking family enterprise as an example, this paper makes an attempt on exploring complex network modeling to study data processing method and abstraction method of complex network of TMT conflict. And the paper will consider the attribute and relational mapping of top management team as nodes and edges in complex network to discuss the direct correspondence between complex network structure and management team characteristics. Besides that, according to the multiple attribute decision making, the method to dig into core members of the top management team will be created on the basis of the degree, closeness, cluster coefficient, and betweenness. And then the article will devote to studying the impact of attributes to the inner mechanism of TMT conflict and team cohesion through the network characteristic analysis.
Monosodium Urate in the Presence of RANKL Promotes Osteoclast Formation through Activation of c‐Jun N‐Terminal Kinase
Authors: Choe Jung-Yoon , Park Ki-Yeun , Kim Seong-Kyu
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand‐ (RANKL‐) RANK‐induced osteoclast formation. RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were incubated with MSU crystals or RANKL and differentiated into osteoclast‐like cells as confirmed by staining for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and actin ring, pit formation assay, and TRAP activity assay. MSU crystals in the presence of RANKL augmented osteoclast differentiation, with enhanced mRNA expression of NFATc1, cathepsin K, carbonic anhydrase II, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), in comparison to RAW 264.7 macrophages incubated in the presence of RANKL alone. Treatment with both MSU crystals and RANKL induced osteoclast differentiation by activating downstream molecules in the RANKL‐RANK pathway including tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF‐6), JNK, c‐Jun, and NFATc1. IL‐1b produced in response to treatment with both MSU and RANKL is involved in osteoclast differentiation in part through the induction of TRAF‐6 downstream of the IL‐1b pathway. This study revealed that MSU crystals contribute to enhanced osteoclast formation through activation of RANKL‐mediated pathways and recruitment of IL‐1b. These findings suggest that MSU crystals might be a pathologic causative agent of bone destruction in gout.
Creeping Ray Tracing Algorithm for Arbitrary NURBS Surfaces Based on Adaptive Variable Step Euler Method
Authors: Fu Song , Zhang Yun-Hua , He Si-Yuan , Chen Xi , Zhu Guo-Qiang
Published: August 2015

Although the uniform theory of diffraction (UTD) could be theoretically applied to arbitrarilyshaped convex objects modeled by nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS), one of the great challenges in calculation of the UTD surface diffracted fields is the difficulty in determining the geodesic paths along which the creeping waves propagate on arbitrarilyshaped NURBS surfaces. In differential geometry, geodesic paths satisfy geodesic differential equation (GDE). Hence, in this paper, a general and efficient adaptive variable step Euler method is introduced for solving the GDE on arbitrarilyshaped NURBS surfaces. In contrast with conventional Euler method, the proposed method employs a shape factor (SF)ξto efficiently enhance the accuracy of tracing and extends the application of UTD for practical engineering. The validity and usefulness of the algorithm can be verified by the numerical results.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Clinical and Radiological Considerations
Authors: Rabie M. Ezzedien , Ogunbiyi Olajide , Al Qahtani Abdullah Saad , Taha Sherif B. M. , El Hadad Ahmad , El Hakeem Ismail
Published: August 2015

Background. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition of duodenal obstruction, caused by the overlying SMA.Aim. To report on our experience with the management of SMA syndrome, drawing the attention to its existence.Material and Methods. We reviewed our records to identify cases diagnosed with SMA syndrome, in the period from October 1995 to January 2012.Results. Seven patients were identified, one male and six females. Their mean age was 17.1 years. Vomiting and abdominal pain were the presenting complaints in all patients and history of weight loss was present in six of them. In no patient was the diagnosis suspected initially on clinical grounds. Only after radiological investigations was the diagnosis declared. Radiology took the form of gastrografin/barium meal only in four patients and both gastrografin/barium meal and computerized tomography scan in the remaining three. Four patients responded to medical treatment and surgery was performed in the remaining three, with open duodenojejunostomy in two patients and laparoscopic dissection of the ligament of Treitz in the third. Long lasting improvement was sustained in all patients except one in the surgery group who, despite initial improvement, still has infrequent attacks of abdominal pain.Conclusion. Although the clinical manifestations of SMA syndrome are shared with many other disease entities, it has unique radiological as well as endoscopic features, which enables a confident diagnosis to be made. Once diagnosed, conservative treatment with nutritional support and positioning should be tried first. In case of unresponsiveness, surgery may give a lasting cure.
On Galileo’s Tallest Column
Authors: Vázquez Espí Mariano , Cervera Bravo Jaime , Olmedo Rojas Carlos
Published: August 2015

The height at which an unloaded column will fail under its own weight was calculated for first time by Galileo for cylindrical columns. Galileo questioned himself if there exists a shape function for the cross section of the column with which it can attain a greater height than the cylindrical column. The problem is not solved since then, although the definition of the so named “constant maximum strength” solids seems to give an affirmative answer to Galileo’s question, in the form of shapes which seem to attain infinite height, even when loaded with a useful load at the top. The main contribution of this work is to show that Galileo’s problem is (i) an important problem for structural design theory of buildings and other structures, (ii) not solved by the time being in any sense, and (iii) an interesting problem for mathematicians involved in related but very different problems (as Euler’s tallest column). A contemporary formulation of the problem is included as a result of a research on the subject.
Comparison of the Short-Term Outcomes after Postisometric Muscle Relaxation or Kinesio Taping Application for Normalization of the Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone and the Pain Relief: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ptaszkowski Kuba , Slupska Lucyna , Paprocka-Borowicz Małgorzata , Kołcz-Trzęsicka Anna , Zwierzchowski Kamil , Halska Urszula , Przestrzelska Monika , Mucha Dariusz , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: August 2015

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the resting bioelectrical activity of the upper trapezius muscle (the UT muscle) before and after one of the two interventions: postisometric muscle relaxation (PIR) and Kinesio Taping (KT). Moreover a comparison between group results was conducted. From the initial 61 volunteers, 52 were selected after exclusion criteria and were allocated randomly to 2 groups: PIR group and KT group. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and completion of the intervention. The primary outcome measure was change in bioelectrical activity of UT muscle evaluated by surface electromyography (sEMG). Secondary outcomes included subjective assessment of pain using visual analogue scale (VAS). Significant differences were found only in KT group: the average resting bioelectrical activity decreased by 0.8μV (p=0.0237) and the average VAS result reduced by 2.0 points (p=0.0001). Greater decrease of VAS results was recorded in KT group compared to PIR group (p=0.0010). Both PIR and KT intervention did not influence significantly the resting bioelectrical activity of UT muscle. KT application was better for pain relief in the studied sample compared with PIR intervention.
The Prevalence and Classification of the Cystoduodenal Ligament
Authors: Ashaolu J. O. , Olayinka J. , Ukwenya V. O.
Published: August 2015

Variant patterns of peritoneal folds could be formed due to the complex nature of the embryology of the peritoneum and the gastrointestinal tract. When uncommon peritoneal folds are formed, they could influence aberrant formation of surrounding gastrointestinal structures and create spaces that may harbour peritoneal fluids in cases of infection or malignant tumor. One of such variant peritoneal folds is the cystoduodenal ligament which is a doubled peritoneal membrane attaching the gallbladder to the duodenum. Yet no study was found that had reported the frequency of occurrence of the cystoduodenal ligament. The current study determined the prevalence of the cystoduodenal ligament in forty adult cadavers. The ligament was reported in 35% of cases. The ligament was further classified as types I and II. Type I cystoduodenal ligament was attached partially to the gallbladder (neck and proximal part of body) while type II was attached to the entire extent of the gallbladder. Type I occurrence was found in 44% and type II was found in 56% of the occasions of cystoduodenal ligament formation. It is concluded that the cystoduodenal ligament could be commonly found, it possesses important vascular structures, and it could affect the shape of the gallbladder. Surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists should be kept abreast of these findings.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Diversity: A Southern African Perspective
Authors: Tshabalala Mqondisi , Mellet Juanita , Pepper Michael S.
Published: August 2015

Despite the increasingly well-documented evidence of high genetic, ethnic, and linguistic diversity amongst African populations, there is limited data on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) diversity in these populations. HLA is part of the host defense mechanism mediated through antigen presentation to effector cells of the immune system. With the high disease burden in southern Africa, HLA diversity data is increasingly important in the design of population-specific vaccines and the improvement of transplantation therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the paucity of HLA diversity data amongst southern African populations and defines a need for information of this kind. This information will support disease association studies, provide guidance in vaccine design, and improve transplantation outcomes.
Thermovision Analysis Changes of Human Hand Surface Temperature in Cold Pressor Test
Authors: Chwałczyńska Agnieszka , Gruszka Katarzyna , Całkosiński Ireneusz , Sobiech Krzysztof A.
Published: August 2015

The cold pressor test (CTP) as a diagnostic method of the circulatory system reactivity may be a basis for the qualification for thermal stimulation therapy. The aim of the work was a thermovisual assessment of the reaction to the Hines and Brown cold pressor test. A group of 30 healthy men in the age of 23.5 ± 0.8 years were examined. The average weight of the examinees was 78.4 ± 9.2 kg, their height 180.7 ± 5.9 cms, and BMI 23.9 ± 2.2 kg/m2. A thermovisual picture of a tested and not tested hand of all the subjects was taken before and after the cold pressor test. Under the influence of cold water the surface temperature of a tested hand has decreased in a statistically significant way by 8.3°C on average, which is 29% of the temperature before the test, whilst the temperature of an untested hand dropped by 0.67°C. The decreases of temperature were not even and there was a statistically significant difference between the dorsal and palmar side of the hand. The correlation between the changes of systolic blood pressure and the hand surface temperature before and after CTP was observed.
Digestibility and Bioavailability of the Active Components ofErica australisL. Aqueous Extracts and Their Therapeutic Potential as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Dias Pilar , Falé Pedro L. , Martins Alice , Rauter Amélia P.
Published: August 2015

Erica australisL. (Ericaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat many free-radical related ailments. In the present work, the stability and biological activity of the plant aqueous extracts submitted to anin vitrodigestive process were investigated. Chemical stability was monitored by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS, while the bioactivities were evaluated through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Both extracts, whose main components were flavonol glycosides, inhibited AChE, showing IC50values of 257.9 ± 6.2 µg/mL and 296.8 ± 8.8 µg/mL for the decoction and for the infusion, respectively. Significant radical scavenging activities were also revealed by both extracts, as denoted by the IC50values for the decoction, 6.7 ± 0.1 µg/mL, and for the infusion, 10.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL. After submission to gastric and pancreatic juices, no remarkable alterations in the composition or in the bioactivities were observed, suggesting that the extracts may pass through the gastrointestinal tract, keeping their composition and therefore their biological properties. Moreover, the bioavailability of the components of both extracts, as studied in a Caco-2 cell model, showed that compounds can permeate the membrane, which is a condition to exert their biological activities. Our results add further support to the potential ofE. australisfor its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Numerical Study of Microscale Shock-Vortex Interaction
Authors: Xiao Hong
Published: August 2015

Numerical studies of microscale shock-vortex interaction were conducted by particle-based direct simulation of Monte Carlo (DSMC). The enstrophy is found to be increased in the strong microscale shock-vortex interaction, which is not observed in the previous DSMC studies within the limited cases. Investigations also show that the increase of the enstrophy results in an increase in dissipation rate during the strong interaction. The incoming Mach number, vortex size, and vortex Mach number turn out to play a critical role in the strength of interaction, which in turn govern the change in the dissipation rate and the increase or decrease in enstrophy during the microscale shock-vortex interaction. It is also observed that the incoming Mach number is the most dominant parameter, followed by vortex size and vortex Mach number, during the microscale shock-vortex interaction.
Modulation of Cytokines Production by Indomethacin Acute Dose during the Evolution of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor in Mice
Authors: Gentile Luciana Boffoni , Queiroz-Hazarbassanov Nicolle , Massoco Cristina de Oliveira , Fecchio Denise
Published: August 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a nonselective COX1/COX2 inhibitor (indomethacin) on tumor growth of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) in mice, using as parameters the tumor growth and cytokine profile. Mice were inoculated with EAT cells and treated with indomethacin. After 1, 3, 6, 10, and 13 days the animals were evaluated for the secretion of TNFα, IL‐1α, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐13 and PGE2 level in peritoneal cavity. The results have shown that EAT induces PGE2 production and increases tumor cells number from the 10th day. The cytokine profile showed EAT induces production of IL‐6 from 10th day and of IL‐2 on 13th day; the other studied cytokines were not affected in a significant way. The indomethacin treatment of EAT‐bearing mice inhibited the tumor growth and PGE2 synthesis from the 10th day. In addition, the treatment of EAT‐bearing mice with indomethacin has stimulated the IL‐13 production and has significantly inhibited IL‐6 in the 13th day of tumor growth. Taken together, the results have demonstrated that EAT growth is modulated by PGE2 and the inhibition of the tumor growth could be partly related to suppression of IL‐6 and induction of IL‐13.
New Fixed Point Results for Fractal Generation in Jungck Noor Orbit withs-Convexity
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Nazeer Waqas , Tanveer Muhmmad , Shahid Abdul Aziz
Published: August 2015

We establish new fixed point results in the generation of fractals (Julia sets, Mandelbrot sets, and Tricorns and Multicorns for linear or nonlinear dynamics) by using Jungck Noor iteration withs-convexity.
Prospectively Identified Incident Testicular Cancer Risk in a Familial Testicular Cancer Cohort
Authors: Pathak Anand , Adams Charleen D. , Loud Jennifer T. , Nichols Kathryn , Stewart Douglas R. , Greene Mark H.
Published: August 2015

Background: Human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) have a strong genetic component and a high familial relative risk. However, linkage analyses have not identified a rare, highly penetrant familial TGCT (FTGCT) susceptibility locus. Currently, multiple low-penetrance genes are hypothesized to underlie the familial multiple-case phenotype. The observation that two is the most common number of affected individuals per family presents an impediment to FTGCT gene discovery. Clinically, the prospective TGCT risk in the multiple-case family context is unknown.

Methods: We performed a prospective analysis of TGCT incidence in a cohort of multiple-affected-person families and sporadic-bilateral-case families; 1,260 men from 140 families (10,207 person-years of follow-up) met our inclusion criteria. Age-, gender-, and calendar time-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for TGCT relative to the general population were calculated using SEER*Stat.

Results: Eight incident TGCTs occurred during prospective FTGCT cohort follow-up (versus 0.67 expected; SIR = 11.9; 95% CI, 5.1–23.4; excess absolute risk = 7.2/10,000). We demonstrate that the incidence rate of TGCT is greater among bloodline male relatives from multiple-case testicular cancer families than that expected in the general population, a pattern characteristic of adult-onset Mendelian cancer susceptibility disorders. Two of these incident TGCTs occurred in relatives of sporadic-bilateral cases (0.15 expected; SIR = 13.4; 95% CI, 1.6–48.6).

Conclusions: Our data are the first to indicate that despite relatively low numbers of affected individuals per family, members of both multiple-affected-person FTGCT families and sporadic-bilateral TGCT families comprise high-risk groups for incident testicular cancer.

Impact: Men at high TGCT risk might benefit from tailored risk stratification and surveillance strategies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1614–21. ©2015 AACR.
Impact of Risk Assessment and Tailored versus Nontailored Risk Information on Colorectal Cancer Testing in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Skinner Celette Sugg , Halm Ethan A. , Bishop Wendy Pechero , Ahn Chul , Gupta Samir , Farrell David , Morrow Jay , Julka Manjula , McCallister Katharine , Sanders Joanne M. , Marks Emily , Rawl Susan M.
Published: August 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer screening is effective but underused. Guidelines for which tests are recommended and at what intervals depend on specific risks. We developed a tablet-based Cancer Risk Intake System (CRIS) that asks questions about risk prior to appointments and generates tailored printouts for patients and physicians summarizing and matching risk factors with guideline-based recommendations.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial among patients who: (i) used CRIS and they and their physicians received tailored printouts; (ii) used CRIS to answer questions but received standard information about cancer screening while their physicians received a standard electronic chart prompt indicating they were age-eligible but not currently adherent for colorectal cancer screening; or (iii) comprised a no-contact group that neither used CRIS nor received any information while their physicians received the standard prompt. Participation in testing was assessed via electronic medical record at 12 months.

Results: Participation in any colorectal cancer testing was three times higher for those who used the CRIS and received any printed materials, compared with no-contact controls (47% vs. 16%; P < 0.0001). Among CRIS users ages 50 and older, participation in any testing was higher in the tailored group (53% vs. 44%, P = 0.023).

Conclusion: Use of CRIS and receipt of any information facilitated participation in testing. There was more testing participation in the CRIS-tailored than nontailored group.

Impact: Asking patients questions about their specific risk factors and giving them and their providers information just prior to an appointment may increase participation in colorectal cancer testing. Tailoring the information has some added benefit. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1523–30. ©2015 AACR.
Prognostic and Chemotherapy Predictive Value of Gene-Expression Phenotypes in Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ringnér Markus , Jönsson Göran , Staaf Johan
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Primary lung adenocarcinoma remains a deadly disease. Gene-expression phenotypes (GEPs) in adenocarcinoma have potential to provide clinically relevant disease stratification for improved prognosis and treatment prediction, given appropriate clinical and methodologic validation.

Experimental Design: 2,395 transcriptional adenocarcinoma profiles were assembled from 17 public cohorts and classified by a nearest centroid GEP classifier into three subtypes: terminal respiratory unit (TRU), proximal-proliferative, and proximal-inflammatory, and additionally scored by five transcriptional metagenes representing different biologic processes, including proliferation. Prognostic- and chemotherapy-predictive associations of the subtypes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis using overall survival or distant metastasis-free survival as endpoints.

Results: Overall, GEPs were associated with patient outcome in both univariate and multivariate analyses, although not in all individual cohorts. The prognostically relevant division was between TRU- and non-TRU–classified cases, with expression of proliferation-associated genes as a key prognostic component. In contrast, GEP classification was not predictive of adjuvant chemotherapy response. GEP classification showed stability to random perturbations of genes or samples and alterations to classification procedures (typically <10% of cases/cohort switching subtype). High classification variability (>20% of cases switching subtype) was observed when removing larger or entire fractions of a single subtype, due to gene-centering shifts not addressable by the classifier.

Conclusions: In a large-scale evaluation, we show that GEPs add prognostic value to standard clinicopathologic variables in lung adenocarcinoma. Subject to classifier refinement and confirmation in prospective cohorts, GEPs have potential to affect the prognostication of adenocarcinoma patients through a molecularly driven disease stratification. Clin Cancer Res; 22(1); 218–29. ©2015 AACR.
Antiandrogen Therapy with Hydroxyflutamide or Androgen Receptor Degradation Enhancer ASC-J9 Enhances BCG Efficacy to Better Suppress Bladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Shang Zhiqun , Li Yanjun , Zhang Minghao , Tian Jing , Han Ruifa , Shyr Chih-Rong , Messing Edward , Yeh Shuyuan , Niu Yuanjie , Chang Chawnshang
Published: August 2015

Recent studies suggest that the androgen receptor (AR) might play important roles in influencing bladder cancer progression, yet its clinical application remains unclear. Here, we developed a new combined therapy with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and the AR degradation enhancer ASC-J9 or antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide (HF) to better suppress bladder cancer progression. Mechanism dissection revealed that ASC-J9 treatment enhanced BCG efficacy to suppress bladder cancer cell proliferation via increasing the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages that involved the promotion of BCG attachment/internalization to the bladder cancer cells through increased integrin-α5β1 expression and IL6 release. Such consequences might then enhance BCG-induced bladder cancer cell death via increased TNFα release. Interestingly, we also found that ASC-J9 treatment could directly promote BCG-induced HMGB1 release to enhance the BCG cytotoxic effects for suppression of bladder cancer cell growth. In vivo approaches also concluded that ASC-J9 could enhance the efficacy of BCG to better suppress bladder cancer progression in BBN-induced bladder cancer mouse models. Together, these results suggest that the newly developed therapy combining BCG plus ASC-J9 may become a novel therapy to better suppress bladder cancer progress. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2586–94. ©2015 AACR.
Multivariate Analysis of Single-Sweep Evoked Brain Potentials for Pharmaco-Electroencephalography
Authors: Graversen Carina , Olesen Anne Estrup , Staahl Camilla , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Farina Dario
Published: August 2015

Background and Aims: Current findings on altered evoked potentials (EPs) caused by morphine are based on common alterations for a group of subjects after drug administration. However, this ignores the analysis of individual responses, which may explain the clinical differences in efficacy. Therefore, we explored the individual responses to morphine in terms of the altered single-sweep characteristics in a placebo-controlled crossover study. To account for multifactorial mechanisms, several characteristics were assessed simultaneously by multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA). Methods: EPs were recorded from 62 channels and obtained before and after morphine and placebo administration during repeated electrical stimulations of the oesophagus in 12 healthy males. Additionally, the pain detection threshold was recorded to reflect the subjective analgesic effect in each subject. The characteristics of the sweeps were extracted by a multivariate matching pursuit algorithm with Gabor atoms implemented with a variable amplitude and constant phase across the sweeps. The single-sweep amplitudes were used as input to an MVPA algorithm to discriminate individual responses. The accuracy of the MVPA for each individual subject was used for correlation analysis of the analgesic effect. Results: The mean classification accuracy when discriminating pre- and posttreatment morphine responses was 72% (p = 0.01). The individual classification accuracy was positively correlated to the analgesic effect of morphine (p = 0.03). Furthermore, the 2 posttreatment responses were classified and validated by the classification of the 2 pretreatment responses (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The alterations in the single-sweep EPs after morphine reflect the analgesic effect. The MVPA approach is a novel methodology for monitoring the individual efficacy of analgesics.
Intrapleural Trastuzumab Therapy for Malignant Pleural Effusion from HER2 Overexpression in Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Orlandi Elena , Mordenti Patrizia , Zangrandi Adriano , Cavanna Luigi
Published: August 2015

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is an extremely common problem affecting cancer patients with advanced disease. The current therapy for MPE is local treatment, such as thoracentesis, chemical pleurodesis, intracavitary administration of anticancer drugs and systemic therapy. However, the management of MPE is still unsatisfactory. Case: We report a case of MPE secondary to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer that was successfully treated with intrapleural trastuzumab. A 52-year-old male with metastatic HER2-positive gastric cancer received chemotherapy (FOLFOX4 regimen) plus trastuzumab; after 11 courses of chemotherapy, he developed right MPE refractory to systemic treatment and pleurodesis. A pleural biopsy performed during thoracoscopy showed pleural metastasis from HER2-positive gastric cancer. The patient received 2 courses of intrapleuric trastuzumab. After the second course, the MPE disappeared, and he continued systemic therapy with trastuzumab and docetaxel. Conclusion: The safety was good, no local or systemic complications occurred, and the dyspnea secondary to MPE improved and subsequently disappeared. To our knowledge, this case is the first report on intrapleuric trastuzumab use to treat refractory MPE secondary to metastasis from HER2-positive gastric cancer. The treatment was well-tolerated and efficacious.
Beneficial Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bakker Nienke E. , Siemensma Elbrich P.C. , van Rijn Marjon , Festen Dederieke A.M. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Growth hormone (GH) treatment is beneficial for children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), but data about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and effects of GH treatment are scarce. We, therefore, investigated the effects of GH treatment on HRQOL in PWS children. Methods: In a randomized controlled GH trial including 26 PWS children and during an 11-year longitudinal GH study in 76 children, we annually assessed HRQOL recorded by patients and parents, using a generic questionnaire (DUX25), containing 4 subdomains (Physical, Home, Social, and Emotional) and a PWS-specific questionnaire (DUXPW). Results: At baseline, PWS children rated HRQOL similar to or higher than healthy and obese children. GH-treated children reported an increase in HRQOL in the Physical and Social subdomains and the DUXPW compared to untreated children. Parents reported an increase in the Physical and Emotional subdomains and borderline in the total DUX25 compared to parents of untreated children. During the 11 years of GH treatment, the Physical subdomain continued to improve, according to parents, whereas the Home, Social and Emotional subdomains, the total DUX25, and the DUXPW remained similar, according to children and parents. Conclusions: PWS children rated HRQOL equally to or better than healthy and obese children. HRQOL increased during GH treatment, in contrast to HRQOL of untreated children. This effect was sustained during long-term GH treatment. PWS children consider themselves quite happy, despite some difficulties related to the syndrome.
Early Upregulation of NLRP3 in the Brain of Neonatal Mice Exposed to Hypoxia-Ischemia: No Early Neuroprotective Effects of NLRP3 Deficiency
Authors: Ystgaard Martin Bogale , Sejersted Yngve , Løberg Else Marit , Lien Egil , Yndestad Arne , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: August 2015

Background: The NLRP3 inflammasome acts as an early mediator of inflammation by cleaving and releasing IL-1β and IL-18 from their proforms. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe NLRP3 activation and evaluate whether deficiency of NLRP3 protects against neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain damage. Methods: C57BL/6 and NLRP3-/- mice at P9 were subjected to unilateral common carotid ligation followed by hypoxia. RT-PCR was used on mRNA in five different subregions of the brain. Brain infarction was evaluated by histopathology and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Plasma levels of IL-18 were measured by ELISA. Double labeling immunohistochemistry was used to examine cell-specific NLRP3 expression. Results: NLRP3 was upregulated 24 h after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in the hippocampus (2.6-fold), striatum (2.2-fold) and thalamus (2.3-fold). Brain infarction volumes were not statistically significantly different in NLRP3-/- mice compared to WT mice 24 h after HI, accompanied by no significant changes in plasma IL-18 levels. Three hours after HI, NLRP3 expression occurred in astrocytes located in the hippocampus and habenular nucleus of the thalamus. Microglia only showed scarce expression at this time point, but prominent NLRP3 expression 72 h after HI. Conclusion: Astrocytes are early mediators of NLRP3 activity. No early neuroprotective effect of NLRP3 deficiency in neonatal HI brain damage was shown.