bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Bioactive Hydrogels to Probe and Direct Cell Fate
Authors: DeForest Cole A. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: June 2012

Advanced cell culture techniques are increasingly needed to better understand basic cell physiology, predict in vivo response, and engineer de novo functional tissue substitutes. Toward this concept, hydrogels have emerged as biomimetic in vitro culture systems that allow cells to be grown in or on user-defined microenvironments that recapitulate many critical aspects of native tissue. Hydrogel biofunctionality can be engineered predictably and precisely via the tailorability of the hydrogel's chemical and mechanical properties, each of which directly influences cell fate. In this review, we highlight state-of-the-art hydrogel platforms that have been used to assay and define cell behavior, placing an emphasis on recent directions in systems that offer dynamic control of material properties in time and space. We review current understanding of cell-material interactions in 2D and discuss recent and future efforts, as well as challenges, in extending this work to 3D. Ultimately, advances in hydrogel culture systems, synthetic approaches, and biological assays that can be performed in 3D are providing new opportunities to recapitulate fully the native cell niche.
Chemical Processing of Materials on Silicon: More Functionality, Smaller Features, and Larger Wafers
Authors: Marchack Nathan , Chang Jane P.
Published: June 2012

The invention of the transistor followed by more than 60 years of aggressive device scaling and process integration has enabled the global information web and subsequently transformed how people communicate and interact. The principles and practices built upon chemical processing of materials on silicon have been widely adapted and applied to other equally important areas, such as microfluidic systems for chemical and biological analysis and microscale energy storage solutions. The challenge of continuing these technological advances hinges on further improving the performance of individual devices and their interconnectivity while making the manufacturing processes economical, which is dictated by the materials' innate functionality and how they are chemically processed. In this review, we highlight challenges in scaling up the silicon wafers and scaling down the individual devices as well as focus on needs and challenges in the synthesis and integration of multifunctional materials.
Transport Phenomena in Chaotic Laminar Flows
Authors: Sundararajan Pavithra , Stroock Abraham D.
Published: June 2012

In many important chemical processes, the laminar flow regime is inescapable and defines the performance of reactors, separators, and analytical instruments. In the emerging field of microchemical process or lab-on-a-chip, this constraint is particularly rigid. Here, we review developments in the use of chaotic laminar flows to improve common transport processes in this regime. We focus on four: mixing, interfacial transfer, axial dispersion, and spatial sampling. Our coverage demonstrates the potential for chaos to improve these processes if implemented appropriately. Throughout, we emphasize the usefulness of familiar theoretical models of transport for processes occurring in chaotic flows. Finally, we point out open challenges and opportunities in the field.
Green Chemistry, Biofuels, and Biorefinery
Authors: Clark James H. , Luque Rafael , Matharu Avtar S.
Published: June 2012

In the current climate of several interrelated impending global crises, namely, climate change, chemicals, energy, and oil, the impact of green chemistry with respect to chemicals and biofuels generated from within a holistic concept of a biorefinery is discussed. Green chemistry provides unique opportunities for innovation via product substitution, new feedstock generation, catalysis in aqueous media, utilization of microwaves, and scope for alternative or natural solvents. The potential of utilizing waste as a new resource and the development of integrated facilities producing multiple products from biomass is discussed under the guise of biorefineries. Biofuels are discussed in depth, as they not only provide fuel (energy) but are also a source of feedstock chemicals. In the future, the commercial success of biofuels commensurate with consumer demand will depend on the availability of new green (bio)chemical technologies capable of converting waste biomass to fuel in a context of a biorefinery.
Molecular Origins of Homogeneous Crystal Nucleation
Authors: Yi Peng , Rutledge Gregory C.
Published: June 2012

We review the molecular principles underlying the homogeneous nucleation of a crystal phase from the melt phase, as elucidated by molecular simulation methods. Classical nucleation theory serves as the starting point for describing the nature of nucleation processes, but it does not derive from molecular principles itself. Density functional theory and molecular simulations offer tools for delving into the molecular origins of nucleation. Here, we emphasize the rapid development of molecular simulation methodologies for studying crystal nucleation from the melt. These methodologies are broadly categorized as free energy sampling methods, dynamical or mean first-passage time methods, and composite approaches that take advantage of both. The crucial selection of order parameters to distinguish the crystal phase from the liquid phase and important features of the reaction coordinate are emphasized. The system size dependence of the nucleation free energy barrier is also examined.
Advances and New Directions in Crystallization Control
Authors: Nagy Zoltan K. , Braatz Richard D.
Published: June 2012

The academic literature on and industrial practice of control of solution crystallization processes have seen major advances in the past 15 years that have been enabled by progress in in-situ real-time sensor technologies and driven primarily by needs in the pharmaceutical industry for improved and more consistent quality of drug crystals. These advances include the accurate measurement of solution concentrations and crystal characteristics as well as the first-principles modeling and robust model-based and model-free feedback control of crystal size and polymorphic identity. Research opportunities are described in model-free controller design, new crystallizer designs with enhanced control of crystal size distribution, strategies for the robust control of crystal shape, and interconnected crystallization systems for multicomponent crystallization.
Potential of Gold Nanoparticles for Oxidation in Fine Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Mallat Tamas , Baiker Alfons
Published: June 2012

In recent years supported gold nanoparticles have emerged as efficient catalysts with considerable synthetic potential for liquid-phase oxidation reactions based on molecular oxygen as oxidant. Here we critically review the most attractive applications related to the selective oxidation of functional groups containing O, N, or Si heteroatoms. The reactions include the oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes, and organosilanes; the diverse transformations of amines; benzylic oxidations; and some one-pot multistep reactions starting with alcohol or amine oxidation. In complex liquid-phase transformations relying on bifunctional catalysis, appropriate choice of the support is frequently more important than the size of the gold particles. In some oxidation reactions gold nanoparticles outperform the traditional platinum-group metal catalysts, but the latest results indicate the superiority of bimetallic particles containing gold and platinum, palladium, or rhodium. The environmentally benign nature of the transformations is discussed.
Engineering Aggregation-Resistant Antibodies
Authors: Perchiacca Joseph M. , Tessier Peter M.
Published: June 2012

The ability of antibodies to bind to target molecules with high affinity and specificity has led to their widespread use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, a limitation of antibodies is their propensity to self-associate and aggregate at high concentrations and elevated temperatures. The large size and multidomain architecture of full-length monoclonal antibodies have frustrated systematic analysis of how antibody sequence and structure regulate antibody solubility. In contrast, analysis of single and multidomain antibody fragments that retain the binding activity of mono-clonal antibodies has provided valuable insights into the determinants of antibody aggregation. Here we review advances in engineering antibody frameworks, domain interfaces, and antigen-binding loops to prevent aggregation of natively and nonnatively folded antibody fragments. We also highlight advances and unmet challenges in developing robust strategies for engineering large, multidomain antibodies to resist aggregation.
Single-Cell Analysis in Biotechnology, Systems Biology, and Biocatalysis
Authors: Fritzsch Frederik S.O. , Dusny Christian , Frick Oliver , Schmid Andreas
Published: June 2012

Single-cell analysis (SCA) has been increasingly recognized as the key technology for the elucidation of cellular functions, which are not accessible from bulk measurements on the population level. Thus far, SCA has been achieved by miniaturization of established engineering concepts to match the dimensions of a single cell. However, SCA requires procedures beyond the classical approach of upstream processing, fermentation, and downstream processing because the biological system itself defines the technical demands. This review characterizes currently available microfluidics and microreactors for invasive (i.e., chemical) and noninvasive (i.e., biological) SCA. We describe the recent SCA omics approaches as tools for systems biology and discuss the role of SCA in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics. Furthermore, we discuss applications of SCA for biocatalysis and metabolic engineering as well as its potential for bioprocess optimization. Finally, we define present and future challenges for SCA and propose strategies to overcome current limitations.
Sustainable Engineered Processes to Mitigate the Global Arsenic Crisis in Drinking Water: Challenges and Progress
Authors: Sarkar Sudipta , Greenleaf John E. , Gupta Anirban , Uy Davin , SenGupta Arup K.
Published: June 2012

Millions of people around the world are currently living under the threat of developing serious health problems owing to ingestion of dangerous concentrations of arsenic through their drinking water. In many places, treatment of arsenic-contaminated water is an urgent necessity owing to a lack of safe alternative sources. Sustainable production of arsenic-safe water from an arsenic-contaminated raw water source is currently a challenge. Despite the successful development in the laboratory of technologies for arsenic remediation, few have been successful in the field. A sustainable arsenic-remediation technology should be robust, composed of local resources, and user-friendly as well as must attach special consideration to the social, economic, cultural, traditional, and environmental aspects of the target community. One such technology is in operation on the Indian subcontinent. Wide-scale replication of this technology with adequate improvisation can solve the arsenic crisis prevalent in the developing world.
Activation of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism is a shared signature of mouse models with extended lifespan
Authors: Steinbaugh Michael J. , Sun Liou Y. , Bartke Andrzej , Miller Richard A.
Published: June 2012

Xenobiotic metabolism has been proposed to play a role in modulating the rate of aging. Xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME) are expressed at higher levels in calorically restricted mice (CR) and in GH/IGF-I-deficient, long-lived mutant mice. In this study, we show that many phase I XME genes are similarly upregulated in additional long-lived mouse models, including “crowded litter” (CL) mice, whose lifespan has been increased by food restriction limited to the first 3 wk of life, and in mice treated with rapamycin. Induction in the CL mice lasts at least through 22 mo of age, but induction by rapamycin is transient for many of the mRNAs. Cytochrome P-450s, flavin monooxygenases, hydroxyacid oxidase, and metallothioneins were found to be significantly elevated in similar proportions in each of the models of delayed aging tested, whether these were based on mutation, diet, drug treatment, or transient early intervention. The same pattern of mRNA elevation could be induced by 2 wk of treatment with tert-butylhydroquinone, an oxidative toxin known to activate Nrf2-dependent target genes. These results suggest that elevation of phase I XMEs is a hallmark of long-lived mice and may facilitate screens for agents worth testing in intervention-based lifespan studies.
Developmental changes in embryonic hypothalamic neurons during prenatal fat exposure
Authors: Poon Kinning , Barson Jessica R. , Fagan Shawn E. , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: June 2012

Maternal consumption of a fat-rich diet during pregnancy, which causes later overeating and weight gain in offspring, has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis and increase hypothalamic expression of orexigenic neuropeptides in these postnatal offspring. The studies here, using an in vitro model that mimics in vivo characteristics after prenatal high-fat diet (HFD) exposure, investigate whether these same peptide changes occur in embryos and if they are specific to neurons. Isolated hypothalamic neurons were compared with whole hypothalamus from embryonic day 19 (E19) embryos that were prenatally exposed to HFD and were both found to show similar increases in mRNA expression of enkephalin (ENK) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) compared with that of chow-exposed embryos, with no change in melanin-concentrating hormone, orexin, or galanin. Further examination using immunofluorescence cytochemistry revealed an increase in the number of cells expressing ENK and NPY. By plotting the fluorescence intensity of each cell as a probability density function, three different populations of neurons with low, medium, or high levels of ENK or NPY were found in both HFD and chow groups. The prenatal HFD shifted the density of neurons from the population containing low peptide levels to the population containing high peptide levels. This study indicates that neuronal culture is a useful in vitro system for studying diet effects on neuronal development and shows that prenatal HFD exposure alters the population of hypothalamic neurons containing ENK and NPY in the embryo. These changes may contribute to the increase in HFD intake and body weight observed in offspring.
The Rab-GTPase-activating protein TBC1D1 regulates skeletal muscle glucose metabolism
Authors: Szekeres Ferenc , Chadt Alexandra , Tom Robby Z. , Deshmukh Atul S. , Chibalin Alexander V. , Björnholm Marie , Al-Hasani Hadi , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: June 2012

The Rab-GTPase-activating protein TBC1D1 has emerged as a novel candidate involved in metabolic regulation. Our aim was to determine whether TBC1D1 is involved in insulin as well as energy-sensing signals controlling skeletal muscle metabolism. TBC1D1-deficient congenic B6.SJL- Nob1.10 ( Nob1.10 SJL) and wild-type littermates were studied. Glucose and insulin tolerance, glucose utilization, hepatic glucose production, and tissue-specific insulin-mediated glucose uptake were determined. The effect of insulin, AICAR, or contraction on glucose transport was studied in isolated skeletal muscle. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were normal in TBC1D1-deficient Nob1.10 SJL mice, yet the 4-h-fasted insulin concentration was increased. Insulin-stimulated peripheral glucose utilization during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp was similar between genotypes, whereas the suppression of hepatic glucose production was increased in TBC1D1-deficient mice. In isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) but not soleus muscle, glucose transport in response to insulin, AICAR, or contraction was impaired by TBC1D1 deficiency. The reduction in glucose transport in EDL muscle from TBC1D1-deficient Nob1.10 SJL mice may be explained partly by a 50% reduction in GLUT4 protein, since proximal signaling at the level of Akt, AMPK, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was unaltered. Paradoxically, in vivo insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake was increased in EDL and tibialis anterior muscle from TBC1D1-deficient mice. In conclusion, TBC1D1 plays a role in regulation of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Moreover, functional TBC1D1 is required for AICAR- or contraction-induced metabolic responses, implicating a role in energy-sensing signals.
Potential clinical translation of juvenile rodent inactivity models to study the onset of childhood obesity
Authors: Roberts Michael D. , Company Joseph M. , Brown Jacob D. , Toedebusch Ryan G. , Padilla Jaume , Jenkins Nathan T. , Laughlin M. Harold , Booth Frank W.
Published: June 2012

According to the latest data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 17%, or 12.5 million, of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years in the United States are obese. Physical inactivity is designated as one of the actual causes of US deaths and undoubtedly contributes to the obesity epidemic in children and adults. Examining the effects of inactivity on physiological homeostasis during youth is crucial given that 58% of children between the ages 6–11 yr old fail to obtain the recommended 60 min/day of physical activity and 92% of adolescents fail to achieve this goal [Troiano et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 40, 2008]. Nonetheless, invasive mechanistic studies in children linking diminished physical activity with metabolic maladies are lacking for obvious ethical reasons. The rodent wheel lock (WL) model was adopted by our laboratory and others to study how different organ systems of juvenile rats respond to a cessation of daily physical activity. Our WL model houses rats in cages equipped with voluntary running wheels starting at 28 days of age. After a certain period of voluntary running (3 to 6 wk), the wheels are locked, thus preventing the rats' primary source of physical activity. The studies discussed herein suggest that obesity-associated maladies including skeletal muscle insulin resistance, hypothalamic leptin resistance, fatty acid oxidation impairments in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and endothelial dysfunction are initiated in juvenile animals that are restrained from voluntary exercise via WL. The use of the juvenile rodent WL or other inactivity models will continue to provide a powerful clinical translational tool that can be used for primordial prevention of human childhood obesity.
Subclinical exposure to low-dose endotoxin impairs EEG maturation in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Keogh Michael J. , Bennet Laura , Drury Paul P. , Booth Lindsea C. , Mathai Sam , Naylor Andrew S. , Fraser Mhoyra , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: June 2012

Exposure to chorioamnionitis is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disability after premature birth; however, it remains unclear whether subclinical infection affects functional EEG maturation. Chronically instrumented 103–104-day-old (0.7 gestational age: term 147 days) fetal sheep in utero were randomized to receive either gram-negative LPS by continuous low-dose infusion (100 ng iv over 24 h, followed by 250 ng/24 h for 4 days; n = 6) or the same volume of normal saline ( n = 9). Arterial plasma cortisol, ACTH, and IL-6 were measured. The delta (0–3.9 Hz), theta (4–7.9 Hz), alpha (8–12.9 Hz), and beta (13–22 Hz) components of the EEG were determined by power spectral analysis. Brains were taken after 10 days for histopathology. There were no changes in blood gases, cardiovascular variables, or EEG power during LPS infusion, but a transient rise in plasma cortisol and IL-6 ( P < 0.05). LPS infusion was associated with loss of the maturational increase to higher frequency activity, with reduced alpha and beta power, and greater delta power than saline controls from 6 to 10 days ( P < 0.05). Histologically, LPS was associated with increased numbers of microglia and TNF-α-positive cells in the periventricular white matter and frontoparietal cortex, increased caspase-3-positive cells in white matter, but no loss of CNPase-positive oligodendrocytes, Nurr-1 subplate cells, or gyral complexity. These data suggest that low-dose endotoxin exposure can impair EEG maturation in preterm fetal sheep in association with neural inflammation but without hemodynamic disturbances or cortical injury.
Large Nabothian Cyst: A Rare Cause of Nulliparous Prolapse
Authors: Nigam Aruna , Choudhary Deepti , Raghunandan Chitra
Published: June 2012

Genital prolapse is commonly observed in postmenopausal and multiparous women, However, nulliparous women contribute to 2% of prevalence. We report a case of 21-year-old female who presented with a large nabothian cyst contributing to prolapse. This is the first case reported in the literature.
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion by 3-Benzoylmethyl Benzimidazolium Hexafluoroantimonate in Acidic Solution
Authors: Nahlé Ayssar , Abu-Abdoun Ideisan I. , Abdel-Rahman Ibrahim
Published: June 2012

The corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution by a synthesized compound (3-benzoylmethyl benzimidazolium hexafluoroantimonate) was investigated electrochemically and by weight loss experiments. The concentration of this inhibitor ranged from5 ×10-7 M to5×10-4 M. The effect of temperature (from 303 to 343 K) and concentrations (from5×10-7 M to5×10-4 M) were investigated. The percentage inhibition increased with the increase of the concentration of the inhibitor and reached about 98% at the concentration of5×10-4 M at 303 K. The percentage inhibition decreased with the increase of temperature. The thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of this inhibitor on the metal surface were calculated. This compound was found to be a very good corrosion inhibitor due to the presence of nitrogen in benzimidazole and phenyl ring.
Relationship between Respiratory Load Perception and Perception of Nonrespiratory Sensory Modalities in Subjects with Life-Threatening Asthma
Authors: Davenport Kathleen L. , Huang Chien Hui , Davenport Matthew P. , Davenport Paul W.
Published: June 2012

Subjects with life-threatening asthma (LTA) have reported decreased sensitivity to inspiratory resistive (R) loads. It is unknown if decreased sensitivity is specific for inspiratoryRloads, other types of respiratory loads, or a general deficit affecting sensory modalities. This study hypothesized that impairment is specific to respiratory stimuli. This study tested perceptual sensitivity of LTA, asthmatic (A), and nonasthmatic (NA) subjects to 4 sensory modalities: respiratory, somatosensory, auditory, visual. Perceptual sensitivity was measured with magnitude estimation (ME): respiratory loads ME, determined using inspiratoryRand pressure threshold (PT) loads; somatosensory ME, determined using weight ranges of 2–20 kg; auditory ME, determined using graded magnitudes of 1 kHz tones delivered for 3 seconds bilaterally; visual ME, determined using gray-to-white disk intensity gradations on black background. ME for inspiratoryRloads lessened for LTA over A and NA subjects. There was no significant difference between the 3 groups in ME for PT inspiratory loads, weight, sound, and visual trials. These results demonstrate that LTA subjects are poor perceivers of inspiratoryRloads. This deficit in respiratory perception is specific to inspiratoryRloads and is not due to perceptual deficits in other types of inspiratory loads, somatosensory, auditory, or visual sensory modalities.
Total Ankle Replacement for Treatment of End-Stage Osteoarthritis in Elderly Patients
Authors: Hintermann Beat , Knupp Markus , Zwicky Lukas , Barg Alexej
Published: June 2012

End-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle is a disabling problem, particularly in elderly patients who experience an overall loss of mobility and functional impairment and who then need compensatory adaption. Ankle arthrodesis, which has been demonstrated to provide postoperative pain relief and hindfoot stability, leaves the patient with a stiff foot and gait changes. For elderly patient, these changes may be more critical than generally believed. Additionally, the long duration of healing and rehabilitation process needed for ankle arthrodesis may be problematic in the elderly. In contrast to ankle arthrodesis, total ankle replacement has significant advantages including a less strenuous postoperative rehabilitation and preservation of ankle motion which supports physiological gait. Recently, total ankle replacement has evolved as a safe surgical treatment in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis with reliable mid- to long-term results. Total ankle replacement needs less immobilization than arthrodesis and does allow for early weight-bearing and should be considered as a treatment option of first choice in many elderly patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle, especially in elderly patients with lower expectations and physical demands.
Pharmacokinetics of the Perioperative Use of Cancer Chemotherapy in Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Patients
Authors: Van der Speeten K. , Govaerts K. , Stuart O. A. , Sugarbaker P. H.
Published: June 2012

Background. The peritoneal surface is an acknowledged locoregional failure site of abdominal malignancies. Previous treatment attempts with medical therapy alone did not result in long-term survival. During the last two decades, new treatment protocols combining cytoreductive surgery with perioperative intraperitoneal and intravenous cancer chemotherapy have demonstrated very encouraging clinical results. This paper aims to clarify the pharmacologic base underlying these treatment regimens.Materials and Methods. A review of the current pharmacologic data regarding these perioperative chemotherapy protocols was undertaken.Conclusions. There is a clear pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic rationale for perioperative intraperitoneal and intravenous cancer chemotherapy in peritoneal surface malignancy patients.
Ultraviolet Radiation and the Slug Transcription Factor Induce Proinflammatory and Immunomodulatory Mediator Expression in Melanocytes
Authors: Shirley Stephanie H. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Kusewitt Donna F.
Published: June 2012

Despite extensive investigation, the precise contribution of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) component of sunlight to melanoma etiology remains unclear. UVR induces keratinocytes to secrete proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that promote inflammation and skin tumor development; expression of the slug transcription factor in keratinocytes is required for maximal production of these mediators. In the present studies we examined the possibility that UVR-exposed melanocytes also produce proinflammatory mediators and that Slug is important in this process. Microarray studies revealed that both UVR exposure and Slug overexpression altered transcription of a variety of proinflammatory mediators by normal human melanocytes; some of these mediators are also known to stimulate melanocyte growth and migration. There was little overlap in the spectra of cytokines produced by the two stimuli. However IL-20 was similarly induced by both stimuli and the NFκB pathway appeared to be important in both circumstances. Further exploration of UVR-induced and Slug-dependent pathways of cytokine induction in melanocytes may reveal novel targets for melanoma therapy.
The Influence of Type 2 Diabetes and Glucose-Lowering Therapies on Cancer Risk in the Taiwanese
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Chia , Lee Tzu-Chi , Cheng Shu-Min , Tu Shih-Te , Yen Ming-Hong , Tseng Chin-Hsiao
Published: June 2012

Objective. To investigate the association between type 2 diabetes, glucose-lowering therapies (monotherapy with either metformin, sulphonylurea or insulin) and cancer risk in Taiwan.Methods. Using Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes database of 1,000,000 random subjects from 2000–2008, we found 61777 patients with type 2 diabetes (age ≥20 years) and 677378 enrollees with no record of diabetes.Results. After adjusting for age and sex, we found patients with diabetes to have significantly higher risk of all cancers (OR: 1.176; 95% CI: 1.149–1.204,P<0.001). Diabetic patients treated with insulin or sulfonylureas had significantly higher risk of all cancers, compared to those treated with metformin (OR: 1.583; 95% CI: 1.389–1.805,P<0.001and OR: 1.784; 95% CI: 1.406–2.262,P<0.001). Metformin treatment was associated with a decreased risk of colon and liver cancer compared to sulphonylureas or insulin treatment. Sulfonylureas treatment was associated with an increased risk of breast and lung cancer compared to metformin therapy.Conclusions. Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of breast, prostate, colon, lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. Those treated with insulin or sulfonylureas monotherapy are more likely to develop colon and liver cancer than those treated with metformin.
Is There a Role for Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy in Ductal CarcinomaIn Situ?
Authors: Chadha Manjeet , Portenoy Jason , Boolbol Susan K. , Gillego Alyssa , Harrison Louis B.
Published: June 2012

Background. DCIS treated by mastectomy ensures high local control rates. There is limited data on risk for relapse and lack of clear indication for adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). We report a retrospective review on a population of DCIS patients treated with mastectomy. The objective was to identify the overall incidence of relapse, risk factors for local recurrence, and accordingly for whom adjuvant postmastectomy RT may be considered.Methods. This is an IRB-approved retrospective study on a prospective breast cancer database. From 1997 to 2007, we identified 969 patients with diagnoses of DCIS, among them 211 breasts in 207 patients were treated with mastectomy and comprise the study group.Results. With a median followup of 55 months (4.6 years) the 10-year relapse-free survival is 97%. Two of 211 breasts (0.9%) treated with mastectomy developed a local-regional recurrence. Both the relapses were among patients defined as having <1 mm final mastectomy margin.Conclusions. The rare local relapse after mastectomy limits our ability to reliably identify risk factors for relapse. The consideration for postmastectomy RT should be based on an individualized risk evaluating surgical technique used, presence of BRCA mutation, grade and extent of tumor, and proximity of lesion to the margin of resection.
Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Detection of Pesticide
Authors: Taira Shu , Kaneko Daisaku , Onuma Kazuki , Miyazato Akio , Hiroki Tomoyuki , Kawamura-Konishi Yasuko , Ichiyanagi Yuko
Published: June 2012

We synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) by mixing aqueous solutions of 3d transition metal chlorides (MCl2·nH2O) and a sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (Na2SiO3·9H2O) in order to produce monodispersed MNPs in a single step. The particle size can be controlled by adjusting the annealing temperature. We characterized the MNPs by X-ray diffraction (XRD), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and zeta-potential measurement. Paramagnetic and superparamagnetic behaviors were found for the obtained samples depending on the particle size (d=3.0–4.6 nm). The synthesized MNPs could be modified with the amino-, phenyl-, and carboxy- groups on MNPs' surface by silanization procedure, respectively. The purpose of functionalizing the surface of the nanoscale magnetic particles was to realize subsequent capture and detection with desired other molecules by nanoparticle assisted laser ionization/desorption mass spectrometry.
Religious versus Conventional Psychotherapy for Major Depression in Patients with Chronic Medical Illness: Rationale, Methods, and Preliminary Results
Authors: Koenig Harold G.
Published: June 2012

This paper (1) reviews the physical and religious barriers to CBT that disabled medically ill-depressed patients face, (2) discusses research on the relationship between religion and depression-induced physiological changes, (3) describes an ongoing randomized clinical trial of religious versus secular CBT in chronically ill patients with mild-to-moderate major depression designed to (a) overcome physical and religious barriers to CBT and (b) compare the efficacy of religious versus secular CBT in relieving depression and improving immune and endocrine functions, and (4) presents preliminary results that illustrate the technical difficulties that have been encountered in implementing this trial. CBT is being delivered remotely via instant messaging, telephone, or Skype, and Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu versions of religious CBT are being developed. The preliminary results described here are particular to the technologies employed in this study and are not results from the CBT clinical trial whose findings will be published in the future after the study ends and data are analyzed. The ultimate goal is to determine if a psychotherapy delivered remotely that integrates patients’ religious resources improves depression more quickly than a therapy that ignores them, and whether religious CBT is more effective than conventional CBT in reversing depression-induced physiological changes.
Strong Global Attractors for 3D Wave Equations with Weakly Damping
Authors: Meng Fengjuan
Published: June 2012

We consider the existence of the global attractor 𝒜1 for the 3D weakly damped wave equation. We prove that 𝒜1 is compact in and attracts all bounded subsets of with respect to the norm of . Furthermore, this attractor coincides with the global attractor in the weak energy space .
Modulatory Function of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chuang Yi-Ping , Wang Chih-Hung , Wang Ning-Chi , Chang Deh-Ming , Sytwu Huey-Kang
Published: June 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with complex immunological and clinical manifestations. Multiple organ failure in SLE can be caused by immune dysfunction and deposition of autoantibodies. Studies of SLE-susceptible loci and the cellular and humoral immune responses reveal variable aberrations associated with this systemic disease. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique subset of lymphocytes that control peripheral tolerance. Mounting evidence showing reductions in the proportion and activity of iNKT cells in SLE patients suggests the suppressive role of iNKT cells. Studies using murine lupus models demonstrate that iNKT cells participate in SLE progression by sensing apoptotic cells, regulating immunoglobulin production, and altering the cytokine profile upon activation. However, the dichotomy of iNKT cell actions in murine models implies complicated interactions within the body's milieu. Therefore, application of potential therapy for SLE using glycolipids to regulate iNKT cells should be undertaken cautiously.
The Permanence and Extinction of the Single Species with Contraception Control and Feedback Controls
Authors: Li Qiuying , Zhang Fengqin , Feng Xiaomei , Wang Wenjuan , Wang Kai
Published: June 2012

Population control has become a major problem in many wildlife species. Sterility control through contraception has been proposed as a method for reducing population size. In this paper, the single species with sterility control and feedback controls is considered. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the permanence and extinction of the system. The results show that the feedback controls do not influence the permanence of the species.
Genomic Amplification of an Endogenous Retrovirus in Zebrafish T-Cell Malignancies
Authors: Frazer J. Kimble , Batchelor Lance A. , Bradley Diana F. , Brown Kim H. , Dobrinski Kimberly P. , Lee Charles , Trede Nikolaus S.
Published: June 2012

Genomic instability plays a crucial role in oncogenesis. Somatically acquired mutations can disable some genes and inappropriately activate others. In addition, chromosomal rearrangements can amplify, delete, or even fuse genes, altering their functions and contributing to malignant phenotypes. Using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), a technique to detect numeric variations between different DNA samples, we examined genomes from zebrafish (Danio rerio) T-cell leukemias of three cancer-prone lines. In all malignancies tested, we identified recurring amplifications of a zebrafish endogenous retrovirus. This retrovirus, ZFERV, was first identified due to high expression of proviral transcripts in thymic tissue from larval and adult fish. We confirmed ZFERV amplifications by quantitative PCR analyses of DNA from wild-type fish tissue and normal and malignantD. rerioT cells. We also quantified ZFERV RNA expression and found that normal and neoplastic T cells both produce retrovirally encoded transcripts, but most cancers show dramatically increased transcription. In aggregate, these data imply that ZFERV amplification and transcription may be related to T-cell leukemogenesis. Based on these data and ZFERV’s phylogenetic relation to viruses of the murine-leukemia-related virus class of gammaretroviridae, we posit that ZFERV may be oncogenic via an insertional mutagenesis mechanism.
A New Approach for Linear Eigenvalue Problems and Nonlinear Euler Buckling Problem
Authors: Adiyaman Meltem Evrenosoglu , Somali Sennur
Published: June 2012

We propose a numerical Taylor’s Decomposition method to compute approximate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for regular Sturm‐Liouville eigenvalue problem and nonlinear Euler buckling problem very accurately for relatively large step sizes. For regular Sturm‐Liouville problem, the technique is illustrated with three examples and the numerical results show that the approximate eigenvalues are obtained with high‐order accuracy without using any correction, and they are compared with the results of other methods. The numerical results of Euler Buckling problem are compared with theoretical aspects, and it is seen that they agree with each other.
Intra/Inter‐Particle Energy Transfer of Luminescence Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Ching-Ping , Cheng Shih-Hsun , Chen Nai-Tzu , Lo Leu-Wei
Published: June 2012

Elaborate design of energy transfer systems in luminescent nanocrystals revealed tremendous advantages in nanotechnology, especially in biosensing and drug delivery systems. Recently, upconversion nanoparticles have been discussed as promising probes as labels in biological assays and imaging. This article reviews the works performed in the recent years using quantum dot‐ and rare‐earth doped nanoparticle‐based energy transfer systems for biomedical applications.
Distributed Control of Mobile Sensor Networks under RF Connectivity Constraints
Authors: Stergiopoulos Yiannis , Kantaros Yiannis , Tzes Anthony
Published: June 2012

This paper addresses the problem of coordinating the motion of the nodes in a mobile sensor network for area coverage applications under RF communication limitations. During network evolution, the area sensed by the network increases until it reaches optimum configuration, while information for decision making is acquired distributively among the nodes via a prespecified number of hops. Unlike previous works, radio range is not demanded to be at least twice the sensing range, imposing an extra constraint in the overall problem setup. The proposed control scheme guarantees end-to-end RF connectivity of the network, while attaining optimum area coverage. Results are further verified via simulation studies.
Unsteady Stagnation Point Flow and Heat Transfer over a Stretching/Shrinking Sheet with Suction or Injection
Authors: Suali M. , Nik Long N. M. A. , Ariffin N. M.
Published: June 2012

The unsteady stagnation point flow and heat transfer over a stretching/shrinking sheet with suction/injection is studied. The governing partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation and solved numerically. Both stretching and shrinking cases are considered. Results for the skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, velocity, and temperature profiles are presented for different values of the governing parameters. It is found that the dual solutions exist for the shrinking case, whereas the solution is unique for the stretching case. Numerical results show that the range of dual solutions increases with mass suction and decreases with mass injection.
Active Epilepsy as Indicator of Neurocysticercosis in Rural Northwest India
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Razdan Sushil , Pandita K. K. , Sharma Rajesh , Gupta V. P. , Razdan Shiveta
Published: June 2012

Objective. To determine the contribution of neurocysticercosis as a cause for active epilepsy and to establish Neurocysticercosis as major definable risk of epilepsy in our setup.Methods. We conducted a door-to-door survey of 2,209 individuals of Bhore Pind and Bhore Kullian villages in Chattah zone of district Jammu (Jumma and Kashmir, Northwest India) to identify patients with symptomatic epilepsy. Patients with active epilepsy were investigated with neuroimaging techniques to establish diagnosis of NCC (neurocysticercosis).Results. Among 25 patients with epilepsy 10(40%) had CT/MR evidence of past or recent NCC infection. This gave us the point prevalence of 4.5/1000 for Neurocysticercosis in our study population.Interpretation. The study shows a high prevalence of NCC accounting for symptomatic epilepsy in our part of India.
Chorioangioma of Placenta: A Rare Placental Cause for Adverse Fetal Outcome
Authors: Kodandapani Sreelakshmi , Shreshta Abha , Ramkumar Vani , Rao Lakshmi
Published: June 2012

Chorioangioma is a benign angioma of placenta arising from chorionic tissue. Large chorioangioma has unfavourable effects on both mother and fetus. We describe a case with large chorioangioma that had a poor outcome on the fetus. We also reviewed the literature on prognostic factors affecting fetal outcome.
The Distribution of eIF4E-Family Members across Insecta
Authors: Tettweiler Gritta , Kowanda Michelle , Lasko Paul , Sonenberg Nahum , Hernández Greco
Published: June 2012

Insects are part of the earliest faunas that invaded terrestrial environments and are the first organisms that evolved controlled flight. Nowadays, insects are the most diverse animal group on the planet and comprise the majority of extant animal species described. Moreover, they have a huge impact in the biosphere as well as in all aspects of human life and economy; therefore understanding all aspects of insect biology is of great importance. In insects, as in all cells, translation is a fundamental process for gene expression. However, translation in insects has been mostly studied only in the model organismDrosophila melanogaster. We used all publicly available genomic sequences to investigate in insects the distribution of the genes encoding the cap-binding proteineIF4E, a protein that plays a crucial role in eukaryotic translation. We found that there is a diversity of multiple ortholog genes encoding eIF4E isoforms within the genusDrosophila. In striking contrast, insects outside this genus contain only a singleeIF4Egene, related toD. melanogastereIF4E-1. We also found that all insect species here analyzed contain only one Class II gene, termed4E-HP. We discuss the possible evolutionary causes originating the multiplicity ofeIF4Egenes within the genusDrosophila.
Application of Metabolomics in Traditional Chinese Medicine Differentiation of Deficiency and Excess Syndromes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Tao , Yang Ming , Wei Hua-Feng , He Song-Hua , Wang Shun-Chun , Ji Guang
Published: June 2012

Metabolic profiling is widely used as a probe in diagnosing diseases. In this study, the metabolic profiling of urinary carbohydrates was investigated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis. The kernel-based orthogonal projections to latent structures (K-OPLS) model were established and validated to distinguish between subjects with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). The model was combined with subwindow permutation analysis (SPA) in order to extract novel biomarker information. Furthermore, the K-OPLS model visually represented the alterations in urinary carbohydrate profiles of excess and deficiency syndromes in patients with diabetes. The combination of GC/MS and K-OPLS/SPA analysis allowed the urinary carbohydrate metabolic characterization of DM patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, including biomarkers different from non-DM patients. The method presented in this study might be a complement or an alternative to TCM syndrome research.
Preliminary Investigation of Wavefield Depth Extrapolation by Two-Way Wave Equations
Authors: Wu Bangyu , Wu Ru-Shan , Gao Jinghuai
Published: June 2012

Most of the wavefield downward continuation migration approaches are relying on one-way wave equations, which move the seismic energy always in one direction along depth. The one-way downward continuation migrations only use the primaries for imaging and do not treat secondary reflections recorded on the surface correctly. In this paper, we investigate wavefield depth extrapolators based on the full acoustic wave equations, which can propagate wave components to opposite directions. Several two-way wavefield downward continuation propagators are numerically tested in this study. Recursively implementing of the depth extrapolator makes it necessary and important to eliminate the unstable wave modes, that is, evanescent waves. For the laterally varying velocity media, distinction between the propagating and evanescent wave mode is less clear. We demonstrate that the spatially localized two-way beamlet propagator is an effective way to remove the evanescent waves while maintain the propagating mode in laterally inhomogeneous media.
Application of Facies Associations, Integrated Prediction Error Filter Analysis, and Chemostratigraphy to the Organic-Rich and Siliceous Cenomanian-Turonian Sequence, Bargou Area, Tunisia: Integrated Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis
Authors: Soua Mohamed
Published: June 2012

Facies associations, integrated prediction error filter analysis (INPEFA) of spectral Gamma-ray data, Sr/Ca and Mn chemostratigraphy, and sequence stratigraphy of the organic-rich and siliceous Cenomanian-Turonian Bahloul formation have been studied in Bargou section, located in north-central Tunisia. The studied section is subdivided into seven facies evolving from platform to basin deposits. Based on basin geometry, facies distribution, spectral Gamma-ray INPEFA curves, Sr/Ca and Mn profiles patterns, and the sequence was also subdivided into shelf margin wedge (uppermost Fahden Formation-lowermost Bahloul), basal transgressive systems tract (remainder Bahloul Formation) and early high-stand systems tract (Kef Formation). The Sr/Ca ratios, Mn profile, sequence stratigraphic, and cyclostratigraphic interpretations reveal the existence of four transgressive parasequences deposited throughout 420 kyr within the organic rich and siliceous Bahloul facies.