bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoracic and abdominal aortas stiffen through unique extracellular matrix changes in intrauterine growth restricted fetal sheep
Authors: Dodson R. Blair , Rozance Paul J. , Petrash Carson C. , Hunter Kendall S. , Ferguson Virginia L.
Published: December 2013

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal complication of pregnancy epidemiologically linked to cardiovascular disease in the newborn later in life. However, the mechanism is poorly understood with very little research on the vascular structure and function during development in healthy and IUGR neonates. Previously, we found vascular remodeling and increased stiffness in the carotid and umbilical arteries, but here we examine the remodeling and biomechanics in the larger vessels more proximal to the heart. To study this question, thoracic and abdominal aortas were collected from a sheep model of placental insufficiency IUGR (PI-IUGR) due to exposure to elevated ambient temperatures. Aortas from control ( n = 12) and PI-IUGR fetuses ( n = 10) were analyzed for functional biomechanics and structural remodeling. PI-IUGR aortas had a significant increase in stiffness ( P < 0.05), increased collagen content ( P < 0.05), and decreased sulfated glycosaminoglycan content ( P < 0.05). Our derived constitutive model from experimental data related increased stiffness to reorganization changes of increased alignment angle of collagen fibers and increased elastin ( P < 0.05) in the thoracic aorta and increased concentration of collagen fibers in the abdominal aorta toward the circumferential direction verified through use of histological techniques. This fetal vascular remodeling in PI-IUGR may set the stage for possible altered growth and development and help to explain the pathophysiology of adult cardiovascular disease in previously IUGR individuals.
Effects of activation pattern and active stress development on myocardial shear in a model with adaptive myofiber reorientation
Authors: Pluijmert Marieke , Bovendeerd Peter H. M. , Kroon Wilco , Prinzen Frits W. , Delhaas Tammo
Published: December 2013

It has been hypothesized that myofiber orientation adapts to achieve a preferred mechanical loading state in the myocardial tissue. Earlier studies tested this hypothesis in a combined model of left ventricular (LV) mechanics and remodeling of myofiber orientation in response to fiber cross-fiber shear, assuming synchronous timing of activation and uniaxial active stress development. Differences between computed and measured patterns of circumferential-radial shear strain Ecr were assumed to be caused by limitations in either the LV mechanics model or the myofiber reorientation model. Therefore, we extended the LV mechanics model with a physiological transmural and longitudinal gradient in activation pattern and with triaxial active stress development. We investigated the effects on myofiber reorientation, LV function, and deformation. The effect on the developed pattern of the transverse fiber angle αt,0 and the effect on global pump function were minor. Triaxial active stress development decreased amplitudes of Ecr towards values within the experimental range and resulted in a similar base-to-apex gradient during ejection in model computed and measured Ecr. The physiological pattern of mechanical activation resulted in better agreement between computed and measured strain in myofiber direction, especially during isovolumic contraction phase and first half of ejection. In addition, remodeling was favorable for LV pump and myofiber function. In conclusion, the outcome of the combined model of LV mechanics and remodeling of myofiber orientation is found to become more physiologic by extending the mechanics model with triaxial active stress development and physiological activation pattern.
A translational approach to probe the proarrhythmic potential of cardiac alternans: a reversible overture to arrhythmogenesis?
Authors: Merchant Faisal M. , Sayadi Omid , Puppala Dheeraj , Moazzami Kasra , Heller Victoria , Armoundas Antonis A.
Published: December 2013

Electrocardiographic alternans, a phenomenon of beat-to-beat alternation in cardiac electrical waveforms, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). In the clinical setting, a positive microvolt T-wave alternans test has been associated with a heightened risk of arrhythmic mortality and SCD during medium- and long-term follow-up. However, rather than merely being associated with an increased risk for SCD, several lines of preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that cardiac alternans may play a causative role in generating the acute electrophysiological substrate necessary for the onset of ventricular arrhythmias. Deficiencies in Ca2+ transport processes have been implicated in the genesis of alternans at the subcellular and cellular level and are hypothesized to contribute to the conditions necessary for dispersion of refractoriness, wave break, reentry, and onset of arrhythmia. As such, detecting acute surges in alternans may provide a mechanism for predicting the impending onset of arrhythmia and opens the door to delivering upstream antiarrhythmic therapies. In this review, we discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence to support a causative association between alternans and acute arrhythmogenesis and outline the potential clinical implications of such an association.
Cessation of contraction induces cardiomyocyte remodeling during zebrafish cardiogenesis
Authors: Yang Jingchun , Hartjes Katherine A. , Nelson Timothy J. , Xu Xiaolei
Published: December 2013

Contraction regulates heart development via a complex mechanotransduction process controlled by various mechanical forces. Here, we exploit zebrafish embryos as an in vivo animal model to discern the contribution from different mechanical forces and identify the underlying mechanotransductive signaling pathways of cardiogenesis. We treated 2 days postfertilization zebrafish embryos with Blebbistatin, a myosin II inhibitor, to stop cardiac contraction, which induces a response termed cessation of contraction-induced cardiomyocyte (CM) enlargement (CCE). Accompanying the CCE, lateral fusion of myofibrils was attenuated within CMs. The CCE can be blunted by loss of blood in tail-docked zebrafish but not in cloche mutant fish, suggesting that transmural pressure rather than shear stress is accountable for the chamber enlargement. By screening a panel of small molecule inhibitors, our data suggested essential functions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling and protein synthesis in CCE, which are independent of the sarcomere integrity. In summary, we defined a unique CCE response in genetically tractable zebrafish embryos. A panel of assays was established to verify the contribution from extrinsic forces and interrogate underlying signaling pathways.
Resveratrol treatment rescues neurovascular coupling in aged mice: role of improved cerebromicrovascular endothelial function and downregulation of NADPH oxidase
Authors: Toth Peter , Tarantini Stefano , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Ashpole Nicole M. , Sosnowska Danuta , Gautam Tripti , Ballabh Praveen , Koller Akos , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: December 2013

Moment-to-moment adjustment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to neuronal activity via neurovascular coupling is essential for the maintenance of normal neuronal function. Increased oxidative stress that occurs with aging was shown to impair neurovascular coupling, which likely contributes to a significant age-related decline in higher cortical function, increasing the risk for vascular cognitive impairment. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that exerts significant antiaging protective effects in large vessels, but its effects on the cerebromicrovasculature remain poorly defined. The present study was undertaken to investigate the capacity of resveratrol to improve neurovascular coupling in aging. In aged (24-mo-old) C57BL/6 mice Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-sensitive, nitric oxide-mediated CBF responses to whisker stimulation and to the endothelium-dependent dilator acethylcholine (ACh) were impaired compared with those in young (3-mo-old) mice. Treatment of aged mice with resveratrol rescued neurovascular coupling and ACh-induced responses, which was associated with downregulation of cortical expression of NADPH oxidase and decreased levels of biomarkers of oxidative/nitrative stress (3-nitrotyrosine, 8-isoprostanes). Resveratrol also attenuated age-related increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (DCF fluorescence, flow cytometry). In conclusion, treatment with resveratrol rescues cortical neurovascular coupling responses to increased neuronal activity in aged mice, likely by restoring cerebromicrovascular endothelial function via downregulation of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS production. Beneficial cerebromicrovascular effects of resveratrol may contribute to its protective effects on cognitive function in aging.
Sex differences in forearm vasoconstrictor response to voluntary apnea
Authors: Patel Hardikkumar M. , Heffernan Matthew J. , Ross Amanda J. , Muller Matthew D.
Published: December 2013

Clinical evidence indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is more common and more severe in men compared with women. Sex differences in the vasoconstrictor response to hypoxemia-induced sympathetic activation might contribute to this clinical observation. In the current laboratory study, we determined sex differences in the acute physiological responses to maximal voluntary end-expiratory apnea (MVEEA) during wakefulness in healthy young men and women (26 ± 1 yr) as well as healthy older men and women (64 ± 2 yr). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), brachial artery blood flow velocity (BBFV, Doppler ultrasound), and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC, laser Doppler flowmetry) were measured, and changes in physiological parameters from baseline were compared between groups. The breath-hold duration and oxygen-saturation nadir were similar between groups. In response to MVEEA, young women had significantly less forearm vasoconstriction compared with young men (ΔBBFV: 2 ± 7 vs. −25 ± 6% and ΔCVC: −5 ± 4 vs. −31 ± 4%), whereas ΔMAP (12 ± 2 vs. 16 ± 3 mmHg) and ΔHR (4 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 3 bpm) were comparable between groups. The attenuated forearm vasoconstriction in young women was not observed in postmenopausal women (ΔBBFV −21 ± 5%). We concluded that young women have blunted forearm vasoconstriction in response to MVEEA compared with young men, and this effect is not evident in older postmenopausal women. These data suggest that female sex hormones dampen neurogenic vasoconstriction in response to apnea-induced hypoxemia.
Fluctuation of cilia-generated flow on the surface of the tracheal lumen
Authors: Kiyota Kouki , Ueno Hironori , Numayama-Tsuruta Keiko , Haga Tomofumi , Imai Yohsuke , Yamaguchi Takami , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: December 2013

Although we inhale air that contains many harmful substances, including, for example, dust and viruses, these small particles are trapped on the surface of the tracheal lumen and transported towards the larynx by cilia-generated flow. The transport phenomena are affected not only by the time- and space-average flow field but also by the fluctuation of the flow. Because flow fluctuation has received little attention, we investigated it experimentally in mice. To understand the origin of flow fluctuation, we first measured the distribution of ciliated cells in the trachea and individual ciliary motions. We then measured the detailed flow field using a confocal micro-PTV system. Strong flow fluctuations were observed, caused by the unsteadiness of the ciliary beat and the spatial inhomogeneity of ciliated cells. The spreading of particles relative to the bulk motion became diffusive if the time scale was sufficiently larger than the beat period. Finally, we quantified the effects of flow fluctuation on bulk flow by evaluating the Peclet number of the system, which indicated that the directional transport was an order of magnitude larger than the isotropic diffusion. These results are important in understanding transport phenomena in the airways on a cellular scale.
Aqueous cigarette smoke extract induces a voltage-dependent inhibition of CFTR expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Moran A. R. , Norimatsu Y. , Dawson D. C. , MacDonald K. D.
Published: December 2013

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel inhabits the apical membrane of airway epithelia, where its function is essential for mucus hydration, mucociliary clearance, and airway defense. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), most often a consequence of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure, affects 15 million persons in the US. Clinically, COPD is characterized by many of the salient features of cystic fibrosis lung disease, where CFTR is either absent or reduced in function. CS is an acidic aerosol (pH 5.3 to 6.3) reported to contain over 4,000 constituents. Acute CS exposure has been reported to decrease airway transepithelial voltage in vivo and short-circuit current in vitro; however, the mechanistic basis of these effects is uncertain. The goal of the studies described here was to develop a bioassay to characterize the effects of aqueous CS preparations on the channel function of CFTR. We studied aqueous CS extract (CSE) prepared in our laboratory, as well as commercial cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in Xenopus oocytes expressing human CFTR. Application of CSE at pH 5.3 produced a reversible, voltage-dependent inhibition of CFTR conductance. CSE neutralized to pH 7.3 produced less inhibition of CFTR conductance. Serial dilution of CSE revealed a dose-dependent effect at acidic and neutral pH. In contrast, CSC did not inhibit CFTR conductance in oocytes. We conclude that one or more components of CSE inhibits CFTR in a manner similar to diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, a negatively charged, open-channel blocker.
HIV envelope protein gp120-induced apoptosis in lung microvascular endothelial cells by concerted upregulation of EMAP II and its receptor, CXCR3
Authors: Green Linden A. , Yi Ru , Petrusca Daniela , Wang Ting , Elghouche Alhasan , Gupta Samir K. , Petrache Irina , Clauss Matthias
Published: December 2013

Chronic lung diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema, are increasingly recognized complications of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Emphysema in HIV may occur independent of cigarette smoking, via mechanisms that are poorly understood but may involve lung endothelial cell apoptosis induced by the HIV envelope protein gp120. Recently, we have demonstrated that lung endothelial apoptosis is an important contributor to the development of experimental emphysema, via upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokine endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP II) in the lung. Here we investigated the role of EMAP II and its receptor, CXCR3, in gp120-induced lung endothelial cell apoptosis. We could demonstrate that gp120 induces a rapid and robust increase in cell surface expression of EMAP II and its receptor CXCR3. This surface expression occurred via a mechanism involving gp120 signaling through its CXCR4 receptor and p38 MAPK activation. Both EMAP II and CXCR3 were essentially required for gp120-induced apoptosis and exposures to low gp120 concentrations enhanced the susceptibility of endothelial cells to undergo apoptosis when exposed to soluble cigarette smoke extract. These data indicate a novel mechanism by which HIV infection causes endothelial cell loss involved in lung emphysema formation, independent but potentially synergistic with smoking, and suggest therapeutic targets for emphysema prevention and/or treatment.
NOX2 in lung inflammation: quantum dot based in situ imaging of NOX2-mediated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1
Authors: Orndorff Rebecca L. , Hong Nankang , Yu Kevin , Feinstein Sheldon I. , Zern Blaine J. , Fisher Aron B. , Muzykantov Vladimir R. , Chatterjee Shampa
Published: December 2013

Quantum dot (QD) imaging is a powerful tool for studying signaling pathways as they occur. Here we employ this tool to study adhesion molecule expression with lung inflammation in vivo. A key event in pulmonary inflammation is the regulation of vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), which drives activated immune cell adherence. The induction of VCAM expression is known to be associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, but the exact mechanism or the cellular source of ROS that regulates VCAM in inflamed lungs is not known. NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) has been reported to be a major source of ROS with pulmonary inflammation. NOX2 is expressed by both endothelial and immune cells. Here we use VCAM-targeted QDs in a mouse model to show that NOX2, specifically endothelial NOX2, induces VCAM expression with lung inflammation in vivo.
The mercurial nature of neutrophils: still an enigma in ARDS?
Authors: Williams Andrew E. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: December 2013

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition resulting from direct and indirect insults to the lung. It is characterized by disruption of the endothelial-epithelial barrier, alveolar damage, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. A key feature of ARDS is the accumulation of neutrophils in the lung microvasculature, interstitium, and alveolar space. Despite a clear association between neutrophil influx into the lung and disease severity, there is some debate as to whether neutrophils directly contribute to disease pathogenesis. The primary function of neutrophils is to provide immediate host defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Neutrophils release numerous antimicrobial factors such as reactive oxygen species, proteinases, and neutrophil extracellular traps. However, these factors are also toxic to host cells and can result in bystander tissue damage. The excessive accumulation of neutrophils in ARDS may therefore contribute to disease progression. Central to neutrophil recruitment is the release of chemokines, including the archetypal neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8, from resident pulmonary cells. However, the chemokine network in the inflamed lung is complex and may involve several other chemokines, including CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL7. This review will therefore focus on the experimental and clinical evidence supporting neutrophils as key players in ARDS and the chemokines involved in recruiting them into the lung.
Two‐Stage Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Infections Using Antibiotic‐Impregnated Cement Spacers of Various Types and Materials
Authors: Uchiyama Katsufumi , Takahira Naonobu , Fukushima Kensuke , Moriya Mitsutoshi , Yamamoto Takeaki , Minegishi Yojiro , Sakai Rina , Itoman Moritoshi , Takaso Masashi
Published: December 2013

Antibiotic‐impregnated hip cement spacers of various types and materials have been used in the treatment of periprosthetic hip infections. We developed a handmade spacer by using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and/or α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP). In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes in 36 consecutive patients treated with 2‐stage revision total hip arthroplasty by using our antibiotic‐impregnated hip cement spacers. We aimed to analyze the infection control and reinfection rates after revision surgery. Moreover, we analyzed the possible predictors of postoperative reinfection. After exclusion of 1 patient who died immediately after the first‐stage surgery, infection was controlled in 33 of the 36 hips (success rate, 91.7%). Two of these 33 hips underwent resection arthroplasty. Of the 36 hips that had been treated with the antibiotic‐cement spacer, 31 hips (86.1%) were eligible for the second‐stage prosthesis re‐implantation. The 31 protocol hip joints of patients followed up for >6 months (mean, 48.6 months). Ten of these 31 hips (32.3%) became reinfected. No possible predictor examined differed significantly between the reinfection‐positive and reinfection‐negative groups. However, spacers consisting of PMMA cement alone were associated with the highest risk of reinfection. Therefore, α‐TCP‐containing antibiotic‐impregnated hip cement spacers might decrease the reinfection rate in patients undergoing re‐implantation.
Methodology of Isfahan Tobacco Use Prevention Program: First Phase
Authors: Roohafza Hamidreza , Heidari Kamal , Omidi Razieh , Alinia Tahereh , Rajabi Fereshteh , Bagheri Saeid , Khormian Isfahani Rasoul , Sadeghi Masoumeh
Published: December 2013

Background. Tobacco use continues to be the leading global cause of preventable death. The majority of smokers begin using tobacco products at teen ages. The aims of this study were providing a methodology of Isfahan Tobacco Use Prevention Program and investigating the prevalence of tobacco use and its related factors.Method. It was a cross-sectional study among guidance and high school students in Isfahan province. Initiation, social, psychological (depression and self-efficacy), family, and attitudinal and belief factors and school policy toward smoking (cigarettes and water-pipe) were investigated. Saliva qutinin was given from 5% of participants for determination of accuracy of responses. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used for gathering all data.Results. Of all 5500 questionnaires distributed, about 5408 completed questionnaires were returned (with response rate of 98.3%). Of all participants, 2702 (50.0%) were girls and 2706 (50.0%) were boys. Respectively, 4811 (89.0%) and 597 (11.0%) were from urban and rural. Of all participants, 2445 (45.2%) were guidance school and 2962 (54.8%) were high school students.Conclusion. This study will provide a unique opportunity to study prevalence of smoking cigarettes and water-pipe (ghelyan) among guidance and high school students in Isfahan province and determine the role of initiation, social, psychological, family, and attitudinal and belief factors and school policy toward smoking.
Angiosarcoma of the Breast with Solitary Metastasis to the Ovary during Pregnancy: An Uncommon Pattern of Metastatic Disease
Authors: Wang Jayson , Fisher Cyril , Thway Khin
Published: December 2013

Primaryde novoangiosarcoma of the breast is an uncommon, aggressive neoplasm. Here, we present a case of a young woman who initially developed primary angiosarcoma of the breast, and subsequently angiosarcoma of the ovary during pregnancy two years later. Only two confirmed primary angiosarcomas of the breast metastasizing specifically to the ovary have been described in the literature. However, all previous cases had ovarian metastases at presentation or shortly after initial diagnosis. This case is unusual as it occurred after a relatively long interval, and apparently developed during pregnancy. We discuss this rare phenomenon, as well as the possible factors contributing to the recurrence.
An Atraumatic Femoral Fracture in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis Treated with Denosumab
Authors: Villiers J. , Clark D. W. , Jeswani T. , Webster S. , Hepburn A. L.
Published: December 2013

Osteoporosis is responsible for a significant burden both individually and socially, but is readily treated with antiresorptive agents and mineral supplementation. However, long-term usage of these agents, notably bisphosphonates, is rarely associated with atypical fractures. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that reduces osteoclast activity and thus increases bone mineral density. In this case report, we present a 78-year-old woman with a background of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis who presented with an atypical diaphyseal femoral fracture.
NSAID-Induced Enteropathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Chronic Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Prospective Capsule Endoscopy Study
Authors: Tachecí Ilja , Bradna Petr , Douda Tomáš , Baštecká Drahomíra , Kopáčová Marcela , Rejchrt Stanislav , Bureš Jan
Published: December 2013

Background. The purpose of study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy for NSAID-induced enteropathy and clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic characteristics of disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods. 37 rheumatoid arthritis patients (30 women; mean age 55) treated with NSAIDs (>1 month), presented with anaemia and/or positive faecal occult blood testing, entered the study and underwent capsule endoscopy (EndoCapsule; Olympus), laboratory tests, and filled in questionnaires.Results. The prevalence of NSAID-induced enteropathy diagnosed by capsule endoscopy was 68% (25/37), classified as mild (red spots or erosions) in 18 (49%), moderate (10–20 erosions) in 4 (11%), and severe enteropathy (>20 erosions or ulcers) in 3 (8%) patients. We did not find statistically significant relationship between the enteropathy and gender, age, haemoglobin, leukocytes, albumin and CRP, or dyspepsia. The difference between subgroups of NSAIDs according to the COX specificity was not statistically significant.Conclusions. Capsule endoscopy is a highly accurate noninvasive method for evaluation of NSAID-induced enteropathy. It was revealed in a substantial section of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis and occult gastrointestinal bleeding, mostly classified as mild damage. No simple clinical or laboratory markers of the presence or severity of NSAID-induced enteropathy were recognised. This trial is registered withDRKS00004940.
Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Detecting Root Biomass in Coffee Trees
Authors: Paglis Carlos Mauricio
Published: December 2013

Roots play an important role in plants and are responsible for several functions; among them are anchorage and nutrient and water absorption. Several methodologies are being tested and used to study plant root systems in order to avoid destructive root sampling. Electrical resistivity tomography is among these methodologies. The aim of this preliminary study was to use electrical resistivity for detecting root biomass in coffee trees. Measurements were performed in a soil transect with an ABM AL 48-b resistivimeter with a pole-dipole configuration. The tomograms indicated variability in soil resistivity values ranging from 120 to 1400 Ω·m−1. At the first 0.30 cm soil layer, these values were between 267 and 952 Ω·m−1. Oriented by this result, root samples were taken at 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 m depths within 0.50 m intervals along the soil transect to compare soil resistivity with root mass density (RMD). RMD data, up to this depth, varied from 0.000019 to 0.009469 Mg·m−3, showing high spatial variability and significant relationship to the observed values of soil resistivity. These preliminary results showed that the electrical resistivity tomography can contribute to root biomass studies in coffee plants; however, more experiments are necessary to confirm the found results in Brazil coffee plantations.
Genetic Variations ofα-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase Are Associated with Sporadic Prostate Cancer Risk in Ethnically Homogenous Koreans
Authors: Lee Sang-Jin , Joung Jae Young , Yoon Hyekyoung , Kim Jeong Eun , Park Weon Seo , Seo Ho Kyung , Chung Jinsoo , Hwang Jung-Ah , Hong Seung-Hyun , Nam Seungyoon , Park Sohee , Kim Jeongseon , Lee Kang Hyun , Lee Yeon-Su
Published: December 2013

Background. To assess if the variants of (R)-alpha-methyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) gene would be associated with the risk of sporadic prostate cancer in ethnically homogenous Koreans.Materials and Methods. We enrolled 194 patients with prostate cancer and 169 healthy controls. A total of 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the AMACR gene were selected. The distribution of each genotype and haplotype was analyzed and their association with the incidence of prostate cancer was evaluated. Further, we detected AMACR expression in tumor with immunohistochemistry and analyzed its association with genotype regarding prostate cancer risk.Results. AG or GG genotype of rs2278008 (E277K) tended to lower prostate cancer risk. The minor G allele was found to be a significant allele that decreased the risk of prostate cancer (adjusted OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35–0.93,Pvalue = 0.025). In patients expression AMACR, AG or GG genotype was also significant genotype in terms of prostate cancer risk (adjusted OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.26–0.87,Pvalue = 0.017). Further, [GGCGG] haplotype consisted of five coding SNPs of rs2278008, rs34677, rs2287939, rs10941112, and rs3195676 which decreased the risk of prostate cancer (Pvalue = 0.047).Conclusions. Genetic variations of AMACR are associated with the risk of sporadic prostate cancer that underwent radical prostatectomy in Koreans.
Composite Broadcasting and Ranging via a Satellite Dual-Frequency MPPSK System
Authors: Yao Yu , Wu Lenan , Wang Jiwu
Published: December 2013

Since digital video broadcasting via satellite (DVB-S) signals are “inefficient”, regarding the amount of information they convey on the bandwidth they occupy, a joint broadcasting and ranging system would constitute a unique platform for future digital video broadcasting satellite services effecting the essential tasks of satellite navigation system and direct to home (DTH) services, in terms of both spectrum efficiency and cost effectiveness. In this paper, the design of dual frequency M-ary position phase shift keying (MPPSK) system which is suitable for, respectively, performing both data transmission and range measurement is proposed. The approach is based on MPPSK modulation waveforms utilized in digital video broadcasting. In particular, requirements that allow for employing such signals for range measurements with high accuracy and high range are investigated. Also, the relationship between the frequency difference of dual frequency MPPSK system and range accuracy is discussed. Moreover, the selection of MPPSK modulation parameter for data rate and ranging is considered. In addition to theoretical considerations, the paper presents system simulations and measurement results of new systems, demonstrating the high spectral utilization of integrated broadcasting and ranging applications.
Field Emission Properties of Carbon Nanotubes with Boron Doping and H2O Adsorption
Authors: Wang Yijun , Wang Liuding , Yan Cheng
Published: December 2013

Gas adsorption and atom doping usually present when preparing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and can affect the field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. H2O molecule and boron atom are the most important adsorbates, respectively. Using ab‐initio calculations, we have investigated the electron field emission performance of CNTs simultaneously adsorbed with one H2O molecule and doped with one boron atom (BCNT+H2O) in this paper. The results indicate that the electrons localize at the top of BCNT+H2O and the electronic density of states (DOS) around the Fermi level is enhanced obviously. It is expected that BCNT+H2O will be more propitious to the field emission of electrons based on the calculations of DOS, HOMO/LUMO, and Mulliken charge population.
An Investigation on Dynamic Signals of MFC and PVDF Sensors: Experimental Work
Authors: Sohn Jung Woo , Jeon Juncheol , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: December 2013

In the present paper, identification of dynamic sensing characteristics of macrofiber composite (MFC) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is carried out via experimental investigation. As a first step, basic characteristics and operating principles of MFC and PVDF are briefly reviewed. Then, a clamped aluminum beam structure is prepared and experimental setup for vibration signal test is established with shaker system. Both MFC and PVDF are attached on the top and bottom surface of the beam structure, respectively, and connected to data acquisition system. In order to verify the operating bandwidth, frequency responses of the smart beam structure are obtained from 0 Hz to 5 kHz under sine sweep excitation. For the identification of dynamic sensing characteristics, experiments for linearity, durability, and robustness are conducted. It is observed that both MFC and PVDF have excellent sensing performance in measuring dynamic response and monitoring structural vibration.
H∞Control of Singular Markovian Jump Systems with Bounded Transition Probabilities
Authors: Lin Hongsheng , Li Ying , Wang Guoliang
Published: December 2013

This paper discussesH∞control problems of continuous-time and discrete-time singular Markovian jump systems (SMJSs) with bounded transition probabilities. Improved sufficient conditions for continuous-time SMJSs to be regular, impulse free, and stochastically stable withγ-disturbance attenuation are established via less conservative inequality to estimate the transition jump rates, so are the discrete-time SMJSs. With the obtained conditions, the design of a state feedback controller which ensures the resulting closed-loop system to be stochastically admissible and withH∞performance is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, illustrative examples are presented to show the effectiveness and the benefits of the proposed approaches.
Delay-DependentH∞Control for Descriptor Markovian Jump Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Li Jinghao , Zhang Qingling , Zhai Ding , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with the delay-dependentH∞control problem for continuous-time descriptor Markovian jump systems with time-varying delay. By constructing various Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals for different subsystems, together with delay decomposition method, a new delay-dependent bounded real lemma (BRL) is derived, under which descriptor Markovian jump time-delay systems are regular, impulse-free, and stochastically stable and satisfy a prescribedH∞performance level. Since the reciprocally convex combination approach is adopted to estimate the upper bound of the integral terms, the BRL obtained in this paper is less conservative than some existing ones. Based on the proposed BRL, a sufficient condition for the existence of state feedback controller is provided. Finally, three numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods.
Risk of Burnout in Danish GPs and Exploration of Factors Associated with Development of Burnout: A Two-Wave Panel Study
Authors: Pedersen Anette Fischer , Andersen Christina Maar , Olesen Frede , Vedsted Peter
Published: December 2013

Background. We assessed risk of burnout in GPs during a 7-year followup and examined whether (1) thoughts about changing medical specialty increased the risk of burnout and (2) burned out GPs had higher job turnover rates than burnout-free GPs. Methods. In 2004 and 2012, all GPs in the county of Aarhus, Denmark, were invited to participate in a survey. Retirement status of physicians who participated in 2004 was obtained through the Registry of Health Providers in 2012. Results. 216 GPs completed both surveys. The risk of developing burnout during the 7-year followup was 13.2% (8.2–19.6%). GPs who in 2004 were burnout-free and reported that they would not select general practice as medical specialty again had a statistically significant increased risk of burnout in 2012 (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.2–16.5; P=0.023). Among GPs with burnout in 2004, 25.0% had withdrawn from general practice during followup compared to 28.8% of burnout-free GPs in 2004 (adj. OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.48–2.02; P=0.975). Conclusion. The 7-year incidence of burnout was 13%. Thoughts about changing medical specialty were an important predictor of burnout. Burned out GPs had not higher job turnover rates than burnout-free GPs.
Buoy-Rope-Drum Wave Power System
Authors: Zhu Linsen , Wang Yangang , Yang Ze , Qu Yanming
Published: December 2013

A buoy-rope-drum wave power system is a new type of floating oscillating buoy wave power device, which absorbs energy from waves by buoy-rope-drum device. Based on the linear deep water wave theory and pure resistive load, with cylinder buoy as an example, the research sets up the theoretical model of direct-drive buoy-rope-drum wave power efficiency and analyzes the influence of the mass and load of the system on its generating efficiency. It points out the two main categories of the efficient buoy-rope-drum wave power system: light thin type and resonance type, and optimal designs of their major parameters are carried out on the basis of the above theoretical model of generating efficiency.
Chitinase Genes LbCHI31 and LbCHI32 from Limonium bicolor Were Successfully Expressed in Escherichia coli and Exhibit Recombinant Chitinase Activities
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Huang Ying , Zhang Rongshu , Diao Guiping , Fan Haijuan , Wang Zhiying
Published: December 2013

The two chitinase genes, LbCHI31 and LbCHI32 from Limonium bicolor, were, respectively, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 strain. The intracellular recombinant chitinases, inrCHI31 and inrCHI32, and the extracellular exrCHI31 and exrCHI32 could be produced into E. coli. The exrCHI31 and exrCHI32 can be secreted into extracellular medium. The optimal reaction condition for inrCHI31 was 5 mmol/L of Mn2+ at 40°C and pH 5.0 with an activity of 0.772 U using Alternaria alternata cell wall as substrate. The optimal condition of inrCHI32 was 5 mmol/L of Ba2+ at 45°C and pH 5.0 with an activity of 0.792 U using Valsa sordida cell wall as substrate. The optimal reaction condition of exrCHI31 was 5 mmol/L of Zn2+ at 40°C and pH 5.0, and the activity was 0.921 U using the A. alternata cell wall as substrate. Simultaneously, the optimal condition of exrCHI32 was 5 mmol/L of K+ at 45°C and pH 5.0, with V. sordida cell wall as the substrate, and the activity was 0.897 U. Furthermore, the activities of extracellular recombinant enzymes on fungal cell walls and compounds were generally higher than those of the intracellular recombinant enzymes. Recombinant exrCHI31 and exrCHI32 have better hydrolytic ability on cell walls of different fungi than synthetic chitins and obviously showed activity against A. alternata.
Bezier Curves Method for Fourth-Order Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Ghomanjani F. , Kamyad A. V. , Kılıçman A.
Published: December 2013

The Bezier curves method is applied to solve both linear and nonlinear BVPs for fourth-order integrodifferential equations. Also, the presented method is developed for solving BVPs which arise from the problems in calculus of variation. These BVPs result from the Euler-Lagrange equations which are the necessary conditions of the extremums of problems in calculus of variation. Some numerical examples demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.
The Effect of Safflower Yellow on Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
Authors: Zhou Daiwei , Liu Bingbing , Xiao Xiaoshan , Dai Peng , Ma Songmei , Huang Weihua
Published: December 2013

Safflower yellow (SY) is the safflower extract and is the one of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of SY on spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury (SCIRI) in rabbits. The models of spinal cord ischemia reperfusion (SI/R) were constructed, and the degree of the post-ischemic injury was assessed by means of the neurological deficit scores and plasma levels of lipid peroxidation reactioin and neuronal morphologic changes. SCIRI remarkably affected the functional activities of the hind limbs and activated lipid peroxidation reaction. SY could attenuate apoptosis and SCIRI by enhancing Bcl-2 expression and inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 activation.
A Space Domain Energetics Study for CO2Increasing Based on SRES-A2 Emission Scenario
Authors: Veiga José Augusto P. , Ambrizzi Tercio , Pezza Alexandre B.
Published: December 2013

This work presents a detailed investigation of the changes in the global pattern of energetics under a prescribed temporal evolution of CO2concentration as proposed by the A2 IPCC forcing scenario (SRES-A2) using a combination of reanalysis and climate models. A validation climatology is computed using the classic Lorenz energetic formulation, with generation and dissipation components estimated as residuals. The results show a good agreement overall between models and reanalysis for the present day climate, noting that the models generally give more zonal energy and less eddy energy when compared to the reanalysis. Spatial analysis translates the above results as models depicting greater energy associated with the subtropical jet streams than effectively observed. This pattern is observed regardless of season or hemisphere. The projections for future climate scenarios suggest a further increase in the zonal kinetic energy, with a slight average reduction in all other terms. This pattern is seen in association with a substantial decrease in the conversion term mainly associated with sensible heat transport (CA) under a warmer climate. In agreement with recent work in the literature, our results suggest an overall reduction of the global energetics under increasing CO2.
Disease Activity and Bone Mineral Density of MCP Joints in Patients with Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis: Is There a Correlation?—A Study in Patients Treated with Methotrexate and an Anti-TNFα Agent
Authors: Bertoldi Ilaria , Filippou Georgios , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Picerno Valentina , di Sabatino Valentina , Adinolfi Antonella , Pierguidi Serena , Galeazzi Mauro , Frediani Bruno
Published: December 2013

Background. Bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) includes an accelerated bone mineral density (BMD) reduction. The objective was to evaluate BMD variations of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs) in patients starting treatment with methotrexate (MTX) or etanercept. Methods. Patients affected by RA or PsA with hand joints involvement and with moderate or high disease activity, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory exams, and a DXA scan of the most affected hand, as assessed with an ultrasound examination at the baseline, at the time of enrolment and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients non-responders to MTX received combination therapy, while patients with no previous treatment initiated MTX. Results. 22 patients were enrolled. In both RA and PsA groups, BMD increased independently of the treatment. However, in the patients affected by RA, a slight BMD decrease was observed at the last checkup. Globally, the BMD variations of the MCPs were strongly correlated with the disease activity. At the reduction of DAS28, the scores corresponded an increase of BMD. Conclusions. MCPs BMD is inversely correlated to disease activity. BMD increase seems to be correlated with the response to treatment and not with the drug itself.
Flavonoids and 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Inhibit the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Kirchner Tina , Hermann Eva , Möller Sonja , Klinger Matthias , Solbach Werner , Laskay Tamás , Behnen Martina
Published: December 2013

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been suggested to play a pathophysiological role in several autoimmune diseases. Since NET-formation in response to several biological and chemical stimuli is mostly ROS dependent, in theory any substance that inhibits or scavenges ROS could prevent ROS-dependent NET release. Therefore, in the present comprehensive study, several antioxidative substances were assessed for their capacity to inhibit NET formation of primary human neutrophilsin vitro. We could show that the flavonoids (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin hydrate, and rutin trihydrate as well as vitamin C and the pharmacological substancesN-acetyl-L-cysteine and 5-aminosalicylic acid inhibited PMA induced ROS production and NET formation. Therefore, a broad spectrum of antioxidative substances that reduce ROS production of primary human neutrophils also inhibits ROS-dependent NET formation. It is tempting to speculate that such antioxidants can have beneficial therapeutic effects in diseases associated with ROS-dependent NET formation.
Cut-Off Values of Visceral Adiposity to Predict NAFLD in Brazilian Obese Adolescents
Authors: Grotti Clemente Ana Paula , Molin Netto Bárbara Dal , Ganen Aline di Piano , Tock Lian , Arisa Caranti Danielle , de Mello Marco Túlio , Tufik Sergio , Dâmaso Ana R.
Published: December 2013

Objectives.The present study aimed at determining cut-off points of visceral fat to predict NAFLD and analyzed metabolic disorders of obese adolescents.Methods.Cross-sectional study involved 165 obese adolescents ranged in age from 15 to 19 years. Glycemia, hepatic transaminases, lipid profile, and insulin resistance were analyzed. Visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured by ultrasound and body composition by plesthysmography.Results.The NAFLD adolescents had significantly higher values for body mass, BMI-for-age, BMI, total fat, waist circumference, and visceral fat when compared with non-NAFLD obese adolescents in both genders. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between visceral fat with the variables BMI-for-age (r=0.325,), TG (r=0.277), AST (r=0.509), ALT (r=0.519), WC (r=0.390), and visceral/subcutaneous ratio (r=0.790) for NAFLD group. Total fat, triglycerides, and visceral fat were the independent predictors to NAFLD. Analysis of the ROC curves revealed cut-off points of visceral fat of 4.47 cm for girls and 4.21 cm for boys.Conclusions.The results may suggest that abdominal ultrasonography procedure may be a safe alternative method of assessing visceral adiposity aiming to be considered to the development of preventive and treatment strategies in obese individuals. This clinial trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01358773).
Petrogenesis of Quaternary Shoshonitic Volcanism in NE Iran (Ardabil): Implication for Postcollisional Magmatism
Authors: Shahbazi Shiran Habib
Published: December 2013

Trachyandesites, trachytes, andesites, and pyrocalstic rocks, with shoshonitic signature, are the main Quaternary volcanic rocks in the Sabalan region (Ardabil). Plagiocalse, K-feldspar, biotite associated with clinopyroxene, and glass are the main constituents of these lavas. Plagioclases are andesine to labradorite while clinopyroxenes have augitic composition. The Sabalan volcanic rocks show enrichment in LREEs (relative to HREEs) and are characterized by enrichment in LILEs and depletion in HFSEs. Petrological observations, along with rare earth and trace elements geochemistry, suggest shoshonitic signature for Sabalan lavas. This signature highlights derivation from a subduction-related source. The Sabalan volcanic rocks are isotopically characterized by derivation from an enriched mantle source with a tendency to plot in the fields defined by island-arc basalts (IAB) and OIBs (in εNd versus 87Sr/86Sr diagram). The geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the Sabalan lavas suggest that their magma has been issued via low degree partial melting of a subduction-metasomatized continental lithospheric mantle. The formation of these lavas is related to slab steepening and breakoff in a postcollisional regime.
Profile of Some Trace Elements in the Liver of Camels, Sheep, and Goats in the Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdullah , Shamat Ali Mahmoud , Hussien Mohammed Osman , El Hussein Abdel Rahim Mohammed
Published: December 2013

One hundred camels (Camelus dromedaries) and fifty sheep and goats being adult, male, and apparently healthy field animals were studied to provide data regarding the normal values of some hepatic trace elements. Liver samples were collected during postmortem examination, digested, and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, and Mn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
The results showed that the differences in mean liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Co between camels, sheep, and goats were statistically significant (P<0.05). Hepatic Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were higher in camels than in sheep and goats. All liver samples were adequate for Fe and Co, whereas only camel liver was adequate for Cu. In camels, hepatic Zn concentration was inadequately lower than that in sheep and goats. No difference in Mn concentration was detected between camels, sheep, and goats. All liver samples were inadequate compared to free-ranging herbivores. In camels, significant correlation (r2=-0.207, P value = 0.04) was detected between Zn and Co, whereas in sheep significant correlation (r2=-0.444, P value = 0.026) was detected between Zn and Mn. No significant correlation between trace elements was detected in goats.