bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 laser-induced formation of carbonyl fluoride and sulfur tetrafluoride from carbon monoxide and sulfur hexafluoride
Authors: Pola Josef
Published: December 2013

Reaction of SF6 with CO was initiated with a cw CO2 laser and shown to represent a system of two competitive consecutive reactions, namely the reaction between SF6 and CO affording COF2 and SF4, and the reaction between SF4 and CO leading to SOF2 and CF4. The former, major, reaction is favored with lower consumption of SF6 and lower SF6/CO ratio in the initial SF6-CO mixture.
Synthesis of methyl 2,6-dideoxy-α-D-xylo- and α-D-lyxo-hexopyranoside
Authors: Marek Miroslav , Jarý Jiří
Published: December 2013

Synthesis of the title glycosides from methyl 3,4-anhydro-6-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside and 2-deoxy-D-lyxo-hexopyranose is described.
Inhibition of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase by the aliphatic nucleoside analogue - 9-(S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine
Authors: Votruba Ivan , Holý Antonín
Published: December 2013

9-(S)-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)adenine, a nucleoside analogue with antiviral activity, inhibits the hydrolysis of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine catalyzed by rat liver S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (Ki = 3.5 μM; Ki/Km = 5.6 . 10-2). The effect upon the synthesis of the substrate is much less pronounced.
Extraction of iron(III) from the citric medium by the toluene solution of trilaurylamine
Authors: Vaňura Petr , Kuča Libor
Published: December 2013

The composition of Fe(III) complexes extracted from the aqueous phase of constant ionic strength (1M-(H3,Na3,Fe)A, where H3A denotes citric acid) by the toluene solution of trilaurylamine (TLA) has been determined and the respective extraction constants have been calculated. In the concentration range cFe < 10-2 mol l-1 FeA(TLA)2 and FeA(TLA)4(H3A)2-4 are the predominant complexes in the organic phase. The abundance of the (FeA)3(TLA)6(H3A)2 complex in the organic phase increases at higher equilibrium concentrations of Fe(III) in the aqueous phase and at higher concentrations of TLA.
Excess volume of the benzene-methanol-acetonitrile ternary mixture at temperatures of 25 and 40 °C and correlation of its concentration dependence
Authors: Kratochvíla Jan , Cibulka Ivan , Holub Robert
Published: December 2013

Density of the benzene-methanol-acetonitrile ternary mixture was measured by a vibrating-tube densimeter at temperatures of 25 and 40 °C. From the measured values, the excess volume of mixture was calculated. The obtained dependences of excess volume on composition were correlated by five empirical correlation functions. Two ways of expressing the binary contributions to the total excess volume of ternary mixture were examinated as well.
Study of decreased T site-symmetry in the mixed crystals Ag3(PO4,AsO4)
Authors: Muck Alexander , Čáp Jindřich , Hájek Bohumil
Published: December 2013

The system Ag3PO4-Ag3AsO4 has been studied by X-ray analysis of the powder samples and infrared absorption spectra. Formation of cubic mixed crystals of the substitution type has been found within the whole concentration range. For the tetrahedral anions at the site T(2) lowering of the site-symmetry to the effective site-symmetry C3 has been found on the basis of the site-and factor-group analyses of the space group Td4.
Isomerism, energetics, and thermodynamics of (H2O)2 and its role in real gas phase of water
Authors: Slanina Zdeněk
Published: December 2013

Recent ab initio SCF CI potential energy hypersurfaces of (H2O)2 have been systematically investigated with the use of an automatic optimization procedure working with analytically constructed energy gradient with the aim to localize all their stationary points lying in the relevant region. For these stationary points the vibrational analysis has been carried out based on analytically constructed second derivatives of energy with correct respecting of the eight redundancy conditions introduced into the problem by the original choice of the coordinates. Out of the six localized stationary points only one has been found to be a minimum, three of them represent transition states, and the remaining two are higher types of stationary points. Relation of the analytically and the numerically constructed force constant matrices and possibility of the occurrence of extraneous stationary points have been studied. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies corresponding to the energy minimum show reasonable agreement with available experimental data. On the basis of the generated molecular parameters of the minimum the thermodynamics of formation of the water dimer has been described within a broad temperature interval, and a good agreement with experimental findings has been obtained. Role of the water dimer in real gas phase of water has been analyzed, and contribution of (H2O)2 to value of the second virial coefficient of water vapour has been evaluated. Within the framework of the given quantum-chemical methodological level, this study has led to negation of possibility of isomerism of (H2O)2 with respect to equilibrium problems, it has, however, shown the isomerism in the case of kinetics of interconversion of (H2O)2.
Hydrogen bonds and proton transfer in imidazole oligomers and (imidazole)2H(+) system: quantum-chemical calculations
Authors: Remko Milan
Published: December 2013

The semi-empirical PCILO method has been applied to study of hydrogen bonds and proton transfer in linear n-mers of imidazole (n = 3). The calculated hydrogen bond energy in the dimer is 30.64 kJ mol-1. In imidazole trimer interaction energy of the "second" hydrogen bond increased to 32.02 kJ mol-1. One-minimum functions only have been found by calculations of the proton potential functions in imidazole dimer and trimer for the equilibrium distances RN...N. For somewhat longer distances RN...N = 0.30 nm a second minimum was observed as shoulder. On the contrary, for the (imidazole)2H(+) system the proton potential curve has two minima for the equilibrium distance RN...N = 0.252 nm, the second minimum is more stable by 3.97 kJ mol-1.
1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of C-benzoyl-N-phenylnitrone with furan derivatives. Anomalous dehydrogenation of cycloadducts with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone
Authors: Fišera Lubor , Leško Ján , Dandárová Miloslava , Kováč Jaroslav
Published: December 2013

C-Benzoyl-N-phenylnitrone reacted with 2-R-substituted (R = phenyl, CH2OH, CH2OCOCH3, CH2SH) furan derivatives at 55 °C by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction to the unsubstituted furan double bond to give mono- and bisadducts. 2,5-Dimethylfuran afforded monoadduct only. Dehydrogenations of monoadducts of 5-R-2-phenyl-3-benzoyl-3a,6a-dihydrofuro[3,2-c]isoxazolines with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone proceeded anomalously at 60 °C: dehydrogenation followed by electrocyclic opening afforded the corresponding ketonitrones. This method of dehydrogenation offers a new preparation of nitrones and further exemplifies the exploitation of products of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions for synthetic purposes.
Unexpected declines in stream phosphorus concentrations across southern Ontario
Authors: Raney Shanel M. , Eimers M. Catherine
Published: December 2013

Long-term trends (1975–2010) in total phosphorus (TP) concentrations were evaluated at 113 stream stations across southern Ontario. Declines in TP were evident at the majority of sites (68%), including those both with (n = 49) and without (n = 64) upstream municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTP). Although declines in TP at stream stations downstream of MWWTPs may be attributed to improvements in P removal from treated effluent, declines at the remaining streams must be attributed to other causes. During the same time period, increases in chloride (Cl−) were observed at almost all (95%) of the 64 MWWTP-free stations. Over the past 35 years, urban land cover has increased at the expense of agricultural land area in Ontario, with the majority of these changes occurring in southern Ontario. The coincidence of declines in TP and increases in Cl− at the 64 MWWTP-free streams suggests that the two may be related, with P-rich agricultural fields being replaced with impervious surfaces and therefore increased road salt applications.
PHYSICS OF NONDISSIPATIVE ULTRARELATIVISTIC PHOTOSPHERES
Authors: VERESHCHAGIN GREGORY V.
Published: December 2013

Recent observations, especially by the Fermi satellite, point out the importance of the thermal component in GRB spectra. This fact revives strong interest in photospheric emission from relativistic outflows. Early studies already suggested that the observed spectrum of photospheric emission from relativistically moving objects differs in shape from the Planck spectrum. However, this component appears to be subdominant in many GRBs and the origin of the dominant component is still unclear. One of the popular ideas is that energy dissipation near the photosphere may produce a nonthermal spectrum and account for such emission. Before considering such models, though, one has to determine precise spectral and timing characteristics of the photospheric emission in the simplest possible case. Hence this paper focuses on various physical effects which make the photospheric emission spectrum different from the black body spectrum and quantifies them.
PRECISION TESTS OF THEORIES OF GRAVITY USING PULSARS
Authors: KRAMER MICHAEL
Published: December 2013

In the quest of understanding gravity, binary pulsars provide indispensable laboratories for precision tests of gravity. Effects that can be studied in great detail include the emission of gravitational waves, Shapiro delay, orbital precession and more. But also fundamental differences between general relativity and alternative theories of gravity can be probed, such as possible violations of the strong equivalence principle, preferred frame effects or the existence of gravitational dipole radiation or scalar fields. Also the effects of spin precession in strongly self-gravitating bodies can be studied by observing effects of geodetic precession.
Characterization of the adverse effects of nicotine on placental development: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Holloway A. C. , Salomon A. , Soares M. J. , Garnier V. , Raha S. , Sergent F. , Nicholson C. J. , Feige J. J. , Benharouga M. , Alfaidy N.
Published: December 2013

In utero exposure to nicotine is associated with increased risk of numerous adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes, which suggests that it acts directly to affect placental development and the establishment of the fetomaternal circulation (FC). This study used both in vivo [Wistar rats treated with 1 mg/kg nicotine from 2 wk prior to mating until gestational day (GD) 15] and in vitro (RCHO-1 cell line; treated with 10−9to 10−3M nicotine) models to examine the effects of nicotine on these pathways. At GD 15, control and treated placentas were examined for the impact of nicotine on 1) trophoblast invasion, proliferation, and degree of hypoxia, 2) labyrinth vascularization, 3) expression of key genes of placental development, and 4) expression of placental angiogenic factors. The RCHO-1 cell line was used to determine the direct effects of nicotine on trophoblast differentiation. Our in vivo experiments show that nicotine inhibits trophoblast interstitial invasion, increases placental hypoxia, downregulates labyrinth vascularization as well as key transcription factors Hand1 and GCM1, and decreases local and circulating EG-VEGF, a key placental angiogenic factor. The in vitro experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of nicotine on the trophoblast migration, invasion, and differentiation processes and demonstrated that those effects are most likely due to a dysregulation in the expression of nicotine receptors and a decrease in MMP9 activity. Taken together, these data suggest that adverse effects of maternal smoking on pregnancy outcome are due in part to direct and endocrine effects of nicotine on the main processes of placental development and establishment of FC.
Stability Analysis of an In-Host Viral Model with Cure of Infected Cells and Humoral Immunity
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Rong , Hu Zhixing , Liao Fucheng
Published: December 2013

An in-host viral model with cure of infected cells and humoral immunity is studied. We prove that the stability is completely determined by the basic reproductive numberR0and show that the infection-free equilibriumE0is globally asymptotically stable if and only ifR0≤1. Moreover, ifR0>1, the infection equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when the time delayτis small and it loses stability as the length of the time delay increases past a critical valueτ0. Finally, we confirm our analysis by providing several numerical examples.
Increased Resistance of Breast, Prostate, and Embryonic Carcinoma Cells against Herpes Simplex Virus in Three-Dimensional Cultures
Authors: Voros Andras , Kormos Bernadett , Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Valyi-Nagy Klara
Published: December 2013

In previous studies we found that uveal melanoma cells grown in extracellular matrix (ECM)-containing three-dimensional (3D) cultures have increased resistance against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-mediated destruction relative to cells cultured without ECM. Using additional tumor cell types including MB-231 human breast cancer cells, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, and P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells, we show here that tumor cell lines other than melanoma are also more resistant to HSV-1-mediated destruction in 3D cultures than cells grown in 2D. We also demonstrate here that one mechanism responsible for the increased resistance of tumor cells to HSV-1 infection in 3D cultures is an ECM-mediated inhibition of virus replication following virus entry into cells. These findings confirm and extend previous observations related to the role of the ECM in tumor resistance against HSV-1 and may lead to improved strategies of oncolytic virotherapy.
Fermented Wheat Germ Extract Induced Cell Death and Enhanced Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Tai Cheng-Jeng , Wang Wen-Ching , Wang Chien-Kai , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Yang Mei-Due , Chang Yu-Jia , Jian Jiun-Yu , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: December 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the difficulties of early diagnosis, curative treatments are not available for most patients. Palliative treatments such as chemotherapy are often associated with low response rate, strong adverse effects and limited clinical benefits for patients. The alternative approaches such as fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) with anti-tumor efficacy may provide improvements in the clinical outcome of current therapy for HCC. This study aimed to clarify antitumor efficacy of FWGE and the combination drug effect of FWGE with chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in human HCC cells, HepG2, Hep3B, and HepJ5. The present study indicated that FWGE exhibited potential to suppress HepG2, Hep3B, and HepJ5 cells, with the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of FWGE were 0.494, 0.371 and 1.524 mg/mL, respectively. FWGE also induced Poly (Adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) associated cell death in Hep3B cells. Moreover, the FWGE treatment further enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in all tested HCC cells, and cytotoxicity of 5-Fu in a synergistic manner in HepJ5 cells. Collectively, the results identified the anti-tumor efficacy of FWGE in HCC cells and suggested that FWGE can be used as a supplement to effectively improve the tumor suppression efficiency of cisplatin and 5-Fu in HCC cells.
Generalized Differenceλ-Sequence Spaces Defined by Ideal Convergence and the Musielak-Orlicz Function
Authors: Bakery Awad A.
Published: December 2013

We introduced the ideal convergence of generalized difference sequence spaces combining an infinite matrix of complex numbers with respect toλ-sequences and the Musielak-Orlicz function overn-normed spaces. We also studied some topological properties and inclusion relations between these spaces.
Discreteness of Curved Spacetime from GUP
Authors: Abutaleb Ahmad Adel
Published: December 2013

Diverse theories of quantum gravity expect modifications of the Heisenberg's uncertainty principle near the Planck scale to a so-called Generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). It was shown by some authors that the GUP gives rise to corrections to the Schrodinger , Klein-Gordon, and Dirac equations. By solving the GUP corrected equations, the authors arrived at quantization not only of energy but also of box length, area, and volume. In this paper, we extend the above results to the case of curved spacetime (Schwarzschild metric). We showed that we arrived at the quantization of space by solving Dirac equation with GUP in this metric.
Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Adult Patient with Primary Obstructive Megaureter
Authors: Osaka Kimito , Makiyama Kazuhide , Ohtake Shinji , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Sano Futoshi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Kubota Yoshinobu
Published: December 2013

A 29-year-old female with a complaint of abdominal distension was referred to our hospital. She had a history of being treated for pyelonephritis three times. By computed tomography and retrograde pyelography, she was diagnosed with adult left primary megaureter. Her left renal function was severely deteriorated. She hoped for surgical intervention before becoming pregnant. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for megaureters seems to be difficult due to the large size. By sucking urine from an inserted ureteral catheter and setting trocar positions, we successfully performed laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for megaureter.
Remark on Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for a Coupled System of Multiterm Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zou Huichao , Fan Yonghong
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to extend the work of Sun et al. (2012) to a more general case for a wider range of function classes offandg. Our results include the case of the previous work, which are essential improvement of the work of Sun et al. (2012), especially.
Assessment of Cytotoxicity, Fetotoxicity, and Teratogenicity ofPlathymenia reticulataBenth Barks Aqueous Extract
Authors: de Barros Leite Albuquerque Lia , Dal Belo Cháriston André , dos Santos Marcio Galdino , Lopes Patricia Santos , Gerenutti Marli , Oshima-Franco Yoko
Published: December 2013

Scientific assessment of harmful interactions of chemicals over the entire reproductive cycle are divided into three segments based on the period: from premating and mating to implantation (I), from implantation to major organogenesis (II), and late pregnancy and postnatal development (III). We combined the segments I and II to assessPlathymenia reticulataaqueous extract safety. In order to investigate reproductive toxicity (segment I), pregnant rats received orally 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg of extract, daily, during 18 days. These concentrations were determined by a preliminaryin vitroLD50 test in CHO-k1 cells. A control group received deionized water. The offspring was removed at the 19th day, by caesarean, and a teratology study (segment II) was carried out. The corpora lutea, implants, resorptions, live, and dead fetuses were then counted. Placenta and fetuses were weighted. External and visceral morphology were provided by the fixation of fetuses in Bouin, whereas skeletal analysis was carried out on the diaphanizated ones. The increase in the weights of placenta and fetuses was the only abnormality observed. Since there was no sign of alteration on reproduction parameters at our experimental conditions, we conclude thatP. reticulataaqueous extract is safe at 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg and is not considered teratogenic.
Antioxidant Characterization of Oak Extracts Combining Spectrophotometric Assays and Chemometrics
Authors: Popović Boris M. , Štajner Dubravka , Ždero Ružica , Orlović Saša , Galić Zoran
Published: December 2013

Antioxidant characteristics of leaves, twigs, and acorns from two Serbian oak species Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea L. from Vojvodina province (northern Serbia) were investigated. 80% ethanol (in water) extracts were used for antiradical power (ARP) determinations against DPPH•, NO•, and radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenol, tannin, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents. Permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity (PRAC) was determined using water extracts. Beside, mentioned parameters, soluble proteins, lipid peroxidation (LP), pigments and proline contents were also determined. The data of different procedures were compared and analyzed by multivariate techniques (correlation matrix calculation and principal component analysis (PCA)). PCA found that investigated organs of two different oak tree species possess similar antioxidant characteristics. The superior antioxidant characteristics showed oak leaves over twigs and acorns and seem to be promising source of antioxidants with possible use in industry and pharmacy.
Prevalence, Purposes, and Perceived Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in a Hypertension Population: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Hu Huanhuan , Li Gang , Duan Jiali , Arao Takashi
Published: December 2013

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used among patients with hypertension. This study aimed to determine the use of CAM in community-dwelling individuals with hypertension. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 318 hypertension patients to examine prevalence and patterns of CAM use; the use of CAM, specifically for treatment of hypertension or other conditions, and perceived effectiveness of CAM were examined. CAM use in the last 12 months was reported by 236 (74.2%) participants. Only 13.1% of these CAM users reported using CAM to treat hypertension. CAM users did not differ statistically from non-CAM users by age, marital status, health status, duration of hypertension, income, or education. Females showed a significantly higher prevalence of CAM use than that of males (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09, 3.11). Family/relatives, doctors, and patients themselves were the three main sources of information about CAM. More than 70% of responses were able to perceive the effectiveness of alternative medical systems, mind-body medicine, and manipulative/body-based therapies. There was a high prevalence of CAM use among hypertension patients, although the majority of CAM use was not specifically for hypertension. Further research is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of diverse CAM.
Bifurcations in Van der Pol-Like Systems
Authors: Aybar Orhan Ozgur , Kusbeyzi Aybar Ilknur , Hacinliyan Avadis Simon
Published: December 2013

Generalizations of the Van der Pol system with polynomial interactions involving additional parameters are studied in order to understand qualitative properties such as stability and additional bifurcations in these generalized Van der Pol systems. The generalizations include the one known as the Duffing-Van der Pol system which has properties similar to those of the Maxwell-Bloch system.
Engineered Hypopharynx from Coculture of Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts Using Poly(ester urethane) as Substratum
Authors: Shen Zhisen , Chen Jingjing , Kang Cheng , Gong Changfeng , Zhu Yabin
Published: December 2013

Porous polymeric scaffolds have been much investigated and applied in the field of tissue engineering research. Poly(ester urethane) (PEU) scaffolds, comprising pores of 1–20 μm in diameter on one surface and ≥200 μm on the opposite surface and in bulk, were fabricated using phase separation method for hypopharyngeal tissue engineering. The scaffolds were grafted with silk fibroin (SF) generated from natural silkworm cocoon to enhance the scaffold’s hydrophilicity and further improve cytocompatibility to both primary epithelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts of human hypopharynx tissue. Coculture of ECs and fibroblasts was conducted on the SF-grafted PEU scaffold (PEU-SF) to evaluate itsin vitrocytocompatibility. After co-culture for 14 days, ECs were lined on the scaffold surface while fibroblasts were distributed in scaffold bulk. The results ofin vivoinvestigation showed that PEU porous scaffold possessed good biocompatibility after it was grafted by silk fibroin. SF grafting improved the cell/tissue infiltration into scaffold bulk. Thus, PEU-SF porous scaffold is expected to be a good candidate to support the hypopharynx regeneration.
Finite Element Modeling of Mode I Failure of the Single Contoured Cantilever CFRP-Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Nicholas T. , Boyajian D. , Chen S. E. , Zhou A.
Published: December 2013

The single contour cantilever beam (SCCB) test method has been developed with the intent to capture Mode I opening failures of CFRP-reinforced concrete beams. Recent development in the method explores possible shifting damage into the concrete substrate by using the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) Surface Profile Level Three (SP3) as the desired CFRP bonded interface to concrete. To validate and explain the interface fracture behavior, finite element analysis using special cohesive elements has been performed. The cohesive element allows separation of the concrete substrate from the CFRP. This paper presents the simulation of laboratory test results, where failure in the substrates has been successfully reproduced. The simulation results indicate that finite element method using cohesive elements can successfully replicate Mode I critical strain energy release rate and the peak capacity of the laboratory tests and may have the potential to simulate actual applications.
Adsorption and Photocatalytic Decomposition of theβ-Blocker Metoprolol in Aqueous Titanium Dioxide Suspensions: Kinetics, Intermediates, and Degradation Pathways
Authors: Romero Violette , Marco Pilar , Giménez Jaime , Esplugas Santiago
Published: December 2013

This study reports the photocatalytic degradation of theβ-blocker metoprolol (MET) using TiO2suspended as catalyst. A series of photoexperiments were carried out by a UV lamp, emitting in the 250–400 nm range, providing information about the absorption of radiation in the photoreactor wall. The influence of the radiation wavelength on the MET photooxidation rate was investigated using a filter cutting out wavelengths shorter than 280 nm. Effects of photolysis and adsorption at different initial pH were studied to evaluate noncatalytic degradation for this pharmaceutical. MET adsorption onto titania was fitted to two-parameter Langmuir isotherm. From adsorption results it appears that the photocatalytic degradation can occur mainly on the surface of TiO2. MET removed by photocatalysis was 100% conditions within 300 min, while only 26% was achieved by photolysis at the same time. TiO2photocatalysis degradation of MET in the first stage of the reaction followed approximately a pseudo-first-order model. The major reaction intermediates were identified by LC/MS analysis such as 3-(propan-2-ylamino)propane-1,2-diol or 3-aminoprop-1-en-2-ol. Based on the identified intermediates, a photocatalytic degradation pathway was proposed, including the cleavage of side chain and the hydroxylation addition to the parent compounds.
Adipose Tissue in Obesity-Related Inflammation and Insulin Resistance: Cells, Cytokines, and Chemokines
Authors: Makki Kassem , Froguel Philippe , Wolowczuk Isabelle
Published: December 2013

Adipose tissue is a complex organ that comprises a wide range of cell types with diverse energy storage, metabolic regulation, and neuroendocrine and immune functions. Because it contains various immune cells, either adaptive (B and T lymphocytes; such as regulatory T cells) or innate (mostly macrophages and, more recently identified, myeloid-derived suppressor cells), the adipose tissue is now considered as abona fideimmune organ, at the cross-road between metabolism and immunity. Adipose tissue disorders, such as those encountered in obesity and lipodystrophy, cause alterations to adipose tissue distribution and function with broad effects on cytokine, chemokine, and hormone expression, on lipid storage, and on the composition of adipose-resident immune cell populations. The resulting changes appear to induce profound consequences for basal systemic inflammation and insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current literature on adipose cell composition remodeling in obesity, which shows how adipose-resident immune cells regulate inflammation and insulin resistance—notably through cytokine and chemokine secretion—and highlights major research questions in the field.
Temperament, Character, and Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy: A Study of a Japanese Population
Authors: Minatani Mariko , Kita Sachiko , Ohashi Yukiko , Kitamura Toshinori , Haruna Megumi , Sakanashi Kyoko , Tanaka Tomoko
Published: December 2013

Background. To examine the effects of temperament and character domains on depression during pregnancy.Methods. We examined 601 pregnant women using a questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and demographic variables.Results. In a hierarchical regression analysis, severity of depression during pregnancy was predicted by the women’s negative response towards the current pregnancy, low self-directedness, and high harm avoidance, persistence, and self-transcendence.Conclusion. Depression during pregnancy is predicted by personality traits as well as women’s negative attitudes towards the current pregnancy.
Significant Association between Serum Interleukin-6 andHelicobacter pyloriAntibody Levels amongH. pylori-Positive Japanese Adults
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroko , Tamura Takashi , Mitsuda Yoko , Goto Yasuyuki , Kamiya Yoshikazu , Kondo Takaaki , Wakai Kenji , Hamajima Nobuyuki
Published: December 2013

Background. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by many types of cells. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis that is an underlying cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Since the 1990s, some studies have shown an association betweenH. pyloriinfection and CHD, which may be mediated by inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between serum anti-H. pyloriIgG levels and serum IL-6 levels inH. pylori-infected adults.Methods.We enrolled 158 subjects who visited a clinic located in an urban area to be tested forH. pyloriinfection, using the13C-urea breath test, and who were found to be infected and subsequently received eradication.Results.The geometric mean serum IL-6 level was 1.78 pg/mL for men, 1.57 pg/mL for women, and 1.64 pg/mL overall. Logarithms of serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with logarithms of serumH. pyloriIgG levels(r=0.24, P=0.002). In multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for sex and age, the serum IL-6 level was still significantly associated with the IgG level in all subjects(β=0.18, P=0.012).Conclusion.HigherH. pyloriIgG levels were significantly associated with higher serum IL-6 levels amongH. pylori-infected individuals.
The Uptake Mechanism of Cd(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) by Mycelia and Fruiting Bodies ofGalerina vittiformis
Authors: Damodaran Dilna , Balakrishnan Raj Mohan , Shetty Vidya K.
Published: December 2013

Optimum concentrations of heavy metals like copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, and zinc in soil are essential in carrying out various cellular activities in minimum concentrations and hence help in sustaining all life forms, although higher concentration of these metals is lethal to most of the life forms.Galerina vittiformis, a macrofungus, was found to accumulate these heavy metals into its fleshy fruiting body in the order Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Cr(VI) from 50 mg/kg soil. It possesses various ranges of potential cellular mechanisms that may be involved in detoxification of heavy metals and thus increases its tolerance to heavy metal stress, mainly by producing organic acids and phytochelatins (PCs). These components help in repairing stress damaged proteins and compartmentalisation of metals to vacuoles. The stress tolerance mechanism can be deduced by various analytical tools like SEM-EDX, FTIR, and LC-MS. Production of two kinds of phytochelatins was observed in the organism in response to metal stress.
Visible and Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Soils
Authors: Okparanma Reuben N. , Mouazen Abdul M.
Published: December 2013

Visible and near‐infrared (VisNIR) spectroscopy is becoming recognised by soil scientists as a rapid and cost‐effective measurement method for hydrocarbons in petroleum‐contaminated soils. This study investigated the potential application of VisNIR spectroscopy (350–2500 nm) for the prediction of phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), in soils. A total of 150 diesel‐contaminated soil samples were used in the investigation. Partial least‐squares (PLS) regression analysis with full cross‐validation was used to develop models to predict the PAH compound. Results showed that the PAH compound was predicted well with residual prediction deviation of 2.0–2.32, root‐mean‐square error of prediction of 0.21–0.25 mg kg−1, and coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.75–0.83. The mechanism of prediction was attributed to covariation of the PAH with clay and soil organic carbon. Overall, the results demonstrated that the methodology may be used for predicting phenanthrene in soils utilizing the interrelationship between clay and soil organic carbon.
Maternal Mortality and Female Literacy Rates in Developing Countries during 1970–2000: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Pillai Vijayan K. , Maleku Arati , Wei FangHsun
Published: December 2013

Background. The gross longitudinal relationship between female literacy and maternal mortality ratios has not been adequately investigated even though the knowledge of the relationship is crucial for designing maternal mortality reduction programs through female literacy campaigns and improvements. The objective of the study was to examine the dynamic relationship between female literacy and mortality ratios. A longitudinal study design spanning three decades, 1970–2000, was used. Country level data on 143 nations belonging to six geographical regions for the duration 1970–2000 were secured from websites hosted by global agencies such as World Bank and the United Nations were utilized. Maternal mortality ratios (1970–2000) ranged from 147 to 271 across the six regions. The longitudinal relationship between female literacy rates and maternal mortality ratios was examined using a latent growth curve approach. The study found that rates of change in female literacy and maternal mortality ratios are negatively related. Steady rates of increase in female literacy were associated with declining maternal mortality ratios as well. We find that female literacy programs are of immense value in reducing maternal mortality ratios given their ability to yield sustained reductions in mortality levels in developing countries.
Global Stability of HIV-1 Infection Model with Two Time Delays
Authors: Miao Hui , Abdurahman Xamxinur , Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan
Published: December 2013

We investigate global dynamics for a system of delay differential equations which describes a virus-immune interaction in vivo. The model has two time delays describing time needed for infection of cell and CTLs generation. Our model admits three possible equilibria: infection-free equilibrium, CTL-absent infection equilibrium, and CTL-present infection equilibrium. The effect of time delay on stability of the equilibria of the CTL immune response model has been studied.
Comparison of Gut Microbiota between Sasang Constitutions
Authors: Kim Bong-Soo , Bae Hyo Sang , Lim Chi-yeon , Kim Mi Jeong , Seo Jae-gu , Kim Jong Yeol , Kim Jai-eun , Kim Hojun
Published: December 2013

The Sasang constitutional medicine has long been applied to diagnose and treat patients with various diseases. Studies have been conducted for establishment of scientific evidence supporting Sasang Constitutional (SC) diagnosis. Recent human microbiome studies have demonstrated individual variations of gut microbiota which can be dependent on lifestyle and health conditions. We hypothesized that gut microbial similarities and discrepancies may exist across SC types. We compared the difference of gut microbiota among three constitutions (So-Yang, So-Eum, and Tae-Eum), along with the investigation of anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were predominant phyla in all SC types. The median plot analysis suggested that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes appeared more abundant in SE and TE, respectively, in the male subjects of 20–29 years old. At the genus level,BifidobacteriumandBacteroidesmanifested the difference between SE and TE types. For anthropometry, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of the TE type were significantly higher than those of the other types. Overall, findings indicated a possible link between SC types and gut microbiota within a narrow age range. Further investigations are deemed necessary to elucidate the influences of age, gender, and other factors in the context of SC types and gut microbiota.
Biodiversity, Antimicrobial Potential, and Phylogenetic Placement of an Endophytic Fusarium oxysporum NFX 06 Isolated from Nothapodytes foetida
Authors: Musavi Sogra Fathima , Balakrishnan Raj Mohan
Published: December 2013

Biodiversity of endophytic fungi associated with the medicinal plant Nothapodytes foetida of Agumbe forest was determined and evaluated for its microbial activity. A total of 170 endophytic isolates were obtained from leaf, stem, seed, and fruit tissues of Nothapodytes foetida. The dominant endophytic fungi belong to genera Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Colletotrichum. Maximum endophytic isolates were obtained from leaves segments followed by fruit, stem, and seed tissues. Hyphomycetes were the dominant group found with 75.29% over other fungal groups. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indexes showed rich diversity of endophytic fungi suggesting even and uniform occurrence of various species. 88.57%, 74.28%, 62.85%, and 65.71% of isolates have shown activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC 69548), respectively. One of the isolate NFX 06 isolated from leaf has showed considerable antimicrobial activity against all the test pathogens. It was identified as Fusarium oxysporum by ITS sequence analysis; the nucleotide sequence was submitted in the GenBank with an accession number KC914432. Phylogenetic relationship confirmed that the strain F. oxysporum NFX 06 has evolved from an endophytic ancestor.
The Potential Benefits and Adverse Effects of Phytic Acid Supplement in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Omoruyi F. O. , Budiaman A. , Eng Y. , Olumese F. E. , Hoesel J. L. , Ejilemele A. , Okorodudu A. O.
Published: December 2013

In this study, the effect of phytic acid supplement on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetic rats were fed rodent chow with or without phytic acid supplementation for thirty days. Blood and organ samples were collected for assays. The average food intake was the highest and the body weight gain was the lowest in the group fed phytic acid supplement compared to the diabetic and normal control groups. There was a downward trend in intestinal amylase activity in the group fed phytic acid supplement compared to the other groups. The spike in random blood glucose was the lowest in the same group. We noted reduced serum triglycerides and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels in the group fed phytic acid supplement. Serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine amino transferase activities were significantly (P<0.05) increased by phytic acid supplementation. Systemic IL-1βlevel was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in the diabetic control and supplement treated groups. The liver lipogenic enzyme activities were not significantly altered among the groups. These results suggest that phytic acid supplementation may be beneficial in the management of diabetes mellitus. The observed adverse effect on the liver may be due to the combined effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and phytic acid supplementation.
ENSO Impacts on Lomas Formation in South Coastal Peru: Implications for the Pliocene?
Authors: Eichler Timothy Paul , Londoño Ana C.
Published: December 2013

Lomas formations in southern Peru are related to moisture availability due to frequent incursions of fog in austral winter. Due to warming of coastal waters of southern Peru during El Niño, lomas formations are enhanced via greater moisture availability for fog and drizzle. Our study evaluates the modern climatological record in austral winter to determine if there are differences in moisture availability between El Niño and La Niña for fog formation. Our results show anomalous northwesterly onshore flow, warmer than normal sea-surface temperatures, and an increase in precipitable water in El Niño, favoring lomas formations due to advection fog with higher moisture content. On the other hand, La Niña also favors frequent advection fog, with less moisture content due to strong onshore flow over relatively cool SSTs. Since lomas may represent fragments of a continuous vegetation belt that existed during the Pliocene, a permanent El Niño favoring vigorous vegetation production along the south Peruvian coast due to incursions of fog with high precipitable water may have occurred in this period. However, the possibility of normal El Niño variability superimposed on a warmer climatology producing fog with higher moisture content in both El Niño and La Niña conditions cannot be discounted.
Antioxidant Capacity as a Marker for Assessing the In Vitro Performance of the Endangered Cistus heterophyllus
Authors: López-Orenes Antonio , Ros-Marín Antonio F. , Ferrer María A. , Calderón Antonio A.
Published: December 2013

Cistus heterophyllus subsp. carthaginensis is an endemic and endangered species from the SE Mediterranean coastal region of Spain. Within the framework of the efforts aiming to species conservation, in vitro culture techniques could be of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of C. heterophyllus shoot cultures as a possible marker of in vitro performance. The effects of five different basal salt formulations and cytokinin levels on in vitro performance and antioxidant capacity were examined. K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios initially present in culture media greatly affected the antioxidant capacity (the lower the ratios the higher the antioxidant capacity). Increasing concentrations of BA resulted in higher antioxidant capacity. The results obtained point to antioxidant capacity as being a marker of incidence of stress conditions in in vitro cultured C. heterophyllus. A good correlation was found between antioxidant capacity and total soluble phenolics present in Cistus extracts. Catechin was identified in all the extracts and its levels were found to change parallel to the antioxidant capacity, pointing to a prominent role played by this flavonoid in C. heterophyllus defence against oxidative stress, which in turn affects the in vitro performance of this species.
Blockage of Notch Signaling Inhibits the Migration and Proliferation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Jin Guorong , Long Chongde , Zhou Xin , Tang Yan , Huang Shan , Kuang Xielan , Wu Lizi , Zhang Qingjiong , Shen Huangxuan
Published: December 2013

The Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell‐cell communication pathway that plays critical roles in the proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and fate determination of mammalian cells. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are responsible for supporting the function of the neural retina and maintaining vision. This study investigated the function of Notch signaling in RPE cells. We found that the members of the Notch signaling pathway components were differentially expressed in RPE cells. Furthermore, blockage of Notch signaling inhibited the migration and proliferation of RPE cells and reduced the expression levels of certain Notch signaling target genes, including HES1, MYC, HEY2, and SOX9. Our data reveal a critical role of Notch signaling in RPE cells, suggesting that targeting Notch signaling may provide a novel approach for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases related to RPE cells.
Short Communication: Subtyping ofMycobacterium kansasiiby PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis of thehsp65Gene
Authors: Bakuła Zofia , Safianowska Aleksandra , Nowacka-Mazurek Magdalena , Bielecki Jacek , Jagielski Tomasz
Published: December 2013

Mycobacterium kansasiiis one of the most common causes of pulmonary disease resulting from nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It is also the most frequently isolated NTM species from clinical specimens in Poland. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution ofM. kansasiisubtypes among patients suspected of having pulmonary NTM disease. Fifty clinical isolates ofM. kansasiirecovered from as many patients with suspected mycobacterial lung disease between 2000 and 2010 in Poland were genotyped by PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PCR-REA) of partialhsp65gene.Mycobacterium kansasiisubtype I was the only genotype to be identified among the isolates, both disease-associated and non-disease-associated. Isolation ofM. kansasiisubtype I from clinical specimens may be indicative of infection but may also merely represent colonization.
A New Four-Dimensional Autonomous Hyperchaotic System and the Synchronization of Different Chaotic Systems by Using Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Zhang Baojie , Li Hongxing
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a new continuous-time four-dimensional autonomous system based on Lorenz system. We analyze the dissipation, equilibrium, and Lyapunov exponents of the system. Lyapunov exponent spectrum demonstrates that the system possesses rich dynamic behaviors if the parameters of the system vary. In a large range of parameters, the system is hyperchaotic. By using fast terminal sliding mode control method, the synchronization of two different chaotic systems is studied. Synchronization between the new system and hyperchaotic Chen system with noise perturbation is illustrated. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
ADRC and Feedforward Hybrid Control System of PMSM
Authors: Wang Song
Published: December 2013

The permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is a complex controlled object that is difficult to drive and control. In this study, the vector control strategy is adopted to drive the PMSM. The active disturbance rejection controller is used to achieve the closed-loop control of PMSM, which simplifies the computational complexity. A load torque observer and feedforward compensation component are designed to overcome the PMSM speed fluctuation of the load disturbance. An experimental system based on the DSP board is designed to test the controller performance. The results validate the control algorithm.