bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of prolonged fasting on AMPK signaling, gene expression, and mitochondrial respiratory chain content in skeletal muscle from lean and obese individuals
Authors: Wijngaarden Marjolein A. , van der Zon Gerard C. , van Dijk Ko Willems , Pijl Hanno , Guigas Bruno
Published: March 2013

Obesity in humans is often associated with metabolic inflexibility, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate how adaptation to prolonged fasting affects energy/nutrient-sensing pathways and metabolic gene expression in skeletal muscle from lean and obese individuals. Twelve lean and 14 nondiabetic obese subjects were fasted for 48 h. Whole body glucose/lipid oxidation rates were determined by indirect calorimetry, and blood and skeletal muscle biopsies were collected and analyzed. In response to fasting, body weight loss was similar in both groups, but the decrease in plasma insulin and leptin and the concomitant increase in growth hormone were significantly attenuated in obese subjects. The fasting-induced shift from glucose toward lipid oxidation was also severely blunted. At the molecular level, the expression of insulin receptor-β (IRβ) was lower in skeletal muscle from obese subjects at baseline, whereas the fasting-induced reductions in insulin signaling were similar in both groups. The protein expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain components, although not modified by fasting, was significantly reduced in obese subjects. Some minor differences in metabolic gene expression were observed at baseline and in response to fasting. Surprisingly, fasting reduced AMPK activity in lean but not in obese subjects, whereas the expression of AMPK subunits was not affected. We conclude that whole body metabolic inflexibility in response to prolonged fasting in obese humans is associated with lower skeletal muscle IRβ and mitochondrial respiratory chain content as well as a blunted decline of AMPK activity.
Regulation of 11β-HSD1 expression during adipose tissue expansion by hypoxia through different activities of NF-κB and HIF-1α
Authors: Lee Jong Han , Gao Zhanguo , Ye Jianping
Published: March 2013

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes by generating active glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) that are strong inhibitors of angiogenesis. However, the mechanism of 11β-HSD1 gene expression and its relationship to adipose angiogenesis are largely unknown. To address this issue, we examined 11β-HSD1 expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice during weight gain and investigated the gene regulation by hypoxia in vitro. 11β-HSD1 mRNA was reduced in the adipose tissues during weight gain in DIO mice, and the reduction was associated with an elevated expression of angiogenic factors. In vitro, 11β-HSD1 expression was induced in mRNA and protein by hypoxia. Of the two transcription factors activated by hypoxia, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) enhanced but the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) reduced 11β-HSD1 expression. 11β-HSD1 expression was elevated by NF-κB in epididymal fat of aP2-p65 mice. The hypoxia-induced 11β-HSD1 expression was attenuated by NF-κB inactivation in p65-deficient cells but enhanced by HIF-1 inactivation in HIF-1α-null cells. These data suggest that 11β-HSD1 expression is upregulated by NF-κB and downregulated by HIF-1α. During AT expansion in DIO mice, the reduction of 11β-HSD1 expression may reflect a dominant HIF-1α activity in the adipose tissue. This study suggests that NF-κB may mediate the inflammatory cytokine signal to upregulate 11β-HSD1 expression.
Thyroid Hormone and Wound Healing
Authors: Safer Joshua D.
Published: March 2013

Although thyroid hormone is one of the most potent stimulators of growth and metabolic rate, the potential to use thyroid hormone to treat cutaneous pathology has never been subject to rigorous investigation. A number of investigators have demonstrated intriguing therapeutic potential for topical thyroid hormone. Topical T3has accelerated wound healing and hair growth in rodents. Topical T4has been used to treat xerosis in humans. It is clear that the use of thyroid hormone to treat cutaneous pathology may be of large consequence and merits further study. This is a review of the literature regarding thyroid hormone action on skin along with skin manifestations of thyroid disease. The paper is intended to provide a context for recent findings of direct thyroid hormone action on cutaneous cellsin vitroandin vivowhich may portend the use of thyroid hormone to promote wound healing.
Clay Improvement with Burned Olive Waste Ash
Authors: Mutman Utkan
Published: March 2013

Olive oil is concentrated in the Mediterranean basin countries. Since the olive oil industries are incriminated for a high quantity of pollution, it has become imperative to solve this problem by developing optimized systems for the treatment of olive oil wastes. This study proposes a solution to the problem. Burned olive waste ash is evaluated for using it as clay stabilizer. In a laboratory, bentonite clay is used to improve olive waste ash. Before the laboratory, the olive waste is burned at 550°C in the high temperature oven. The burned olive waste ash was added to bentonite clay with increasing 1% by weight from 1% to 10%. The study consisted of the following tests on samples treated with burned olive waste ash: Atterberg Limits, Standard Proctor Density, and Unconfined Compressive Strength Tests. The test results show promise for this material to be used as stabilizer and to solve many of the problems associated with its accumulation.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome One Year after Delivery in Finnish Women at Increased Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus during Pregnancy
Authors: Puhkala Jatta , Kinnunen Tarja I. , Vasankari Tommi , Kukkonen-Harjula Katriina , Raitanen Jani , Luoto Riitta
Published: March 2013

Background. Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MeS) after delivery. We studied the prevalence of MeS at one year postpartum among Finnish women who in early pregnancy were at increased risk of developing GDM.Methods. This follow-up study is a part of a GDM prevention trial. At one year postpartum, 150 women (mean age 33.1 years, BMI 27.2 kg/m2) were evaluated for MeS.Results. The prevalence of MeS was 18% according tothe International Diabetes Federation(IDF) criteria and 16% according toNational Cholestrol Education Program(NCEP) criteria. Of MeS components, 74% of participants had an increased waist circumference (≥80 cm). Twenty-seven percent had elevated fasting plasma glucose (≥5.6 mmol/L), and 29% had reduced HDL cholesterol (≤1.3 mmol/L). The odds ratio for the occurrence of MeS at one year postpartum was 3.0 (95% CI 1.0–9.2) in those who were overweight before pregnancy compared to normal weight women.Conclusions. Nearly one-fifth of the women with an increased risk of GDM in early pregnancy fulfilled the criteria of MeS at one year postpartum. The most important factor associated with MeS was prepregnancy overweight. Weight management before and during pregnancy is important for preventing MeS after delivery.
Application of a Fault Detection and Isolation System on a Rotary Machine
Authors: Zanoli Silvia M. , Astolfi Giacomo
Published: March 2013

The paper illustrates the design and the implementation of a Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) system to a rotary machine like a multishaft centrifugal compressor. A model-free approach, that is, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), has been employed to solve the fault detection issue. For the fault isolation purpose structured residuals have been adopted while an adaptive threshold has been designed in order to detect and to isolate the faults. To prove the goodness of the proposed FDI system, historical data of a nitrogen centrifugal compressor employed in a refinery plant are considered. Tests results show that detection and isolation of single as well as multiple faults are successfully achieved.
Perturbation-Based Schemes with Ultra-Lightweight Computation to Protect User Privacy in Smart Grid
Authors: Ren Wei , Ma Liangli , Ren Yi
Published: March 2013

In smart grid, smart meters are deployed to collect power consumption data periodically, and the data are analyzed to improve the efficiency of power transmission and distribution. The collected consumption data may leak the usage patterns of domestic appliances, so that it may damage the behavior privacy of customers. Most related work to protect data privacy in smart grid relies on cryptographic primitives, for example, encryption, which induces a large amount of power consumption overhead. In this paper, we make the first attempt to propose solutions without any cryptographic computation to protect user privacy. The privacy in smart grid is formally defined in the paper. Three schemes are proposed: random perturbation scheme (RPS), random walk scheme (RWS), and distance-bounded random walk with perturbation scheme (DBS). Three algorithms are also proposed in each scheme, respectively. All schemes are ultra-lightweight in terms of computation without relying any cryptographic primitive. The privacy, soundness, and accuracy of proposed schemes are guaranteed and justified by strict analysis.
Hypertension in Metabolic Syndrome: Vascular Pathophysiology
Authors: Mendizábal Yolanda , Llorens Silvia , Nava Eduardo
Published: March 2013

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular symptoms: insulin resistance (IR), obesity, dyslipemia. Hypertension and vascular disorders are central to this syndrome. After a brief historical review, we discuss the role of sympathetic tone. Subsequently, we examine the link between endothelial dysfunction and IR. NO is involved in the insulin-elicited capillary vasodilatation. The insulin-signaling pathways causing NO release are different to the classical. There is a vasodilatory pathway with activation of NO synthase through Akt, and a vasoconstrictor pathway that involves the release of endothelin-1 via MAPK. IR is associated with an imbalance between both pathways in favour of the vasoconstrictor one. We also consider the link between hypertension and IR: the insulin hypothesis of hypertension. Next we discuss the importance of perivascular adipose tissue and the role of adipokines that possess vasoactive properties. Finally, animal models used in the study of vascular function of metabolic syndrome are reviewed. In particular, the Zucker fatty rat and the spontaneously hypertensive obese rat (SHROB). This one suffers macro- and microvascular malfunction due to a failure in the NO system and an abnormally high release of vasoconstrictor prostaglandins, all this alleviated with glitazones used for metabolic syndrome therapy.
Chromoendoscopy to Detect Early Synchronous Second Primary Esophageal Carcinoma in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck?
Authors: Komínek Pavel , Vítek Petr , Urban Ondřej , Zeleník Karol , Halamka Magdaléna , Feltl David , Cvek Jakub , Matoušek Petr
Published: March 2013

Objective. To evaluate the use of flexible esophagoscopy and chromoendoscopy with Lugol’s solution in the detection of early esophageal carcinomas (second primary carcinomas) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).Methods. All patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC underwent office-based Lugol's chromoendoscopy. After flexible esophagoscopy with white light, 3.0% Lugol's iodine solution was sprayed over the entire esophageal mucosa. Areas with less-intense staining (LVLs) were evaluated and biopsies taken.Results. 132 patients with HNSCC were enrolled in this study. The most frequent primary tumors were oropharyngeal (49/132), tumors of the oral cavity (36/132), and larynx (35/132). The majority of subjects (107/132 patients, 81.1%) had advanced HNSCC carcinomas (stages III and IV). Multiple LVLs were discovered in 24 subjects (18.2%) and no LVLs in 108 (81.8%) subjects. Fifty-five LVL biopsy specimens were obtained and assessed. Squamous cell carcinomas were detected in two patients, peptic esophagitis in 11 patients, gastric heterotopic mucosa in two patients, hyperplasia in two patients, and low- and high-grade dysplasia in three patients.Conclusion. Although only two patients with synchronous primary carcinomas were found among the patients, esophagoscopy should be recommended after detection of HNSCC to exclude secondary esophageal carcinoma or dysplasia.
-Convergence Problems for Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Shi Luo Yi , Chen Ru Dong , Wu Yu Jing
Published: March 2013

New △-convergence theorems of iterative sequences for asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces are obtained. Consider an asymptotically nonexpansive self-mapping of a closed convex subset of a CAT(0) space . Consider the iteration process , where is arbitrary and or for , where . It is shown that under certain appropriate conditions on   △-converges to a fixed point of .
Differential Effects of Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium Ion, Rotenone, and Paraquat on Differentiated SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Martins João Barbosa , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Carvalho Félix , Capela João Paulo
Published: March 2013

Paraquat (PQ), a cationic nonselective bipyridyl herbicide, has been used as neurotoxicant to modulate Parkinson’s disease in laboratory settings. Other compounds like rotenone (ROT), a pesticide, and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) have been widely used as neurotoxicants. We compared the toxicity of these three neurotoxicants using differentiated dopaminergic SH-SY5Y human cells, aiming to elucidate their differential effects. PQ-induced neurotoxicity was shown to be concentration and time dependent, being mitochondrial dysfunction followed by neuronal death. On the other hand, cells exposure to MPP+induced mitochondrial dysfunction, but not cellular lyses. Meanwhile, ROT promoted both mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death, revealing a biphasic pattern. To further elucidate PQ neurotoxic mechanism, several protective agents were used. SH-SY5Y cells pretreatment with tiron (TIR) and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid sodium salt (NaSAL), both antioxidants, andNω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, partially protected against PQ-induced cell injury. Additionally, 1-(2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl)-4-(3-phenyl-propyl)piperazine (GBR 12909), a dopamine transporter inhibitor, and cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, also partially protected against PQ-induced cell injury. In conclusion, we demonstrated that PQ, MPP+, and ROT exerted differential toxic effects on dopaminergic cells. PQ neurotoxicity occurred through exacerbated oxidative stress, with involvement of uptake through the dopamine transporter and protein synthesis.
Phyllodes Tumor of Breast: A Review Article
Authors: Mishra Shashi Prakash , Tiwary Satyendra Kumar , Mishra Manjaree , Khanna Ajay Kumar
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Phyllodes tumours are rare fibroepithelial lesions. Accurate preoperative pathological diagnosis allows correct surgical planning and avoidance of reoperation. Treatment can be either wide local excision or mastectomy to achieve histologically clear margins. Discussion. The exact aetiology of phyllodes tumour and its relationship with fibroadenoma are unclear. Women aged between 35 and 55 years are commonly involved. The median tumour size is 4 cm but can grow even larger having dilated veins and a blue discoloration over skin. Palpable axillary lymphadenopathy can be identified in up to 10–15% of patients but <1% had pathological positive nodes. Mammography and ultrasonography are main imaging modalities. Cytologically the presence of both epithelial and stromal elements supports the diagnosis. The value of FNAC in diagnosis of phyllodes tumour remains controversial, but core needle biopsy has high sensitivity and negative predictive value. Surgical management is the mainstay and local recurrence in phyllodes tumours has been associated with inadequate local excision. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains uncertain and use of hormonal therapy has not been fully investigated. Conclusion. The preoperative diagnosis and proper management are crucial in phyllodes tumours because of their tendency to recur and malignant potential in some of these tumours.
Diarylfluorene‐Based Shape‐Persistent Organic Nanomolecular Frameworks via Iterative Friedel‐Crafts Protocol toward Multicomponent Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Guang-Wei , Wang Long , Xie Ling-Hai , Hou Xiao-Ya , Liu Zheng-Dong , Huang Wei
Published: March 2013

We describe bottom‐up fluorenol approach to create soluble covalent organic nanomolecular architectures (ONAs) as potential multicomponent organic semiconductors (MOSs). BPyFBFFA as a typical model of ONAs and MOSs exhibits a persistent chair‐shaped geometric structure that consists of hole‐transporting triphenylamine (TPA), high‐efficiency terfluorene, and high‐mobility pyrenes. BPyFBFFA was synthesized via the intermediates PyFA and BPyFA with iterative Friedel‐Crafts reactions and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. BPyFBFFA behaves as an efficient blue light‐emitter without the low‐energy green emission band. Complex diarylfluorenes (CDAFs) are promising candidates for nanoscale covalent organic frameworks and MOSs. Friedel‐Crafts protocols offer versatile toolboxes for molecular architects to frame chemistry and materials, nanoscience, and molecular nanotechnology as well as molecular manufactures.
Strong Proximal Continuity and Convergence
Authors: Caserta Agata , Lucchetti Roberto , Naimpally Som
Published: March 2013

In several situations the notion of uniform continuity can be strengthened to strong uniform continuity to produce interesting properties, especially in constrained problems. The same happens in the setting of proximity spaces. While a parallel theory for uniform and strong uniform convergence was recently developed, and a notion of proximal convergence is present in the literature, the notion of strong proximal convergence was never considered. In this paper, we propose several possible convergence notions, and we provide complete comparisons among these concepts and the notion of strong uniform convergence in uniform spaces. It is also shown that in particularly meaningful classes of functions these notions are equivalent and can be considered as natural definitions of strong proximal convergence. Finally we consider a function acting between two proximity spaces and we connect its continuity/strong continuity to convergence in the respective hyperspaces of a natural functor associated to the function itself.
Naturally Self-Assembled Nanosystems and Their Templated Structures for Photonic Applications
Authors: Pradeesh K. , Rao Kotla Nageswara , Ahmad Shahab , Dwivedi Vindesh K. , Prakash G. Vijaya
Published: March 2013

Self-assembly has the advantage of fabricating structures of complex functionalities, from molecular levels to as big as macroscopic levels. Natural self-assembly involves self-aggregation of one or more materials (organic and/or inorganic) into desired structures while templated self-assembly involves interstitial space filling of diverse nature entities into self-assembled ordered/disordered templates (both from molecular to macro levels). These artificial and engineered new-generation materials offer many advantages over their individual counterparts. This paper reviews and explores the advantages of such naturally self-assembled hybrid molecular level systems and template-assisted macro-/microstructures targeting simple and low-cost device-oriented fabrication techniques, structural flexibility, and a wide range of photonic applications.
Alkali Cation Potential and Functionality in the Nanoporous Prussian Blue Analogues
Authors: Moritomo Yutaka , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

Cation and/or molecule transfer within nanoporous materials is utilized in lithium-ion secondary battery, ion exchange, hydrogen storage, molecular sensors, molecular filters, and so on. Here, we performedab initiototal energy calculation to derive the alkali cation potential in the Prussian blue analogues,AxM[Fe(CN)6]zH2O(A=Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs;M=Co, Ni, Mn, and Cd), with jungle-gym-type nanoporous framework. The potential curves of larger cations, that is, K+, Rb+and Cs+, exhibit a barrier at the window of the host framework, while those of the smaller cations, that is, Li+and Na+, exhibit no barrier. We will discuss the useful functionalities observed in the Prussian blue analogues, that is, (a) battery properties mediated by Li+intercalation/de-intercalation, (b) electrochromism mediated by Na+transfer in all solid device, and (c) the elimination of Cs+from aqueous solution by precipitation, in terms of the alkali cation potentials.
Using Time Deformation to Filter Nonstationary Time Series with Multiple Time-Frequency Structures
Authors: Xu Mengyuan , Woodward Wayne A. , Gray Henry L.
Published: March 2013

For nonstationary time series consisting of multiple time-varying frequency (TVF) components where the frequency of components overlaps in time, classical linear filters fail to extract components. TheG-filter based on time deformation has been developed to extract components of multicomponentG-stationary processes. In this paper, we explore the wide application of theG-filter for filtering different types of nonstationary processes with multiple time-frequency structure. Simulation examples illustrate that theG-filter can be applied to filter a broad range of multicomponent nonstationary process where TVF components may in fact overlap in time.
Variational Iteration Method for the Magnetohydrodynamic Flow over a Nonlinear Stretching Sheet
Authors: Xu Lan , Lee Eric W. M.
Published: March 2013

The variational iteration method (VIM) is applied to solve the boundary layer problem of magnetohydrodynamic flow over a nonlinear stretching sheet. The combination of the VIM and the Padé approximants is shown to be a powerful method for solving two-point boundary value problems consisting of systems of nonlinear differential equations. And the comparison of the obtained results with other available results shows that the method is very effective and convenient for solving boundary layer problems.
Familial, Social, and Individual Factors Contributing to Risk for Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Whitesell Mackenzie , Bachand Annette , Peel Jennifer , Brown Mark
Published: March 2013

Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal high numbers of adolescent substance use in the United States. Substance use among adolescents can lead to increased risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections, vehicular fatalities, juvenile delinquency, and other problems associated with physical and mental health. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to involvement in substance use due to the underdeveloped state of the adolescent brain, which can lead to reduced decision-making ability and increased long-term effects of drugs and alcohol. Understanding the causes of adolescent substance use is vital for successful prevention and intervention programs.
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Induced by Etanercept: Another Dermatologic Adverse Effect
Authors: Kavala Mukaddes , Zindancı Ilkin , Türkoglu Zafer , Can Burçe , Kocatürk Emek , Senol Serkan , Topaloglu Filiz
Published: March 2013

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a skin eruption that is primarily drug induced and characterized by the formation of numerous acute and sterile pustules on an erythematous background as mentioned by Weinblatt et al. (1999). We present a case of AGEP, following administration of etanercept, an antitumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) antibody, in a patient with psoriasis. Recognition of this reaction pattern is important given the frequent reliance on etanercept in treating psoriasis.
Parametric Analysis of Flexible Logic Control Model
Authors: Fu Lihua , Wang Dan , Kuang Jinyun
Published: March 2013

Based on deep analysis about the essential relation between two input variables of normal two-dimensional fuzzy controller, we used universal combinatorial operation model to describe the logic relationship and gave a flexible logic control method to realize the effective control for complex system. In practical control application, how to determine the general correlation coefficient of flexible logic control model is a problem for further studies. First, the conventional universal combinatorial operation model has been limited in the interval[0,1]. Consequently, this paper studies a kind of universal combinatorial operation model based on the interval[a,b]. And some important theorems are given and proved, which provide a foundation for the flexible logic control method. For dealing reasonably with the complex relations of every factor in complex system, a kind of universal combinatorial operation model with unequal weights is put forward. Then, this paper has carried out the parametric analysis of flexible logic control model. And some research results have been given, which have important directive to determine the values of the general correlation coefficients in practical control application.
The Abundance and Biting Patterns of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Culicidae) in the Coastal Region of Nigeria
Authors: Uttah Emmanuel C. , Wokem Gloria N. , Okonofua Christiana
Published: March 2013

This study was aimed at determining the abundance and biting patterns of Culex quinquefasciatus in the coastal region of Nigeria. Collections were done by human landing catch and by CDC miniature light traps from September 2005 to August 2006. A total of 3798 C. quinquefasciatus females were collected. The highest number of females was caught in the month of August and it represented nearly a quarter (24.0%) of the total females collected. In all, 38.8% of females dissected were parous. The abundance of C. quinquefasciatus followed the pattern of rainfall with the population starting to expand at the onset of the rains. The highest increase was found after the temperature had peaked. The mean of biting was 3.2 times more in the rainy season than in the dry season, whereas the transmission potential was higher in the dry season. C. quinquefasciatus is presently regarded as a biting nuisance having no significant epidemiological importance yet. Efforts at its control should be intensified before it is too late.
Further Results on the Traveling Wave Solutions for an Integrable Equation
Authors: Pan Chaohong , Liu Zhengrong
Published: March 2013

The objective of this paper is to extend some results of pioneers for the nonlinear equationmt=(1/2)(1/mk)xxx−(1/2)(1/mk)xintroduced by Qiao. The equivalent relationship of the traveling wave solutions between the integrable equation and the generalized KdV equation is revealed. Moreover, whenk=−(p/q)  (p≠qandp,q∈ℤ+), we obtain some explicit traveling wave solutions by the bifurcation method of dynamical systems.
Electrolyte Concentration Effect of a Photoelectrochemical Cell Consisting of TiO2 Nanotube Anode
Authors: Ren Kai , Gan Yong X. , Nikolaidis Efstratios , Sofyani Sharaf Al , Zhang Lihua
Published: March 2013

The photoelectrochemical responses of a TiO2 nanotube anode in ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol, ammonia, ethanol, urea, and Na2S electrolytes with different concentrations were investigated. The TiO2 nanotube anode was highly efficient in photoelectrocatalysis in these solutions under UV light illumination. The photocurrent density is obviously affected by the concentration change. Na2S generated the highest photocurrent density at 0, 1, and 2 V bias voltages, but its concentration does not significantly affect the photocurrent density. Urea shows high open circuit voltage at proper concentration and low photocurrent at different concentrations. Externally applied bias voltage is also an important factor that changes the photoelectrochemical reaction process. In view of the open circuit voltage, EG, ammonia, and ethanol fuel cells show the trend that the open circuit voltage (OCV) increases with the increase of the concentration of the solutions. Glycerol has the highest OCV compared with others, and it deceases with the increase in the concentration because of the high viscosity. The OCV of the urea and Na2S solutions did not show obvious concentration effect.
Single-Access Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery Is Technically Feasible
Authors: Sirikurnpiboon Siripong , Jivapaisarnpong Paiboon
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS) has been successfully introduced for colectomy surgery; however, for mid to low rectum procedures such as total mesorectal excision, it can be technically complicated. In this study, we introduced a single-access technique for rectum cancer operations without the use of other instruments.Aims. To show the short-term results of single-access laparoscopic rectal surgery in terms of pathologic results and immediate complications.Settings and Design. Prospective study.Materials and Methods. We selected middle rectum to anal canal cancer patients to undergo single-access laparoscopic rectal resection for rectal cancer. All patients had total mesorectal excisions. An umbilical incision was made for the insertion of a single multichannel port, and a mesocolic window was created to identify the inferior mesenteric artery and vein. Total mesorectal excision was performed. There were no perioperative complications. The mean operative time was 269 minutes; the median hospital stay was 7 days; the mean wound size was 5.5 cm; the median number of harvested lymph nodes was 15; and all patients had intact mesorectal capsules.Statistical Analysis Used. Mean, minimum–maximum.Conclusion. Single-access laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is feasible while oncologic principles and patient safety are maintained.
Physical Characteristics and Technology of Glass Foam from Waste Cathode Ray Tube Glass
Authors: Mucsi G. , Csőke B. , Kertész M. , Hoffmann L.
Published: March 2013

This paper deals with the laboratory investigation of cathode-ray-tube- (CRT-) glass-based glass foam, the so-called “Geofil-Bubbles” which can be applied in many fields, mainly in the construction industry (lightweight concrete aggregate, thermal and sound insulation, etc.). In this study, the main process engineering material properties of raw materials, such as particle size distribution, moisture content, density, and specific surface area, are shown. Then, the preparation of raw cathode ray tube glass waste is presented including the following steps: crushing, grinding, mixing, heat curing, coating, and sintering. Experiments were carried out to optimize process circumstances. Effects of sintering conditions—such as temperature, residence time, and particle size fraction of green pellet—on the mechanical stability and particle density of glass foam particles were investigated. The mechanical stability (abrasion resistance) was tested by abrasion test in a Deval drum. Furthermore, the cell structure was examined with optical microscopy and SEM. We found that it was possible to produce foam glass (with proper mechanical stability and particle density) from CRT glass. The material characteristics of the final product strongly depend on the sintering conditions. Optimum conditions were determined: particle size fraction was found to be 4–6 mm, temperature 800°C, and residence time 7.5 min.
Exact Solutions of the Kudryashov-Sinelshchikov Equation Using the MultipleG′/G-Expansion Method
Authors: He Yinghui , Li Shaolin , Long Yao
Published: March 2013

Exact traveling wave solutions of the Kudryashov-Sinelshchikov equation are studied by theG′/G-expansion method and its variants. The solutions obtained include the form of Jacobi elliptic functions, hyperbolic functions, and trigonometric and rational functions. Many new exact traveling wave solutions can easily be derived from the general results under certain conditions. These methods are effective, simple, and many types of solutions can be obtained at the same time.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Mixed Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Verma Akrati , Dwivedi Reena , Prasad R. , Bartwal K. S.
Published: March 2013

Nanoparticles of mixed metal oxides, ZrO2, ZrTiO4, and ZrV2O7 were prepared by microwave-assisted citrate sol-gel and solution combustion method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for their structural details using XRD and TEM techniques. The broadening of Raman bands is ascribed to local compositional fluctuations or local positional disordering produced due to random distribution of Zr4+ and Ti4+between equivalent sites. The XPS spectra confirm the incorporation of Ti in ZrO2 and suggest Zr as well as Ti in +4 oxidation state. Gelation and fast combustion seem to be the reason for smaller particle sizes. ZrV2O7 nanocrystalline material was synthesized by microwave- assisted solution combustion method. Low angle powder XRD measurements confirm the mesoporous nature of the prepared material. The effect of calcination temperature on the phase transformation of the materials has been investigated. Among tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic phases, the monoclinic phase is predominant at higher calcinations temperature. The XPS confirms the incorporation of V2O5 in ZrO2 and suggests that Zr and V are in the same oxidation state (+4). The average particle sizes for ZrO2, ZrTiO4, and ZrV2O7 were found to be in the ranges of 5–10 nm, 2–5 nm, and 10–50 nm, respectively.
Hydrogen Storage in Iron/Carbon Nanopowder Composite Materials: Effect of Varying Spiked Iron Content on Hydrogen Adsorption
Authors: Chu Chun-Lin , Chang Chia-Feng , Chen Jiann-Ruey , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the effects of varying the spiked iron content of iron/carbon nanopowder (Fe/CNP) composite materials on hydrogen storage capacity. Among four such samples, a maximum hydrogen uptake of approximately 0.48 wt% was obtained with 14 wt% of spiked iron under 37 atm and 300 K. This higher hydrogen uptake capacity was believed to be closely related to the physisorption mechanism rather than chemisorption. In this case, the formation of maghemite catalyzed the attraction of hydrogen molecules and the CNP skeleton was the principal absorbent material for hydrogen storage. However, as the iron content exceeded 14 wt%, the formation of larger and poorly dispersed maghemite grains reduced the available surface areas of CNP for the storage of hydrogen molecules, leading to decreased uptake. Our study shows that hydrogen uptake capacities can be improved by appropriately adjusting the surface polarities of the CNP with well dispersed iron oxides crystals.
Mixing a Grounded Theory Approach with a Randomized Controlled Trial Related to Intimate Partner Violence: What Challenges Arise for Mixed Methods Research?
Authors: Catallo Cristina , Jack Susan M. , Ciliska Donna , MacMillan Harriet L.
Published: March 2013

Little is known about how to systematically integrate complex qualitative studies within the context of randomized controlled trials. A two-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in Canada to understand how women decide to disclose intimate partner violence in emergency department settings. Mixing a RCT (with a subanalysis of data) with a grounded theory approach required methodological modifications to maintain the overall rigour of this mixed methods study. Modifications were made to the following areas of the grounded theory approach to support the overall integrity of the mixed methods study design: recruitment of participants, maximum variation and negative case sampling, data collection, and analysis methods. Recommendations for future studies include: (1) planning at the outset to incorporate a qualitative approach with a RCT and to determine logical points during the RCT to integrate the qualitative component and (2) consideration for the time needed to carry out a RCT and a grounded theory approach, especially to support recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Data mixing strategies should be considered during early stages of the study, so that appropriate measures can be developed and used in the RCT to support initial coding structures and data analysis needs of the grounded theory phase.
In VivoImaging-Based Mathematical Modeling Techniques That Enhance the Understanding of Oncogene Addiction in relation to Tumor Growth
Authors: Nwabugwu Chinyere , Rakhra Kavya , Felsher Dean , Paik David
Published: March 2013

The dependence on the overexpression of a single oncogene constitutes an exploitable weakness for molecular targeted therapy. These drugs can produce dramatic tumor regression by targeting the driving oncogene, but relapse often follows. Understanding the complex interactions of the tumor’s multifaceted response to oncogene inactivation is key to tumor regression. It has become clear that a collection of cellular responses lead to regression and that immune-mediated steps are vital to preventing relapse. Our integrative mathematical model includes a variety of cellular response mechanisms of tumors to oncogene inactivation. It allows for correct predictions of the time course of events following oncogene inactivation and their impact on tumor burden. A number of aspects of our mathematical model have proven to be necessary for recapitulating our experimental results. These include a number of heterogeneous tumor cell states since cells following different cellular programs have vastly different fates. Stochastic transitions between these states are necessary to capture the effect of escape from oncogene addiction (i.e., resistance). Finally, delay differential equations were used to accurately model the tumor growth kinetics that we have observed. We use this to model oncogene addiction in MYC-induced lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A New Variable-Coefficient Riccati Subequation Method for Solving Nonlinear Lattice Equations
Authors: Meng Fanwei
Published: March 2013

We propose a new variable-coefficient Riccati subequation method to establish new exact solutions for nonlinear differential-difference equations. For illustrating the validity of this method, we apply it to the discrete (2 + 1)-dimensional Toda lattice equation. As a result, some new and generalized traveling wave solutions including hyperbolic function solutions, trigonometric function solutions, and rational function solutions are obtained.
A Generalized Nonlinear Gronwall-Bellman Inequality with Maxima in Two Variables
Authors: Yan Yong
Published: March 2013

This paper deals with a generalized form of nonlinear retarded Gronwall-Bellman type integral inequality in which the maximum of the unknown function of two variables is involved. This form includes both a nonconstant term outside the integrals and more than one distinct nonlinear integrals. Requiring neither monotonicity nor separability of given functions, we apply a technique of monotonization to estimate the unknown function. Our result can be used to weaken conditions for some known results. We apply our result to a boundary value problem of a partial differential equation with maxima for uniqueness.
A Note on Weighted Besov-Type and Triebel-Lizorkin-Type Spaces
Authors: Tang Canqin
Published: March 2013

Lets,τ∈ℝ,  q∈(0,∞], andωbe in the classA∞of Muckenhoupt. We introduce the weighted Besov-type spacesB˙p,q,ωs,τ(ℝn)and weighted Triebel-Lizorkin-type spacesF˙p,q,ωs,τ(ℝn)forp∈(0,∞)and then establish theφ-transform characterizations of these new spaces in the sense of Frazier and Jawerth.
Population-Based Analysis of Incidence Rates of Cancer and Noncancer Chronic Diseases in the US Elderly Using NLTCS/Medicare-Linked Database
Authors: Akushevich I. , Kravchenko J. , Ukraintseva S. , Arbeev K. , Yashin A.
Published: March 2013

The age, disability, and comorbidity patterns of incidence rates of cancer and chronic noncancer diseases such as heart failure, diabetes mellitus, asthma, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, skin melanoma, and cancers of breast, prostate, lung, and colon were studied for the US elderly population (aged 65+) using the National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) data linked to Medicare records for 1991–2005. Opposite to breast cancer and asthma, incidence rates of heart failure and Alzheimer's diseases were increasing with age. Higher incidence rates of heart failure, diabetes, asthma, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases were observed among individuals with severe disabilities or/and comorbidities, while rates of breast and prostate cancers were higher among those with minor disabilities or fewer comorbidities. Our results were in agreement with those obtained from other epidemiological datasets, thus suggesting that Medicare administrative records can provide nationally representative incidence rates. Detailed sensitivity analysis that focused on the effects of alternative onset definitions, latent censoring, study design, and other procedural uncertainties showed the stability of reconstructed incidence rates. This Medicare-linked dataset can be used for studying highly debated effects of new medical technologies on aging-related diseases burden and future Medicare costs.
Effect ofVIVO(dipic-Cl)(H2O)2on Lipid Metabolism Disorders in the Liver of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Liu Fang , Xie Mingxia , Chen Deliang , Li Jian , Ding Wenjun
Published: March 2013

Vanadium complexes are potent antidiabetic agents for therapeutical treatment of diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the hypolipidemic effect ofVIVO(dipic-Cl)(H2O)2(V4dipic-Cl) in liver of streptozotocin- (STZ-)-induced diabetic rats. We found that diabetic animals exhibited hepatic inflammatory infiltration and impaired liver function along with triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the liver. V4dipic-Cl treatment not only ameliorated liver pathological state but also reduced hepatic TG level. Moreover, the upregulation of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) mRNA (4.0-fold) and protein (8.2-fold) levels in the liver of diabetic rats were significantly reversed after V4dipic-Cl treatment. However, no significant effects of V4dipic-Cl on the mRNA expression of fatty acid metabolism-related fatty acid bounding protein 1 (FABP1) and fatty acid transporter 5 (FATP5) were observed. These results suggest that the modification of lipid metabolism-related FAT/CD36 in the liver of diabetic rats is likely involved in the hypolipidemic effects of V4dipic-Cl.
Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Improves Vascular Proatherosclerotic Changes in Hyperhomocysteinemic Rats
Authors: Norsidah Ku-Zaifah , Asmadi Ahmad Yusof , Azizi Ayob , Faizah Othman , Kamisah Yusof
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the effects of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on aortic proatherosclerotic changes in rats fed with a high methionine diet. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The first group was the control (fed with a basal diet). Another five groups were fed with 1% methionine diet for 10 weeks. From week 6 onward, folate (8 mg/kg diet) or palm TRF (30, 60, and 150 mg/kg diets) was added into the diet of the last four rat groups, respectively. The high methionine diet raised the plasma total homocysteine and aortic lipid peroxidation, which were reduced by the palm TRF and folate supplementations. Plasma nitric oxide was reduced in the high methionine group compared to the control (3.72±0.57versus6.65±0.53 μmol/L,P<0.05), which reduction was reversed by the palm TRF (60 and 150 mg/kg) and folate supplementations. The increased aortic vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in the methionine group (2.58±0.29) was significantly reduced by the folate (1.38±0.18) and palm TRF at 150 mg/kg (1.19±0.23). Palm TRF was comparable to folate in reducing high methionine diet-induced plasma hyperhomocysteinemia, aortic oxidative stress, and inflammatory changes in rats.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel ATM Inhibitor, KU59403, In Vitro and In Vivo in p53 Functional and Dysfunctional Models of Human Cancer
Authors: Batey Michael A. , Zhao Yan , Kyle Suzanne , Richardson Caroline , Slade Andrew , Martin Niall M.B. , Lau Alan , Newell David R. , Curtin Nicola J.
Published: March 2013

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase signals DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) to cell-cycle arrest via p53 and DNA repair. ATM-defective cells are sensitive to DSB-inducing agents, making ATM an attractive target for anticancer chemo- and radiosensitization. KU59403 is an ATM inhibitor with the potency, selectivity, and solubility for advanced preclinical evaluation. KU59403 was not cytotoxic to human cancer cell lines (SW620, LoVo, HCT116, and MDA-MB-231) per se but significantly increased the cytotoxicity of topoisomerase I and II poisons: camptothecin, etoposide, and doxorubicin. Chemo- and radiosensitization by ATM inhibition was not p53-dependent. Following administration to mice, KU59403 distributed to tissues and concentrations exceeding those required for in vitro activity were maintained for at least 4 hours in tumor xenografts. KU59403 significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of topoisomerase poisons in mice bearing human colon cancer xenografts (SW620 and HCT116) at doses that were nontoxic alone and well-tolerated in combination. Chemosensitization was both dose- and schedule-dependent. KU59403 represents a major advance in ATM inhibitor development, being the first compound to show good tissue distribution and significant chemosensitization in in vivo models of human cancer, without major toxicity. KU59403 provides the first proof-of-principle preclinical data to support the future clinical development of ATM inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 959–67. ©2013 AACR.
The Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 Regulates Focal Adhesion Kinase to Promote EGF-Induced Lamellipodia Persistence and Cell Migration
Authors: Hartman Zachary R. , Schaller Michael D. , Agazie Yehenew M.
Published: March 2013

The Src homology phosphotyrosyl phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a positive effector of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling. Furthermore, SHP2 is known to promote cell migration and invasiveness, key steps in cancer metastasis. To date, however, the mechanism by which SHP2 regulates cell movement is not fully understood. In the current report, a new role for SHP2 in regulating cell migration has been suggested. We show that SHP2 mediates lamellipodia persistence and cell polarity to promote directional cell migration in the MDA-MB231 and the MDA-MB468 basal-like and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. We further show that SHP2 modulates the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by dephosphorylating pTyr397, the autophosphorylation site that primes FAK function. Because hyperactivation of FAK is known to counter the maturation of nascent focal complexes to focal adhesions, we propose that one of the mechanisms by which SHP2 promotes lamellipodia persistence is by downregulating FAK activity through dephosphorylation of pTyr397. The finding that inhibition of FAK activity partially restores EGF-induced lamellipodia persistence and cell migration in SHP2-silenced cells supports our proposition that SHP2 promotes growth factor–induced cell movement by acting, at least in part, on FAK. However, the effect of SHP2 inhibition in nonstimulated cells seems FAK independent as there was no significant difference between the control and the SHP2-silenced cells in pY397-FAK levels. Also, FAK inhibition did not rescue Golgi orientation defects in SHP2-silenced cells, suggesting that SHP2 acts through other mechanisms to promote cell polarity. Mol Cancer Res; 11(6); 651–64. ©2013 AACR.