bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-proliferation effects of Cistanches salsa on the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Jeon Eunjin , Chung Kyung-Sook , An Hyo-Jin
Published: July 2015

Cistanche salsa has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of kidney deficiency, neurasthenia, sexual dysfunction diseases, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which C. salsa extract (CSE) elicits an anti-proliferative effect on the prostate tissue of BPH-induced rats. The effects of CSE on BPH were evaluated in terms of prostate weight, production of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the mRNA expression of 5α-reductase type 1 and type 2 in the prostate tissue of BPH-induced rats. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed for histological examination of prostate gland morphology, and protein expression levels in prostate tissue were investigated by western blot analysis. CSE treatment decreased prostate weight, serum DHT concentration, and the mRNA expression of 5α-reductase type 1 and type 2 in prostate tissue of BPH-induced rats. In addition, CSE treatment suppressed cell proliferation by regulating the expression levels of inflammatory-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2) and apoptosis-associated proteins (caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family proteins). CSE may be a potential therapeutic candidate for BPH owing to its ability to regulate the expression of inflammatory and apoptosis-related proteins.
Microarray analysis of gene expression patterns in the leaf during potato tuberization in the potato somatic hybrid Solanum tuberosum and Solanum etuberosum
Authors: Tiwari Jagesh Kumar , Devi Sapna , Sundaresha S. , Chandel Poonam , Ali Nilofer , Singh Brajesh , Bhardwaj Vinay , Singh Bir Pal
Published: July 2015

Genes involved in photoassimilate partitioning and changes in hormonal balance are important for potato tuberization. In the present study, we investigated gene expression patterns in the tuber-bearing potato somatic hybrid (E1-3) and control non-tuberous wild species Solanum etuberosum (Etb) by microarray. Plants were grown under controlled conditions and leaves were collected at eight tuber developmental stages for microarray analysis. A t-test analysis identified a total of 468 genes (94 up-regulated and 374 down-regulated) that were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) and differentially expressed in E1-3 and Etb. Gene Ontology (GO) characterization of the 468 genes revealed that 145 were annotated and 323 were of unknown function. Further, these 145 genes were grouped based on GO biological processes followed by molecular function and (or) PGSC description into 15 gene sets, namely (1) transport, (2) metabolic process, (3) biological process, (4) photosynthesis, (5) oxidation-reduction, (6) transcription, (7) translation, (8) binding, (9) protein phosphorylation, (10) protein folding, (11) ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process, (12) RNA processing, (13) negative regulation of protein, (14) methylation, and (15) mitosis. RT-PCR analysis of 10 selected highly significant genes (p ≤ 0.01) confirmed the microarray results. Overall, we show that candidate genes induced in leaves of E1-3 were implicated in tuberization processes such as transport, carbohydrate metabolism, phytohormones, and transcription/translation/binding functions. Hence, our results provide an insight into the candidate genes induced in leaf tissues during tuberization in E1-3.
On Nichols (braided) Lie algebras
Authors: Wu Weicai , Zhang Shouchuan , Zhang Yao-Zhong
Published: July 2015

We prove (i) Nichols algebra 𝔅(V) of vector space V is finite dimensional if and only if Nichols braided Lie algebra 𝔏(V) is finite dimensional; (ii) if the rank of connected V is 2 and 𝔅(V) is an arithmetic root system, then 𝔅(V) = F ⊕ 𝔏(V); and (iii) if Δ(𝔅(V)) is an arithmetic root system and there does not exist any m-infinity element with puu≠ 1 for any u ∈ D(V), then dim (𝔅(V)) = ∞ if and only if there exists V′, which is twisting equivalent to V, such that dim (𝔏-(V′)) = ∞. Furthermore, we give an estimation of dimensions of Nichols Lie algebras and two examples of Lie algebras which do not have maximal solvable ideals.
Path integral for spinning particle subjected to the constant electromagnetic field
Authors: Merdaci A. , Boudiaf N. , Chetouani L.
Published: July 2015

The problem of the Dirac particle submitted to a wave [Formula: see text] of a four-dimensional constant electromagnetic tensor is solved with the path integral approach via the use of Lorentz transformation and with an adequate choice for the velocity of the mobile referential.

We show that the supersymmetric action associated to the pair [Formula: see text] can be determined from that associated to the pair [Formula: see text] and from that associated to the pair [Formula: see text] following simple relations.

The wave functions and the energy spectrums are thus exactly determined and tested. Special cases are considered as well.
Coherence resonance in the FitzHugh–Nagumo neurons models driven by bounded noise
Authors: Chai Yuzhen , Wu Chunyan , Li Dongxi
Published: July 2015

We investigate coherence resonance (CR) in the FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neurons models driven by bounded noise. By considering the coefficient of coherence resonance as a ratio, it is numerically demonstrated that bounded noise can cause CR by adjusting either the intensity of bounded noise or its frequency. When the intensity and frequency of bounded noise take certain limited values respectively, the strongest CR phenomenon is produced.
From the second law of thermodynamics to AC-conductivity measures of interacting fermions in disordered media
Authors: Bru J.-B. , de Siqueira Pedra W.
Published: July 2015

We study the dynamics of interacting lattice fermions with random hopping amplitudes and random static potentials, in presence of time-dependent electromagnetic fields. The interparticle interaction is short-range and translation invariant. Electromagnetic fields are compactly supported in time and space. In the limit of infinite space supports (macroscopic limit) of electromagnetic fields, we derive Ohm and Joule's laws in the AC-regime. An important outcome is the extension to interacting fermions of the notion of macroscopic AC-conductivity measures, known so far only for free fermions with disorder. Such excitation measures result from the second law of thermodynamics and turn out to be Lévy measures. As compared to the Drude (Lorentz–Sommerfeld) model, widely used in Physics, the quantum many-body problem studied here predicts a much smaller AC-conductivity at large frequencies. This indicates (in accordance with experimental results) that the relaxation time of the Drude model, seen as an effective parameter for the conductivity, should be highly frequency-dependent. We conclude by proposing an alternative effective description — using Lévy processes in Fourier space — of the phenomenon of electrical conductivity.
Gyromagnetic gs factors of the spin-1/2 particles in the (1/2+-1/2--3/2-) triad of the four-vector spinor, ψμ, irreducibility and linearity
Authors: Delgado Acosta E. G. , Banda Guzmán V. M. , Kirchbach M.
Published: July 2015

The gauged Klein–Gordon equation, extended by a gsσμνFμν/4 interaction, the contraction of the electromagnetic field strength tensor, Fμν, with the generators, σμν/2, of the Lorentz group in (1/2, 0) ⊕ (0, 1/2), and gs being the gyromagnetic factor, is examined with the aim to find out as to what extent it qualifies as a wave equation for general relativistic spin-1/2 particles transforming as (1/2, 0) ⊕ (0, 1/2) and possibly distinct from the Dirac fermions. This equation can be viewed as the generalization of the gs = 2 case, known under the name of the Feynman–Gell-Mann equation, the only one which allows for a bilinearization into the gauged Dirac equation and its conjugate. At the same time, it is well-known a fact that a gs = 2 value can also be obtained upon the bilinearization of the nonrelativistic Schrödinger into nonrelativistic Pauli equations. The inevitable conclusion is that it must not be necessarily relativity which fixes the gyromagnetic factor of the electron to g(1/2) = 2, but rather the specific form of the primordial quadratic wave equation obeyed by it, that is amenable to a linearization. The fact is that space-time symmetries alone define solely the kinematic properties of the particles and neither fix the values of their interacting constants, nor do they necessarily prescribe linear Lagrangians. Information on such properties has to be obtained from additional physical inputs involving the dynamics. We here provide an example in support of the latter statement. Our case is that the spin-1/2- fermion residing within the four-vector spinor triad, ψμ ~ (1/2+-1/2--3/2-), whose sectors at the free particle level are interconnected by spin-up and spin-down ladder operators, does not allow for a description within a linear framework at the interacting level. Upon gauging, despite transforming according to the irreducible (1/2, 1) ⊕ (1, 1/2) building block of ψμ, and being described by 16-dimensional four-vector spinors, though of only four independent components each, its Compton scattering cross sections, both differential and total, result equivalent to those for a spin-1/2 particle described by the generalized Feynman–Gell-Mann equation from above (for which we provide an independent algebraic motivation) and with g(1/2-) = -2/3. In effect, the spin-1/2- particle residing within the four-vector spinor effectively behaves as a true relativistic "quadratic" fermion. The g(1/2-) = -2/3 value ensures in addition the desired unitarity in the ultraviolet. In contrast, the spin-1/2+ particle, in transforming irreducibly in the (1/2, 0) ⊕ (0, 1/2) sector of ψμ, is shown to behave as a truly linear Dirac fermion. Within the framework employed, the three spin sectors of ψμ are described on equal footing by representation- and spin-specific wave equations and associated Lagrangians which are of second-order in the momenta.
Evaluating a Stream of Relational KNNQueries by a Knowledge Base
Authors: Zhu Liang , Song Xin , Liu Chunnian
Published: July 2015

In relational databases and their applications, there are opportunities for evaluating a stream of K NN queries submitted one by one at different times. For this issue, we propose a new method with learning-based techniques, region clustering methods and caching mechanisms. This method uses a knowledge base to store related information of some past K NN queries, groups the search regions of the past queries into larger regions, and retrieves the tuples from the larger regions. To answer a newly submitted query, our strategy tries to obtain a majority or all of the results from the previously retrieved tuples cached in main memory. Thus, this method seeks to minimize the response time by reducing the search region or avoiding the accesses to the underlying database. Meanwhile, our method remains effective for high-dimensional data. Extensive experiments are carried out to measure the performance of this new strategy and the results indicate that it is significantly better than the state-of-the-art naïve methods of evaluating a stream of K NN queries for both low-dimensional (2, 3 and 4) and high-dimensional (25, 50 and 104) data.
Some results about proper overrings of pseudo-valuation domains
Authors: Jarboui Noômen , Trabelsi Salma
Published: July 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a (unital) extension of (commutative) rings. We say that [Formula: see text] is a maximal non-quasi-local (respectively, non-PVD) subring of [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is not quasi-local (respectively, PVD) and each subring of [Formula: see text] properly containing [Formula: see text] is quasi-local (respectively, PVD). The aim of this paper is to study this kind of ring extensions and to investigate the structure of the intermediate rings between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
On finite groups all of whose cubic Cayley graphs are integral
Authors: Ma Xuanlong , Wang Kaishun
Published: July 2015

For any positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the set of finite groups [Formula: see text] such that all Cayley graphs [Formula: see text] are integral whenever [Formula: see text]. Estélyi and Kovács [On groups all of whose undirected Cayley graphs of bounded valency are integral, Electron. J. Combin. 21 (2014) #P4.45.] classified [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we characterize the finite groups each of whose cubic Cayley graphs is integral. Moreover, the class [Formula: see text] is characterized. As an application, the classification of [Formula: see text] is obtained again, where [Formula: see text].
Derived length when a product of characters has two nonprincipal irreducible constituents
Authors: Hendrixson Lisa Rose , Lewis Mark L.
Published: July 2015

We study the situation where a solvable group [Formula: see text] has a faithful irreducible character [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] has exactly two distinct nonprincipal irreducible constituents. We prove that [Formula: see text] has derived length bounded above by 8, and provide an example of such a group having derived length 8. In particular, this improves upon a result of Adan-Bante.
Vertex and edge connectivity of non-normal graphs
Authors: Alinejad M. , Erfanian A.
Published: July 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group and [Formula: see text] be a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. The non-normal graph of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is defined as the bipartite graph with two parts [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the normalizer and the core of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], respectively. Two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider vertex and edge connectivity of [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] and if [Formula: see text] is a positive integer such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then the graph [Formula: see text] has a cycle of length [Formula: see text].
Some homological properties of GL(m|n) in arbitrary characteristic
Authors: Zubkov Alexandr N.
Published: July 2015

We generalize the Borel–Bott–Weil theorem for general linear supergroup over a field of odd characteristic. We also prove a partial generalization of Kempf’s vanishing theorem and calculate Euler characteristics of all Borel supersubgroups in [Formula: see text].
The classical geometrization of the electromagnetism
Authors: de Araujo Duarte Celso
Published: July 2015

Following the line of the history, if by one side the electromagnetic theory was consolidated on the 19th century, the emergence of the special and the general relativity theories on the 20th century opened possibilities of further developments, with the search for the unification of the gravitation and the electromagnetism on a single unified theory. Some attempts to the geometrization of the electromagnetism emerged in this context, where these first models resided strictly on a classical basis. Posteriorly, they were followed by more complete and embracing quantum field theories. The present work reconsiders the classical viewpoint, with the purpose of showing that at first-order of approximation the electromagnetism constitutes a geometric structure aside other phenomena as gravitation, and that magnetic monopoles do not exist at least up to this order of approximation. Even though being limited, the model is consistent and offers the possibility of an experimental test of validity.
Crank-Nicholson Scheme for the Estimation of Thermal Disturbance on the Peripheral Tissues of Human Body Subjected to Oscillatory Boundary Condition and Time Dependent Heat Source
Authors: Khanday M. A. , Hussain Fida
Published: July 2015

To predict the behaviour of thermal physiology of a finite biological tissue in severe cold climatic conditions, a mathematical model has been established based on Pennes' bio-heat transfer equation with oscillatory boundary condition and time dependent heat source term. Crank-Nicholson scheme has been employed to obtain the solution of the boundary value problem to understand the change in stable temperature profiles at the peripheral tissues of human body subjected to forced convection due to cold. Thermal stress at these regions with respect to different input parameters has been computed under extreme environmental conditions using MATLAB Software. The results have shown a relative significance and provide a reasonable outcome in terms of variable metabolic heat generation and oscillatory heat source. The oscillations of the temperature profiles from the mean temperatures were computed in relation with tissue medium and other physiological parameters.
The decomposition theorem of products of multiple zeta values of height one
Authors: Eie Minking , Liaw Wen-Chin , Ong Yao Lin
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we extend the Euler decomposition theorem to a much more general form of the decomposition of the product of [Formula: see text] multiple zeta values of height one [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the symmetric group of [Formula: see text] objects, and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are induced permutations of [Formula: see text] on the sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The case [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] gives the classical Euler decomposition theorem.
The Route for Ultra-High Recording Density Using Probe-Based Data Storage Device
Authors: Wang Lei , Wen Jing , Yang CiHui , Gai Shan , Peng YuanXiu
Published: July 2015

Phase-change probe memory using Ge2Sb2Te5 has been considered as one of the promising candidates as next-generation data storage device due to its ultra-high density, low energy consumption, short access time and long retention time. In order to utmostly mimic the practical setup, and thus fully explore the potential of phase-change probe memory for 10 Tbit/in2 target, some advanced modeling techniques that include threshold-switching, electrical contact resistance, thermal boundary resistance and crystal nucleation-growth, are introduced into the already-established electrothermal model to simulate the write and read performance of phase-change probe memory using an optimal media stack design. The resulting predictions clearly demonstrate the capability of phase-change probe memory to record 10 Tbit/in2 density under pico Joule energy within micro second period.
Talas–Fergana Fault Cenozoic timing of deformation and its relation to Pamir indentation
Authors: Bande Alejandro , Sobel Edward R. , Mikolaichuk Alexander , Torres Acosta Verónica
Published: July 2015

Regional strike-slip faults are widely distributed in continental interiors and play a major role in the distribution of far-field deformation due to continental collisions. Constraining the deformation history of the Talas–Fergana Fault (TFF), one of the largest of such faults in the Himalayan deformed interior, is vital to comprehend the hinterland kinematics of the India–Asia collision. New apatite fission track results from the NW Tien Shan define a rapid exhumation event at
c.
25 Ma. This event is correlated with a synchronous pulse in the South Tien Shan, implying that both ranges experienced a simultaneous onset of rapid exhumation. We suggest that strike-slip motion along the TFF commenced at
c.
25 Ma, facilitating counter-clockwise rotation of the Fergana Basin and enabling exhumation of the linked horsetail splays. Pamir indentation, located south of the Western Tien Shan, is postulated to be underway by
c.
20 Ma. Recently published results suggest synchronous strike-slip deformation in the western Tarim Basin and eastern flank of the Pamir. Based on our results and published data, we are able to connect Tarim and Pamir deformation to the onset of TFF slip. We suggest that this pre-existing regional structure was responsible for transferring Pamir-induced shortening to the NW Tien Shan.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary material is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18845
Large-Volume Microfluidic Cell Sorting for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Wu Lidan , Tay Andy Kah Ping , Han Jongyoon
Published: July 2015

Microfluidic cell-separation technologies have been studied for almost two decades, but the limited throughput has restricted their impact and range of application. Recent advances in microfluidics enable high-throughput cell sorting and separation, and this has led to various novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications that previously had been impossible to implement using microfluidics technologies. In this review, we focus on recent progress made in engineering large-volume microfluidic cell-sorting methods and the new applications enabled by them.
The Relevance of Law to Sovereign Debt
Authors: Weidemaier W. Mark C. , Gulati Mitu
Published: July 2015

The literature on sovereign debt treats law as of marginal significance, largely because the doctrine of sovereign immunity leaves creditors few potent legal remedies against sovereign borrowers. Although sovereign debts can indeed be hard to enforce, the goal of this article is to demonstrate that law plays a central, and constantly evolving, role in structuring sovereign debt markets. To list just a few examples, legal rules and institutions (a) decide when a borrower is sovereign, (b) define the consequences of sovereignty by drawing (or refusing to draw) artificial boundaries between the sovereign and other legal entities, (c) play some role in cases of state and government succession, and (d) determine the extent to which the rules of sovereign immunity can be changed by contract. These legal rules and institutions are not set in stone; they evolve in response to the political, economic, and social forces that shape the market for sovereign debt.
Growth Rates of Microbes in the Oceans
Authors: Kirchman David L.
Published: July 2015

A microbe's growth rate helps to set its ecological success and its contribution to food web dynamics and biogeochemical processes. Growth rates at the community level are constrained by biomass and trophic interactions among bacteria, phytoplankton, and their grazers. Phytoplankton growth rates are approximately 1 d−1, whereas most heterotrophic bacteria grow slowly, close to 0.1 d−1; only a few taxa can grow ten times as fast. Data from 16S rRNA and other approaches are used to speculate about the growth rate and the life history strategy of SAR11, the most abundant clade of heterotrophic bacteria in the oceans. These strategies are also explored using genomic data. Although the methods and data are imperfect, the available data can be used to set limits on growth rates and thus on the timescale for changes in the composition and structure of microbial communities.
Microsporidia: Eukaryotic Intracellular Parasites Shaped by Gene Loss and Horizontal Gene Transfers
Authors: Corradi Nicolas
Published: July 2015

Microsporidia are eukaryotic parasites of many animals that appear to have adapted to an obligate intracellular lifestyle by modifying the morphology and content of their cells. Living inside other cells, they have lost many, or all, metabolic functions, resulting in genomes that are always gene poor and often very small. The minute content of microsporidian genomes led many to assume that these parasites are biochemically static and uninteresting. However, recent studies have demonstrated that these organisms can be surprisingly complex and dynamic. In this review I detail the most significant recent advances in microsporidian genomics and discuss how these have affected our understanding of many biological aspects of these peculiar eukaryotic intracellular pathogens.
Perception and Homeostatic Control of Iron in the Rhizobia and Related Bacteria
Authors: O'Brian Mark R.
Published: July 2015

Iron is an essential nutrient, but it can also be toxic. Therefore, iron homeostasis must be strictly regulated. Transcriptional control of iron-dependent gene expression in the rhizobia and other taxa of the Alphaproteobacteria is fundamentally different from the Fur paradigm in Escherichia coli and other model systems. Rather than sense iron directly, the rhizobia employ the iron response regulator (Irr) to monitor and respond to the status of an iron-dependent process, namely, heme biosynthesis. This novel control mechanism allows iron homeostasis to be integrated with other cellular processes, and it permits differential control of iron regulon genes in a manner not readily achieved by Fur. Moreover, studies of Irr have defined a role for heme in conditional protein stability that has been subsequently described in eukaryotes. Finally, Irr-mediated control of iron metabolism may reflect a cellular strategy that accommodates a greater reliance on manganese.
Anthrax Pathogenesis
Authors: Moayeri Mahtab , Leppla Stephen H. , Vrentas Catherine , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Liu Shihui
Published: July 2015

Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacterium's major virulence factors are (a) the anthrax toxins and (b) an antiphagocytic polyglutamic capsule. These are encoded by two large plasmids, the former by pXO1 and the latter by pXO2. The expression of both is controlled by the bicarbonate-responsive transcriptional regulator, AtxA. The anthrax toxins are three polypeptides—protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF)—that come together in binary combinations to form lethal toxin and edema toxin. PA binds to cellular receptors to translocate LF (a protease) and EF (an adenylate cyclase) into cells. The toxins alter cell signaling pathways in the host to interfere with innate immune responses in early stages of infection and to induce vascular collapse at late stages. This review focuses on the role of anthrax toxins in pathogenesis. Other virulence determinants, as well as vaccines and therapeutics, are briefly discussed.
AZT-induced mitochondrial toxicity: an epigenetic paradigm for dysregulation of gene expression through mitochondrial oxidative stress
Authors: Koczor Christopher A. , Jiao Zhe , Fields Earl , Russ Rodney , Ludaway Tomika , Lewis William
Published: July 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction causes oxidative stress and cardiomyopathy. Oxidative stress also is a side effect of dideoxynucleoside antiretrovirals (NRTI) and is observed in NRTI-induced cardiomyopathy. We show here that treatment with the NRTI AZT {1-[(2 R,4 S,5 S)-4-azido-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4-dione} modulates cardiac gene expression epigenetically through production of mitochondrially derived reactive oxygen species. Transgenic mice with ubiquitous expression of mitochondrially targeted catalase (MCAT) and C57Bl/6 wild-type mice littermates (WT) were administered AZT (0.22 mg/day po, 35 days), and cardiac DNA and mRNA were isolated. In AZT-treated WT, 95 cardiac genes were differentially expressed compared with vehicle-treated WTs. When MCAT mice were treated with AZT, each of those 95 genes reverted toward the expression of vehicle-treated WTs. In AZT-treated WT hearts, Mthfr [5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; a critical enzyme in synthesis of methionine cycle intermediates including S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)], was overexpressed. Steady-state abundance of SAM in cardiac extracts from AZT-treated MCAT mice increased 60% above that of vehicle-treated MCAT. No such change occurred in WT. AZT caused hypermethylation (47%) and hypomethylation (53%) of differentially methylated DNA regions in WT cardiac DNA. AZT-treated MCAT heart DNA exhibited greater hypermethylation (91%) and less hypomethylation (9%) compared with vehicle-treated MCAT controls. The gene encoding protein kinase C-α displayed multifocal epigenetic regulation caused by oxidative stress. Results show that mitochondrially derived oxidative stress in the heart hinders cardiac DNA methylation, alters steady-state abundance of SAM, alters cardiac gene expression, and promotes characteristic pathophysiological changes of cardiomyopathy. This mechanism for NRTI toxicity offers insight into long-term side effects from these commonly used antiviral agents.
Locoregional Recurrence Risk in Breast Cancer Patients with Estrogen Receptor Positive Tumors and Residual Nodal Disease following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy without Radiation Therapy
Authors: Kandula Shravan , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Harari Saul , Fasola Carolina , Mister Donna , Yu David S. , Zelnak Amelia B. , Torres Mylin A.
Published: July 2015

Among breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and mastectomy, locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates are unclear in women with ER+ tumors treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy without postmastectomy radiation (PMRT). To determine if PMRT is needed in these patients, we compared LRR rates of patients with ER+ tumors (treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy) with women who have non-ER+ tumors. 85 consecutive breast cancer patients (87 breast tumors) treated with NAC and mastectomy without PMRT were reviewed. Patients were divided by residual nodal disease (ypN) status (ypN+ versus ypN0) and then stratified by receptor subtype. Among ypN+ patients (n=35), five-year LRR risk in patients with ER+, Her2+, and triple negative tumors was 5%, 33%, and 37%, respectively (p=0.02). Among ypN+/ER+ patients, lymphovascular invasion and grade three disease increased the five-year LRR risk to 13% and 11%, respectively. Among ypN0 patients (n=52), five-year LRR risk in patients with ER+, Her2+, and triple negative tumors was 7%, 22%, and 6%, respectively (p=0.71). In women with ER+ tumors and residual nodal disease, endocrine therapy may be sufficient adjuvant treatment, except in patients with lymphovascular invasion or grade three tumors where PMRT may still be indicated.
Analysis of Multiserver Retrial Queueing System with Varying Capacity and Parameters
Authors: Dudin Alexander N. , Dudina Olga S.
Published: July 2015

A multiserver queueing system, the dynamics of which depends on the state of some external continuous-time Markov chain (random environment, RE), is considered. Change of the state of the RE may cause variation of the parameters of the arrival process, the service process, the number of available servers, and the available buffer capacity, as well as the behavior of customers. Evolution of the system states is described by the multidimensional continuous-time Markov chain. The generator of this Markov chain is derived. The ergodicity condition is presented. Expressions for the key performance measures are given. Numerical results illustrating the behavior of the system and showing possibility of formulation and solution of optimization problems are provided. The importance of the account of correlation in the arrival processes is numerically illustrated.
Computer-Assisted Diagnosis of the Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Alvarez-Estevez Diego , Moret-Bonillo Vicente
Published: July 2015

Automatic diagnosis of the Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) has become an important area of research due to the growing interest in the field of sleep medicine and the costs associated with its manual diagnosis. The increment and heterogeneity of the different techniques, however, make it somewhat difficult to adequately follow the recent developments. A literature review within the area of computer-assisted diagnosis of SAHS has been performed comprising the last 15 years of research in the field. Screening approaches, methods for the detection and classification of respiratory events, comprehensive diagnostic systems, and an outline of current commercial approaches are reviewed. An overview of the different methods is presented together with validation analysis and critical discussion of the current state of the art.
Plant Natural Products Calycosin and Gallic Acid Synergistically Attenuate Neutrophil Infiltration and Subsequent Injury in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction: A Possible Role for Leukotriene B4 12-Hydroxydehydrogenase?
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhao Jia , Tse Hung Fat , Le X. Chris , Rong Jianhui
Published: July 2015

Leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase (LTB4DH) catalyzes the oxidation of proinflammatory LTB4 into less bioactive 12-oxo-LTB4. We recently discovered that LTB4DH was induced by two different natural products in combination. We previously isolated gallic acid fromRadix Paeoniaethrough a bioactivity-guided fractionation procedure. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that LTB4DH inducers may suppress neutrophil-mediated inflammation in myocardial infarction. We first isolated the active compound(s) from another plant,Radix Astragali, by the similar strategy. By evaluating LTB4DH induction, we identified calycosin and formononetin fromRadix Astragaliby HPLC-ESI-MS technique. We confirmed that gallic acid and commercial calycosin or formononetin could synergistically induce LTB4DH expression in HepG2 cells and human neutrophils. Moreover, calycosin and gallic acid attenuated the effects of LTB4 on the survival and chemotaxis of neutrophil cell culture. We further demonstrated that calycosin and gallic acid synergistically suppressed neutrophil infiltration and protected cardiac integrity in the isoproterenol-induced mice model of myocardial infarction. Calycosin and gallic acid dramatically suppressed isoproterenol-induced increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Collectively, our results suggest that LTB4DH inducers (i.e., calycosin and gallic acid) may be a novel combined therapy for the treatment of neutrophil-mediated myocardial injury.
A Rare Presentation of Transfusional Hemochromatosis: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Ucler Rifki , Kara Erdal , Atmaca Murat , Olmez Sehmus , Alay Murat , Dirik Yaren , Bora Aydin
Published: July 2015

Hemochromatosis is a disease caused by extraordinary iron deposition in parenchymal cells leading to cellular damage and organ dysfunction.β-thalassemia major is one of the causes of secondary hemochromatosis due to regular transfusional treatment for maintaining adequate levels of hemoglobin. Hypogonadism is one of the potential complications of hemochromatosis, usually seen in patients with a severe iron overload, and it shows an association with diabetes and cirrhosis in adult patients. We describe a patient with mild transfusional hemochromatosis due toβ-thalassemia major, presenting with central hypogonadism in the absence of cirrhosis or diabetes. Our case showed an atypical presentation with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism without severe hyperferritinemia, cirrhosis, or diabetes. With this case, we aim to raise awareness of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with intensive transfused thalassemia major even if not severe hemochromatosis so that hypogonadism related complications, such as osteoporosis, anergia, weakness, sexual dysfunction, and infertility, could be more effectively managed in these patients.
Expression Profile of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Members in the Developing Human Fetal Brain
Authors: Tichy Julia , Zinke Jenny , Bunz Benedikt , Meyermann Richard , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel
Published: July 2015

The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway plays a central role in the developing mammalian CNS. In our study, we aimed to investigate the spatiotemporalSHHpathway expression pattern in human fetal brains. We analyzed 22 normal fetal brains for Shh, Patched, Smoothened, and Gli1-3 expression by immunohistochemistry. In the telencephalon, strongest expression of Shh, Smoothened, and Gli2 was found in the cortical plate (CP) and ventricular zone. Patched was strongly upregulated in the ventricular zone and Gli1 in the CP. In the cerebellum,SHHpathway members were strongly expressed in the external granular layer (EGL).SHHpathway members significantly decreased over time in the ventricular and subventricular zone and in the cerebellar EGL, while increasing levels were found in more superficial telencephalic layers. Our findings show thatSHHpathway members are strongly expressed in areas important for proliferation and differentiation and indicate a temporal expression gradient in telencephalic and cerebellar layers probably due to decreased proliferation of progenitor cells and increased differentiation. Our data about the spatiotemporal expression ofSHHpathway members in the developing human brain serves as a base for the understanding of both normal and pathological CNS development.
Cardamonin Regulates miR-21 Expression and Suppresses Angiogenesis Induced by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Jiang Fu-Sheng , Tian Sha-Sha , Lu Jin-Jian , Ding Xing-Hong , Qian Chao-Dong , Ding Bin , Ding Zhi-Shan , Jin Bo
Published: July 2015

Cardamonin has promising potential in cancer prevention and therapy by interacting with proteins and modifying the expressions and activities, including factors of cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis. In our precious study, we have demonstrated that cardamonin suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) induced angiogenesis as evaluated in the mouse aortic ring assay. It is also known that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in angiogenesis. Herein, we hypothesized whether antiangiogenesis effect of cardamonin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) triggered by VEGF was associated with miRNAs. We found that cardamonin reduced the miR-21 expression induced by VEGF in HUVECs. Treatment with miR-21 mimics abolished the effects of cardamonin on VEGF-induced cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in HUVECs. However, treatment with miR-21 inhibitors presented the opposite effects, indicating the vital role of miR-21 in this process. Our study provides a new insight of the preliminary mechanism of anti-VEGF-induced angiogenesis by cardamonin in HUVECs.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering Studies on the Crystal Field Excitations in Superconducting NdFeAsO0.85F0.15
Authors: Cheng Peng , Bao Wei , Danilkin Sergey , Zhao Tiesong , Sheng Jieming , Liu Juanjuan , Luo Wei , Wang Jinchen
Published: July 2015

Inelastic neutron scattering experiments were performed on polycrystalline samples of NdFeAsO0.85F0.15over a wide temperature range (3 K–250 K). Based on the analysis of the experimental data, a Nd3+CF energy level scheme is proposed to give a consistent explanation about the observed CF transitions. The observed extra ground-state CF transitions could not be simply explained by the transitions between five Kramers doublets split from the Nd3+   4I9/2ground state in theC4vpoint symmetry. A reliable explanation would be a superposition of crystal fields due to different local symmetries around the Nd3+ions induced by the fluorine doping.
Duodenal Obstruction as First Presentation of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Khairy Sami , Azzam Ayman , Mohammed Shamayel , Suleman Kausar , Khawaji Abdurahman , Amin Tarek
Published: July 2015

The metastatic breast cancer to the duodenum is rare in spite of common breast cancer. In this paper, we are reporting a rare case of 50-year-old lady who presented with intestinal obstruction as result of metastatic breast cancer which completely responds to chemotherapy. The tumor presents again as brain metastasis after stop of Herceptin due to cardiac toxicity.
Comparison of the Effect of VaginalZataria multifloraCream and Oral Metronidazole Pill on Results of Treatments for Vaginal Infections including Trichomoniasis and Bacterial Vaginosis in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Abdali Khadijeh , Jahed Leila , Amooee Sedigheh , Zarshenas Mahnaz , Tabatabaee Hamidreza , Bekhradi Reza
Published: July 2015

Effect ofZataria multifloraon bacterial vaginosis andTrichomonas vaginalisis shown in vivo and in vitro. We compare the effectiveness ofZataria multifloracream and oral metronidazole pill on results of treatment for vaginal infections includingTrichomonasand bacterial vaginosis; these infections occur simultaneously. The study included 420 women with bacterial vaginosis,Trichomonas vaginalis, or both infections together, who were randomly divided into six groups. Criteria for diagnosis were wet smear and Gram stain. VaginalZataria multifloracream and placebo pill were administered to the experiment groups; the control group received oral metronidazole pill and vaginal placebo cream. Comparison of the clinical symptoms showed no significant difference in all three vaginitis groups receiving metronidazole pill and vaginalZataria multifloracream. However, comparison of the wet smear test results was significant in patients with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis associated with trichomoniasis in the two treatment groups (p=0.001andp=0.01). VaginalZataria multifloracream had the same effect of oral metronidazole tablets in improving clinical symptoms of all three vaginitis groups, as well as the treatment for bacterial vaginosis. It can be used as a drug for treatment of bacterial vaginosis and elimination of clinical symptoms ofTrichomonasvaginitis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerosis Using CD81-Targeted Microparticles of Iron Oxide in Mice
Authors: Yan Fei , Yang Wei , Li Xiang , Liu Hongmei , Nan Xiang , Xie Lisi , Zhou Dongliang , Xie Guoxi , Wu Junru , Qiu Bensheng , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong
Published: July 2015

The goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using CD81- (Cluster of Differentiation 81 protein-) targeted microparticles of iron oxide (CD81-MPIO) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the murine atherosclerosis. CD81-MPIO and IgG- (Immunoglobulin G-) MPIO were prepared by covalently conjugating, respectively, with anti-CD81 monoclonal and IgG antibodies to the surface of the tosyl activated MPIO. The relevant binding capability of the MPIO was examined by incubating them with murine bEnd.3 cells stimulated with phenazine methosulfate (PMS) and its effect in shortening T2 relaxation time was also examined. MRI in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice was studied in vivo. Our results show that CD81-MPIO, but not IgG-MPIO, can bind to the PMS-stimulated bEnd.3 cells. The T2 relaxation time was significantly shortened for stimulated bEnd.3 cells when compared with IgG-MPIO. In vivo MRI in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice showed highly conspicuous areas of low signal after CD81-MPIO injection. Quantitative analysis of the area of CD81-MPIO contrast effects showed 8.96- and 6.98-fold increase in comparison with IgG-MPIO or plain MPIO, respectively (P<0.01). Histological assay confirmed the expression of CD81 and CD81-MPIO binding onto atherosclerotic lesions. In conclusion, CD81-MPIO allows molecular assessment of murine atherosclerotic lesions by magnetic resonance imaging.
Biventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy in an Adult with Unique Facial Dysmorphisms: Case Report and Brief Review
Authors: Rao Gaurav , Tauras James
Published: July 2015

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy that is believed it to arise from an arrest in embryonic endomyocardial development. More recent studies suggest that it can be acquired later on in life sporadically. It may be accompanied by life-threatening complications, which are most commonly heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events. We report a case of biventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in a 36-year-old man presenting for the first time with clinical heart failure as well as atrial arrhythmia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed LVNC with depressed ejection fraction (EF). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) further revealed a left atrial appendage thrombus as well as right ventricular noncompaction involvement. His physical exam was unique for a characteristic facial dysmorphisms pattern and developmental delays reminiscent of the earliest descriptions of LVNC in the pediatric population and it was rarely described in adult patients. This unique presentation underscores the importance of a better understanding of the genetics and natural course of LVNC. This will help us to elucidate the uncertainty surrounding its clinical management, discussed in a brief review of the literature following the case.
Coccidioidomycosis Masquerading as Eosinophilic Ascites
Authors: Alavi Kourosh , Atla Pradeep R. , Haq Tahmina , Sheikh Muhammad Y.
Published: July 2015

Endemic to the southwestern parts of the United States, coccidioidomycosis, also known as “Valley Fever,” is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs in both acute and chronic forms. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe but very uncommon and usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. It can affect the central nervous system, bones, joints, skin, and, very rarely, the abdomen. This is the first case report of a patient with coccidioidal dissemination to the peritoneum presenting as eosinophilic ascites (EA). A 27-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and distention from ascites. He had eosinophilia of 11.1% with negative testing for stool studies, HIV, and tuberculosis infection. Ascitic fluid exam was remarkable for low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), PMN count >250/mm3, and eosinophils of 62%. Abdominal imaging showed thickened small bowel and endoscopic testing negative for gastric and small bowel biopsies. He was treated empirically for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, but no definitive diagnosis could be made until coccidioidal serology returned positive. We noted complete resolution of symptoms with oral fluconazole during outpatient follow-up. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis can present in an atypical fashion and may manifest as peritonitis with low SAAG EA. The finding of EA in an endemic area should raise the suspicion of coccidioidal dissemination.
Oral Myiasis Caused byCochliomyia hominivoraxin a Disabled Person
Authors: Novo-Neto José Pereira , Santos Fabiano de Sant’Ana dos , Pontes Ana Emília Farias , Ribeiro Fernando Salimon , Scannavino Fábio Luiz Ferreira , Martins Alex Tadeu
Published: July 2015

Myiasis is a parasitic disease caused by developing maggots of fly species, which can infect humans. Patients with special needs, especially those with severe neuropsychomotor limitations, may have oral manifestations of this disease. Here, we present a clinical case in which a disabled person was affected by oral myiasis caused byCochliomyia hominivorax. Maggots were found in two ulcerated lesions, a 2 cm diameter lesion in the maxilla and a 6 cm diameter lesion in the mandible. Forty-five maggots were removed during inspection, whereas 75 maggots were surgically removed under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation. Dipyrone, ivermectin, and clindamycin were prescribed, and the patient remained hospitalized for 3 days. Seven days after surgical intervention, no maggots were observed. Our study emphasizes that dentists must recognize the symptoms and behaviors of parasitic diseases that affect the oral cavity.