bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of Chaotic Gyros Based on Robust Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion
Authors: Yang Inseok , Lee Dongik
Published: August 2013

A robust nonlinear dynamic inversion (RNDI) technique is proposed in order to synchronize the behavior of chaotic gyros subjected to uncertainties such as model mismatches and disturbances. Gyro is a crucial device that measures and maintains the orientation of a vehicle. By Leipnik and Newton in 1981, chaotic behavior of a gyro under specific conditions was established. Hence, controlling and synchronizing a gyro that shows irregular (chaotic) motion are very important. The proposed synchronization method is based on nonlinear dynamic inversion (NDI) control. NDI is a nonlinear control technique that removes the original system dynamics into the user-defined desired dynamics. Since NDI removes the original dynamics directly, it does not need linearizing and designing gain-scheduled controllers for each equilibrium point. However, achieving perfect cancellation of the original nonlinear dynamics is impossible in real applications due to model uncertainties and disturbances. This paper proposes the robustness assurance method of NDI based on sliding mode control (SMC). Firstly, similarities of the conventional NDI control and SMC are provided. And then the RNDI control technique is proposed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Genotypic and Antimicrobial Characterisation ofPropionibacterium acnesIsolates from Surgically Excised Lumbar Disc Herniations
Authors: Rollason Jess , McDowell Andrew , Albert Hanne B. , Barnard Emma , Worthington Tony , Hilton Anthony C. , Vernallis Ann , Patrick Sheila , Elliott Tom , Lambert Peter
Published: August 2013

The anaerobic skin commensalPropionibacterium acnesis an underestimated cause of human infections and clinical conditions. Previous studies have suggested a role for the bacterium in lumbar disc herniation and infection. To further investigate this, five biopsy samples were surgically excised from each of 64 patients with lumbar disc herniation.P. acnesand other bacteria were detected by anaerobic culture, followed by biochemical and PCR-based identification. In total, 24/64 (38%) patients had evidence ofP. acnesin their excised herniated disc tissue. UsingrecAand mAb typing methods, 52% of the isolates were type II (50% of culture-positive patients), while type IA strains accounted for 28% of isolates (42% patients). Type III (11% isolates; 21% patients) and type IB strains (9% isolates; 17% patients) were detected less frequently. The MIC values for all isolates were lowest for amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, rifampicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin (≤1mg/L). The MIC for fusidic acid was 1-2 mg/L. The MIC for trimethoprim and gentamicin was 2 to ≥4 mg/L. The demonstration that type II and III strains, which are not frequently recovered from skin, predominated within our isolate collection (63%) suggests that the role ofP. acnesin lumbar disc herniation should not be readily dismissed.
A Berry-Esseen Type Bound in Kernel Density Estimation for Negatively Associated Censored Data
Authors: Wu Qunying , Chen Pingyan
Published: August 2013

We discuss the kernel estimation of a density function based on censored data when the survival and the censoring times form the stationary negatively associated (NA) sequences. Under certain regularity conditions, the Berry-Esseen type bounds are derived for the kernel density estimator and the Kaplan-Meier kernel density estimator at a fixed pointx.
Preliminary Research of Relationship between Acute Peritonitis and Celiac Primo Vessels
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Shi Hong , Cui Jingjing , Bai Wanzhu , He Wei , Shang Hongyan , Su Yangshuai , Xin Juanjuan , Jing Xianghong , Zhu Bing
Published: August 2013

Previous studies demonstrated that primo vessels (PVs) were distributed in different parts of the body in mammals, and PVs were also involved in some processes of pathology such as cancer. Whether PVs are intrinsic structures in mammals or not is still ignored. In this study, a peritonitis model rat was induced by i.p. administration ofE. coliin rats. PVs were observed in all infected rats, but it appeared less in untreated rats, taking 10.53% (4/38). In addition, we examined cell types in celiac PVs by fluorescent staining with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Alexa Fluor 488 phalloidin, as well as immunofluorescent staining with CD11b and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), and found the following. (1) The rod-shaped nuclei aligned longitudinally along PVs. (2) DAPI-, phalloidin-, CD11b-, and ICAM-1-positive labeling coexisted in PVs, suggesting that fibroblasts and leucocytes might be two kinds of cell types in PVs for both infected and control rats. (3) The difference was that numerous cells in PVs of the infected rats contained DAPI-labeled multilobal nucleus and were expressed with CD11b- and ICAM-1-positive labeling on the cytoplasm and membrane, showing the typical characteristics of neutrophil. (4) The cells in PVs from the untreated rats are those of loose connective tissue. Therefore, it is reasonably considered that PVs from infected rats might be the pathological products which might be involved in inflammation.
Phenolic Biotransformations during Conversion of Ferulic Acid to Vanillin by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Chakraborty Debkumar , Kumar Balvir
Published: August 2013

Vanillin is widely used as food additive and as a masking agent in various pharmaceutical formulations. Ferulic acid is an important precursor of vanillin that is available in abundance in cell walls of cereals like wheat, corn, and rice. Phenolic biotransformations can occur during growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and their production can be made feasible using specialized LAB strains that have been reported to produce ferulic acid esterases. The present study aimed at screening a panel of LAB isolates for their ability to release phenolics from agrowaste materials like rice bran and their biotransformation to industrially important compounds such as ferulic acid, 4-ethyl phenol, vanillic acid, vanillin, and vanillyl alcohol. Bacterial isolates were evaluated using ferulic acid esterase, ferulic acid decarboxylase, and vanillin dehydrogenase assays. This work highlights the importance of lactic acid bacteria in phenolic biotransformations for the development of food grade flavours and additives.
Genetics of Psoriasis and Pharmacogenetics of Biological Drugs
Authors: Prieto-Pérez Rocío , Cabaleiro Teresa , Daudén Esteban , Ochoa Dolores , Roman Manuel , Abad-Santos Francisco
Published: August 2013

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. The causes of psoriasis are unknown, although family and twin studies have shown genetic factors to play a key role in its development. The many genes associated with psoriasis and the immune response includeTNFα, IL23, andIL12. Advances in knowledge of the pathogenesis of psoriasis have enabled the development of new drugs that target cytokines (e.g., etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, which target TNFα, and ustekinumab, which targets the p40 subunit of IL23 and IL12). These drugs have improved the safety and efficacy of treatment in comparison with previous therapies. However, not all patients respond equally to treatment, possibly owing to interindividual genetic variability. In this review, we describe the genes associated with psoriasis and the immune response, the biological drugs used to treat chronic severe plaque psoriasis, new drugs in phase II and III trials, and current knowledge on the implications of pharmacogenomics in predicting response to these treatments.
Alternative Splicing Regulation of Cancer-Related Pathways inCaenorhabditis elegans: An In Vivo Model System with a Powerful Reverse Genetics Toolbox
Authors: Barberán-Soler Sergio , Ragle James Matthew
Published: August 2013

Alternative splicing allows for the generation of protein diversity and fine-tunes gene expression. Several model systems have been used for the in vivo study of alternative splicing. Here we review the use of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansto study splicing regulation in vivo. Recent studies have shown that close to 25% of genes in the worm genome undergo alternative splicing. A big proportion of these events are functional, conserved, and under strict regulation either across development or other conditions. Several techniques like genome-wide RNAi screens and bichromatic reporters are available for the study of alternative splicing in worms. In this review, we focus, first, on the main studies that have been performed to dissect alternative splicing in this system and later on examples from genes that have human homologs that are implicated in cancer. The significant advancement towards understanding the regulation of alternative splicing and cancer that theC. eleganssystem has offered is discussed.
Predictors of Visual Response to Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fang Kai , Tian Jun , Qing Xueying , Li Shuai , Hou Jing , Li Juan , Yu Wenzhen , Chen Dafang , Hu Yonghua , Li Xiaoxin
Published: August 2013

Purpose. To identify the predictors of visual response to the bevacizumab treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Design. A cohort study within the Neovascular AMD Treatment Trial Using Bevacizumab (NATTB).Methods. This was a multicenter trial including 144 participants from the NATTB study. Visual outcomes measured by change in visual acuity (VA) score, proportion gaining ≥15 letters, and change in central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared among groups according to the baseline, demographic, and ocular characteristics and genotypes. Results. Mean change in the VA score was 9.2 ± 2.3 SD letters with a total of 46 participants (31.9%) gaining ≥15 letters. Change in median CRT was −81.5 μm. Younger age, lower baseline VA score, shorter duration of neovascular AMD, and TT genotype inrs10490924were significantly associated with greater VA score improvement (P=0.028,P<0.001,P=0.02, andP=0.039, resp.). Lower baseline VA score and TT genotype inrs10490924were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of gaining ≥15 letters (P=0.028, andP=0.021, resp.).Conclusions. Baseline VA and genotype ofrs10490924were both important predictors for visual response to bevacizumab at 6 months. This trial is registered with the Registration no.NCT01306591.
Protective and Antioxidant Effects of a Chalconoid fromPulicaria incisaon Brain Astrocytes
Authors: Elmann Anat , Telerman Alona , Erlank Hilla , Mordechay Sharon , Rindner Miriam , Ofir Rivka , Kashman Yoel
Published: August 2013

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the brain, protect neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide them with trophic support, such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Thus, any damage to astrocytes will affect neuronal survival. In the present study, by activity-guided fractionation, we have purified from the desert plantPulicaria incisatwo protective compounds and determined their structures by spectroscopic methods. The compounds were found to be new chalcones—pulichalconoid B and pulichalconoid C. This is the first study to characterize the antioxidant and protective effects of these compounds in any biological system. Using primary cultures of astrocytes, we have found that pulichalconoid B attenuated the accumulation of ROS following treatment of these cells with hydrogen peroxide by 89% and prevented 89% of the H2O2-induced death of astrocytes. Pulichalconoid B exhibited an antioxidant effect bothin vitroand in the cellular antioxidant assay in astrocytes and microglial cells. Pulichalconoid B also caused a fourfold increase inGDNF transcriptionin these cells. Thus, this chalcone deserves further studies in order to evaluate if beneficial therapeutic effect exists.
Extension Trial of Qigong for Fibromyalgia: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study
Authors: Sawynok Jana , Lynch Mary , Marcon Dana
Published: August 2013

This extension trial is an open-label observational trial of 20 subjects with fibromyalgia who undertook level 2 Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong (CFQ) training following an earlier controlled trial of level 1 CFQ. Subjects practiced 60 min/day for 8 weeks and continued some daily practice for 6 months. Quantitative measures, assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, 4 and 6 months, were of pain, impact, sleep, physical and mental functions, and practice time. Qualitative comments also were recorded. Compared to baselines, CFQ practice led to significant improvements in pain, impact, sleep, and physical function in the 13 subjects (65%) who completed the trial; changes were present at 8 weeks and were maintained for the 6-month trial duration. A highly motivated subgroup ofN=5, who practiced the most, had the best outcomes in terms of end symptomology, and qualitative comments indicated health benefits in other domains as well. Qualitative comments by the remainingN=8trial completers andN=7withdrawals indicate different experiences with the practice. This extension trial indicates that diligent CFQ practice over time produces significant health gains in fibromyalgia in a subset of individuals. Future studies will need to address factors that might predispose to favourable outcomes.
Wave-Breaking Criterion for the Generalized Weakly Dissipative Periodic Two-Component Hunter-Saxton System
Authors: Zhang Jianmei , Tian Lixin
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the wave-breaking criterion for the generalized weakly dissipative two-component Hunter-Saxton system in the periodic setting. We get local well-posedness for the generalized weakly dissipative two-component Hunter-Saxton system. We study a wave-breaking criterion for solutions and results of wave-breaking solutions with certain initial profiles.
Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Value of Danshen Injection and Huangqi Injection in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhu Changtai , Cao Hao , Zhou Xifa , Dong Chunlei , Luo Judong , Zhang Changsong , Liu Jinming , Ling Yang
Published: August 2013

Objective. To evaluate the clinical value of Danshen injection and Huangqi injection for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.Methods. The Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journals Full-Text Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, and EMBASE database were searched to collect the literatures about the randomized controlled trials involving the treatment of liver cirrhosis with Danshen injection combined with Huangqi injection, and the data analyses were performed using RevMan 4.2 software.Results. A total of 11 studies involving 1086 patients (trials group: 554 cases, control group: 532 cases) were included in this study. Compared with those in control group, the meta-analysis showed-that the total effectiveness rate and the level of serum albumin increased, while serum total bilirubin, alanine transmninase, type III procollagen, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and type-IV collagen decreased in trials group. The Jadad score ranged from 1 to 2 and the funnel plot analysis suggests that publication bias may occur.Conclusions. Danshen injection combined with Huangqi injection may promote the curative efficacy of liver cirrhosis, which is a promising novel treatment approach. The exact outcome needs to perform rigorously designed, multicenter, and large randomized controlled trials.
Resection and Reconstruction of Maxillary Class IIIc Defect in a Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Cost-Sensitive Technique without Microvascular Grafts
Authors: Adwani Dwarkadas , Bhattacharya Anirudh , Arora Rajender Singh , Soni Ramawatar , Adwani Nitin
Published: August 2013

ACC is a rare malignant tumor that affects most commonly the major and minor salivary glands and rarely the paranasal sinuses, lacrimal gland, larynx, ear, vulva, and so forth. The maxillary sinus when affected is considered having a poor prognosis due to delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment credited to its slow spread, late symptoms, and complex anatomy which hampers surgical resection. The expressions of tumor markers too have a significant role in determining the prognosis. The treatment of choice consists of wide radical resection of the tumor followed by radiotherapy. Rehabilitation options in cases with huge maxillary defects still need further exploration.
Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis in Thermal Laser Acupuncture Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Wu Fan , Zhao Ling , Zhang Haimeng , Shen Xueyong , Huang Yi , Lao Lixing
Published: August 2013

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) manifests with pain, joint stiffness, and limited function. In traditional Chinese medicine, knee OA is differentiated into three patterns:yangdeficiency and cold coagulation, kidney deficiency, and blood stasis. The objective of this study was to determine whetheryangdeficiency cold coagulation patients respond better to thermal laser acupuncture treatment than do non-yangdeficient patients. Fifty-two patients with OA were allocated to group A (yangdeficient,n=26) or B (non-yangdeficient,n=26). All patients received a 20-min thermal laser acupuncture treatment at acupoint Dubi (ST 35) three times a week for two weeks and twice a week for another four weeks. Outcome assessments were performed immediately after the first treatment, and at weeks 2, 6, and 10. Group A function scores were significantly better than those of Group B at weeks 2 (P=0.049), 6 (P=0.046), and 10 (P=0.042), but no significant differences were found between the two groups in pain and stiffness scores at any time point. No significant adverse effect was observed. The combined 10.6 μm–650 nm laser treatment might be most beneficial toyangdeficiency cold coagulation knee OA patients, particularly in improving function.
Rapid Synthesis of Superabsorbent Smart-Swelling Bacterial Cellulose/Acrylamide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery
Authors: Pandey Manisha , Mohd Amin Mohd Cairul Iqbal , Ahmad Naveed , Abeer Muhammad Mustafa
Published: August 2013

This study evaluated the effect of solubilized and dispersed bacterial cellulose (BC) on the physicochemical characteristics and drug release profile of hydrogels synthesized using biopolymers. Superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized by graft polymerization of acrylamide on BC solubilized in an NaOH/urea solvent system and on dispersed BC by usingN,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker under microwave irradiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the resulting hydrogels confirmed the grafting, and an X-ray diffraction pattern showed a decrease in the crystallinity of BC after the grafting process. The hydrogels exhibited pH and ionic responsive swelling behavior, with hydrogels prepared using solubilized BC (SH) having higher swelling ratios. Furthermore, compared to the hydrogels synthesized using dispersed BC, the hydrogels synthesized using solubilized BC showed higher porosity, drug loading efficiency, and release. These results suggest the superiority of the hydrogels prepared using solubilized BC and that they should be explored further for oral drug delivery.
Radioprotective Effects of Gallic Acid in Mice
Authors: Nair Gopakumar Gopinathan , Nair Cherupally Krishnan Krishnan
Published: August 2013

Radioprotecting ability of the natural polyphenol, gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA), was investigated in Swiss albino mice. Oral administration of GA (100 mg/kg body weight), one hour prior to whole body gamma radiation exposure (2–8 Gy; 6 animals/group), reduced the radiation-induced cellular DNA damage in mouse peripheral blood leukocytes, bone marrow cells, and spleenocytes as revealed by comet assay. The GA administration also prevented the radiation-induced decrease in the levels of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidise (GPx), and nonprotein thiol glutathione (GSH) and inhibited the peroxidation of membrane lipids in these animals. Exposure of mice to whole body gamma radiation also caused the formation of micronuclei in blood reticulocytes and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells, and the administration of GA resulted in the inhibition of micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations. In irradiated animals, administration of GA elicited an enhancement in the rate of DNA repair process and a significant increase in endogenous spleen colony formation. The administration of GA also prevented the radiation-induced weight loss and mortality in animals (10 animals/group) exposed to lethal dose (10 Gy) of gamma radiation. (For every experiment unirradiated animals without GA administration were taken as normal control; specific dose (Gy) irradiated animals without GA administration serve as radiation control; and unirradiated GA treated animals were taken as drug alone control).
Sediment Transport Model for a Surface Irrigation System
Authors: Mailapalli Damodhara R. , Raghuwanshi Narendra S. , Singh Rajendra
Published: August 2013

Controlling irrigation-induced soil erosion is one of the important issues of irrigation management and surface water impairment. Irrigation models are useful in managing the irrigation and the associated ill effects on agricultural environment. In this paper, a physically based surface irrigation model was developed to predict sediment transport in irrigated furrows by integrating an irrigation hydraulic model with a quasi-steady state sediment transport model to predict sediment load in furrow irrigation. The irrigation hydraulic model simulates flow in a furrow irrigation system using the analytically solved zero-inertial overland flow equations and 1D-Green-Ampt, 2D-Fok, and Kostiakov-Lewis infiltration equations. Performance of the sediment transport model was evaluated for bare and cropped furrow fields. The results indicated that the sediment transport model can predict the initial sediment rate adequately, but the simulated sediment rate was less accurate for the later part of the irrigation event. Sensitivity analysis of the parameters of the sediment module showed that the soil erodibility coefficient was the most influential parameter for determining sediment load in furrow irrigation. The developed modeling tool can be used as a water management tool for mitigating sediment loss from the surface irrigated fields.
Effects of Enoant and Ischemia and Reperfusion on Lens Metabolites of Rats
Authors: Güngel Hülya , Nurten Asiye , Kara İhsan , Kepekci Tekkeli Serife Evrim , Özkök Elif , Yıldız Burçin
Published: August 2013

The effects of the ischemia and reperfusion on the lens metabolites and the effect of a phytotherapeutic commercial product called “Enoant” (mixed polyphenol content) on the selected lens metabolites were investigated. For this aim, 30 Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to their diet and being subjected to ischemia. 10 of the rats as Group I were fed on dry diet; the other 10 (Group II) were fed on dry diet and drinking water with Enoant. At the end of 15 days period, both groups of rats were subjected to ischemia for 2 hours and reperfused. After another 15 days with their same diet, the rats were decapitated. The remaining 10 rats, which were not subjected to ischemia (Group III), were fed on dry diet only. 1HNMR spectroscopy was used for the determination of lens metabolites of each group of rats. The results obtained from the three groups have been compared statistically. The differences of metabolites were significant except pyruvate and succinate. Oral administration of Enoant revealed effects on increasing membrane stabilization, the antioxidant capacity, osmotic regulator molecule capacity, and sorbitol content of lens disturbed by ischemia. Enoant can be used where oxidative or osmotic stress is formed.
Severe Necrotizing Adenovirus Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Parasuraman Ravi , Zhang Ping L. , Samarapungavan Dilip , Rocher Leslie , Koffron Alan
Published: August 2013

Adenoviruses (AdV) are emerging pathogens with a prevalence of 11% viruria and 6.5% viremia in kidney transplant recipients. Although AdV infection is common, interstitial nephritis (ADVIN) is rare with only 13 biopsy proven cases reported in the literature. We report a case of severe ADVIN with characteristic histological features that includes severe necrotizing granulomatous lesion with widespread tubular basement membrane rupture and hyperchromatic smudgy intranuclear inclusions in the tubular epithelial cells. The patient was asymptomatic at presentation, and the high AdV viral load (quantitative PCR>2,000,000 copies/mL in the urine and 646,642 copies/mL in the serum) confirmed the diagnosis. The patient showed excellent response to a combination of immunosuppression reduction, intravenous cidofovir, and immunoglobulin therapy resulting in complete resolution of infection and recovery of allograft function. Awareness of characteristic biopsy findings may help to clinch the diagnosis early which is essential since the disseminated infection is associated with high mortality of 18% in kidney transplant recipients. Cidofovir is considered the agent of choice for AdV infection in immunocompromised despite lack of randomized trials, and the addition of intravenous immunoglobulin may aid in resolution of infection while help prevention of rejection.
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Alphavirus-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Assunção-Miranda Iranaia , Cruz-Oliveira Christine , Da Poian Andrea T.
Published: August 2013

Arthritogenic alphaviruses, including Ross River virus (RRV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Sindbis virus (SINV), Mayaro virus (MAYV), O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), and Barmah Forest virus (BFV), cause incapacitating and long lasting articular disease/myalgia. Outbreaks of viral arthritis and the global distribution of these diseases point to the emergence of arthritogenic alphaviruses as an important public health problem. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in alphavirus-induced arthritis, exploring the recent data obtained within vitrosystems andin vivostudies using animal models and samples from patients. The factors associated to the extension and persistence of symptoms are highlighted, focusing on (a) virus replication in target cells, and tissues, including macrophages and muscle cells; (b) the inflammatory and immune responses with recruitment and activation of macrophage, NK cells and T lymphocytes to the lesion focus and the increase of inflammatory mediators levels; and (c) the persistence of virus or viral products in joint and muscle tissues. We also discuss the importance of the establishment of novel animal models to test new molecular targets and to develop more efficient and selective drugs to treat these diseases.
Comparison between Visibility and Diffraction Criteria on SIF and -Integral Value for Mode Crack Using RKPM
Authors: Hajali Masood , Abishdid Caesar , Nejadpak Arash
Published: August 2013

Recently, mesh-free methods are increasingly utilized in solving various types of boundary value problems. Much research has been done on mesh-free methods for solving differential equation problems including crack and also obtained satisfactory results. Among these methods, reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM) has been used increasingly in fracture mechanic problems. The -integral and the stress intensity factor (SIF) are the most important parameters for crack problems. In this study -integral has been used to calculate the SIF in the crack tip. The mode SIF at the crack tip in a work-hardening material is obtained for various dilation parameters using RKPM. A comparison between two conventional treatments, visibility and diffraction on SIF and -integral value, is conducted. Visibility and diffraction methods increase the accuracy of RKPM results and effect on the -integral results at the crack tip. In comparing between the visibility and diffraction methods to modify the shape functions, the diffraction criterion seems to have better results for the -integral and SIF value.
Compact and Circular Polarized RFID Antenna for Portable Terminal Applications
Authors: Yao Yuan , Zhang Youbo , Yu Junsheng , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2013

A novel compact and circular polarized antenna is proposed which can be easily fabricated and embedded into RFID readers. Circular polarization characteristic of the proposed antenna is achieved by introducing a crossed branch. The modified meandering line structure gives the antenna compactness characteristic. A prototype is fabricated and measured. The results show that this circular polarized antenna with compact dimension can cover the Chinese RFID operating band from 920 MHz to 925 MHz, which make's the antenna suitable for handheld terminal application of RFID readers.
CIP2A Modulates Cell-Cycle Progression in Human Cancer Cells by Regulating the Stability and Activity of Plk1
Authors: Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Eun Ju , Oh Jeong Su , Park In-Chul , Hwang Sang-Gu
Published: August 2013

Abnormal cell-cycle control can lead to aberrant cell proliferation and cancer. The oncoprotein cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that stabilizes c-Myc. However, the precise role of CIP2A in cell division is not understood. Herein, we show that CIP2A is required for mitotic progression by regulating the polo-like kinase (Plk1). With mitotic entry, CIP2A translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it was enriched at spindle poles. CIP2A depletion delayed mitotic progression, resulting in mitotic abnormalities independent of PP2A activity. Unexpectedly, CIP2A interacted directly with the polo-box domain of Plk1 during mitosis. This interaction was required to maintain Plk1 stability by blocking APC/C-Cdh1–dependent proteolysis, thereby enhancing the kinase activity of Plk1 during mitosis. We observed strong correlation and in vivo interactions between these two proteins in multiple human cancer specimens. Overall, our results established a novel function for CIP2A in facilitating the stability and activity of the pivotal mitotic kinase Plk1 in cell-cycle progression and tumor development. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6667–78. ©2013 AACR.
Genetic Predictors of Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hiraki Linda T. , Qu Conghui , Hutter Carolyn M. , Baron John A. , Berndt Sonja I. , Bézieau Stéphane , Brenner Hermann , Caan Bette J. , Casey Graham , Chang-Claude Jenny , Chanock Stephen J. , Conti David V. , Duggan David , Fuchs Charles S. , Gallinger Steven , Giovannucci Edward L. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Hayes Richard B. , Hazra Aditi , Henderson Brian , Hoffmeister Michael , Hopper John L. , Hudson Thomas J. , Jenkins Mark A. , Küry Sébastien , Le Marchand Loic , Lemire Mathieu , Ma Jing , Manson JoAnn E. , Nan Hongmei , Newcomb Polly A. , Ng Kimmie , Potter John D. , Schoen Robert E. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Seminara Daniela , Slattery Martha L. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , White Emily , Wu Kana , Zanke Brent W. , Kraft Peter , Peters Ulrike , Chan Andrew T.
Published: August 2013

Background: Experimental evidence has demonstrated an antineoplastic role for vitamin D in the colon, and higher circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are consistently associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Genome-wide association studies have identified loci associated with levels of circulating 25(OH)D. The identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from four gene regions collectively explain approximately 5% of the variance in circulating 25(OH)D.

Methods: We investigated whether five polymorphisms in GC, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and DHCR7/NADSYN1, genes previously shown to be associated with circulating 25(OH)D levels, were associated with colorectal cancer risk in 10,061 cases and 12,768 controls drawn from 13 studies included in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO) and Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR). We conducted a meta-analysis of crude and multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios and associated confidence intervals for SNPs individually, SNPs simultaneously, and for a vitamin D additive genetic risk score (GRS).

Results: We did not observe a statistically significant association between the 25(OH)D-associated SNPs and colorectal cancer marginally, conditionally, or as a GRS, or for colon or rectal cancer separately.

Conclusions: Our findings do not support an association between SNPs associated with circulating 25(OH)D and risk of colorectal cancer. Additional work is warranted to investigate the complex relationship between 25(OH)D and colorectal cancer risk.

Impact: There was no association observed between genetic markers of circulating 25(OH)D and colorectal cancer. These genetic markers account for a small proportion of the variance in 25(OH)D. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2037–46. ©2013 AACR.
Temporal Stability of Serum Concentrations of Cytokines and Soluble Receptors Measured Across Two Years in Low-Risk HIV-Seronegative Men
Authors: Epstein Mara M. , Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Magpantay Larry , Detels Roger , Lepone Lauren , Penugonda Sudhir , Bream Jay H. , Jacobson Lisa Paula , Martínez-Maza Otoniel , Birmann Brenda M.
Published: August 2013

Background: Prospective cohort studies often quantify serum immune biomarkers at a single time point to determine risk of cancer and other chronic diseases that develop years later. Estimates of the within-person temporal stability of serum markers partly assess the utility of single biomarker measurements and may have important implications for the design of prospective studies of chronic disease risk.

Methods: Using archived sera collected from 200 HIV-seronegative men at three visits spaced over approximately 2 years, concentrations of 14 biomarkers (ApoA1, sCD14, sgp130, sIL-6R, sIL-2Rα, sTNFR2, BAFF/BLyS, CXCL13, IFN-γ, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) were measured in a single laboratory. Age- and ethnicity-adjusted intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for each biomarker, and mixed linear regression models were used to examine the influence of age, ethnicity, season, and study site on biomarker concentrations.

Results: Across all three study visits, most biomarkers had ICC values indicating fair to excellent within-person stability. ApoA1 (ICC = 0.88) and TNF-α (ICC = 0.87) showed the greatest stability; the ICC for IL-8 (ICC = 0.33) was remarkably less stable. The ICCs were similar when calculated between pairs of consecutive visits. The covariables did not influence biomarker levels or their temporal stability. All biomarkers showed moderate to strong pairwise correlations across visits.

Conclusions: Serum concentrations of most evaluated immune biomarkers displayed acceptable to excellent within-person temporal reliability over a 2-year period. Further investigation may be required to clarify the stability of IL-8.

Impact: These findings lend support to using these serologic immune biomarkers in prospective studies investigating associations with chronic diseases. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2009–15. ©2013 AACR.
DNA Damage-Inducible Gene, Reprimo Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Is Suppressed by Promoter Methylation in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ooki Akira , Yamashita Keishi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Mondal Anupom , Nishimiya Hiroshi , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: August 2013

In several types of human cancer, the gene expression of Reprimo, a highly glycosylated protein, is frequently silenced via methylation of its promoter. The aim of this study was to characterize the epigenetic inactivation of Reprimo and its biologic function and clinical relevance in gastric cancer. The correlation between Reprimo methylation and clinical relevance was assessed in 83 primary human gastric cancer tissues. The effects of Reprimo expression were also examined using in vitro and in vivo assays. Reprimo methylation was cancer specific and frequently observed. In two gastric cancer cell lines without Reprimo methylation, we observed faint or weak Reprimo expression under normal conditions and high expression under DNA-damaging conditions. In four gastric cancer cell lines with Reprimo methylation, however, Reprimo expression remained faint even under DNA-damaging conditions, with expression being restored in combination with agents that induce demethylation. Enforced Reprimo expression robustly inhibited cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony formation and enhanced DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Inverse effects were observed via siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous Reprimo. Reprimo expression inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. Reprimo methylation was also associated with a poor response in patients with gastric cancer treated with chemotherapy (P¼ 0.028), and a poor prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer (P¼ 0.03). In conclusion, Reprimo expression is normally induced in response to DNA damage, acting as a novel tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. However, Reprimo methylation abrogates its expression and effects. The clinical assessment of Reprimo promoter methylation may serve not only as a predictive marker for chemotherapy, but also as a marker for tumor aggressiveness. Mol Cancer Res; 11(11); 1362–74. ©2013 AACR.
Tpl2 Kinase Impacts Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Joo Kyeung Min , Lim Joung Eun , Cho Hyun Jung , Cho Hee Jin , Park Min Chul , Seol Ho Jun , Seo Seong Il , Lee Jung-Il , Kim Sunghoon , Jeong Byong Chang , Nam Do-Hyun
Published: August 2013

Due to the innate high metastatic ability of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), many patients with RCC experience local or systemic relapses after surgical resection. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis underlying advanced RCC is essential for novel innovative therapeutics. Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2), upregulated in various tumor types, has been reported to be associated with oncogenesis and metastatic progression via activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Herein, the relevance of Tpl2 in tumor growth and metastasis of RCC is explored. Inspection of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicated that Tpl2 overexpression was significantly related to the presence of metastases and poor outcome in clear cell RCC (ccRCC), which is the most aggressive subtype of RCC. Moreover, expression of Tpl2 and CXCR4 showed a positive correlation in ccRCC patients. Depletion of Tpl2 by RNAi or activity by a Tpl2 kinase inhibitor in human ccRCC cells remarkably suppressed MAPK pathways and impaired in vitro cell proliferation, clonogenicity, anoikis resistance, migration, and invasion capabilities. Similarly, orthotopic xenograft growth and lung metastasis were significantly inhibited by Tpl2 silencing. Furthermore, Tpl2 knockdown reduced CXCL12-directed chemotaxis and chemoinvasion accompanied with impaired downstream signaling, indicating potential involvement of Tpl2 in CXCR4-mediated metastasis. Taken together, these data indicate that Tpl2 kinase is associated with and contributes to disease progression of ccRCC.

Implications: Tpl2 kinase activity has prognostic and therapeutic targeting potential in aggressive clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res; 11(11); 1375–86. ©2013 AACR.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chan See Ching
Published: August 2013

Hepatitis B is endemic in many regions of Asia, including China, Korea and India. This results in a heavy burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because hepatitis B virus is a major risk factor in the development of the disease. In addition, the incidence of hepatitis-C-related HCC is on the rise in the United States. HCC patients with poor liver function reserve are not suitable candidates for resection, and liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as the treatment of choice for small unresectable HCCs. To treat more HCC patients with LT, the standard patient selection criteria have been expanded at a number of centers. Careful and well-considered selection of patients is the key to success in LT for HCC. Although tumor size and tumor number are used to predict whether transplantation is likely to be successful, the weighting that should be attached these two parameters has not been determined. In addition to the size and number of lesions, the morphology of HCC is also predictive of its behavior. Well-circumscribed lesions, in general, are less aggressive than those with poorly defined borders. On the waiting list for LT, HCC patients compete with liver failure patients. It is essential that the criteria used for selecting HCC patients for LT should be easily applicable and fair to other transplant candidates. In the face of the scarcity of deceased-donor livers and the inevitable risks for living liver donors, a predictably low rate of recurrence of HCC after LT is mandatory.
Clinical Trials in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Update
Authors: Shen Ying-Chun , Lin Zhong-Zhe , Hsu Chih-Hung , Hsu Chiun , Shao Yu-Yun , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: August 2013

The success of sorafenib has spurred an explosive increase of clinical trials testing novel molecular targets and other agents in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The paradigm of the studies has been characterized by three noticeable changes. First, the molecular targets of interest have expanded from angiogenesis to cancer cell-directed oncogenic signaling pathways for advanced HCC treatment. Agents targeting EGFR, FGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, TGF-β, c-Met, MEK, IGF signaling, and histone deacetylase have been actively explored. Second, the target indication has shifted from advanced stage to early or intermediate stages of disease. The feasibility of combining locoregional therapies and targeted agents, and the use of novel agents after curative treatments are currently under active investigation. Finally, the therapeutic strategy has shifted from monotherapy to combination targeted therapy. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of newly disclosed and ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of HCC.
Robot-Assisted Ramicotomy: Evaluation in a Swine Model
Authors: Coveliers H. , Hoexum F. , Yeung K.K. , Tangelder G.-J. , Rauwerda J. , Wisselink W.
Published: August 2013

Background: To evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy. Methods: In 5 pigs, a robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy was performed, followed by T2-T5 sympathectomy 10 min later. Ramicotomy and sympathectomy times, and core (esophageal) and surface (left front foot) temperatures, were monitored and recorded. Results: The procedure was successfully completed in all 5 animals. In all cases, the sympathetic chain remained intact. No major hemorrhage occurred. The mean operating time for T2-T5 ramicotomy from incision until transsection of the last efferent ramus was 34 min (32-40). After completion of the ramicotomy, a total T2-T5 sympathectomy was performed, with a mean duration of 7 min (4-12). Mean core temperature before the operation was 37.6°C (36.7-38.0). Mean surface temperature before the operation was 34.2°C (33.3-35.5). Ten minutes after completion of the ramicotomy, temperatures stabilized. Mean postramicotomy core temperature was 37.4°C (36.3-38) and mean postramicotomy surface temperature was 35.4°C (33.9-37). Mean postsympathectomy temperatures were: core 37.3°C (36.1-38) and surface 35.8°C (33.8-37.1). Conclusion: Robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy is feasible and effective in a porcine model.
Fast Track Surgery to Reduce Short-Term Complications following Radical Cystectomy and Intestinal Urinary Diversion with Vescica Ileale Padovana Neobladder: Proposal for a Tailored Enhanced Recovery Protocol and Preliminary Report from a Pilot Study
Authors: Cerruto Maria Angela , De Marco Vincenzo , D'Elia Carolina , Bizzotto Leonardo , De Marchi Davide , Cavalleri Stefano , Novella Giovanni , Menestrina Nicola , Artibani Walter
Published: August 2013

Objective: Different fast track programs for patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) can be found in the current literature. The aim of this work was to develop a new enhanced recovery protocol (ERP). Patients and Methods: The ERP was designed after a structured literature review focusing on reduced bowel preparation, standardized feeding, postoperative nausea, vomiting and pain control. In order to test the ERP, a pilot observational prospective cohort study was planned, enrolling all patients consecutively undergoing RC and Vescica Ileale Padovana (VIP) neobladder. These patients were compared with a matched group of subjects who had undergone RC and VIP neobladder before implementation of the ERP. To achieve good comparability, a propensity score-matching was performed. The primary aim was to assess the ERP's feasibility; the secondary outcome measures were early morbidity and mortality. Results and Limitations: After an exhaustive literature search and a multidisciplinary consultation, an ERP was designed. Nine consecutive patients participated in the pilot study and were compared to 13 patients treated before implementation of the ERP. We did not find any statistically significant difference in terms of mortality rate (none died peri- or postoperatively in both groups). The complication rate, according to the modified Clavien classification, was significantly lower in the ERP group (22.22 vs. 84.61%, p < 0.004). The major limitations are the low number of patients enrolled to test the protocol and the lack of randomization for the comparative evaluations. Conclusion: The introduction of our ERP was proven to be feasible in the management of patients undergoing RC and intestinal urinary diversion with VIP neobladder. The postoperative course was enhanced by a significant reduction in both nasogastric tube insertion and parenteral nutrition support, with early postoperative feeding. All these findings were associated with no deleterious effect on morbidity or mortality, indeed there was a reduced occurrence of postoperative complication rates.
Ground Night Nesting in Chimpanzees: New Insights from Central Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in South-East Cameroon
Authors: Tagg Nikki , Willie Jacob , Petre Charles-Albert , Haggis Olivia
Published: August 2013

Some chimpanzee populations exhibit ground night nesting, which occurs in different habitat types, is driven by a variety of interconnected factors, and may reflect cultural or social differences. This has important implications for ape conservation management, given that accurate nest builder identification is required to estimate density, crucial in monitoring, and allows inferences about environmental and social factors that may have contributed to the transition from tree to ground sleeping in early hominins. We conducted a 24-month marked nest count survey in La Belgique, Cameroon, and recorded the occurrence of chimpanzee tree and ground night nests, temperature and rainfall, predator and large mammal abundance, human activities, nesting tree species, andUapacaspp. consumption. Ground night nesting occurred at a rate of 3.47% (n = 1,008), with more in swamps, in the dry season and with increasing human activities. We found no influence of leopard/elephant presence, but a possible influence of lack of nesting trees. We suggest chimpanzees visit swamps in the dry season (low water levels) for relief from hunting pressure and to consumeUapacaspp. fruits. Ground nesting may be enabled due to high abundance of terrestrial herbaceous vegetation, and may be favoured for inconspicuousness and safety from gun hunters.