bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid increases NHE8 surface expression and activity in NRK cells
Authors: Joseph Catherine , Twombley Katherine , Gattineni Jyothsna , Zhang Qiuyu , Dwarakanath Vangipuram , Baum Michel
Published: November 2011

We previously demonstrated that there is a paucity of brush-border membrane NHE3 in neonates, the predominant Na+/H+ exchanger in the adult proximal tubule, while NHE8 is relatively highly expressed in neonates compared with adults. We recently showed that metabolic acidosis in neonatal rodents can increase brush-border membrane NHE8 protein expression and Na+/H+ exchange activity. To further examine the regulation of NHE8 by acid, we incubated NRK cells, which express NHE8 but not NHE3, with either acid or control media (6.6 vs. 7.4). There was an increase in Na+/H+ exchanger activity within 6 h of incubation with acid media assessed as the rate of sodium-dependent recovery of pH from an acid load (dpHi/d t). The acid stimulation persisted for at least 24 h. The increase in Na+/H+ exchange activity was paralleled by an increase in surface expression of NHE8, assessed by surface biotinylation and streptavidin precipitation. The increase in both apical membrane NHE8 protein expression and Na+/H+ exchange activity with pH 6.6 media compared with 7.4 media was not affected by actinomycin D or cycloheximide consistent with an increase in surface expression independent of mRNA or protein synthesis. Furthermore, there was no increase in total cellular NHE8 protein abundance or mRNA abundance with acid media. Finally, we demonstrate that the increase in surface expression of NHE8 with acid media was blocked by colchicine and cytochalasin D and mediated by acid increasing the rate of exocytosis. In conclusion, NHE8 surface expression and activity are regulated by acid media by increasing the rate of trafficking to the apical membrane.
Involvement of cytochrome P-450 1B1 in renal dysfunction, injury, and inflammation associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats
Authors: Jennings Brett L. , Anderson Larry J. , Estes Anne M. , Fang Xiao R. , Song Chi Young , Campbell William B. , Malik Kafait U.
Published: November 2011

We investigated the contribution of cytochrome P-450 1B1 (CYP1B1) to renal dysfunction and organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension in rats. ANG II (300 ng·kg−1·min−1) or vehicle were infused for 2 wk, with daily injections of a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, 2,4,3′,5′-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS; 300 μg/kg ip), or its vehicle. ANG II increased blood pressure and renal CYP1B1 activity that were prevented by TMS. ANG II also increased water intake and urine output, decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased urinary Na+ and K+ excretion, and caused proteinuria, all of which were prevented by TMS. ANG II infusion caused hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction, and increased reactivity of renal and interlobar arteries to vasoconstrictor agents and renal vascular resistance and interstitial fibrosis as indicated by accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen, and inflammation as indicated by increased infiltration of CD-3+ cells; these effects were inhibited by TMS. ANG II infusion also increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activities of NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src that were prevented by TMS. TMS alone had no effect on any of the above parameters. These data suggest that CYP1B1 contributes to the renal pathophysiological changes associated with ANG II-induced hypertension, most likely via increased ROS production and activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src and that CYP1B1 could serve as a novel target for treating renal disease associated with hypertension.
Gamma band activity in the developing parafascicular nucleus
Authors: Kezunovic Nebojsa , Hyde James , Simon Christen , Urbano Francisco J. , Williams D. Keith , Garcia-Rill Edgar
Published: November 2011

The parafascicular nucleus (Pf) receives cholinergic input from the pedunculopontine nucleus, part of the reticular activating system involved in waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and sends projections to the cortex. We tested the hypothesis that Pf neurons fire maximally at gamma band frequency (30–90 Hz), that this mechanism involves high-threshold voltage-dependent P/Q- and N-type calcium channels, and that this activity is enhanced by the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CAR). Patch-clamped 9- to 25-day-old rat Pf neurons ( n = 299) manifested a firing frequency plateau at gamma band when maximally activated (31.5 ± 1.5 Hz) and showed gamma oscillations when voltage-clamped at holding potentials above −20 mV, and the frequency of the oscillations increased significantly with age (24.6 ± 3.8 vs. 51.6 ± 4.4 Hz, P < 0.001) but plateaued at gamma frequencies. Cells exposed to CAR showed significantly higher frequencies early in development compared with those without CAR (24.6 ± 3.8 vs. 41.7 ± 4.3 Hz, P < 0.001) but plateaued with age. The P/Q-type calcium channel blocker ω-agatoxin-IVA (ω-Aga) blocked gamma oscillations, whereas the N-type blocker ω-conotoxin-GVIA (ω-CgTx) only partially decreased the power spectrum amplitude of gamma oscillations. The blocking effect of ω-Aga on P/Q-type currents and ω-CgTx on N-type currents was consistent over age. We conclude that P/Q- and N-type calcium channels appear to mediate Pf gamma oscillations during development. We hypothesize that the cholinergic input to the Pf could activate these cells to oscillate at gamma frequency, and perhaps relay these rhythms to cortical areas, thus providing a stable high-frequency state for “nonspecific” thalamocortical processing.
Neural prediction of complex accelerations for object interception
Authors: de Rugy Aymar , Marinovic Welber , Wallis Guy
Published: November 2011

To intercept or avoid moving objects successfully, we must compensate for the sensorimotor delays associated with visual processing and motor movement. Although straightforward in the case of constant velocity motion, it is unclear how humans compensate for accelerations, as our visual system is relatively poor at detecting changes in velocity. Work on free-falling objects suggests that we are able to predict the effects of gravity, but this represents the most simple, limiting case in which acceleration is constant and motion linear. Here, we show that an internal model also predicts the effects of complex, varying accelerations when they result from lawful interactions with the environment. Participants timed their responses with the arrival of a ball rolling within a tube of various shapes. The pattern of errors indicates that participants were able to compensate for most of the effects of the ball acceleration (∼85%) within a relatively short practice (∼300 trials). Errors on catch trials in which the ball velocity was unexpectedly maintained constant further confirmed that participants were expecting the effect of acceleration induced by the shape of the tube. A similar effect was obtained when the visual scene was projected upside down, indicating that the mechanism of this prediction is flexible and not confined to ecologically valid interactions. These findings demonstrate that the brain is able to predict motion on the basis of prior experience of complex interactions between an object and its environment.
Investigation on the Competition Interaction of Synthetic Food Colorants and Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride with Bovine Serum Albumin by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Baosheng , Yang Chao , Wang Jing , Xue Chunli , Lü Yunkai
Published: November 2011

The effects of synthetic food colorants like tartrazine (TTZ), sunset yellow (SY), and erythrosine (ETS) on the binding reaction between ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CPFX) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy in the aqueous solution of pH = 7.40. Results showed that CPFX caused the fluorescence quenching of BSA through a static quenching procedure and the primary binding site was located at subdomain IIA of BSA (site I). According to the calculated thermodynamic parameters, it confirmed that CPFX bound to BSA by electrostatic interaction. In addition, the colorants affected the formation of BSA‐CPFX complex. This resulted in an increase of the free, biological active fraction of CPFX. The binding distance of BSA‐CPFX systems was evaluated according to Förster′s theory. Results suggested that the binding distance were increased in the presence of synthetic food colorants.
Successful Treatment of Fetal Intraperitoneal Administration of Immunoglobulin in a Case of Fetal Hemolytic Anemia with 131,072-Fold Anti-E Alloimmunization
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Matsuda Hideo , Hayata Eijiro , Watanabe Akio , Oeda Miho , Furuya Kenichi
Published: November 2011

Object. We present here the case of severe fetal anemia caused by anti-E antibody positive, which showed a favorable course only with fetal intraperitoneal administration of immunoglobulin.Case. The mother was 31 years old, blood type B Rh : CCDee, gravida 1, with no history of transfusion. Anti-E antibody was detected in the maternal cross-match test at the 18th gestational week. In percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, the umbilical blood hemoglobin level was 9.1 g/dL and the result of the direct Coombs' test was positive at the 26th gestational week. Immunoglobulin injection into fetal abdominal cavity (IFAC) was administered a total 7 times. During the pregnancy, the indirect Coombs' test showed a 131,072-fold increase.Conclusion. In this case, IFAC to block the reticuloendothelial system Fc receptor was successful. This procedure is promising as one of the treatment options for blood group incompatible pregnancy.
Possible Involvement of Tight Junctions, Extracellular Matrix and Nuclear Receptors in Epithelial Differentiation
Authors: Ichikawa-Tomikawa Naoki , Sugimoto Kotaro , Satohisa Seiro , Nishiura Keisuke , Chiba Hideki
Published: November 2011

Tight junctions are intercellular junctions localized at the most apical end of the lateral plasma membrane. They consist of four kinds of transmembrane proteins (occludin, claudins, junctional adhesion molecules, and tricellulin) and huge numbers of scaffolding proteins and contribute to the paracellular barrier and fence function. The mutation and deletion of these proteins impair the functions of tight junctions and cause various human diseases. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent studies on transmembrane proteins of tight junctions and highlight the functional significance of tight junctions, extracellular matrix, and nuclear receptors in epithelial differentiation.
Correlation of Local FOXP3-Expressing T Cells and Th1-Th2 Balance in Perennial Allergic Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Shirasaki Hideaki , Kanaizumi Etsuko , Seki Nobuhiko , Himi Tetsuo
Published: November 2011

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play some important roles in allergic rhinitis. The most specific marker for Treg is FOXP3, a recently identified transcription factor that is essential for Treg development. In order to clarify the levels of Treg in allergic nasal mucosa, we studied the relationship between FOXP3-expressing cells and Th1-Th2 balance in nasal mucosa by means of immunohistochemistry. Human turbinates were obtained after turbinectomy from 26 patients (14 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and 12 patients with nonallergic rhinitis). To identify the cells expressing the FOXP3 protein, double immunostaining was performed by using anti-FOXP3 antibody and anti-CD3 antibody. There was no significant difference in the percentage of FOXP3+CD3+ cells among CD3+ cells in the nasal mucosa of two groups. The proportion of FOXP3+CD3+ cells tend to be correlated positively with GATA3+CD3+ cells/T-bet+CD3+ cells ratio (, ). A positive correlation with GATA3+CD3+/T-bet+CD3+ ratio and FOXP3+CD3+/CD3+ ratio suggests the role of local regulatory T cells as a minimal control of the chronic allergen exposure in nasal mucosa.
TiO2/Chitosan-NH4I(+I2)-BMII-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Anthocyanin Dyes Extracted from Black Rice and Red Cabbage
Authors: Buraidah M. H. , Teo L. P. , Yusuf S. N. F. , Noor M. M. , Kufian M. Z. , Careem M. A. , Majid S. R. , Taha R. M. , Arof A. K.
Published: November 2011

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using anthocyanin dye and polymer electrolyte with ammonium iodide (NH4I) salt. The study was designed to focus on increasing the efficiency of the DSSC. DSSC using 26.9 wt. % chitosan-22 wt. % NH4I(+2.2 wt.% I2)-48.9 wt. % IL solid electrolyte, black rice anthocyanin with Pt counter electrode showedJscof 172 μA cm−2andVocof 195 mV. The performance of the cell with Pt electrode was further improved by coating a blocking layer on the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The black rice DSSC using 11 wt. % (chitosan:PEO, wt. ratio 30:70)-9 wt. % NH4I-80 wt. % BMII gel electrolyte exhibitedJscof 1213 μA cm−2,Vocof 400 mV,FFof 0.47, andηof 0.23%. The red cabbage anthocyanin DSSC containing (phthaloyl chitosan-PEO)-NH4I-BMII gel electrolyte using tartaric acid to adjust the pH of anthocyanin solution showed the best performance with the fill factor of 0.39,Jscof 3503 μA cm−2,Vocof 340 mV, and an overall conversion efficiency of 0.46%.
Activation of Type I Interferon Pathway in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Distinct Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Karageorgas Theophanis P. , Tseronis Dimitrios D. , Mavragani Clio P.
Published: November 2011

Growing evidence over the last few years suggests a central role of type I IFN pathway in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune disorders. Data from clinical and genetic studies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus‐prone mouse models, indicates that the type I interferon system may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several lupus and associated clinical features, such as nephritis, neuropsychiatric and cutaneous lupus, premature atherosclerosis as well as lupus‐specific autoantibodies particularly against ribonucleoproteins. In the current paper, our aim is to summarize the latest findings supporting the association of type I IFN pathway with specific clinical manifestations in the setting of SLE providing insights on the potential use of type I IFN as a therapeutic target.
Steady‐State Fuzzy Modeling of Ultrasonic Motor System
Authors: Jingzhuo Shi , Lin Lv
Published: November 2011

Because of the
complicated energy conversion process,
ultrasonic motor has remarkable nonlinearity.
Therefore, it is difficult to achieve accurate
speed control of ultrasonic motor. In general, a
good model is the foundation of the accurate
control effect. Because of the remarkable
non‐linearity of ultrasonic motor, the model
should also be nonlinear. In this paper, the
two‐input and one‐output steady‐state model of
ultrasonic motor system is worked out using
fuzzy reasoning modeling method. Comparison
between experimental data and calculated data of
the model prove that the model can well
simulate the nonlinear relationship among the
amplitude of driving voltage, frequency, and
rotating speed.
Existence of Positive Solutions for Fractional Differential Equation with Nonlocal Boundary Condition
Authors: Gao Hongliang , Han Xiaoling
Published: November 2011

By using the fixed point theorem, existence of positive solutions for fractional differential equation with nonlocal boundary condition , 0 < t < 1, u(0) = 0, is considered, where 1 < α ≤ 2 is a real number, is the standard Riemann‐Liouville differentiation, and ξi ∈ (0,1), αi ∈ [0, ∞) with , a(t) ∈ C([0,1], [0, ∞)), f(t, u) ∈ C([0,1]×[0, ∞), [0, ∞)).
Multipath Detection Using Boolean Satisfiability Techniques
Authors: Aloul Fadi A. , El-Tarhuni Mohamed
Published: November 2011

A new technique for multipath detection in wideband mobile radio systems is presented. The proposed scheme is based on an intelligent search algorithm using Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) techniques to search through the uncertainty region of the multipath delays. The SAT-based scheme utilizes the known structure of the transmitted wideband signal, for example, pseudo-random (PN) code, to effectively search through the entire space by eliminating subspaces that do not contain a possible solution. The paper presents a framework for modeling the multipath detection problem as a SAT application. It also provides simulation results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in detecting the multipath components in frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channels.
On the Inversion of Bessel Ultrahyperbolic Kernel of Marcel Riesz
Authors: Maneetus Darunee , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: November 2011

We define the Bessel ultrahyperbolic Marcel Riesz operator on the function f by , where is Bessel ultrahyperbolic kernel of Marcel Riesz, α … ℂ, the symbol * designates as the convolution, and f ∈ 𝒮, 𝒮 is the Schwartz space of functions. Our purpose in this paper is to obtain the operator such that, if Uα(f) = φ, then Eαφ = f.
Cyclosporine: A Commentary on Brand versus Generic Formulation Exchange
Authors: Singh A. K. , Narsipur S. S.
Published: November 2011

The evidence for conversion from brand name to generic equivalent cyclosporine is conflicting. Cyclosporine is a narrow therapeutic-range drug for which small variations in exposure may have severe clinical consequences for transplant patients. There is currently a lack of comparative outcome data relating to the pharmacokinetics of the reference formulation, Neoral, and generic formulations in transplant recipients. A major common concern is the potential inability to attain similar trough levels, an issue that can be easily corrected by ongoing therapeutic drug monitoring to ensure that the new steady state falls within an intended target range. Prospective clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of generic formulations in bothde novoand long-term transplant patients are also awaited. Until further evidence is available on the conversion of transplant patients to or between generic formulations of cyclosporine, any transfer to a different cyclosporine formulation should be undertaken with close supervision. The best available information to date, however, does not support the frequently held but unsubstantiated belief that generic preparations of immunosuppressive drugs are not as effective as brand names or that conversion from brand to generic is associated with significant danger. This paper attempts to initiate a discussion of these issues.
A Note on the q‐Euler Numbers and Polynomials with Weak Weight α
Authors: Lee H. Y. , Jung N. S. , Ryoo C. S.
Published: November 2011

We construct a new type of q‐Euler numbers and polynomials with weak weight α : , , respectively. Some interesting results and relationships are obtained. Also, we observe the behavior of roots of the q‐Euler numbers and polynomials with weak weight α. By means of numerical experiments, we demonstrate a remarkably regular structure of the complex roots of q‐Euler polynomials with weak weight α.
Tumor Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Secreted Proteins as Potential Targets for Therapy
Authors: Baay Marc , Brouwer Anja , Pauwels Patrick , Peeters Marc , Lardon Filip
Published: November 2011

Inflammatory pathways, meant to defend the organism against infection and injury, as a byproduct, can promote an environment which favors tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which constitute a significant part of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, have been linked to the growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of a variety of cancers, most likely through polarization of TAMs to the M2 (alternative) phenotype. The interaction between tumor cells and macrophages provides opportunities for therapy. This paper will discuss secreted proteins as targets for intervention.
Distribution of Myosin Attachment Times Predicted from Viscoelastic Mechanics of Striated Muscle
Authors: Palmer Bradley M. , Wang Yuan , Miller Mark S.
Published: November 2011

We demonstrate that viscoelastic mechanics of striated muscle, measured as elastic and viscous moduli, emerge directly from the myosin crossbridge attachment time, tatt, also called time‐on. The distribution of tatt was modeled using a gamma distribution with shape parameter, p, and scale parameter, β. At 5 mM MgATP, β was similar between mouse α‐MyHC (16.0 ± 3.7 ms) and β‐MyHC (17.9 ± 2.0 ms), and p was higher (P < 0.05) for β‐MyHC (5.6 ± 0.4 no units) compared to α‐MyHC (3.2 ± 0.9). At 1 mM MgATP, p approached a value of 10 in both isoforms, but β rose only in the β‐MyHC (34.8 ± 5.8 ms). The estimated mean tatt (i.e., pβ product) was longer in the β‐MyHC compared to α‐MyHC, and became prolonged in both isoforms as MgATP was reduced as expected. The application of our viscoelastic model to these isoforms and varying MgATP conditions suggest that tatt is better modeled as a gamma distribution due to its representing multiple temporal events occurring within tatt compared to a single exponential distribution which assumes only one temporal event within tatt.
Analysis of Compactly Supported Nonstationary BiorthogonalWavelet Systems Based on Exponential B‐Splines
Authors: Lee Yeon Ju , Yoon Jungho
Published: November 2011

This paper is concerned with analyzing the mathematical properties, such as the
regularity and stability of nonstationary biorthogonal wavelet systems based on exponential B‐splines.
We first discuss the biorthogonality condition of the nonstationary refinable functions,
and then we show that the refinable functions based on exponential B‐splines have the same
regularities as the ones based on the polynomial B‐splines of the corresponding orders. In the
context of nonstationary wavelets, the stability of wavelet bases is not implied by the stability of
a refinable function. For this reason, we prove that the suggested nonstationary wavelets form
Riesz bases for the space that they generate.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns ofPseudomonas aeruginosafrom Diabetes Patients with Foot Ulcers
Authors: Sivanmaliappan Tamil Selvi , Sevanan Murugan
Published: November 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an invasive organism that frequently causes severe tissue damage in diabetic foot ulcers. A major problem inP. aeruginosainfection may be that this pathogen exhibits a high degree of resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. The study aimed to isolate and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of theP. aeruginosapopulation from diabetes patients with foot ulcers attending tertiary care hospitals in and around Coimbatore and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, for a period of one year (June 2006 to April 2007). The present study comprised 270 pus specimens collected from diabetic patients with foot ulcers. All pus samples were subjected to gram staining; bacterial culture and subsequently the antibiotic sensitivity to 15 different antibiotics for the confirmedP. aeruginosawere performed as per the standard procedures. Eighteen strains (14.28%) ofP. aeruginosafrom 270 diabetic foot ulcers were detected. Almost all the strains exhibited a varying degree of resistance to the antibiotics tested. Multidrug resistance for about 8 to 11 antibiotics was observed among the 55.5% of the isolates. Disk diffusion results show 100% resistance to ampicillin, cefoperazone, erythromycin, norfloxacin, and only cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin exhibited greater activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosa.
Influence of Partial Replacement of Nickel by Nitrogen on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ahmed A. , Ghali S. N. , Eissa M. , El Badry S. A.
Published: November 2011

A new modified austenitic stainless steel has been developed through partial replacement of nickel by nitrogen. Nitrogen stainless steel was produced in 10 kg induction furnace under nitrogen pressure, while reference one, AISI 316 steel grade, was produced in open-induction furnace. Both were cast and hot forged, and the total nitrogen was determined.
Furthermore, the produced forged steels were subjected to solution treatment at different temperatures. The microstructure of produced stainless steels was observed. The X-ray diffractmeter and Mossbauer effect spectroscopy were used to follow the phase change in reference and modified steels after different heat treatment temperatures. The influence of grain-size, soluble, and insoluble nitrogen on tensile strength and hardness was investigated. The major phase in the modified steel has a fcc structure similar to the reference one, but with finer grains and more expanded lattice. The yield strength and hardness of the nitrogen-modified stainless steel are higher than the reference steel. On the other hand, the increase of nitrogen content deteriorates the steel ductility.
Stakeholders' Perception as Support for Forest Landscape Planning
Authors: De Meo Isabella , Cantiani Maria Giulia , Ferretti Fabrizio , Paletto Alessandro
Published: November 2011

Social sustainability is a key concept introduced in recent decades by international environmental and forestry policies. The paper illustrates the process of stakeholder consultation for the definition of the objectives of the forest landscape plan conducted in a district of the Italian Apennines. Special attention was given to the farmers group, by reason of the great importance of wood pasture in the management system of this area. The results show that the majority of the interviewees feel a strong bond with their territory and with the traditional activities still carried out there, such as forest grazing. However, there are internal differences within the group, mostly linked to age and territory of origin. The multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) supported the investigation of these differences and the analysis of the relationship between farmers and their territory. Information emerged from the interviews with farmers allowed a better understanding of the dynamics of the territory and was revealed to be useful for the development of the forest landscape plan.
The Role of IL-17 in the Association between Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Allergic Sensitization
Authors: Zhao Hongxia , Kang Cheol-In , Rouse Mark S. , Patel Robin , Kita Hirohito , Juhn Young J.
Published: November 2011

Interleukin- (IL-) 17 is important in the development of asthma and host defense against pneumococci. We determined the role of IL-17 in the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia. We challenged mice intranasally with a bioluminescentStreptococcus pneumoniaestrain after sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). We measured the levels of cytokines, including IL-17 (pg/mL), in the lung homogenate in experimental mice with and without OVA sensitization/challenge, as well as those with and without pneumococcal pneumonia. IL-17 levels were significantly lower in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice (9.69±1.49), compared to the control mice (20.92±1.82,P< 0.001). In our overall analysis, including IL-4 and IL-17 levels and OVA sensitization/challenge, IL-4 levels (OR: 81.9, 95%CI: 4.3–1523 per increment of 1.0 pg/mL,P= 0.003) were more significant than IL-17 levels (OR: 1.1, 95%CI: 1.03–1.17 per increment of 1.0 pg/mL,P= 0.003) in determining the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia. IL-17 levels result in a much smaller impact on the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, compared to IL-4 levels.
Patterns of Cervical Lymph Node Metastases in Primary and Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Neda , Grewal Ameet , Davidson Bruce J.
Published: November 2011

The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising in the United States with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) being the most common type. We performed a retrospective study of 49 patients with PTC who underwent 57 lateral neck dissections (NDs). The extent of NDs varied, but 29 of 57 (51%) consisted of levels II–V. Twelve of 57 (21%) NDs consisted of levels I–V. Twelve of 57 (21%) NDs consisted of levels II–IV. One of 57 (1.8%) necks involved only levels I–IV. One of 57(1.8%) necks involved only levels I–V. One of 57(1.8%) necks involved only levels III–V. Two (3.5%) double-level (III–IV) neck surgeries were also performed. Metastatic PTC adenopathy was confirmed pathologically in 2%-level-I, 45%-level-II, 57%-level-III, 60%-level-IV, and 22%-level-V necks. Level-V was positive in 21% of primary and 24% of recurrent groups (). Comparing primary and recurrent disease, there was no difference in nodal distribution or frequency for levels I, II, III, and V. Level-IV was more common in the recurrent cases (). Based on the pathologic distribution of nodes, dissection should routinely include levels II–IV and extend to level-V in primary and recurrent cases. Our data does not suggest routine dissection of level-I.
Lower-Limb Robotic Rehabilitation: Literature Review and Challenges
Authors: Díaz Iñaki , Gil Jorge Juan , Sánchez Emilio
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a survey of existing robotic systems for lower-limb rehabilitation. It is a general assumption that robotics will play an important role in therapy activities within rehabilitation treatment. In the last decade, the interest in the field has grown exponentially mainly due to the initial success of the early systems and the growing demand caused by increasing numbers of stroke patients and their associate rehabilitation costs. As a result, robot therapy systems have been developed worldwide for training of both the upper and lower extremities. This work reviews all current robotic systems to date for lower-limb rehabilitation, as well as main clinical tests performed with them, with the aim of showing a clear starting point in the field. It also remarks some challenges that current systems still have to meet in order to obtain a broad clinical and market acceptance.
-Quantum-Dot Sensitized Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes: Photoelectrochemistry and Photoinduced Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Bedja Idriss , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: November 2011

TiO2, ZnO nanoparticulate(-np), and ZnO-nanorod(-nr) electrodes have been modified with FeS2 (pyrite) nanoparticles. Quantum size effect is manifested by a blue shift in both absorption and photocurrent action spectra. PIA (photoinduced absorption spectroscopy), a multipurpose tool in the study of dye-sensitized solar cells, is used to study quantum-dot modified metal oxide (MO) nanostructured electrodes. The PIA spectra showed an evidence for long-lived photoinduced charge separation. Time-resolved PIA showed that recombination between electrons and holes occurs on a millisecond timescale. Incident-photon-to-current efficiencies at 400 nm are ranged between 13% and 25%. The better solar cell performance of FeS2 on ZnO-nr over ZnO-np can be ascribed to the faster, unidirectional e-transport channels through the ZnO-nr as well as the longer electron lifetimes. The lower performances of electrodes can be explained by the presence of FeS2 phases other than the photoactive pyrite phase, as evidenced from XRD study.
The HPM Applied to MHD Nanofluid Flow over a Horizontal Stretching Plate
Authors: Nourazar S. S. , Habibi Matin M. , Simiari M.
Published: November 2011

The nonlinear two‐dimensional forced‐convection boundary‐layer magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) incompressible flow of nanofluid over a horizontal stretching flat plate with variable magnetic field including the viscous dissipation effect is solved using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). In the present work, our results of the HPM are compared with the results of simulation using the finite difference method, Keller′s box‐scheme. The comparisons of the results show that the HPM has the capability of solving the nonlinear boundary layer MHD flow of nanofluid with sufficient accuracy.
Aging in Place: Evolution of a Research Topic Whose Time Has Come
Authors: Vasunilashorn Sarinnapha , Steinman Bernard A. , Liebig Phoebe S. , Pynoos Jon
Published: November 2011

Over the past 30 years, policy makers and professionals who provide services to older adults with chronic conditions and impairments have placed greater emphasis on conceptualizing aging in place as an attainable and worthwhile goal. Little is known, however, of the changes in how this concept has evolved in aging research. To track trends in aging in place, we examined scholarly articles published from 1980 to 2010 that included the concept in eleven academic gerontology journals. We report an increase in the absolute number and proportion of aging-in-place manuscripts published during this period, with marked growth in the 2000s. Topics related to the environment and services were the most commonly examined during 2000–2010 (35% and 31%, resp.), with a substantial increase in manuscripts pertaining to technology and health/functioning. This underscores the increase in diversity of topics that surround the concept of aging-in-place literature in gerontological research.
The Role of FoxC2 Transcription Factor in Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Kume Tsutomu
Published: November 2011

Much has been learned about the mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis, and therapies that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to limit tumor angiogenesis and subsequent disease progression have recently been approved. However, the transcriptional mechanisms that regulate pathological angiogenesis remain largely unknown. FoxC2, a member of the Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factor family, is critical for vascular formation during development, and recent studies have shown that FoxC2 is expressed in the endothelium of tumors in both humans and mice. In a B16 mouse melanoma model, Foxc2 deficiency reduced tumor growth and neovascularization and was associated with impairments in mural-cell coverage and increases in endothelial-cell apoptosis in tumor blood vessels. FoxC2 is also expressed by tumor cells in human breast, colonic, and esophageal cancer and participates in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key process that leads to the invasion and metastasis of aggressive tumors. Collectively, these observations suggest that FoxC2 is essential for tumor angiogenesis and disease progression and that FoxC2 may be a viable target for cancer therapy.
The Effect of Microwave Radiation on Prickly Paddy Melon (Cucumis myriocarpus)
Authors: Brodie Graham , Ryan Carmel , Lancaster Carmel
Published: November 2011

The growing list of herbicide-resistant biotypes and environmental concerns about chemical use has prompted interest in alternative methods of managing weeds. This study explored the effect of microwave energy on paddy melon (Cucumis myriocarpus) plants, fruits, and seeds. Microwave treatment killed paddy melon plants and seeds. Stem rupture due to internal steam explosions often occurred after the first few seconds of microwave treatment when a small aperture antenna was used to apply the microwave energy. The half lethal microwave energy dose for plants was 145 J/cm2; however, a dose of at least 422 J/cm2was needed to kill seeds. This study demonstrated that a strategic burst of intense microwave energy, focused onto the stem of the plant is as effective as applying microwave energy to the whole plant, but uses much less energy.
Thigmotropism of Malignant Melanoma Cells
Authors: Quatresooz Pascale , Piérard-Franchimont Claudine , Noël Fanchon , Piérard Gérald E.
Published: November 2011

During malignant melanoma (MM) progression including incipient metastasis, neoplastic cells follow some specific migration paths inside the skin. In particular, they progress along the dermoepidermal basement membrane, the hair follicles, the sweat gland apparatus, nerves, and the near perivascular space. These features evoke the thigmotropism phenomenon defined as a contact-sensing growth of cells. This process is likely connected to modulation in cell tensegrity (control of the cell shape). These specifically located paucicellular aggregates of MM cells do not appear to be involved in the tumorigenic growth phase, but rather they participate in the so-called “accretive” growth model. These MM cell collections are often part of the primary neoplasm, but they may, however, correspond to MM micrometastases and predict further local overt metastasis spread.
Renal Inhibition of Heme Oxygenase-1 Increases Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Csongradi Eva , Storm Megan V. , Stec David E.
Published: November 2011

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that renal medullary heme oxygenase (HO) acts as a buffer against Ang-II dependent hypertension. To test this hypothesis, renal medullary HO activity was blocked using QC-13, an imidazole-dioxolane HO-1 inhibitor, or SnMP, a classical porphyrin based HO inhibitor. HO inhibitors were infused via IRMI catheters throughout the study starting 3 days prior to implantation of an osmotic minipump which delivered Ang II or saline vehicle. MAP was increased by Ang II infusion and further increased by IRMI infusion of QC-13 or SnMP. MAP averaged113±3,120±7,141±2,153±2, and154±3 mmHg in vehicle, vehicle + IRMI QC-13, Ang II, Ang II + IRMI QC-13, and Ang II + IRMI SnMP treated mice, respectively (n=6). Inhibition of renal medullary HO activity with QC-13 in Ang II infused mice was also associated with a significant increase in superoxide production as well as significant decreases in antioxidant enzymes catalase and MnSOD. These results demonstrate that renal inhibition of HO exacerbates Ang II dependent hypertension through a mechanism which is associated with increases in superoxide production and decreases in antioxidant enzymes.
Exploring the Links between Ethnobotany, Local Therapeutic Practices, and Protected Areas in Santa Catarina Coastline, Brazil
Authors: Zank Sofia , Hanazaki Natalia
Published: November 2011

We investigated the knowledge of medicinal plants in two areas proposed for the creation of protected areas for sustainable use in the city of Imbituba (SC). In this study, we analyzed the influence of gender, form of learning, and modern medicine on medicinal plant knowledge while also reflecting on the relationship of this knowledge toin situconservation. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews, free listings, guided tours, and collection of botanical material. 197 species of medicinal plants belonging to 70 botanical families were recorded. Gender and the form of learning were factors that significantly influenced the similarity of the knowledge of medicinal plants among the informants. We also observed the existence of a therapeutic pluralism among key informants. Local medicinal plant knowledge emphasizes the importance of strategies to create protected areas of sustainable use as a way to ensure the maintenance of traditional lifestyles and associated local knowledge.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Galls ofQuercus infectoriaOlivier against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Basri Dayang Fredalina , Tan Liy Si , Shafiei Zaleha , Zin Noraziah Mohamad
Published: November 2011

The galls ofQuercus infectoriaare commonly used in Malay traditional medicine to treat wound infections after childbirth. In India, they are employed traditionally as dental applications such as that in treatment of toothache and gingivitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of galls ofQuercus infectoriaOlivier against oral bacteria which are known to cause dental caries and periodontitis. Methanol and acetone extracts were screened against two Gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus mutansATCC 25175 andStreptococcus salivariusATCC 13419) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalisATCC 33277 andFusobacterium nucleatumATCC 25586). The screening test of antibacterial activity was performed using agar-well diffusion method. Subsequently, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by using twofold serial microdilution method at a concentration ranging between 0.01 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was obtained by subculturing microtiter wells which showed no changes in colour of the indicator after incubation. Both extracts showed inhibition zones which did not differ significantly (P<0.05) against each tested bacteria. Among all tested bacteria,S. salivariuswas the most susceptible. The MIC ranges for methanol and acetone extracts were the same, between 0.16 and 0.63 mg/mL. The MBC value, for methanol and acetone extracts, was in the ranges 0.31–1.25 mg/mL and 0.31–2.50 mg/mL, respectively. Both extracts ofQ. infectoriagalls exhibited similar antibacterial activity against oral pathogens. Thus, the galls may be considered as effective phytotherapeutic agents for the prevention of oral pathogens.
Dynamic Circuit Specialisation for Key-Based Encryption Algorithms and DNA Alignment
Authors: Davidson Tom , Abouelella Fatma , Bruneel Karel , Stroobandt Dirk
Published: November 2011

Parameterised reconfiguration is a method for dynamic circuit specialization on FPGAs. The main advantage of this new concept is the high resource efficiency. Additionally, there is an automated tool flow,TMAP, that converts a hardware design into a more resource-efficient run-time reconfigurable design without a large design effort. We will start by explaining the core principles behind the dynamic circuit specialization technique. Next, we show the possible gains in encryption applications using an AES encoder. Our AES design shows a 20.6% area gain compared to an unoptimized hardware implementation and a 5.3% gain compared to a manually optimized third-party hardware implementation. We also usedTMAPon a Triple-DES and an RC6 implementation, where we achieve a 27.8% and a 72.7% LUT-area gain. In addition, we discuss a run-time reconfigurable DNA aligner. We focus on the optimizations to the dynamic specialization overhead. Our final design is up to 2.80-times more efficient on cheaper FPGAs than the original DNA aligner when at least one DNA sequence is longer than 758 characters. Most sequences in DNA alignment are of the order 213.
Hypocholesterolemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of “Triguero” Asparagus from Andalusia in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet
Authors: García M.D. , De la Puerta R. , Sáenz M. T. , Marquez-Martín A. , Fernández-Arche M. A.
Published: November 2011

The cultivated species of the wild autochthonousAsparagus officinalisin Andalusia in Spain is commonly called “triguero” asparagus. This vegetable has traditionally been very much appreciated for its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. This study has been designed to evaluate the potential effect of different concentrations of freeze-dried asparagus (500, 250, and 125 mg/Kg of body weight/day) on oxidative status and lipid profile in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. After five weeks of treatment, doses of 250 and 500 mg/Kg of asparagus were able to significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Atherogenic index was also significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by administrating freeze-dried asparagus. A beneficial effect was observed in the HDL cholesterol levels in asparagus-fed groups although the increase was not significant. Consumption of asparagus also improved antioxidant status, assayed superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, and protected against lipid peroxidation. These results show that the intake of green asparagus from Andalusia (Spain) helps to regulate plasma lipid levels and prevents oxidative damage in hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Mapping of Minimal Motifs of B-Cell Epitopes on Human Zona Pellucida Glycoprotein-3
Authors: Xu Wan-Xiang , He Ya-Ping , Wang Jian , Tang Hai-Ping , Shi Hui-Juan , Sun Xiao-Xi , Ji Chao-Neng , Gu Shao-Hua , Xie Yi
Published: November 2011

The human zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 (hZP3) by virtue of its critical role during fertilization has been proposed as a promising candidate antigen to develop a contraceptive vaccine. In this direction, it is imperative to map minimal motifs of the B cell epitopes (BCEs) so as to avoid ZP-specific oophoritogenic T cell epitopes (TCEs) in the ZP3-based immunogens. In this study, based on known results of mapping marmoset and bonnet monkey ZP3 (mstZP3 and bmZP3), two predictableepitopes23–30  and  301–320on hZP3 were first confirmed and five minimal motifs within four epitopes on hZP3 were defined using serum to recombinanthZP3a22–176orhZP3b177–348as well as a biosynthetic peptide strategy. These defined minimal motifs wereQPLWLL23–28forhZP323–30,MQVTDD103–108forhZP393–110,EENW178–181forhZP3172–190, as well asSNSWF306–310andEGP313–315forhZP3301–320, respectively. Furthermore, the antigenicity of two peptides forhZP3172–187andhZP3301–315and specificity of the antibody response to these peptides were also evaluated, which produced high-titer antibodies in immunized animals that were capable of reacting to ZP on human oocytes,r-hZP3b177–348protein, as well asr-hZP3172–190,r-hZP3303–310, andr-hZP3313–320epitope peptides fused with truncated GST188 protein.
Identification of Tumorigenic Cells in KrasG12D-Induced Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cho Huan-Chieh , Lai Chao-Yang , Shao Li-En , Yu John
Published: November 2011

We established an inducible KrasG12D-driven lung adenocarcinoma in CCSP-rtTA/TetO-Cre/LSL-KrasG12D mice that enable pursuits of the cellular and molecular processes involved in Kras-induced tumorigenesis. To investigate the cellular origin of this cancer, we first report a strategy using fluorescence-activated cell sorting fractionation that could highly enrich bronchiolar Clara and alveolar type II cells, respectively. The EpCAM+MHCII− cells (bronchiolar origin) were more enriched with tumorigenic cells in generating secondary tumors than EpCAM+MHCII+ cells (alveolar origin) in primary tumors that had been already initiated with oncogenic Kras activation. In addition, secondary tumors derived from EpCAM+MHCII− cells showed diversity of tumor locations compared with those derived from EpCAM+MHCII+ cells. In the alveolar region, secondary tumors from EpCAM+MHCII− cells expressed not only bronchiolar epithelial marker, panCK, but also differentiation marker, proSPC, consistent with the notion that cancer-initiating cells display not only the abilities for self-renewal but also the features of differentiation to generate heterogeneous tumors with phenotypic diversity. Furthermore, high level of ERK1/2 activation and colony-forming ability as well as lack of Sprouty-2 expression were also observed in EpCAM+MHCII− cells. Therefore, these results suggest that bronchiolar Clara cells are the origin of cells and tumorigenesis for KrasG12D-induced neoplasia in the lungs. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7250–8. ©2011 AACR.
Molecular Characterization of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer and Identification of New Drug Targets
Authors: Beltran Himisha , Rickman David S. , Park Kyung , Chae Sung Suk , Sboner Andrea , MacDonald Theresa Y. , Wang Yuwei , Sheikh Karen L. , Terry Stéphane , Tagawa Scott T. , Dhir Rajiv , Nelson Joel B. , de la Taille Alexandre , Allory Yves , Gerstein Mark B. , Perner Sven , Pienta Kenneth J. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Wang Yuzhuo , Collins Colin C. , Gleave Martin E. , Demichelis Francesca , Nanus David M. , Rubin Mark A.
Published: November 2011

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer that most commonly evolves from preexisting prostate adenocarcinoma (PCA). Using next-generation RNA sequencing and oligonucleotide arrays, we profiled 7 NEPC, 30 PCA, and 5 benign prostate tissue (BEN) samples and validated findings in tumors from a large cohort of patients (37 with NEPC, 169 with PCA, and 22 with BEN) using immunohistochemistry and FISH. We discovered significant overexpression and gene amplification of AURKA and MYCN in 40% of NEPC and 5% of PCA tumors, respectively, and evidence that they cooperate to induce a neuroendocrine phenotype in prostate cells. There was dramatic and enhanced sensitivity of NEPC (and MYCN overexpressing PCA) to Aurora kinase inhibitor therapy both in vitro and in vivo, with complete suppression of neuroendocrine marker expression following treatment. We propose that alterations in Aurora kinase A and N-myc are involved in the development of NEPC and that future clinical trials will help determine the efficacy of Aurora kinase inhibitor therapy.

Significance: We report on the largest in-depth molecular analysis of NEPC and provide new insight into molecular events involved in the progression of prostate cancer. Cancer Discovery; 1(6); 487–95. ©2011 AACR.

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