bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Class I HDAC activity is required for renal protection and regeneration after acute kidney injury
Authors: Tang Jinhua , Yan Yanli , Zhao Ting C. , Gong Rujun , Bayliss George , Yan Haidong , Zhuang Shougang
Published: May 2014

Activation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is required for renal epithelial cell proliferation and kidney development. However, their role in renal tubular cell survival and regeneration after acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that all class I HDAC isoforms (1, 2, 3, and 8) were expressed in the renal epithelial cells of the mouse kidney. Inhibition of class I HDACs with MS-275, a highly selective inhibitor, resulted in more severe tubular injury in the mouse model of AKI induced by folic acid or rhabdomyolysis, as indicated by worsening renal dysfunction, increased neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin expression, and enhanced apoptosis and caspase-3 activation. Blocking class I HDAC activity also impaired renal regeneration as evidenced by decreased expression of renal Pax-2, vimentin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Injury to the kidney is accompanied by increased phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Akt. Inhibition of class I HDACs suppressed EGFR phosphorylation as well as reduced its expression. MS-275 was also effective in inhibiting STAT3 and Akt phosphorylation, but this treatment did not affect their expression levels. Taken together, these data suggest that the class I HDAC activity contributes to renal protection and functional recovery and is required for renal regeneration after AKI. Furthermore, renal EGFR signaling is subject to regulation by this class of HDACs.
Intrapartum Diagnosis and Treatment of Longitudinal Vaginal Septum
Authors: de França Neto Antonio Henriques , Nóbrega Bianca Virgolino , Clementino Filho Jessé , do Ó Tiago Cavalcanti , de Amorim Melania Maria Ramos
Published: May 2014

Longitudinal vaginal septum is a rare Müllerian malformation that may be associated with dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, primary amenorrhea, and infertility. In this report, the authors present a case of longitudinal vaginal septum in a 15-year-old patient with a full-term pregnancy whose diagnosis was only made during labor following bidigital vaginal and speculum examination. Septoplasty was performed during the second stage of labor. Both mother and child progressed satisfactorily and were discharged from hospital in good health. Six months later, ultrasonography, hysterosalpingography, and hysteroscopy were carried out and no other associated abnormality was found.
Optimization of Power Utilization in Multimobile Robot Foraging Behavior Inspired by Honeybees System
Authors: Ahmad Faisul Arif , Ramli Abd Rahman , Samsudin Khairulmizam , Hashim Shaiful Jahari
Published: May 2014

Deploying large numbers of mobile robots which can interact with each other produces swarm intelligent behavior. However, mobile robots are normally running with finite energy resource, supplied from finite battery. The limitation of energy resource required human intervention for recharging the batteries. The sharing information among the mobile robots would be one of the potentials to overcome the limitation on previously recharging system. A new approach is proposed based on integrated intelligent system inspired by foraging of honeybees applied to multimobile robot scenario. This integrated approach caters for both working and foraging stages for known/unknown power station locations. Swarm mobile robot inspired by honeybee is simulated to explore and identify the power station for battery recharging. The mobile robots will share the location information of the power station with each other. The result showed that mobile robots consume less energy and less time when they are cooperating with each other for foraging process. The optimizing of foraging behavior would result in the mobile robots spending more time to do real work.
Geochemical Association of Ni
2+
, Zn
2+
, Pb
2+
, Ag
+
, Cu
2+
, and Co
2+
Ions in Natural Pyrite
Authors: Baruah Mrinal K. , Kotoky Probhat , Borah Gobin C.
Published: May 2014

The natures of competitive adsorption of six metal ions on the natural pyrite surface have been studied with an objective to provide strong foundations towards mode of association/occurrence of trace elements on pyritic surface. Some parameters, for instance, adsorption edge, mechanism, correlation coefficient, monolayer coverage, pH, and thermodynamic parameters, have been considered here. The significant results are the order of increasing trend of adsorption edges which has been found to be Pb2+ < Cu2+ < Ni2+ < Zn2+ < Co2+ < Ag+. Nonuniformity in variation of adsorption edge of a particular metal ion in presence of a second metal ion in solution is evident from the study. However, in case of Ag2+ and Co2+ ions two adsorption edges are observed. These variations have been explained based on the formation of hydroxo complexes which are pH dependent. The competitive monolayer coverage of each metal ion as a function of pH has shown variation in the extent of adsorption. Computed higher correlation coefficient in a binary system indicates retardation in adsorption of metal ion in presence of a second metal ion. Further the adsorption of metal ions on pyrite surface showed exothermic processes due to the spontaneous nature at low temperature. Our study has strongly revealed promising adsorbent characteristics of natural pyrite with considerable geochemical and environmental implications.
A Novel Integral 5‐DOFs Hybrid Magnetic Bearing with One Permanent Magnet Ring Used for Turboexpander
Authors: Han Bangcheng , Liu Xu , Zheng Shiqiang
Published: May 2014

We propose a novel combined five‐degrees‐of‐freedom (5‐DOFs) hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB) with only one permanent magnet ring (PMR) used for turboexpanders. It has two radial magnetic bearing (RMB) units; each has four poles and one thrust magnetic bearing (TMB) to control 5‐DOFs. Based on one PMR, the bias flux of the two radial magnetic bearing units and the one thrust magnetic bearing unit is constructed. As a result, ultra‐high‐speed, lower power loss, small size, and low cost can be achieved. Furthermore, the equivalent magnetic circuit method and 3D finite element method (FEM) are used to model and analyze the combined 5‐DOFs HMB. The force‐current, force‐position, torque‐coil currents, the torque‐angle position, and the stiffness models of the combined 5‐DOFs HMB are given. Moreover, its coupling problems between the RMB units and the AMB unit are also proposed in this paper. An example is given to clarify the mathematical models and the coupling problems, and the linearized models are proposed for the follow‐up controller design.
Double-Bottom Chaotic Map Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Chi-Square Test to Determine Gene-Gene Interactions
Authors: Yang Cheng-Hong , Lin Yu-Da , Chuang Li-Yeh , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: May 2014

Gene-gene interaction studies focus on the investigation of the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes for disease susceptibility. Statistical methods are widely used to search for a good model of gene-gene interaction for disease analysis, and the previously determined models have successfully explained the effects between SNPs and diseases. However, the huge numbers of potential combinations of SNP genotypes limit the use of statistical methods for analysing high-order interaction, and finding an available high-order model of gene-gene interaction remains a challenge. In this study, an improved particle swarm optimization with double-bottom chaotic maps (DBM-PSO) was applied to assist statistical methods in the analysis of associated variations to disease susceptibility. A big data set was simulated using the published genotype frequencies of 26 SNPs amongst eight genes for breast cancer. Results showed that the proposed DBM-PSO successfully determined two- to six-order models of gene-gene interaction for the risk association with breast cancer (odds ratio > 1.0;Pvalue<0.05). Analysis results supported that the proposed DBM-PSO can identify good models and provide higher chi-square values than conventional PSO. This study indicates that DBM-PSO is a robust and precise algorithm for determination of gene-gene interaction models for breast cancer.
Analysis of Multiserver Queueing System with Opportunistic Occupation and Reservation of Servers
Authors: Sun Bin , Lee Moon Ho , Dudin Sergey A. , Dudin Alexander N.
Published: May 2014

We consider a multiserver queueing system with two input flows. Type‐1 customers have preemptive priority and are lost during arrival only if all servers are occupied by type‐1 customers. If all servers are occupied, but some provide service to type‐2 customers, service of type‐2 customer is terminated and type‐1 customer occupies the server. If the number of busy servers is less than the threshold M during type‐2 customer arrival epoch, this customer is accepted. Otherwise, it is lost or becomes a retrial customer. It will retry to obtain service. Type‐2 customer whose service is terminated is lost or moves to the pool of retrial customers. The service time is exponentially distributed with the rate dependent on the customer’s type. Such queueing system is suitable for modeling cognitive radio. Type‐1 customers are interpreted as requests generated by primary users. Type‐2 customers are generated by secondary or cognitive users. The problem of optimal choice of the threshold M is the subject of this paper. Behavior of the system is described by the multidimensional Markov chain. Its generator, ergodicity condition, and stationary distribution are given. The system performance measures are obtained. The numerical results show the effectiveness of considered admission control.
The Pathology of Orthopedic Implant Failure Is Mediated by Innate Immune System Cytokines
Authors: Landgraeber Stefan , Jäger Marcus , Jacobs Joshua J. , Hallab Nadim James
Published: May 2014

All of the over 1 million total joint replacements implanted in the US each year are expected to eventually fail after 15–25 years of use, due to slow progressive subtle inflammation at the bone implant interface. This inflammatory disease state is caused by implant debris acting, primarily, on innate immune cells, that is, macrophages. This slow progressive pathological bone loss or “aseptic loosening” is a potentially life-threatening condition due to the serious complications in older people (>75 yrs) of total joint replacement revision surgery. In some people implant debris (particles and ions from metals) can influence the adaptive immune system as well, giving rise to the concept of metal sensitivity. However, a consensus of studies agrees that the dominant form of this response is due to innate reactivity by macrophages to implant debris where both danger (DAMP) and pathogen (PAMP) signalling elicit cytokine-based inflammatory responses. This paper discusses implant debris induced release of the cytokines and chemokines due to activation of the innate (and the adaptive) immune system and the subsequent formation of osteolysis. Different mechanisms of implant-debris reactivity related to the innate immune system are detailed, for example, danger signalling (e.g., IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, etc.), toll-like receptor activation (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, etc.), apoptosis (e.g., caspases 3–9), bone catabolism (e.g., TRAP5b), and hypoxia responses (Hif1-α). Cytokine-based clinical and basic science studies are in progress to provide diagnosis and therapeutic intervention strategies.
Modulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis by Early-Life Environmental Challenges Triggering Immune Activation
Authors: Musaelyan Ksenia , Egeland Martin , Fernandes Cathy , Pariante Carmine M. , Zunszain Patricia A. , Thuret Sandrine
Published: May 2014

The immune system plays an important role in the communication between the human body and the environment, in early development as well as in adulthood. Per se, research has shown that factors such as maternal stress and nutrition as well as maternal infections can activate the immune system in the infant. A rising number of research studies have shown that activation of the immune system in early life can augment the risk of some psychiatric disorders in adulthood, such as schizophrenia and depression. The mechanisms of such a developmental programming effect are unknown; however some preliminary evidence is emerging in the literature, which suggests that adult hippocampal neurogenesis may be involved. A growing number of studies have shown that pre- and postnatal exposure to an inflammatory stimulus can modulate the number of proliferating and differentiating neural progenitors in the adult hippocampus, and this can have an effect on behaviours of relevance to psychiatric disorders. This review provides a summary of these studies and highlights the evidence supporting a neurogenic hypothesis of immune developmental programming.
Simulation-Based Fuzzy Logic Approach to Assessing the Effect of Project Quality Management on Construction Performance
Authors: Corona-Suárez Gilberto A. , AbouRizk Simaan M. , Karapetrovic Stanislav
Published: May 2014

This paper reports the development of an approach to integrate the appropriate modeling techniques for estimating the effect of project quality management (PQM) on construction performance. This modeling approach features a causal structure that depicts the interaction among the PQM factors affecting quality performance in a given construction operation. In addition, it makes use of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic in order to incorporate the subjectivity and uncertainty implicit in the performance assessment of these PQM factors to discrete-event simulation models. The outcome is a simulation approach that allows experimenting with different performance levels of the PQM practices implemented in a construction project and obtaining the corresponding productivity estimates of the construction operations. These estimates are intended to facilitate the decision making regarding the improvement of a PQM system implemented in a construction project. A case study is used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed simulation approach for evaluating diverse performance improvement alternatives for a PQM system.
Potent Protein Glycation Inhibition of Plantagoside inPlantago majorSeeds
Authors: Matsuura Nobuyasu , Aradate Tadashi , Kurosaka Chihiro , Ubukata Makoto , Kittaka Shiho , Nakaminami Yuri , Gamo Kanae , Kojima Hiroyuki , Ohara Mitsuharu
Published: May 2014

Plantagoside (5,7,4′,5′-tetrahydroxyflavanone-3′-O-glucoside) and its aglycone (5,7,3′,4′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanone), isolated from a 50% ethanol extract ofPlantago majorseeds (Plantaginaceae), were established to be potent inhibitors of the Maillard reaction. These compounds also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products in proteins in physiological conditions and inhibited protein cross-linking glycation. These results indicate thatP. majorseeds have potential therapeutic applications in the prevention of diabetic complications.
Independent Value of Cardiac Troponin T and Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Predicting All-Cause Mortality among Stable Hemodialysis Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Sung Junne-Ming , Su Chi-Ting , Chang Yu-Tzu , Su Yu-Ru , Tsai Wei-Chuan , Wang Saprina P. H. , Yang Chun-Shin , Tsai Liang-Miin , Chen Jyh-Hong , Liu Yen-Wen
Published: May 2014

Using a speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), we recently demonstrated that a left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≥ −15% and the serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentration are associated with mortality in stable hemodialysis patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF). In this study, we explored the relationship between cTnT and echocardiographic parameters and evaluated whether the prognostic value provided by cTnT is independent of a GLS ≥ −15% and vice versa. Eighty-eight stable hemodialysis patients with preserved LVEF were followed for 31 months. STE studies and measurements of cTnT were performed at baseline. CTnT concentration had a modest correlation with GLS (rs=0.44;P<0.001) but had a weak or nonsignificant correlation with other echocardiographic parameters. Adjusting for clinical parameters, hazard ratios for each increase of 0.01 ng/mL in cTnT, and a GLS ≥ −15% on mortality were 1.13 (P=0.009) and 3.09 (P=0.03) without significant interaction between cTnT and GLS ≥ −15%. In addition, an increased cTnT concentration, a GLS ≥ −15%, or their combination showed significant additional predictive value for mortality when included in models consisting of clinical parameters. Therefore, both cTnT and a GLS ≥ −15% are independent predictors of mortality and are useful for risk stratification.
Clostridium sordelliias a Cause of Fatal Septic Shock in a Child with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Beyers Rebekah , Baldwin Michael , Dalabih Sevilay , Dalabih Abdallah
Published: May 2014

Clostridium sordelliiis a toxin producing ubiquitous gram-positive anaerobe, mainly associated with trauma, soft tissue skin infections, and gynecologic infection. We report a unique case of a new strain ofClostridium sordellii(not present in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) database) infection induced toxic shock syndrome in a previously healthy two-year-old male with colitis-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The patient presented with dehydration, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. He was transferred to the pediatric critical care unit (PICU) for initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Due to increased edema and intolerance of PD, he was transitioned to hemodialysis through a femoral vascular catheter. He subsequently developed severe septic shock with persistent leukocytosis and hypotension, resulting in subsequent death. Stool culture confirmed Shiga toxin producingEscherichia coli 0157:H7. A blood culture was positively identified forClostridium sordellii.Clostridium sordelliis rarely reported in children; to our knowledge this is the first case described in a pediatric patient with HUS.
Neovaginal Prolapse in Male-to-Female Transsexuals: An 18-Year-Long Experience
Authors: Bucci Stefano , Mazzon Giorgio , Liguori Giovanni , Napoli Renata , Pavan Nicola , Bormioli Susanna , Ollandini Giangiacomo , De Concilio Bernardino , Trombetta Carlo
Published: May 2014

Neovaginal prolapse is a rare and distressing complication after male-to-female sexual reassignment surgery. We retrospectively analysed the prevalence of partial and total neo-vaginal prolapses after sexual reassignment surgery in our institute. During the years, two different techniques have been adopted with the aim of fixing the neovaginal cylinder. In the first, two absorbable sutures are placed at the top of the penoscrotal cylinder and fixed to the Denonvilliers fascia. In the second, two additional sutures are added from the posterior/midpoint of the flap to the prerectal fascia. We enrolled 282 consecutive transsexual patients. 65 (23.04%) out of the 282 were treated with the first technique and the following 217 (76.96%) with the last technique. In the first technique, 1 case (1.53%) of total prolapse and 7 cases (10.76%) of partial prolapse were observed, while in the other 217 patients treated with the second technique only 9 cases of partial prolapse were observed (4.14%) and no cases of total prolapse. All prolapses occurred within 6 months from the procedure. In our experience, the use of 4 stitches and a more proximal positioning of the sutures to fix the penoscrotal apex with the Denonvilliers fascia guarantees a lower risk of prolapse.
The Role of Hemoclips Reinforcement in the Ligation-Assisted Endoscopic Enucleation for Small GISTs in Gastric Fundus
Authors: Nan Ge , Siyu Sun , Sheng Wang , Xiang Liu , Jintao Guo
Published: May 2014

Background.Endoscopic ultrasonography- (EUS-) assisted band ligation has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) apart from the relatively high risk of the postligation perforation of the gastric fundus. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of hemoclip reinforcement in treating small GISTs in the gastric fundus.Method.During a standard endoscopy, a transparent cap attached to the endoscopic tip was placed over the lesion to exert sustained maximal aspiration before a rubber band was released. Once a definite ligation was confirmed by EUS, the tumor was enucleated. Four to 6 hemoclips were placed on the folds around the ligation band to reduce the tension of the ligation site.Results.The small GISTs were resected completely in 192 patients. Two cases of delayed perforation were found 72 hours after the procedure and successfully treated with an ordinary conservative method.Conclusion.Hemoclip-reinforced endoscopic band ligation with systematic follow-up using EUS appears to be a simple and effective technique for the resection of small GISTs in the gastric fundus.
The Inhibitory Effect of Somatostatin Receptor Activation on Bee Venom-Evoked Nociceptive Behavior and pCREB Expression in Rats
Authors: Li Li , Luo Rong , Guo Yuan , Yao Fanrong , Cao Dongyuan , Ma Shaojie , Wang Jun , Wang Huisheng , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2014

The present study examined nociceptive behaviors and the expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) evoked by bee venom (BV). The effect of intraplantar preapplication of the somatostatin analog octreotide on nociceptive behaviors and pCREB expression was also examined. Subcutaneous injection of BV into the rat unilateral hindpaw pad induced significant spontaneous nociceptive behaviors, primary mechanical allodynia, primary thermal hyperalgesia, and mirror-thermal hyperalgesia, as well as an increase in pCREB expression in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn and DRG. Octreotide pretreatment significantly attenuated the BV-induced lifting/licking response and mechanical allodynia. Local injection of octreotide also significantly reduced pCREB expression in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn and DRG. Furthermore, pretreatment with cyclosomatostatin, a somatostatin receptor antagonist, reversed the octreotide-induced inhibition of the lifting/licking response, mechanical allodynia, and the expression of pCREB. These results suggest that BV can induce nociceptive responses and somatostatin receptors are involved in mediating the antinociception, which provides new evidence for peripheral analgesic action of somatostatin in an inflammatory pain state.
Visual and Anatomical Outcomes of Intravitreal Aflibercept for Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gharbiya Magda , Iannetti Ludovico , Parisi Francesco , De Vico Umberto , Mungo Maria Laura , Marenco Marco
Published: May 2014

A retrospective chart review of patients with persistent subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid, despite previous treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg), who were switched to aflibercept injections, was performed. Treatment was three monthly aflibercept (2 mg) injections followed by dosing on pro re nata basis. Main outcome measures included changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 1 mm central subfield (CSF) retinal thickness, the height of the pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and subfoveal choroidal thickness on optical coherence tomography at 6 months. Thirty-one eyes of 30 patients were analyzed. The mean number of injections before aflibercept conversion was 34.4 ± 11.9. After an average of 4.5 aflibercept injections (range 3 to 6) over 6 months, no significant change in BCVA was observed (P>0.05). Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction of the CSF retinal thickness (449 ± 179 versus 269 ± 145 μm,P<0.001), maximum PED height (262 ± 134 versus 183 ± 100 μm,P<0.001), and choroidal thickness (192 ± 67 versus 167 ± 51 μm,P<0.01). Stable visual acuity and anatomical improvement were obtained for up to 6 months after aflibercept conversion. However, choroidal thinning related to treatment was observed.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of 5-Arylidene-thiazolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives
Authors: da Silva Ivanildo Mangueira , da Silva Filho João , Santiago Priscila Brandão Gomes da Silva , do Egito Micalyne Soares , de Souza Carlos André , Gouveia Frederico Leite , Ximenes Rafael Matos , de Sena Kêsia Xisto da Fonseca Ribeiro , de Faria Antonio Rodolfo , Brondani Dalci José , de Albuquerque Julianna Ferreira Cavalcanti
Published: May 2014

Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the world's major public health concerns. The main cause of bacterial resistance is the improper and repeated use of antibiotics. To alleviate this problem, new chemical substances against microorganisms are being synthesized and tested. Thiazolidines are compounds having many pharmacological activities including antimicrobial activities. For this purpose some thiazolidine derivatives substituted at position 5 in the thiazolidine nucleus were synthesized and tested against several microorganisms. Using a disc diffusion method, antimicrobial activity was verified against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and alcohol acid resistant bacteria and yeast. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined. All derivatives showed antimicrobial activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 µg/mL.
Synergistic Effect of MiR-146a Mimic and Cetuximab on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Huang Suning , He Rongquan , Rong Minhua , Dang Yiwu , Chen Gang
Published: May 2014

Previously, we found that the expression of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous hepatic tissues. In the current study, we have explored thein vitroeffect of miR-146a on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. MiR-146a mimic could suppress cell growth and increase cellular apoptosis in HCC cell lines HepG2, HepB3, and SNU449, as assessed by spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, western blot showed that miR-146a mimic downregulated EGFR, ERK1/2, and stat5 signalings. These effects were less potent compared to that of a siRNA targeting EGFR, a known target gene of miR-146a. Moreover, miR-146a mimic could enhance the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction impact of various EGFR targeting agents. The most potent combination was miR-146a mimic with cetuximab, presenting a synergistic effect. In conclusion, miR-146a plays a vital role in the cell growth and apoptosis of HCC cells and inducing miR-146a level might be a critical targeted molecular therapy strategy for HCC.
Cytotoxic Effect of Icaritin and Its Mechanisms in Inducing Apoptosis in Human Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Line
Authors: Li Zi-Jian , Yao Can , Liu Su-Fang , Chen Long , Xi Ya-Ming , Zhang Wen , Zhang Guang-Sen
Published: May 2014

Icaritin (ICT), a hydrolytic product of icariin fromEpimedium genus, exhibits antitumor activities in several human solid-tumor and myeloid leukemia cells with extensive influence on various cell signal molecules, such as MAPKs being involved in cell proliferation and Bcl-2 participating in cell apoptosis. However, the effect of icaritin on Burkitt Lymphoma has not been elucidated. In the present study, we first screened the potential effect of icaritin on Burkitt lymphoma Raji and P3HR-1 cell lines and found that icaritin showed cytotoxicity in both cell lines. We further found that icaritin could significantly inhibit Raji cells proliferation with S-phase arrest of cell cycle and induced cell apoptosis accompanied by activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 and cleavage of PARP. We also observed that icaritin was able to decrease Bcl-2 levels, thus shifting the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and it could obviously reduce c-Myc, a specific molecular target in Burkitt lymphoma. Our findings demonstrated that icaritin showed cytotoxicity, inhibited cell growth, caused S arrest, and induced apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma cells and provided a rationale for the further evaluation of icaritin for Burkitt lymphoma therapy.
Photodynamic Therapy for Diffuse Choroidal Hemangioma in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Monteiro Sílvia , Casal Inês , Santos Marinho , Meireles Angelina
Published: May 2014

Purpose.To report the treatment outcome of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) for exudative retinal detachment (RD) associated with diffuse choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS).Methods.An interventional case report of a 10-year-old girl with SWS who developed an exudative RD (visual acuity hand motions) that was treated with PDT. She was treated with a first session of multispot PDT. Posteriorly, a choroidotomy for drainage of subretinal fluid was created, combined with an intravitreal injection of gas (SF6) and cryoapplication. Finally, a second session of PDT was applied.Results.Subretinal fluid resolved over a period of one year and visual acuity increased to 20/125.Conclusions.PDT is an effective therapeutic option for exudative RD associated with diffuse choroidal hemangioma.
Some Thiophene Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Fouda A. S. , Attia A. A. , Negm A. A.
Published: May 2014

Corrosion inhibitive performance of some thiophene derivatives during the acidic corrosion of carbon steel surface in 1 M HCl was investigated by chemical technique (weight loss) and electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical frequency modulation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). The effect of temperature on the corrosion rate was investigated by the weight loss method, and some thermodynamic parameters for corrosion and adsorption processes were determined and discussed. The results show that the inhibition efficiency increased with the increase in inhibitor concentration and temperature. The adsorption of thiophene derivatives on the carbon steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The obtained results indicated that the investigated compounds are chemically adsorbed on the steel surface. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that these compounds are mixed-type inhibitors and the results obtained from the techniques are in good agreement.
Clinical History and Colliquative Myocytolysis Are Keys to the Diagnosis of Shoshin Beriberi
Authors: Kuno Toshiki , Nakamura Hiroshi , Endo Yutaka , Saito Kohei , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Motoda Hiroyuki , Numasawa Yohei , Shimizu Kazuhiko , Takahashi Toshiyuki
Published: May 2014

Cardiovascular beriberi presents as either the fulminant (Shoshin beriberi) or chronic form. Shoshin beriberi is a rare disease that may lead to a fatal outcome if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment. In the present report, we describe the case of a 66-year-old man presenting with leg edema and dyspnea at rest. Clinical presentations were nonalcoholic Shoshin beriberi and lactate accumulation; however, clinical improvement was observed after the administration of thiamine. His pretherapy thiamine level (2.1 μg/dL) was consistent with a diagnosis of beriberi. Based on the findings of the present case, we believe that a diagnosis can be made in patients with a clinical history that is consistent with that of Shoshin beriberi, combined with low thiamine levels, lactate accumulation, and colliquative myocytolysis.Learning Objective.Shoshin beriberi is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity; a detailed clinical history and characteristic myocardial histopathology changes may be useful for making a definite diagnosis.
Lycopene Modulates THP1 and Caco2 Cells Inflammatory State through Transcriptional and Nontranscriptional Processes
Authors: Makon-Sébastien Njock , Francis Fouchier , Eric Seree , Henri Villard Pierre , François Landrier Jean , Laurent Pechere , Yves Barra , Serge Champion
Published: May 2014

We revisited the action of a carotenoid, the lycopene, on the expression of proinflammatory genes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and metalloprotease (MMP9) activity. THP1 and Caco2 cell lines were used asin vitromodels for the two main cell types found in intestine tissue, that is, monocytes and epithelial cells. Proinflammatory condition was induced using either phorbol ester acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In THP1 cells, short term pretreatment (2 h) with a low concentration (2 μM) of lycopene reinforce proinflammatory gene expression. The extent of the effect of lycopene is dependent on the proinflammtory stimulus (PMA, LPS or TNF) used. Lycopene enhanced MMP9 secretion via a c-AMP-dependent process, and reduced ROS production at higher concentrations than 2 μM. Cell culture media, conditioned by PMA-treated monocytes and then transferred on CaCo-2 epithelial cells, induced a proinflammatory state in these cells. The extent of this inflammatory effect was reduced when cells has been pretreated (12 h) with lycopene. At low concentration (2 μM or less), lycopene appeared to promote an inflammatory state not correlated with ROS modulation. At higher concentration (5 μM–20 μM), an anti-inflammatory effect takes place as a decrease of ROS production was detected. So, both concentration and time have to be considered in order to define the exact issue of the effect of carotenoids present in meals.
High-ResolutionIn VivoImaging of Regimes of Laser Damage to the Primate Retina
Authors: Pocock Ginger M. , Oliver Jeffrey W. , Specht Charles S. , Estep J. Scot , Noojin Gary D. , Schuster Kurt , Rockwell Benjamin A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose. To investigate fundamental mechanisms of regimes of laser induced damage to the retina and the morphological changes associated with the damage response.Methods. Varying grades of photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical retinal laser damage were produced in eyes of eight cynomolgus monkeys. An adaptive optics confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and spectral domain optical coherence tomographer were combined to simultaneously collect complementaryin vivoimages of retinal laser damage during and following exposure. Baseline color fundus photography was performed to complement high-resolution imaging. Monkeys were perfused with 10% buffered formalin and eyes were enucleated for histological analysis.Results. Laser energies for visible retinal damage in this study were consistent with previously reported damage thresholds. Lesions were identified in OCT images that were not visible in direct ophthalmoscopic examination or fundus photos. Unique diagnostic characteristics, specific to each damage regime, were identified and associated with shape and localization of lesions to specific retinal layers. Previously undocumented retinal healing response to blue continuous wave laser exposure was recorded through a novel experimental methodology.Conclusion. This study revealed increased sensitivity of lesion detection and improved specificity to the laser of origin utilizing high-resolution imaging when compared to traditional ophthalmic imaging techniques in the retina.
Catalytic Ozonation of Phenolic Wastewater: Identification and Toxicity of Intermediates
Authors: Farzadkia Mahdi , Dadban Shahamat Yousef , Nasseri Simin , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Gholami Mitra , Shahryari Ali
Published: May 2014

A new strategy in catalytic ozonation removal method for degradation and detoxification of phenol from industrial wastewater was investigated. Magnetic carbon nanocomposite, as a novel catalyst, was synthesized and then used in the catalytic ozonation process (COP) and the effects of operational conditions such as initial pH, reaction time, and initial concentration of phenol on the degradation efficiency and the toxicity assay have been investigated. The results showed that the highest catalytic potential was achieved at optimal neutral pH and the removal efficiency of phenol and COD is 98.5% and 69.8%, respectively. First-order modeling demonstrated that the reactions were dependent on the initial concentration of phenol, with kinetic constants varying from 0.038 min−1  ([phenol]o= 1500 mg/L) to 1.273 min−1([phenol]o= 50 mg/L). Bioassay analysis showed that phenol was highly toxic toDaphnia magna(LC5096 h=5.6 mg/L). Comparison of toxicity units (TU) of row wastewater (36.01) and the treated effluent showed that TU value, after slightly increasing in the first steps of ozonation for construction of more toxic intermediates, severely reduced at the end of reaction (2.23). Thus, COP was able to effectively remove the toxicity of intermediates which were formed during the chemical oxidation of phenolic wastewaters.
Network of microRNAs-mRNAs Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Naderi Elnaz , Mostafaei Mehdi , Pourshams Akram , Mohamadkhani Ashraf
Published: May 2014

Background.MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate the expression of certain genes through interaction with mRNA targets and are mainly involved in human cancer. This study was conducted to make the network of miRNAs-mRNAs interactions in pancreatic cancer as the fourth leading cause of cancer death.Methods.56 miRNAs that were exclusively expressed and 1176 genes that were downregulated or silenced in pancreas cancer were extracted from beforehand investigations. MiRNA–mRNA interactions data analysis and related networks were explored using MAGIA tool and Cytoscape 3 software. Functional annotations of candidate genes in pancreatic cancer were identified by DAVID annotation tool.Results.This network is made of 217 nodes for mRNA, 15 nodes for miRNA, and 241 edges that show 241 regulations between 15 miRNAs and 217 target genes. The miR-24 was the most significantly powerful miRNA that regulated series of important genes. ACVR2B, GFRA1, and MTHFR were significant target genes were that downregulated.Conclusion.Although the collected previous data seems to be a treasure trove, there was no study simultaneous to analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs interaction. Network of miRNA-mRNA interactions will help to corroborate experimental remarks and could be used to refine miRNA target predictions for developing new therapeutic approaches.
A Line-Search-Based Partial Proximal Alternating Directions Method for Separable Convex Optimization
Authors: Zeng Yu-hua , Yang Yu-fei , Peng Zheng
Published: May 2014

We propose an appealing line-search-based partial proximal alternating directions (LSPPAD) method for solving a class of separable convex optimization problems. These problems under consideration are common in practice. The proposed method solves two subproblems at each iteration: one is solved by a proximal point method, while the proximal term is absent from the other. Both subproblems admit inexact solutions. A line search technique is used to guarantee the convergence. The convergence of the LSPPAD method is established under some suitable conditions. The advantage of the proposed method is that it provides the tractability of the subproblem in which the proximal term is absent. Numerical tests show that the LSPPAD method has better performance compared with the existing alternating projection based prediction-correction (APBPC) method if both are employed to solve the described problem.
Current Level and Correlates of Traditional Cooking Energy Sources Utilization in Urban Settings in the Context of Climate Change and Health, Northwest Ethiopia: A Case of Debre Markos Town
Authors: Geremew Kumlachew , Gedefaw Molla , Dagnew Zewdu , Jara Dube
Published: May 2014

Background.Traditional biomass has been the major source of cooking energy for major segment of Ethiopian population for thousands of years. Cognizant of this energy poverty, the Government of Ethiopia has been spending huge sum of money to increase hydroelectric power generating stations.Objective.To assess current levels and correlates of traditional cooking energy sources utilization.Methods.A community based cross-sectional study was conducted employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches on systematically selected 423 households for quantitative and purposively selected 20 people for qualitative parts. SPSS version 16 for windows was used to analyze the quantitative data. Logistic regression was fitted to assess possible associations and its strength was measured using odds ratio at 95% CI. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.Result.The study indicated that 95% of households still use traditional biomass for cooking. Those who were less knowledgeable about negative health and environmental effects of traditional cooking energy sources were seven and six times more likely to utilize them compared with those who were knowledgeable (AOR (95% CI) = 7.56 (1.635, 34.926), AOR (95% CI) = 6.68 (1.80, 24.385), resp.). The most outstanding finding of this study was that people use traditional energy for cooking mainly due to lack of the knowledge and their beliefs about food prepared using traditional energy. That means“…people still believe that food cooked with charcoal is believed to taste delicious than cooked with other means.” Conclusion.The majority of households use traditional biomass for cooking due to lack of knowledge and belief. Therefore, mechanisms should be designed to promote electric energy and to teach the public about health effects of traditional cooking energy source.
Analysis of Mathematical Modelling on Potentiometric Biosensors
Authors: Mehala N. , Rajendran L.
Published: May 2014

A mathematical model of potentiometric enzyme electrodes for a nonsteady condition has been developed. The model is based on the system of two coupled nonlinear time-dependent reaction diffusion equations for Michaelis-Menten formalism that describes the concentrations of substrate and product within the enzymatic layer. Analytical expressions for the concentration of substrate and product and the corresponding flux response have been derived for all values of parameters using the new homotopy perturbation method. Furthermore, the complex inversion formula is employed in this work to solve the boundary value problem. The analytical solutions obtained allow a full description of the response curves for only two kinetic parameters (unsaturation/saturation parameter and reaction/diffusion parameter). Theoretical descriptions are given for the two limiting cases (zero and first order kinetics) and relatively simple approaches for general cases are presented. All the analytical results are compared with simulation results using Scilab/Matlab program. The numerical results agree with the appropriate theories.
A Continuous Trust-Region-Type Method for Solving Nonlinear Semidefinite Complementarity Problem
Authors: Ji Ying , Wang Tienan , Li Yijun
Published: May 2014

We propose a new method to solve nonlinear semidefinite complementarity problem by combining a continuous method and a trust-region-type method. At every iteration, we need to calculate a second-order cone subproblem. We show the well-definedness of the method. The global convergent result is established.
Spontaneous Synchronization in Two Mutually Coupled Memristor‐Based Chua’s Circuits: Numerical Investigations
Authors: Bilotta Eleonora , Chiaravalloti Francesco , Pantano Pietro
Published: May 2014

Chaotic dynamics of numerous memristor‐based circuits is widely reported in literature. Recently, some works have appeared which study the problem of synchronization control of these systems in a master‐slave configuration. In the present paper, the spontaneous dynamic behavior of two chaotic memristor‐based Chua’s circuits, mutually interacting through a coupling resistance, was studied via computer simulations in order to study possible self‐organized synchronization phenomena. The used memristor is a flux controlled memristor with a cubic nonlinearity, and it can be regarded as a time‐varying memductance. The memristor, in effect, retains memory of its past dynamic and any difference in the initial conditions of the two circuits results in different values of the corresponding memductances. In this sense, due to the memory effect of the memristor, even if coupled circuits have the same parameters they do not constitute two completely identical chaotic oscillators. As is known, for nonidentical chaotic systems, in addition to complete synchronizations (CS) other weaker forms of synchronization which provide correlations between the signals of the two systems can also occur. Depending on initial conditions and coupling strength, both chaotic and nonchaotic synchronization are observed for the system considered in this work.
Stability in Mean of Partial Variables for Coupled Stochastic Reaction-Diffusion Systems on Networks: A Graph Approach
Authors: Kao Yonggui , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2014

This paper is devoted to investigating stability in mean of partial variables for coupled stochastic reaction-diffusion systems on networks (CSRDSNs). By transforming the integral of the trajectory with respect to spatial variables as the solution of the stochastic ordinary differential equations (SODE) and using Itô formula, we establish some novel stability principles for uniform stability in mean, asymptotic stability in mean, uniformly asymptotic stability in mean, and exponential stability in mean of partial variables for CSRDSNs. These stability principles have a close relation with the topology property of the network. We also provide a systematic method for constructing global Lyapunov function for these CSRDSNs by using graph theory. The new method can help to analyze the dynamics of complex networks. An example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the obtained results.
Inverted S-Shaped Compact Antenna for X-Band Applications
Authors: Samsuzzaman M. , Islam M. T.
Published: May 2014

A novel probe-fed compact inverted S-shaped multifrequency patch antenna is designed. By employing two rectangular slots that change the conventional rectangular patch into an inverted S-shaped patch, the antenna is able to operate in triple frequency in the X-band. The performance criteria of the proposed design have been experimentally verified by fabricating a printed prototype. The measured results show that the −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna at lower band is 5.02% (8.69–9.14 GHz), at middle band is 9.13% (10.47–11.48 GHz), and at upper band is 3.79% (11.53–11.98 GHz). Two elliptical slots are introduced in the ground plane to increase the peak gain. The antenna is excited by a simple probe feeding mechanism. The overall antenna dimension is  0.52λ×0.60λ×0.046λat a lower resonance frequency of 9.08 GHz. The antenna configuration and parametric investigation are conducted with the help of the high frequency structural simulator, and a good agreement is achieved between the simulated and measured data. The stable gain, omnidirectional radiation pattern, and consistent radiation efficiency in the achieved operating band make the proposed antenna a suitable candidate for X-band applications.