bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging evidence of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in lung carcinogenesis
Authors: SATO MITSUO , SHAMES DAVID S. , HASEGAWA YOSHINORI
Published: March 2012

The epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental programme that regulates embryonic morphogenesis and involves significant morphological and molecular changes in cells. Experimental models have revealed that EMT also contributes to various malignant features of cancer cells, including motile, invasive, anti‐apoptotic and stem‐like phenotypes. Clinically, correlative studies have indicated that mesenchymal‐like features of tumour cells are associated with poor tumour differentiation as well as worse patient prognosis. Nevertheless, due to its transitory nature, demonstration of an actual occurrence of EMT during human carcinogenesis is challenging, and most of the evidence to date has been limited to breast and colorectal cancers. However, recent studies suggest that EMT may occur during lung cancer development, although such evidence is still limited. We propose three approaches for obtaining direct evidence of EMT in human cancers and use these criteria to review the available data. We suggest that multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors cooperatively induce EMT in lung cancer. Intrinsic factors include oncogenic genetic changes such as mutant K‐RAS. Extrinsic factors are associated with a tumour microenvironment that is inflammatory and hypoxic. The induction of EMT is primarily mediated by various EMT‐inducing transcription factors that suppress E‐cadherin expression, including SLUG and ZEB1. miR‐200 family expression can reverse EMT by suppressing EMT‐ inducing transcription factors. Obviously, more data demonstrating the clinical relevance of EMT in lung cancer are required, and further elucidation of how EMT is regulated in lung cancer will enable us to develop novel therapeutics that specifically target molecules with critical roles in EMT.
Trade Protection During the Crisis: Does it Deter Foreign Direct Investment?
Authors: Görg Holger , Labonte Philipp
Published: March 2012

This paper looks empirically at the implications that protectionist measures implemented during the current crisis may have had for a country’s ability to attract foreign direct investment. The research utilises data on such measures that are available from Global Trade Alert, combined with bilateral FDI data between OECD countries and a large number of partner countries for 2006 to 2009. This allows us to examine the short‐run effect that protectionist measures may have had on bilateral FDI flows. The verdict from this analysis is clear: a country that implements new protectionist measures may expect that this may result in lower foreign direct investment inflows into the economy. The point estimates from our preferred specifications suggest that, depending on the empirical model, the implementation of a trade protection measure is associated with about 40 to 80 per cent lower FDI inflows. Trade protection does not appear to have any implications for the country’s FDI outflows, however. The negative effect on FDI inflows does not appear to be due to direct investment measures but rather to actions related to intellectual property rights protection and other more trade‐related measures.
From Protest to Proposal: The Contentious Politics of the Nicaraguan Anti‐Water Privatisation Social Movement
Authors: ROMANO SARAH T.
Published: March 2012

The Bolivian ‘water wars' of 2000 cast the international spotlight on civil society interventions aimed at reversing neoliberal economic agendas. However, few studies have examined the ways in which activists move from protest to proactive policy formation in these cases of ‘contentious politics'. Drawing on extensive field research, I argue that the Nicaraguan anti‐water privatisation social movement has expanded the contours of Nicaraguan democracy in two ways: (a) through improving the inclusiveness and accountability of existing representative institutions of government, including policy‐making processes, and (b) through creating extra‐institutional democratic spaces and practices.
Noninvasive measurement and control of the temperature of Pt nanofilms on Si supports
Authors: Nedrygailov I. I. , Hasselbrink E. , Diesing D. , Dasari S. K. , Hashemian M. A. , Karpov E. G.
Published: March 2012

A direct, noninvasive thermometry method based on the temperature dependence of the in-plane electrical resistance R(T) of 20 nm Pt films on Si-based semiconducting substrates is presented. At the calibration stage, the entire sample is slowly heated or cooled by external means. For moderately doped semiconductors, the R(T) dependence is closely linear at low temperatures (T < 300 K), when the nanofilm metal conductance dominates, followed by a maximum and a subsequent decrease attributed to an increasing substrate conductance at higher temperatures. The position of the maximum depends on the Pt–substrate interface conditions, in particular, on the presence of an oxide layer, and may vary from 350 to 500 K. With the R(T) dependence measured in equilibrium one can derive T(R), which provides a highly accurate method for noninvasive measuring and controlling the temperature of the nanofilm with a direct resistive heating technique. Accuracy of the present method for dynamical measurement is shown to be significantly better than that of a standard approach using a Pt resistance temperature detector attached to the nanofilm for heating rates of 1–7 K/s.
Feasibility of low‐dose single‐view 3D fiducial tracking concurrent with external beam delivery
Authors: Speidel Michael A. , Wilfley Brian P. , Hsu Annie , Hristov Dimitre
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

In external‐beam radiation therapy, existing on‐board x‐ray imaging chains orthogonal to the delivery beam cannot recover 3D target trajectories from a single view in real‐time. This limits their utility for real‐time motion management concurrent with beam delivery. To address this limitation, the authors propose a novel concept for on‐board imaging based on the inverse‐geometry Scanning‐Beam Digital X‐ray (SBDX) system and evaluate its feasibility for single‐view 3D intradelivery fiducial tracking.

Methods:

A chest phantom comprising a posterior wall, a central lung volume, and an anterior wall was constructed. Two fiducials were placed along the mediastinal ridge between the lung cavities: a 1.5 mm diameter steel sphere superiorly and a gold cylinder (2.6 mm length × 0.9 mm diameter) inferiorly. The phantom was placed on a linear motion stage that moved sinusoidally. Fiducial motion was along the source‐detector (z) axis of the SBDX system with ±10 mm amplitude and a programmed period of either 3.5 s or 5 s. The SBDX system was operated at 15 frames per second, 100 kVp, providing good apparent conspicuity of the fiducials. With the stage moving, detector data were acquired and subsequently reconstructed into 15 planes with a 12 mm plane‐to‐plane spacing using digital tomosynthesis. A tracking algorithm was applied to the image planes for each temporal frame to determine the position of each fiducial in (x,y,z)‐space versus time. A 3D time‐sinusoidal motion model was fit to the measured 3D coordinates and root mean square (RMS) deviations about the fitted trajectory were calculated.

Results:

Tracked motion was sinusoidal and primarily along the source‐detector (z) axis. The RMS deviation of the tracked z‐coordinate ranged from 0.53 to 0.71 mm. The motion amplitude derived from the model fit agreed with the programmed amplitude to within 0.28 mm for the steel sphere and within −0.77 mm for the gold seed. The model fit periods agreed with the programmed periods to within 7%.

Conclusions:

Three dimensional fiducial tracking with approximately 1 mm or better accuracy and precision appears to be feasible with SBDX, supporting its use to guide radiotherapy.
Improving Treatment of HER2-Positive Cancers: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Stern Howard M.
Published: March 2012

Therapies for HER2-driven cancers illustrate the power of targeted treatments and the puzzle of confounding clinical implications.
Raising the Bar: The Curative Potential of Human Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: March 2012

Genetic engineering of T cells may extend immunotherapy successes to common epithelial cancers.
Nanoscale Mimics of Mast Cell Messengers
Authors: Collier Joel H.
Published: March 2012

Synthetic analogs of mast cell granules have been engineered to deliver cytokines to lymph nodes and improve the performance of vaccines.
T Cells in Healing Infarcts
Authors: Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: March 2012

T cells regulate resolution of inflammation after myocardial infarction.
Heart Hormones Regulate Brown Fat
Authors: Reznik Marina
Published: March 2012

Natriuretic peptides from the heart induce brown fat thermogenesis in mouse and human fat cells.
Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Nitrosopumilus salaria” BD31, an Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaeon from the San Francisco Bay Estuary
Authors: Mosier Annika C. , Allen Eric E. , Kim Maria , Ferriera Steven , Francis Christopher A.
Published: March 2012

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) play important roles in nitrogen and carbon cycling in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we present the draft genome sequence for the ammonia-oxidizing archaeon “
Candidatus
Nitrosopumilus salaria” BD31, which was enriched in culture from sediments of the San Francisco Bay estuary. The genome sequences revealed many similarities to the genome of
Nitrosopumilus maritimus
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Oceanimonas sp. GK1, a Halotolerant Bacterium from Gavkhouni Wetland in Iran
Authors: Parsa Yeganeh Laleh , Azarbaijani Reza , Sarikhan Sajjad , Mousavi Hossein , Ramezani Mohadeseh , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Shahzadeh Fazeli Abolhassan , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem
Published: March 2012

Oceanimonas
sp. GK1 (IBRC-M 10197) is a marine halotolerant gammaproteobacterium which was characterized as producing large amounts of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. Here we present the whole-genome sequence of
Oceanimonas
sp. GK1, which consists of a single circular chromosome of 3,514,537 bp and two plasmids 8,462 and 4,245 bp in length.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus fructivorans KCTC 3543
Authors: Nam Seong-Hyeuk , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kang Aram , Lee Kang Seon , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Ryong Nam , Kim Dae-Soo , Park Hong-Seog
Published: March 2012

Lactobacillus fructivorans
is important in the generation of particular flavors and in other ripening processes associated with fermented food. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the type strain
Lactobacillus fructivorans
KCTC 3543 (1,373,326 bp, with a G+C content of 38.9%), which consists of 5 scaffolds. The genome sequence was obtained by using a whole-genome shotgun strategy with Roche 454 GS (FLX Titanium) pyrosequencing, and all of the reads were assembled using Newbler Assembler 2.3.
Genome Sequence of Janthinobacterium sp. Strain PAMC 25724, Isolated from Alpine Glacier Cryoconite
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Shin Seung Chul , Hong Soon Gyu , Lee Yung Mi , Lee Hyoungseok , Lee Jungeun , Choi In-Geol , Park Hyun
Published: March 2012

The draft genome of
Janthinobacterium
sp. strain PAMC 25724, which is a violacein-producing psychrotolerant bacterium, was determined. The strain was isolated from glacier cryoconite of the Alps mountain permafrost region. The sequence will allow identification and characterization of the genetic determination of its cold-adaptive properties.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Nontoxigenic Clostridium difficile Strain CD37
Authors: Brouwer Michael S. M. , Allan Elaine , Mullany Peter , Roberts Adam P.
Published: March 2012

Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Clostridium difficile
strain CD37, the first nontoxigenic strain sequenced. Every sequenced strain of
Clostridium difficile
has been shown to contain multiple different mobile genetic elements. The draft genome sequence of strain CD37 reveals the presence of two putative conjugative transposons.
Genome Sequence of the Pattern-Forming Social Bacterium Paenibacillus dendritiformis C454 Chiral Morphotype
Authors: Sirota-Madi Alexandra , Olender Tsviya , Helman Yael , Brainis Ina , Finkelshtein Alin , Roth Dalit , Hagai Efrat , Leshkowitz Dena , Brodsky Leonid , Galatenko Vladimir , Nikolaev Vladimir , Gutnick David L. , Lancet Doron , Ben-Jacob Eshel
Published: March 2012

Paenibacillus dendritiformis
is a Gram-positive, soil-dwelling, spore-forming social microorganism. An intriguing collective faculty of this strain is manifested by its ability to switch between different morphotypes, such as the branching (T) and the chiral (C) morphotypes. Here we report the 6.3-Mb draft genome sequence of the
P. dendritiformis
C454 chiral morphotype.
Genome Sequence of the Human- and Animal-Pathogenic Strain Nocardia cyriacigeorgica GUH-2
Authors: Zoropogui Anthony , Pujic Petar , Normand Philippe , Barbe Valérie , Beaman Blaine , Beaman LoVelle , Boiron Patrick , Colinon Céline , Deredjian Amélie , Graindorge Arnault , Mangenot Sophie , Nazaret Sylvie , Neto Manuelle , Petit Stéphanie , Roche David , Vallenet David , Rodríguez-Nava Veronica , Richard Yves , Cournoyer Benoit , Blaha Didier
Published: March 2012

The pathogenic strain
Nocardia cyriacigeorgica
GUH-2 was isolated from a fatal human nocardiosis case, and its genome was sequenced. The complete genomic sequence of this strain contains 6,194,645 bp, an average G+C content of 68.37%, and no plasmids. We also identified several protein-coding genes to which
N. cyriacigeorgica
's virulence can potentially be attributed.
Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Archaeon Halococcus hamelinensis
Authors: Burns Brendan P. , Gudhka Reema K. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: March 2012

Halococcus hamelinensis
was isolated from hypersaline stromatolites in Shark Bay, Australia. Here we report the genome sequence (3,133,046 bp) of
H. hamelinensis
, which provides insights into the ecology, evolution, and adaptation of this novel microorganism.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus VC40, a Vancomycin- and Daptomycin-Resistant Strain, To Study the Genetics of Development of Resistance to Currently Applied Last-Resort Antibiotics
Authors: Sass Peter , Berscheid Anne , Jansen Andrea , Oedenkoven Marion , Szekat Christiane , Strittmatter Axel , Gottschalk Gerhard , Bierbaum Gabriele
Published: March 2012

The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
is a problem of global importance. Here, we report the genome of
S. aureus
VC40, which is resistant to the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin and daptomycin. Its genome sequence will allow insights into the mechanisms that convey full resistance to these compounds.
De Novo
Genome Project of Cupriavidus basilensis OR16
Authors: Cserháti Mátyás , Kriszt Balázs , Szoboszlay Sándor , Tóth Ákos , Szabó István , Táncsics András , Nagy István , Horváth Balázs , Nagy István , Kukolya József
Published: March 2012

Here we report on the complete genome sequence of
Cupriavidus basilensis
OR16 NCAIM BO2487. The genome of strain OR16 contains 7,534 putative coding sequences, including a large set of xenobiotics-degrading genes and a unique glucose dehydrogenase gene that is absent from other
Cupriavidus
genomes.
Mechanisms of coexistence between native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and non-native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush): inferences from pattern-oriented modeling
Authors: Ferguson Jake M. , Taper Mark L. , Guy Christopher S. , Syslo John M.
Published: March 2012

Determining the ecological mechanisms that control population abundances is an important issue for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. We examined whether a threatened bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) population could coexist at observed levels with the ecologically similar introduced species, lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ), using a pattern-oriented analysis of population dynamics models. We used a large suite of stage- and age-structured models to examine how both competitive and predatory interactions, combined with differing life-history strategies and species vital rates, drove salmonid coexistence patterns. In our models, an ontogenetic shift in juvenile bull trout resource use was the most important factor contributing to the two species coexistence; however, this coexistence occurred with reduced abundances in bull trout that increase the chances of extirpation for the native species. Observed levels of competition were found to have stronger effects than predation on population abundances. We used a pattern-oriented modeling approach to inference; this approach assumes process models that can generate patterns similar to the observed patterns are better supported than those that cannot. This methodology may find wide use on a number of data-limited fishery management and conservation problems.
Evolutionary potential but not extinction risk of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is associated with stream characteristics
Authors: Peacock Mary M. , Dochtermann Ned A.
Published: March 2012

Habitat fragmentation represents a major extinction threat for species of all taxa. Isolated populations have a higher risk of local extinction because of environmental variability and demographic processes associated with small populations. Here we examine the relationships among isolation, habitat size, habitat characteristics and variability, and genetic effective population size with extinction risk for 10 isolated and three interconnected populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi ) sampled from throughout their range. Contrary to expectations, we did not find a relationship between most habitat variables and extinction risk. However, we did find strong relationships between habitat variables and genetic effective population size, including a significant negative correlation between pool density and effective population size. Small effective population sizes can result in reduced genetic variation and losses of evolutionary potential and adaptability to changing environments. The absence of strong habitat correlates with extinction risk — despite an observed relationship with effective population size — highlights the need to consider habitat diversity at multiple spatial scales when considering management scenarios to both promote population persistence and maintain evolutionary relevance.
Bioassessment of stream ecosystems enduring a decade of simulated degradation: lessons for the real world
Authors: Bailey Robert C. , Scrimgeour Garry , Coté David , Kehler Dan , Linke Simon , Cao Yong
Published: March 2012

The effects on benthic macroinvertebrate communities of simulated degradation of streams enabled evaluation of the effects of starting condition, type of degradation, and biota descriptor on the type 1 and type 2 error rates of bioassessment. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities from five reference streams in the Fraser River basin (British Columbia, Canada) were used as the starting conditions of replicated simulations of the effects of suspended sediments in three temporal patterns (none, one-time severe, constant moderate). The dynamics of the simulated stream communities and the type 1 and type 2 errors associated with bioassessments, as described by (i) taxon richness, (ii) EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) richness, (iii) proportion of EPT individuals in the community, (iv) difference in composition from the median reference community (MCDist), (v) Simpson’s diversity, and (vi) Simpson’s equitability, depended on the combination of starting condition, simpact treatment, and the biota descriptor. To reduce type 1 and type 2 errors in bioassessments using the reference condition approach, bioassessment programs should include (i) matching of test and expected reference communities and refinement of the definition of reference condition and (ii) several biota descriptors that include measures of richness, tolerance, and community composition.
SYMMETRIES AND SYSTEMATICS OF DOUBLY HEAVY HADRONS
Authors: EAKINS B. , ROBERTS W.
Published: March 2012

We discuss the extension of the superflavor symmetry of doubly heavy baryons to states which contain an excited heavy diquark and we examine some of the consequences of this symmetry for the spectra of doubly heavy baryons and heavy mesons. We explore the ramifications of a proposed symmetry that relates heavy diquarks to doubly heavy mesons. We present a method for determining how the excitation energy of a system containing two heavy quarks will scale as one changes the strength of the interactions and the reduced mass of the system. We use this to derive consequences of the heavy diquark-doubly heavy meson symmetry. We compare these consequences to the results of a quark model as well as the experimental data for doubly and singly heavy mesons. We also discuss the possibility of treating the strange quark as a heavy quark and apply the ideas developed here to strange hadrons.
IN-PHASE BURST SYNCHRONIZATION AND RHYTHM DYNAMICS OF COMPLEX NEURONAL NETWORKS
Authors: SHI XIA , LU QISHAO , WANG HAIXIA
Published: March 2012

In-phase burst synchronization, spatiotemporal order and rhythm dynamics of a complex neuronal network with electrical or chemically excitatory synapses are studied in this paper. A quantitative characteristic, the width factor, is introduced to describe the rhythm dynamics of an individual neuron, and the average width factor is used to characterize the rhythm dynamics of a neural network. The in-phase burst synchronization is studied in terms of the burst phase order parameter. We also study the effects of the coupling schemes, the intrinsic neuronal property and the network topology on the rhythm dynamics of the network. It is found that the neuronal network with electrical coupling is easier to realize the in-phase burst synchronization than that with the chemically excitatory coupling. The bursting type of short bursting neuronal networks is unchanged for different coupling schemes with the coupling strength increasing. Moreover, the short bursting type is robust both to the coupling strength and the coupling scheme. As for the network topology, more links can only change the bursting type of long bursting neurons, but short bursting neurons are robust to the link numbers.
ESTIMATING PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTIONS AND ENTROPIES OF CHUA'S CIRCUIT USING B-SPLINE FUNCTIONS
Authors: SAVACI F. A. , GÜNGÖR M.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, first the probability density functions (PDFs) of the states of Chua's circuit have been estimated using B-spline functions and then the state entropies of Chua's circuit with respect to the bifurcation parameter have been obtained. The results of the proposed B-spline density estimator have been compared with the results obtained from the Parzen density estimator.
THE EXACT TRAVELING WAVE SOLUTIONS AND THEIR BIFURCATIONS IN THE GARDNER AND GARDNER–KP EQUATIONS
Authors: YAN FANG , HUA CUNCAI , LIU HAIHONG , LIU ZENGRONG
Published: March 2012

By using the method of dynamical systems, this paper studies the exact traveling wave solutions and their bifurcations in the Gardner equation. Exact parametric representations of all wave solutions as well as the explicit analytic solutions are given. Moreover, several series of exact traveling wave solutions of the Gardner–KP equation are obtained via an auxiliary function method.
Continental break-up along strike-slip fault zones; observations from the Equatorial Atlantic
Authors: Nemčok M. , Henk A. , Allen R. , Sikora P. J. , Stuart C.
Published: March 2012

The study focuses on Equatorial Atlantic margins, and draws from seismic, well, gravimetric and magnetic data combined with thermo-mechanical numerical modelling.

Our data and numerical modelling indicates that early drift along strike-slip-originated margins is frequently characterized by up to 10°–20° spreading vector adjustments. In combination with the warm, thinned crust of the continental margin, these adjustments control localized transpression.

Our observations indicate that early-drift margin slopes are too steep to hold sedimentary cover, which results in their inability to develop a moderately steep slope undergoing cycles of gravitational instability resulting in cyclic gravity gliding. These slopes either never develop such conditions or gain them at later development stages.

Our modelling suggests that the continental margin undergoing strike-slip-controlled break-up experiences warming due to thinning along pull-apart basin systems. Pull-apart basins eventually develop sea-floor spreading ridges. Margins bounded by strike-slip faults located among pull-apart basins with these ridges first undergo cooling. However, spreading ridges leaving the break-up trace along its strike eventually pass by these cooling margins, warming them again before the final cooling proceeds. As a result, the structural highs surrounded by several source rock kitchens witness a sequential expulsion onset in different kitchens along the trajectory of spreading ridges.

Supplementary material:

Discussion of the methods used, chronostratigraphic results and strike-slip margin characteristics are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18518
Dynamic microRNA expression during the transition from right ventricular hypertrophy to failure
Authors: Reddy Sushma , Zhao Mingming , Hu Dong-Qing , Fajardo Giovanni , Hu Shijun , Ghosh Zhumur , Rajagopalan Viswanathan , Wu Joseph C. , Bernstein Daniel
Published: March 2012

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, noncoding RNAs that are emerging as crucial regulators of cardiac remodeling in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and failure (LVF). However, there are no data on their role in right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and failure (RVF). This is a critical question given that the RV is uniquely at risk in patients with congenital right-sided obstructive lesions and in those with systemic RVs. We have developed a murine model of RVH and RVF using pulmonary artery constriction (PAC). miR microarray analysis of RV from PAC vs. control demonstrates altered miR expression with gene targets associated with cardiomyocyte survival and growth during hypertrophy (miR 199a-3p) and reactivation of the fetal gene program during heart failure (miR-208b). The transition from hypertrophy to heart failure is characterized by apoptosis and fibrosis (miRs-34, 21, 1). Most are similar to LVH/LVF. However, there are several key differences between RV and LV: four miRs (34a, 28, 148a, and 93) were upregulated in RVH/RVF that are downregulated or unchanged in LVH/LVF. Furthermore, there is a corresponding downregulation of their putative target genes involving cell survival, proliferation, metabolism, extracellular matrix turnover, and impaired proteosomal function. The current study demonstrates, for the first time, alterations in miRs during the process of RV remodeling and the gene regulatory pathways leading to RVH and RVF. Many of these alterations are similar to those in the afterload-stressed LV. miRs differentially regulated between the RV and LV may contribute to the RVs increased susceptibility to heart failure.
Collagen-binding proteins in age-dependent changes in renal collagen turnover: microarray analysis of mRNA expression
Authors: Hultström Michael , Leh Sabine , Paliege Alexander , Bachmann Sebastian , Skogstrand Trude , Iversen Bjarne M.
Published: March 2012

Aging is associated with progressive structural and functional deterioration of the kidney. Among the morphological changes associated with renal aging is an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the glomeruli and tubuloinsterstitium, which may ultimately lead to the development of renal fibrosis. The mechanisms governing the regulation of ECM metabolism during renal aging are only incompletely defined. We present data from a genome-wide mRNA expression study on renal tissue from 90 wk old male Wistar rats and 10 wk old controls using Illumina BeadArray cDNA microarray. Regulation of candidate gene products was verified by real-time PCR. Morphological changes were evaluated by routine histological methods. Activated fibroblasts were identified by their expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen I. Morphological analysis demonstrated an expansion of the tubulointerstitial compartment with increased amounts of fibrous collagen but no overt glomerular or tubular damage in the aged rats. Activated fibroblasts were readily detectable in the adventitial layer of large renal vessels in controls and were not found in the old animals. In agreement with this finding, gene expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of collagen I mRNA along with numerous other ECM components. Concomitantly, collagen-stabilizing proteins were induced, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9, an enzyme involved in collagen breakdown, was reduced. In conclusion, our results suggest that ECM expansion during renal aging results from an augmented stabilization in conjunction with a reduced breakdown of collagen fibers. Collagen stabilizing proteins may be essential for the control of renal ECM turnover and the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.
Temperature Effect on the Microstructures and Optical Properties of ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Chen Yanglong , Wang Xianying , Xie Shufan , Liu Jian , Cheng Hongbin , Zheng Xuejun , Liu Fang , Yang Junhe
Published: March 2012

Temperature effects on the microstructures and optical properties of ZnO nanowires were investigated extensively. Furnace calibration results showed that temperatures inside the tube furnace had Gaussian distribution. Both radial and axial growth rates of ZnO nanowires in the Arrhenius plot fall on straight lines. With the increase of temperatures, ZnO nanowires exhibited larger diameters, better crystal qualities, and preferred growth along 〈0002〉 directions. Enhanced UV emission with the increase of growth temperatures was observed, while green emission was greatly reduced.
Adsorption of U(VI) from Aqueous Solution onto Hydrotalcite‐Like Compounds
Authors: Suc Nguyen Van
Published: March 2012

Uranium adsorption by the synthesized compound of magnesium aluminum hydroxide hydrate – layered double hydrotalcite (STH)‐like compounds was studied. The calcinated STH was proven to be a highly effective in U(VI) adsorption in pH range from 6.5 to 7. The time dependent experimental data were found to be fit to the pseudo‐second‐oder model. The equilibrium data have been modeled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results showed that both model provide the best correlation with equilibrium data. The highest adsorption capacity, approximated 62.5 mg/g, was observed in the calcinated STH at 500 °C. The positive value of enthalpy change indicated that adsorption reaction of U(VI) on STH was endothermic process. The regeneration experiments of STH using 0.1M Na2CO3 solution was successfully demonstrated multiple times without any significant effect on the initial adsorption capacity.
Isocratic RP‐HPLC Method for Simultaneous Separation and Estimation of Zofenopril and Hydrochlorthiazide in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Devika G. S. , Sudhakar M. , Rao J. Venkateshwara
Published: March 2012

A simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) method has been developed and subsequently validated for the simultaneous determination of Zofenopril and Hydrochlorthiazide in combined dosage form. Chromatographic separation of the two drugs was performed on a Purospher BDS C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm id, 5 μm particle size). The mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile methanol: 0.02M NaH22PO4 buffer (40:20:40) was delivered at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min. The pH of the mobile phase is adjusted to 7.2 with Sodium hydroxide solution. Detection was performed at 245 nm.The separation was completed within 10 min and the retention time of hydrochlorthiazide is 4.62 and Zofenopril is 6.86 min respectively. Calibration curves were linear with R2 between 0.99‐1.0 over a concentration range of 100‐600 μg/ml for Zofenopril calcium and 50‐300 μg/ml for hydrochlorthiazide..The developed method was successfully applied to determi
Synthesis and Characterization of New Amino Acid‐Schiff Bases and Studies their Effects on the Activity of ACP, PAP and NPA Enzymes (In Vitro)
Authors: Al-Garawi Zahraa Salim M. , Tomi Ivan Hameed R. , Al-Daraji Ali Hussein R.
Published: March 2012

In this study, two new Schiff base compounds derived from the condensation reaction of L‐glycine and L‐tryptophan with 4‐methylbenzal‐dehyde have been synthesized. The Schiff base compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, UV and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Their effects on the activity of total (ACP), prostatic (PAP) and non prostatic (NPA) acid phosphatase enzymes were studied. The Schiff base derived from L‐glycine (A) demonstrated inhibition effect on the ACP and NPA activities and activation effect on PAP activity. The Schiff base derived from L‐tryptophan (B) demonstrated semi fixed inhibition effects on the ACP and NPA activities at high concentrations (5.5×10-2, 5.5×10-3 and 5.5×10-4 M) and activator effect at low concentration (5.5×10-5 M) while it was exhibits as activator on PAP activity.
Net Analyte Signal Standard Additions Method for Simultaneous Determination of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids
Authors: Givianrad M. H. , Mohagheghian M.
Published: March 2012

The applicability of a novel net analyte signal standard addition method (NASSAM) to the resolving of overlapping spectra corresponding to the sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim was verified by UV‐visible spectrophotometry. The results confirmed that the net analyte signal standard additions method with simultaneous addition of both analytes is suitable for the simultaneous determination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in aqueous media. Moreover, applying the net analyte signal standard additions method revealed that the two drugs could be determined simultaneously with the concentration ratios of sulfamethoxazole to trimethoprim varying from 1:35 to 60:1 in the mixed samples. In addition, the limits of detections were 0.26 and 0.23 μmol L-1 for sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, respectively. The proposed method has been effectively applied to the simultaneous determination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in some synthetic, pharmaceutical formulation and biological fluid samples.
New Perspectives on Tooth Wear
Authors: Lucas Peter W. , Omar Ridwaan
Published: March 2012

Some of the efforts that have been made to document tooth wear are reviewed here with an emphasis on nonhuman mammals, literature with which dentists may not be very familiar. We project a change in research strategy from the description of wear at various scales of measurement towards investigation of the mechanical mechanisms that actually create the texture of a worn surface. These studies should reveal exactly how tooth tissue is lost and what aspects of the structure of dental tissues affect this. The most important aspects of the interaction between the tooth surface and wear particles would appear to be particle size, particle shape, their mechanical properties with respect to those of tooth tissues, and the influence of saliva.
A New Nano Silica Gel Supported by Thionyl Chloride as a Solid Acid for the Efficient Diazotization of Aniline Derivatives: Application and Synthesis of Azo Dyes
Authors: Mirjalili Mohammad , Zahed Fatemeh , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: March 2012

A new nano silicagel supported by thionyl chloride as a solid acid was synthesized and used as a increasing the production yield of dye to affect the efficient diazotization of arylamines. The diazonium salts thus obtained were coupled, using standard experimental procedures, to anilines and naphthols to afford the requisite azo dyes in good yield. The diazotization and subsequent azo‐coupling generated the related azo dyes at low temperature in short reaction times with a simple experimental procedure.
Competitive Adsorption between Polyethylene Glycol and Acid Brilliant Red on Expanded Graphite
Authors: Pang Xiu-Yan , Zhang Li-Li
Published: March 2012

Expanded graphite (EG) adsorbent was prepared with graphite as raw materials, potassium permanganate as oxidant, and vitriol as intercalation compound. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 10000 and Acid brilliant red 3B (ABR) with obvious difference in molecular weights were selected as organic adsorbates, and their adsorption and competitive adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics on EG were investigated. The results are: In both single component system and dual component system, the adsorption and competitive adsorption isotherm of PEG 10000 and ABR on EG are all type I. In dual component system, the existence of another component would decrease the single component adsorbance, which might be caused by the competitive adsorption of these adsorbates for the same adsorbing site on EG. Adsorption and competitive adsorption are spontaneous, and the increase of ionic strength, temperature and expanded volume of the adsorbent would cause the increase of adsorbance. No matter the single component system or the dual component system, the adsorption kinetics models can all be well described with pseudo second‐order model. Adsorption rate increases with the increase of temperature. Physical adsorption is the main action between EG with these adsorbates.
[Retracted] A Preliminary Qualitative Study of Two Common Acacia Species in Sudan
Authors: Jacknoon Ayman Ahmed , Elhefian Esam. A. , Mohammed Adam Musa , Hamdi Omer Abdalla Ahmed , Yahaya Abdul Hamid
Published: March 2012

This research is dealing with the analysis of tannins of two common Acacia species of Sudan i.e. Acacia nilotica and Acacia seyal. Bark samples from collections of the two acacia species were extracted with distilled water, 80% methanol and 70% acetone. Two sets of extraction were made, one by boiling, and the other by shaking the samples in the respective solvent for eight hours at room temperature. It was found that the 70% acetone was a more efficient solvent than either water or 80% methanol. In addition, qualitative analysis of the phytochemicals showed that the fruits (garad) contain tannins materials, flavonoids and coumarins.
Heavy Metal Ions Adsorption from Wastewater Using Activated Carbon from Orange Peel
Authors: Moreno-Piraján Juan Carlos , Giraldo Liliana
Published: March 2012

Activated carbon obtained from orange peel (ACOP) was synthesized and used for the removal of heavy metal ions (Cr, Cd, and Co) from aqueous solutions. Two different adsorption models were used for analyzing data. Adsorption capacities were determined: copper ions exhibit the greatest adsorption on activated carbon orange peel because of its size and pH conditions. Adsorption capacity varies as a function of pH. Adsorption isotherms from aqueous solution of heavy metals on ACOP were determined. Adsorption isotherms are consistent with Langmuir′s adsorption model. Adsorbent quantity and immersion enthalpy were studied.
Characterization and Assessment of Flavor Compounds and Some Allergens in Three Iranian Rice Cultivars during Gelatinization Process by HS‐SPME/GC‐MS
Authors: Givianrad M. H.
Published: March 2012

A combined gas chromatography mass spectrometry with headspace solid‐phase microextraction method has been utilized for the analysis of the flavor volatiles of three different rice cultivars including two modified Iranian rice cultivars and Hashemi rice cultivar during gelatinization. As a result, while gelatinization would progress, the amount of the volatile compounds would be also increased. Altogether, 74, 55 and 66 components were identified for Hashemi, HD5 and HD6 rice samples, respectively, which 56 unique compounds were not identified, previously. Subsequently, seven fragrance chemicals have been detected, which were most frequently reported as contact allergens in the European Union.
Highly Efficient Selective Oxygenation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides by Oxalic Acid Dihydrate in the Presence of H2O2
Authors: Mokhtary Masoud , Qandalee Mohammad , Niaki Masoumeh Rastegar
Published: March 2012

A highly efficient method for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using oxalic acid dihydrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide has been developed. A versatile procedure for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides without any over‐oxidation to sulfones has been reported. This procedure cleanly oxidizes sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides in excellent yields at ambient temperature.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Products for Coronary Heart Disease: An Overview of Cochrane Reviews
Authors: Qiu Yu , Xu Hao , Shi Dazhuo
Published: March 2012

Objective. The aim of this overview was to evaluate and summarize Cochrane reviews of traditional Chinese herbal products (TCHPs) as the treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods. We searched the Cochrane Database that was concerned with the effectiveness of TCHPs for CHD. We also searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Reviews and primary studies of TCHP as the treatment of any type of CHD were included. Data were extracted according to predefined inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers.Results. Six Cochrane reviews were included. They related to a wide range of TCHPs for different types of CHD. Four reviews were concerned with angina pectoris (unstable or stable), one review was concerned with heart failure, and for acute myocardial infarction. No reviews concluded that TCHPs were definitely effective for CHD because of the weak evidence. Eight primary studies were TCHPs from CHD. These studies also maybe result in bias, but better than before.Conclusion. Several Cochrane reviews of TCHPs for the treatment of different types of CHD have recently been published. None of these reviews got definite conclusion favoring the effectiveness of TCHPs due to the weak evidence. With the improved quality of the new registered RCTs. The potential role of TCHPs in treating CHD is anticipated to be detected.
Energy-Efficient Fire Monitoring over Cluster-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ha Young-guk , Kim Heemin , Byun Yung-cheol
Published: March 2012

Uncontrolled fires occurring in wild areas cause significant damage to natural and human resources. Many countries are looking for ways to fight forest fires at an early stage using sensor networks, by integrating IT technologies. Studies in the fire-related sensor network field are broadly classified into efficient processing of fire data on sensor nodes and energy efficiency during communications among wireless sensor nodes in case of fire. Most studies of sensor network energy efficiency so far mainly focus on extending the connectivity of the entire network and minimizing isolated nodes by applying power evenly to each sensor node through efficient cluster-based routing. This paper proposes an energy-efficient fire monitoring protocol over cluster-based sensor networks. The proposed protocol dynamically creates and reorganizes the sensor network cluster hierarchy according to the direction of fire propagation over the sensor network clusters. This paper also presents experimental results to show that the proposed protocol is more energy efficient than fire monitoring with existing cluster-based sensor network protocols.
Unsymmetrical Schiff Base Functionalized as Monobasic Tridentate Ligand on Complexation with Some Transition Metal Ions
Authors: Singh Bibhesh K. , Bhojak Narendar , Prakash Anant
Published: March 2012

Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes of Schiff base derived from 2‐aminophenol and pyrrole‐2‐ carbaldehyde have been prepared. The complexes are formed by coordination of N and O atoms of the ligand. Their structures were characterized by physico‐chemical and spectroscopic methods. Molecular structure of the complexes has been optimized by MM2 calculations and suggests a tetrahedral/ square planar geometry. The bio‐efficacy of the ligand and their complexes has been examined against the growth of bacteria in vitro to evaluate their anti‐microbial potential.
Theoritical Evaluation of Ultrasonic Velocities in Binary Liquid Mixtures of N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone at Different Temperatures with Some Cyclic Compounds
Authors: Reddy K. Rayapa , Kumar D. Bala Karuna , Rambabu C. , Rao G. Srinivasa
Published: March 2012

Ultrasonic velocities and densities of the binary liquid mixtures of N‐methyl‐2‐Pyrrolidone (NMP) with Cyclohexylamine (CHA), Cyclohexanol (CHOL) and Cyclohexene(CHE) at a temperature range of 303.15 to 318.15 K over the entire composition range were measured. The theoretical values of ultrasonic velocity were evaluated using the Nomoto′s relation(UNR), Impedence relation(UIR), Ideal mixing relation(UIMR), Jungie′s relation(UJR) and Rao′s specific velocity relation(UR).The molecular interaction parameter (α) was computed by using the experimental and theoretical ultrasonic velocity values. The variation of interaction parameter with the composition of the mixture has been discussed in terms of molecular interactions.
Polarographic Determination and Antimicrobial Activity of Cu(II) Complex with 4‐Chlorobenzylidene‐4‐aminoacetanilide
Authors: Dar Riyaz Ahmad , Raj Krishna Kumar
Published: March 2012

The electrochemical behaviour of the complex of Cu(II) with 4‐chlorobenzylidene‐4‐aminoacetanilide (CAA) was studied. It was observed that CAA forms 1:1 complex with Cu(II) in between pH 6.5 to 7.1. It was found that the reduction process of Cu(II)‐ CAA complex is two electron reversible reduction process at D.M.E. The logarithm value of stability constant of Cu(II)‐4‐Chlorobenzylidene‐4‐aminoacetanilide (CAA) complex has been found to be 4.85.The redox properties of the complex was extensively investigated by electrochemical method using cyclic voltammetry (CV).The Cu(II) complexes exhibited quasi‐reversible single electron transfer process.The Schiff base and its complex has been screened for their in-vitro antibacterial (Escherichiacoli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae and Bacillus subtilis) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium liliacinum) activities by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method.
Simultaneous Estimation and Validation for Determination of Lamivudine and Zidovudine in Human Plasma By LCMS/MS Method
Authors: Parthiban C. , Raju M. Bhagavan , Sudhakar M. , Kumar D. Sathis
Published: March 2012

A high performance liquid chromatographic method with mass detection was developed for determination of Lamivudine and Zidovudine in human plasma. Lamivudine and Zidovudine were extracted from an aliquot of human plasma using Solid Phase Extraction technique, and then injected into a liquid chromatograph equipped with a tandem mass spectrometry detector; quantitation was done by peak area ratio method. A weighted (1/Conc2) linear regression was performed to determine the concentration of analyte. This method demonstrates acceptable performance and is suitable for the determination of Lamivudine and Zidovudine in human plasma over the range of 25.291 to 4046.621 ng/mL and 23.357 to 4057.l4lng/mL respectively using Solid Phase Extraction Procedure. As all the values obtained were within the limits as specified, the method has been successfully used to analyse the human plasma containing Lamivudine and Zidovudine with good recoveries and proved to be robust.
Metallic and Microbial Contaminants in Drinking Water of Cankiri, Turkey
Authors: Caylak Emrah , Tokar Mustafa
Published: March 2012

Safe and good quality drinking water is very important for human health. Water provides some heavy metals, such as As, B, Cd, Cn, Cr, Cu, F, Cl, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Sn. These are undesirable substances dangerous to human health and cause chronic diseases and various cancers. Coliform bacteria are a commonly used bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of water. E. coli, total coliform and enterococci have been used as indicators of possible sewage contamination might pose a health risk. In this study, water samples were taken from thirty different waterworks in Cankiri, Turkey and metallic and microbial contaminants were investigated. In the drinking tap water samples have been found at concentrations exceeding the Turkish regulations (As and free Cl) and the WHO guidelines (As and B). Our results also indicate that significant microbiological contaminations were found above the guidelines for drinking waters given by the WHO, because of the fact that in the distribution of water is not appropriate.